Here is an article on the Vegas 16. It will cost teams $50,000, but everything is at one site. It wouldn't even start until March 26 and takes place over four days. (That is Elite 8 weekend.)
http://www.reviewjournal.com/ron-kantowski/vegas-16-basketball-tournament-needs-few-good-teams
I would guess that MU would spring for that right?
I'd obviously prefer the NIT, but I'd be disappointed if MU passed this up.
With the young team MU should take the chance to play vs. ego.
With the amount we spend on hoops, $50k is a drop in the bucket. Given the youth of this team, I think Wojo would jump at the chance to play longer.
Quote from: The Sultan of Sunshine on March 11, 2016, 08:43:13 AM
Here is an article on the Vegas 16. It will cost teams $50,000, but everything is at one site. It wouldn't even start until March 26 and takes place over four days. (That is Elite 8 weekend.)
http://www.reviewjournal.com/ron-kantowski/vegas-16-basketball-tournament-needs-few-good-teams
I would guess that MU would spring for that right?
I would hope so. $50,000 would be a worthwhile investment in the future of this young team.
$50,000 may be a good estimate if you're Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo, flying in on Southwest and staying at the Fitz. Not Marquette, though... MU goes big or stays home.
$66,000 charter plane (6.6 hrs @ $10,000/hr)
$25,000 hotel/per diem (15 players, 10 coaches/team support, 15 staff @125/day x 5 days)
$10,000 miscellaneous (families, tickets, gear, fundraising, etc.)
$101,000 Total Costs
-$20,000 Estimated Shot-in-the-dark booster support, flight reimbursements, etc.
$81,000
(Add another $5,000-7,500 in the unlikely event that you're taking the pep band.)
Benefits of participating in a post-season tournament (and V16 rebuttal)
1) Revenue - Only a con-artist goes to Vegas thinking he's going to make money... besides, he's coaching at VPI now.
2) Exposure - V16 is too young, no prestige, no television rights, and scouts are going to be at the NCAA/NIT sites.
3) Team Building/Experience - Unless HE is coming back next year, the team is going to have to retool completely, so any team building will be for naught. Even without HE coming back, there's not much individual experience to be gained against the likes of "BYU, Oakland, Albany, and a couple of Mountain West teams." Too many cupcakes makes you fat and slow... if I see another one this season, I'm going to vomit.
4) To reward the team - a) Vegas means something completely different to the team than it means to us... they don't get to partake in that; this is just another basketball tournament to them, and b) personally, I don't feel that mediocrity should be rewarded, even with a mediocre reward.
5) Fundraising opportunity - See #1
6) To reward the fans/alumni - Honestly, this is the most legitimate reason I see, and frankly, it's a pretty pathetic one.
Quote from: Benny B on March 11, 2016, 09:21:37 AM
2) Exposure - V16 is too young, no prestige, no television rights, and scouts are going to be at the NCAA/NIT sites.
Scouts will be where the talent they want to scout are.
IE Henry and Simmons.
Quote from: #UnleashWally on March 11, 2016, 09:33:47 AM
Scouts will be where the talent they want to scout are.
IE Henry and Simmons.
Henry and Ben don't need any more exposure than they already have. Maybe the scout thing was a distraction... I'm talking more the exposure that recruits care about.
And LSU will be in the NIT or nothing at all... perhaps you haven't noticed the fiscal crisis they seem to be in down there.
Quote from: Benny B on March 11, 2016, 09:21:37 AM1) Revenue - Only a con-artist goes to Vegas thinking he's going to make money... besides, he's coaching at VPI now.
2) Exposure - V16 is too young, no prestige, no television rights, and scouts are going to be at the NCAA/NIT sites.
3) Team Building/Experience - Unless HE is coming back next year, the team is going to have to retool completely, so any team building will be for naught. Even without HE coming back, there's not much individual experience to be gained against the likes of "BYU, Oakland, Albany, and a couple of Mountain West teams." Too many cupcakes makes you fat and slow... if I see another one this season, I'm going to vomit.
