Would somebody with insider mind opening this up for me/us? Thanks.
http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/story?id=7360259&_slug_=college-hoops-top-68-rankings-syracuse-stands-no-1&action=upsell&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fncb%2fstory%3fid%3d7360259%26_slug_%3dcollege-hoops-top-68-rankings-syracuse-stands-no-1
I have insider, but for some reason it won't show me his rankings. I will post them when it works..
1. Syracuse Orange
The Orange are great in transition, and Jim Boeheim has options at multiple positions.
2. Kentucky Wildcats
The most talented team in college basketball, and they maul the ball on defense.
3. North Carolina Tar Heels
The Heels lack a killer instinct right now, but their talent and coaching will win the day.
4. Ohio State Buckeyes
Thad Matta has three elite players in Sullinger, Buford and Craft.
5. Duke Blue Devils
This Duke team needs to embrace team defense; it cannot overwhelm the best teams.
6. Marquette Golden Eagles
This team has fight and the ability to get into the lane at will.
7. Kansas Jayhawks
If the Jayhawks take better care of the ball and make better decisions, they can still be the Big 12's best.
8. Louisville Cardinals
Healthy, this is a Final Four contender. The training staff could be MVP.
9. Xavier Musketeers
The strength of this team is in the backcourt, where Lyons and Holloway take a backseat to no one.
10. Missouri Tigers
The Tigers are playing the right way and valuing possessions.
11. Baylor Bears
Long and athletic, the Bears have a formidable frontline. With guard play to match, could be Big 12's best.
12. Connecticut Huskies
More talented than last year's champions, and still learning.
13. Wisconsin Badgers
A good team that is subject to scoring droughts.
14. Michigan State Spartans
Don't be fooled by the 0-2 start; the Spartans will play with anyone by the end.
15. Florida Gators
Outstanding shooting team that lacks size and bulk, but fun for Billy Donovan to coach.
16. Georgetown Hoyas
Talented but inexperienced in spots, Hoyas are good and getting better.
17. Indiana Hoosiers
The first steps toward high-level consistency. What will the Hoosiers do when they inevitably see their own blood?
18. Pittsburgh Panthers
Panthers still finding rotations and their identity. A work in progress.
19. Alabama Crimson Tide
Tide can do everything but shoot it.
20. UNLV Rebels
Rebels still on the innocent climb; Stanback and Moser are the real thing.
21. Virginia Cavaliers
The third best team in a weakened ACC? I say yes.
22. Michigan Wolverines
Inconsistent scoring team, but much promise behind Trey Burke.
23. Vanderbilt Commodores
With Ezeli back, Vandy can start playing tougher without having to cover up.
24. Stanford Cardinal
This team plays hard and has some good pieces.
25. Illinois Fighting Illini
Good defenders and an emerging big guy in Meyers Leonard. How tough are the Illini?
26. Saint Louis Billikens
They dribble, pass and shoot, and do not get sped up.
27. Creighton Bluejays
Doug McDermott could play anywhere and be a star performer.
28. Murray State Racers
The Racers play with a chip, and could wind up cashing some in.
29. Harvard Crimson
This team is legit, and might not lose in Ivy League play.
30. Florida State Seminoles
Seminoles are big and can really defend, but scoring is an issue.
31. Memphis Tigers
Length and talent, but Tigers need bulk and a defensive mindset.
32. California Golden Bears
Bears are pretty good, but is this really the best team in the Pac-12?
33. Wichita State Shockers
Experienced talent in Toure' Murry, Joe Ragland and David Kyles.
34. Gonzaga Bulldogs
Who does Mark Few play next, the Lakers? Still a good value in the Tournament.
35. Brigham Young Cougars
Every guy on the roster is older than Dave Rose. Still good without Jimmer.
36. San Diego State Aztecs
Didn't see this one coming, but the Aztecs are pretty good in a soft year.
37. St. Mary's Gaels
Matthew Dellavedova and Rob Jones make the Gaels solid.
38. Northern Iowa Panthers
Good depth, and they play disciplined ball to win. Just don't operate heavy machinery while watching them.
39. Marshall Thundering Herd
Damier Pitts and DeAndre Kane make this team dangerous.
40. West Virginia Mountaineers
Not Huggins' best team, but Kevin Jones is stepping forward.
41. Purdue Boilermakers
Gave one away at Xavier, and don't have much margin for error.
42. Temple Owls
Ramone Moore can give you 30, but losing Micheal Eric was a blow.
43. Belmont Bruins
Rick Byrd's team plays fast and has size and shooting.
44. Iona Gaels
Scott Machado is the real thing at point, and Michael Glover provides scoring and toughness.
45. Texas A&M Aggies
Aggies can really guard, but everything is inside the arc.
46. Oklahoma Sooners
Sooners scrap, and get second shots. There is some talent there, too.
47. Seton Hall Pirates
Herb Pope is finally in shape and cares, and his numbers show it.
48. Mississippi State Bulldogs
This spot is too low for the talent the Bulldogs have.
49. Kansas State Wildcats
The Wildcats play hard, have size and defend. But they cannot shoot the ball.
50. Long Beach State 49ers
Tougher schedule than any little guy in the country. Casper Ware is a terrific player.
51. Arizona Wildcats
When the Wildcats hit shots, they can play with any team in the Pac-12.
52. Texas Longhorns
Rick Barnes has a very young team. Big burden on J'Covan Brown to score.
53. Virginia Tech Hokies
Young but good talent. This team will have some good moments.
54. Cleveland State Vikings
Not great offensively, but Vikings have beaten some really good teams.
55. Kent State Golden Flashes
This team defends well and has size, but turns it over too much.
56. New Mexico Lobos
Drew Gordon is a consistent double-double guy.
57. Dayton Flyers
Very inconsistent, but proven to play well against good teams.
58. Cincinnati Bearcats
At full strength, should be a Tournament team.
59. Northwestern Wildcats
Wildcats are putting some pressure on the Cubs.
60. Virginia Commonwealth Rams
Bradford Burgess starting to play well.
61. Washington Huskies
The talent is better than the record. Running out of big-game opportunities.
62. Minnesota Golden Gophers
Without Trevor Mbakwe, it will be tough. But Tubby Smith is tougher.
63. Oklahoma State Cowboys
Cowboys have some good shooters who are not making shots.
64. Ohio Bobcats
D.J. Cooper is an outstanding guard for John Groce.
65. Missouri State Bears
Missouri Valley has depth with Missouri State as the fourth team.
66. North Carolina State Wolfpack
Mark Gottfried has gotten the most out of this team. They have kept it simple.
67. Southern Miss Golden Eagles
A deliberate style, but this team plays really hard.
68. Oregon State Beavers
An improving team with a star in Jared Cunningham.
Jay Bilas ranks Marquette the sixth best team in the nation, behind only:
Syracuse,
Kentucky,
UNC,
Ohio State and
Duke.
Quote from: AnotherMU84 on December 18, 2011, 09:14:16 PM
Jay Bilas ranks Marquette the sixth best team in the nation, behind only:
Syracuse,
Kentucky,
UNC,
Ohio State and
Duke.
That's a nice neighborhood to live in right there. Keep up the good work Buzz, staff, team...awesome seeing MU regarded this highly by a respected expert like Bilas.
So Bilas and the computers all have us in the top 7, and hopefully both polls move us up to No. 10.
