Written by Nic Fraraccio
Ladies and gentlemen, the exciting month of March has faded away like the SEC’s hopes of hoisting another championship in the big dance. Although it was not my favorite March Madness, it still provided some amazing stories.
Talking about the champions is easy, but today’s story will focus on those who gave their fans a new sense of hope within the world of sports.
The tournament provided some insane upsets that sent shockwaves through colleges and universities around the country. Yale, Duquesne, Grand Canyon — the list goes on and on.
There is one upset I want to highlight, and specifically, one performance as well. Kentucky fans, you might want to skip ahead a few lines.
May I introduce the Golden Grizzlies of Oakland University: a team led by an unlikely hero. His name is Jack Gohlke, a guard who attempted 364 three-point field goals throughout the season.
Before watching the Golden Grizzlies and Wildcats battle, I knew Gohlke had a chance of making an impact. However, I did not realize I was watching the second coming of Steph Curry.
Whether it was a contested step back or a catch-and-shoot, Gohlke hit shot after shot. He buried the Wildcats and sent them home early. Who knows where Gohlke will be in the coming years — but he certainly deserved this moment.
Many players caught the attention of fans who watched the heart-wrenching tournament. However, a certain team picked up steam and slowly became “America’s team” during the national tournament.
After clawing their way through the ACC championship tournament, the North Carolina State men’s basketball team earned an automatic bid to the tournament March 16 after defeating the North Carolina Tar Heels 84-76.
The Wolfpack entered March Madness as a No. 11 seed. Led by senior guard D.J. Horne and senior forward D.J. Burns Jr., NC State continued their hot streak and battled through the tournament.
After defeating No. 6 Texas Tech, No. 14 Oakland University and No. 2 Marquette University, the Wolfpack faced off against No. 4 Duke University in a highly-anticipated Elite Eight matchup.
This matchup could be given a four-word title: The D.J. Burns Show. The 275-pound forward caught the hearts of fans around the nation. Burns finished the game with 29 points as NC State defeated Duke 76-64 to advance to their first Final Four appearance since 1983.
Sadly, their road to glory ended against Zach Edey and Purdue University April 6, but the story gave fans a glimmer of hope for a Cinderella run in the big dance.
Finally, I want to give credit to the most influential college athlete of our generation. What started as a dream in Des Moines, Iowa, is now becoming a reality for Iowa Hawkeye superstar Caitlin Clark.
With a career that is unmatched and legendary within the realm of collegiate sports, Clark, the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer, inspired generations of fans across the country.
I wish Clark’s collegiate career would end in glory. Unfortunately, the slipper did not fit, and the Gamecocks finished their undefeated season in style.
However, Clark’s career illustrated more than just winning and setting records. It taught us that anything is possible for anyone who puts their mind and heart towards something. Caitlin, your career as an athlete and hero is not over — it is just beginning.
Not all teams have a hero or star that can lead them to the big dance. One team that suffers from this reality is the University of Arkansas men’s basketball team.
I will end my column with a word of encouragement for my fellow Razorback fans. I share your disappointment — I really do. You did not get a special moment in March this season.
Luckily for you, the University of Arkansas has confirmed John Calipari’s appointment as the head coach for the men’s basketball team. Hogs fans, it is time to run it back.
