If MU loses in the next round, how do you rate the season?

[tower912]

I am of the opinion that any sweet 16 is a successful season.    House money now.

[nyg]

Heck, at the start of the year I would have thought just making the tournament was an accomplishment..

[MUBBau]

I think the fact we won conference and are already in the Sweet 16 makes it an excellent season, especially after what we lost from last years team.

[brewcity77]

I really hate to say it, but I'll be disappointed. At the Haunted Hoops Fish Fry, Buzz said that the Sweet 16 was no longer good enough. I want to see them pass the Sweet 16 test this year and get to the Elite 8.

Win Thursday and this year is an absolute success. Lose and while it will still be a good season, I'll be disappointed. Of course, I also had much higher expectations than most did for this team going back to last season.

[Newsdreams]

It would be successfully specially for what the expectations for this team were - Picked to finish 7th Big East and some people thinking it a bubble team.

[Slim]

It's obvious how the voting will go. An overwhelming majority will consider the season a success.

It has been an odd odd wonderful year.

The condensation, the bat, lining the teams up the wrong direction in overtime, Buzz dancing. these things just don't happen. A preseason 7Th ranked conference team making the sweet sixteen. The Syracuse game was the most exciting game in recent memory.

I had a great time - and we're not done.

[MUSF]

If the season ends next week, it will be the end of a great season.

This team exceeded almost everyone's expectations, and it's been a hell of a lot of fun watching them do it. The guys play their butts off and Buzz should have been coach of the year.

GREAT season.

[AlienWarrior]

We are Big East Champions! Anything less than Atlanta would be a disappointment at this point. Actually, if we do get to Atlanta and not win it all, then that would be a disappointment too.

[Earl Tatum]

Boy, Wisconsin Badger Nation Badgermaniac Board under title "HOT" really crying about MU, about how we cheat and being lucky.
About MU Player Sex Scandel etc. Also, another is ripping Ryan about embarrasment being out the last 2 years in the first round.
LOVE IT!!!

[Scooter22]

I actually had Badgers going to sweet 16 also, I wanted them to shut up Henderson from Ole Miss, who is an arrogant jerk in my view.  Too bad they couldn't do that.  But, if Badger fans want to get rid of Bo Ryan, they need to take a step back and look at 12 straight NCAA tournaments and never a finish below #4 in the Big 10.  Are you crazy, Bucky nation?

[Goose]

Exceeded expectations weeks ago. Great season regardless of what happens next.

[muarmy81]

I honestly didn't think we were a S16 team after all we lost so this season has exceeded my expectations.

[bilsu]

There should be more than two choices. I would of voted great season, given what this team has accomplished with so little offensive ability. Besides that the worse case senario is 25-9. There will be a lot of teams that win 20+ games, but significantly less teams that lose less than 10 games.

[real chili 83]

Effin awesome.  Didn't see that voting choice.

This week is gravy. 

I do plan to ask for seconds on Saturday.
 

[BallBoy]

I am of the opinion that any sweet 16 is a successful season.    House money now.

I would give Marquette an A for the season.  If we make it to the Elite 8 then it is an A+ season.  

[muguru]

I really hate to say it, but I'll be disappointed. At the Haunted Hoops Fish Fry, Buzz said that the Sweet 16 was no longer good enough. I want to see them pass the Sweet 16 test this year and get to the Elite 8.

Win Thursday and this year is an absolute success. Lose and while it will still be a good season, I'll be disappointed. Of course, I also had much higher expectations than most did for this team going back to last season.

+1000. Fans should NEVER just be satisfied with a Sweet 16. At least not MU fans, not anymore. The players and coaches won't be, why should we?? I, as well as Brew City know what this team is made of. They have at least one more win in them.

[AlienWarrior]

I would give Marquette an A for the season.  If we make it to the Elite 8 then it is an A+ season.  

So, if we won the championship, how would you rate the season since an Elite 8 is an A+ in your book?

[bilsu]

To me the only disappointemnt in this season is losing in the first round of Big East tournament again.

[brewcity77]

I would give Marquette an A for the season.  If we make it to the Elite 8 then it is an A+ season.  

Right now I'd say a B. We made the Sweet 16 each of the past two years and I still feel this is Buzz's most talented team, which is why I expect more. Here's my grading scale:

B  Sweet 16 (where we are now)
B+ Elite 8
A- Final Four
A Title Game
A+ I'm sure you all know what that will take...

