I'm not making any predictions about margin or who will lead or whatever but I feel strangely confident and comfortable heading into tomorrow's game.
I feel like the team is focused singularly on getting to the Elite 8 and I just don't believe they'll be distracted.
Just seems like a much more focused group than the last two years
Two years ago I think we were happy to be there.
One year ago I think we were relieved Missouri lost and simply got overwhelmed by a better-than-expected Florida.
This year I see no reason we shouldn't be able to advance.
Quote from: brewcity77 on March 27, 2013, 11:35:03 AM
Two years ago I think we were happy to be there.
One year ago I think we were relieved Missouri lost and simply got overwhelmed by a better-than-expected Florida.
This year I see no reason we shouldn't be able to advance.
Exactly. MU is taking this game as all business. They are focused and ready. Miami seems to be more of "basking in the glow". Just happy to be there. I have a strange feeling MU is going to really take it to them tomorrow. It will be "shock and awe".
No disrespect for TC and the 2003 FF but it seemed like everything he talked about was for the players to "enjoy this." Of course that's awesome for the players and it's an incredibly special time for them, but it really seemed like that was their destination.
I dunno maybe I'm way off but I feel like as long as you're in the tournament you've got to be not satisfied to advance.
Though I have never won anything close to an NCAA tournament game as a coach or player.
There are years when it is 'ok' to just be happy to be in the dance. 09-10 comes to mind. A team shorter than most good high school teams with no depth makes the tourney. Phenomenal. This year's team has reached what I thought was its absolute ceiling at the beginning of the year. Compete near the top of the Big East and the sweet 16. I want more, but if MU loses I will not look back in regret one bit.
Quote from: sixstrings03 on March 27, 2013, 11:52:48 AM
No disrespect for TC and the 2003 FF but it seemed like everything he talked about was for the players to "enjoy this." Of course that's awesome for the players and it's an incredibly special time for them, but it really seemed like that was their destination.
I dunno maybe I'm way off but I feel like as long as you're in the tournament you've got to be not satisfied to advance.
Though I have never won anything close to an NCAA tournament game as a coach or player.
Far be it from me to defend Crean, but I remember him telling everybody who'd listen that the team carried a picture of the Superdome around all season. They were not satisfied with a Sweet 16.
I also don't think a loss would indicate any kind of "satisfaction."
I feel good as well. There is a boatload of tournament experience on this MU roster, and it has showed with their poise to come back when losing down the stretch. The stakes are high, but pretty everyone has been here already.
Also I felt prior to the tourney that if MU could get past Davidson (bad matchup), MU will have a run to the final four. We'll find out soon enough.
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on March 27, 2013, 11:55:56 AM
Far be it from me to defend Crean, but I remember him telling everybody who'd listen that the team carried a picture of the Superdome around all season. They were not satisfied with a Sweet 16.
I also don't think a loss would indicate any kind of "satisfaction."
Yeah he took the team to tour the Superdome during the preseason and said something like "look around we want to see this again."
We've been blown out (Florida), but have seen the team play tough games all year win or lose. There is little reason to think this Miami team is any better than what we've seen or is more prepared for tomorrow than we are. Win or lose, MU will do us proud.
Quote from: sixstrings03 on March 27, 2013, 11:52:48 AM
Though I have never won anything close to an NCAA tournament game as a coach or player.
Don't sell yourself short. I've seen you win plenty of great beer pong games.
Quote from: lawwarrior12 on March 27, 2013, 12:01:56 PM
Yeah he took the team to tour the Superdome during the preseason and said something like "look around we want to see this again."
true - I was referring to the lead-up to the Kansas game
Quote from: brewcity77 on March 27, 2013, 11:35:03 AM
Two years ago I think we were happy to be there.
One year ago I think we were relieved Missouri lost and simply got overwhelmed by a better-than-expected Florida.
This year I see no reason we shouldn't be able to advance.
Yeah, no reason other than a very good Miami team that blew out UNC and Duke once this year, and a team that, when healthy, had as good a record as any team in the country outside of Gonzaga. Missing Reggie Johnson probably won't be a big deal to them (only depth-wise), especially when many of his shots will go to more efficient frontcourt players.
Quote from: statnik on March 27, 2013, 12:36:39 PM
Yeah, no reason other than a very good Miami team that blew out UNC and Duke once this year, and a team that, when healthy, had as good a record as any team in the country outside of Gonzaga. Missing Reggie Johnson probably won't be a big deal to them (only depth-wise), especially when many of his shots will go to more efficient frontcourt players.
People used this argument last year regarding Otule. That argument was wrong. Never underestimate a huge body down low and how it affects other aspects of the game.
