Oso planning to go pro
Why does it seem so many want/expect a possible NCAA bid next year? Doesn't Shaka get a year or two to "grow up" this new group of players (similar to what KO did during the last rebuild)?
Want? Because we haven't had NCAA success since Buzz left, and we are anxious for it. I also think because the excitement level around the program skyrocketed with Smart's announcement as it seems like that serendipitous fit we have been waiting for since...well, #DoneDeal went viral.Expect? I don't think everyone expects it, but I think the initial expectation that our three best players would be back along with the hope for high-major starting level players like Kuath, Kolek, and (fingers crossed) Morsell and a deep recruiting class that will at least be able to contribute make it a realistic goal.I do think Shaka will get time to grow up regardless, and if Garcia and Carton both depart (and Morsell doesn't come) expectations will be realistically reset. I also think having 10 underclassmen will lead most to look at 2022-23 and beyond as the time this team will peak. But it's the offseason, so why not choose optimism and hope as opposed to pessimism?
Most people want an NCAA bid next year.I think few people expect it.
Anything short of it is a failure. Al McGuire never missed the NCAA Tournament
(I know you are joking but cheap plug opportunity...)Al McGuire made the NCAA Tournament in 9 of his 13 seasons at Marquette. Find this information at muoverload.com > Players/Coaches > Head Coaches.
IMO, I see many people way overestimating what it takes to make the NCAA tournament. There are average teams who make it every year. Wojo was lowering the bar and expectations each year and making it seem like a herculean task to even finish 5th in the conference and sneak in to the tournament. I predict we make it next year and will be disappointed if we don’t.
Except in '65, '66, '67 and '70. Other than those years, you are correct......
I'm excited to watch a new, athletic team that will play a different style, and I accept there will be growing pains.
Shaka will be given time for rebuilding, however I won't be surprised if Year 1 Shaka rebuild > any year of Wojo. It's a low bar though. All he has to do is make the tournament and not lose by ~20 to a mid major.
I would take the Rick SLU program right now.
For me: I am sick of watching crapty basketball. Obviously I will give Shaka a year or two to get his feet under him, and at this point its evident he's going to need it. This team is not good as currently constructed and has 2 upperclassmen - a spot up shooter and a backup 5. Not good for winning games.But one of the things that excited me the most about the Shaka hire was the hope that there wouldn't be much of a rebuild period and he could hit the ground running. The future looks bright - but the 21-22 season flew out the window when DJ left IMO.
Growing pains are indicative of growth. That, alone, would be an improvement over the last couple years.
Seems to me Shaka is playing to win in Year 1. Once everyone gets on campus the team building will start. It will be that way for most teams since there has been so much player movement. Looking at the rest of The Big East, I think a .500 or better conference season is possible this coming season.
I'm not quite this pessimistic but certainly Dawson's return and a solid PG transfer are much more vital than before
I'm hoping for a team: that looks to be improving game to game and week to week and month to month; that executes the coach's system and vision; that starts to build a culture of intensity and hard work and teamwork; and that lays the groundwork for my alma mater to have years of future basketball success.If Shaka's team accomplishes that, anything on top of it -- W/L-wise, BEast-standings-wise and NCAA tourney-wise -- I'll look as a very pleasant surprise.