Don’t back off, Kentucky fans

I’ve noticed a concerning trend this week. As Kentucky enters tournament play, the dialogue has started to shift among a lot of fans. All year we’ve talked up Kentucky’s chances at claiming an eighth national championship, and in the last week I’ve heard way too many fans talking down their potential. Suddenly, people are establishing defense mechanisms in case the Wildcats don’t win it all. That’s no good.

No one should be making excuses for Kentucky. I’ve heard all too many people complain about the bracket being too difficult. That’s just setting up an excuse if they lose. They should be able to beat all 64 teams in a row, so who they play doesn’t matter. I’ve heard people claiming it’s been a successful year no matter what happens. I’ll agree it’s been a wonderful ride, but right before the six most important games of the year is no time to bring it up. I’ve heard so many folks talking about the parity in basketball and how strong the tournament field is. That’s all true, but it’s no excuse for a loss, and the only reason to say it is to protect yourself against a Kentucky loss.

I don’t know why people feel the need to set up these defense mechanisms to make losing hurt a little less. Every single fan should be hoping, cheering, and fighting for every last scrap of confidence in their team. No one should be talking down Kentucky’s chances or doubting them. Give this team 100% of your fandom like they’ve given you 100% of their talents, scraped knees, and hearts all year long. Never doubt them or question their chances, and if they lose, it’ll hurt. But that hurt means you’re doing something right and cheering for the team you love and the Big Blue you live for. If you’re trying to make a potential loss hurt a little less, you’re doing it wrong.

Now is not the time to back off. The team is going to keep pushing forward, and so should the fans.