big-time players in big-time moments make big-time plays in big-time games

this was one of my high school football coach's mantras before really big games, and saying that it definitely got my engines going is an understatement. it speaks to my type of personality...wanting to be at bat in the bottom of the ninth, having to lead a field-length 2-minute comeback in the 4th quarter, wanting to take that last shot. the ncaa championship game last night was absolutely amazing to watch. although i wanted memphis to win more than anything (and not just for the sake of my bracket). i felt like the team did not get the credit they deserved all season long, and winning the national championship was the only way to really open peoples' eyes.

the game came down to one simple thing (something bigger than the free throws...lol): kansas' players stepped up and made the plays when it counted down the stretch and memphis did not. of course the free throws are what stick out, but there were other opportunities as well. as much as i love derrick rose's game, he nor memphis' other star, chris douglass-roberts, made the big-time plays when they mattered the most. they say "pressure busts pipes." dealing with it is what separates the great players from the good ones. you have to not only love being on the center stage, but you have to not want to be anywhere else when everything is on the line and it's all up to you.

life tends to put us in these situations at times, and so many people ball up and shy away from the opportunity to be great. there is never room for fear. if you don't shoot the shot, there is a 100% chance that you won't make it