Because I sure do. I was a de facto fan of the Blue Devils last night, not because I'm finding it more difficult to dislike Duke every day, because I nearly contemplating pulled a favor from the Lord herself to not let Bucky get a W last night (good think I didn't waste that one... God doesn't give you many favors, especially in sports). And I took joy watching Tyus drain a clutch Carlino-esque 3 to all but seal the deal. And then I smiled with pleasure as the camera panned over to Sad Wisconsin Teletubby. But it's not that I was pulling for Duke that makes me feel dirty.*
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CB9XIluUMAA1A7O.jpg)
Let's admit it here - once and only once - that in real life, most of us are not the @ssholes we make ourselves out to be behind the Scoop keyboard. Nobody says we have to like Notre Dame, or UW, or Louisville or whoever, and sure, on the surface, showing enmity on the surface for these guys demonstrates pride in being a Warrior (albeit unnecessarily at times).
But deep down, does anyone really harbor feelings of spite and hatred for UW? Sure, we poke fun at their self-proclaimed moniker "The Harvard of the Midwest," but should we? When you see an athlete at the Special Olympics who dreams of being a professional athlete, you don't make fun of them... you encourage them, offer them support, give them a high-five, and show a little empathy.
"But Benny, I don't hate UW... I hate their fans."
Yes, Timmy, I will concede that's an excellent point. After all, it's clear that their fan base is generally composed mostly of annoying little sock monkeys who barely made it through their second year at UW-Oshkosh... an otherwise compassionate person would also feel sorry for these folks, not be offended by their overall lack of English language skills and oft-malodorous presence.
So here I sit, feeling the angst and conflict of not only knowing that I need another shower, but knowing that even if I thoroughly cleansed myself, I won't last 30 seconds before I dive right back into the mud pit of seemingly-endless recaps, perspectives, opinions and reflections of last night's UW fail.
*Added for clarification.
I feel like a million bucks today. Slept like a baby after sipping champagne toasting the champs!!!
No. Hate the school...hate the teams...especially hate the fans. And lately, I haven't been a big fan of the state either.
I'm glad it wasn't just a loss...it was a heartbreaking loss. Even better. Now, I'm going to sit back and enjoy their endless whining and crying.
Quote from: Goose on April 07, 2015, 08:51:13 AM
I feel like a million bucks today. Slept like a baby after sipping champagne toasting the champs!!!
Me too! (except the champagne part) Watched an episode of Seinfeld to unwind and fell asleep with a smile on my face and joy in my heart, and woke up with the same.
I'm not a Duke hater. I've admired their program for the last 30 years. I had to explain to several people, including my wife, that despite (actually, BECAUSE of) going to college in Wisconsin, that I was rooting for Duke, just as I was rooting for Kentucky to on Saturday. So, not dirty. Immensely relieved, like when the villain/monster/demon is finally killed off in spectacular fashion at the end of a movie.
Looking at that picture... it sure was nice that Brian Butch was there supporting his alma mater.
Not really. Always respected Duke's program and coach K. Yes, they've had a few missteps over the years, but I think by and large they do it right.
I think Bo Ryan is an amazing coach, just don't care for him personally. The Wisconsin team was terrific....their smug fans are hard to deal with. I find Duke fans less smug, and I used to work with many Duke grads.
Nope. I feel great.
Badgers choke.
I won my pool.
Done and done.
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on April 07, 2015, 09:02:04 AM
The Wisconsin team was terrific....their smug fans are hard to deal with. I find Duke fans less smug, and I used to work with many Duke grads.
I spent a lot of time explaining to Sparty fans that the Wiscy fanbase is more arrogant than Michigan's. For the Wolverine fans, I explained their were in some ways worse than Buckeye fans. Both sets of fans were shocked.
Quote from: tower912 on April 07, 2015, 09:09:03 AM
I spent a lot of time explaining to Sparty fans that the Wiscy fanbase is more arrogant than Michigan's. For the Wolverine fans, I explained their were in some ways worse than Buckeye fans. Both sets of fans were shocked.
