FTF Carolina: The Haters
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I smell fear…..and it’s not from the Tar Heel camp.
As we shift into Final Four mode, there are rumblings among those I affectionately call "The Haters". They are poking and prodding Tar Heels. They are looking for any weakness and trying to soothe their aching souls with the following nonsense: They say Carolina fans are in CYA mode, covering themselves just in case the Heels aren’t successful this weekend. They are even accusing those fans of not facing defeat with a quiet dignity that a real competitor would display.
Ahhhhh, the smell of fear... the scent of desperation! The realization is setting in that the "Carolina Way" lives... and still annoys. The poking has begun which let’s this writer know that the Tar Heels must be doing something right. The program is winning, and the haters are worrying.
The Haters are trying to do all they can to drill holes in Carolina and their fan base, as if that will stop their bleeding hearts as they watch the rebirth of Carolina Basketball. I’ve told them all week: Like it or not, the Carolina program was built upon a foundation of winning games, winning together, and letting the championships come as they may. The program won’t succumb to the nonsense of predicating long term success on a single game. Never has, never will! Anybody can see that these players have struggled over the last four years in all of the above categories. Sticking to these rules of success has resulted in droves of ACC titles and regular season "championships" over the years. This year, so far, so good!
Read the rest. Click the link.
I imagine (as a long “suffering” Carolina fan) that those very rules will also result in Carolina not winning NCAA Championships when they "should." According to the Haters, Coach Smith should have won at least 6 Championships (I must admit that ’84 and ’87 hurt me.) Such happenings will surely bring lots of desperate poking around the edges by jealous fans of programs who wish they could make a single Final Four (you know who you are). When that poking happens in full force, Carolina fans will know that the program is back on granite ground. As such, I am pleased to see the jackals gathering about the perimeter.
Most Carolina fans feel extremely happy to be a part of owning 31-4 and a Final Four as an offset to 8-20 and a program in trouble. It's not butt covering so much as it is a realization (finally) that these type seasons should be respected and not swept under the rug. As an alumni and fan, I want a championship for these seniors as much as anybody. However, when you consider the very recent past, I'll settle for what they already have in hand if I must. So poke and claw away, you Haters. It only elevates the program. It only emboldens a team on the rise, once again.
There can be no doubt about it: You play the game to win. As Coach Smith often said, they wouldn’t keep score if winning weren’t important. However, losing is part of the game as well. Based on where these players were three seasons ago, Carolina has already won a lot as far as this fan is concerned. It is impossible for them to "fall short" in St. Louis in the way that the Haters would like to see. Anyone who has difficulty understanding that need only think back three short seasons ago for a full jolt back to reality: These players have come a long way and should be honored for their significant accomplishments.
So, Carolina fans, don’t let the haters twist reality and common sense on you. Don’t let them dampen your enthusiasm over Carolina’s rebirth. Don’t let them win by dragging you back to the days where you may have taken the programs success for granted. Cherish this moment! There is too much history and success on your side to shout down their arguments. You never have to say a word in the program’s defense. Let the Haters argue with Coach Smith, Larry, George Karl, Mitch, and Michael about why the program is geared as it is.
Let the Haters poke! Carolina just gets stronger!
It is not surprising that the ways of Carolina would confound and confuse the Haters.
The standards for Carolina are, and have been for some time, expectations of excellence with players who do it the right way on and off the court. When this season started, it was reasonable to think this team could play in the Final Four and have a chance to win the national title. They have that chance. Don’t let the Haters ruin it for you. Be proud that Carolina has good kids who have overcome a difficult time in the program. In winning, these student athletes have shown a willingness to try to do things the right way. A championship would only be gravy on top of that big ‘ol pile of mashed potatoes!
For those who can’t make it to St. Louis, Chapel Hill this weekend and celebrate a great season and a great turnaround for a program on the brink three short seasons ago. When the Haters try to dampen your spirit and question the reasoned dedication to long term success over short term gain, ask them this: Would they rather be in Carolina's shoes, or chillin' on the Yard talking about their new coach, or debating what coulda’, woulda’, should have been? When the Haters try to debunk Carolina’s Final Four run by suggesting that they didn’t have to play anybody higher then a #5 seed, tell them to ask ODU, Vermont, Duke and Kentucky about how easy it is to beat a #5 seed!
Nobody ever said winning wasn’t important. To the contrary, most Tar Heel fans absolutely believe that consistent winning for extended periods is the MOST important thing for the program at this time. Where you differ from the Haters is your view of the importance of this weekend to the long term health of program. If they lose, it does absolutely noting to diminish the stature of North Carolina Basketball. This team did much more to help that stature and their national perception by growing and winning the right way (for the most part) over the last 4 months then an NCAA ring ever could. If they win it all, it is just an affirmation of what you already knew to be true: Carolina had one of the best teams in the country this year and was capable of winning it all. As such, this time should be a celebration of a new beginning. This is what troubles the Haters about Carolina most of all: Win, and Carolina can say “we are the greatest.” Lose, and Carolina fans can say: "31-5, ACC Regular Season Champs, Final Four and …………………we are STILL Carolina."
Let the Haters, hate!
Good luck Coach Williams and players!
Ed is on his way to Chapel Hill, and still a fish out of water in Asheboro.
