Thanks for the memories

[HuskyFreeNorthwest]

Jimmer put on a ride that lasted from the day Utah beat BYU in football, Jimmer saved the day draining an amazing 3 to clinch the game against St. Mary's College, until the second to last weekend of the college season.

Every game seemed to provide a moment that said "This can't be topped!" then somehow was in the next game. Perhaps BYU will have a player like this again, perhaps not. I'm just glad I got to see him with my own eyes.

[SeattleUte]

One more post from the Big Easy and then I'm back to the 'Tah tomorrow morning.

I have been able to witness firsthand this roller coaster ride of a season. I went to all the hom games, many of the away games, the Vegas tourney, and now NOLA. By rights, I should be feeling the gut punch. But honestly, I just don't. I guess I should be sad or something. Disappointed a bit, sure.

On the walk back from the arena, we ran into and walked along with an AA gent that was dressed in business attire...shirt and tie. He was leaving the arena and so we asked him where he was headed. He explained that he was from DC and was in town for some business meetings. He was also a coach for some AAUU type youth hoops teams in the hood of the District. Lots of underprivileged kids. He said that he came to see BYU. He didn't care about any of the other teams but he has been following us most of the season.

He explained that when his kids practice, they usually pretend to be Kobe or Lebron. But for the past few months, he said most of his kids pretend to be Jimmer. He said that when they practice, the kids say that they want to shoot like Jimmer or drive like Jimmer. He said that in all his years coaching and being a fan, he has never seen a white college player infiltrate the AA ranks and become a cultural icon in hoops. He has been fascinated by this BYU kid from Provo that has turned college hoops on its ear.

You know guys, when New Orleans is hopping, the place is one massive street party. But in between weekends, the streets are empty, not much is going on. In a way, it is somewhat desolate. As we walked to dinner, it was quiet, the streets were empty. I should have been mad or bummed, but instead I was pretty stoked.

This season, I have seen the entire country become entranced by BYU basketball. I saw the single greatest scoring performance in BYU history. I saw the single best career scorer in BYU history. I saw the greatest single season scorer in BYU history. I saw BYU play in the Sweet 16. Lest we forget, I also saw the single greatest career steals leader in BYU history. I was in New freaking Orleans and seconds away from a slot in the Elite Eight. I was a rock star walking around in BYU gear, people high fiving me because I was somehow associated with this magic carpet ride that was Jimmer Mania and the rest of the team. All of us were part of it. Wherever we went people knew that the Y was BYU, not Yale for once. This was the single greatest season in BYU basketball history because of what happened on the court and for the cultural icon status off the court.

The team, with Loyd, Daivies, and Collinsworth, was a legit title contender. As BYU fans, that is a fantastic leap forward. When was the last time a BYU basketball Fan was ever able to say that? Even our dreaded nemesis, the Utes, who have achieved so many heights in basketball, have given BYU its due for this incredible season.

You know, I should be upset, but I'm not. This was a great season. I'm going to remember it for a long time. I still have Jimmermania. And I wouldn't trade any of these fun memories.

Thanks. That's a beautiful post. It reminds me of the best time I ever had with my brother (18 mos. younger than me and in a way practically a twin) and my Dad and nephew, in San Antonio, Texas in waning March 1998. I have always called the Utes the river that runs through it all for us. We were so proud and happy, even though we finished no. 2.

This beautiful post also makes me doubly angry at the Honor Code and what it stands for. With Davies and Loyd you all might have won the national championship. Tonight BYU was overmatched inside, and you also needed a second Jimmer. The sad thing is that I feel that Loyd and Davies really are good people who have worked their hearts out, admirable and honorable people.

Here's is when the Utes soar: When they take the element that is best of BYU and deploy it, and filter out the bad part. Utah can do that, which is its advantage.

3D, I love you, man.

[PaloAltoCougar]

Thanks, Surfah and DDD for expressing so articulately what I'm most of us are feeling right now. A truly great year. Tonight's narrow loss was frustrating, but it certainly wasn't for lack of effort. The team willed itself to wins in recent days, and the fatigue caught up with them. Everyone on that squad can hold their heads high.

I take some solace that I'll be attending three BYU games in the Bay Area next season, undoubtedly with seats close to the action!

[byu71]

Great sentiments expressed in this thread. I might be in the minority, but I will take being a BYU fan and watching what Jimmer and his teamates did over being a fan of one of the teams that made the final four. That is how much fun I had watching them play. I can think how much more fun it could have been without the incident, but what is, is and that is part of being a BYU fan.

[Viking]

Thanks. That's a beautiful post. It reminds me of the best time I ever had with my brother (18 mos. younger than me and in a way practically a twin) and my Dad and nephew, in San Antonio, Texas in waning March 1998. I have always called the Utes the river that runs through it all for us. We were so proud and happy, even though we finished no. 2.

