UK Wildcats Basketball: Gladly Eating Crow

Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

The phrase “eating crow” is thought to have originated in the mid-19th century and refers to the act of being forced to admit wrongness (preferably being humiliated in the process) after taking a strong position on an issue. Crow is thought to be quite foul-tasting and difficult to swallow, much like admitting wrongness.

Consider this me eating crow. Actually, consider this me eating an entire flock.

Following Kentucky’s loss at Florida on March 8, I wrote:

"“But unfortunately, I just don’t see it happening. Social media is awash in “I believe in this team” statements but at this point, in what, exactly, does anyone believe? Surely no one, not even the most diehard fan, honestly thinks this Kentucky team can win a national championship. Indeed, does anyone really think a Sweet 16 is possible? Okay, maybe possible, but probable?”"

On March 17, with regards to who would win the Midwest Region, I wrote:

"“Louisville. It pains me to write that. It hurts me to my very core. I want nothing more than to type “Kentucky” but I can’t. While the Wildcats play in the SEC Tournament was encouraging, it’s hard to ignore everything else that’s happened this season. Louisville seems to be peaking at the right time. Yes, they had had a schedule that was downright pitiful, especially in November and December before conference play started. But since February, they’re 12-1 with 4 wins over Top 25 teams (Cincinnati, SMU, and UConn twice).Please Kentucky, prove me wrong. I ask for nothing more.”"

Scroll through my Twitter feed midway through the second half of the SEC Championship game versus Florida and you’ll see an endless stream of “These guys quit. I’m done. Randle can’t leave soon enough. They just don’t care.” I, of course, had my first helping of crow—crow tartare, maybe—over the last 10 minutes of that game.

When the brackets were released later that evening, my initial reaction was, “Well, UK got screwed.” It was hard not to feel that way. Not only was Kentucky seeded 8, something few saw coming, but they would likely face Wichita State in the Round of 32. And potential matchups with Louisville, Duke, or Michigan loomed over the horizon. It was clear that, in soccer parlance, this was the “Group of Death.”

Though I did pick Kentucky to beat both Kansas State and Wichita State to advance to the Sweet 16, I did so, in many ways, mostly because I felt I had to. What UK fan honestly picks against their team in the Round of 64? And how could I not pick Kentucky against the only team left with a shot at being 40-0? While I liked Kentucky’s chances against Wichita State—and argued feverishly with those who believed otherwise—I’m not entirely sure I believed what I was saying.

But Kentucky did it. They beat the Shockers. They defeated the team so many in the media fell in love with; the team so many in the media were ready to write destroyed the “one-and-done” model once and for all. Want to win it all? Want to really have a shot at going 40-0? Then you need to build a team of scrappy veterans instead of McDonald All-American freshmen.

Much of my frustration and ire this season has been directed at James Young. Too often he has taken too many shots, especially behind the arc, and tried to force things instead of letting the game come to him. Against Wichita State he played as well as anyone, scoring 13 points on 5-9 shooting (3-5 from the three point line). He also had 8 rebounds and only 1 turnover. Aaron Harrison and Andrew Harrison will, deservedly, get much of the kudos for their play, but Young deserves a lot of praise as well.

And recently, I’ve increasingly been angry at the play of Julius Randle. In December, his defense bothered me and I believed he should have been benched because of it, but at the end of the season, it was his offense that made me want to throw things at my television. I believed he was playing for himself rather than for the team. He was more interested in padding his stat line than winning the game. Julius, I apologize. Randle scored 13 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, en route to his 22nd double double of the season. But more impressive? He knocked down 5 out of 6 free throws (including 2 huge ones at the end of the game) and had 6 assists. Julius demands double and triple coverage. He’s impossible to stop one-on-one. However, for much of the season he tried to force something in those situations instead of kicking it out to an open teammate. Against Wichita State, he found that open man.

So here we are. On Friday, Kentucky will play Louisville in Indianapolis in the Sweet 16. Social media will be insufferable. More than a few friendships will end; there will probably be a couple of relationships that will be severed; and I’m sure a fight or two will break out.

Who will win? After this weekend, my heart and my head says Kentucky. My faith in this team has been renewed. I am a believer, a convert, a man asking Big Blue Jesus for forgiveness for doubting this team. And for my penance, I will gladly eat this flock of crow. I deserve it.