4) To reward the team - a) Vegas means something completely different to the team than it means to us... they don't get to partake in that; this is just another basketball tournament to them, and b) personally, I don't feel that mediocrity should be rewarded, even with a mediocre reward.
5) Fundraising opportunity - See #1
6) To reward the fans/alumni - Honestly, this is the most legitimate reason I see, and frankly, it's a pretty pathetic one.
1) Agreed, we won't make money, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. You pay for exposure.
2) Mostly disagree. It is a young tournament, but all games from the quarterfinals on will be broadcast on CBSSN, so fans will be able to watch. Scouts won't be at the first round, but they will be able to attend the Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday quarterfinals to finals.
3) We return 9 scholarship players even if Henry leaves. Even if we add two new players, it won't even be possible to retool that much. If there's benefit in playing competitive games in the NIT, no reason this won't also have benefit. Also, with the NIT sucking up most of the mid and low major champs, this may actually be a better, more competitive tournament.
4) I agree with rewarding the team. 20 wins and doubling our conference win total is still an accomplishment. Give them more one-and-done exposure, and if we win, a bit of a positive going into next season.
5) Doubt it will raise much money...definitely not enough to be a motivator.
6) After two years of no postseason, I think any chance to win something, anything, would be enjoyed by the diehard fans.
Other thoughts...
.
- I will always take any chance to see us play beyond Selection Sunday. I love Marquette basketball, so if they want to extend the season by a few games, I'll always be happy with it.
- This will be a better slate than our cupcake roster. I expect a handful of high majors and quality mid-majors.
- Another chance for Howard and Bailey to come see us play.
- If this tournament succeeds (to the point where it's on par with the NIT in a few years) it would be cool if we won it and our name was always the inaugural champ.
- It's not owned by the NCAA, and I like the idea of playing in a non-NCAA owned tournament. Reminds me of Al all those years ago, even if it's not remotely the same.
For my own best interests i hope they come to Vegas!
I wouldn't pound the table either for going or for not going, but I lean slightly toward brew's arguments than Benny's.
Plus, I'd like to watch the lads play another game or three, "just because."
I think we all love Marquette basketball but there are things one does for pride, brand equity, precedent, reputation.
Marquette cheapens itself by participating in things like the Vegas Outsiders, CBI, et al.
Keeping one's dignity is far more important than getting whatever contrived benefit one rationalizes from playing in an also-ran tournament.
Quote from: brewcity77 on March 11, 2016, 09:51:56 AM
Other thoughts...
.
- I will always take any chance to see us play beyond Selection Sunday. I love Marquette basketball, so if they want to extend the season by a few games, I'll always be happy with it.
- This will be a better slate than our cupcake roster. I expect a handful of high majors and quality mid-majors.
- Another chance for Howard and Bailey to come see us play.
- If this tournament succeeds (to the point where it's on par with the NIT in a few years) it would be cool if we won it and our name was always the inaugural champ.
- It's not owned by the NCAA, and I like the idea of playing in a non-NCAA owned tournament. Reminds me of Al all those years ago, even if it's not remotely the same.
I agree with all of this except the cupcakes (although not really sure Bailey makes the five-hour drive just to see MU play, good catch on Howard being only 15 minutes away). By the sound of the article, there may be some challenges filling the bracket, and the last thing you want to do as Marquette is sign on to a tournament that features 2 majors, 2 quality mid-majors and 12 quality low-majors. Well, you can call it a "quality low-major" if you'd like, but to me, cupcake is a cupcake.
Bottom line... there's a lot of "ifs" to justifying a six-figure outlay.
Isn't it $50,000 to enter the tournament? Then the expenses.
I think I read the first three days (4 games each day) are televised by CBS Sports Network and the final two days on espnu.
This thread makes me reeeeeeeeaally hope we sneak into the NIT.