At some point we drop a couple back to back, but I'm all for being as high as we can get and with as many highlights as possible before we drop a few spots at some point.
Quote from: Ners on December 18, 2011, 09:18:26 PM
That's a nice neighborhood to live in right there. Keep up the good work Buzz, staff, team...awesome seeing MU regarded this highly by a respected expert like Bilas.
+1. Bilas knows his stuff. Buzz doing a wonderful job with this group this year. Bilas, however, also said again this week that the Big Ten is the best conference in America this year and the Big East is down. Hard to argue with him, every rating system says the same thing.
Quote from: Hoopaloop on December 19, 2011, 12:48:32 AM
+1. Bilas knows his stuff. Buzz doing a wonderful job with this group this year. Bilas, however, also said again this week that the Big Ten is the best conference in America this year and the Big East is down. Hard to argue with him, every rating system says the same thing.
And that pertains to this discussion, how exactly?
I hope Marquette can somehow sneak up to number 9 past Xavier and maybe UConn? I love seeing a single digit next to the Marquette name.
Quote from: Hoopaloop on December 19, 2011, 12:48:32 AM
+1. Bilas knows his stuff. Buzz doing a wonderful job with this group this year. Bilas, however, also said again this week that the Big Ten is the best conference in America this year and the Big East is down. Hard to argue with him, every rating system says the same thing.
If Bilas thinks the Big10 is the best conference in America and the Big East is down, please explain his rankings. Per Bilas: 1.Syracuse is the best team in either conference and the best team in the country. 2. The Big East has 3 top 10 teams to the Big10's 1 and 6 teams in the top 20 to the Big 10's 4. 3. The #4 team in the Big East (UCONN) would be the #2 team in the Big10. The #2 team in the Big10 (Wisconsin) would be the #5 team in the Big East.
In addition, you have the Big 10 with 8 (or maybe 9) bids and the Big East with 7. Per Bilas, there are 9 Big East teams better than the 8th best Big10 team (#58 Northwestern).
Finally, there are 9 Big East and 9 Big10 teams in Jay's top 68, and on ALL NINE LINES (1vs1, 2vs2, etc) the Big East team is rated higher.
In summary, I take your word for it that Bilas thinks the Big10 is awesome and the Big East down, but his own rankings don't seem to reflect that.
Quote from: Lennys Tap on December 19, 2011, 10:07:46 AM
If Bilas thinks the Big10 is the best conference in America and the Big East is down, please explain his rankings. Per Bilas: 1.Syracuse is the best team in either conference and the best team in the country. 2. The Big East has 3 top 10 teams to the Big10's 1 and 6 teams in the top 20 to the Big 10's 4. 3. The #4 team in the Big East (UCONN) would be the #2 team in the Big10. The #2 team in the Big10 (Wisconsin) would be the #5 team in the Big East.
In addition, you have the Big 10 with 8 (or maybe 9) bids and the Big East with 7. Per Bilas, there are 9 Big East teams better than the 8th best Big10 team (#58 Northwestern).
Finally, there are 9 Big East and 9 Big10 teams in Jay's top 68, and on ALL NINE LINES (1vs1, 2vs2, etc) the Big East team is rated higher.
In summary, I take your word for it that Bilas thinks the Big10 is awesome and the Big East down, but his own rankings don't seem to reflect that.
Seems that Jay Bilas, Andy Katz, Sagarin, Nolan, Palm, Pomeroy and most others that follow college basketball define the relative strength of a conference in totality and not on a random cutoff line (which you arbitrarily draw to fit your argument) as to how many teams deep you go to evaluate a conference. These gentlemen, myself included, evaluate a conference (the entire conference) and not just the top 5 teams or top 3 teams.
What ranking system are you using? The writers? The Coaches? The RPI? Ken Pom? RPI?
Now, back to your question. Using your own analysis, there are 9 Big East teams in his top 68 and 9 Big Ten teams in his top 68. Query, that would mean 75% of the Big Ten made his top 68 but barely 50% of the Big East made his top 68. You did the work for me and didn't even know it. :D
His own rankings only go through the top 68, not an evaluation of every team in a conference. That seems pretty clear to everyone when the title is "Bilas' Top 68". His rankings are just fine, but you seem to not be paying attention the the full conference, not just the ones he ranked. For all we know he has all 12 Big Ten teams in his top 100 but has South Florida, DePaul, Providence and others 150 or worse. We don't know, but there is nothing inconsistent with his rankings and his remarks that the best conference this year is the Big East.
Also, you don't need to take my word for it, you can go to the Purdue board, the Michigan State board, the Louisville board, and others that all have similar postings about Bilas and Katz's comments on the strength of the conferences.
In summary, RPI, Kenpom, Sagarin, Nolan, Massey, Palm, and everyone else says the Big Ten is the best conference this year. The Big East is still very good, but we've taken a step back. In summary.
Quote from: Hoopaloop on December 20, 2011, 09:25:32 PM
His rankings are just fine, but you seem to not be paying attention the the full conference, not just the ones he ranked. For all we know he has all 12 Big Ten teams in his top 100 but has South Florida, DePaul, Providence and others 150 or worse.
For you to even suggest the possibility that anyone might have Iowa or Penn State in the top 100 shows a staggering bias and/or ignorance. It makes further discussion moot, but just FYI Sagarin has Iowa 165 and PSU 176 (Providence 110, Depaul 118 and South Florida 157).
When MU finishes with a better conference record than Indiana, this is just a talking point to not give Buzz any credit and excuse Crean. On the flip side, he spent all of last year ripping on our conference record even though 12 of our 18 games were against tournament teams and another four were against top 100 competition. Do not feed into Chicos' game.
Quote from: Jamailman on December 21, 2011, 10:18:18 AM
When MU finishes with a better conference record than Indiana, this is just a talking point to not give Buzz any credit and excuse Crean. On the flip side, he spent all of last year ripping on our conference record even though 12 of our 18 games were against tournament teams and another four were against top 100 competition. Do not feed into Chicos' game.
Point well taken
any insider care to let us know the updated rankings?
http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/story?id=7384166&_slug_=college-hoops-top-68-rankings-vanderbilt-commodores-drop-bilas-index&action=upsell&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fncb%2fstory%3fid%3d7384166%26_slug_%3dcollege-hoops-top-68-rankings-vanderbilt-commodores-drop-bilas-index
1. Syracuse Orange
The Orange have beaten three Sagarin Top 25 teams with a highly efficient offense and transition game. Jim Boeheim's defense is improving.
2. Kentucky Wildcats
No holes on this team, with a top-five Kenpom.com offense and defense. Plus, John Calipari's young Cats play as hard together as anyone else.
3. North Carolina Tar Heels
If the Heels make free throws and take an attitude to dominate, they can be (and finish) No. 1.
4. Ohio State Buckeyes
With a healthy Sullinger, this team is unbeaten. The Buckeyes still lack perimeter shooting and a lockdown wing defender.
5. Duke Blue Devils
Blue Devils will be able to score enough points. Can they guard the dribble and contain the ball? Against the very best, it will be an issue.
6. Louisville Cardinals
Cards have three wins against the Sagarin Top 50 with a highly rated defense that speeds you up and forces quick shots. Scoring efficiency will be tested against Kentucky.
