The tradition extends from Frank McGuire in the 1950s and '60s to Dean Smith's 36 seasons of outstanding accomplishment to Michael Jordan to Roy Williams' current run. It also extends off the court, from the passionate fan support to the fact that UNC, despite what cretinous Duke fans will tell you, is a pretty damn strong academic institution.
This is a program that demands excellence, from both its players and coaches. This is a program that, unlike Kentucky, gives its leaders a legitimate amount of time to make their mark (yes, including Matt Doherty). This is a program that, unlike UCLA, didn't go through a decade-long orgasm of championships it still clings to as we speak.
This program just won its fifth national title Monday evening with a dominant performance over Michigan State.
And with that said...
Fuck North Carolina.
All tournament long I had to listen to announcers and analysts talk about how last year's Final Four loss motivated this group, how Kansas ripped UNC's manhood from its loins and the Heels couldn't be complete until they got it back at Ford Field this April.
That's exactly what they did.
You did it, Tar Heel country. You reached the summit once again, with an expert coach and a roster laden with lottery talent. You fielded a team of the highest quality. Your organization is as efficient as it is successful. You know who you remind me of?
The Pittsburgh Steelers. The Philadelphia Phillies. The Boston Celtics.
You're a championship team. You're what Cleveland has dreamed about for 45 years.
Your North Carolina Tar Heels had more talent, athleticism and smarts than everyone else competing, and you took home a major title because of it. Make no mistake, there are only six "major" titles in North American sports: the Super Bowl, the World Series, the NBA Finals, the Stanley Cup Finals, the BCS championship, and the NCAA Tournament championship. Nobody cares about anything else on a year-to-year basis. Nothing else leads Sportscenter or headlines the news or makes Sports Illustrated's front cover.
You have one of those titles. One of those titles is what Cleveland wants.
The more times I watch other teams hoist a trophy -- even for sports in which Cleveland doesn't technically compete -- the more I identify with the plight. I'm going to wake up tomorrow morning, run two miles and bust my ass at work. I'm going to do the same thing the next five days until the work week's over.
Why? Because life's about work. It's about doing things you don't want to do in order to accomplish things you do want. It's about being the best you can be, even when other people have what you want.
That applies to everyone. That applies to me, whether it's a Browns, Cavs or Indians championship or a high-profile journalism job.
Congratulations, North Carolina.
We're gunning for your fucking spot.
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