Creighton host Loyola
Xavier host Toledo
Butler at Nebraska
Providence host Arkansas
Georgetown host Harvard
Ah, DePaul.
Quote from: Mr. Nielsen on March 17, 2019, 07:47:34 PM
Creighton host Loyola
Xavier host Toledo
Butler at Nebraska
Providence host Arkansas
Georgetown host Harvard
Beneficial for all these teams to get more games in.
Curious .. the NCAA teams bring home a "share" to their conference.
Does the NIT work that way at all?
Quote from: tower912 on March 17, 2019, 07:49:04 PM
Ah, DePaul.
Best Depaul team in a long time, and they couldn't score an NIT bid? That stinks. I was pulling for them.
Quote from: SaveOD238 on March 17, 2019, 07:51:26 PM
Best Depaul team in a long time, and they couldn't score an NIT bid? That stinks. I was pulling for them.
Same. Was hoping they would get in. Would have been cool for 10/10 BE teams to play in NCAA or NIT.
Quote from: SaveOD238 on March 17, 2019, 07:51:26 PM
Best Depaul team in a long time, and they couldn't score an NIT bid? That stinks. I was pulling for them.
Tells us a lot about the strength of the BE. This DePaul team was not bad.
No. 1 UNC Greensboro
No. 2 NC State
No. 3 Georgetown
No. 4 Davidson
No. 5 Lipscomb
No. 6 Harvard
No. 7 Hofstra
No. 8 Campbell
No. 1 Indiana
No. 2 Clemson
No. 3 Furman
No. 4 Providence
No. 5 Arkansas
No. 6 Wichita State
No. 7 Wright State
No. 8 St. Francis
No. 1 Alabama
No. 2 Texas
No. 3 Xavier
No. 4 Colorado
No. 5 Dayton
No. 6 Toledo
No. 7 South Dakota State
No. 8 Norfolk State
No. 1 TCU
No. 2 Creighton
No. 3 Memphis
No. 4 Nebraska
No. 5 Butler
No. 6 San Diego
No. 7 Loyola-Chicago
No. 8 Sam Houston State
https://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/ncaa-tournament/brackets/viewable_nit
Quote from: mu_hilltopper on March 17, 2019, 07:51:04 PM
Curious .. the NCAA teams bring home a "share" to their conference.
Does the NIT work that way at all?
NIT basically covers all the costs and the winner gets a small bump but not much. It is basically a no cost way to continue playing and getting experience in games that mean something.
With all due respect, I doubt the Villanova board is touted NIT bids for BE. It is time for MU fans to think bigger picture. Furthermore, I doubt Villanova fans care if MU wins or not. If you want to be in the big leagues, think like a big leaguer.
Quote from: Nukem2 on March 17, 2019, 07:53:55 PM
Tells us a lot about the strength of the BE. This DePaul team was not bad.
Not sure if it's strength or parity after VU/MU. Which is why us playing essentially two road games in the BET is absolutely huge going forward. I agree that DePaul probably should still be playing.
We will find out how strong the BigEast is by this time next weekend.
Let's do this!
If I were the BE office, I'd actually semi-encourage DePaul to take a CBI bid. Would be good marketing thing to say that all 10 BE teams made postseason. And DePaul had an improved enough season that it'd be an OK reward for their seniors and an enough of a benefit for their underclassmen. And normally big-time anti ever even considering the CBI.
As much as this is a down year for the Big East. 9/10 teams playing in the NCAA/NIT is very impressive. I have pride in say that!
Quote from: Eye on March 17, 2019, 08:02:11 PM
If I were the BE office, I'd actually semi-encourage DePaul to take a CBI bid. Would be good marketing thing to say that all 10 BE teams made postseason. And DePaul had an improved enough season that it'd be an OK reward for their seniors and an enough of a benefit for their underclassmen. And normally big-time anti ever even considering the CBI.
Problem is the CBI is a pay to pay tourney. I do think it is a good idea. Play on campus.
Quote from: Mr. Nielsen on March 17, 2019, 08:05:19 PM
As much as this is a down year for the Big East. 9/10 teams playing in the NCAA/NIT is very impressive. I have pride in say that!
Yup.
Quote from: Goose on March 17, 2019, 08:01:03 PM
With all due respect, I doubt the Villanova board is touted NIT bids for BE. It is time for MU fans to think bigger picture. Furthermore, I doubt Villanova fans care if MU wins or not. If you want to be in the big leagues, think like a big leaguer.
Sweet Sixteen guaranteed. Maybe a run at Minneapolis.
