Mack to Louisville?

[Goose]

Gooo

Five years later there are still pro Buzz guys, including me. Not many pro TC guys since his departure. I was noting that Buzz still supporters in MKE and a lot of anti Buzz guys. 

As for Al, yes a large number of folks had an unhappy seven days in 1977, but come on. That one is a stretch to me. That said, that was an ugly stretch in Feb in 1977.

[GoldenWarrior11]

Every since he left for VT, I have been very curious to see how long Buzz stays at VT.  Much of it will depend on the support he continues to get from Babcock and the President.  The fan base loves him, and as long as they just continue to make the tournament, with a win or a run every now and then, he can be there as long as he wants. 

I was actually perplexed why Louisville didn't reach out to Buzz.  He seems like he would be a perfect fit there.  Again, it's probably due to his support that he gets from VT admin and fan base. 

[Nukem2]

Gooo

Five years later there are still pro Buzz guys, including me. Not many pro TC guys since his departure. I was noting that Buzz still supporters in MKE and a lot of anti Buzz guys. 

As for Al, yes a large number of folks had an unhappy seven days in 1977, but come on. That one is a stretch to me. That said, that was an ugly stretch in Feb in 1977.

That was a tough stretch at the Arena.  Still can’t believe people were booing.  My brother and I just looked at each other in the stands at the end of the Witchita State game when folks were booing and said ya gotta be kidding.  That was a tough season with Al announcing his retirement in December.  It was like the air was let out of the Arena building some games.  Though, those 3 teams were actually very good with some great talent in Cheese Johnson, John Long, and a good DePaul bunch. 

[Nukem2]

Every since he left for VT, I have been very curious to see how long Buzz stays at VT.  Much of it will depend on the support he continues to get from Babcock and the President.  The fan base loves him, and as long as they just continue to make the tournament, with a win or a run every now and then, he can be there as long as he wants. 

I was actually perplexed why Louisville didn't reach out to Buzz.  He seems like he would be a perfect fit there.  Again, it's probably due to his support that he gets from VT admin and fan base.

Buzz does not really fit the formal horse country image down there.  Denny Crum, Rick Pitino and then Buzz...nope.  In any event, the Villle really wanted a good face after the last few years.

[Pakuni]

I was actually perplexed why Louisville didn't reach out to Buzz.  He seems like he would be a perfect fit there.  Again, it's probably due to his support that he gets from VT admin and fan base.

Louisville didn't reach out to Buzz because the fans at Virginia Tech like him? That's .... odd.
Better theory .... Louisville didn't reach out to Buzz because they wanted someone with a squeaky clean image and more accomplished record.
For all the cr@p Wojo gets around here (some if it deserved), let's not forget Buzz hasn't won a tournament game in five years.

[WarriorDad]

Louisville didn't reach out to Buzz because the fans at Virginia Tech like him? That's .... odd.
Better theory .... Louisville didn't reach out to Buzz because they wanted someone with a squeaky clean image and more accomplished record.
For all the cr@p Wojo gets around here (some if it deserved), let's not forget Buzz hasn't won a tournament game in five years.

Correct theory.  The media would have killed Louisville with the stories that happened here when Coach Williams was the head of the program, fairly or not.  If Mack doesn't work out, however, Williams would be a perfect fit for Louisville.

[79Warrior]

That was a tough stretch at the Arena.  Still can’t believe people were booing.  My brother and I just looked at each other in the stands at the end of the Witchita State game when folks were booing and said ya gotta be kidding.  That was a tough season with Al announcing his retirement in December.  It was like the air was let out of the Arena building some games.  Though, those 3 teams were actually very good with some great talent in Cheese Johnson, John Long, and a good DePaul bunch.

I was at that Witcha State game on the floor behind the basket in the student section. The boos were directed at the refs who tossed Al. It was bedlam when he got kicked out. Those boos were not directed at Al or the team. The refs got escorted off the floor by the police.

[Nukem2]

I was at that Witcha State game on the floor behind the basket in the student section. The boos were directed at the refs who tossed Al. It was bedlam when he got kicked out. Those boos were not directed at Al or the team. The refs got escorted off the floor by the police.

Nope, they were after the game as the team was leaving the floor.  Yes, we booed the refs as well.  But, that was well before.

[Billy Hoyle]

Thanks both. The "no academic interest" issue seems insignificant - I mean, did anyone believe Henry Ellenson was even remotely interested in MU's academics? The other points make more sense, though they're mostly problems I'm willing to accept as the price of doing business in modern college sports (so long as they're handled adequately, which Buzz did much of the time but not always). I remember each of the events listed when they occurred, and they never stood out as "program rot." But combined with entitlement/constant $ demands/constant flirting, I can see why the Board would be annoyed.

