Thank God it's finally over; what was simultaneously the best and worst Cardinal basketball season of all time (or at least the last 20 or so years in which I have been experiencing them). Of course, CBS had to rub it in and make it a bit worse by presenting us with all of our least favorite moments of this hellish tournament.

I am working hard to let go of the sadness I still feel about the way this season ended so that I can focus on how great this season was and how much I loved this team. Of course, that's been difficult while basketball has still been in full swing. From the Morehead State v. Richmond game, which I could barely watch due to obsessing over the fact that it was our game. Then there was Kentucky's torturous run, which just added insult to injury and made going to work nearly impossible. And then there is the finalists - two teams that we had beaten, and the huge shadow of our loss to UConn in the BET.

But you all don't need to hear how torturous this was. I'm focusing on the good, because that's all I've got until November (that, and a lot of Cubs games to watch, and how the hell is that supposed to cheer me up?). This was still the best team in years. They were riveting to watch both because of the way they played and because of the outstanding and positive personalities they showed on and off the court. I'll miss Preston soo much next year - yes, you can get a hot tub - as well as George's easy smile which he kept on his face even while getting yelled at by Rick. Nothing will replace those guys or knock aside the significance and greatness of this season. I love Louisville basketball every year, but they really gave us something to belive in and someone to cheer for in a way that no team since 04-05 has done. And it's always awesome to be reminded why you love your sports teams and place so much of your happiness in them. Maybe it's ridiculous, but it's real.

And, in the eternal hope of all sports fans, but particularly in the mind of a lifelong Louisville and Cubs fans, I know that there's always next year. Can't wait for November.