OK. So you lost to Alabama in the first round of the SEC Tournament and there is no way that you will get a bid to the NCAA Tournament. Big deal.
You four true freshmen (six, counting walk-ons) came to Vanderbilt as coach Kevin Stallings' most heralded recruiting class as the head coach of the Commodores. You are all oozing with athleticism, and have had Commodore fans across the country foaming at the mouth with excitement about the potential for this team.
But you must understand that this will require a long-term commitment to the Black and Gold to truly live up to expectations. Being a freshman (I will never give in to calling you first-years) at Vanderbilt is difficult enough in its own right. Add in the commitment to a varsity sport and it's a miracle everyone has made it this far.
Your team was recently rated by college basketball expert Ken Pomeroy as one of the least experienced squads in the nation. Out of 344 teams, you were ranked 338th.
The fact that you have won 19 games so far this season is a testament to the fine coaching job that Stallings has done, possibly the best of his career.
But there is always room for improvement.
Use the likely NIT bid as an opportunity to grow as a team. Understand your limitations and try to play within yourselves. You are such an athletic bunch that sometimes you rely too much on raw talent, leading to the occasional lazy pass or defensive lapse.
This team is heading in a much better direction than a certain blindfolded sports reporter, and it would be a shame to see all of that talent go to waste. Commit yourselves to getting better over this last bit of the season and hit the gym hard to train for next year.
The future is very bright for this team, and the power to make a difference is in your hands. This is a lot of responsibility for a group of freshmen, but in just a few short months, you'll be sophomores. You are all seasoned veterans by this point in the season, but soon your class status will catch up with your playing experience.
Enjoy a few weeks of rest and relaxation once the season comes to a close, but then be prepared to get right back to work.
For the best, there is no offseason.
