When one takes the time to truly count their blessings and recognize their freedoms, more often than not and even more so among young people, it's rare that one will look as far back as World War 1 or 2 as the reasons for their current situation. Credit often goes to, and in some cases deservedly so, parents, teachers, doctors, police, community leaders and politicians. Although our law enforcement do put their lives on the line daily, the men and women serving in the military carry a significantly larger burden and responsibility to protect not only their city, they also fight to protect their country and in some cases the world.
While the majority of November 11th is spent reflecting on those who have fallen in the line of duty with ceremonies, silence and speech, the NCAA had an idea to lift the moral of soldiers currently serving in the military about to make the very same sacrifices as those who came before them. Consider this, something as simple as a basketball game, an event most take for granted, but to a serviceman or woman about to be deployed into hostile territory, away from family, friends and the comfort of home, could offer an escape from a rigorous daily routine and dangers that are sure to come.
Last night in Quicken Loans, Cleveland, on a the USS Carl Vinson military air craft carrier, on a full size basketball court that was built in 8 days, veterans, those presently serving in the military, players and students were about to be treated to something they would not soon forget. If this being the season opener for both Michigan State and North Carolina was not nerve wrecking enough, United States President Barack Obama would give a moving speech prior to the game and later sit courtside with The First Lady Michelle Obama for the majority of the game.
Although some may take offense to the thought of celebrating Veterans Day with a televised basketball game, it's important to look beyond the surface. The USS Carl Vinson was the among the first carriers to assist both Haiti and Japan after their devastating earthquakes, and helped launch the mission that brought terrorist leader Osama Bin Laden to justice. All three referees officiating the game had served in the military and tickets were given away free to veterans and military serving on the USS Carl Vinson, with the remainder going to students representing both schools. No tax payer dollars were used to put on the event, it was entirely privately funded, with advertisements absent from view aside from a few exceptions. As a nice little touch, both the Michigan State Spartans and North Carolina Tar Heels had their uniforms modified with camouflage print and had "U.S.A." stitched into the back of the jerseys where their names would normally be found.
With no rain in the forecast and the sun slowly setting, following a brief introduction of the players, Michigan coach Tom Izzo, North Carolina coach Roy Williams, Michigan Alum Magic Johnson and North Carolina Alum James Worthy, the game was underway. To say the players were nervous is a huge understatement, but it barely showed early on in their performance. Aside from a few early and easy missed shots, North Carolina went straight to their run and gun style of play, quickly getting up the court and taking a lot of jump shots, helping them gain the early lead. The Michigan Spartans retaliated by being more aggressive, pulling down more rebounds and by scoring in the paint, making for a great contrast of playing styles for those watching aboard the carrier and those watching at home.
When the 2nd half began, it was clear that North Carolina had decided to take over the game and were playing much more relaxed and fluid than they had to start the first. They quickly built a 14 point lead and I slowly began to cringe at the thought of the Michigan State players being victims of a blow out on such a large stage. Although Michigan State did continue to play hard, the North Carolina defense stepped it up and with a flurry of blocked shots, held on for the 67 to 55 win.
I've seen my fair share of college basketball games, and besides the beginning of March Madness and the Final Four, this was the most impressive college basketball game I've seen in recent memory.
