Joe revels in his feel-good feelings...such a rare treat for a Nets fan

June 2, 2002
Plaudits and Ovations
This one's for you – whether you're a long time, long-suffering Nets fan, or just hopping on the bandwagon now.

No, the job's not done. No settling for second best here. We've come this far, we might as well survive and advance once more, to the ultimate glory.

But a foundation-building run through the regular season, followed by this runaway rollercoaster of a playoff beast? C'mon, we can take a minute and feel good about it. Hell, I plan on taking two or three days to let this all sink in.

When Champagne and I started this gig, right smack at the start of the 2000 - 2001 season, we did it because it seemed like it would be a fun way to feed our growing addiction for NBA basketball, the Nets, and this thing they call the internet. We could be creative in our self-loathing, and having a great visual presentation courtesy of the multi-talented Champagne would certainly add to the attraction. But mostly, we could offer something special, that no one else was offering at the time: an entertaining look at the Nets, and everything that surrounds the NBA, from the games to the players to the arena experience. And if anyone else found us and shared in the experience, well, so much the better.

Never in our wildest dreams could we ever imagine that the team would take off to these dizzying heights, let alone this web site. Well, both are doing well for themselves at the moment, and Champagne and I couldn't be prouder. Because in the end, much like the team, our success is totally dependent upon all of you. We know how long you've waited for this moment. We have too, suffering through the years of ineptitude while the Chicagos and Los Angeleses of the world were winning championships. And we know you never felt one moment of jealousy, because you were certainly trained not to be jealous knowing your franchise was cursed and could never be cured.

Well, now we know better, don't we?

On a personal level, this season is the best possible answer to 26-plus years of frustration, made even more incredible because no one, including Rod Thorn, Byron Scott, Jason Kidd, or even Joe or Champagne, could possibly have imagined this. The unexpected pleasure is usually one of the best. Savor this moment, this feeling, this high that we're all on. I know I will. Because in a day or so it will be time to get back to work, analyzing the matchups and worrying over the possibilities.

We've lived a dream this year over here at Joe Netsfan Central. Much of it because of you all - you've made it much more enjoyable sharing in our pain, and now our intense pleasure. So, in our moment of glory, and my moment of satisfaction, I wanted to turn the diatribe over to some of you who have taken the time to write in, and let you share your expressions of joy.

Keith Hunt: Isn't today a beautiful day? It has always been a dream of mine to see the New Jersey Nets in the NBA Finals before I die. My dreams have finally come true!

Stephen Del Percio: I feel like I'm in a dream right now and I'm loving every minute of it. This is what sports is supposed to be about, and regardless of what happens next round I will never, ever forget this team for taking us on such a great ride, particularly during what was a really difficult year for me and a lot of other people around here.

Joss Williams: I just wanted to say congratulations to both of you guys! This is just so so exciting. I was overcome with emotions and I've only been a Nets fan for 7 years. I can't imagine how you felt.

Vince Vincenzo: Elation doesn't begin to describe it...I'm on cloud 9,000. This is OUR YEAR!!!! This is OUR TEAM!!

Jeofrey Vita: I'm still choked up. It won't sink in until I have two copies of every paper that will carry the story...We are going to the NBA Finals. [...] The Nets have been the underdog to every team in this series. And they will be the underdog in the Finals. We wouldn't want it any other way. 'Cause you see ... we're not done yet.

Len Franco Jr.: I honestly can't believe that the Nets won and are going to the NBA FINALS!!!!!! This past month has been surreal. [...] No matter how this season ends up and I think there will be a couple more twists and turns, this has been the most gratifying and satisfying sports ride I have ever been on.

Thanks again, everyone, for your continued support. Keep sending us your thoughts. We want to hear everything you have to say about this amazing ride we're on, or anything else that's on your mind. Much like the great team chemistry on the Nets, we're blessed with a great bunch of Nets fans. We hope we bring you a chuckle and some insight, or at least a place to go looking for Nets news. Now, on the the NBA Finals, against the (fill in the winner of the Western Conference here) in sunny California.
- Joe

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