"WE'VE GOT TO TAKE KEVIN HOME"

This true event has all of the characteristics of a Greek Tragedy.

                                                                           

It is very likely a sign painter in Springfield. Mass has been contacted to report to the Basketball Hall of Fame.

The over-paid, under-informed March Madness talking heads have squeezed, massaged, and analyzed the University of Louisville-Duke Easter afternoon Regional Finals to the point of depleted exhaustion.

Obviously, the turning point in the game, with the score tied at 42, was the heart rendering compound fracture of the right leg of the U of L guard Kevin Ware.

What followed could not have been written by Oscar winning screen writers or performed by supermarket magazine idols.

With pain that immediately shot past the 10 scale, young Ware repeatedly encouraged his Cardinals teammates to “Win the game!” “Win the game!”

In a living portrait seldom seen in sports, Cardinals and Blue Devils hoop heroes openly wept and several were so overcome they fell to the hardwood in unrehearsed empathy.

Coaches Pitino and K bit their lower lip and brushed away imaginary insects from their eyes.

Millions of Naismith offspring, from the banks of the Ohio River to the Tobacco Road, cleared their throats and said to family and friends, “I’ve got to go get a drink of water.”

Coach Pitino reminded his team many times for the rest of the game,  “We’ve got to take Kevin home.” This simple, yet profound, reference to Atlanta---home of the 2013 Final Four--- and boyhood high school playground of Kevin Ware inspired the Cardinals to a 20 point plus victory over the Blue Devils.

Move over Coach Rocne and “Win one for the Gipper.”  Have a seat Roy Hobbes and “Pick me out a good one Bobby.”  Step aside Coach Dale and “I love you guys.”

Coach Pitino’s “We’ve got to take Kevin home” dramatically proves only Life Can Fully Imitate Life.