Quote from: oldwarrior81 on March 11, 2016, 10:22:17 AM
Isn't it $50,000 to enter the tournament? Then the expenses.
I think I read the first three days (4 games each day) are televised by CBS Sports Network and the final two days on espnu.
It said the $50,000 includes airfare and hotel. But as Benny said, we'd probably take a charter flight anyway instead of sending them on Southwest.
Quote from: Litehouse on March 11, 2016, 11:16:30 AM
It said the $50,000 includes airfare and hotel. But as Benny said, we'd probably take a charter flight anyway instead of sending them on Southwest.
Half the players would probably forget to check in at the right time and end up in the C boarding group with middle seats in the back of the plane.
Not great TV coverage, but quarters, semi's, final are on CBSSN. 1st round same 2 days as NC2A regional finals, so web-only.
Boys, here's my take. The Vegas 16 was created exactly because the organizers understand what is happening to the NIT which has become a fertile ground for low major failures where now each conference is essentially guaranteed 2 tourney bids rather than one. Heck, a third of that field is going to be made up of schools nobody gives a hoot about. So as has been discussed, the gap between the NCAA bubble and the end of the NIT at large has shrunk to about 15-20 teams, tops.
We also know that the CIT limits its invites to mid major and lower so that's out.
If I'm the Vegas 16 I beg the credible high profile teams like MU and Creighton to come. I even find a way for them to have 'sponsorship' dollars available such that I can put on a show that a few eyeballs might tune in for. This makes zero sense if high majors turn away.
By the way, the latest bracket has us bumped out of the NIT by those damn backwater schools we've been tracking this week. We'd crush all of them by 20.
Let's get MU and Northwestern and ASU and Creighton and a crap ton of other decent programs and put together a show. And then let's win the damn thing.
Quote from: jsglow on March 11, 2016, 11:29:28 AM
Boys, here's my take. The Vegas 16 was created exactly because the organizers understand what is happening to the NIT which has become a fertile ground for low major failures where now each conference is essentially guaranteed 2 tourney bids rather than one. Heck, a third of that field is going to be made up of schools nobody gives a hoot about. So as has been discussed, the gap between the NCAA bubble and the end of the NIT at large has shrunk to about 15-20 teams, tops.
We also know that the CIT limits its invites to mid major and lower so that's out.
If I'm the Vegas 16 I beg the credible high profile teams like MU and Creighton to come. I even find a way for them to have 'sponsorship' dollars available such that I can put on a show that a few eyeballs might tune in for. This makes zero sense if high majors turn away.
By the way, the latest bracket has us bumped out of the NIT by those damn backwater schools we've been tracking this week. We'd crush all of them by 20.
Let's get MU and Northwestern and ASU and Creighton and a crap ton of other decent programs and put together a show. And then let's win the damn thing.
I hear you, Glow, but this has too much of the "I took my sister to the Prom" stink to it. I say we head home and try to figure out how to get better.
Quote from: VegasWarrior77 on March 11, 2016, 09:59:55 AM
For my own best interests i hope they come to Vegas!
Coincidentally, I'll be out there for the semis and the final. If MU is there and participating, I'll be in the house.
Quote from: keefe on March 11, 2016, 11:38:00 AM
I hear you, Glow, but this has too much of the "I took my sister to the Prom" stink to it. I say we head home and try to figure out how to get better.
keefe, excluding the sister reference standards do go down at bar time. Especially after a 3 year drought.
(Of course I've been to the NCAA for more that 30 straight years, mind you.)
Quote from: Eye on March 11, 2016, 11:24:43 AM
Not great TV coverage, but quarters, semi's, final are on CBSSN. 1st round same 2 days as NC2A regional finals, so web-only.
CBSSN is always great! It's your 24 hour home for CBS Sports. ;)
Since it is not NCAA sponsored, is it outlandish to think they won't just take NCAA teams that lost? In any case, it will at least be interesting to see what type of teams this tourney attracts.
