We have reached the part of the season where every win we get could be the last of the season.
We should all enjoy the season the rest of the way as fans. Worry about nitpicking in the offseason.
As Shaka said this is the first step to what we all hope to be a building block of something special. Appreciate the guys we have right now because we could look back 3 years, 5 years, or 10 years from now and be appreciative they got us off to such a great start in year 1 of a new era.
Here's to hoping March is a successful end for our Seniors and an awesome learning experience for the young guys!
I'll admit that I'm one of the first to put on a tin foil hat. But, I completely agree with you. This season has had its ups and downs (as we suspected), however I thought we were a bubble team at best. To have a bid locked down, even a high seed, greatly surpasses my expectations. Congrats to Shaka and team, hoping for the very best over the next month!
It has been a season with many very pleasant surprises.
Being in the top half of the conference also very good.
If we play Creighton in first round of BET, I feel good that we could win it.
Better than playing Seton Hall in what would be a home game for them with no one on MU that can contain Sanogo.
Also looking forward to the NCAA Tourney. Maybe have a little March Madness Magic.
I must have missed something in Logic 101 - I would rather play the team that Marquette lost to twice than the team they beat twice (including on their actual home court).
Quote from: NCMUFan on February 27, 2022, 04:38:08 PM
It has been a season with many very pleasant surprises.
Being in the top half of the conference also very good.
If we play Creighton in first round of BET, I feel good that we could win it.
Better than playing Seton Hall in what would be a home game for them with no one on MU that can contain Sanogo.
Also looking forward to the NCAA Tourney. Maybe have a little March Madness Magic.
It is about matchups and I like MU matching up to Creighton than Seton Hall. Especially Seton Hall with a big crowd.
Quote from: NCMUFan on February 27, 2022, 04:38:08 PM
It has been a season with many very pleasant surprises.
Being in the top half of the conference also very good.
If we play Creighton in first round of BET, I feel good that we could win it.
Better than playing Seton Hall in what would be a home game for them with no one on MU that can contain Sanogo.
Also looking forward to the NCAA Tourney. Maybe have a little March Madness Magic.
Three Questions.
1. When did the BE allow trades.
2. Who did SHU give up to get Sanogo from Uconn.
3. When did this trade happen.
Yes, you are right, UCONN.
My mistake.
This season has been more fun and exciting than *any* season of the Wojo era, IMO. That's the only perspective I need. I can't wait for the NCAA Tournament.
It has been a very exciting season and more games to be played. The recent bad stretch was caused some to panic, but we all should be very happy for the excitement around the program. I actually am more confident on a March run than I was a couple of weeks ago. The guys played every game in January like it was a play in game in March and they needed a breather. The recent slump has been far from alarming, and they easily could have won a couple of those games.
MU has played a brutal schedule. They have gotten whooped 3 times. Twice by top 10 teams, once on the road. They have won close games, they have lost close games. We know who this team is. I am not scared of many teams. But I recognize that it is possible that MU starts slow and can't finish the comeback against nearly any decent team. Still no expectations. Just enjoying the ride.
Quote from: tower912 on February 27, 2022, 05:29:22 PM
MU has played a brutal schedule. They have gotten whooped 3 times. Twice by top 10 teams, once on the road. They have won close games, they have lost close games. We know who this team is. I am not scared of many teams. But I recognize that it is possible that MU starts slow and can't finish the comeback against nearly any decent team. Still no expectations. Just enjoying the ride.
Thats the key imo.
Weve played 17 games in conference and yet to be crushed in any of them. Sure there were a fair share where we didnt play well for large portions and required big comebacks to cut the game to single possesion, but there have always been comebacks.
And on the flip side weve had a few total routes in the W column with a handful of other games that finished with good seperation in the final 7-8 min.
