Dream Game comes back to prominence

By: Raashaan Myers

(Image courtesy of wdrb.com)

With the final horn sounding in Atlanta’s Georgia Dome on Sunday afternoon it became official. The University of Louisville and University of Kentucky’s men’s basketball programs will be back on a stage that it has not seen in 29 years. That is at the center of the college basketball universe with even more at stake as the two bitter rival programs will meet on the game’s greatest stage in the Final Four. And I for one am not sure that the City of New Orleans has gotten themselves into.

For the Louisville Cardinals this unbelievable tournament run which began in the Big East tournament has given much needed relief to what has seen like a never ending rash of injuries, tough losses, and frustrating results.  Since being the #1 overall seed of the 2009 NCAA tournament and a very tough loss to Tom Izzo and the Michigan State Spartans the Cards have been looking to gain their balance ever since. After back to back first round exits Louisville finally found a spark that has been missing the last couple of seasons and now they are back on an unbelievable roll.

Starting with winning the 2012 Big East tournament Louisville looked determined to not let an injury plagued regular season determine its fate for the post season. With outstanding leadership and improved play from junior point guard Peyton Siva the Cards have been galvanized during the last three week stretch. From taking better care of the ball to running a much smoother cohesive offense Louisville is hitting on all cylinders and have knocked off several top teams during this stretch including the aforementioned Michigan State Spartans.

And after it was done and Louisville completed a furious comeback to claim the West Region title the citizens of Louisville once again proved why they are the best college sports town in America. With the whole Main Events Sports crew on hand to watch joy and jubilation this city put on an impromptu block party and everyone was invited. A fun loving, smiling, and emotional Louisville fan base was out in full force on every street and neighborhood block downtown throwing up L’s and shouting. And every age from very young to very old were all joined together to celebrate what seemed like a long time coming. This state has always been about basketball and today was again proof that we know how to treat and celebrate greatness on the hardwood.

For the Kentucky Wildcats this seemed like a foregone conclusion and more of a formality in its road to the Final Four. Coming into the tournament as the #1 team in the country and playing as such beating all of their opponents in convincing fashion and make no mistake this team in the real deal. With a roster that includes no less than 3 lottery picks and a couple of other NBA caliber talents this team is playing with a focus and intensity that has yet to be matched during the NCAA tournament. Anchored by the ultra-talented forwards Anthony Davis and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist the Cats will be heavy favorites to cut the nets down next week.

The mention of a David vs. Goliath will be an angle that will be mentioned more than once this week and it appropriate assessment for this matchup of Bluegrass powers. Louisville is the team no one believed in taking on Kentucky the team that is the champion awaiting coronation. You can’t make a movie that has a better plot than the one that is playing out in front of our eyes, but one thing is for sure and that is the eyes of the nation will be on the state of Kentucky this week and we are again back where we should be as the center of the basketball universe. So all the fans of basketball in this great state should enjoy this great season and celebrate two great teams and their success this year.