Keep in mind this doesn't start untill March 26 and 27. Two weeks of practice time before the tournament starts.
I would be fine if we accepted Vegas and Henry got the flu. If we're not in the NIT, we need to start planning for 2016/17. Seeing Luke + 4 guards operate is intriguing.
Quote from: keefe on March 11, 2016, 11:38:00 AM
I hear you, Glow, but this has too much of the "I took my sister to the Prom" stink to it. I say we head home and try to figure out how to get better.
One way to "figure out how to get better" is to practice two additional weeks and play additional games. Tinker with line ups. Try something new.
Quote from: The Sultan of Sunshine on March 11, 2016, 12:26:15 PM
One way to "figure out how to get better" is to practice two additional weeks and play additional games. Tinker with line ups. Try something new.
I understand your point but think our problems are not going to get sorted out by playing in an also-ran event.
If Europe was the force multiplier people asserted on Scoop Marquette would be playing today at the Garden and we fans would be rearranging work responsibilities to be somewhere else next Thursday.
Quote from: keefe on March 11, 2016, 12:35:52 PM
I understand your point but think our problems are not going to get sorted out by playing in an also-ran event.
If Europe was the force multiplier people asserted on Scoop Marquette would be playing today at the Garden and we fans would be rearranging work responsibilities to be somewhere else next Thursday.
And you think they will be better sorted out sitting at home?
Quote from: The Sultan of Sunshine on March 11, 2016, 12:52:35 PM
And you think they will be better sorted out sitting at home?
Keefe has been hinting that there will be another defection(s) besides Hank. I think his argument is that the time at Vegas could be better spent by the coaches doing some recruiting. If there is another major transfer looming, then I might be inclined to agree. But selflishly, I always want to watch more Marquette basketball.
Quote from: TAMU Eagle on March 11, 2016, 12:56:06 PM
Keefe has been hinting that there will be another defection(s) besides Hank. I think his argument is that the time at Vegas could be better spent by the coaches doing some recruiting. If there is another major transfer looming, then I might be inclined to agree. But selflishly, I always want to watch more Marquette basketball.
This theory, while possible, doesn't seem likely. I mean - who leaves? JJ, Luke, Duane and Cheatham would be th biggest losses. None make any sense as transfers for various and different reasons. Rowsey? Obviously not. Carter? Doesn't make any sense. Anim and Heldt are right where they knew they'd be. Only ones that seem logical are Sandy or Wally focusing on high jump. And I doubt either of those happen.
If there is something out there, I'd be interested to know, but it just doesn't seem likely and if Wally or Sandy leave, it won't be much of a loss, although I hope they both stay.
Quote from: TAMU Eagle on March 11, 2016, 12:56:06 PM
Keefe has been hinting that there will be another defection(s) besides Hank. I think his argument is that the time at Vegas could be better spent by the coaches doing some recruiting. If there is another major transfer looming, then I might be inclined to agree. But selflishly, I always want to watch more Marquette basketball.
Oh there is plenty of time to recruit and prepare the team simultaneously. What do you think they do during the year?
I was wondering about whether the CBI and Vegas 16 were the same tournament. This answers that question.
Quote from: The Lens on March 11, 2016, 12:23:16 PM
I would be fine if we accepted Vegas and Henry got the flu. If we're not in the NIT, we need to start planning for 2016/17. Seeing Luke + 4 guards operate is intriguing.
I would actually love to see next year's team 8 months early. Keep Henry from injuring himself and see how we stack up without him. Great idea, assuming Henry has for sure decided he is going to the NBA and is ok with it.
A 16 team field means potentially 4 extra 2016-2017 preseason games. Who wouldn't take that, even if you had to put some cash down?
BTW. UWM just announced that they won't be participating in any post season despite 20 wins and gift wrapped invitation to either the CBI or the CIT. And their players are pissed. Big time pissed. It's believed to be budget constraints.