Ellenson was a one and done all along, that was made clear from the start. Buzz brought in guys who had to go to school every summer just to get eligible. It wasn’t just one, it was a majority of the team. MU leadership tired of that being an annual issue and Buzz’s openly not caring about academics.

[Billy Hoyle]

It can work on an occasional basis - like for a 5-star prospect - but it can ruin your APR if it happens too often.

As long as a one and done finishes the semester eligible and signs a pro contract it does not affect APR.

But, guys who finish their eligibility and don’t graduate does negatively affect APR.

[Newsdreams]

Do you have children ChitownSpaceForRent?  I would suggest you withhold commentary until you do.

I do have children, well no longer children, and find Chitown's commentary is right. If basketball keeps you from going to a son's wedding you are really messed up.

[Lennys Tap]

So he doesn't go to his own sons wedding if Marquette is playing in March? Seems like his priorities are very, very different than I would guess most people with children.

Maybe exchange your need to be judgmental for a sense of humor. Everyone (including you) will benefit.

[LAZER]

Louisville didn't reach out to Buzz because the fans at Virginia Tech like him? That's .... odd.
Better theory .... Louisville didn't reach out to Buzz because they wanted someone with a squeaky clean image and more accomplished record.
For all the cr@p Wojo gets around here (some if it deserved), let's not forget Buzz hasn't won a tournament game in five years.

Is Mack really that much cleaner than Buzz? I agree on the results though, I’m always surprised about the longing for Buzz here based on what he’s done since 2013.

[Herman Cain]

As long as a one and done finishes the semester eligible and signs a pro contract it does not affect APR.

But, guys who finish their eligibility and don’t graduate does negatively affect APR.

I am pretty sure Henry left before finishing semester.

[Herman Cain]

This.  The last thing we needed was to have Marquette become a mini-Louisville with the athletic department running the University.

Mrs. Cain drew a line in the sand in opposition when one of our kids was recruited by Louisville. Her position was Louisville was a glorified community college and completely corrupt. So there are people who share your opinion.

[NorthernDancerColt]

Buzz does not really fit the formal horse country image down there.  Denny Crum, Rick Pitino and then Buzz...nope.  In any event, the Villle really wanted a good face after the last few years.

Despite Churchill hosting the Derby, the real horse country is at Keeneland in Lexington. Most of the top farms reside within a few miles of Lexington. Blue-blood to the hilt. Genteel folk. UK gets a bad rap re "rednecks", but there are some serious monied interests at play with that university. Keeneland has a couple UK days each meet, and the place looks like a Burberry/Lands End/ Mark Shale catalogue or GQ mag. Go to Churchill any day other than Derby day, and it's just a typical racetrack, with no dress code. No offense to the good people of Churchill/Louisville (I actually feel more comfortable there), but Buzz would fit right in at the 'Ville under the Twin Spires.

[🏀]

Despite Churchill hosting the Derby, the real horse country is at Keeneland in Lexington. Most of the top farms reside within a few miles of Lexington. Blue-blood to the hilt. Genteel folk. UK gets a bad rap re "rednecks", but there are some serious monied interests at play with that university. Keeneland has a couple UK days each meet, and the place looks like a Burberry/Lands End/ Mark Shale catalogue or GQ mag. Go to Churchill any day other than Derby day, and it's just a typical racetrack, with no dress code. No offense to the good people of Churchill/Louisville (I actually feel more comfortable there), but Buzz would fit right in at the 'Ville under the Twin Spires.

This was poetic, nice work.

[Lennys Tap]

For all the cr@p Wojo gets around here (some if it deserved), let's not forget Buzz hasn't won a tournament game in five years.

LOL. Virginia Tech pre Buzz was DePaul minus the Meyer years. One NCAA appearance in 10 years, two in 28. Making back to back tournaments at Va Tech is like making the Final Four at an Illinois or a Georgia Tech, e.g. Banner worthy.

[Pakuni]

LOL. Virginia Tech pre Buzz was DePaul minus the Meyer years. One NCAA appearance in 10 years, two in 28. Making back to back tournaments at Va Tech is like making the Final Four at an Illinois or a Georgia Tech, e.g. Banner worthy.

Little history lesson for you, Lenny.
During Seth Greenberg's time in Blacksburg, the Hokies had four 20+-win seasons and finished in the top 5 of the ACC five times. They had bad luck when it came time for Selection Sunday, essentially serving as Team Bubble Watch before MU claimed the title under Buzz, and usually coming out on the wrong end.
But they were nothing like the DePaul, which has one winning season since 2006 and hasn't finished better than 7th in its conference since then. You making that comparison is either hyperbole run amok or ignorance.

