I'm extremely disappointed in the number of people playing the blame game. It was the referees' fault, it was Pitino's fault, it was Marra's fault, it was Siva's fault, it was stay-at-home fans' fault. Pitino should go, Justice should go, Marra should go. Certain referees should be beaten up or worse. Heads should roll.

Enough already.

We had a bad day and ran into a hot team, and the breaks didn't go our way. It happens.

I'm sorry to see Preston's career end, and I wish for his sake he could have gone out on a happier note. He deserved better, and so did the rest of the team. I wanted more for them, but I couldn't have asked more from them than the way they played this season. They played their hearts out every time they took the floor. They fought through more injuries than I can count, more bad breaks than anyone deserves, more adversity than I can recall any Cardinal team facing, and they never quit. Yes, the season came to a bitter end, and no, we won't see Preston playing for the Cards again. But those who remain will use this loss as motivation. You could see it in TJ's comments about wanting only to find a gym and go to work. They will be back and tougher than ever.

We don't know who will be the floor leader next year; there are at least three upperclassmen who I think could grow into the role. TJ will be a senior, and the attitude and desire evidenced by the aforementioned comment will earn him some respect. Kuric and Siva will be juniors, and both have the potential to be leaders. But whoever steps up, I'd lay odds we'll see another team that plays for each other and for the Ville, and not for themselves.

I'm tired of fans who think they are owed a Final Four wallowing in self-pity and looking for someone to blame. Do you seriously think there is a single player on the team who doesn't feel worse about the loss than you do?

I'm ready to look forward to baseball, soccer, football, and more basketball. I have a feeling it's going to be a great year. In the meantime, stop al the damned finger-pointing.