This beautiful post also makes me doubly angry at the Honor Code and what it stands for. With Davies and Loyd you all might have won the national championship. Tonight BYU was overmatched inside, and you also needed a second Jimmer. The sad thing is that I feel that Loyd and Davies really are good people who have worked their hearts out, admirable and honorable people.

Here's is when the Utes soar: When they take the element that is best of BYU and deploy it, and filter out the bad part. Utah can do that, which is its advantage.

3D, I love you, man.

your brother is a great guy.

[Jennerstein]

I feel like I've lost a friend. The best way I can explain it: it feels like I'm 13 years old and I just spent the last day of summer with my best friend before he moves halfway across the country. I don't think I've felt as attached to a team, professional or collegiate, as this one. I think there were a lot of reasons why I feel this way. Jimmer's super stardom, the number of basketball games in a season, watching the team gel between December and Feb, and then having to see them reform during the MWC and NCAA tourney.

I loved Jimmer and watching him do amazing stuff every game. But even more so was appreciating the unique talents that the other players brought to the team: Jackson with his defense and steals, Charles and his energy, Rogers with his lankiness, little Collingsworth sporting the faux fro and rebounding like a mofo, Davies with his dance moves, Zylstra and that silly money-gun salute after someone scored, Big Game James with his stiff defense, Hartsock and his hair (or lack of), Martineau representing the blowout, Magnusson always playing like a chicken with his head was cut off.

This team had heart and with Jimmer it had IT. I know that the ride has to end sometime but I'm sad to say goodbye to a team that played its hearts out, overcame adversity, and made me proud to be a BYU fan.

In the immortal words of Phil Collins, You'll Be In My Heart (BYU BBall Team 2010-2011), You'll Be In My Heart.

[Borg]

Perfectly stated Surfah. My thoughts exactly.

[happyone]

Surfah, DDD,

Well said!

[YOhio]

Helluva season. I've again fallen in love with BYU basketball. Last week I took a big garbage sack full of my old BYU gear and gave it to some of the kids in the ward. I had sweatshirts, t-shirts, shorts and hats. Stuff I've accumulated over the past decade and don't really wear any more. These kids, teacher and priest age, acted like it was second Christmas. They were on the bandwagon and could now dress the part. In a world dominated by Ohio State, BYU finally had some cred. Jimmer is to them what Ty Detmer was to me, someone who made a passing interest of mine and made it into a passion.

The game last night was heartbreaking, but whatever. It's over now and I'm so happy we had this season to remember. I hate the HCO more than ever, but love the team even more.

[wally]

As a Ute I remember '98 and how frustrating the NC game loss was. It was like climbing an unconquered mountain to find someone else had placed their flag on the summit seconds before you could.

My advice is to find a way (like DDD has) to set frustrations aside long enough to enjoy the view from the mountain top. Enjoy it while you're still there. Now is the time to enjoy your amazing season, your amazing player, and all of the great memories. Next week, next month or next year, the memories won't be as vivid.

[KillerDog]

I sent my annual post season email to Coach Rose. Most years I send it prior to the final game. You can usually tell which game will be the last game. I'm always optimistic about our chances but I feel like I know enough about hoops to know when we are outmatched and need a 1 in 100 night to get the W. This year I didn't send the email until today because I didn't think we would lose. I knew Florida was tough but I had seen this team overcome so much that I didn't think we would lose.

I'm proud of this team. They exceeded very lofty expectations and they did it with very pedestrian abilities magnified by synergy and effort. They deserve the accolades and tributes you all have given in this thread.

[dixdog]

this thread has made me even more depressed. I am so mad at all the Jimmer haters out there.

BYU played its guts out. I am left with so many what ifs, but at least I don't have to kick myself for not seeing Jimmer play in person. I am glad I made the effort to see Jimmer in Provo several times this year.

[Top Ute]

this thread has made me even more depressed. I am so mad at all the Jimmer haters out there.

BYU played its guts out. I am left with so many what ifs, but at least I don't have to kick myself for not seeing Jimmer play in person. I am glad I mad the effort to see Jimmer in Provo several times this year.

They are fools. I get why some of the haters hated. Now that he's gone, it's a time for appreciation. Those that can't appreciate Jimmer now are hopelessly lost souls.

[UtahDan]

this thread has made me even more depressed. I am so mad at all the Jimmer haters out there.

BYU played its guts out. I am left with so many what ifs, but at least I don't have to kick myself for not seeing Jimmer play in person. I am glad I mad the effort to see Jimmer in Provo several times this year.

Who hates Jimmer? I thought we was pretty well universally acclaimed and that if there was any criticism it was directed at his supporting cast.

[UtahDan]

I think one of the really appealing things about Jimmer, apart from his play, is how "everyman" he appears. He doesn't have a prototypical NBA or elite NCAA body type. But that doesn't hold him back at all. It was also part of the appeal of Stockton.