Dear UC Bearcats Mens Basketball

Dear UC Bearcats Mens Basketball team,

I am writing this not only as a fellow student of the University of Cincinnati, but also because I'm a basketball fan, and even deeper, a college basketball fan.  Considering most of you on the team are my age, give or a take a few years, you'll realize that I am one of you.  For as long as I can remember, I have loved UC Bearcats basketball.  I can remember watching games with my Dad when I was a kid, and I absolutely loved UC, and I still do.  I've never been a fan of Xavier, Louisville, Kentucky, or Ohio State.  Neither football or basketball, and I never will.  I bleed red and black every time.  Whether it be the energy of Kenyon Martin, or the long threes of Steve Logan, I can't remember a time when I was a fan of UC Basketball. 

But things change, as they have to.  After our beloved Coach Bob Huggins left because of "Nazi" Zimpher, I didn't know how to cheer for the Bearcats, but I still did.  I have stuck with you guys for over 10 years, through the good and through the bad.  I won't ever give up on you guys, and I have seen that you guys won't give up either.  Maybe I'm asking to much here, I don't know, but what I do know, is that for the first time in awhile, we'll be at full strength come the Crosstown Shootout when Ibrahima Thomas is eligible.  Whether it be Yancy Gates, Deonta Vaughn, Cashmere Wright, Lance Stephenson, or any other player on the roster, someone other than Deonta has to step up and be a leader.  I'm tired of hearing about Xavier and Ohio State basketball. 

It's time the UC Bearcats were back in the NCAA Tournament, and it's time that we were the number one team in Ohio.  As fans, we need to be selling out "The Shoe" every night, giving the team the atmosphere it wants and needs night in and night out.  As the players, it's your job to exceed the expectations and play your hearts out because, no matter what anyone says, a fan will not give up on a team that plays with their hearts and with all the intensity, no matter the record. 

Please, as a fan, I am not asking, but begging, that you guys live beyond the limits, and save not only the UC Basketball program, but the fans of UC basketball.  Cicninnati is all about red and black, and for the sake of me, and the sake of you, please, stick it to the Silver and Blue. 

Sincerely,
Your Diehard fan,
The Easy