Sunday sermon: A dream deferred and future goals

Mar 16, 2014, 10:41 AM

I'm not sure which Clemson fans should be more upset about: getting jobbed like we were this weekend ... or actually getting as angry as we were about it.

Welcome to Greensboro, Clemson ...

After all, if you've followed Clemson basketball for any length of time, you knew ... just KNEW ... that once UNC fell we might as well walked on the court wearing blindfolds and smoking cigarettes. There was no way we were walking out alive.

Just the latest in a long line of memorable moments for us.

Still, it hurts. And there's nothing I can say that will make it hurt less, nor to ease the injustice that comes when the powers that be deny righteous reward....except to say there are better days ahead.

"What happens to a dream deferred?"

Langston Hughes asked that question nearly a century ago, and we're asking ourselves now. Now that the hot flash of anger has been quelled in that deep stagnant pool of disappointment that seems to accompany our hopes in March, where do we go from here?

First, we should rejoice.

Rejoice? Why? Because for the first time in years, the inevitable screw job in Greensboro is not the end of things. The Tigers will live to play again. For the faithful few of us who appreciate the twisted, torturous trail of Clemson basketball, this is a rare treat.

The NIT may be Wild Turkey, rather than single malt scotch, but rejoice and drink deeply.

Second, we should remember.

Every member of this team knows they could be spending this evening watching selection Sunday to learn their future, rather than reinforce their fate.

And every member of this team (including you, KJ, if you wish to make history) will be able to bring that knowledge back to Clemson this fall. The fact that we came so close without a single senior creates the rare opportunity for a single heart and mind going into next year.

Coach Brownell said it best: "We could taste the NCAA." It was a sizzling steak plopped in front of a team and fans who could truly savor the specialness of the feast ... then yanked away by a snooty maitre'd and hauled back to the kitchen. We're left with a cold potato and memories of what could have been.

Please Mr. Swofford ... can I have some more?

Remember that aroma and spend the winter dwelling not on the injustice, but on the ultimate justice of digging into that feast in the presence of our enemies next March.

Third, we should re-dedicate.

This team lost four games in the last 15 seconds of regulation. Two by the actions of incompetent officiating, and two by its own hands. Those games are the difference between where we are and where we could be. Like a 32 RPI, an ACC semifinalist, everything we deserve.

In a sense, the guys can be forgiven. After all, there's been precious little personal travel plan for this sort of success here. But with a team coming back in force, with some much-needed offensive improvement on the way, and the knowledge of what needs to be done, we must re-dedicate ourselves as a team and as fans to take every advantage that comes our way next year.

Two-point losses to next year's Auburn, missed opportunities against a Wake Forest ... these are the baggage that must be cast away. The ability to go into the final 30 seconds of a game, knowing that the refs can't take it away, this should be the goal.

For now, we've got one more round. By this evening, we'll know who is coming into Littlejohn (and I fully expect us to host) and I pray we're able to take our deferred dream, squeeze every ounce of bitterness out of it and use it as a fuel of rage.

Go out roaring, Tigers. This season isn't over yet. And if we are to be cheated, then let someone pay the price.