Anyhow, enjoy that "We lost in the first round - twice!" banner ceremony. Take pictures and post them.

[Lennys Tap]

Little history lesson for you, Lenny.
During Seth Greenberg's time in Blacksburg, the Hokies had four 20+-win seasons and finished in the top 5 of the ACC five times. They had bad luck when it came time for Selection Sunday, essentially serving as Team Bubble Watch before MU claimed the title under Buzz, and usually coming out on the wrong end.
But they were nothing like the DePaul, which has one winning season since 2006 and hasn't finished better than 7th in its conference since then. You making that comparison is either hyperbole run amok or ignorance.

Anyhow, enjoy that "We lost in the first round - twice!" banner ceremony. Take pictures and post them.

Little history lesson for you, Pakuni.

Buzz didn't succeed Seth Greenberg at Tech. In the year prior to Buzz's arrival the Hokies were 9-22, 2-18 in the ACC. Year before that, 13-19, 4-14. Year before that (Greenberg's last), 16-17, 4-12. In the 18 years BB (before Buzz), Tech made 1 NCAA tourney and 4 NITs. In that same period, DePaul made 2 NCAAs and 4 NITs.

DePaul 4 years ago and VaTech 4 years ago were two of the biggest dumpster fire programs in major college basketball. Was DePaul worse than 2-18, 4-14 and 4-12? Yes, I'll grant you that. But saying the two programs weren't comparable is either hyperbole run amok or ignorance.

Snark all you want, but when a program that's made the tournament twice in 30 years makes it back to back that's quite an accomplishment.

And please, stop with that "team bubble" nonsense. I don't care what some writer dubbed them, Buzz had only one team anywhere near the bubble (an 11 seed that made the S16). His other 4 NCAA teams were seeded 6,6,3 and 3 - which means ranked between 21-24 twice and 9-12 twice - nowhere near "the bubble" unless you are dealing in hyperbole run amok or ignorance.

[MarquetteDano]

Little history lesson for you, Pakuni.

Buzz didn't succeed Seth Greenberg at Tech. In the year prior to Buzz's arrival the Hokies were 9-22, 2-18 in the ACC. Year before that, 13-19, 4-14. Year before that (Greenberg's last), 16-17, 4-12. In the 18 years BB (before Buzz), Tech made 1 NCAA tourney and 4 NITs. In that same period, DePaul made 2 NCAAs and 4 NITs.

DePaul 4 years ago and VaTech 4 years ago were two of the biggest dumpster fire programs in major college basketball. Was DePaul worse than 2-18, 4-14 and 4-12? Yes, I'll grant you that. But saying the two programs weren't comparable is either hyperbole run amok or ignorance.

Snark all you want, but when a program that's made the tournament twice in 30 years makes it back to back that's quite an accomplishment.

And please, stop with that "team bubble" nonsense. I don't care what some writer dubbed them, Buzz had only one team anywhere near the bubble (an 11 seed that made the S16). His other 4 NCAA teams were seeded 6,6,3 and 3 - which means ranked between 21-24 twice and 9-12 twice - nowhere near "the bubble" unless you are dealing in hyperbole run amok or ignorance.

Not going to get into this battle but I do chuckle over the constant talking about VaTech.  As someone who spends a fair bit of time in Blacksburg for work, and works with an untold amount of Tech grads,  Scoop talks more about their B-Ball program than they do.  Half of them don't even think about their basketball program until March rolls around.  And exiting in the first round means it is short lived.

[Pakuni]

Little history lesson for you, Pakuni.

If you're sticking by the argument that Virginia Tech 's program was as bad as DePaul's has been, there's no use continuing this discussion. It's like discussing astrophysics with Kyrie Irving.
Chicos:Crean::Lenny:Buzz

[rocky_warrior]

Are we really having this discussion about "what constitutes a blue blood" again?

Seriously - quickest way to a 10 page thread around here.

Of course, that thread will devolve into a discussion about Buzz.

So, what's X up to these days?

[Nukem2]

Seriously - quickest way to a 10 page thread around here.

Of course, that thread will devolve into a discussion about Buzz.

So, what's X up to these days?

Travis Steele.

[cheebs09]

Is Mack really that much cleaner than Buzz? I agree on the results though, I’m always surprised about the longing for Buzz here based on what he’s done since 2013.

This. Xavier was mentioned in the FBI probe and have had their own off the court issues. Heck, they had their own on the court discipline issues. Mack didn’t get the job due to a squeaky clean image. I’d say he has a better resume than Buzz.