Goodbye, hello

As the end creeps closer it incites reflection of the past and inquiries into the future. There is a certain grand significance that is associated with the end of the school year because it serves as a natural demarcation of time. As finals approach at an ever-quickening pace and socializing at the beach takes a backseat to study groups in the library, it is easy to let our minds wander into the realm of fantasy as a respite from hours of studying. For me, a large portion of this daydreaming of sorts is dominated by sports, basketball in particular.
As I reflect upon the school year that was, I immediately recall the basketball season. Entering the year I harbored guarded yet high hopes for a squad that was in a state of flux. Perhaps my bias blinded me to the harsh realities, but I genuinely believed this could be another 20-win team. I envisioned a Brandon Johnson-led squad laden with talented freshmen eager to prove their worth, upsetting Gonzaga and St. Mary's en route to another thrilling NCAA run. But, alas, my dreams were just that – dreams.
The imagined 20-win team turned out to be an 11-win squad that sadly was not even as good as their paltry record would indicate. Another season decimated by injuries and, far worse, a lack of heart frustrated me to the point of madness. I wish it could have been March Madness but unfortunately it was simply madness by way of 21 losses.
The brilliance of this daydream dichotomy is the optimism associated with the future. Just as I had done last year, I am again fantasizing of hoops glory. With a bevy of incoming talent poised to descend upon the JCP, I am again inclined to boldly proclaim another 20-win season to be on the horizon, capped of by a WCC Championship.
Although the loss of Brandon Johnson will leave the team devoid of a singular, veteran leader there is much to look forward to. Key freshmen gained invaluable experience this past season and will hopefully continue their progression under the tutelage of the upperclassmen. With the addition of the best recruiting class in program history, Grier has taken the steps necessary to create a program that reloads, not rebuilds. 
Unchecked, unbridled optimism is what the college eperience is supposed to be about. If we can't be optimistic now, when can we? I am relishing this small, dwindling window of opportunity to wildly predict greatness and I make no apologies for my brash forecast.  While it may not be reasonable  or even probable, I am willing it into reality. Call me crazy but next year is going to be our year.