How dat? 8-)
Goooo
You are a big leaguer!!!!!
Any exposure these kids have to knock out basketball is good. This league is young, good for them and good for the league. Many of these games will be on TV, and teams playing in March in the post season helps their brand and the conference.
90% of the conference made the post season, you can bet that will be part of the sales pitch of the Big East as it should be.
Quote from: Goose on March 17, 2019, 08:01:03 PM
With all due respect, I doubt the Villanova board is touted NIT bids for BE. It is time for MU fans to think bigger picture. Furthermore, I doubt Villanova fans care if MU wins or not. If you want to be in the big leagues, think like a big leaguer.
No one is touting anything. We're talking basketball on a basketball forum.
Quote from: Goose on March 17, 2019, 08:01:03 PM
With all due respect, I doubt the Villanova board is touted NIT bids for BE. It is time for MU fans to think bigger picture. Furthermore, I doubt Villanova fans care if MU wins or not. If you want to be in the big leagues, think like a big leaguer.
Goose, again, I respect you a lot, but...
The entire league sans DePaul is playing in the postseason. That's relevant for our league.
There's far more danger in becoming entitled.
The K bloodline wouldn't be in place here if the right people were not thinking like "big leaguers".
But I'll tell you what will witness the bloodline thinning and leaving....entitled fans who don't get that it's hard for anyone to win, even the Dukes and Kansases of the world. Our fans sit on their hands sometimes just because the opponent doesn't have a ranking next to their name. That is idiotic and inexcusable, and I hope you are not one of those who have seen the promised land and feel it is your birthright. There is nothing cooler to me as a 1992 alum than to embrace 1977 and the ridiculous rich history of '70s Marquette basketball under Al. We will be back atop the mountain, so enjoy the climb.
Quote from: NorthernDancerColt on March 17, 2019, 08:16:07 PM
Goose, again, I respect you a lot, but...
The entire league sans DePaul is playing in the postseason. That's relevant for our league.
There's far more danger in becoming entitled.
The K bloodline wouldn't be in place here if the right people were not thinking like "big leaguers".
But I'll tell you what will witness the bloodline thinning and leaving....entitled fans who don't get that it's hard for anyone to win, even the Dukes and Kansases of the world. Our fans sit on their hands sometimes just because the opponent doesn't have a ranking next to their name. That is idiotic and inexcusable, and I hope you are not one of those who have seen the promised land and feel it is your birthright. There is nothing cooler to me as a 1992 alum than to embrace 1977 and the ridiculous rich history of '70s Marquette basketball under Al. We will be back atop the mountain, so enjoy the climb.
Nice post!
Quote from: NorthernDancerColt on March 17, 2019, 08:16:07 PM
Goose, again, I respect you a lot, but...
The entire league sans DePaul is playing in the postseason. That's relevant for our league.
There's far more danger in becoming entitled.
The K bloodline wouldn't be in place here if the right people were not thinking like "big leaguers".
But I'll tell you what will witness the bloodline thinning and leaving....entitled fans who don't get that it's hard for anyone to win, even the Dukes and Kansases of the world. Our fans sit on their hands sometimes just because the opponent doesn't have a ranking next to their name. That is idiotic and inexcusable, and I hope you are not one of those who have seen the promised land and feel it is your birthright. There is nothing cooler to me as a 1992 alum than to embrace 1977 and the ridiculous rich history of '70s Marquette basketball under Al. We will be back atop the mountain, so enjoy the climb.
Yup. Even saw it this year as later in the year the fans weren't as much into it, needed to be pushed and pulled. I've seen it for years at UCLA games even when they've had 3 or 4 future NBA guys on the roster....fans begging to be entertained. Need to be scrappy and hungry as a fan base.
Colt
I am enjoying the ride, but only interested in MU success. Creating a big time program takes a lot of things to happen and it starts at home. I have never seen a top program, collegiate or pro, that were excited about their foes having success. Truthfully, my post was meant as a positive. Time to focus on MU success and not worry if Providence sneaks out win in NIT or hoping DePaul's feelings are not hurt.
Quote from: NorthernDancerColt on March 17, 2019, 08:16:07 PM
Goose, again, I respect you a lot, but...
The entire league sans DePaul is playing in the postseason. That's relevant for our league.
There's far more danger in becoming entitled.
The K bloodline wouldn't be in place here if the right people were not thinking like "big leaguers".