[AlienWarrior]

Right now I'd say a B. We made the Sweet 16 each of the past two years and I still feel this is Buzz's most talented team, which is why I expect more. Here's my grading scale:

B  Sweet 16 (where we are now)
B+ Elite 8
A- Final Four
A Title Game
A+ I'm sure you all know what that will take...

Now that makes sense

[Chicos' Buzz Scandal Countdown]

Right now I'd say a B. We made the Sweet 16 each of the past two years and I still feel this is Buzz's most talented team, which is why I expect more. Here's my grading scale:

B  Sweet 16 (where we are now)
B+ Elite 8
A- Final Four
A Title Game
A+ I'm sure you all know what that will take...

Sounds like Buzz has a sub-3.0 for his tenure here

[Lennys Tap]

We were picked 7th in the Big East. RPI predictor had us on the wrong side of toe bubble on January 1st. So, our first ever Big East championship and a sweet 16? Already an A+, anything else just adds another +.

[buckchuckler]

To me the only disappointemnt in this season is losing in the first round of Big East tournament again.

I'm just not sure why this matters.  This season has been great.  Ups and downs, great games, sweeping Pitt and Cuse, 2 wins by 3 points in the tourney, can't ask for more than this.  That game yesterday was the most perfect college game you could ask for.  That alone was worth a season.  It has just been entertaining as heck. I love this season.  

[brewcity77]

Sounds like Buzz has a sub-3.0 for his tenure here

Not at all, it's a sliding scale. I hardly would have graded the 2009-10 team poorly for their season when I thought they were at best a NIT team preseason. I simply had higher expectations for this year's team, and feel that any season where we get above a B is a special, special season.

[Mu2323]

Toe bubble lol

[Lennys Tap]

Right now I'd say a B. We made the Sweet 16 each of the past two years and I still feel this is Buzz's most talented team, which is why I expect more. Here's my grading scale:

B  Sweet 16 (where we are now)
B+ Elite 8
A- Final Four
A Title Game
A+ I'm sure you all know what that will take...

Brew, you're a great prognosticator, but I'm thankful I didn't have teachers like you - I'd still be in school.

[brewcity77]

Brew, you're a great prognosticator, but I'm thankful I didn't have teachers like you - I'd still be in school.

I'm just going off what Davante said yesterday. He was asked after the win if he was happy because he didn't look happy, he responded "I'll be happy after the national championship game."

[MUCam]

This a great season. The team has already overachieved. From a rating standpoint, I would definitely give it high marks. Can it get better? Sure, but that does not diminish what has occurred so far.

Wanting more (ie. advancement to the final four / championship, etc) and appreciating what has already been accomplished (ie. Big East Championship, Sweet Sixteen) are NOT MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE.

I would wager everyone (other than Chicos, of course) on this board wants MU to win it all. That doesn't mean we can't be satisfied with the season in the event we lose next week.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Is this a serious question and poll?  How could anyone vote it's not successful?

[Spaniel with a Short Tail]

I'm just not sure why this matters.  This season has been great.  Ups and downs, great games, sweeping Pitt and Cuse, 2 wins by 3 points in the tourney, can't ask for more than this.  That game yesterday was the most perfect college game you could ask for.  That alone was worth a season.  It has just been entertaining as heck. I love this season.  

So true.  All sorts of ups and downs.  Nice to see us peaking at the right time.

[BallBoy]

Now that makes sense

No it doesn't make sense.  MU was expected to finish 7th and a bubble team.  Even if you thought they would do better, MU had an outside shot at the Big East title.  That was the first Big East championship. If that scale was accurate than the last 2 sweet 16s are Cs.  Look back at the season.

MU beats Wisconsin
Wins Big East regular season
Makes sweet 16

Only thing that would have been better is winning Maui and winning the Big East tourney but no one cares about Maui.  

Right now MU is a top 16 team and unfortunately will most likely play a top 4 team a round earlier than they should.  To beat two top 4 teams to get to the final four far exceeds an A-.  MU is not yet an Elite team so to grade them as such is not accurate scale.  I know you want them to be Elite but it hasn't happened yet.  For a team to get to the Elite 8 and have a regular season championship is huge.  That gets you to Elite.  If MU makes the Final 4 that is beyond an A+ season.

