This past week we witnessed the madness of March again succumb to the auspiciousness of April, with college basketball coming to the end of its annual season. Congrats, Florida Gators! Chomp, chomp. You are indeed a deserving champion. Houston, we’re sorry; no doubt you were an accomplished runner up. (And before any of the rest of us hoot or holler or lead with individual let downs) Let us remember that we’re primarily talking about a competition featuring an average age of 21 year old boys.
This was an especially excellent tournament. While sorry to miss many of the Cinderellas, the games in the Final Four were notably competitive, with no halftime-ahead-team eventually winning the game. But there was one game in particular that seemed to transcend the sports world; it would end up being the final game for the Duke Blue Devils.
It is true that the Intramuralist rarely articulates any adoration for those identified by the Mephistophelian moniker. (Sorry, too, to Central Connecticut, Dickinson, Arizona State, etal. I simply attempt to be a hair bit holier than thou.)
Allow us, no less, a concise summary of what actually happened…
Duke was considered one of the best teams ever entering they tournament; they were a 4.5 point favorite. They were playing the University of Houston. The two teams sported the best defensive efforts seen on the hardcourt all season. Duke, though, was ranked first at season’s end, and featured a young freshman — 18 year old Cooper Flagg — who is perceived by many to be the most talented player we saw on the court this year. Not only was Duke favored to win this game, but once the ball was tipped and the game began, they were dominant. For the 40 minute game, they were dominant for approximately 37 minutes. Those final few minutes would end up being a significant problem.
With 8:03 left, Duke was ahead by 14 points.
At 2:15, the lead was 9.
At 1:26, the lead was 7.
And with only 33 seconds left, Duke led by 6.
The bottom line is that they call this “madness” for a reason. After repeated mistakes — an errant pass, inability to throw in, a missed block out, free throw and foul, Duke would lose by 3 in regulation. ESPN’s characterization of “stunned silence” in the Duke locker room thereafter seemed indeed apropos.
Herein, no less, is where this becomes something other than a sports post — and more a lesson in hardship and adversity.
Follow me here…
Duke sported an impressive record of 35-4 this season. They had an early loss to Kentucky and some random losses to Kansas and Clemson tucked in. But the majority of their season was marked by easy wins; they led the nation in average margin of victory, winning games by typically 21.1 points per game.
Let me say this another way…
For the most of the season, Duke wasn’t tested. They had very few moments when the chips were down, so-to-speak, their backs were against the wall, and they had to lean in and fight with everything they had. There were very few moments when the Blue Devils believed they were actually in danger of losing. They didn’t know what adversity felt like. They thus didn’t learn the lessons hardship profoundly provides.
There’s something meaningful within that. When vulnerabilities are unveiled and adversity becomes a reality, we learn how to respond…
… how to build strength, resilience, and composure…
… how to face reality in the midst of fear…
… how to not be rattled nor turn to nonsensical nor snide behavior…
… so hard but beautiful at the exact same time …
Not being rattled is one of the greatest learnings in life. When we are rattled — set off by another or shaken, if you will — we respond more erratically — emotionally, physically and verbally. We say things and do things that make less sense than when we are sound. Our errancy and inabilities are magnified.
With absolutely all due respect, my sense is the primary reason Duke lost a game they could of and probably should have won is because they never mastered how to respond to adversity… a practice so good for us all.
Respectfully…
AR