************************************************************************************
I smell fear…..and it’s not from the Tar Heel camp.
As we shift into Final Four mode, there are rumblings among those I affectionately call "The Haters". They are poking and prodding Tar Heels. They are looking for any weakness and trying to soothe their aching souls with the following nonsense: They say Carolina fans are in CYA mode, covering themselves just in case the Heels aren’t successful this weekend. They are even accusing those fans of not facing defeat with a quiet dignity that a real competitor would display.
Ahhhhh, the smell of fear... the scent of desperation! The realization is setting in that the "Carolina Way" lives... and still annoys. The poking has begun which let’s this writer know that the Tar Heels must be doing something right. The program is winning, and the haters are worrying.
The Haters are trying to do all they can to drill holes in Carolina and their fan base, as if that will stop their bleeding hearts as they watch the rebirth of Carolina Basketball. I’ve told them all week: Like it or not, the Carolina program was built upon a foundation of winning games, winning together, and letting the championships come as they may. The program won’t succumb to the nonsense of predicating long term success on a single game. Never has, never will! Anybody can see that these players have struggled over the last four years in all of the above categories. Sticking to these rules of success has resulted in droves of ACC titles and regular season "championships" over the years. This year, so far, so good!
Read the rest. Click the link.
I imagine (as a long “suffering” Carolina fan) that those very rules will also result in Carolina not winning NCAA Championships when they "should." According to the Haters, Coach Smith should have won at least 6 Championships (I must admit that ’84 and ’87 hurt me.) Such happenings will surely bring lots of desperate poking around the edges by jealous fans of programs who wish they could make a single Final Four (you know who you are). When that poking happens in full force, Carolina fans will know that the program is back on granite ground. As such, I am pleased to see the jackals gathering about the perimeter.
Most Carolina fans feel extremely happy to be a part of owning 31-4 and a Final Four as an offset to 8-20 and a program in trouble. It's not butt covering so much as it is a realization (finally) that these type seasons should be respected and not swept under the rug. As an alumni and fan, I want a championship for these seniors as much as anybody. However, when you consider the very recent past, I'll settle for what they already have in hand if I must. So poke and claw away, you Haters. It only elevates the program. It only emboldens a team on the rise, once again.
There can be no doubt about it: You play the game to win. As Coach Smith often said, they wouldn’t keep score if winning weren’t important. However, losing is part of the game as well. Based on where these players were three seasons ago, Carolina has already won a lot as far as this fan is concerned. It is impossible for them to "fall short" in St. Louis in the way that the Haters would like to see. Anyone who has difficulty understanding that need only think back three short seasons ago for a full jolt back to reality: These players have come a long way and should be honored for their significant accomplishments.
So, Carolina fans, don’t let the haters twist reality and common sense on you. Don’t let them dampen your enthusiasm over Carolina’s rebirth. Don’t let them win by dragging you back to the days where you may have taken the programs success for granted. Cherish this moment! There is too much history and success on your side to shout down their arguments. You never have to say a word in the program’s defense. Let the Haters argue with Coach Smith, Larry, George Karl, Mitch, and Michael about why the program is geared as it is.
Let the Haters poke! Carolina just gets stronger!
It is not surprising that the ways of Carolina would confound and confuse the Haters.
The standards for Carolina are, and have been for some time, expectations of excellence with players who do it the right way on and off the court. When this season started, it was reasonable to think this team could play in the Final Four and have a chance to win the national title. They have that chance. Don’t let the Haters ruin it for you. Be proud that Carolina has good kids who have overcome a difficult time in the program. In winning, these student athletes have shown a willingness to try to do things the right way. A championship would only be gravy on top of that big ‘ol pile of mashed potatoes!
For those who can’t make it to St. Louis, Chapel Hill this weekend and celebrate a great season and a great turnaround for a program on the brink three short seasons ago. When the Haters try to dampen your spirit and question the reasoned dedication to long term success over short term gain, ask them this: Would they rather be in Carolina's shoes, or chillin' on the Yard talking about their new coach, or debating what coulda’, woulda’, should have been? When the Haters try to debunk Carolina’s Final Four run by suggesting that they didn’t have to play anybody higher then a #5 seed, tell them to ask ODU, Vermont, Duke and Kentucky about how easy it is to beat a #5 seed!
Nobody ever said winning wasn’t important. To the contrary, most Tar Heel fans absolutely believe that consistent winning for extended periods is the MOST important thing for the program at this time. Where you differ from the Haters is your view of the importance of this weekend to the long term health of program. If they lose, it does absolutely noting to diminish the stature of North Carolina Basketball. This team did much more to help that stature and their national perception by growing and winning the right way (for the most part) over the last 4 months then an NCAA ring ever could. If they win it all, it is just an affirmation of what you already knew to be true: Carolina had one of the best teams in the country this year and was capable of winning it all. As such, this time should be a celebration of a new beginning. This is what troubles the Haters about Carolina most of all: Win, and Carolina can say “we are the greatest.” Lose, and Carolina fans can say: "31-5, ACC Regular Season Champs, Final Four and …………………we are STILL Carolina."
Let the Haters, hate!
Good luck Coach Williams and players!
Ed is on his way to Chapel Hill, and still a fish out of water in Asheboro.
posted by Ed at Friday, April 01, 2005
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