7. Kansas Jayhawks
Jayhawks have no margin for error. Bill Self one of the few with the courage/craziness to play Davidson after final exams. His team has to make better decisions and take a blue-collar approach. This Kansas team won't "out-talent" anybody good.
8. Xavier Musketeers
Xavier is clearly a mess right now, with losses to Oral Roberts, Long Beach State and Hawaii, and nobody knows what the Musketeers will be post-suspensions. I am leaving Xavier in place until the team is back at full strength. This spot is a gift, for now.
9. Missouri Tigers
So far, Missouri has been a top-five offensive team. But the Tigers haven't really played anybody, and nobody with enough size to really hurt them.
10. Baylor Bears
Bears' defense is very good, but too many offensive rebounds surrendered and too many turnovers on the offensive end. They have three Sagarin Top 50 wins but haven't played anyone. I think I went to grade school with Paul Quinn. He has a college now?
11. Marquette Golden Eagles
A group of strong-minded drivers who need to gang-rebound. How good they can be depends upon how many second shots they give up. Right now, it's too many.
12. Connecticut Huskies
UConn is better offensively than I expected but not as good defensively. When that comes around, this team can rise.
13. Florida Gators
Gators can really score from deep but need to be better defensively and get to the free throw line more often. This team will get better and better.
14. Michigan State Spartans
If Tom Izzo solidifies the point, Spartans can beat anyone in the Big Ten. Kenpom.com defensive numbers are very good, but turnovers and consistent free throw shooting are issues.
15. Wisconsin Badgers
Kenpom.com rates Wisconsin No. 1 overall because of tempo and defensive efficiency. My eyes tell me different, but Badgers are still good and still tough to play against.
16. Indiana Hoosiers
The schedule has been a bit soft overall, but Indiana is scoring very efficiently. How will the Hoosiers react when they see their own blood, and the innocent climb is derailed? This team is ahead of schedule.
17. Georgetown Hoyas
Hoyas are tougher than they look and than their age would indicate. Kenpom.com puts Georgetown in the 20s, but I like the talent level.
18. UNLV Rebels
Tested with good talent, Rebels still need to better guard the 3-point line. The win over North Carolina only lasts so long without being validated. UNLV is capable.
19. Pittsburgh Panthers
Panthers grind you on offense, and Kenpom.com rates Pitt as the nation's most efficient offensive team. Still a work in progress, though. Pitt is not quite as powerful as its numbers indicate.
20. Virginia Cavaliers
The ACC's version of Wisconsin, but perhaps better on the offensive end. After Carolina and Duke, yes, it could be Virginia.
21. Alabama Crimson Tide
If the Tide make shots, this is a very good team. If not, they have to grind. That makes them vulnerable.
22. Michigan Wolverines
Well-coached and very solid. Wolverines can beat almost anyone if they hit shots but can lose to almost anyone when they don't. They keep you on a string but get no second shots and shoot no free throws.
23. Stanford Cardinal
Solid defensively and getting better. Cardinal have not played a murderers' row but can play with almost anyone. It will be interesting for Stanford against physical teams.
24. Creighton Bluejays
A top-10 offense in the Kenpom.com ratings, and best team in the Missouri Valley. Doug McDermott is Jays' Szczerbiak or Curry.
25. Murray State Racers
Racers have beaten good teams, although the numbers don't suggest the Top 25. I like what I see. They play hard.
26. Saint Louis Billikens
An outstanding passing team, and they don't beat themselves. You have to do it.
27. Gonzaga Bulldogs
A good mix of inside and out, and Mark Few won't shy away from a fight. The game against Xavier will be a rising opportunity. I like this Zags team.
28. Illinois Fighting Illini
I rank the Illini this high because they have good talent and can guard people. They can't score, though, and that catches up eventually.
29. Harvard Crimson
Crimson will go into blackout conditions until the NCAA tournament. They have to find a way to motivate themselves without pats on the back that television provides. Most media will react only upon a loss going forward.
30. Memphis Tigers
Athleticism and talent, but defensive toughness is the key. This team can rise through the season. But it has to be on defense.
31. Florida State Seminoles
Seminoles have a top-five defense and an anemic offense. This team can beat you up and grind you down.
32. Mississippi State Bulldogs
Crazy talent and confounding numbers. Still, your eyes tell you this team is better than the paper says.
33. California Golden Bears
The loss to Missouri is hard to shake out of your head, but Cal defends well. Turnovers are still too high, but Cal can win the Pac-12. But so can anyone else in that league.
34. Wichita State Shockers
Experienced and will continue to get better. Lost to Alabama and Temple but beat UNLV at home. Also, beat Newman. Hello, Newman!
35. Brigham Young Cougars
Top 25 in offense and defense in Kenpom.com ratings. Well-coached, too.
36. Vanderbilt Commodores
This team is missing something. It may need to see the wizard. It's confounding to see the wild swings in performance.
37. St. Mary's Gaels
Solid and well-coached, Gaels play on both ends. But they don't do anything great.
38. San Diego State Aztecs
Pieces and overall numbers don't suggest Aztecs should be this high, but they continue to win games.
39. Marshall Thundering Herd
Check out DeAndre Kane. He is really good. This team scraps.
40. Purdue Boilermakers
Boilers play harder than you do, and that is how they win. Plus, Robbie Hummel is back. Purdue has to play harder, because it won't win on talent alone.
41. West Virginia Mountaineers
Mountaineers were rough early, but Kevin Jones has carried a big load for Bob Huggins.
42. Iona Gaels
The Gaels have a top-15-rated offense, and Scott Machado would be celebrated if on television more often. He is truly outstanding. Mike Glover is a load.
43. Northern Iowa Panthers
Losing at home dropped the Panthers a bit, but I still wouldn't want to play them. It's like playing Wisconsin in sand.
44. Belmont Bruins
Bruins play fast and will play anyone without fear. They haven't cashed in yet but have been close. More losses than I expected, but people are better prepared for them this year.
45. Oklahoma Sooners
Steven Pledger has been excellent of late, and Lon Kruger adds a calm hand.
46. Seton Hall Pirates
Pirates have beaten one team in the Sagarin Top 50 (VCU). Is this too high? Perhaps, but it is early. Big East play will confirm this position or make the Pirates walk the plank.
47. Texas A&M Aggies
Defense without offense gets you only so far. But I still like this team.
48. Temple Owls
Owls lack size. That hurts them, as did the loss at Texas.
49. Kansas State Wildcats
See Texas A&M above. Wildcats need to find scoring.
50. Long Beach State 49ers
After playing one hellacious schedule, Niners will be battle-tested. Casper Ware and Larry Anderson make a terrific backcourt.
51. Arizona Wildcats
A young team that needs to mature.
52. Texas Longhorns
A really young team that really needs to mature. Very talented, but took one on the chin at North Carolina. It wasn't ready for that.
53. New Mexico Lobos
Excellent on the defensive end. This may wind up being too low.
54. Virginia Tech Hokies
Hokies will be right on the bubble. Again. Tech needs quality wins. But if Tech were in the Colonial, we'd think more highly of it.
55. Cincinnati Bearcats
So far, resilient and playing well without Yancy Gates.
56. Cleveland State Vikings
Vikings force turnovers with aggressive defense but put opponents on the free throw line too much. I rate them higher than their numbers suggest I should.
57. Kent State Golden Flashes
This team really defends but is scary in March.
