The Chairman was a very happy basketball junkie this
past week, and he was especially happy to see Davidson
advance in the NCAA tournament. And they just missed
being part of the Final Four.
Davidson proved that its basketball program was every bit
as good as the perceived elites, many of whom it defeated
to make the Elite Eight.
Davidson had one very special player, Stephen Curry, and
a host of over achievers. They also realize that basketball
is a team sport, and that the whole is often better than
the parts.
They played tenacious defense, and took the right shots at
the right time, and everything seemed to fall into place.
Davidson had one flaw, and it showed itself on Sunday night.
Their bench was not very deep, and the heavy minutes logged
by its starters began to show. To get through the tournament,
you have to win six straight games. Each round gets
progressively tougher, and its very important to keep the
players legs fresh.
Davidson didn't have that luxury, enjoyed by the bigger schools,
who can substitute without blinking an eye. Substitution allows
starters to rest, and stay fresh. The Davidson team was only
about seven deep, and its starters played at 110% without any
rest for four games, and came away winners.
Early in the second half the crack in the armor began to show.
Jump shots started hitting the front of the rim, a sure sign of
tired legs. Then a mental error here and there resulting in a turnover.
Still they fought on, and had a chance to win the game at the end.
It didn't go their way, and Kansas, the bigger, stronger, and faster
opponent, survived Davidson's valiant attempt to take down another
giant.
It's too bad we won't get to see Davidson play again this year.
When you have fewer than 2000 students, and you can hold
your own against schools that have more than 35,000, you're
doing something right, and they should be applauded for it.
Another thing here, just so you know. The coaches in the ACC,
usually all regarded as geniuses, all passed on Stephen Curry,
not thinking he was good enough to play for them, or their exalted
programs. Only one, Gary Williams at Maryland, has admitted
that they made a big mistake by not recruiting him. And what
about Virginia Tech, where his Dad was a star? What were they
thinking?
Maybe if he'd have been on that squad they might have won a
few more games.
Davidson takes me all the way back to "The Little Engine That
Could."
Nice job fella's, and hope to see you again.
From the big saddle,
Jim Whelan
P.S. When I was building The James R Whelan Agency I often
used to think about "The Little Engine That Could." Now that
may seem like sappy stuff for a lot of you big strong men out
there, but childhood memories are a very powerful thing, and
that story was always somewhere at the front of my mind. I
can't call myself little anymore, but I still feel the same way.
At The James R Whelan Agency, we get things done, no matter
what the size of the project. Call us at 206 407 3124.
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