My heart hurts today

Not because we lost in the Elite Eight.

Because I will so badly miss Wall, Cousins, and Patterson next year.

You really have to appreciate how special it was to watch these kids in action this year.

Every time Wall grabbed a rebound and turned up the court, you instantly caught your breath in anticipation of the oft-repeated lob dunk or otherwise spectacular finish. Watching stunned whenever he just decided it was time to slice up a defense and finish off the glass with a reverse off hand layup.

Cousins being draped on in the post by multiple players like puppies biting his ankles. Sulking on the bench and trading jabs with Cal over his mistreatment by the officials. The rim-bending dunks. His smile after getting thrown to the ground when he realized they couldn't provoke him. His humorous, witty remarks in locker room interviews.

Patterson, the ultimate team player, the stalwart defender, and the quintessential heart of this team.

Yes, the new class will be exciting and new. And we'll be good next year. Cal's presence guarantees that we will not fall to mediocrity. But it won't be the same as this first, young, explosive, exciting team.

More than I'm sad about losing the chance to win it all, I'm really going to miss those guys.

Thanks to John, DeMarcus, and Patrick for all the thrills you gave us this year.

Thank God, Thank God you chose to come to UK. We'll never forget you.

.

Let's not get too sad yet. They have not declared anything yet. I still have faith they will be back until I see different I will be optimistic that winning or at least getting to final four means something to these guys.

Maybe the impending NBA lockout will influence them to stay.