I bet our kids are itching to go. Every single one including Henry. Maybe Henry most of all because after this is done it's just a well paying job. Of course they want the NIT. But if it's Vegas, baby? Down for that too.
Quote from: Litehouse on March 11, 2016, 11:16:30 AM
It said the $50,000 includes airfare and hotel. But as Benny said, we'd probably take a charter flight anyway instead of sending them on Southwest.
I inferred that the $50,000 was nothing more than the author's estimate of what airfare and hotel costs would be for a team to fly to Vegas for 5 days. My earlier math excluded any entry fee (of which, I would think they would waive it for MU and recoup it from the low-majors dying to participate, but who knows?)
Whatever... Vegas, no Vegas... my donation goes towards scholarships; what do I care?
Here's a few teams that may be interested in Vegas:
- Marquette: 20-win team with a young core that could benefit from postseason play if they miss the NIT.
- Northwestern: 20-win team doesn't really know what postseason play is, if Wojo is interested in Vegas, Collins may be as well.
- LSU: NIT bubble team, if they miss out, this could be a last chance to see Simmons play.
- UNLV: Seem like a slam dunk, wins over Oregon and Indiana won't be enough to get them in the NIT, but they'd be a natural fit in their home town.
- Fresno State: 22 wins and counting, MWC runners-up.
Milwaukee: 20-win team that would certainly relish an opportunity to play us again.
- Kansas State, Virginia Tech, Georgia, Washington, Ole Miss, Creighton: All NIT bubble teams that could be looking for a place to play.
.
It's not a who's who, but if people are looking for a better alternative than the CBI, it could be a pretty good tournament.
Quote from: Benny B on March 11, 2016, 01:58:37 PM
I inferred that the $50,000 was nothing more than the author's estimate of what airfare and hotel costs would be for a team to fly to Vegas for 5 days. My earlier math excluded any entry fee (of which, I would think they would waive it for MU and recoup it from the low-majors dying to participate, but who knows?)
Whatever... Vegas, no Vegas... my donation goes towards scholarships; what do I care?
That's not how I read it at all. I read that in return for $50k the Vegas16 tournament has that all arranged and paid for. They partnered up with Mandalay Bay to fill rooms, sell meals, and do basketball over Easter Weekend for cripes sake. Do you guys not understand how the Strip works? That's gotta be one of the slowest weekends of the year. Casinos only lose money when nobody is in them. So for possibly the slowest 5 day block imaginable, they hold an event. Why isn't it next weekend during the NCAA? Easy answer. Now MU might choose to charter and get a discount but it'll be worked out. Everything in Vegas is 100% negotiable. Everything.
Quote from: brewcity77 on March 11, 2016, 02:10:06 PM
Here's a few teams that may be interested in Vegas:
- Marquette: 20-win team with a young core that could benefit from postseason play if they miss the NIT.
- Northwestern: 20-win team doesn't really know what postseason play is, if Wojo is interested in Vegas, Collins may be as well.
- LSU: NIT bubble team, if they miss out, this could be a last chance to see Simmons play.
- UNLV: Seem like a slam dunk, wins over Oregon and Indiana won't be enough to get them in the NIT, but they'd be a natural fit in their home town.
- Fresno State: 22 wins and counting, MWC runners-up.
- Milwaukee: 20-win team that would certainly relish an opportunity to play us again.
- Kansas State, Virginia Tech, Georgia, Washington, Ole Miss, Creighton: All NIT bubble teams that could be looking for a place to play.
.
It's not a who's who, but if people are looking for a better alternative than the CBI, it could be a pretty good tournament.
Well, apart from UWM saying NO you're spot on. Inviting UNLV is a no brainer. Local butts in the seats seeing solid teams they never get to see.
Look, it's not a home run. But I'll take a solid single to left anytime.
Quote from: brewcity77 on March 11, 2016, 02:10:06 PM
Virginia Tech
If we get a crack at Bert then I say GO!
