Dear Cougars,Thank you for the best basketball season ever.
I had high hopes for you - and you did not disappoint.
Yes, I was crushed with your loss last night, but - BUT.
I have never, ever loved you more.
From the thrilling and inconceivable threes of Jimmer, to the unbelievable steals by Jackson, and 32 fantastic wins this season -- It was magical. There's something exhilarating about the way you played. The heart. The effort. The teamwork. It made the game as exciting as it should be. Each game was so fun to watch and made me proud to be a Cougar.
Jimmer, Thank you for everything. You amaze me. Not just with your crazy crossovers or your half-court threes. More than your breathtaking ability, I'm so impressed with your attitude. You are the greatest baller of all time, and yet, you are a level-headed, humble kid who always tried his best and told it like it is. You always gave props to your teammates and it seriously warms my heart that you would keep your focus where it needed to be: on your team. You weren't selfish, when it seemed you had every right to be. You could have easily taken all of the credit for those 32 wins, but you didn't. You always gave a shout out to the team who set up your shots, or defended your basket, or got you the ball.
Also, thank you for not being an idiot. I am grateful that you can speak intelligently in interviews and that you represented not only your team, but our school and our religion well. So many athletes in the media now seem to put off this "dumb jock" persona - I'm glad that you are articulate and humble. You are a great role model. Thank you for all that you did, and will still do as you enter the spotlight of the NBA. You are one of basketball's greats. And I feel honored to be able to say I was able to watch you play. I will proudly wear my "I [heart] Jimmer" shirt forever.
But I think this girl said it best:
Although this season was full of Jimmermania, the rest of the team deserves some highlighting, too. You made it possible for Jimmer to play his best. You got him the ball. You forced turnovers. You weren't selfish and gave Jimmer every opportunity he needed. You hit your threes when Jimmer was having an "off" night. You played your hearts out. And I am grateful for you. You all did your part. Some nights were better than others, but there were plenty of games that displayed to the world why BYU Basketball is such a great thing and why there are millions of us Cougar fans around the world. You worked hard and you deserve to be applauded.
Jimmer, Jackson and Logan - thank you for a great run. You will be sorely missed, but you left a phenomenal legacy. The greatest year BYU Basketball has ever seen - and YOU made it happen.
Abouo, Hartsock, Anderson, Rogers, both Collinsworth boys - what a team. I can't wait for next season. I'm already counting down the months until you hit the court again. (And Kyle, good luck on your mission. How about you come back in two years and be even better? Please don't get any silly injuries on p-days. Thanks.)
Martineau, Winder and Zylstra - You have big shoes to fill. I don't expect you to drop 52 points right away... But I hope you work hard toward next season to step up and keep the legacy going. I believe in you. (Maybe you can get Jimmer to teach you how to play prison ball, or how to dribble down a dark church hallway...)
And Brandon. Oh, Brandon. How I wish you were on the floor instead of the bench. (Though, I'm happy to at least see you there, cheering on your team, your brothers.) I love you dearly and hope to see you in a blue and white jersey next season. You could very well be the future of this team. And I hope you get that opportunity. You are a great kid and an even better baller. Hang in there. Everything will turn out just fine.
Last, but certainly not least: Dave Rose. You, sir, are absolutely amazing to me. Coach of the Year, no doubt. You have done wonders with this team. Please stick around forever.
This season was more than anything I could have hoped for. We made it to the Sweet 16! That's huge! I'm so pleased. And while it wasn't a national title... You are still champions to me.
I've loved the fast-paced nature of your game.
I've loved the unexpected three from Noah when Jimmer is triple-teamed.
I've loved every single time Jackson stole the ball.
I've loved the energy, the spirit and the force you've played with.
I've loved see my school, my beliefs hold up under the scrutiny of the world.
And I absolutely love being a BYU fan.
Thank you. I will forever remember this season with a smile on my face. And I can't wait until next season. Go Cougars!
Sincerely,
Your most loyal fan
That's my Shanna.
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