IT

IT is too hard to describe. IT separates winners and losers. IT makes up for less talent and less resources.

What is IT?

I still can't explain what IT fully is. All I know is that I know what IT is when I see IT.

I've sensed that Men's Basketball has had IT this year. They hustled early in the year. They worked hard. I could just tell that UCONN Men's Basketball could win because they had IT.

I can usually tell pretty quickly whether or not an athlete has IT. For example players that have IT include Maya Moore and Kemba Walker. Players that don't have IT can be talented. But the reason they don't have IT is because they are just missing that other thing that can put them over the top.

Most athletes don't have IT. Many have some parts of IT and the best players with IT can give some of IT to their teammates. IT is probably best described as an attitude, a confidence, a work ethic. IT is all the InTangibles that go into winning. It's what puts you over the top. People with IT go to practice each and everyday with a purpose. If they don't accomplish that purpose they don't go "oh well." Instead they go off and work on whatever they need to on their own.

People with IT expect a lot out of themselves. They lead by example and by doing that they gain respect and followers of others. IT is coachable and not a complainer. IT picks up after teammates. IT shows up to practice on time prepared to go.

IT makes all the difference in the world. IT can energize players, fans and coaches and ignite teams which in turn can ignite communities. You have to have a willingness to work, a willingness to do the things necessary to fuel your need to win. IT has and always will separate great teams from mediocre ones.

UCONN and BUTLER both have IT. It's why they will be playing tomorrow. IT makes all the difference in the world.