Quote from: jsglow on March 11, 2016, 02:11:49 PM
That's not how I read it at all. I read that in return for $50k the Vegas16 tournament has that all arranged and paid for. They partnered up with Mandalay Bay to fill rooms, sell meals, and do basketball over Easter Weekend for cripes sake. Do you guys not understand how the Strip works? That's gotta be one of the slowest weekends of the year. Casinos only lose money when nobody is in them. So for possibly the slowest 5 day block imaginable, they hold an event. Why isn't it next weekend during the NCAA? Easy answer. Now MU might choose to charter and get a discount but it'll be worked out. Everything in Vegas is 100% negotiable. Everything.
Maybe they can charter a Southwest flight and sell the extra seats to fans to fly with the team! For $500 you can have the middle seat between Henry and Wally!
Quote from: keefe on March 11, 2016, 02:22:38 PM
If we get a crack at Bert then I say GO!
Love to see that matchup. If we want to play him while he's at Va Tech, we'll probably have to do it this year anyway...
Quote from: Litehouse on March 11, 2016, 02:29:15 PM
Maybe they can charter a Southwest flight and sell the extra seats to fans to fly with the team! For $500 you can have the middle seat between Henry and Wally!
$500! That better be my usual $99 special! :o
[. Everything in Vegas is 100% negotiable. Everything.
[/quote]
I'm sure the casinos would be willing to extend Henry a little credit
Quote from: jsglow on March 11, 2016, 02:11:49 PM
They partnered up with Mandalay Bay to fill rooms, sell meals, and do basketball over Easter Weekend for cripes sake. Do you guys not understand how the Strip works? That's gotta be one of the slowest weekends of the year. Casinos only lose money when nobody is in them. So for possibly the slowest 5 day block imaginable, they hold an event.
You ever been to Vegas Easter weekend? I can assure you it is not one of slowest weekends of the year. Was there two years ago. Could barely walk down the street. Was very surprising, but various cabbies, hotel clerks etc said that it is a very popular weekend with folks from Nearby places like LA, etc., so not one of the slowest, but apparently one of the busier times.
Quote from: Litehouse on March 11, 2016, 02:29:15 PM
Maybe they can charter a Southwest flight and sell the extra seats to fans to fly with the team! For $500 you can have the middle seat between Henry and Wally!
I'd take that seat. They are relatively skinny.
Between Davante Gardner and Matt Stainbrook, maybe not....
Quote from: jsglow on March 11, 2016, 02:11:49 PM
That's not how I read it at all. I read that in return for $50k the Vegas16 tournament has that all arranged and paid for. They partnered up with Mandalay Bay to fill rooms, sell meals, and do basketball over Easter Weekend for cripes sake. Do you guys not understand how the Strip works? That's gotta be one of the slowest weekends of the year. Casinos only lose money when nobody is in them. So for possibly the slowest 5 day block imaginable, they hold an event. Why isn't it next weekend during the NCAA? Easy answer. Now MU might choose to charter and get a discount but it'll be worked out. Everything in Vegas is 100% negotiable. Everything.
A one-price, package deal may be a great thing for a travel agency to sell to an elderly couple who thinks the internet is the inside lining of swim trunks, but tournament promoters are not travel agents and college athletic departments are not tourists. I would bet that MU's athletic department probably has more travel-related "hotline" numbers on speed dial than Fox World Travel knows about, so a package deal means nothing to them. Heck, if that were the case, I can tell you who won't be in the tournament... UNLV. Why would they foot a $50,000 entry fee that includes travel/rooms they don't need (or already have)? Likewise, would Cal State Fullerton want to pay $50,000 for a puddle jump knowing that Maine is paying the exact same fee to fly cross-country?
