Wesley's Blog: Heartbreak

So I've been neglecting this thing for a while, mostly due to my laziness. I guess the most eventful thing that has happened to me recently is watching Maryland in the NCAA tournament. Even though its been over a week, the shock and disbelief is still with me, particularly because the sweet 16 games are finishing up and elite 8 games are approaching with the thoughts of what could've been still lingering. I have never felt so connected with a team in my life. It's sad that it had to be after I graduated but regardless my heart was with this team each and every game. The fact that we were projected to be in the middle of the pack in the ACC, and ended up finishing tied for number one in the conference says a lot about this season and Maryland basketball as a whole.
It's true we didn't have anyone like John Wall, Evan Turner, or Wesley Johnson but we do have the less known but equally appreciated Greivis Vasquez, Eric Hayes and Landon Milbourne. Our beloved seniors poured their hearts into this season, especially in the last game against Michigan State. Although it may not have been the "must watch" game of the year, it could very well end up being on of the top five for the tournament. I'll admit I was beginning to lose hope in the game, especially being dominated on the boards all game and having the announcers repeatedly mention our lack of size didn't help. Of course in typical Maryland fashion ( this season at least ) we fought our way back and showed more heart than I've seen all season. Even though we fell short to a buzzer beating 3 pointer, I'm proud of the way we fought back to come within one bucket of winning after being down by 15.
Albert, Eugene and I have had a tradition this season of either watching the games together (Georgia Tech and Duke) or being online talking to each other in a chatroom online. I believe we've done this since the Georgia Tech game, probably 10 or so games and it's been a fun experience this season with other devoted fans. As the season went on our chatrooms got more intense and the last game of the season just topped it off. We were all going crazy, smashing our keyboards, hearts racing as Maryland fought back to take the lead with 7 seconds left. As Lucious hit that shot I just sat in disbelief, did this REALLY just happen to us? Did we REALLY just fight out back just to have it ripped away from us on a last second shot? I couldn't even talk to anyone and left my computer to sit on my couch and stare at the T.V. blankly. I only wish we could've moved on and played Northern Iowa and potentially Tennessee.
I'll admit I wasn't a fan of Greivis his first couple years. The turnover prone, loud mouth, awful shot selection, cocky player wasn't a fan of many. Now, I am truly going to miss his play and his style. Even though he took bad shots most games, his swagger brought confidence throughout the entire team and carried us to the becoming one shot of being in the sweet 16. I don't think there is a more opposite player of Greivis than Eric Hayes. He is always cool, collected and never says a word. He was definitely one of the nicer guys on the basketball team as far as talking in person, taking pictures (haha Cristina still bitter that I have a picture with him and you don't?), shaking hands and what not. Landon Milbourne is probably my favorite senior leaving this year. I like the way he plays for the team and is willing to do whatever it takes to win. He's been playing out of position for 2 years now, playing against people who are stronger, bigger and taller than he is. He doesn't complain but just goes out there and does his job. I'm truly going to miss these seniors and I wish them the best in the future. Thank you for THE most exciting sports season I have ever been privileged enough to experience first hand, things are looking up for Maryland basketball.