Quote from: Goose on February 27, 2022, 05:23:57 PM
It has been a very exciting season and more games to be played. The recent bad stretch was caused some to panic, but we all should be very happy for the excitement around the program. I actually am more confident on a March run than I was a couple of weeks ago. The guys played every game in January like it was a play in game in March and they needed a breather. The recent slump has been far from alarming, and they easily could have won a couple of those games.
You are more confident now than a couple of weeks ago? I'm not.
Shaka said during the run that he feared his team peaked too early. A lot of data on this team that good coaches can easily adjust.
Shaka playing 10+ guys allows for Jop or Stevie to have an impact. That I appreciate.
I am absolutely thrilled with year one.
Quote from: We R Final Four on February 27, 2022, 06:56:01 PM
You are more confident now than a couple of weeks ago? I'm not.
Shaka said during the run that he feared his team peaked too early. A lot of data on this team that good coaches can easily adjust.
Shaka playing 10+ guys allows for Jop or Stevie to have an impact. That I appreciate.
I am absolutely thrilled with year one.
When did Shaka say we may have peaked too early. Missed that.
This has been an absolutely great season...no question about it. We are fortunate to have a great coach and a great group of young men representing MU.
Quote from: murara1994 on February 27, 2022, 07:23:39 PM
When did Shaka say we may have peaked too early. Missed that.
I think it was in a homer post game interview.
As I told my friends who were frustrated over the last couple of losses:
At the beginning of the season, we were predicted by all the "experts" that we would finish ninth in the Big East. No one but the most optimistic of fans thought we had a prayer of making the NCAA tournament.
For the season, we have far exceeded expectations, and I am more than fine with that.
Quote from: warriorchick on February 27, 2022, 08:20:16 PM
No one but the most optimistic of fans thought we had a prayer of making the NCAA tournament.
Maybe I prayed a lot, but I expected it. There were signs this was a better team than the pundits expected.
Quote from: warriorchick on February 27, 2022, 08:20:16 PM
As I told my friends who were frustrated over the last couple of losses:
At the beginning of the season, we were predicted by all the "experts" that we would finish ninth in the Big East. No one but the most optimistic of fans thought we had a prayer of making the NCAA tournament.
For the season, we have far exceeded expectations, and I am more than fine with that.
This 100%.
In addition to being picked 9th in the preseason poll, I can't remember any prognosticator who picked Marquette to finish the year more than a few games over .500 at best.
We got spoiled by the 6-2 run through the gauntlet and expectations increased accordingly. But if you had told me before the season that with two game left, we'd be looking at a 4-5th place finish in the BE and a 6-7 seed in the big dance, I would've signed up for that no questions asked.
Quote from: goldeneagle91114 on February 27, 2022, 04:16:35 PM
I'll admit that I'm one of the first to put on a tin foil hat. But, I completely agree with you. This season has had its ups and downs (as we suspected), however I thought we were a bubble team at best. To have a bid locked down, even a high seed, greatly surpasses my expectations. Congrats to Shaka and team, hoping for the very best over the next month!
Same here. Still not completely convinced this team is as good as they showed in Jan, but major props for where they stand today. Didn't think that was a tourney team. But I've had a lot of fun watching this season and I am really hoping for a run. It's possible if they're clicking!
I had predicted a 10-10 conference record. I do think DePaul rolls on Wednesday, but MU comes back with a close win over StJ on Saturday night. Thus, 11-8. If Creighton is the draw at the BE, I'm calling a MU win. NCAA is all about matchups. Hoping this season is a springboard to a top 3 finish in the BE next season.
Pre-season expectations are irrelevant to this discussion. That's not the way to approach the rest of our season.
Given the pre-season expectations I had for this team, I am pleased with how the season has turned out.
Quote from: MuggsyB on February 27, 2022, 09:11:29 PM
Pre-season expectations are irrelevant to this discussion. That's not the way to approach the rest of our season.
what?
I had Marquette 11-9 in the BE being an eternal optimist. So its pretty much right where i thought. Granted they did way way better in the non con than i could have reasonably thought. I did not think 8-3 was really in the cards for them.