Sure, everything in Vegas is negotiable, but that one is on page two of the Vegas rulebook. Rule #1 is "the house always wins." Charging $50k and including travel would be like having a slot machine that stops on CAR-CAR-CAR-CAR-CAR and letting the winner pick what kind of car she wants... $50,000 all-in just ain't going to fly (literally and figuratively).
UNLV won't play in it. The program is in total disarray. When they played Fresno State yesterday it looked like there were about 1500 people in the stands. They are down to five scholarship players, they fired their coach after the third conference game and most of the players won't be here next year.
For the record the slowest week in Vegas is the week before Christmas. That's when we get mail from the casinos offering us locals two-for-ones on shows.
Quote from: keefe on March 11, 2016, 11:38:00 AM
I hear you, Glow, but this has too much of the "I took my sister to the Prom" stink to it. I say we head home and try to figure out how to get better.
Just cause you went with your sister doesn't mean you can't come home with a trophy!!!
Vegas here we come!!!
http://www.reviewjournal.com/ron-kantowski/vegas-16-basketball-tournament-needs-few-good-teams
Quote from: bradley center bat on March 11, 2016, 08:34:29 PM
http://www.reviewjournal.com/ron-kantowski/vegas-16-basketball-tournament-needs-few-good-teams
"Teams on his and George Raveling's radar — the basketball Hall of Famer also is on the committee — include Florida State, Arkansas, Brigham Young, Oakland, Albany and perhaps a couple of Mountain West teams (but not UNLV)."
Quote from: keefe on March 11, 2016, 10:11:37 AM
I think we all love Marquette basketball but there are things one does for pride, brand equity, precedent, reputation.
Marquette cheapens itself by participating in things like the Vegas Outsiders, CBI, et al.
Keeping one's dignity is far more important than getting whatever contrived benefit one rationalizes from playing in an also-ran tournament.
Certainly can't disagree with your rationale, flyboy, but, man, I'm in SoCal until the end of April, and I'd love to sing "Ring Out, Ahoya" at least once this season. Pax, brother.
Quote from: bradley center bat on March 11, 2016, 08:34:29 PM
http://www.reviewjournal.com/ron-kantowski/vegas-16-basketball-tournament-needs-few-good-teams
Wow that's a great article!!!!
Wonder why the guy who started the thread couldn't find it???
Ooops!!!!
Quote from: The Sultan of Sunshine on March 11, 2016, 09:06:29 PM
Wow that's a great article!!!!
Wonder why the guy who started the thread couldn't find it???
Ooops!!!!
Yeah... that guy is a few french fries short of a happy meal, but we typically don't say anything about it.
Quote from: keefe on March 11, 2016, 10:11:37 AM
Marquette cheapens itself by participating in things like the Vegas Outsiders, CBI, et al.
Keeping one's dignity is far more important than getting whatever contrived benefit one rationalizes from playing in an also-ran tournament.
I think MU would cheapen itself more by turning down a bid. Only losers turn down an opportunity to compete.
I wonder how much it cost MU for the team to go to Europe to get some experience last summer? I suspect this would be a drop in the bucket compared to that.
Quote from: bilsu on March 11, 2016, 09:34:12 PM
I think MU would cheapen itself more by turning down a bid. Only losers turn down an opportunity to compete.
Would you rather be the loser that turned down the opportunity to compete or the loser that lost to Northern Arizona University in the first round?
Quote from: wildbillsb on March 11, 2016, 08:58:35 PM
Certainly can't disagree with your rationale, flyboy, but, man, I'm in SoCal until the end of April, and I'd love to sing "Ring Out, Ahoya" at least once this season. Pax, brother.
I have to admit that the opportunity to see Ellenson in Baby Blues one more time is making my knees buckle.
I think he is going to be something special in the bigs. I would love for him to go out a winner. That last game against Xavier was no last race for a thoroughbred.
Vega$ could be a welcome season ender, especially if they are able to line up teams such as MU and other decent brands out of the little dance
Quote from: brewcity77 on March 11, 2016, 02:32:57 PM
Love to see that matchup. If we want to play him while he's at Va Tech, we'll probably have to do it this year anyway...
