The Bitter(sweet) End
by Cortney Basham

All things considered, this season would have to be labeled a major success for WKU.  A 29-7 record, a Sun Belt tourney title, and a run to the Sweet 16 met any realistic expectations for this team.  The only minor disappointment might be letting some early games against big names slip away (Gonzaga, Tennessee, SIU).  But, in the grand scheme of things, those tough losses probably hardened the resolve of this team and helped them play with a sense of urgency late in the season.

In the wake of the UCLA loss, the loss of coach Darrin Horn, and the hiring of new coach Ken McDonald, the considerable accomplishments of this team have been too quickly tossed aside.  Let us take a moment to appreciate what this team did.

1. Made the NCAA Sweet 16
2. Played a rotten half against 1-seed UCLA and nearly came all the way back
3. Went 16-2 in conference losing only to league champ South Alabama twice
4. Won the conference tournament
5. Improved from the #224 ranked defensive efficiency in 2007 to #68 this season. 
6. Add, to that, over the last 20 games or so, WKU had a top 30 defense nationally.
7. 100% graduation rate that looks like it will continue.
8. Graduated five seniors who leave a positive mark on the program (Lee, Brazelton, Rogers, Siakam, Howard)
9. Made “the shot of the tournament,” scoring $100,000 in scholarship money for WKU
10.  Finished ranked in the ESPN/Coaches poll at #22.  I am not a fan of polls, but any recruit or fan who looks up the final rankings is going to see WKU listed for 2008.  That’s good publicity—which is something the polls can give a team.

Overall, it was a great season.

Now, it’s over.  All 341 teams have now entered “off-season” mode.  Only Kansas has 100% pure satisfaction, and what a win for them.  But, as much as Kansas will be celebrated and Memphis’ free throw shooting will be ridiculed, let us not forget the other great stories from this season.  WKU’s run is most important to locals, of course.  But, Davidson also proved that great basketball is played outside of the TV conferences, too.  Cinderellas do not beat teams like Wisconsin by nearly 20 points.  Only great teams do that.  Davidson, WKU, Drake, Butler, and a few others hopefully kept Hoops Nation aware that the “smaller” conferences have some great teams, too.  Just because Dickie V does not call their games does not mean they are lesser teams.

Some other stories worth researching that you will never hear about on ESPN are teams like Robert Morris.  They were 19-1 in their last 20 games, but were upset in the Northeast Conference tourney.  Hence, they never made the mainstream media.  Add to that story, semi-local team Morehead State.  The Eagles slogged home at 2-14 in the last 16 games in the 2007 season, but rallied this season to finish a respectable 13-15.  When I asked ESPN’s Kyle Whelliston about teams that were vastly improved or greatly overlooked this season, Morehead State was the first name from his lips.  The Eagles were 11-6 in their last 17 and finished alone in third place in the OVC.  This team was 3-23 two years ago.  They are a great story and a team to watch next season as they return four starters and a their top five scorers.

And, that is always my charge at the end of every season.  Casual fans will talk of Memphis’ choke job or Kansas pulling one out of the fire.  They might even make passing reference to Ty Rogers’ shot or Davidson’s run.  But with 341 teams, there is a vast universe of stories to be mined by fans that go way deeper than March madness.  So, instead of spending the long off-season wishing away your life until October practice begins on the Hill, spend it learning about the names and teams that ESPN or CBS never tell you about.  That’s the greatest part of college basketball.  There is so much of it!  You might be surprised how much good basketball is played in conferences like the Colonial or the Horizon.

And, come October, you will be able to watch out for a team like Robert Morris or Middle Tennessee (they return EVERYONE on the roster!) and watch them surprise most of the country while you sit back and nod knowingly.

Enjoy the down time, and use it for reflection on a great WKU season and as preparation for next year.  With 341 teams, we need the six months off.