58. Virginia Commonwealth Rams
I am continually impressed with how hard this team plays. As weak as the Pac-12 is, Rams can be an at-large with continued improvement. Who ever complained about that? Oh, yeah. I did.
59. Northwestern Wildcats
Plenty of chances in a tough Big Ten. Need to cash in, but I'm not sure rebounding and defense will allow it.
60. Dayton Flyers
Inconsistent, but solid wins propping up lesser numbers. This team could drop.
61. Ohio Bobcats
Solid all-around team that can make shots. But free throw line a major factor. Bobcats don't get there enough and put opponents there too much.
62. Minnesota Golden Gophers
This may be too low. Minnesota hasn't given up more than 56 points since Trevor Mbakwe was hurt. Turnovers remain a concern.
63. Southern Miss Golden Eagles
Unlike the typical Larry Eustachy team, much better offensively than on defense.
64. Oregon State Beavers
Beavers have to beat top teams in the Pac-12. Otherwise, there is not enough to move out other quality teams and move into at-large range.
65. North Carolina State Wolfpack
Guard play is the only major concern. This team has performed beyond expectations.
66. Missouri State Bears
A fourth team from the Missouri Valley Conference? Yes.
67. Saint Joseph's Hawks
Think how good they'd be with a 7-footer coming off the bench. What?! Too soon?
68. LSU Tigers
The Tigers' numbers don't suggest they can remain in the top 68. This group has a hard time scoring, and no team this offensively challenged can get enough stops over time.
Bilas knows us way too well. Limiting second shots will be the key to the season.
Quote from: Lennys Tap on December 21, 2011, 10:03:38 AM
For you to even suggest the possibility that anyone might have Iowa or Penn State in the top 100 shows a staggering bias and/or ignorance. It makes further discussion moot, but just FYI Sagarin has Iowa 165 and PSU 176 (Providence 110, Depaul 118 and South Florida 157).
That is not what I suggested. We don't know what his rankings are beyond 68, for all we know he ranks them in the top 100, but we don't know. He would need to rank them all.
What we do know is that a higher percentage of Big Ten teams are in the top 68 than Big East, thanks to the research work you did for all of us. After watching Wagner defeat Pitt at home, Louisville escape against Western Kentucky, the bottom of the conference has some poor losses, he is right. All the major evaluators are right, the Big East just isn't as good this year.
A distant 3rd in Ken Pom, 3rd in Sagarin, 4th in RPI. Don't take it so personal. The conference is still very good, just not as good as the Big Ten this year and everyone knows it including Jay Bilas. Apparently you are the only one that doesn't. :)
Quote from: Jamailman on December 21, 2011, 10:18:18 AM
When MU finishes with a better conference record than Indiana, this is just a talking point to not give Buzz any credit and excuse Crean. On the flip side, he spent all of last year ripping on our conference record even though 12 of our 18 games were against tournament teams and another four were against top 100 competition. Do not feed into Chicos' game.
He really got into your minds. Did he plant earwigs into your heads so they could plant eggs to mind alter some of you? What has it been, 6 months (9 months?) since the guy left and some of you still cannot stop talking about him.
MU better finish with a better record than IU this year. MU should finish 3rd in the conference this year. IU, in most magazines I read, didn't even think they would make the NCAA tournament. With the Big Ten better than the Big East this year, MU should finish with a better conference record. MU is a better team in a weaker conference.
Quote from: Hoopaloop on December 26, 2011, 10:01:37 PM
He really got into your minds. Did he plant earwigs into your heads so they could plant eggs to mind alter some of you? What has it been, 6 months (9 months?) since the guy left and some of you still cannot stop talking about him.
MU better finish with a better record than IU this year. MU should finish 3rd in the conference this year. IU, in most magazines I read, didn't even think they would make the NCAA tournament. With the Big Ten better than the Big East this year, MU should finish with a better conference record. MU is a better team in a weaker conference.
How did that disprove a single thing I said? If anything it just reinforced it.
Bilas: "11. Marquette Golden Eagles. A group of strong-minded drivers who need to gang-rebound. How good they can be depends upon how many second shots they give up. Right now, it's too many."
Hard to argue with either the ranking or the assessment.
Quote from: Hoopaloop on December 26, 2011, 10:01:37 PM
He really got into your minds. Did he plant earwigs into your heads so they could plant eggs to mind alter some of you? What has it been, 6 months (9 months?) since the guy left and some of you still cannot stop talking about him.
MU better finish with a better record than IU this year. MU should finish 3rd in the conference this year. IU, in most magazines I read, didn't even think they would make the NCAA tournament. With the Big Ten better than the Big East this year, MU should finish with a better conference record. MU is a better team in a weaker conference.
How can you accuse Chicos of being into anybody elses mind? He's in your mind to the point of you being his mini-me, constantly parroting The World According to Chicos.
As for this year's conference records, MU's and IU's should be about the same. They are ranked about the same and the conferences are close to equal. What some magazine written in August (or earlier) projected is meaningless now that 12 or 13 games have been played.
Entering conference play, IU is a top 15 team in both polls, and a reasonable expectation based on the preconference would be 3rd place at 12-6 or 13-5. Don't think either the IU or MU faithful will be satisfied with 6th or 7th place (where they were slotted preseason).
Quote from: Jamailman on December 26, 2011, 10:23:04 PM
How did that disprove a single thing I said? If anything it just reinforced it.
How about starting with your accusation that I am someone that I am not
Quote from: Lennys Tap on December 27, 2011, 12:08:55 AM
How can you accuse Chicos of being into anybody elses mind? He's in your mind to the point of you being his mini-me, constantly parroting The World According to Chicos.
As for this year's conference records, MU's and IU's should be about the same. They are ranked about the same and the conferences are close to equal. What some magazine written in August (or earlier) projected is meaningless now that 12 or 13 games have been played.
Entering conference play, IU is a top 15 team in both polls, and a reasonable expectation based on the preconference would be 3rd place at 12-6 or 13-5. Don't think either the IU or MU faithful will be satisfied with 6th or 7th place (where they were slotted preseason).
Considering you and a few others continue to talk about him, continue to reference him, he is definitely in your minds.
I predicted MU to finish 3rd, he predicted 5th or 6th if my memory is correct on Cracked Sidewalks. He is not crazy about JC's game, I rather like it. I'm sure there are considerable other differences if I cared enough to look, but since you seem to know everything he says you can save us all some work on that front. Or maybe you can make up something that Jay Bilas didn't say and claim he did. :)
You are right about magazines and when they pick teams. They are dated. Instead, we should tap into your expertise about IU and the Big Ten this year. Have you been right about any of it? Not based on what I have read from you on this board. When has emotion not got the best of you almost every time you talk about either entity, putting that 45 years of wisdom of watching MU into jeopardy because of your lack of objectiveness? What would Jay Bilas not say?
Quote from: Hoopaloop on December 27, 2011, 11:22:02 AM
You are right about magazines and when they pick teams. They are dated. Instead, we should tap into your expertise about IU and the Big Ten this year. Have you been right about any of it? Not based on what I have read from you on this board. When has emotion not got the best of you almost every time you talk about either entity, putting that 45 years of wisdom of watching MU into jeopardy because of your lack of objectiveness? What would Jay Bilas not say?
