Through out my years when my team lost: I was depressed for 24-48 hours. I would barely watch any games after that. Cuz I was jealous others still were living the dream.

As I get older...I bounce back the next day after the loss and actually follow the games more closely.

That said for fans of elite high major teams I think getting to the Sweet 16 is the bare minimum goal.

(03-14-2021 08:42 AM)TexanMark Wrote:  Through out my years when my team lost: I was depressed for 24-48 hours. I would barely watch any games after that. Cuz I was jealous others still were living the dream.

As I get older...I bounce back the next day after the loss and actually follow the games more closely.

That said for fans of elite high major teams I think getting to the Sweet 16 is the bare minimum goal.

On this theme, a defining moment for me followed the Memphis loss to Kansas 13 years ago (2008). I felt terrible for about three days. It was miserable. And then in 2010 (and I mentioned this once on this board) I had an "epiphany" after I acted like a complete buffoon (fortunately I was by myself) when Michigan State beat Tennessee in an Elite Eight game. I took a look in the mirror and decided to make some changes regarding my "fanship" of college and pro sports teams.

With a more reasonable perspective, I have felt so much better since then. As you note, I can actually enjoy sports better than prior to that moment.

(03-14-2021 08:42 AM)TexanMark Wrote:  Through out my years when my team lost: I was depressed for 24-48 hours. I would barely watch any games after that. Cuz I was jealous others still were living the dream.

As I get older...I bounce back the next day after the loss and actually follow the games more closely.

That said for fans of elite high major teams I think getting to the Sweet 16 is the bare minimum goal.

I feel the same way. In the past, if Georgetown was bounced early from the tournament, I would be in the dumps for a day or two as well, even if I knew we were a marginal tournament team and not good enough to have gotten any further. If we were an upset victim, like when Steph Curry knocked us out in 2008, that could last much longer.

But now I'm just more chill about it overall, LOL. This year, I don't expect any grieving at all, given that a week ago I would have bet we didn't have one chance in 500 to get in. It's all good and gravy.

Tony Bennett has definitely spoiled us (Hoos fans). I used to be happy competing for a tournament berth...maybe satisfied with the occasional upset of a highly ranked team. Now I appreciate the pack-line defense, and I’m thrilled when players can create their own shots. Sweet 16 is now an expectation.

The loss to UMBC was a hard blow to take...even a week or two later. But that loss allowed me to appreciate the 2019 run so much more.

I’ve reached the age where I’m happy when we do well, and don’t sweat it when we don’t. I’ve got more than enough real-life drama to worry about without getting aggravated over just a game. But maybe that means I’m not a “serious fan” anymore...