When we knew CC is, indeed, one of us

[Palindrome_rivals517509]

In his post-game remarks, Coach Collins said something to show he knows and feels what it's like to be affiliated with the Wildcats, deep down inside --- as "we", the longtime fans, are.

Paraphrasing: "When I looked up and saw a 9-point lead with 3:11 on the clock, my mind jumped back to College Park against Maryland."

Welcome to the club, Chris Collins. Now you are one of us. You are in our skin, and you inhabit our space. And now you can and will help us erase that long-standing tendency to "expect the worst".

This post was edited on 2/19 11:08 AM by Palindrome

 

[TerraCat]

Well said Palindrome! I was at that game in College Park (and I was there at the Rosemont against Notre Dame!), standing by my son's dressed in Maryland gear (they went there). I am looking forward to a transformation of mindset and a growing fanbase!

So much to be hopeful about. What I have appreciated about Collins, is his positive attitude toward the players during the tough losses. He seems to be truly building...and he knows basketball.

 

[Jonny2TheP]

Along the same lines, I noticed something last night during the telecast that the broadcasters didn't mention and I haven't seen it mentioned anywhere else. With about 16 seconds left, we were up by 7 (I think it was 7) and were heading to the line. One of Minnesota's players fouled out, so Collins had a few seconds to gather the guys on the floor for a brief discussion. He must have seen the guys celebrating more than he would have liked, as you saw him sternly yell at them, "It's not over! It's not over!".

It made me laugh because even though it would have taken the miracle of miracles to lose that game at that point, he's seen us lose too many close games. So he was still coaching and he wanted the players to know as well that you don't stop playing until there is 0.0 on that clock. Nothing is over until that time.

 

[phatcat_rivals223240]

I was at the game in College Park, and had no confidence in victory at any time. Not being negative, I had a great time, but had no illusions we would hold them off.