But I'll tell you what will witness the bloodline thinning and leaving....entitled fans who don't get that it's hard for anyone to win, even the Dukes and Kansases of the world. Our fans sit on their hands sometimes just because the opponent doesn't have a ranking next to their name. That is idiotic and inexcusable, and I hope you are not one of those who have seen the promised land and feel it is your birthright. There is nothing cooler to me as a 1992 alum than to embrace 1977 and the ridiculous rich history of '70s Marquette basketball under Al. We will be back atop the mountain, so enjoy the climb.
Amen.
Quote from: Mr. Nielsen on March 17, 2019, 08:05:19 PM
As much as this is a down year for the Big East. 9/10 teams playing in the NCAA/NIT is very impressive. I have pride in say that!
The success MU had in the NIT built momentum heading into this season. I think the other schools in the conference will benefit as well.
The reality is the Big East needs to do well in the non conference part of the season. Hard to improve once conference begins. So having that momentum and getting out of the gates strong is a positive for the whole league.
Quote from: Goose on March 17, 2019, 08:21:25 PM
Colt
I am enjoying the ride, but only interested in MU success. Creating a big time program takes a lot of things to happen and it starts at home. I have never seen a top program, collegiate or pro, that were excited about their foes having success. Truthfully, my post was meant as a positive. Time to focus on MU success and not worry if Providence sneaks out win in NIT or hoping DePaul's feelings are not hurt.
Many can chew gum and walk at the same time. The Big East is my interest. ;)
Mr. Nielsen
Sorry, but I will miss the Creighton vs Loyola prize fight.
Quote from: Goose on March 17, 2019, 08:28:40 PM
Mr. Nielsen
Sorry, but I miss the Creighton vs Loyola prize fight.
It's all good! ;D
Quote from: Goose on March 17, 2019, 08:21:25 PM
Colt
I am enjoying the ride, but only interested in MU success. Creating a big time program takes a lot of things to happen and it starts at home. I have never seen a top program, collegiate or pro, that were excited about their foes having success. Truthfully, my post was meant as a positive. Time to focus on MU success and not worry if Providence sneaks out win in NIT or hoping DePaul's feelings are not hurt.
Got it. No worries. I think the reason I get so ticked sometimes is an old story from my undergrad days. It was Logterman/Key/MAC freshman year and we were in a close game with a decent program...I think it was Dayton...and I stood (for like 30seconds) and cheered at a pivotal point in the game, and like 8 different '70s alums told me to sit down, and one said we would end up winning by 15. It came off as really entitled and clueless. Nobody wants us to be big-league more than I do. We are getting there. Don't just enjoy the process. Scream your ass off. They just may hear you. Unless you're the Northwestern "shrieker" gal...then you'll be told to keep it down. Amen.
Colt
I was at that groups first and last game and loved the progress that was made in four years. I did live the glory days, but the KO resurgence was reason to cheer. I was at Duke when they got clobbered and Kansas when they got whacked harder. That said, KO created a sense that we were not going to accept that anymore.
I cheered very hard back then because I felt a plan was in place. I think we are likely saying the same thing, but you are doing better job😀
DePaul in the CBI 8-)
https://mobile.twitter.com/CBITourney/status/1107454087950450688
Quote from: Goose on March 17, 2019, 08:21:25 PM
Colt
I am enjoying the ride, but only interested in MU success. Creating a big time program takes a lot of things to happen and it starts at home. I have never seen a top program, collegiate or pro, that were excited about their foes having success. Truthfully, my post was meant as a positive. Time to focus on MU success and not worry if Providence sneaks out win in NIT or hoping DePaul's feelings are not hurt.
Eh, but BE success directly impacts MU success. Better conference boosts MU SOS, NET, etc. Better conference = big national TV deal = better recruit. Better conference = more NCAA bids & more $$ for teams.
Huge difference being in a Major vs mid-Major conference. I'll gladly celebrate the success of any BE team (maybe except SH) because it impacts the likelihood of Marquette's success.
Quote from: 1SE on March 17, 2019, 08:45:28 PM
Eh, but BE success directly impacts MU success. Better conference boosts MU SOS, NET, etc. Better conference = big national TV deal = better recruit. Better conference = more NCAA bids & more $$ for teams.
Huge difference being in a Major vs mid-Major conference. I'll gladly celebrate the success of any BE team (maybe except SH) because it impacts the likelihood of Marquette's success.
And if you think Nova doesn't care about being in a major conference with other quality teams I suggest you go talk to Memphis...
Quote from: Cheeks on March 17, 2019, 08:19:54 PM
Yup. Even saw it this year as later in the year the fans weren't as much into it, needed to be pushed and pulled. I've seen it for years at UCLA games even when they've had 3 or 4 future NBA guys on the roster....fans begging to be entertained. Need to be scrappy and hungry as a fan base.
