And I hope our guys show up for the game. This is going to be a tough one. I thought that Texas was the best team in the nation from the get-go, and they are certainly more physical and athletic than Duke.
Texas does pretty much everything better than us: score, take care of the ball, rebound, and get to the foul line. On paper, this has the makings of a big blowout, but this is still a big game for the Cyclones.
I'm less concerned about the outcome of the game, as I am about how this team looks. Are they going to come out of the lockerroom like a team who's going to try and play to win? Or are they going to give up before they even come out?
The effort and attitude that this team shows tomorrow night will do a lot more in telling us the status of this team, and clue us as to whether they can compete in the best conference in the nation. McDermott has said that he likes where the team is at. I've also come to find that college head coaches are often like politicians. I'm not just going to take someone's word for it; I need to see it with my own eyes.
I would rather see 5 guys give 110% everytime and lose every game, than I would to see a bunch of guys mailing it in, but winning half the time. I hope tomorrow we see everyone play hard, and play to win. It will go a long way in restoring confidience to not only themselves but to the fans as well.
The game tips off tomorrow night at 7pm CST. You can catch it on Big 12 TV Affiliates, ESPN 360, and ESPN Fullcourt.