This is a good time to look back at the extraordinary game that ended Memphis’ run for the NCAA title. Many people have written about the incredible fortitude of Kansas and the heart and patience they showed as they climbed their way back in, and eventually win in overtime.
Kansas Wins – Photo: Jessica Rinaldi/Reuters
But I want to write about the other end of sports. I want to talk about losing. You don’t have to be a brain surgeon to figure out that there is a loser for every winner. The joy of Kansas is balanced out by the despair of Memphis. The moment of glory that Mario Chalmer’s take with him throughout life is balanced by the regrets that Chris Douglas-Roberts and Derrick Rose will carry because they missed those free throws.
Robert Dozier after loss – Photo: Eric Gray/AP
How often do we talk about the one that got away? The ground ball that the steady and talented Bill Buckner missed. The easy put-backs that Charles Smith missed, denying the New York Knicks that all-important victory. The last minute fumble on the two-yard line.
Those of us who play sports and those of us who watch all-too-easily embrace the unrealistic idea that we can always win. Perhaps that why those who make the most understandable of human errors suffer far more than they deserve. There’s talent, but there’s also luck and also misfortune.
Darrel Arthur dunks over Joey Dorsey – Photo: Jessica Rinaldi/Reuters
Everybody knows that in the last 75 seconds of the fourth quarter Memphis missed four out of five from the foul line. The free throws that would have guaranteed victory for Memphis. Everybody knows that Mario Chalmers, Kansas’ great guard, hit that three-pointer with less than 3 seconds left. The question is, though, how many people will remember that Chris Douglas-Roberts had 22 points while freshman Derrick Rose finished with 18.
Mario Chalmers’ 3 pointer
Chalmers, deservedly, ended up the MVP. Douglas-Roberts and Rose, left with the most bitter taste in their mouths, will do their best to shift their thoughts to the upcoming NBA draft.
And, of course, the media absolutely loves the winner as it discards the loser. It didn’t take long to unearth the story of Chalmers’ youthful prediction. This is how ESPN put it:
Mario Chalmers had been in the Alamodome before for a title game. Four years earlier, he was a spectator and told his father he’d win a title. Against Memphis, Chalmers rescued Kansas from near-certain defeat and gave the 2008 NCAA tournament its signature.
Most of us will never, ever have that Mario Chalmers’ moment. So it’s important we think about and appreciate all those who made that final game so exciting. The game that kept us up past midnight. In the end, you can look at the stat that made the difference. Kansas made 14 of 15 free throws, an incredible .933%. Memphis shot 12 of 19, .632%
Derrick Rose flies vs UCLA
But let’s spend a moment celebrating the losers. Memphis won a record-setting 38 games this season. Derrick Rose had such an impressive rookie season, many are predicting he may be the #1 draft lottery pick. And at the worst, he may slip to #2 if someone goes for Michael Beasley. Chris Douglas-Roberts put on such a show that he too has greatly raised his stock in the NBA draft.
All props to Kansas for a great run and a great finale. They are the champs and they certainly deserve it. But let’s hear for the losers. Memphis had an absolutely great year. And like the rest of us, they are human.
