When the dust settled, the 87-58 defeat was in fact as bad as it looked, the worst NCAA Tournament loss in school history. Just like that, as quickly as it had all started on the first day of practice back on Oct. 14, it was over. Our whirlwind tour landed with a thud, and before we could make a big splash we were sent packing. Everyone's words came out slower, softer, more thoughtfully, and sadness could not escape anyone. Firsts are times that you don't forget, though, and I won't ever forget my first trip to the Big East Tournament and the NCAA Tournament.
Nothing is guaranteed in basketball, as with everything else in life.
I teams all fighting to get to a tournament that only has room for 65. If we get back next year it will be great, and if we don't, it will be sad. This year has given me a great opportunity, though. For part of March all eyes were on college basketball, and being a part of that, being right there, knowing the history of the NCAA Tournament, makes it all more special. I will never lose the visions in my mind of all my tournament memories, the first time I was there, even if I am lucky enough to go again in my years after Syracuse.