Don't tap into my expertise regarding IU or MU - go to the "experts". The writers and the coaches rank MU 14th and 13th, IU 13th and 15th - a virtual dead heat. Yet these rankings translate into Marquette being the 5th best team in your down Big East and Indiana the 3rd best in your 8 or 9 bid, all powerful Big Ten. These are numbers, not emotions, and ones that someone from Purdue, of all places, should be able to grasp.
Naturally, you'll place the bar much higher for Marquette and much lower for Indiana as it makes it more likely you'll be able to rip MU and sing IU's praises at season's end. So much for your "objectiveness" (was objectivity the word you were seaching for?).
Contrary to your assertion, I don't suggest that my 45 years of watching MU basketball translates into "wisdom"- perspective, maybe, and to some (not you, obviously) a few interesting anecdotes about the program.
Regarding Jay Bilas, I'm rather glad to have made the misstatement as to the year he made his declaration on the Big East - it's given you something to repeat over and over and over and over and over and over again. If your definition of humor is telling the same weak joke ad infinitum/ad nauseum, congratulations. Mission Accomplished. Maybe you should hang a banner.
Quote from: Lennys Tap on December 27, 2011, 01:21:15 PM
Don't tap into my expertise regarding IU or MU - go to the "experts". The writers and the coaches rank MU 14th and 13th, IU 13th and 15th - a virtual dead heat. Yet these rankings translate into Marquette being the 5th best team in your down Big East and Indiana the 3rd best in your 8 or 9 bid, all powerful Big Ten. These are numbers, not emotions, and ones that someone from Purdue, of all places, should be able to grasp.
Naturally, you'll place the bar much higher for Marquette and much lower for Indiana as it makes it more likely you'll be able to rip MU and sing IU's praises at season's end. So much for your "objectiveness" (was objectivity the word you were seaching for?).
Contrary to your assertion, I don't suggest that my 45 years of watching MU basketball translates into "wisdom"- perspective, maybe, and to some (not you, obviously) a few interesting anecdotes about the program.
Regarding Jay Bilas, I'm rather glad to have made the misstatement as to the year he made his declaration on the Big East - it's given you something to repeat over and over and over and over and over and over again. If your definition of humor is telling the same weak joke ad infinitum/ad nauseum, congratulations. Mission Accomplished. Maybe you should hang a banner.
Let us first note this may be the first time on this board you have ever admitted you were wrong, but it took someone to point it out a number of times for you to finally admit it. That was one thing your friend told me about you - your inability to ever admit you are wrong despite all the evidence suggesting you are. For this, you should be commended. Wish he was here to see this. Maybe I'll reach out to him on his Facebook page and let him know. He'll probably fall over on the ski slopes.
A number of folks here have proven that the experts that vote in the polls are anything but experts. Anyone that believes the polls are a true reflection of a team's value is someone that doesn't understand basketball (or football) this early in the season. Most teams haven't played anyone yet of worth, or only played 1 or 2 games. I'd have to go back and look at the posts, but I recall reading several analysis' that showed how brutal these experts are in picking top 25 teams at the beginning of the year who don't even make the NCAA tournament, let alone the top 25 by the end of the year. This might be a good opportunity for you to admit you are wrong for the second time because the polls at this point in the season are worthless. Conference play hasn't started, most teams haven't been on the road more than 2 times. The experts are as clueless on this stuff as anyone else and this can be proven easily by examining the polls the last decade.
Your comments about IU and MU's bar makes no sense to me. Why would I rip on MU or even compare them to IU? Two different teams, two different coaches, two different conferences, two very different recent pasts. MU is on a 6 year NCAA streak with most of the team back this year in a conference that is down a bit. IU has been terrible since their Kelvin Sampson debacle, they have talent but are very young in a tougher conference. Seems to be a point of reason and common sense to say MU would do better than IU. Instead, you make it out like someone that states this very practical opinion has it in for MU? What is wrong with you?
Quote from: Hoopaloop on December 28, 2011, 10:47:11 AM
Let us first note this may be the first time on this board you have ever admitted you were wrong, but it took someone to point it out a number of times for you to finally admit it. That was one thing your friend told me about you - your inability to ever admit you are wrong despite all the evidence suggesting you are. For this, you should be commended. Wish he was here to see this. Maybe I'll reach out to him on his Facebook page and let him know. He'll probably fall over on the ski slopes.
If anyone doubted this was Chicos, I would like to submit the above paragraph as strong evidence to the contrary.
Quote from: Jamailman on December 28, 2011, 11:11:20 AM
If anyone doubted this was Chicos, I would like to submit the above paragraph as strong evidence to the contrary.
While it is hard to imagine a Chicos mini-me out there in cyberspace worshipping and "BFFing" the bondsman on facebook, it's not impossible. After all, even murderers on death row get the occasional love letter from some deranged admirer.
Quote from: Hoopaloop on December 28, 2011, 10:47:11 AM
A number of folks here have proven that the experts that vote in the polls are anything but experts. Anyone that believes the polls are a true reflection of a team's value is someone that doesn't understand basketball (or football) this early in the season. Most teams haven't played anyone yet of worth, or only played 1 or 2 games. I'd have to go back and look at the posts, but I recall reading several analysis' that showed how brutal these experts are in picking top 25 teams at the beginning of the year who don't even make the NCAA tournament, let alone the top 25 by the end of the year. This might be a good opportunity for you to admit you are wrong for the second time because the polls at this point in the season are worthless. Conference play hasn't started, most teams haven't been on the road more than 2 times. The experts are as clueless on this stuff as anyone else and this can be proven easily by examining the polls the last decade.
World according to Hoopaloop: The "experts" (Bilas, coaches, writers, etc.) are brutal. No way can they evaluate the strength of individual teams in the various conferences preseason or even 40% into the season. They can, however, somehow evaluate the strengths of the conferences in which the teams whom they know nothing about play. Further, they can do it to such an extent that you offer it as fact, not opinion. This might be a good time for you to admit you're contradicting yourself, taking a guy like Bilas as speaking ex cathedra when he agrees with with you and dismissing him as a know nothing when he doesn't.
Quote from: Lennys Tap on December 28, 2011, 12:10:22 PM
ex cathedra
Ya don't get that phrase very often on sports message boards. Hat tip to you, sir.
This is why I was in favor of CBB's ban. He always turned the attention from the discussion to himself. His alter ego is going the same route. It is only a matter of time before their are 6 pages of posts between Hoop and Lenny, bickering amongst themselves, with any valuable posts caught in the crossfire. Ban Hoop/Chicos now. We know who he is, and he is not behaving any better.
PS. I have nothing against Lenny. He is a model citizen when Chicos isn't poking him in the eye. I would not have an issue with Chicos returning as Hoopaloop if his behavior improved, but he is very quickly deteriorating into Chicos of old.
Quote from: ringout on December 28, 2011, 01:00:35 PM
This is why I was in favor of CBB's ban. He always turned the attention from the discussion to himself. His alter ego is going the same route. It is only a matter of time before their are 6 pages of posts between Hoop and Lenny, bickering amongst themselves, with any valuable posts caught in the crossfire. Ban Hoop/Chicos now. We know who he is, and he is not behaving any better.
PS. I have nothing against Lenny. He is a model citizen when Chicos isn't poking him in the eye. I would not have an issue with Chicos returning as Hoopaloop if his behavior improved, but he is very quickly deteriorating into Chicos of old.