Good point as to the waning MU vocal chords. I noticed this as well.
People may not get it, but our fans have to grow as fans too. It's not just the players who have to grow and develop.
It's like the #10 next to our name somehow earned us ensured success in the mind of the entitled. This mentality is why I love the racetrack...fans see an 8/5 MorningLine and jump on board this cant-lose horse. If I've done my homework, I see when some bad Even money favorite looks more like 20-1, and some 15-1 outsider has real excuses and should be 6-1 or lower. Races, like college basketball games, are competitive...so NEVER discount your competition...even if you're just a lowly fan like me.
1SE
Maybe I hold everyone on here to a high of a standard and assume things. Of course Villanova wants a great BE, but I do not believe they feel it is their job or jumping around over NIT bids. It is great for conference, but would prefer to focus on MU success. Again, I doubt many 'Nova fans really care about five NIT bids. Obviously I am wrong because every poster has told me otherwise.
Quote from: Goose on March 17, 2019, 08:37:26 PM
Colt
I was at that groups first and last game and loved the progress that was made in four years. I did live the glory days, but the KO resurgence was reason to cheer. I was at Duke when they got clobbered and Kansas when they got whacked harder. That said, KO created a sense that we were not going to accept that anymore.
I cheered very hard back then because I felt a plan was in place. I think we are likely saying the same thing, but you are doing better job😀
Goose.
Following that group's progress was maybe even more fun for me than going to the 2003 Final Four. I was taking some grad classes at Illinois, and watching Tony Miller singlehandedly breaking Pitino's press was unreal. If Duke didn't have a certain guy named Grant Hill, we could've made another Final Four. It looked so hopeless during those two blue-blood freshman road games. They just kept getting better and better.
Colt
I agree. I literally was all in for KO's years and was at all the tourney games. The Kentucky game was top five, post Al, memory to me. Good times!!
https://twitter.com/adamzagoria/status/1107460000912498688?s=21 (https://twitter.com/adamzagoria/status/1107460000912498688?s=21)
DePaul is taking the CBI bid.
WV too.
Quote from: JamilJaeJamailJrJuan on March 17, 2019, 08:59:56 PM
https://twitter.com/adamzagoria/status/1107460000912498688?s=21 (https://twitter.com/adamzagoria/status/1107460000912498688?s=21)
DePaul is taking the CBI bid.
WV too.
Yep, I posted the bracket a couple post before yours. Good move for DePaul!
Quote from: Mr. Nielsen on March 17, 2019, 09:02:47 PM
Yep, I posted the bracket a couple post before yours. Good move for DePaul!
Sorry, missed it
Quote from: Goose on March 17, 2019, 08:51:54 PM
1SE
Maybe I hold everyone on here to a high of a standard and assume things. Of course Villanova wants a great BE, but I do not believe they feel it is their job or jumping around over NIT bids. It is great for conference, but would prefer to focus on MU success. Again, I doubt many 'Nova fans really care about five NIT bids. Obviously I am wrong because every poster has told me otherwise.
It is true that most Nova fans could care less about 5 Big East NIT bids. I am sure that most fan bases feel the same way. No one is going around high fiving this state of affairs. The point being made is that having 5 NIT bids is better than having none. Look at our NIT run last year. The kids in the school got involved and nothing but positive things came about as a result of it.
Look at Creighton for example, if they win the first game they are set up for a rematch with Nebraska. That fan base is going to love that. All their young kids get a taste at playing in a game that means something and will be better off for it.
Yes as MU fans we don't care about them , But as Big East fans we do.
Sorry folks, but I'm with Goose - at this point I am all about Marquette and how far they can go. I'm therefore opposed to any team they could possibly meet along the way. The only other team I care about is Minnesota, and I imagine by Saturday (Thursday?) they will be out of the mix.
It's MU's chance to regain their mid-season form and show folks that they belong with the big boys.
I can chew gum and walk at same time and hope MU goes very far and the Big East does well in the NCAA tournament (except against us) and in the NIT.
Not hard.
I root for the Big East (except against us) with one exception. Seton Hall. They play too close to the edge of dirty for me.
Quote from: Goose on March 17, 2019, 08:37:26 PM
Colt
I was at that groups first and last game and loved the progress that was made in four years. I did live the glory days, but the KO resurgence was reason to cheer. I was at Duke when they got clobbered and Kansas when they got whacked harder. That said, KO created a sense that we were not going to accept that anymore.
I cheered very hard back then because I felt a plan was in place. I think we are likely saying the same thing, but you are doing better job😀
Mostly agree, and I enjoyed that team.
