Waiting is the worst part.

University of Louisville basketball fans have been waiting since 1986 for another NCAA championship.  The most rowdy and robust of them these days weren’t even around 27 years ago.

The Cardinals have been in the tournament 21 times since then, bowing out in the Sweet 16 five times, the Elite Eight three times, and the Final Four twice. Impressive, a record envied by most any program, but disappointing and frustrating for UofL fans, such a long time since winning the ultimate prize.

So here we are back again, hoping to experience that feeling that only one school out of approximately 340 Division 1 will know, the ecstasy of winning it all. Having been there both times it happened for UofL, there is no better feeling, unforgettable, one that never subsides.

Holding our collective breath, knowing that luck plays a huge role, recognizing that much is riding on every shot, each defensive sequence and all those unpredictable calls that can go either way. Knowing the University of Louisville is so close, yet so far away.

The ride has been fun this season. about as good as it gets, with a share of the Big East Conference title, the Big East Tournament championship and a 31-5 won-lost record. A special year no matter where UofL winds up in the NCAA Tournament.

The prize that every Louisville fan wants again, however, is one more championship. So badly for a group of special players. The anticipation is a integral part of the process, the most difficult of all, anticipating, hoping and longing for an end to the long wait between titles.

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By Charlie Springer

Charlie Springer is a former Louisville editor and sportswriter, a public affairs consultant, a UofL grad and longtime fan.

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