Three weeks ago, when Syracuse was routed by Georgetown 61-39, a Final Four berth was the last thing on their mind. Feeling “embarrassed” and ” lifeless”, the players showed up for practice the next day only to realize that their coaches had forgotten about daylight savings.  They would show up an hour late.

“We were all at practice early and we decided to still do the usual routine, but we were still going to do it hard,” said Michael Carter-Williams.  ”That’s when we came together and took responsibility for ourselves”.  Since that practice, Syracuse has felt a little less lifeless.  In fact, since that practice, Syracuse is 7-1.

Three weeks later, with a strengthened defense, but more importantly, a new outlook, Syracuse crushed Marquette 55-39 and advanced to the next round.

Taking responsibility for yourself goes a long way. Sometimes all the way to the Final Four.