I have always been a huge MU fan and typically schedule all other activities around games. I have watched really good MU teams and some that were not so good. But, this team is starting to kill my interest. It is a truly hard team to watch. When I try to think of something they do well, I sort of come up empty. They are a poor shooting tea, really unreliable in the paint, they don't move the ball well and I cannot for the life of me figure out what the offensive game plan is. I don't even want to think about the defense.
We all knew this would be a tough year, but I'm not sure any of us were prepared for this. I could tolerate a down year if it looked like young players were improving and next year would be better. Nigel James is going to be a real player, Zaide Lowery may continue to improve, and Adrien Stevens looks like he will be a player. But I don't think that means next year's team is going to be a lot better.
There was so much excitement about the program, but, from a personal perspective, that is slowly evaporating. I understand what Shaka is trying to do with his refusal to use the transfer portal, and I admire his determination. But, I am not at all sure it is going to work. When you don't take transfers, you cannot afford to miss on high school recruits. And, the recruits you get have to develop and be able to contribute quickly. Other than Nigel James, I simply do not see that happening. And, if Sean Jones had stayed healthy, I am not sure how quickly James' development would have happened.
The team is likely to be 4-6 going into conference play, and it hard to imagine more than six or eight BE wins. They will likely improve somewhat as the season goes along, but other teams will get better too.
Yes, I will keep watching games - but I will not make a special effort anymore this year.
Quote from: rgoode57 on November 30, 2025, 11:38:50 AMThe team is likely to be 4-6 going into conference play, and it hard to imagine more than six or eight BE wins.
"It not hard" to imagine more than 6 BE wins. Also, I assure you we will
not be 4-6 heading into conference play. Sounds like you probably don't really watch much ever, hey??
Quote from: rgoode57 on November 30, 2025, 11:38:50 AMI have always been a huge MU fan and typically schedule all other activities around games. I have watched really good MU teams and some that were not so good. But, this team is starting to kill my interest. It is a truly hard team to watch. When I try to think of something they do well, I sort of come up empty. They are a poor shooting tea, really unreliable in the paint, they don't move the ball well and I cannot for the life of me figure out what the offensive game plan is. I don't even want to think about the defense.
We all knew this would be a tough year, but I'm not sure any of us were prepared for this. I could tolerate a down year if it looked like young players were improving and next year would be better. Nigel James is going to be a real player, Zaide Lowery may continue to improve, and Adrien Stevens looks like he will be a player. But I don't think that means next year's team is going to be a lot better.
There was so much excitement about the program, but, from a personal perspective, that is slowly evaporating. I understand what Shaka is trying to do with his refusal to use the transfer portal, and I admire his determination. But, I am not at all sure it is going to work. When you don't take transfers, you cannot afford to miss on high school recruits. And, the recruits you get have to develop and be able to contribute quickly. Other than Nigel James, I simply do not see that happening. And, if Sean Jones had stayed healthy, I am not sure how quickly James' development would have happened.
The team is likely to be 4-6 going into conference play, and it hard to imagine more than six or eight BE wins. They will likely improve somewhat as the season goes along, but other teams will get better too.
Yes, I will keep watching games - but I will not make a special effort anymore this year.
Good luck!
I don't think you are alone. Many people with season tickets will likely not go to as many games. I mentioned two families in another thread that would have planned around the Oklahoma game who didn't because of they perceived there was no chance of winning that game. $90/seat tickets suddenly become not worth it. There is a conspicuous lack of some stalwart highly optimistic posters around here because of this start by the team.
People need to perceive a light at the end of the tunnel. They do not see it right now. Major development in this team still means NIT at best this year and major uncertainty for next year.
I'll still be watching closely. Can't help it. MUMBB is at the top of my list of sports teams to root for. Hopefully there will be some definitive improvement over the course of the year. Not just a couple flashes where we all are "HOPING" they are good next year.
Go MU!
What's tough is that this year comes at the end of a collapse of last year's team after January 1st. As a season ticket holder, I share your sentiments. After decades of watching MU basketball, the only other time I felt like this was during Buzz's last year when the team became somewhat hopeless. The other concern I have is with the future of the big east. The conference, like last year, has done very poorly in the pre-conference play, which will limit its ability to get more than a couple of team in the tournament this year. Also, we have only one conference team in the 2026 top 25 team rankings for recruiting, and that's UConn. The reality is that college basketball today is not what it used to be. It's currently being driven by money and I don't think teams in the Big East have the financial muscle that the larger state schools and teams like Duke have.