Where do you think he's going?
Do they feature a loser's bracket?
Quote from: JamilJaeJamailJrJuan on March 12, 2016, 07:28:05 AM
Where do you think he's going?
There have been a couple articles speculating about Oklahoma State or TCU.
Quote from: NavinRJohnson on March 11, 2016, 02:40:57 PM
You ever been to Vegas Easter weekend? I can assure you it is not one of slowest weekends of the year. Was there two years ago. Could barely walk down the street. Was very surprising, but various cabbies, hotel clerks etc said that it is a very popular weekend with folks from Nearby places like LA, etc., so not one of the slowest, but apparently one of the busier times.
That really surprises me. Remember, I own a home in Vegas so I'm there a lot and have a much better feel for the town than the average tourist. Do note that it always looks crowded on the Strip but crowded is a relative term.
Quote from: Benny B on March 11, 2016, 02:59:25 PM
A one-price, package deal may be a great thing for a travel agency to sell to an elderly couple who thinks the internet is the inside lining of swim trunks, but tournament promoters are not travel agents and college athletic departments are not tourists. I would bet that MU's athletic department probably has more travel-related "hotline" numbers on speed dial than Fox World Travel knows about, so a package deal means nothing to them. Heck, if that were the case, I can tell you who won't be in the tournament... UNLV. Why would they foot a $50,000 entry fee that includes travel/rooms they don't need (or already have)? Likewise, would Cal State Fullerton want to pay $50,000 for a puddle jump knowing that Maine is paying the exact same fee to fly cross-country?
Sure, everything in Vegas is negotiable, but that one is on page two of the Vegas rulebook. Rule #1 is "the house always wins." Charging $50k and including travel would be like having a slot machine that stops on CAR-CAR-CAR-CAR-CAR and letting the winner pick what kind of car she wants... $50,000 all-in just ain't going to fly (literally and figuratively).
What you're not appreciating is the legwork that was put in by the committee months ago.
Quote from: JamilJaeJamailJrJuan on March 12, 2016, 07:28:05 AM
Where do you think he's going?
Not sure yet, but that national anthem story from November sure resurfaced quick this month. Very reminiscent of how the Buzz's Bunch story circulated right before he left Marquette.
Quote from: Litehouse on March 12, 2016, 07:56:55 AM
There have been a couple articles speculating about Oklahoma State or TCU.
Interesting, tho jumping to TCU would be a silly move IMO.
Quote from: brewcity77 on March 12, 2016, 10:43:37 AM
Not sure yet, but that national anthem story from November sure resurfaced quick this month. Very reminiscent of how the Buzz's Bunch story circulated right before he left Marquette.
The plot thickens, y'all
Quote from: JamilJaeJamailJrJuan on March 12, 2016, 11:10:27 AM
Interesting, tho jumping to TCU would be a silly move IMO.
TCU is a better long-term job than VPI. Big 12 school right in the DFW area. Close to a lot of good recruits.
Quote from: The Sultan of Sunshine on March 12, 2016, 11:37:32 AM
TCU is a better long-term job than VPI. Big 12 school right in the DFW area. Close to a lot of good recruits.
Yah, but OK state is a better job, and if Buzz continues to build at Virginia Tech he'll get better opportunities than TCU. But maybe he's ready to get back to Texas.
Quote from: jsglow on March 11, 2016, 02:33:42 PM
$500!
$500! I hear that's the going rate for some real cracker jack legal advice
$250,000
That's what Loyola spent on their CBI appearance last year: $250,000
Maybe I underestimated just how much of a cash cow these tourneys are.
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/panthers/no-postseason-for-uwm-mens-basketball-team-hints-at-bigger-story-b99686477z1-371896421.html
Vegas16 website:
http://www.vegas16.com/#home
Vegas16 Wiki:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_Vegas_16_Tournament