If you don’t learn anything else from this past crazy Elite 8 Sunday, remember this: Circumstances don’t define you. How you respond defines you. Luke Maye was not initially offered a scholarship by UNC his childhood dream school. So his thoughts, Ok I’ll walk on and work hard every day and become a hero. Within 2 years, he has made a name for himself and basically saved UNC to date in this tournament. He hits the game winner with 1 second left in the highest pressure game possible. Issac Humphries for Kentucky has been surrounded by stars this year and rarely had a chance to make a name for himself. He was given an opportunity on Sunday and despite his team losing he was ready for is moment and showed what he was capable of.
Lets take this to the team level. Back in October 2016, did anyone honestly have South Carolina in the Final Four? Maybe the Coach Martin, the players, and a few die hard fans but come on the normal basketball fan probably could not have named a single players name. What they have accomplished to date is about as miraculous as Coastal Carolina’s fairy tale College World Series win this past spring. These 2 teams are perfect examples of it doesn’t matter what others predict or say about you. What matters is what you choose to focus on. Focus on no one gives us a chance or focus on just getting better day by by. Focus on staying together as a team and believing in yourself when no one else does. Because of this mentality that is an extension of their coach, South Carolina has accomplished more than most teams that have high expectations and have more talent. South Carolina hasn’t given in to their circumstances throughout the year. They have let how they respond, more resilient and tougher to each challenge define them.
Too often we hang our heads due to circumstances. Winners and successful people in life respond by being productive and positive. Even if things aren’t going their way, they work hard and prepare for their moment. Too many get soured and then the moment passes them by or they aren’t prepared for their moment. Be prepared for your moment.