Grantland on the loss

Submitted by J.Madrox on

Good article by Shane Ryan over at the Triangle and Grantland.

The Pain of Losing Well

 

That sense of composure, even amid the tears and the reality of the loss, was what stayed with me after I left. The situation in the locker was not ideal, but the sport makes money because people care, and because people care, journalists have to ask their questions, and the players have to answer. And even though the players aren't compensated like professionals, this particular bunch behaved like them. There's strength in that, and you can't help but be impressed. It's a measure of their character and John Beilein's.

 

Not usually a fan of Shane Ryan but I felt this article was a good summation of the fact that there is still a lot to be proud of with this team even after the loss.

Erik_in_Dayton

April 9th, 2013 at 10:54 AM ^

Everyone should read that.  It's great...Michigan played in an all-time great final last night, a game that may have reminded a lot of people of the beauty of college basketball.  At the beginning of last year, we weren't sure they'd even make the tournament.  Now, in two years, they've won the Big Ten and nearly won the national title. 

bluebelle

April 9th, 2013 at 11:00 AM ^

Thanks for posting! I didn't think I could get any more proud of the team, but I just did. Classy representatives of the university and admirable human beings. Also, I want to give Stauskas a hug.

HAIL2V

April 9th, 2013 at 11:00 AM ^

Hold your heads up boys and be proud.  You gave it all and I'm proud of you and proud to be a Michigan fan - ALWAYS.  Go Blue!

LSAClassOf2000

April 9th, 2013 at 11:01 AM ^

This part got to me a little bit, in a good, poignant way:

"When everyone had finished, they sang the fight song together. It was a postgame tradition normally reserved for a win, but it felt like the right way to end the season."

It is absolutely the right way to call it a season for this team, I think - down after this loss but never out and eager to return. As much as they've won with grace and an element of fun, they've lost with dignity and never once lost that team bond nor gave up on the notion that Michigan would achieve its goals.

Thanks for sharing this piece. Good find!

Blue in Yarmouth

April 9th, 2013 at 11:03 AM ^

I watched the game (and haven't missed one game this year) and looked at the blog today and see all these board posts trying to urge people to keep perspective after that loss. I didn't go online last night at all, so I don't know if something happened to provoke such posts, but if people are angry about how this season went I think they need their heads examined. It was a great game and we lost to another great team who has a great coach. There is nothing to be ashamed of for these young men, and there's nothing for fans to be upset about. They played their hearts out and I couldn't be more proud of the team they have become. Well done boys! I look forward to watching those who stay play next year. Go Blue!

M-Wolverine

April 9th, 2013 at 11:08 AM ^

That's what Vince Lombardi said, and he was right. But not being a good loser doesn't mean you can't lose with class.  Though I'd probably be much more on the Hardaway end of the spectrum.  Thanks for linking this.

French West Indian

April 9th, 2013 at 11:18 AM ^

I'm pretty sure last night was all win for Team Adidas.  If only we had gone with the sleeves, it would have been even more perfect!

French West Indian

April 9th, 2013 at 1:17 PM ^

...we won!  We're not "talking" about uniforms, we are celebrating the victory of our team.  The important thing is that it was an all-Adidas final and we couldn't lose.

Like I said, almost perfect except we should've opted for the sleeves.

denardogasm

April 9th, 2013 at 12:30 PM ^

The only thing that pisses me off about this article (aside from asking Vogrich what his name is after his team lost the championship... Wtf?) is that I'm so sick of people talking about this team like it was an 8 seeded bubble team or something. We were in the top 5 almost the entire year and were getting votes for #1 just as long as Louisville. But he says we played above our ability or something to get there? The team gelled and realized their potential. It was not luck that we were up by twelve on this "team that can't lose" after plowing through probably the toughest road in the tourney with only one scare. Thanks for recognizing their class, but give the team the respect it's due for its play as well.

Adam Schnepp

April 9th, 2013 at 1:20 PM ^

Good article. I was going to watch some of the post-game press conference videos but don't feel the need to anymore. The article seems to do a good job of capturing the mood of the room but doesn't come off as contrived or as if there was a predetermined angle.

GoBluePhil

April 9th, 2013 at 3:41 PM ^

"Are you a Character? Or do you have character." This Michigan team had plenty of character. They took everybody's best shot. They showed their youth at times but overall they played every game with passion and grit. They battled and fought through a conference ending losing streak and a disappointing Big Ten Tournament to pick up the pieces and make a fantastic run in the NCAA Tournament. I am so proud to be a Michigan fan and season ticket holder. Go Blue!!!