Sadness after winning

[bhdevaul]

My first post. First off, I'm 43 years old and have been a fan since my senior year in High School. My youngest son is named Cameron, and I am a HUGE fan, much like most of you.

While I have browsed this message board daily for over 5 years now, since finding it, I've always resisted posting as I'm very passionate, win or lose and just wanted to lurk.

However, today, I found myself needing to post to other Duke fans out there. Am I the only one who is now feeling post-championship blues?

What I mean is, I keep watching all these highlights, interviews, etc.. and I find myself already missing the guys from this year team that will be moving on. I haven't missed a single game in years, and loved every minute of this season, even when we did struggle.

It's sad to me to see the big 3 moving on (I know it's not confirmed yet, but I'm being realistic). I just wish we could watch them play more, is all.

Thanks for your time!

This post was edited on 4/10 2:46 PM by bhdevaul

 

[bluedevilfan42]

I couldn't agree more with this post.

 

[dukiejay]

I hear what you're saying....but no post-championship blues here quite yet. It's been a fun week perusing other sites and finding so many articles and videos. Maybe once the "excitement" wears off I'll come down a little.

But coming into the season I knew Okafor was gone when it was over, and if we were fortunate to get where we did it only increased the chance(s) of the other two declaring as well. The selfish part of me wants more, but these kids were so special and accomplished the ultimate prize that I'm pretty content right now.

Put it this way....in 2011 I felt cheated with Kyrie, but I don't feel cheated whatsoever with this group.

 

[Neners]

You know that feeling you have at the end of a rollercoaster ride when the train finally slows down and you're sitting there trying to catch your breath and make sense of all the twists and turns and inversions and loops you just went through? That's the feeling I have now. Not quite sadness, not quite happiness. Relief and awe and exhaustion. The happiness will hit soon. It always does!

 

[skysdad]

I'm still up. A little concerned about finding a pg for next year but every things gonna be alright. OFC

 

[madrussian]

The ncaa tournament is tough. You play game to game. As a fan you never know when it's going to end.

In the end every team but one goes home disappointed.

This tourney can break you heart and frequently does.

It's a funny feeling getting all the way to the championship game.

But I want to tell you something, the glory of victory may be fleeting, but nothing sux worse than losing that final game. It stays with you until November.

Anyway, you'll pull on thru fine
Order up some duke championship hats and tees!
This post was edited on 4/10 8:39 PM by madrussian

 

[Crank_it_loud]

Honestly, would the 2011 group gone undefeated with a healthy KI? That team was sick when fully operational.

 

[dbav]

Honestly, I'm still on cloud 9. I don't feel bad about these kids leaving. They came, they saw, they conquered, and now they are moving on to live their biggest dream. Now we get to see a whole new group represent this institution well.

The only thing that brings me down a little is Quinn graduating. Otherwise, I'm excited and that won't change.

 

[JCColsCane]

bhd, welcome to the board. First off, we have watched this great group of kids from November to the National Championship game, and I for one don't think you should have any post championship blues.
Just keep watching the highlights, interviews, and looking at the pictures some of our posters put out, and stay in the moment for awhile!!
After watching since November, and living and dying with this team all that time, why should we have to feel sad? It's not like we got blindsided by the OAD, it's just a fact of life now.
I'm still on cloud nine and have no intention of letting go just yet, but when I do, it will only be to look forward to the "next play"!!!
Hang in there, we've got more great kids coming to Duke, and we still have Coach "K".
Go Duke!!


JC-OFC

 

[Devilicious]

No blues here. I have each Duke NCAAT game on the DVR as well as the two wins over UNC so if I'm feeling down, I can just watch one of those. If you have post Championship blues, you can just imagine being a UNC fan and that should get you over it real quick..(swept by your rival and had to watch your rival win the NT).

 

[diehardDUKIEnKY]

Hmmm i wouldn't call it blues for me and even though its been less than a week and will seem weird using this word, nostalgic, is how i feel. Crazy i know, but it is how im feeling.

 

[shicashicu]

Exactly how I feel...would've been incredible if we had these guys as long as we used to have em. Talk about a Duke Dynasty

 

[dbav]

Also, I take great pleasure in being able to say we're national Champs for a year. It makes me feel good.

 

[JohnstonCDevil]

Still on a big high & will be for awhile! This has shut-up all my tarhole buddies, so life is good! I may be in the minority, but I think we will be fine next year! Really looking forward to it!

OFC

 

[krzyzewskiville]

Originally posted by bhdevaul:
My first post. First off, I'm 43 years old and have been a fan since my senior year in High School. My youngest son is named Cameron, and I am a HUGE fan, much like most of you.

While I have browsed this message board daily for over 5 years now, since finding it, I've always resisted posting as I'm very passionate, win or lose and just wanted to lurk.

However, today, I found myself needing to post to other Duke fans out there. Am I the only one who is now feeling post-championship blues?

