I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Good things happen to good people. In the case of Davidson College, good things happen to a school with a big heart. On Friday night, Stephen Curry and Davidson defeated the
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Good things happen to good people.
In the case of Davidson College, good things happen to a school with a big heart.
On Friday night, Stephen Curry and Davidson defeated the heavily favored University of Wisconsin 73-56 for a spot tonight’s Elite 8 round, and I think that part of the reason they won is because they had good vibes sent their way.
Hardly anyone predicted that Davidson could overcome Wisconsin’s strong defense — even with the hot-handed Curry— but nearly everyone was rooting for them to be this year’s George Mason. And they’re just a game away from accomplishing the same feat those Patriots did.
I say karma may have played a role in it thus far.
Because of the team’s unprecedented success, Davidson’s Board of Trustees offered to pay the way for any student to attend Friday’s game. Offered up were tickets to the Sweet 16 game, tickets to tonight’s game, bus transportation from Davidson to Detroit (11 hours each way) and two nights of lodging at a Detroit area hotel.
How great a gift is that and how cool are these trustees? Granted, Davidson is a school with a student body of 1,700, but still, it’s an extremely generous gesture. What other school thought of doing such a thing for its students?
It’s as if the trustees were thinking that the team going this far in the NCAA tournament might not happen again for a long time, that they wanted all the students to be able to enjoy it.
They and the students were probably thinking that they wouldn’t win, but it would be a great experience to make the trip and support the team. I give kudos to the school and its trustees for thinking of and caring about the students.
I know for sure I would’ve hopped on that bus, regardless of how long it would take. It just be a fun thing to do. A free trip, with tickets, lodging and travel all included? Who wouldn’t?
Approximately 300 students took the school up on the offer and I’m sure they’re all pretty happy they did.
What a prize for them. They make the long trip up to Detroit and to top it all off, they win. That’s such a great story.
Now, 10th-seeded Davidson will take on top-seeded Kansas (see related story on B3) tonight in what I think of a must-see event.
I think a lot of people will watch this game rooting for Davidson, but holding to the reality that Kansas might just be the better team. But that’s what everyone was thinking when they played Georgetown and Wisconsin. So what’s different?
The difference is that pressure only mounts as the team gets deeper into the tournament.
So, tonight, while the Wildcats of Davidson push their winning streak to 26, they will know they have at least 300 of their peers, family and a proud Board of Trustees cheering them on.
If they win, I wonder if the offer will extend to the Final Four, just to keep the good vibes coming. Who knows? Maybe more good will come out of it.
