“So now we’ll see what the next knock is.” That’s what CDR said yesterday after the game. From where I’m sitting that may be the mantra for this Tigers team. Keep it up national media because we want you to “knock” the Tigers to two more wins. Andre Allen said something a while back that still sticks out in my mind, “we’ll just have to kill everybody” when asked about the Tigers being respected. I think those two statements by those kids (and they are kids) tells me that no matter what the media may say this week the Tigers won’t feel fully vindicated until next Monday night.

We went out for my daughter’s birthday dinner last night. But on the way I had to go by Tiger Gift Shop to buy my Final Four shirt. It wasn’t something I wanted to do but something I HAD to do. The response from other folks at the restaurant was great. Everybody wanted to talk about the Tigers. That is with one exception for the hostess. She was from Texas and wasn’t too happy with the result. Her description of the game was priceless and I’ll always remember this, “It was an old fashioned (donkey relative) kicking.” I could only smile.

A memo to the Tigers. You’re not done yet. I hope you enjoyed the celebration last night and today just as the rest of us did but you’re got work to do. There is 80 minutes of Tigers basketball to play to reach the goal. I read in today’s paper where Joey said he promised the fans a Final Four. Joey, you didn’t promise a Final Four. You promised a National Championship. I have no doubt whatsoever that you and your mates will get it done.

Speaking of the the paper this morning. Was anyone really surprised that Derrick Rose gave credit to his teammates once again? It is kids like him that make me wish basketball’s rule was just like baseball’s rule. Earlier in the year I thought he wasn’t ready and he wasn’t. But he’s progressed so much since January. He’s ready but I hope he would like to enjoy another year of college.

I am one to gloat so here goes. Back in February all I heard was how the Memphis-Tennessee winner would gain the recruiting advantage in the area. Oh, really. I’ll give the Vols credit for winning. Good for you, you can hang your season on besting the #1 team in the land, getting to be #1 in the land, your regular season SEC championship (they even cut down the nets) and yet another Sweet 16 season. The key words in the above statement were “yet another Sweet 16 season.” See the Vols have never gotten past the 1st game of the 2nd weekend of the NCAA tournament. The truth is that Cal still has the advantage because of his post-season success. At last count that’s 1 NIT championship, 2 NIT Semifinals, 5 NCAA bids, 3 Elite Eights, and 1 Final Four. If you were a recruit, what program would interest you more?

I digress back to the Final Four shirts. TGS has a lot of designs and I’ll probably buy at least one more at least. I have to be careful because hopefully we will all be buying more t-shirts come late Monday night. And I’m sure Mike and Bill will have some ready around 11:30 that night.

Today is opening day for the Angels. Whoo hooo. I love opening day in baseball but I do miss not being able to stroll into the stadium for the first home game of the year.

I’m watching NFL’s hair rule. Then again a certain football coach will end my interest if the Tigers win 4 more halves of basketball.

I thought that when Rick Barnes was still telling his kids to foul with 1:15 left on the clock was classless at best especially when you factor in the force behind those fouls on our players. I understand frustration but sportsmanship still has to be in play. The fact of the matter is the Longhorns were six possessions down with 90 seconds left. There was no chance of catching up so I just don’t get why he was keeping it up.

Congratulations to Chris Douglas-Roberts for being named first team All-American. It opens up the discussion of CDR’s jersey being retired. He’s lead the Tigers to 3 Elite Eights and one Final Four. There is no doubt in my mind that 14 belongs in the rafters after his days are done. We can only hope he stays another year. I don’t think you retire every very good player’s jersey but CDR meets the criteria for retirement in my opinion. If he stays for a 4th year, then it is a no-brainer and you do it at Senior Day.

4 down, 2 to go.