Hang on...Bucky fans are pretty arrogant and all, but
worse than Buckeye fans?! I don't know about that.
It has been my experience that, while incredibly arrogant and obnoxious, Buckeye fans don't have nearly the latent and blatant racist leanings. Ergo, from my perspective, Wiscy fans are worse.
Quote from: tower912 on April 07, 2015, 08:55:46 AM
I'm not a Duke hater. I've admired their program for the last 30 years. I had to explain to several people, including my wife, that despite (actually, BECAUSE of) going to college in Wisconsin, that I was rooting for Duke, just as I was rooting for Kentucky to on Saturday. So, not dirty. Immensely relieved, like when the villain/monster/demon is finally killed off in spectacular fashion at the end of a movie.
similar
Quote from: tower912 on April 07, 2015, 09:24:31 AM
It has been my experience that, while incredibly arrogant and obnoxious, Buckeye fans don't have nearly the latent and blatant racist leanings. Ergo, from my perspective, Wiscy fans are worse.
For a guy not born in the Upper Midwest nor Ohio Valley, I have more experience with these two fan bases than I ever imagined I would. The bolded above has been something I've witnessed as well. OSU doesn't resort to the white privilege quite as much as UW does.
I wouldn't even say I was that happy last night, I was mostly just relieved. Relieved I wouldn't have to take crap from people who didn't even go to UW-Madison. Most of the people I know who actually went there aren't the obnoxious ones. Its the people who didn't.
I don't need to feel dirty or guilty about being relieved. I am at peace. Badgers had a great run. Life goes on.
Quote from: tower912 on April 07, 2015, 09:24:31 AM
It has been my experience that, while incredibly arrogant and obnoxious, Buckeye fans don't have nearly the latent and blatant racist leanings. Ergo, from my perspective, Wiscy fans are worse.
Fair point.
Had a great night sleep. Don't feel the least bit "dirty."
Thrilled Bucky might have blown its last chance at a title before we get our next crown!
Sweet silence around the office today is a beautiful thing. This sh.t eating grin might be on my face all day.
Quote from: Bleuteaux on April 07, 2015, 09:37:42 AM
I wouldn't even say I was that happy last night, I was mostly just relieved. Relieved I wouldn't have to take crap from people who didn't even go to UW-Madison. Most of the people I know who actually went there aren't the obnoxious ones. Its the people who didn't.
I don't need to feel dirty or guilty about being relieved. I am at peace. Badgers had a great run. Life goes on.
+1
I think I've clicked on this thread about 10 times this morning just to see the picture of Sad Telebucky again. I can just picture him wearing that suit walking home from the game by himself down the streets of Indianapolis and kicking a rock down the sidewalk all the way back to his aunt's house who lives in Indy where he and his friends all stayed in her basement for the weekend. Right about now his crew is probably scraping up enough change for the tolls on 294 as they drive home to Madison, and he's still wearing that suit looking sad in the passenger seat.
All my feelings of dirtiness went out the door as soon as that Bucky fan started running his mouth last night. Its a great day, no red in sight besides Blackhawks apparel.
I've been a long time Duke hater, but there was something different about this team that made me actually like them, even before the tourney. It's been written about a lot this morning, but this is a very un-Duke like team with the one-and-dones, yet they carried themselves differently then Kentucky. They were fun group to watch and actually happy they won.
Got to throw this out there, Coack K taking over head coaching duties for USA Basketball was huge for that program. I think it is the main reason he is now able to recruit some of these one and dones. Knowing Wojo was involved as well, I wonder how much he uses that experience in his pitch to recruits.
Quote from: ATLmarquettefan on April 07, 2015, 10:41:16 AM
I've been a long time Duke hater, but there was something different about this team that made me actually like them, even before the tourney. It's been written about a lot this morning, but this is a very un-Duke like team with the one-and-dones, yet they carried themselves differently then Kentucky. They were fun group to watch and actually happy they won.
