Sweet Sixteen

The Kentucky Wildcats are back in the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 2005 when a certain senior named Chuck Hayes led the Big Blue to within a rebound of the Final Four. That game probably began a chain of events that have led us to the place we are now. Had they beaten Michigan State and went to the Final Four that year, Tubby would have most certainly exorcised some of his demons in Lexington and might have stuck around longer.

Instead, the Cats lost and their downward spiral started right then, that resulted in not one, but two coaching changes over the course of three seasons. We all know the story by heart, no reason to revisit the details. The end result is what matters and the Cats have returned to not only relevance, but dominance in the NCAA tournament with the best coach in College Basketball on the sidelines.

Last night, on Sportscenter, John Anderson said, "Oh the Billy Gillispie era (error) seems so far away." You can say that again, John. It really does.

Kentucky's epic beat down of Wake Forest, 90-60, had many returning to the fond memories of the mid 90's when the Cats could be penciled in for the Final Four or even the Championship nearly every season. Yet, I have to remind everyone to enjoy this moment and this team. There's no chance this team will be reunited for another campaign, so this is a special moment in Kentucky's long storied history.

The last five years have been hard, even miserable for most of us. Who could forget just a year ago filling out NIT brackets? We know what North Carolina and UCONN are feeling this year and I can't say that I feel sorry for them. We had to watch Gillispie lead us to the NIT while North Carolina was cutting down nets and gaining on the 2000 mark, so I am going to enjoy it while we pay them back.

Enjoy the moment because the Sweet Sixteen isn't anything to sneeze at, especially considering what we have endured. One fan told me this morning that last night's game meant nothing and that the tournament starts Thursday. I have to respectfully disagree with him; this game meant a whole lot. It wasn't just another step toward UK's ultimate goal of a national title, but it returned the Cats to their rightful place among the elite in college basketball. We shouldn't take for granted playing past the first weekend, and we should enjoy each and every step in the journey.

We're back in the Sweet Sixteen... savor it.