What I mean is, I keep watching all these highlights, interviews, etc.. and I find myself already missing the guys from this year team that will be moving on. I haven't missed a single game in years, and loved every minute of this season, even when we did struggle.

It's sad to me to see the big 3 moving on (I know it's not confirmed yet, but I'm being realistic). I just wish we could watch them play more, is all.

Thanks for your time!

This post was edited on 4/10 2:46 PM by bhdevaul

I'm totally with you. I just finished a great dinner with Spkeirk and his wife and we were just discussing this.

I know it's irrational, I know and have known that Okafor was gone...but I still find myself being selfish. I get why these kids go, I would go, too it I was them...but I don't hate it any less. I miss the days of kids staying more than a year.

As happy as I am for these kids - and believe me I am - they will just simply never be able to be to me what Laettner, Hurley, Hill, JJ, Sheldon, Daniel Ewing, Scheyer, Smith, Singler, Zoubek, Plumlee and on and on and on and on...guys that stayed four years. There is something so special about staying four years.

It's not the way the game is molded today and I need to accept that. But it doesn't change my selfishness. These guys at least gave us a championship this year. I even felt jaded about Jabari last year...leaving after a loss to Mercer? Can you imagine what this season would have looked like with Jabari???? I couldn't have done it I don't think. Definitely loved Kyrie but he'll never be Nolan Smith to me. Austin Rivers I almost forget played for Duke except for "the shot".

It's not right. These kids can do whatever they want and it's not my business. They're in it to play at the highest level and that's life.

That said, I'll never like it and I'll never get used to it...So yeah, I'm experiencing disappointment knowing they're gone almost more than blues of the season being over.

 

[OldasdirtDevil]

I'm not the least bit sad. How can I be? Coach K, and Duke, won their 5th National Championship. Earlier in the year, K won his 1000th game. Our Blue Devils kicked major ass the entire season, and in the process swept the Tar Heels. Sure, we're losing 4 incredible players, but they were able to accomplish their goals, and now they've got an opportunity to pursue their dream of playing in the NBA...while getting dollars for the learning experience. How can this be anything but a great feeling? I'm so happy for K, Duke, us fans, and the players! Go Duke!!!

OFC

 

[krzyzewskiville]

Originally posted by OldasdirtDevil:
I'm not the least bit sad. How can I be? Coach K, and Duke, won their 5th National Championship. Earlier in the year, K won his 1000th game. Our Blue Devils kicked major ass the entire season, and in the process swept the Tar Heels. Sure, we're losing 4 incredible players, but they were able to accomplish their goals, and now they've got an opportunity to pursue their dream of playing in the NBA...while getting dollars for the learning experience. How can this be anything but a great feeling? I'm so happy for K, Duke, us fans, and the players! Go Duke!!!

OFC

Sadness probably isn't the right term - at least for me. It has nothing to do with the state of the program, or my happiness for these particular players etc. etc. etc. I'm elated about all of that and for them accomplishing their goals.

For me it more pertains to the current system. In fact, K has been quoted many times that he wishes the NCAA would let them go pro out of HS or require two years. This sentiment I totally agree with.

It's not sadness with me. I couldn't be happier with all the accomplishments and state of the program. It's disappointment in the system and that I can't enjoy these guys as Dukies a little bit longer.

 

[bhdevaul]

I'm sorry, I didn't really explain myself, or maybe I don't know how.

I'm extremely happy about winning, I'm very happy what those young men did on the season.

What I meant was, it's sad that I can't see them play more in a Duke uniform.

He said it above, I love watching young kids grow into men while with the program. It makes me sad knowing I won't get to see those 3 play in a Duke uniform anymore.

It's like when a great book ends. I want more. That's more what I meant. I'm just sad this amazing year is over, is all.

 

[Laettner]

Turned MLB on this weekend & now I am sad hoops is over b/c baseball = zzzz's. Pitch the ball already!

 

[Showenuff]

No sadness from this fella. We are the Champs! We will be the reigning National Champs all season. We have 5 , something I was praying for. And even though we lose so much this year, I simply cannot wait to see how K molds the next unit. Look at the bright side. We're going to get to watch Grayson blossom now. We'll have Amile who will be much more now. Matt Jones and his incredible defense. Luke Kennard who will be a definite sharpshooter and Jeter who seems to be concentrated on getting college ready now. Sean Obi. The man will be good. His numbers at Rice were very impressive. The man is large and solid at 270. Marshall will be huge provided he returns, I've heard a few rumors he may not, I pray they aren't true. It's going to be a fun ride seeing how it all pans out. Best part, no matter how it pans out , number 5 has arrived !!!!!!!!