[mileskishnish72]

Really can't get revved up the Elite Eight. Sweet 16 means another week, Elite 8 is just a couple of days. Final Four is where it's at.
If we never score another point I would still call this season a remarkable success. I really felt that this season would be what the Red Sox call a "bridge year." Vander has progressed significantly, Jamil has improved, Chris obviously worked on his O while recuperating, Ox has generally been solid. Lockett was a great add and Junior has had his moments (both ways). DWil has done well at what he is expected to do, and Steve T has me salivating over what he might become. Am hoping Juan can make the jump like Van did when he becomes an upperclassman.
A league championship, another sweet 16 - yes, yes, we want more - but these kids have already acquitted themselves just fine.

[NCMUFan]

I think the season gets an A due to the formation of the new Big East starting next season.  Stability finally.  The fact we are Big East Co-Champs and in the Sweet Sixteen gives the season an A++.

[Blackhat]

I called this year's team an NIT team earlier this year so this is all gravy now

[PGsHeroes32]

I'll be disappointed if we lose in Sweet 16 again but the season will NOT be a disappointment. This team wasnt expected to get back to sweet 16 or win the BE regular season title. We have been successful.

[JTBMU7]

Conf champions, three seed, sweet sixteen, 3 all big east players, new league formed and set to begin in the fall.

Calling 2013 anything but one of the more remarkable seasons in MU history would be and understatement.

I think we keep winning, at least one more, but this year is already beyond anything close to disappointing.

[Avenue Commons]

I refuse to answer this poll. Never let the possibility of failure creep into your mind. Focus on winning and nothing else.

[source?]

Taking a share of the Big East title for the first time plus the tournament run is pretty satisfying for me.

[GoldenZebra]

We've come this far. Why not go a bit further? No need to talk about losing now lets just go and get what we can get.

[Aughnanure]

Is this a serious question and poll?  How could anyone vote it's not successful?

My thoughts exactly.

[MUSF]

I refuse to answer this poll. Never let the possibility of failure creep into your mind. Focus on winning and nothing else.

You realize you don't play or coach this team right? Our focus has zero impact on the team's performance.

[Frenns Liquor Depot]

Last time I checked I could separate reality from desire. Yes this season is a success -- and yes I want to win the next one and yes i will be disappointed if MU doesn't. 

[NotAnAlum]

Hey, my feeling is we've been playing with house money ever since mid January.  For a team that lost the BE Player of the year and DJO to the NBA draft we have way over achieved.  Now that we're here I'd like a shot at Indiana but I don't see how anyone could say the season is a disappointment.
Now next year, only losing Junior and bringing in a great class including some outside shooting, that will be the year we need to make it happen.

[Mr. Nielsen]

Some highlights to the season.

A) Beating Wisconsin!

B) Beat LSU after the loss to Green Bay. Team then enjoyed Christmas break.

C) Starting 2-0 with great games at the BC versus Uconn & G'town.

D) Ending the home season by beating Syracuse & ND. 16-0 at home

E) Win the Big East title in a classic finish versus St. John's.

[Avenue Commons]

You realize you don't play or coach this team right? Our focus has zero impact on the team's performance.

Have you ever prayed for anyone? Have you ever wished someone luck?

Positivity is contagious. So is negativity. Thus I prefer to only express positive thoughts about the future.

You obviously may choose to live your life however you choose. Best of luck to you.

[muwarrior69]

Every year without winning the national championship is a dismal failure in my book.

[LloydMooresLegs]

I think that while the team still is playing, it's a moving target.  Now that we've made the Sweet Sixteen, I won't be satisfied unless MU is in the Elite Eight.  Then the Final Four, then the National Championship.

However, once removed from the moment, I already know that I will rate this season as a joy ride and an unequivocal success, made more special to me because I was able to watch more games in person than at any time since I was a student (so far, 5, all at the BC, including Syracuse, ND and Georgetown), and more games on tv/devices (i think all but 2-thank you ESPN3), and had a blast on MUSCOOP following this gritty AND skilled team develop around its gritty and skilled tactician (sorry Buzz, I mean tough coach).

[bradley center bat]

Every year without winning the national championship is a dismal failure in my book.

Come on! I hope you hold yourself to those same values.

[MU82]

I really hate to say it, but I'll be disappointed. At the Haunted Hoops Fish Fry, Buzz said that the Sweet 16 was no longer good enough. I want to see them pass the Sweet 16 test this year and get to the Elite 8.

