Florida State ruins ACC Tournament
March 14, 2009 at 4:59 pm by Besha Rodell in SportsOK, that’s a mean headline, but this is a true story: as the reporters filed into the press conference room after UNC fell to Florida State this afternoon, you could feel the disappointment in the air. UNC have a reputation for being media darlings, and I’m here to tell you it’s true. When FSU coach Leonard Hamilton stepped up to the stage to answer questions about his win, one reporter beside me lent in to his friend and said under his breath, “Hey coach, do you think you ruined the tournament?”
As much as I wanted to see UNC win – and I did, as well as see them play again tomorrow and see Hansbrough get that record – I am a tad mortified at this. I suspect it’s because these guys all wanted to write about a Duke/UNC final where they can fall back on the same greatest-rivalry-in-the-history-of-sports cliches they’ve been writing for the last zillion years. Yeah, it would have been exciting. Even Hamilton, in his press conference, admitted that he told Roy Williams before the game “If we weren’t playing you I’d probably be rooting for you.” Am I excited for a Maryland/FSU final? Not particularly. At this point I hope Duke gets to the final and gets whooped by FSU.
As I sit here watching the first half of the Duke/Maryland game, Duke player Kyle Singler steps up to make free throws, and some guy behind me shouts, “Hey Singler, you’re SO UGLY!!!!” Duke is the only team playing this tournament that face an away-team disadvantage. I’m not saying they don’t deserve it….
The saddest part of the last two days for me has been the weak playing by Danny Greene. While the rest of the Tar Heel Nation gnashes their teeth over the end of Hansbrough’s UNC career, I’m mourning Danny Greene already. I love him – his attitude, his weird long torso – he feels like the emotional heart of the team to me. I wanted to see him shine here. Oh well. Kisses Danny.
More on the Duke/Maryland game later…
March 14th, 2009 at 5:55 pm
Wait–are you a journalist or a commentator? When you revealed that you were able to get media credentials and go to the game–you called yourself a journalist. This is just a commentary piece which is quite offensive to the Nole fans who love our team.
Of course you are going to sense the disappointment in the air–as UNC is your team. It was a brutal game back and forth will both teams playing pretty physical.
Saying that the noles ruined the tournament is just silly and quite un-journalistic.
March 14th, 2009 at 7:06 pm
I didn’t say they ruined it – in fact, if you read the post, I was referring to a comment made by another reporter in the press conference. Some journalists are commentators – I think you mean do I aim to be a traditional sports reporter? Then the answer is no.
Congrats to you – I hope your boys kick Duke’s bum tomorrow!
March 14th, 2009 at 7:37 pm
Okay, fair enough. I just inferred that was your opinion, and that other people in the press confirmed your idea.
As for the reporter/commentator, I understand. Just wanted the clarification.
Thanks! It will be fun. Hopefully we pull it off, as Duke have some fans who are on the annoying level of University of Florida fans. Alas, I’m just happy to be in the big dance for once! Douglas really has worked his tail off since he transferred over from Auburn.
Have a good evening!
So—where is Hansbrough projected to go in the draft? Any ideas?
March 14th, 2009 at 8:28 pm
No, the other press sentiment kind of annoyed me. UNC is my team and I love them, but this was a cool underdog story and everyone seemed to be forgetting that because they were hoping for the big rivalry for the final. It was kind of gross.
My guess for Hansbrough is top 10 in the draft, but I’m not any kind of expert. I love college ball, but I’ve never had much time for the NBA, partially for all the reasons people are predicting Tyler won’t do well there – all flash and no strategy, or at least it seems to me. This Carolina class may be the first one I care enough about to follow in the NBA. I’ve watched Marvin Williams with some happiness, but only because he’s both a UNC hero and plays for my hometown team now.