Unfortunately, the biggest part of KO's personal plan was to do well so he could leverage it for his own future. Folks grumble sometimes about MU being looked at as a stepping-stone job, and if you think about it, that thought process began with KO. He played a big role with Marquette's hoops renaissance, and I'll always be grateful for that, but he was first and foremost about KO. All IMHO, of course.
Goose-
You haven't lived until you have filled out an NIT bracket. A $1 entry fee, winner take all bracket is a hoot! Get about 5-10 people to do it and have some fun.
This year, it would be pretty cool if the NIT final four was all BE teams. It would be like a mini Big East Tournament!
As a basketball junkie, I enjoy the NIT as the quirky sidekick to the NCAA tournament. It's not the big prize, but it can still be a lot of fun.
Quote from: Lennys Tap on March 17, 2019, 09:45:06 PM
I root for the Big East (except against us) with one exception. Seton Hall. They play too close to the edge of dirty for me.
(https://media.giphy.com/media/kwCLw42hH2cxvIywIi/giphy.gif)
Unless Seton Hall is playing Wisconsin, Kentucky, USC, or Virginia Tech.
Quote from: Cheeks on March 17, 2019, 09:50:04 PM
(https://media.giphy.com/media/kwCLw42hH2cxvIywIi/giphy.gif)
Unless Seton Hall is playing Wisconsin, Kentucky, USC, or Virginia Tech.
One of these things is not like the others...
USC?
Admissions sleaziness? Harold Minor freethrow routine loathing?
Quote from: Goose on March 17, 2019, 08:21:25 PM
Colt
I am enjoying the ride, but only interested in MU success. Creating a big time program takes a lot of things to happen and it starts at home. I have never seen a top program, collegiate or pro, that were excited about their foes having success. Truthfully, my post was meant as a positive. Time to focus on MU success and not worry if Providence sneaks out win in NIT or hoping DePaul's feelings are not hurt.
MU has a vested interest in the other teams in the league success. It is pure pragmatism. If your league sucks and becomes a one bid league that is not a good thing. It is also a dollars and cents thing. Sure you can root for MU and not give a hoot about the other team, but reality dictates that those teams need to do well over the long term , otherwise we should not be in the league.
Rising tide carries all boats. Works the other way too. Just look at Big Ten football, it has been permanently eclipsed because there were too many bad teams . Once it happens it is hard to regain the prior league glory.
At the end of the day that does not excuse MU from performing. If MU doesn't perform, then it doesn't matter what league we are in .
Quote from: Lennys Tap on March 17, 2019, 09:45:06 PM
I root for the Big East (except against us) with one exception. Seton Hall. They play too close to the edge of dirty for me.
Tony
I hadn't heard this. I thought Willard was a straight shooter
Celebrating 5 teams in the NIT is like taking your sister to the prom.
Quote from: Cheeks on March 17, 2019, 09:34:52 PM
I can chew gum and walk at same time and hope MU goes very far and the Big East does well in the NCAA tournament (except against us) and in the NIT.
Not hard.
Agreed. It's not hard. When they tally up sweet sixteen teams and elite eight teams by conference that is a source of pride for the conference and their fans.
Having a Big East team win the NIT is just more advertising for the conference. It's also a no brainer. Zero downside whether you think globally or narrowly.
I'm sure none of us will be planning our day around the NIT games but we all will be fully aware of outcomes and happy if our big east brethren win.
Quote from: Jon on March 17, 2019, 10:19:43 PM
Tony
I hadn't heard this. I thought Willard was a straight shooter
Crash,
He may well be, and maybe I'm just tired of them pushing us around - but Friday night really bothered me.
Quote from: Jon on March 17, 2019, 10:27:49 PM
Celebrating 5 teams in the NIT is like taking your sister to the prom.
What was it like?
Quote from: Jon on March 17, 2019, 10:27:49 PM
Celebrating 5 teams in the NIT is like taking your sister to the prom.
Unless you're taking her in your A-10 Warthog idling in the driveway.
Quote from: NorthernDancerColt on March 17, 2019, 11:41:08 PM
Unless you're taking her in your A-10 Warthog idling in the driveway.
Sisters dig a brother in a uniform?
Quote from: Lennys Tap on March 17, 2019, 10:46:39 PM
Crash,
He may well be, and maybe I'm just tired of them pushing us around - but Friday night really bothered me.
Totally agree. They're dead to me, first new Big East team I hate
Quote from: Ellenson Family Reunion on March 18, 2019, 06:32:47 AM
Totally agree. They're dead to me, first new Big East team I hate
Although S.H. is despicable, the league let it happen, if not made it happen.
