The fall before that season I took my kids up to a football game. We were milling around outside the O’Connell Center, working our way toward the Gator Walk. We rant into Noah, Horford, Green & Brewer and I said to my sons, “Guys! This is a whole other Gator Walk!” I introduced my kids to those guys, who were almost totally unknown at the time but I did know their names. We talked for a few minutes about the upcoming season. It was surreal. I’m 6’ so all but Taurean are towering over me, but the were such open and honest kids. The players seemed happy to be recognized but were incredibly nice to us and seemed almost reticent to let us go to the football Gator Walk. Of course, I had no idea they’d start 17-0 and go in to with 2 NCs.
I love what that team and that core accomplished on the court, but I can testify that they were super people to us that day. Love them for the men they became and the coach that led them.