The On Deck Circle

Last night was the reason my heart belongs on Tobacco Road.

Last night was the type of mastery that demanded I paint my bedroom walls Tar Heel Blue as a child.

Last night was why I have read “A Coach’s Life” and “The Carolina Way” over and over as though they contained within them the secret to life’s journey.

Last night was why I brought my Joe Forte jersey to work at a management consulting firm yesterday.

Last night was why I still carry my copy of “500 Reasons I Hate Duke” with me on road trips.

Last night is why I would name my first born child Dean Smith if he asked me, and why I would think for half a moment about one day forgiving Vince Carter (but only for half a moment…after all, let’s be reasonable here).

Oh, to be on Franklin Street. To drink in the fine wine of victory, of Banner Number Five. To shout down the fools in Durham and to sing the praises of Tyler, Ty and the Latest Great Team in the lineage of excellence.

Somewhere, even Matt Doherty is smiling.

To the Heels themselves, thank you. Your mission is accomplished. your potential realized. You put a Vader-like choke hold on the college basketball world three weeks ago and refused to give any team slack.

This was the performance I have been waiting for for the last three months. This was the level of execution that had pundit’s labeling you The Last Great College Team in the preseason. This was Carolina basketball.

This was awesome.

I dream in Carolina Blue, and last night I dreamed well.