Dear Aaron White: A Letter from One Hawk Fan on Behalf of Thousands

Dear Aaron White:

I wanted to tell you something that undoubtedly thousands of other Hawkeye fans would like to tell you too. It's thank you, but so much more than that.

I've been a Hawkeye fan since before I was even old enough to know what "fan" meant. Before you arrived in Iowa City, I had lost my passion for Iowa basketball. I'm not proud of it, but I honestly had.

When I was a kid growing up in southern Iowa, we DID NOT miss an Iowa basketball game... even then they were nearly all on television. When my sister was bed-ridden after a surgery, those memories of our entire family together watching our beloved Hawkeyes are ones I'll cherish forever.

From Lute Olson to George Raveling, Tom Davis and many great players, I sometimes felt like I lived and died with the Hawks. Somewhere, I lost that. Problems off the court, futility on it, and apathy toward the program had gripped me and many fans.

Things started to change when Fran arrived, and when you did as well. The passion, excitement, and talent you bring to the court and he brings to the sideline restored hope several years ago. The NIT run two years ago fueled the spirit. The NCAA opening-round game a year ago was just another step. This year, a leap.

Thanks to you AND your teammates Aaron... we'd love to see you in the Hawkeye colors another 15 days. However, if we lose today all Hawkeye fans know the future is much brighter than it was when you arrived. I'll have butterflies in my stomach all day 'til tonight's tip-off and I'll love every second of it. Go Hawks!