Got to throw this out there, Coack K taking over head coaching duties for USA Basketball was huge for that program. I think it is the main reason he is now able to recruit some of these one and dones. Knowing Wojo was involved as well, I wonder how much he uses that experience in his pitch to recruits.
I admit that I was pulling for UW. But, that Duke team deserves a lot of respect. Duke seemed to carry themselves with maturity and character. Didn't react too much to bad calls, etc. I have come to respect Duke and coach K more and more, especially with a team like this one where the younger guys seem very under control emotionally, etc.
And, as the game went on, I found it harder to pull for UW, especially because of that Grayson Allen kid. Maybe my new favorite college player. Fearless taking it to the hoop when Duke needed someone to step up. I want that type of kid on MU! Reminds me of Diener (not in size, or style, but in the fearless attitude.. the give me an inch and I'll make you pay type of game).
Those freshmen played with poise well beyond their years. And in a very hostile environment as well. Huge credit to them.
Lesser of two evils. What's another title to Duke? I know what it would have been to Bucky, and the thought of how insufferable that would have been made the choice pretty easy.
Besides, how many other coaches can sit in a recruit's living room and truthfully say they personally helped assemble the team that just won the national championship?
I really wanted UW to lose and I like Duke more than any of the other Blue Bloods. When UW was up 9 I told my wife that I think I am going to get physically sick and the game quickly turned around before I could stop watching it. I was whooping and dancing when it was obvious that UW was going to lose. I do not know, if I feel dirty, but I am struggling with the idea that I could hate my own State's school so much. It probably is not healthy to have so much hate about anything. The fact is I do not hate UW or Bo Ryan. Just some of their fans, including one in my office. They are jerks to say it kindly and I just could bare to see them win, but I do not think that is a good thing to feel that way. It just should not matter that much.
Not the least bit dirty.
Bo Ryan may be a great coach, but his complaints about the officiating last night were appalling. The guy has made a career out of getting all the close calls going his way. It felt so good to watch him complain last night - knowing that the rest of the college basketball world will now see him for what he is.
Not really, because I could not bear the thought of listening to UW-Green Bay grads talk about "their" National Championship for the rest of my life.
Honestly, if it weren't for bandwagon UW fans, the program would almost be bearable enough to root for. When you grow up and know legions of these types, it just makes the program insufferable.
Quote from: tower912 on April 07, 2015, 09:09:03 AM
I spent a lot of time explaining to Sparty fans that the Wiscy fanbase is more arrogant than Michigan's. For the Wolverine fans, I explained their were in some ways worse than Buckeye fans.
Whoa Whoa Whoa! WTFO??
Cut it out. You know how Spartan fans perceive the Wolverines. And you know how Wolverine fans perceive the Buckeye fanbase. Stop the fauxrage.
Quote from: ATLmarquettefan on April 07, 2015, 10:41:16 AM
I've been a long time Duke hater, but there was something different about this team that made me actually like them, even before the tourney. It's been written about a lot this morning, but this is a very un-Duke like team with the one-and-dones, yet they carried themselves differently then Kentucky. They were fun group to watch and actually happy they won.
Got to throw this out there, Coack K taking over head coaching duties for USA Basketball was huge for that program. I think it is the main reason he is now able to recruit some of these one and dones. Knowing Wojo was involved as well, I wonder how much he uses that experience in his pitch to recruits.
Agreed, they kind of grew on me as well. I also thought Tyus Jones' reaction after he hit that dagger three was great. Pure jubilation and even seemed like a little shock that he nailed that. That short half a second they cut to him after he hit that was fantastic.
(http://images.onset.freedom.com/ocregister/nmf9a8-b88376529z.120150406224231000gis90t29.10.jpg)
Quote from: tower912 on April 07, 2015, 12:00:32 PM
Cut it out. You know how Spartan fans perceive the Wolverines. And you know how Wolverine fans perceive the Buckeye fanbase. Stop the fauxrage.