Quote from: vogue65 on March 18, 2019, 07:37:56 AM
Although S.H. is despicable, the league let it happen, if not made it happen.
The league did not make Powell blatantly elbow Sacar, the league did not make Powell get up and scream in Theo's face on a play that happens to Markus 5 times a game without incident or even a whistle, the league did not make Mamukelashvili shove Theo in the back like a coward, and the league did not make Powell grandstand on Wojo in the handshake line like a b!tch. They're scumbags and I hope they lose to Wofford on Thursday night.
This CBI field is like a Wednesday CUSA tourney session - DePaul, South Florida, Southern Miss and UAB. And throw in Huggins for good measure. Maybe Mike Deane could come in and do color for the finals.
Quote from: Eye on March 18, 2019, 09:16:05 AM
This CBI field is like a Wednesday CUSA tourney session - DePaul, South Florida, Southern Miss and UAB. And throw in Huggins for good measure. Maybe Mike Deane could come in and do color for the finals.
Cool!
Quote from: Ellenson Family Reunion on March 18, 2019, 09:03:51 AM
The league did not make Powell blatantly elbow Sacar, the league did not make Powell get up and scream in Theo's face on a play that happens to Markus 5 times a game without incident or even a whistle, the league did not make Mamukelashvili shove Theo in the back like a coward, and the league did not make Powell grandstand on Wojo in the handshake line like a b!tch. They're scumbags and I hope they lose to Wofford on Thursday night.
Nailed it!
Quote from: Ellenson Family Reunion on March 18, 2019, 09:03:51 AM
The league did not make Powell blatantly elbow Sacar, the league did not make Powell get up and scream in Theo's face on a play that happens to Markus 5 times a game without incident or even a whistle, the league did not make Mamukelashvili shove Theo in the back like a coward, and the league did not make Powell grandstand on Wojo in the handshake line like a b!tch. They're scumbags and I hope they lose to Wofford on Thursday night.
No, BUT the league chose the refs. The league paid the refs. Mark my words, the league will allow to to happen again, as Rodney would say, "we get no respect".
Quote from: Cheeks on March 17, 2019, 09:34:52 PM
I can chew gum and walk at same time and hope MU goes very far and the Big East does well in the NCAA tournament (except against us) and in the NIT.
Not hard.
Yep, keeps us in the Power 6 Talks.
I don't know if anyone is jumping around for the NIT, but having BE teams in the tourney is great for MU. Jumping up and and down for seeing SJU make the tourney, Nova advancing, etc., is not 'thinking small' IMO.
A few years back, Coach K raised a fuss when it was floated that NC State may miss the tournament. Was Coach K 'thinking small' by talking about NC State? I don't think so.
I also remember reading that Coach K was pissed about the BE putting 11 teams into the tournament, and how everyone perceived the BE as the nation's best bball conference. Conference strength matters; it's more than simply 'yeah, I guess it's okay that my conference mates make the tourney'.
Quote from: Loose Cannon on March 18, 2019, 09:58:49 AM
Yep, keeps us in the Power 6 Talks.
I loved that the selection show used the Power 6 label, no AAC to be found
Quote from: MU82 on March 17, 2019, 09:49:34 PMUnfortunately, the biggest part of KO's personal plan was to do well so he could leverage it for his own future. Folks grumble sometimes about MU being looked at as a stepping-stone job, and if you think about it, that thought process began with KO. He played a big role with Marquette's hoops renaissance, and I'll always be grateful for that, but he was first and foremost about KO. All IMHO, of course.
If you've watched Jim McIlvaine's M Club acceptance speech, I think he'd disagree. He closed with "I'd like to thank Kevin O'Neill for saving Marquette basketball." (The entire 11-minute speech is worth watching, by the way.)
It's true that O'Neill didn't stay at MU long. But it's also possible that he accomplished all he could here. After the Bob Dukiet days, O'Neill was a wake-up call -- akin, perhaps, to someone dumping ice-cold water on you while screaming obscenities in your face. While his methods weren't always pleasant, they were effective, at least in the short term. It was about bringing a once-great program back from the brink. You could argue he was exactly what MU needed.
O'Neill has returned to campus for the 100th anniversary celebration and was at the Creighton game this season. (He sat a couple tables away from ours during breakfast at Miss Katie's Diner before the game, along with Mac and Damon Key.)
