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Message: [QUOTE="Gurleyman, post: 5200438, member: 175"] I think Kemba had a secure legacy, bringing us back from the depths of the year before. Had we lost (a 2-3 game that was essentially on the road), he would have given it all he had in that game, and just maybe ran out of gas after carrying us all year and to a Big East title. That legacy went up a notch with the title obviously, and he needed some help to get there (Lamb hit some key shots against Arizona too, and Alex played well against Butler). Kemba’s career also almost ended trying to chase down a long rebound at the foul line. I still swear that Horne three was going in. Kemba was 5-18 against Butler and I actually thought he played really well. Just his shots didn’t fall. But he chased down a lot of loose balls and rebounds, and got us a lot of extra possessions on a night when we had Butler on lock, and he just set a good tone of playing hard all night. Nobody could really shoot at that Final Four - there was thought perhaps the ball or shooting background was a problem. Bazz stuck with us through probation and had a key supporting role on a title team, so he would be remembered positively. But two first round losses with poor performances, and getting blown out by Louisville twice late his senior year, would have certainly left him in the second tier. We probably would have concluded he didn’t have enough help in 2014 so I think he’d have been given some grace (particularly in the way of having UConn-level big men). But he would be responsible for losing an 8-9 game in blowout fashion and a 7-10 game as a starting point guard … both against teams we felt we should beat to give us a shot at Kentucky and Villanova. Instead that 2014 run now has him a two-time champ and a clear alpha on one, which is rare air. [/QUOTE]

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