Quote from: rgoode57 on November 30, 2025, 11:38:50 AMI have always been a huge MU fan and typically schedule all other activities around games. I have watched really good MU teams and some that were not so good. But, this team is starting to kill my interest. It is a truly hard team to watch. When I try to think of something they do well, I sort of come up empty. They are a poor shooting tea, really unreliable in the paint, they don't move the ball well and I cannot for the life of me figure out what the offensive game plan is. I don't even want to think about the defense.
We all knew this would be a tough year, but I'm not sure any of us were prepared for this. I could tolerate a down year if it looked like young players were improving and next year would be better. Nigel James is going to be a real player, Zaide Lowery may continue to improve, and Adrien Stevens looks like he will be a player. But I don't think that means next year's team is going to be a lot better.
There was so much excitement about the program, but, from a personal perspective, that is slowly evaporating. I understand what Shaka is trying to do with his refusal to use the transfer portal, and I admire his determination. But, I am not at all sure it is going to work. When you don't take transfers, you cannot afford to miss on high school recruits. And, the recruits you get have to develop and be able to contribute quickly. Other than Nigel James, I simply do not see that happening. And, if Sean Jones had stayed healthy, I am not sure how quickly James' development would have happened.
The team is likely to be 4-6 going into conference play, and it hard to imagine more than six or eight BE wins. They will likely improve somewhat as the season goes along, but other teams will get better too.
Yes, I will keep watching games - but I will not make a special effort anymore this year.
What a genuine and completely reasonable thought to have. I'm sure someone on this board will find a way to tell you you're wrong.
I know I'm less interested when I opt to put Christmas lights up outside and only listen to the CMU second half stream. Same for feeling relatively apathetic after the close loss to OK.
We'll need to see this experiment play out. If Shaka ends up giving in and adds transfers sooner, there will always be the "what if" over the last few seasons.
MU diehard, like Shaka, but I won't waste as much of my time watching a crappy product. I hope to see some life out of a couple more underclassmen to get excited about.
For me, it's not just the slow start and early losses. I don't feel connected to this team whatsoever as a fan and that's the first time I've ever felt that way about an MU team that was good or bad. RGV feels inorganic now and has become totally off putting to me. Everything about the program just feels too curated and forced at this point.
Quote from: CountryRoads on November 30, 2025, 01:08:29 PMFor me, it's not just the slow start and early losses. I don't feel connected to this team whatsoever as a fan and that's the first time I've ever felt that way about an MU team that was good or bad. RGV feels inorganic now and has become totally off putting to me. Everything about the program just feels too curated and forced at this point.
When the team is losing, stuff like "Get Lost in the Fight" sounds like something a two-bit inspirational speaker would say at an insurance convention in Sioux Falls.
Quote from: CountryRoads on November 30, 2025, 01:08:29 PMFor me, it's not just the slow start and early losses. I don't feel connected to this team whatsoever as a fan and that's the first time I've ever felt that way about an MU team that was good or bad. RGV feels inorganic now and has become totally off putting to me. Everything about the program just feels too curated and forced at this point.
The RGV marketing is very off putting and that was before the losing. Now it is turning into a very sore spot. It needs to go away.
Winning would definitely provide an uptick in interest.
Personally, my declining interest is attributable to both losing and the fact that college basketball is now just another professional sport. Teams are essentially G League teams sponsored by schools that advertise on the uniforms.
CR,
Is it because even though some of these players have been in the program for years, they never had a major role before? Or is it because there is no obvious high level (top 25) talent besides one or two players? Or the lack of a Stevie Mitchell type player that you know will absolutely not shrink in the moment and make winning plays or die trying? Or the lack of progression of some of the players (ie Ben's offense). Or the lack of alpha personalities (minus Chase and Nijel) that give confidence to a fan base?
It's all of the above for me but the Stevie question and the last question give me the most pause because even Chase is gone next year. Leadership! You know it when you see it. Right now there are two people who will take charge on the court. The rest seem like they are comfortable in the background. Hard to connect with that.
Quote from: Zog from Margo on November 30, 2025, 01:43:02 PMWinning would definitely provide an uptick in interest.
Personally, my declining interest is attributable to both losing and the fact that college basketball is now just another professional sport. Teams are essentially G League teams sponsored by schools that advertise on the uniforms.
So odd.
If this were a baseball team I'd obviously have to stop caring, but since it's college basketball, I believe I'm allowed to keep watching.
RGV seems like a hamfisted branding ploy thought up by the same people who brought us the Marquette Gold.
Quote from: Pakuni on November 30, 2025, 02:01:29 PMIf this were a baseball team I'd obviously have to stop caring, but since it's college basketball, I believe I'm allowed to keep watching.
