'That Lit A Fire' - We All Owe Jim Boeheim Credit For Being A Grumpy Asshole And Playing A Huge Role In NC State's Miracle Run To The Final Four

[Source] - "That brought us together for that second day," Justus said. "That lit a fire."

The biggest reason why: Boeheim targeted Ross, who's the most beloved member on the roster. 

I can't get enough of this NC State run, partly because of how it all played out and who is at the center of it. We know about DJ Burns, he's the lovable legend who will be mentioned for decades when we talk about the NCAA Tournament. I look forward to being called about him when he's an answer on The Dozen in 4 years. We know about DJ Horne, the guy who transferred back home and is the sort of lead guard who can take over a game if need be. Casey Morsell has been in college for 14 years. Mo Diarra is doing all the little things. Ben Middlebrooks is Danny Kanell's nephew

But the real credit goes to Jim Boeheim being a grumpy asshole

That's the moment that Joel Justus is bringing up. Boeheim said the words he doesn't know why anyone would celebrate in the NC State/Louisville game, because they haven't achieved anything of note. Well, guess who is laughing now? 

Little secret for everyone out there, college kids hear and read everything. Not even just college kids, every athlete at any level in 2024 will read or hear what is said about them. Boeheim decided to go after the most beloved player on the team apparently. Well, we know what happened after that. A miracle against Virginia, running the table, surviving Oakland in OT and here we are. Fitting on Wrestlemania weekend we have a couple big guys going at it in the paint in the Final Four. 

This is a dangerous game to admit some credit to Boeheim though. He might be crazy enough to run with it. Wouldn't be surprised if he claims a Final Four bid out of it. He's an ACC guy now - as long as he never has to go to Greensboro. He'll be chanting those 3 letters all weekend. I've seen a lot of what-ifs when it comes to NC State this week. What if Rob Dillingham never decommited? What if Virginia made a free throw? What if Oakland set up a normal ass play at the end of regulation? Norlander lays out some more here in the article. What if DJ Burns never got benched? What if Jim Boeheim was a normal announcer and not grumpy that dudes are celebrating threes on Tuesday of the ACC Tournament? We'd be talking about Duke instead, so thanks Jim. We owe you one.