From the centennial coaches panel, O'Neill at 02:36: "Marquette has always had a great name. But we didn't have great talent at the time...We just tried to get better a little bit at a time, every single year, recruit good guys, recruit tough guys, just put our heads down and went to work." And at 19:40: "It's one of the top 15 or 20 jobs in America because of the fanbase. Coaches come and go. But these fans are going to be here forever. They stay behind their team no matter what."Seems pretty clear that Marquette means something to him beyond being a stepping stone.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49bBXGi4FHw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49bBXGi4FHw)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVS90zFcDw0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVS90zFcDw0)
There is a lot to the KO story that is not public. IMO, he saved MU ball, was a guy I loved being around, and he went on to new adventures. As a MU fan, I am very appreciative for all he did for MU. As a person, there are many nights, a few days, that are some of my favorite times as a MU fan. I was out of town for Creighton game, but it was confirmed to me that KO has not changed much.
Quote from: Goose on March 18, 2019, 12:14:55 PM
There is a lot to the KO story that is not public. IMO, he saved MU ball, was a guy I loved being around, and he went on to new adventures. As a MU fan, I am very appreciative for all he did for MU. As a person, there are many nights, a few days, that are some of my favorite times as a MU fan. I was out of town for Creighton game, but it was confirmed to me that KO has not changed much.
Agree very much.
Crean and Buzz are often viewed as "better" MU coaches because of their successes, but those may not have been possible without O'Neill saving Marquette from becoming another Detroit Mercy. KO could be an arrogant jerk quite often, and I'm no fan of the way he departed, but I'll never not be grateful for what he did for MU hoops.
I met KO once, at a charity event when he was coaching MU, and I got to talk with him for several minutes. He told me plainly that the MU job was a stepping stone job, and I asked him to name jobs that he would leave for. He rattled off about a dozen schools, but at the top of his "dream job" list was Syracuse. His list was made up of all large schools with big budgets, bigger than Marquette had at the time.
I can see the Marquette job becoming less of a stepping stone job now. As long as they keep spending on the bball program, and if Wojo continues to have success and wants to continue to build here, I think we can shake that label.
Of course, everyone is a stepping stone to a blueblood, but there are only a few bluebloods.
I don't want to piss Jockey off by reliving the KO years, but did want to add that he was 32y and no HC experience when he took the job. There are still folks on here saying Wojo is still learning on the job and needs more time to learn the ropes. KO revamped a program and took us to S16 during his time here. He was young, cocky, inexperienced and did not know what he was getting into MU.
Reason why I mention this is in regards Brew's post on meeting KO and him popping off. He was a young guy chasing money. In his defense, he might have been led to believe that MU was going to reward him more than they actually did.
Quote from: BrewCity83 on March 18, 2019, 12:44:16 PM
I met KO once, at a charity event when he was coaching MU, and I got to talk with him for several minutes. He told me plainly that the MU job was a stepping stone job, and I asked him to name jobs that he would leave for. He rattled off about a dozen schools, but at the top of his "dream job" list was Syracuse. His list was made up of all large schools with big budgets, bigger than Marquette had at the time.
I can see the Marquette job becoming less of a stepping stone job now. As long as they keep spending on the bball program, and if Wojo continues to have success and wants to continue to build here, I think we can shake that label.
Of course, everyone is a stepping stone to a blueblood, but there are only a few bluebloods.
So much has changed since O'Neill left ( facilities, spending, conference affiliation) that it's an entirely different job today than it was in 1993.
Quote from: Pakuni on March 18, 2019, 01:07:37 PM
So much has changed since O'Neill left ( facilities, spending, conference affiliation) that it's an entirely different job today than it was in 1993.
Yeah, that was kinda my point. It was a stepping stone job 25 years ago. Now, maybe not so much.
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
8 PM- Arkansas at Providence
ESPN2: Will Flemming, Mark Plansky
Line: Providence -6
8 PM- Loyola-Chicago at Creighton
ESPNU: Jordan Bernfield, Kevin Lehman
Line: Creighton -9.5
Quote from: Goose on March 17, 2019, 08:01:03 PM
With all due respect, I doubt the Villanova board is touted NIT bids for BE. It is time for MU fans to think bigger picture. Furthermore, I doubt Villanova fans care if MU wins or not. If you want to be in the big leagues, think like a big leaguer.
hey goose! this is bad a$$ and i like it! gotta lift that leg real high to play with the big dogs!
Quote from: Lennys Tap on March 17, 2019, 10:46:39 PM
Crash,
He may well be, and maybe I'm just tired of them pushing us around - but Friday night really bothered me.
Mr Bernstein,
The 9 minute officiating review was uncomfortable and the result left me feeling in need of a shower. The word that comes to mind is...smarmy.