You make a good point, ring. Chicos/Hoop goes on boards like these looking for a fight. Too often I oblige.
If the topic is banning Hoop, I'd disagree. I'll admit I generally liked CBB, but I understand his ban. He made the job of the mods harder with personal attacks. He not only antagonized members and mods, but also had his cyber-stalking tendencies.
Hoop does none of this. Yes, he has a dissenting opinion much of the time, but his opinions usually center on the team or the leagues rather than belittling individuals or goading mods. No need to ban Hoop, in my opinion.
Hoop hasn't called people out by name (not username), gotten endless threads locked, deliberately goaded mods, or run arguments into the ground. He has an opionion and is a chicos fanboy. No need to ban.
Quote from: tower912 on December 28, 2011, 03:37:59 PM
Hoop hasn't called people out by name (not username), gotten endless threads locked, deliberately goaded mods, or run arguments into the ground. He has an opionion and is a chicos fanboy. No need to ban.
Agree that he isn't there yet, but his posting behavior is trending toward Bad Chicos.
Quote from: Lennys Tap on December 28, 2011, 11:45:31 AM
While it is hard to imagine a Chicos mini-me out there in cyberspace worshipping and "BFFing" the bondsman on facebook, it's not impossible. After all, even murderers on death row get the occasional love letter from some deranged admirer.
There are a number of posters here that facebook with me as friends, not just Chicos. Because of your age you may not be part of the social networking wave. My mom isn't, she's in her 70's. So when you blast me, you blast many other guys here that are Marquette fans as well.
Quote from: Lennys Tap on December 28, 2011, 12:10:22 PM
World according to Hoopaloop: The "experts" (Bilas, coaches, writers, etc.) are brutal. No way can they evaluate the strength of individual teams in the various conferences preseason or even 40% into the season. They can, however, somehow evaluate the strengths of the conferences in which the teams whom they know nothing about play. Further, they can do it to such an extent that you offer it as fact, not opinion. This might be a good time for you to admit you're contradicting yourself, taking a guy like Bilas as speaking ex cathedra when he agrees with with you and dismissing him as a know nothing when he doesn't.
The experts you referenced earlier were the pollsters. They are brutal. My respect for Bilas is high. My respect for Dykes is high, he looks like he might be on to something with tonight's comments.
The great part about your post is that it proves equally to dissolve your argument. If they are good enough to rank the teams, as you claim, then they are good enough to rank the conferences. Seems we are both contradicting ourselves. I can admit it, can you?
Quote from: Hoopaloop on December 29, 2011, 10:28:33 PM
The great part about your post is that it proves equally to dissolve your argument. If they are good enough to rank the teams, as you claim, then they are good enough to rank the conferences. Seems we are both contradicting ourselves. I can admit it, can you?
Not exactly. My opinion is that the polls (Bilas, Pomeroy, Coaches, Writers, etc.) have some value as a yardstick regarding expectations for the teams in each conference and therefore for the conferences themselves. They can set reasonable expectations but aren't infallible. I think the data suggests a dead heat between the Big Ten and the Big East this year but have no problem if someone thinks that so far the evidence gives the Big 10 a slight edge.
You think that no reasonable expectations can be drawn for individual teams from the polls, that they are brutal and worthless. Yet you embace as immutable, inarguable fact for now and the remainder of the season a snapshot of the conferences based on the same data. In short, a "garbage in", "gold out" position as long as it tells you what you want to hear.
Quote from: Hoopaloop on December 29, 2011, 10:25:56 PM
There are a number of posters here that facebook with me as friends, not just Chicos. Because of your age you may not be part of the social networking wave. My mom isn't, she's in her 70's. So when you blast me, you blast many other guys here that are Marquette fans as well.
Well, I'm several years short of my 70's but you're certainly right about me being behind the curve on the social networking scene. I have a hard enough time keeing up with all my real life friends. I intended no disrespect to people who forge a friendship based on their love of MU and MU basketball - I just found your admission that I was the subject of some your networking with you know who to be somewhat disconcerting. It's as if he's still stalking me (and others here, I'm sure) from afar. I guess if I'm going to be the subject of your tete-a-tetes with him I'd prefer you keep it to yourself as I find it creepy. Thanks.
Quote from: ringout on December 28, 2011, 04:17:44 PM
Agree that he isn't there yet, but his posting behavior is trending toward Bad Chicos.
Wait, so this week I'm not Chicos or am I Chicos but not quite as bad as Chicos, just trending that way?
At this point, I'm proud of the association. If people say I act like Chicos, then fine. He's been more right on things than wrong. His concerns were JC at point guard, not enough traditional shooters and true basketball players (not just great athletes), and the long term viability of the Big East for MU. He rubs some people the wrong way, doesn't make him any less right on the big ticket items. He said Crean would succeed at IU and people couldn't wait to rip CBB the first few years, he never relented and said they would turn it around. He looks to be right on that one also. He said to wait five years to judge a coach. After five years at the helm with Buzz, will we be in better shape, worse shape or the same? Only one more year to find out. Jury is still out on Buzz and the carping here by posters against some legitimate concerns in the coaching and recruiting department is why a number of posters no longer post here. They are attacked for having legitimate concerns.
It's year four guys, it's only one loss but a very poor showing by MU. We haven't played well in a number of weeks. Fortunately the conference is our friend this year. Some of us, including me, were fooled into thinking getting hot during the Big East and NCAA Tournament last year excused everything else. A 10th place finish. This year seemed a certain lock for a top 5, maybe top 3 finish (a number of guys here saying Big East championship) but all of that looks very iffy right now. Buzz has shown at times the ability to pull a rabbit out of the hat, but this team shows some traits from last year that are troubling. Poor decision making, lazy passing, defense that remains inconsistent (a trait since the Buzz era began). I would be thrilled to have my top 3 prediction come true, but right now it would be nice to see some senior leadership, some solid PG play and better defense\rebounding.
Quote from: Hoopaloop on December 30, 2011, 05:22:28 PM
Wait, so this week I'm not Chicos or am I Chicos but not quite as bad as Chicos, just trending that way?
No, I believe you are Chicos. Your arguments and style are the same.
My comments regarding trending are just that. Matters of degree. You started off somewhat conciliatory, and low-key. Your beligerence level now isn't Toxic Chicos, but trending that way.
I was a fan of the old Chicos, and his previous alter ego (can't remember his name) circa 2005? - 2008 or 09? He got lost somewhere and spent way too much emotional energy defending Our former Coach and slamming our current coach. In the last few months of Chicos tenure many valuable posters dropped off (BMA, etc.) possibly tired of his hyjinks. I just don't want the board to degenerate to what it was when you were banned. This is a fun board, and the mods allow a good give and take. I don't want this to be a Dodds like board where we can't have any fun.
Quote from: ringout on December 30, 2011, 05:44:55 PM
No, I believe you are Chicos. Your arguments and style are the same.
My comments regarding trending are just that. Matters of degree. You started off somewhat conciliatory, and low-key. Your beligerence level now isn't Toxic Chicos, but trending that way.
I was a fan of the old Chicos, and his previous alter ego (can't remember his name) circa 2005? - 2008 or 09? He got lost somewhere and spent way too much emotional energy defending Our former Coach and slamming our current coach. In the last few months of Chicos tenure many valuable posters dropped off (BMA, etc.) possibly tired of his hyjinks. I just don't want the board to degenerate to what it was when you were banned. This is a fun board, and the mods allow a good give and take. I don't want this to be a Dodds like board where we can't have any fun.
