Chicago sophomores Jake Moller and Andrew Hines love Kansas basketball. Hines roots for his hometown hero Sherron Collins by wearing his No. 4 jersey for every game. “Chron-Chron Sherron,” he calls him.

Moller’s face lights up with animation when he reflects on the season’s memorable moments. He can’t help but pace around the room excitedly, imitating one of Collins’ three-point baskets against Oklahoma. Both KU students love Kansas basketball, and both are perfect examples of Jayhawk fans.

When Kansas was defeated by Michigan State in the Sweet Sixteen Friday, Hines, Moller and Jayhawk fans around the globe were saddened by the tough loss. However, it’s important to reflect on the season as a whole, and how the team that had been all but written-off came so far.

Going into the 2008-09 basketball season, expectations weren’t high for the young Jayhawks. After winning the national championship in 2008 and losing six of its best players, no one thought Kansas had a chance.

“I thought we were going to be terrible,” Moller said. “I was not looking forward to the season and I wasn’t sure if we were going to make the tournament.”

Moller’s expectations changed, however, as Kansas proved it was a legitimate threat in the Big 12 Conference over the course of the season.

“Late in the season I started to realize that we had a chance to do some damage in the tournament,” Moller said. “We pulled out a lot of big wins and had a solid season after losing our top six players.”

Hines, on the other hand, felt the Jayhawks had potential to be great early in the season. “My expectations were higher than most,” he said. “I thought we had a chance to win it all from the beginning of the season. People had doubts, but I had confidence.”

Looking back on the season, both are pleased with the Sweet Sixteen result, but know there’s great room for improvement.

“After winning the national championship, nothing is as satisfying as winning it all,” Hines said. “But it was a great year, our players played really well. Cole definitely asserted himself as one of the best big men in the country, Sherron as one of the best point guards. I just hope everyone stays for one more year.”

Hines raises the question that is on the mind of every Jayhawk fan: will Aldrich and Collins come back for one more season and bypass the NBA draft? Kansas fans can only hope they will stay, as every member of this season’s team will be eligible to play next year.

The Kansan would like to extend its congratulations to the Jayhwaks for their outstanding performance this season. Watching a young team mature into a dominant basketball program was a wonderful experience. Sherron and Cole: please stick around for one more!