I assumed keefe was taking issue with you saying Badger fans are more arrogant than Michigan fans. If anyone can defend the arrogance of Michigan fans, it's him.
Quote from: WarriorInNYC on April 07, 2015, 12:15:36 PM
Agreed, they kind of grew on me as well. I also thought Tyus Jones' reaction after he hit that dagger three was great. Pure jubilation and even seemed like a little shock that he nailed that. That short half a second they cut to him after he hit that was fantastic.
(http://images.onset.freedom.com/ocregister/nmf9a8-b88376529z.120150406224231000gis90t29.10.jpg)
I'm sure Wojo is milking his USA team connections....and he should.
No shock that Duke was able to do what UK couldn't. Duke gets a different class of player and Coach K is 10x the coach that Calipari is.
Over the years, I've come to accept Duke hatred as simple jealousy. Now, I've had my fill of those wacky, zany, oh so clever Cameron Crazies...and I would love to never hear Dukie V sing their praises again. But Coach K is a quality guy and his players actually go to class. The NCAA could use a lot more programs like Duke.
Quote from: Groin_pull on April 07, 2015, 12:23:56 PM
I'm sure Wojo is milking his USA team connections....and he should.
No shock that Duke was able to do what UK couldn't. Duke gets a different class of player and Coach K is 10x the coach that Calipari is.
Over the years, I've come to accept Duke hatred as simple jealousy. Now, I've had my fill of those wacky, zany, oh so clever Cameron Crazies...and I would love to never hear Dukie V sing their praises again. But Coach K is a quality guy and his players actually go to class. The NCAA could use a lot more programs like Duke.
Coach K is a great coach and the program is a great one. But getting tired of hearing Dukie V. raving about them. It is time some of that Duke success blow our way with Wojo getting some of that at MU.
Quote from: Groin_pull on April 07, 2015, 12:23:56 PM
I'm sure Wojo is milking his USA team connections....and he should.
No shock that Duke was able to do what UK couldn't. Duke gets a different class of player and Coach K is 10x the coach that Calipari is.
Over the years, I've come to accept Duke hatred as simple jealousy. Now, I've had my fill of those wacky, zany, oh so clever Cameron Crazies...and I would love to never hear Dukie V sing their praises again. But Coach K is a quality guy and his players actually go to class. The NCAA could use a lot more programs like Duke.
Are Wojo's connections to USA basketball done now that he is no longer a K assistant? It seems everyone just assumed he was done when he left Duke.
I did not grow up in Wisconsin, nor do I live there, so I don't have the same experience and perspective as some of you do. I do have one friend and one relative by marriage that I happen to like who are Wisconsin graduates (in fact my friend attends MU games with me in MU gear) so I was a bit torn, as I would like those particular people to be happy. But I know that many other Wisconsin fans are pretty arrogant. And I grew up a block away from where coach K grew up, and saw them win their first NCAA championship in person, so I generally do root for Duke anyway, so I was definitely pulled in both directions.
That being said, I thought Bo was totally classless in the post-game interview and don't like him in the least, whereas I do like Coach K (who is very gracious when you meet him as well).
I don't hate the school, I despise the way they play the game. Holding the ball and hoisting 3s is not the way I think it's meant to be played. You should always be trying to attack and score not shorten the game. The constant flopping and whining over every whistle is why I despise them. If they got a new coach who played a better style of basketball, it would be tougher for me to be a hater.
I was ambivalent about the Wisconsin Kentucky game. I didn't want Kentucky to get the perfect season, nor did I want Wisconsin to get the national title. I thought that Wisconsin had the best shot of stopping Kentucky due to their year of living with the memory of last year's game.