Quote from: statnik on March 27, 2013, 12:36:39 PM
Yeah, no reason other than a very good Miami team that blew out UNC and Duke lost to Wake Forest and Georgia Tech once this year, and a team that, when IS NOT healthy, had as good a record as any team in the country outside of Gonzaga. Missing Reggie Johnson probably won't be a big deal to them (only depth-wise and defense, like that matters), especially when many of his shots will go to more efficient frontcourt players.
And also, Miami doesn't force turnovers.
FIFY
Quote from: statnik on March 27, 2013, 12:36:39 PM
Yeah, no reason other than a very good Miami team that blew out UNC and Duke once this year, and a team that, when healthy, had as good a record as any team in the country outside of Gonzaga. Missing Reggie Johnson probably won't be a big deal to them (only depth-wise), especially when many of his shots will go to more efficient frontcourt players.
Ah the transitive property... how does that match up with our handily beating a UW team which beat both IU and Michigan twice this year?
(http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lt6wliS1b31r4ghkoo1_250.gif)
Just got my tix via overnight mail.
So psyched!
I almost always worry, and I can't lie ... I'm worried about this, too. But hey, I was REALLY worried about Davidson (for good reason) and Butler as well, and those turned out OK. Heart-attack inducing, but OK.
Quote from: tower912 on March 27, 2013, 11:55:26 AM
There are years when it is 'ok' to just be happy to be in the dance. 09-10 comes to mind. A team shorter than most good high school teams with no depth makes the tourney. Phenomenal. This year's team has reached what I thought was its absolute ceiling at the beginning of the year. Compete near the top of the Big East and the sweet 16. I want more, but if MU loses I will not look back in regret one bit.
I couldn't agree more. Going into this "rebuilding year," I was actually kinda dreading this season. I figured we'd be 9-9 in BE play if lucky and MAYBE have 20 wins total.
This season has been amazing and is probably my favorite since the 2003 season. I would never, EVER trade being a freshman that year for anything, but this year is a close second.
So with all that red and orange filling the Verizon center, who are they likely to get behind in this one? I suspect MU since Miami is perceived as (and perhaps is in reality) the better team.
Cuse fans have to get behind MU. We beat them, and we're also big east in a year where the big10 got all the accolades.
I imagine the IU will also cheer for MU as we'll be viewed as the inferior team in their eyes.
Quote from: lawwarrior12 on March 27, 2013, 12:01:56 PM
Yeah he took the team to tour the Superdome during the preseason and said something like "look around we want to see this again."
He also did it when they played Tulane that season.
I remembering being impressed that the kids, as young as they were, really took it to heart when we drove by the Superdome.
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on March 27, 2013, 11:55:56 AM
Far be it from me to defend Crean, but I remember him telling everybody who'd listen that the team carried a picture of the Superdome around all season. They were not satisfied with a Sweet 16.
I also don't think a loss would indicate any kind of "satisfaction."
And judging by the result against Kansas, MU was just happy to get to the Superdome in '03.
I don't feel good about tomorrow, and either way I think this was a great season. Before the year started I thought sweet 16 was right about where we should get to. Any less would have been a disappointment, and more is special. This is not one of the 8 most talented teams in the country but we have a good shot at making the elite eight, which shows how good buzz is as a coach and motivator.
Quote from: statnik on March 27, 2013, 12:36:39 PM
Yeah, no reason other than a very good Miami team that blew out UNC and Duke once this year, and a team that, when healthy, had as good a record as any team in the country outside of Gonzaga. Missing Reggie Johnson probably won't be a big deal to them (only depth-wise), especially when many of his shots will go to more efficient frontcourt players.
Miami was 5-2 against top-150 teams without Johnson. Their biggest win was over North Carolina without him, a UNC team that uncharacteristically isn't as deep as our team is. Miami has 6 reliable players without Johnson. He is the best offensive rebounder on a team that simply isn't that good on the glass. The only way Miami beats us is if they shoot absolutely lights out. While they are capable of it, I feel that the waves of pressure we can apply will wear them down allowing us to dominate the second half. The more I look at this match-up, especially without Johnson, the more confident I am that we are going to the Elite 8.
Cannot say I feel good yet, but off the charts jacked up. I will be at MU campus watching and hopefully buying shots for some co-eds after the game. The shots will be to help my kid have a chance and not for my benefit.
Quote from: Goose on March 27, 2013, 07:01:05 PM
Cannot say I feel good yet, but off the charts jacked up. I will be at MU campus watching and hopefully buying shots for some co-eds after the game. The shots will be to help my kid have a chance and not for my benefit.
Still creepy.
Quote from: Goose on March 27, 2013, 07:01:05 PM
Cannot say I feel good yet, but off the charts jacked up. I will be at MU campus watching and hopefully buying shots for some co-eds after the game. The shots will be to help my kid have a chance and not for my benefit.