 

[Laettner]

Originally posted by Showenuff:
No sadness from this fella. We are the Champs! We will be the reigning National Champs all season. We have 5 , something I was praying for. And even though we lose so much this year, I simply cannot wait to see how K molds the next unit. Look at the bright side. We're going to get to watch Grayson blossom now. We'll have Amile who will be much more now. Matt Jones and his incredible defense. Luke Kennard who will be a definite sharpshooter and Jeter who seems to be concentrated on getting college ready now. Sean Obi. The man will be good. His numbers at Rice were very impressive. The man is large and solid at 270. Marshall will be huge provided he returns, I've heard a few rumors he may not, I pray they aren't true. It's going to be a fun ride seeing how it all pans out. Best part, no matter how it pans out , number 5 has arrived !!!!!!!!

well said

 

[timo0402]

^Bingo. Zero sadness from me, zero. I wish the guys that are leaving well and know they'll always be back in the family during the summers etc. Those are all great kids and have accomplished their goal. We are lucky to have them and i cannot wait for CTC next year to watch the banner being raised. Teary eyed just thinking about it. We had an unbelievable year. 35-4, Coach's 12th final four, tying john wooden, Coaches 1K win at the garden, Quinn's first final four and first banner and cutting of the nets, and then of course the crown jewel of them all- #5 for Duke and #1 for Quinn and these guys. Going to take a LONG time for me to get off this cloud.

As for next year, it'll be fun to watch how coach molds this team. Still trying to figure out who will be on it! Still a lot of moving parts, but ENJOY this one, enjoy for a long long time b/c you cannot take it for granted. You just never know when you'll be back there, that's my attitude. I don't take these things for granted, they're so special.


P.S. hope Luke's sister goes to every single game he's at duke....

 

[Showenuff]

Yep, I wouldn't miss CTC this year for all the tea in China ! I can hear the BASS now when the spotlight hits that bad boy !

 

[gottagonow]

The only thing I am sad about is whats on the tube now. Can you believe bowling and strong man competition on ESPN. I loved baseball as a youth and teen but now its like watching grass grow for me.

 

[Showenuff]

Honestly, I think we are even better defensively next season. AMILE will play more and is a great defender, Grayson's D looked great end of this season, Matts D is awesome. Obis defensive boards will be great, Plumlee alters tons of shots. I'm looking forward to it.

 

[Laettner]

CTC is a must. Hope NCAA allows coaches clinic again.

 

[spike05rk]

I'm still to happy to think about being sad. It will take a while to wipe this grin off my face especially when I see a tarhole fan. I do hate to see these guys go but you can't blame them and they did leave us Duke fans #5. I do have some concerns about next year because right now there are to many if's on who we get to fill some shoes. But right now I'm as happy as a mouse in a cheese factory! OFC

 

[OldasdirtDevil]

Originally posted by krzyzewskiville:

Originally posted by OldasdirtDevil:
I'm not the least bit sad. How can I be? Coach K, and Duke, won their 5th National Championship. Earlier in the year, K won his 1000th game. Our Blue Devils kicked major ass the entire season, and in the process swept the Tar Heels. Sure, we're losing 4 incredible players, but they were able to accomplish their goals, and now they've got an opportunity to pursue their dream of playing in the NBA...while getting dollars for the learning experience. How can this be anything but a great feeling? I'm so happy for K, Duke, us fans, and the players! Go Duke!!!

OFC

Sadness probably isn't the right term - at least for me. It has nothing to do with the state of the program, or my happiness for these particular players etc. etc. etc. I'm elated about all of that and for them accomplishing their goals.

For me it more pertains to the current system. In fact, K has been quoted many times that he wishes the NCAA would let them go pro out of HS or require two years. This sentiment I totally agree with.

It's not sadness with me. I couldn't be happier with all the accomplishments and state of the program. It's disappointment in the system and that I can't enjoy these guys as Dukies a little bit longer.

K-ville, I understand where you and Bhdevaul are coming from. I too wish we could see our guys stay around a few years. Three or fours years ago I would have been down in the dumps over it, but the environment has changed so much that you have to evolve with it (even if it's not optimal).

OFC

 

[BluePhil]

I'll miss Quinn the most just because it was fun watching him develop over the four years into arguably the most important player on this years Championship team.

 

[Alaskan_Assassin_21]

Few thoughts

- We must recognize the culture changing [players staying longer] starts a domino effect. We most likely don't sign All 4 Freshman this last off-season and more importantly they would have ran into a more talented experienced team [think Wisconsin with better guard play] in the NCAA Tournament.

- Maybe the Wins blinded me in relation but I never felt Austin Rivers fully bought into the Duke experience. I never had those doubts with these 3 guys. Coach K circling the wagons following the Irish lose/Rasheed suspension also added to the fan experience

- Overall, I'm not sad just because I recognize that we will *most likely* only celebrate 1 more of these with Coach K. 5 to 10 years has been the average gap. Heck, we were down double digits in the 2nd Half this Title Game.

I felt sad and even a little bitter following the 1999 exodus - Sophomore Brand, Sophomore Avery and Freshman Maggette. Remember Corey wasn't even a starter on that team and yet he declared.