Ringout, this all needs to stop. You are incorrect.
• First, Happy New Year to all of you. Let's hope the Mayans are wrong about 2012
• On a personal note, I wanted to thank many of you for all the prayers and warm wishes for my daughter. Some really great folks on MU Scoop that reached out (4everwarriors, Dr. Blackheart, Ecompt, StillAWarrior, etc) and others in the MU community. Unfortunately she is on insulin the rest of her life, but she is doing great. What a trooper. She turns 10 next month. There are a lot of worthy charities out there but if you ever feel the need to donate and aren't sure what cause to donate to, about 2 million Americans (mostly kids when they get it) have the rarer Type I Diabetes (formerly known as Juvenile Diabetes) that could use your help. https://donations.diabetes.org
• Rocky, I apologize for coming here, but felt the need to jump in here because of some of the harassment going on against other posters using me as validation vehicle...it's not right and I keep getting invoked in the process which isn't fair to the other posters (see below). I will not post again unless you ask, but several guys have reached out to me via email and Facebook and I felt the need to set the record straight and stop this nonsense. Despite Ringout's and a few other folks claims, I'm not here posting as anyone else.
• Rocky, I was in Colorado for much of the last two weeks. I should have looked you up. I should be back in late January or February in the Denver area...we should watch a game at a bar...I took some swipes at you in the last year that I shouldn't have. The least I can do is buy you a beer or three. The banning from Scoop was a blessing. Spent way too much time here and it was good to get away. Until a few weeks ago, I couldn't even read anything here until Hilltopper showed me how illiterate I was with browser cookies (still can't clear them properly on IE, but I can read Scoop on Firefox now).
• Rob (Hoopaloop) and others being accused as me posting as you...you are in a pinch...this is how it works. It's part of the marginalization process against you and why some posters have left in the past. They got tired of being labeled as Buzz haters, Marquette haters, or just haters for having legitimate concerns about the program, the school, etc. Tired of being labeled as someone they are not. None of us hate Buzz or Marquette, no more than we hate our kids, our country, our spouse but sometimes we are critical of them as well (and they of us).
Rob and everyone else being accused of someone you aren't, I see three options for you:
1. Ignore these people and keep posting about your passion of Marquette hoops. Let them call you what they want; it's a game they play. Don't acknowledge their games.
2. Leave Scoop and stop posting...you certainly wouldn't be the first or the last. The downside here is that as more folks leave, the more it becomes like Scout and the inertia creates one point of view. Irving Janis coined the term Groupthink. It's worth a few minutes of study.
3. Prove them all wrong. This is my favorite option. You live in Chicago, right? Get together with Lenny or Ringout or any number of other guys that question you that live in Chitown. Of get together with then at a MU game...even better as they should have to buy you beers all day long for being chumps on this. Bring your laptop, login to Scoop right in front of them; show them your driver's license, call me on the cell while you do it. If you do this, please bring a camera and document the entire jaw dropping exercise because it should be posted for all to see...including the ensuing apology from them. That way whenever someone calls you out in the future, you can just queue up the YouTube video.
I wish you all the best in 2012. My convictions haven't changedo College hoops is a guard's game (love you 4ever). We have an inconsistent point guard but he has shown signs of solid play late last year and sometimes this year. Need to get stronger here to succeed
o Recruiting quality big men to Marquette is difficult regardless of the coach. It's Marquette, It's Marquette and that has meant no high quality big men for decades. Wish that wasn't the case, but it is. Maybe someday Buzz or someone else can change that, but the notion it would happen overnight with the new staff was optimistic.
o I still do not believe we play intelligent basketball
o Need a few more traditional players – shooters and guys that understand basketball and don't just out athlete their opponents (that works in High School and against lower competition in college)
o Judge a coach after five years
o Rocky, I still expect you to pay up on that bet...Crean isn't going anywhere any time soon.
o Ners, I still expect you to pay up on our bet ...IU goes to a Final Four with Crean before MU does with Buzz. One team seems a lot closer to it than that other in my opinion, especially with the recruiting classes coming in
o Offense is sexy; Defense and rebounding equals long term success
o Vander + JC on the court at same time = tough to get scoring there. Sometimes looks like 3 vs 5 on offense
o 2011 was not the university or the athletic department's finest hour. Let's hope 2012 shows some marked improvements and committed changes (actions, not words) that are necessary moving forward to be a strong, Catholic university that treats all students equally. Demonizing females that make a charge and determining they are at fault because she doesn't have a killer cross over or a smooth J from beyond the arc is just wrong. They might be wrong, but let's not demonize these students.
o Beating UW-madison is a wonderful thing. Women's hoops, women's soccer, men's hoops all posting victories. Never gets old. We are the best team in the state and that feels great
o The Big East is still a Beast, but not quite as good as the last few years. Hard to say who is the best. All of college basketball continues to dilute. ACC sucks outside of 2 1/2 teams. Big Ten probably best top to bottom, but no stellar teams. Big East good, but outside of Syracuse no one scares anyone. Big 12 not what it used to be. Pac 12 is horrific. SEC has done pretty well against the Big East but not as good top to bottom.
Go Marquette. Go Indiana. Go Kansas! Peace to all. Sorry to insert myself, but this was getting ridiculous.
Its all about Chicos. ;)
Best of love to your family, especially your daughter.
CBB, welcome back, at least for one post. I for one have missed the insights and at times hilarious arguments between yourself and others.
Quote from: nyg on January 01, 2012, 03:45:34 PM
CBB, welcome back, at least for one post. I for one have missed the insights and at times hilarious arguments between yourself and others.
And the sometimes hilarious arguments between himself and himself.
Chico's, so sorry to hear about your daughter. Only knew there was a family illness, per a comment by hoopaloop. Diabetes is a tough disease. It can be controlled, but not without consequences. Your daughter is in my prayers. Hopefully, medical advances will occur during her lifetime.
I know we've had some disagreements in the past Chicos, but certainly thoughts and prayers to your daughter, you, and the rest of your family.
Prayers for your daughter. I enjoyed having your unbiased opinion and telling it like it was, even if it wasn't positive towards Marquette.
(http://www.hookupsportfishing.com/forum/attachments/open-forum/18173d1253066477-free-kittens-good-home-chico.jpg)
All the best...not my call and I respect the mods rule, but I think it is time to relax the ban. We all share a passion for MU hoops, and Chicos adds a tom of expertise and insight--and yes, we all go too far at times. Besides, the Crean, Buzz, and assorted pissing contests haven't gone away. Rather have him around to focus the herd's angst. It is just the internet and MU hoops, afterall. ;D
The best to the fam, especially your daughter (health) and you (parent worry). Here is to a Healthy and Happy New Year!
Chico - nothing more difficult in life than watching your child struggle with a serious illness. Heartfelt sympathies and so glad to know she is doing well. Prayers for you and your family.
On a lighter subject, I'd love to have a beer with Hoop. I don't think I've accused him of being you, though I have called him the Plato to your Socrates, your acolyte and a Chicos wanna be. That he consults you before posting speaks volumes to me.
