We KU fans are so blessed and fortunate...

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. We are some of the luckiest fans on the planet to have a program as distinguished, well-coached, and exceptional in its winning tradition as KU basketball. We are equally fortunate to have a truly top-tier elite coach like Bill Self overseeing our program and young men.

Year-in and year-out, we perform at the highest of levels. We play amongst the toughest of schedules. We grind out championships in a very competitive conference (one that is far more so than the SEC, PAC-12, and the vast majority of other conferences). We lose great players to the league and graduation, but new kids come in and grow, advance, and thrive before our eyes.

I love this year's team. For some reason, I haven't been able to say that about every KU team in recent years, but this one is really special. I think it all starts with two humble seniors who have grown into their roles and are clear leaders: Frank and Landen. But the supporting cast is solid as well, and I can't say that I've ever admired and respected a one-and-done freshman as I do Josh. Why? Because he bought in from day one on two things: the KU tradition, and absorbing all learnings from Coach. He clearly loves our program, and is very proud to represent it. And that lessens the blow somewhat of him departing after just one season. The other factor, of course, is seeing Bill Self shine again, yet shine even more brightly due to the fact that this is the year for #13, to tie the great UCLA dynasty teams of an era which was so vastly different from today's hyper-competitive NCAA landscape. I would add that it's a year in which Coach Self has been nominated to enter the prestigious Naismith Hall of Fame. It's a special year, one in which we are about to notch #13, Self could enter the Hall, Frank could earn NPOY, and we have a legit shot at making a run to the NC in April.

I told my 12-year-old son tonight, "Son, you and I are very blessed to have a program like KU to root for and be part of. There are so many fans out there who would give anything to have a program with our level of excellence and consistency."

I know that may seem "cheesy" to bring up, but I just wanted to underscore the sentiment, at least on my end, as the season winds down.

Rock Chalk...

That's a great walk down memory lane, Corpus.

And while we're on that walk, it made me think of meeting RussRob in person at the Capitol Hill national championship celebration when the team visited after the great '08 tournament.

I'm hoping this shot from that time will post. It's not my best personal picture (LOL), but RussRob sure looks svelte!

imgur.com/a/JezdL

I'll always fondly remember that guy, and all of the others on your list. Great, great memories!

Rock Chalk...