If I recall, didn't Tony Soprano attend The Hall?
Quote from: Cheeks on March 17, 2019, 10:58:31 PM
What was it like?
My sisters are beautiful, sophisticated women. The thought of having to take either of them to the prom is...hateful...
Creighton tops Loyola.
Providence falls to Arkansas.
If I'm seeing it correctly, the BEast went 2-3 in the first round of the NIT, with just Creighton and Xavier winning. Not particularly impressive.
But DePaul won their CBI game!
That 2-3 included a Georgetown loss at home to Harvard whose best player only played 17 minutes, Butler losing to Nebraska with only 6 healthy scholarship players and playing a walk-on major minutes, and Providence not being competitive at home against Arkansas.
Add to that St Johns getting whipped by ASU (never had a chance in the second half) and I'm starting to wonder how good we really are. Big East may be down even further than we thought.
Quote from: CTWarrior on March 21, 2019, 09:16:18 AM
That 2-3 included a Georgetown loss at home to Harvard whose best player only played 17 minutes, Butler losing to Nebraska with only 6 healthy scholarship players and playing a walk-on major minutes, and Providence not being competitive at home against Arkansas.
Add to that St Johns getting whipped by ASU (never had a chance in the second half) and I'm starting to wonder how good we really are. Big East may be down even further than we thought.
I have been saying this all year that the Big East is terrible. However that does not take away wins against Nova, Wisconsin, K-State, Buffalo or Louisville. This team is good they just hit a rough patch.
That SJ loss is embarrassing for the BE
Quote from: NickelDimer on March 21, 2019, 09:43:06 AM
That SJ loss is embarrassing for the BE
SJU just imploded in their last two games. MU killed them and it was not even close to ASU. Marvin Clarke was just terrible, in his last two games he was scoreless, didn't score a single point and fouled out in both games. Heron was just as bad last night, going 1 for 12 and Clarke was 0 for 5.
Quote from: NickelDimer on March 21, 2019, 09:43:06 AM
That SJ loss is embarrassing for the BE
Nobody will remember the game by tomorrow afternoon. The First Four is trash when the bubble is soft.
Quote from: NickelDimer on March 21, 2019, 09:43:06 AM
That SJ loss is embarrassing for the BE
That what happens when you put a team in the tournament that has/had no business being in it. Karma.
Maybe the four "at-large" slots in the First Four games should be reserved for regular season conference champions who lost in their conference tournament. Harvard v. Campbell and Lipscomb v. Belmont would have been more interesting than that SJU game.
Quote from: NickelDimer on March 21, 2019, 09:43:06 AM
That SJ loss is embarrassing for the BE
I'm not embarrassed at all. Eff the Johnnies and their moron fans.
Quote from: CTWarrior on March 21, 2019, 09:16:18 AM
Big East may be down even further than we thought.
Most of us thought BEast was quite down this year. 5th best conference, just ahead of AAC. Sports is cyclical.
Quote from: NickelDimer on March 21, 2019, 09:43:06 AM
That SJ loss is embarrassing for the BE
Very disappointing.
Quote from: Goose on March 18, 2019, 12:14:55 PM
There is a lot to the KO story that is not public. IMO, he saved MU ball, was a guy I loved being around, and he went on to new adventures. As a MU fan, I am very appreciative for all he did for MU. As a person, there are many nights, a few days, that are some of my favorite times as a MU fan. I was out of town for Creighton game, but it was confirmed to me that KO has not changed much.
Agree. He arrived at the perfect time. Wish he had stayed for a long time. That is why conference matters for coaches and players. They need the perception they are working at and playing at the highest level. He probably stays if we are in the Big East at the time.
ASU was pretty awful as well. I can't believe that they let the Johnnies hang around as long as they did.
Quote from: Eldon on March 21, 2019, 10:46:55 AM
ASU was pretty awful as well. I can't believe that they let the Johnnies hang around as long as they did.
And from an absolutely awful conference. X would've been such a better representative of the BE and a team no one would've wanted to play in the tourney
Quote from: NickelDimer on March 21, 2019, 10:54:34 AM
And from an absolutely awful conference. X would've been such a better representative of the BE and a team no one would've wanted to play in the tourney
I hope the Conference of Champions is not that awful. Cough. Cough. Oregon.
Quote from: Mr. Nielsen on March 21, 2019, 11:07:28 AM
I hope the Conference of Champions is not that awful. Cough. Cough. Oregon.
They're actually one of the only decent teams along with UW. Everyone else I saw was trash