Where do you go on campus? I'm considering going up to watch Saturdays game!
PRN
Navin put things in perspective. I best watch at home. But, if I were to go watch on campus I think Murphy's or Cafferty's could be good options.
Quote from: Goose on March 27, 2013, 07:11:32 PM
PRN
Navin put things in perspective. I best watch at home. But, if I were to go watch on campus I think Murphy's or Cafferty's could be good options.
OMG the legend that is Goose is now getting "perspective."
The tales that could be told.......
Sir Lawrence
Don't you have some cases to crack? I was hoping you skipped this thread. You are one guy who could vouch for the creepiness.
I think we have as good a chance to advance to the final 4 as we have had in a long time...at this point. Forget preseason predictions, in-season struggles...whatever...here we sit needing to win a 2 game playoff to get to the final 4. We have played in close games all year and in the tournament so that should not faze us. We have faced adversity and coming back against big leads so that should not faze us if it happens in the first half. Bottom line is Miami is really good but the ACC was only so-so this year and they are very beatable. In my opinion, there really is not a dominant team this year and with the parity anything can happen. If we get by Miami (which I think we will) we match up against Syracuse or Indiana. Indiana was beaten by Bucky twice and Butler....two teams we did well against. Syracuse almost scares me more because even though we beat them, that zone gives me nightmares with our outside shooting inconsistency...but, they would be an opponent we have already scouted.
Bring it on! The only thing I don't feel good about is the early start time and I will not be able to watch it live due to work commitments...but my smartphone will be constantly updating the score.
Have some good luck scotch for me during the game!
Goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Quote from: Goose on March 27, 2013, 07:11:32 PM
Navin put things in perspective.
This is a dark day for this board.
It just feels like this is a team of destiny. They don't win the way people think teams should win or want to win. We don't have NBA first rounders (for this coming draft), loads of McDonalds AA, or dominating victories. We just play harder for longer and it pisses people off that we keep on winning. Team of destiny. Team of will.
Quote from: murobrob on March 27, 2013, 07:38:58 PM
Bring it on! The only thing I don't feel good about is the early start time and I will not be able to watch it live due to work commitments...but my smartphone will be constantly updating the score.
Have some good luck scotch for me during the game!
Goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
If you have a smartphone you can watch the game live on it: http://www.ncaa.com/march-madness-live/
Butterflys building like always, just play 40 hard minutes an I'll feel OK....WAR!!! Win, Advance, Repeat
Quote from: Goose on March 27, 2013, 07:19:42 PM
Sir Lawrence
Don't you have some cases to crack? I was hoping you skipped this thread. You are one guy who could vouch for the creepiness.
Nah, not creepy. Let's just say you and the Commissioner make everyone else on this board rank amateurs. Except maybe Sid, but I think he's on team Dodds.
Quote from: brewcity77 on March 27, 2013, 06:50:45 PM
Miami was 5-2 against top-150 teams without Johnson. Their biggest win was over North Carolina without him, a UNC team that uncharacteristically isn't as deep as our team is. Miami has 6 reliable players without Johnson. He is the best offensive rebounder on a team that simply isn't that good on the glass. The only way Miami beats us is if they shoot absolutely lights out. While they are capable of it, I feel that the waves of pressure we can apply will wear them down allowing us to dominate the second half. The more I look at this match-up, especially without Johnson, the more confident I am that we are going to the Elite 8.
I truthfully think we will more likely be in this situation where we have to shoot lights out to win. If you take away our hard working and effort-oriented nature, we are a very ordinary and turnover prone team, so we can't afford to take any game for granted. I do think we have a better than 50/50 chance if we can successfully turn this into a track meet that wears Miami down. I'm just skeptical we will do that, it has been difficult to create turnovers this year since we've committed to the defensive end and tried to avoid double teaming in the halfcourt to try to create turnovers.
I am legitimately having issues getting to sleep tonight because of this game. We won the championship last night in my dream.
Me too. 'Cept in my dream, I was porkin' Bar Rafaeli.
Quote from: NavinRJohnson on March 27, 2013, 07:02:33 PM
Still creepy.
It wouldn't have been as bad if he hadn't said "co-eds." I think that did it for me.
Also, it's Caffrey's. Unless something has changed. And man, that bar was the absolute BEST 2005-2007. Then they remodeled and got that stupid DJ booth and made it basically identical to lame-ass Murphy's. Man, I hate that bar.
Quote from: sixstrings03 on March 27, 2013, 10:05:37 PM
I am legitimately having issues getting to sleep tonight because of this game. We won the championship last night in my dream.
I don't think I've ever been as nervous/anxious for a game in my life. All I can think about is Florida, UNC and KU. I'll be heartbroken if it's another game like that. But I've got a damned good feeling it WON'T be. GO MARQUETTE!