Quote from: MuggsyB on February 27, 2022, 09:11:29 PM
Pre-season expectations are irrelevant to this discussion. That's not the way to approach the rest of our season.
::)
Speak for yourself.
Quote from: murara1994 on February 27, 2022, 07:23:39 PM
When did Shaka say we may have peaked too early. Missed that.
Shaka never said this team peaked too early nor has he said he fears they have.
He said the goal is to never peak too early and there is no evidence they have peaked too early.
They are 5th in the conference with a very realistic shot at 4th. Games get harder as the season gets longer regardless of opponent. Look all around college hoops. 13-15 Maryland just spanked Ohio State. Gonzaga go spanked by a far inferior team. 1-6 all lost this weekend.
Marquette is good with a path to win these last 2 and win the Big East tournament. Take it one game at a time and enjoy the ride we are on. It's a great year 1.
My biggest joy from the season (so far) is MU is again competing in the top half of the league. This is where they belong; 1-5 finish.
Shaka could lose his next four games and still have significantly overachieved in year one. He's done a helluva job with this roster. Of course that would leave me with a very foul taste in my mouth so screw settling for a B+, let's go get an A.
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on February 27, 2022, 10:12:42 PM
Shaka never said this team peaked too early nor has he said he fears they have.
He said the goal is to never peak too early and there is no evidence they have peaked too early.
They are 5th in the conference with a very realistic shot at 4th. Games get harder as the season gets longer regardless of opponent. Look all around college hoops. 13-15 Maryland just spanked Ohio State. Gonzaga go spanked by a far inferior team. 1-6 all lost this weekend.
Marquette is good with a path to win these last 2 and win the Big East tournament. Take it one game at a time and enjoy the ride we are on. It's a great year 1.
As the season goes on, especially in a round robin conference the other teams learn how to exploit your weaknesses and counter your strengths.
Expectations changed for this team during our run in January. It's been a solid year for sure but I flatly disagree with the "house money" narrative. I mean last year, before the season started, no one thought the Phoenix Suns were title contenders. Should their mindset have been this is all gravy once the playoffs started?
Quote from: goldeneagle91114 on February 27, 2022, 04:16:35 PM
I'll admit that I'm one of the first to put on a tin foil hat. But, I completely agree with you. This season has had its ups and downs (as we suspected), however I thought we were a bubble team at best. To have a bid locked down, even a high seed, greatly surpasses my expectations. Congrats to Shaka and team, hoping for the very best over the next month!
what were your expectations when we were ranked 18 and we're on a 6 game winning streak?
TAMU
I agree with your post. Going into the season my expectations were that this team would play hard defense, be competitive far more often than not, steal a few games, would see individual and team improvement, be extremely fun to watch and Shaka would prove he is an elite HC. For me, they hit every expectation and then some. I give Shaka and the team a B+ regardless of how the finish and a win in the NCAA makes the season an A from perspective.
As I said many times, I believe this will be Shaka's worst team in regard to talent and roster make up and the expectations rise next season. This season was building block season and creating a winning culture and system. I actually have been happy that over the past two weeks we have seen more of the future on the court and that was a perk gained from the January success. Seeing glimpses of what Joplin, Kam, Stevie, Omax and Oso will be in the future has been enjoyable to me. If one or two of those guys has half as much improvement that Lewis had the future looks very bright.
Quote from: ATWizJr on February 28, 2022, 06:35:49 AM
what were your expectations when we were ranked 18 and we're on a 6 game winning streak?
I thought we could end the season ranked around 15ish, I expected 2 losses max (we've now had 3 with 2 games left) and a 4 seed.
Quote from: ATWizJr on February 28, 2022, 06:35:49 AM
what were your expectations when we were ranked 18 and we're on a 6 game winning streak?
Uconn I expected a loss. Actually woulda been quite surprised if we won.
at Butler definitely expected a win. That disappointed.
Creighton, hoped we would win but wasn't something I put in the slam dunk pile.