Wisconsin stops Kentucky then gets stopped at the gate by Duke, it was the perfect endgame for me. No guilty, dirty feelings whatsoever. Hopefully, Wojo, has someone who was partial involved in building this year's Duke team gets some reflected glory. Wisconsin fans are subdued (for a while) and while Bucky gets some recruiting boost from a final four and a national title game appearance, it's not what it could have been from the national title. It's all good.
Quote from: LittleWade on April 07, 2015, 06:06:07 PM
I was ambivalent about the Wisconsin Kentucky game. I didn't want Kentucky to get the perfect season, nor did I want Wisconsin to get the national title. I thought that Wisconsin had the best shot of stopping Kentucky due to their year of living with the memory of last year's game.
Wisconsin stops Kentucky then gets stopped at the gate by Duke, it was the perfect endgame for me. No guilty, dirty feelings whatsoever. Hopefully, Wojo, has someone who was partial involved in building this year's Duke team gets some reflected glory. Wisconsin fans are subdued (for a while) and while Bucky gets some recruiting boost from a final four and a national title game appearance, it's not what it could have been from the national title. It's all good.
I'm not sure about that. Last year's Final Four didn't do much for Bo's recruiting.
Quote from: Groin_pull on April 07, 2015, 06:45:39 PM
I'm not sure about that. Last year's Final Four didn't do much for Bo's recruiting.
I've heard there's a one year lag.
In 1989, Marquette lost in overtime to Wisconsin, and I was surprised not by one or two prickish fans post-game (I would expect that). But there were dozens of jagwagon UW fans milling around the Bradley Center and various bars after the game. The idiocy and arrogance was astounding given that UW had done nothing in the basketball world up to that point (1941 does not count). I have never liked the Badgers after that game, and never will.
No remorse whatsoever in a Badger loss.
Quote from: Warrior Code on April 07, 2015, 01:42:46 PM
Are Wojo's connections to USA basketball done now that he is no longer a K assistant? It seems everyone just assumed he was done when he left Duke.
Anyone know the answer to this?
No guilt or feelings of dirtiness. Not at all. Badger fans are the same as St. Louis Cardinals fans - they play "the right way" and are so "humble; just happy to be here" and other assorted bullshit.
Quote from: Warrior Code on April 07, 2015, 10:48:21 PM
Anyone know the answer to this?
I'll try to get more details, but Wojo isn't listed on the USA Basketball website that I can see. According to his Marquette bio, he was with USA Basketball from 2006-2012. At one point, Wojo managed things in Durham while K was away coaching Team USA. Not sure if that was during or after his stint with the team.
Quote from: warriorfred on April 07, 2015, 10:42:37 PM
In 1989, Marquette lost in overtime to Wisconsin, and I was surprised not by one or two prickish fans post-game (I would expect that). But there were dozens of jagwagon UW fans milling around the Bradley Center and various bars after the game. The idiocy and arrogance was astounding given that UW had done nothing in the basketball world up to that point (1941 does not count). I have never liked the Badgers after that game, and never will.
No remorse whatsoever in a Badger loss.
Of course 41 doesn't count. team full of draft dodgers and Canadians.
Quote from: boyonthedock on April 08, 2015, 09:58:03 AM
Of course 41 doesn't count. team full of draft dodgers and Canadians.
Ok, the NCAA wasn't even a major tournament at this point, and only had 8 teams, etc. etc. but let's at least be fair. The US didn't enter World War II until December 1941. The tournament championship happened 9 months before that. The title doesn't mean much, but the team wasn't full of draft dodgers.
^ the '41 championship was before the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor
but it still doesn't count, hell, only 8 teams were in that tourney and the final score was in the 30's (true Bo-ball)
Quote from: brewcity77 on April 08, 2015, 09:51:38 AM
I'll try to get more details, but Wojo isn't listed on the USA Basketball website that I can see. According to his Marquette bio, he was with USA Basketball from 2006-2012. At one point, Wojo managed things in Durham while K was away coaching Team USA. Not sure if that was during or after his stint with the team.
Thanks, Brew.