Confessions of a Hoops Fan

Duke was up by 17 on the road against North Carolina and Roy Williams had seen enough. He yanked the North Carolina starters and yelled at them for what seemed like 10 minutes. Of course, the backups, almost like kids watching their siblings get in trouble, went out and played great. The starters returned and went crazy, roaring all the way back and then to a 5-point lead late. That’s when J.J. Redick went off with the 3-pointers, willing Duke back in front. If basketball players of the future want to see why this young man is great, all they have to do is watch this one game.
There were some sloppy last-minute shenanigans but J.J. had broken the momentum. He ended up with 35 points and several of those three’s were the money in-your-face variety. Duke won 87-83. Folks, it is not too late to realize what we've got here. J.J. Redick will be remembered as one of the all-time college legends. Even if you hate Duke, this is worthy. The weirdest part is how calm and almost worn-down emotionally Redick seemed. He was Larry Bird-calm. There was no joy in the interview afterwards. The long intense season has made this kid grim, but it is hoop heaven for the rest of us.