Overall we haven't played as good of basketball as I expected. But so long as we beat Depaul and SJU. Expectation wise it will be right in line. I expected 4-2 after the Uconn game.
Quote from: MuggsyB on February 28, 2022, 06:16:50 AM
Expectations changed for this team during our run in January. It's been a solid year for sure but I flatly disagree with the "house money" narrative. I mean last year, before the season started, no one thought the Phoenix Suns were title contenders. Should their mindset have been this is all gravy once the playoffs started?
The Suns should never have that mindset. Their fans absolutely can
I expect perfection. Nothing less than undefeated seasons and a Championship flag hanging from the roof of FF during the Shaka era. I am 75 and want nothing but Marquette glory in my remaining twilight years.
Perspective.
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on February 27, 2022, 10:12:42 PM
Shaka never said this team peaked too early nor has he said he fears they have.
He said the goal is to never peak too early and there is no evidence they have peaked too early.
They are 5th in the conference with a very realistic shot at 4th. Games get harder as the season gets longer regardless of opponent. Look all around college hoops. 13-15 Maryland just spanked Ohio State. Gonzaga go spanked by a far inferior team. 1-6 all lost this weekend.
Marquette is good with a path to win these last 2 and win the Big East tournament. Take it one game at a time and enjoy the ride we are on. It's a great year 1.
Ill see if I can find his quote.....he said he hoped that this team was not/had not peaked too early.
Quote from: MuggsyB on February 28, 2022, 06:16:50 AM
Expectations changed for this team during our run in January. It's been a solid year for sure but I flatly disagree with the "house money" narrative. I mean last year, before the season started, no one thought the Phoenix Suns were title contenders. Should their mindset have been this is all gravy once the playoffs started?
Again, our mindset as fans doesn't impact anything. Going into this season I just wanted to see significant improvement as the season progressed. Sure, expectations have changed to the extent that I'll be bummed if we don't win a game in the NCAA tourney. However, if that doesn't happen it won't sour me in any way on what an unexpected and successful season this has been. You can have your perspective but I think plenty of people have this view as well.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on February 28, 2022, 09:12:37 AM
Again, our mindset as fans doesn't impact anything. Going into this season I just wanted to see significant improvement as the season progressed. Sure, expectations have changed to the extent that I'll be bummed if we don't win a game in the NCAA tourney. However, if that doesn't happen it won't sour me in any way on what and unexpected and successful season this has been. You can have your perspective but I think plenty of people have this view as well.
I like this take. Kudos.
Quote from: MuggsyB on February 27, 2022, 09:11:29 PM
Pre-season expectations are irrelevant to this discussion. That's not the way to approach the rest of our season.
I agree with your point.
I had bullish expectations for the team going into the season. The team as whole met my expectations , as did the individual players and coaching staff.
Going forward I believe we are capable of getting on another winning streak and going deep into the BET.
Fun to see the program with the dynamism it has
Quote from: MuggsyB on February 27, 2022, 09:11:29 PM
Pre-season expectations are irrelevant to this discussion. That's not the way to approach the rest of our season.
Aside from the fact that Scoopers' expectations influence nada -- truth hurts! -- I agree with what I think you're trying to say.
I feel most of us have had the "right" perspective the entire time. Expectations are a different thing, and I decided to start a thread about that.
I think this team has already exceeded most of our expectations and has given us a very exciting season. In the NCAA tournament, I just hope they can win a game - though that is heavily dependent on their seeding and the matchup they have. Their rebounding problems may cause a very early exit, but I certainly hope not.
Quote from: MuggsyB on February 27, 2022, 09:11:29 PM
Pre-season expectations are irrelevant to this discussion. That's not the way to approach the rest of our season.
I don't know how people can judge their satisfaction with this season without reflecting back on what their expectations were so I have to disagree with your first sentence.
Your second makes more sense, Muggs. The approach to the remaining games should take into consideration what the team has done and how it has performed, and our preseason expectations should be less of a factor.