Quote from: klyrish on March 27, 2013, 11:59:34 PMI don't think I've ever been as nervous/anxious for a game in my life. All I can think about is Florida, UNC and KU. I'll be heartbroken if it's another game like that. But I've got a damned good feeling it WON'T be. GO MARQUETTE!
In 2003, I watched 3-seed Marquette take on 2-seed Pittsburgh in the Sweet 16 at the Milwaukee Ale House and had been promised a free ticket to Minneapolis for the Elite 8 game if Marquette won. I was nervous for that, and probably even more nervous the night after that game when I was trying to get sleep before driving up to Minny for the Kentucky game.
I'm headed back to the Ale House tomorrow...
Quote from: brewcity77 on March 28, 2013, 12:24:53 AM
In 2003, I watched 3-seed Marquette take on 2-seed Pittsburgh in the Sweet 16 at the Milwaukee Ale House and had been promised a free ticket to Minneapolis for the Elite 8 game if Marquette won. I was nervous for that, and probably even more nervous the night after that game when I was trying to get sleep before driving up to Minny for the Kentucky game.
I'm headed back to the Ale House tomorrow...
NICE! I've worn my Wade jersey during every game since the first ND game (got it a few days before that game) and it's turned out quite well apart from the BET game. I'm going to wear it to work and all day tomorrow.
Sir Lawrence
To be referenced with The Commissioner and Sid really is an honor. Growing up Sid & Co. were bigger than life characters for this kid from Tosa. Later in life The Commissioner took me under his wing and helped mold me. I guess it is time to shake off the dust and live it up a bit. I am now longer allowing Navin to make me feel creepy and I will be on campus trying to do my part.
Quote from: sixstrings03 on March 27, 2013, 12:36:24 PM
true - I was referring to the lead-up to the Kansas game
Just watched Crean's pre-Sweet Sixteen presser and he again said something along the lines of his team's priorities leading up to the game as:
1) Arriving in DC
2) Afternoon practice
3) Get to know the city
4) Watch some tape
5) Have fun
6) Stay off their feet
this isn't anything profound, but it is different from Buzz's talk track and the rest of the team's
Quote from: sixstrings03 on March 28, 2013, 01:15:56 PM
Just watched Crean's pre-Sweet Sixteen presser and he again said something along the lines of his team's priorities leading up to the game as:
1) Arriving in DC
2) Afternoon practice
3) Get to know the city
4) Watch some tape
5) Have fun
6) Stay off their feet
this isn't anything profound, but it is different from Buzz's talk track and the rest of the team's
7. Fly back to Bloomington Thursday night.
Quote from: sixstrings03 on March 28, 2013, 01:15:56 PM
Just watched Crean's pre-Sweet Sixteen presser and he again said something along the lines of his team's priorities leading up to the game as:
1) Arriving in DC
2) Afternoon practice
3) Get to know the city
4) Watch some tape
5) Have fun
6) Stay off their feet
this isn't anything profound, but it is different from Buzz's talk track and the rest of the team's
BTW also interesting that 1 out of 3 questions seemed to reference TC's time at MU... this board may not be an aberration. TC's paramount success as a coach took place at another school. That's got to get old.
Quote from: 4everwarriors on March 28, 2013, 01:17:55 PM
7a. Eye-f@#k opposing team player (most likely Lockett since Cosmo validated his "hotness"
(http://cdn2.mocksession.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/TOM-CREAN-JACKIN-IT.gif)
7b. Walk off court of celebrating MU players to fly back to Bloomington Thursday Saturday night.
FIFY
Quote from: sixstrings03 on March 28, 2013, 01:18:05 PM
BTW also interesting that 1 out of 3 questions seemed to reference TC's time at MU... this board may not be an aberration. TC's paramount success as a coach took place at another school. That's got to get old.
Also got in a few unprovoked Harbaugh references in there
Nice addition 4ever.
Quote from: wardle2wade on March 27, 2013, 02:17:20 PM
Cuse fans have to get behind MU. We beat them, and we're also big east in a year where the big10 got all the accolades.
I imagine the IU will also cheer for MU as we'll be viewed as the inferior team in their eyes.
IU fans are loving Crean right now....he came from MU, so I say they support MU!
Quote from: StillWarriors on March 28, 2013, 01:39:38 PM
IU fans are loving Crean right now....he came from MU, so I say they support MU!
I'm sure they'd rather play this team who apparently has no business being in the tournament rather than Miami.
Has he heard from Ben Sheets?
Somehow Jimmy Butler throwing down that alley-oop against that other Miami team felt like an omen.
Good thing I'm not playing because I'm looking ahead.
Saturday night 56 degrees by the lakefront... great weather for a run and a dip :)