In the game of basketball, toughness can be seen in a variety of ways. Sometimes toughness is diving after loose balls in order to maintain possession. Sometimes toughness is being willing to hit a three-pointer with just seconds left in the game. And sometimes, toughness is literally taking an elbow in the face with 10.7 seconds left in the game so that your team can get to the free throw line and ice the game.
I’m sure everyone reading this knows exactly what I’m talking about, but if not, let me catch you up to speed: the Heels were up 69-68 in their game against Syracuse Tuesday night, and Judah Mintz nailed RJ Davis in the face on his way to the basket.