I'm not exactly stunned to see you cling to each and every opinion you had when you left this forum. And good for you - I like a man who sticks with his convictions. But when discussing me with Hoop, please at least consider that me sticking to mine doesn't necessarily equate to not admitting being wrong.
Again, good health to you and yours in 2012.
Quote from: Dr. Blackheart on January 01, 2012, 05:13:25 PM
All the best...not my call and I respect the mods rule, but I think it is time to relax the ban. We all share a passion for MU hoops, and Chicos adds a tom of expertise and insight--and yes, we all go too far at times. Besides, the Crean, Buzz, and assorted pissing contests haven't gone away. Rather have him around to focus the herd's angst. It is just the internet and MU hoops, afterall. ;D
The best to the fam, especially your daughter (health) and you (parent worry). Here is to a Healthy and Happy New Year!
+1
Welcome, my Warrior brother. Seeing your post made my day.
Quote from: ChicoBailBondz on January 01, 2012, 03:33:50 PM
Ringout, this all needs to stop. You are incorrect.
• First, Happy New Year to all of you. Let's hope the Mayans are wrong about 2012
• On a personal note, I wanted to thank many of you for all the prayers and warm wishes for my daughter. Some really great folks on MU Scoop that reached out (4everwarriors, Dr. Blackheart, Ecompt, StillAWarrior, etc) and others in the MU community. Unfortunately she is on insulin the rest of her life, but she is doing great. What a trooper. She turns 10 next month. There are a lot of worthy charities out there but if you ever feel the need to donate and aren't sure what cause to donate to, about 2 million Americans (mostly kids when they get it) have the rarer Type I Diabetes (formerly known as Juvenile Diabetes) that could use your help. https://donations.diabetes.org
• Rocky, I apologize for coming here, but felt the need to jump in here because of some of the harassment going on against other posters using me as validation vehicle...it's not right and I keep getting invoked in the process which isn't fair to the other posters (see below). I will not post again unless you ask, but several guys have reached out to me via email and Facebook and I felt the need to set the record straight and stop this nonsense. Despite Ringout's and a few other folks claims, I'm not here posting as anyone else.
• Rocky, I was in Colorado for much of the last two weeks. I should have looked you up. I should be back in late January or February in the Denver area...we should watch a game at a bar...I took some swipes at you in the last year that I shouldn't have. The least I can do is buy you a beer or three. The banning from Scoop was a blessing. Spent way too much time here and it was good to get away. Until a few weeks ago, I couldn't even read anything here until Hilltopper showed me how illiterate I was with browser cookies (still can't clear them properly on IE, but I can read Scoop on Firefox now).
• Rob (Hoopaloop) and others being accused as me posting as you...you are in a pinch...this is how it works. It's part of the marginalization process against you and why some posters have left in the past. They got tired of being labeled as Buzz haters, Marquette haters, or just haters for having legitimate concerns about the program, the school, etc. Tired of being labeled as someone they are not. None of us hate Buzz or Marquette, no more than we hate our kids, our country, our spouse but sometimes we are critical of them as well (and they of us).
Rob and everyone else being accused of someone you aren't, I see three options for you:
1. Ignore these people and keep posting about your passion of Marquette hoops. Let them call you what they want; it's a game they play. Don't acknowledge their games.
2. Leave Scoop and stop posting...you certainly wouldn't be the first or the last. The downside here is that as more folks leave, the more it becomes like Scout and the inertia creates one point of view. Irving Janis coined the term Groupthink. It's worth a few minutes of study.
3. Prove them all wrong. This is my favorite option. You live in Chicago, right? Get together with Lenny or Ringout or any number of other guys that question you that live in Chitown. Of get together with then at a MU game...even better as they should have to buy you beers all day long for being chumps on this. Bring your laptop, login to Scoop right in front of them; show them your driver's license, call me on the cell while you do it. If you do this, please bring a camera and document the entire jaw dropping exercise because it should be posted for all to see...including the ensuing apology from them. That way whenever someone calls you out in the future, you can just queue up the YouTube video.
I wish you all the best in 2012. My convictions haven't changed
o College hoops is a guard's game (love you 4ever). We have an inconsistent point guard but he has shown signs of solid play late last year and sometimes this year. Need to get stronger here to succeed
o Recruiting quality big men to Marquette is difficult regardless of the coach. It's Marquette, It's Marquette and that has meant no high quality big men for decades. Wish that wasn't the case, but it is. Maybe someday Buzz or someone else can change that, but the notion it would happen overnight with the new staff was optimistic.
o I still do not believe we play intelligent basketball
o Need a few more traditional players – shooters and guys that understand basketball and don't just out athlete their opponents (that works in High School and against lower competition in college)
o Judge a coach after five years
o Rocky, I still expect you to pay up on that bet...Crean isn't going anywhere any time soon.
o Ners, I still expect you to pay up on our bet ...IU goes to a Final Four with Crean before MU does with Buzz. One team seems a lot closer to it than that other in my opinion, especially with the recruiting classes coming in
o Offense is sexy; Defense and rebounding equals long term success
o Vander + JC on the court at same time = tough to get scoring there. Sometimes looks like 3 vs 5 on offense
o 2011 was not the university or the athletic department's finest hour. Let's hope 2012 shows some marked improvements and committed changes (actions, not words) that are necessary moving forward to be a strong, Catholic university that treats all students equally. Demonizing females that make a charge and determining they are at fault because she doesn't have a killer cross over or a smooth J from beyond the arc is just wrong. They might be wrong, but let's not demonize these students.
o Beating UW-madison is a wonderful thing. Women's hoops, women's soccer, men's hoops all posting victories. Never gets old. We are the best team in the state and that feels great
o The Big East is still a Beast, but not quite as good as the last few years. Hard to say who is the best. All of college basketball continues to dilute. ACC sucks outside of 2 1/2 teams. Big Ten probably best top to bottom, but no stellar teams. Big East good, but outside of Syracuse no one scares anyone. Big 12 not what it used to be. Pac 12 is horrific. SEC has done pretty well against the Big East but not as good top to bottom.
Go Marquette. Go Indiana. Go Kansas! Peace to all. Sorry to insert myself, but this was getting ridiculous.
Welcome back. So happy to hear your little one is doing better.
Love your suggestion for number 3. Will add Hards Alumni to the get together based on the PM he just sent me. ::)
You were right about JC, but I couldn't bring myself to admit it. Too inconsistent to be a Big East starting PG. He will shine some days and other days look totally over matched. Vander should be the PG
Judge a coach after five years should be a sticky here. Anyone find it somewhat funny that some of the same posters who loathed the idea of evaluating Buzz after five full years were some of the same that evaluated Crean at IU after just 1 or 2 years?
College hoops is both a guards and big man game, but I agree there are more good guards then good big men. Why we can't land a quality big man at Marquette is depressing.
Big East is down. Not hard to see if we open up our eyes. MU needs to get things going before teams start to improve in the coming years.
Can some insider open this up. Thanks
http://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/story?id=7516582&_slug_=college-hoops-top-68-rankings-kentucky-wildcats-retain-no-1-spot&action=upsell&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fncb%2fstory%3fid%3d7516582%26_slug_%3dcollege-hoops-top-68-rankings-kentucky-wildcats-retain-no-1-spot
15. Marquette Golden Eagles
Marquette fought off Villanova on Saturday for its sixth win in a row. Marquette gets into the lane, but can be vulnerable to getting overwhelmed on the glass.