And basketball ends too suddenly in this Bluegrass roundball state

I’m certainly not telling any of you Big Blue Kentucky fans anything you haven’t already thought of after this past weekend’s disappointing loss at the hands of the Wisconsin varment, but I can’t really remember when there was such a degree of sadness after a UK loss at the Gibson house.

Saturday night was devastating and Sunday – not just for awhile, but all day long – was like a day-long period of mourning.

Then came Monday and the thoughts of having to watch Wisconsin battle PUKE for a national title.

As much as I dislike the most boring show on television, the Gibson house television stayed tuned to the Voice for it’s entirety. Only once did the set get turned to check the score, a tied up halftime that brought on a glance between this old married couple that without any words being spoken, resulted in a “who cares” shrug.

I’ll admit we did break down at the end and watch “most” of the final four minutes of action – just enough to see that what we had feared was going to come true. PUKE was about to win yet another national title.

Change the channel – quick – before the streamers begin to fall from the ceiling of that Indiana arena ceiling.

So – trying to look on the positive side for Kentucky – the state, not necessarily the school – basketball… – a few ramblings to bring this 2014-15 season to a close.

Kentucky fans had the most fantastic run ever with that 38-1 campaign and for the most part, ever since the Cats won against Louisville back in December, they played with a big target on their back – with the rest of the NCAA field taking their best shot.

Louisville fans saw the Cardinals have perhaps an even more successful run in the NCAA tournament all things considered. After making it over several bumps in the road throughout the season, Coach Pitino took his team to the Elite Eight before losing this season.

Sure, Wisconsin ended the Cats’ fairy tale hopes of a perfect 40-0 season in Saturday’s heartbreaking semi-finals and Michigan State put a halt to Louisville’s surprising advancing into last week’s quarter-final round.

The world had to endure that school from North Carolina – I’ll say it again, PUKE – winning another national championship (I’m sure they feel the same about both of our championship schools in the Bluegrass State).

Kentucky fans were able to celebrate Monday in the news that our head coach is now included in the list of Hall of Fame coaches – giving us two currently working the bench in this state.

At the same time, by Monday, the rumors were already flying. Players were certain to leave UK and Louisville for the next level (they will, this time), and when the NBA jobs become open again, Calipari was certain to be packing his bags as well (I don’t think so, but only Cal knows – says here that Florida’s Donovan is a better fit).

Pitino made an announcement that he has already selected redshirt sophomore Mangok Mathiang as a co-captain for next year’s Cardinals (that means Pitino isn’t going anywhere).

I looked outside through my front window this (Tuesday) morning and despite the blowing winds and rain, I could still see my UK/UL flag proudly flying in the Gibson front yard.

Basketball is over – college as well as high school – for several more months.

But come this fall, we’ll do it all again. November for college, December for high school and despite the pain still being felt in this roundball Bluegrass State this week – it will be fun again.

In the meantime, there is golf to be played, yards to be dealt with and boating to enjoy.

Here’s hoping for a long, hot, dry summer!