Win Thursday and this year is an absolute success. Lose and while it will still be a good season, I'll be disappointed. Of course, I also had much higher expectations than most did for this team going back to last season.

Coaches say all kinds of things, with Buzz at the top of the say-all-kinds-of-things list.

If MU loses next week, he will have thought this to be an outstanding season, I promise you. He will have been very proud of the team's accomplishments, and will say so repeatedly. And if anybody tries to say they didn't accomplish enough, he will go against his own words and call out that reporter or whomever.

brew, I know you viewed this team more highly than most, and you clearly have been vindicated. Huge props to you, man. But I remain stunned about everything this team has accomplished given its flaws. Hard work, everybody understanding their roles and performing them well, smarts, good coaching, aggressiveness, clutch play and toughness can overcome a lot ... as these guys proved. I already am THRILLED with the season.

My major disappointment if they lose is that I won't have wanted it to end. I've come to really enjoy this heart-attack-inducing team.

So they simply shouldn't lose. There. It's settled!

[warriorchick]

Right now I'd say a B. We made the Sweet 16 each of the past two years and I still feel this is Buzz's most talented team, which is why I expect more. Here's my grading scale:

B  Sweet 16 (where we are now)
B+ Elite 8
A- Final Four
A Title Game
A+ I'm sure you all know what that will take...

So you are saying that if you were a college professor who had a large lecture class of 347 students, you would only give an A to the top 4 students, and a B to the next twelve.

Wow.  Tough grader.   

[Daniel]

It has already gone beyond what most of us realistically expected in November. But let's pass the test!  Win the next one!  Go Marquette!

[El Duderino]

Not only has the season been great so far, but from just a pure sports entertainment value perspective, these first two tournament games have been fabulous because of all the nervous tension which is what makes certain games so memorable.

Sure, it would have been easier on the heart and acid reflux had Marquette won these first two games by 10-plus points, but they wouldn't have been as exciting or memorable either. That i can barely breathe from tension feeling during a close game late is what makes sports so much fun to follow IMO.

[dgies9156]

Is this the dumbest post on Scoop yet, or what???

Guys, we're playing Miami Thursday night for a chance to ruin His Eminance The Tanned One's season.

We have just won two of the most spectacular games of the NCAA tournament.

We're four games away from our second national championship.

Quit asking fatalistic questions!

To paraphrase Barbara Bush in 2000 when asked about the Presidential race, "My basketball team will be national champions. That's all there is to it."

Davante, I'll be there smiling with you when you get on Vander's shoulders and cut the net down in Atlanta!

[MU82]

Have you ever prayed for anyone? Have you ever wished someone luck?

Positivity is contagious. So is negativity. Thus I prefer to only express positive thoughts about the future.

You obviously may choose to live your life however you choose. Best of luck to you.

If Marquette lost this season every time I said: "Crap! We're gonna lose this game!" we'd have been about 10-21 and obviously wouldn't have been in the position for me to say multiple times last week: "Crap! We're gonna lose this game!"

So I'd say everybody should thank me because my negative energy clearly inspired the team to victory.

[mileskishnish72]

There are 347 Division I schools and 331 of them are not playing for the big one. Seeing as how there are now so few competitors, why not keep winning? My concern is that the first two tournament wins were so damn easy that the guys might have lost their edge a bit.

[CTWarrior]

If Marquette lost this season every time I said: "Crap! We're gonna lose this game!" we'd have been about 10-21 and obviously wouldn't have been in the position for me to say multiple times last week: "Crap! We're gonna lose this game!"

So I'd say everybody should thank me because my negative energy clearly inspired the team to victory.

Somebody else like me!  I've taken to yelling "No!" often when we shoot 3s, at first because I genuinely didn't like the shot but now because we seem to hit a higher percentage of 3's when I yell, "No!"  I save it for important 3s, though.

[MU82]

Somebody else like me!  I've taken to yelling "No!" often when we shoot 3s, at first because I generally didn't like the shot but now because we seem to hit a higher percentage of 3's when I yell, "No!"  I save it for important 3s, though.

I do that too sometimes. But I am even more likely to yell "No!" whenever a wide-open guy on the other team shoots a 3!

[mileskishnish72]

Well, we didn't lose so the point is moot.

BUT - we were picked 7th in the BE and now we're among the last EIGHT standing - the answer is obvious!