RGV seems like a hamfisted branding ploy thought up by the same people who brought us the Marquette Gold.
I remember catching a Rio Grande Valley Vipers game long ago when visiting my snowbird parents. Jerel McNeal was playing.
#RRL
I'm definitely depressed and sort of pissed off about what MU is putting on the floor this year. I used to get really angry when I saw inept MU hoops but this team has mellowed me somewhat. Bottom line, I think about all the months without MU ball. Too committed, I guess, as frustrating as it is, I just can't not watch.
Quote from: CountryRoads on November 30, 2025, 01:08:29 PMFor me, it's not just the slow start and early losses. I don't feel connected to this team whatsoever as a fan and that's the first time I've ever felt that way about an MU team that was good or bad. RGV feels inorganic now and has become totally off putting to me. Everything about the program just feels too curated and forced at this point.
5 years to judge? How is sleazeball Pitino doing at St. John's? Gap widening!
Quote from: willie warrior on November 30, 2025, 02:45:04 PM5 years to judge? How is sleazeball Pitino doing at St. John's? Gap widening!
If MU had lost to 3 top 25 teams (as opposed to 4 unaranked ones) maybe you could make the case that we are comparable to St. Johns.
Quote from: The Equalizer on November 30, 2025, 03:06:11 PMIf MU had lost to 3 top 25 teams (as opposed to 4 unaranked ones) maybe you could make the case that we are comparable to St. Johns.
Oh, that's not the case he's making.
There comes a point where you just have to look at things both ways...
It's been a very difficult calendar year- as many have pointed out this downturn did not start this season, but rather the second half of last season.
All things considered, having a season with Kam Jones, David Joplin, and Stevie Mitchell go the way last season did after the new year is almost worse than the struggles we've seen so far this season.
I still can't get over how poorly both Kam and Jop shot last season, it really makes no sense.
Anyway, what I really wanted to point out is that many of us feel the way we do because we have been REALLY spoiled before this calendar year, to the point most of us haven't been as Marquette fans in decades.
I mean I see posts from one year ago where Marquette was beating elite teams
@ #9 Maryland
#14 Purdue in a blowout
Top 20 Wisconsin
And then started 9-1 in conference if memory serves before it all started to collapse
and it makes me wonder what the hell happened?
Part of what has happened is that we got used to some amazing basketball, and amazing basketball players, and became really spoiled with greatness, at least the regular season variety.
When you have that, and then you get this, it's very easy to feel how many of us feel.
However, it's also very important to not forget what we had, and support the staff and program that gave us that.
It is a foolish endeavor to lose support and turn on Shaka and staff so quickly, imo.
Our fanbase has seen what ineptitude looks like- it took a decade to make it back to the dance.
Let's not jump ship on a system that has shown us what greatness can look like, not so fast
Quote from: Jay Bee on November 30, 2025, 11:44:56 AMAlso, I assure you we will
not be 4-6 heading into conference play. Sounds like you probably don't really watch much ever, hey??
They're going to be 5-7. But man, you totally got him!
Quote from: DoctorV on November 30, 2025, 03:39:03 PMI mean I see posts from one year ago where Marquette was beating elite teams
@ #9 Maryland
#14 Purdue in a blowout
Top 20 Wisconsin
And then started 9-1 in conference if memory serves before it all started to collapse
and it makes me wonder what the hell happened?
What the hell happened:
1. It became obvious that you just had to shut down Kam and see if other players could step up. By and large, they didn't.
2. The same players who didn't really step up are now being counted on as alphas, and only one of them comes close to that.
3. There are worrisome signs in the pipeline, and a coach who doesn't seem to want to address them via the portal.
Quote from: DoctorV on November 30, 2025, 03:39:03 PMIt is a foolish endeavor to lose support and turn on Shaka and staff so quickly, imo.
Agreed! However if things don't improve significantly, and the coach just rolls it back next year, I don't think it would be inappropriate to ask if this is going to work.
I agree that the RGV stuff is awful...
It was annoying and eye roll inducing before, but given that lack of Vs it really needs to go. But it won't. Shaka
and MU ( Broeker and Kimo ) are WAY too invested in it >:(
Quote from: Zog from Margo on November 30, 2025, 01:43:02 PMWinning would definitely provide an uptick in interest.
Personally, my declining interest is attributable to both losing and the fact that college basketball is now just another professional sport. Teams are essentially G League teams sponsored by schools that advertise on the uniforms.
Quote from: The Sultan on November 30, 2025, 01:44:22 PMSo odd.
Schools paying their players just started this July 1. A few G-League players are now returning to play "college" ball. In a few years Zog may be right about schools who advertise their "G-League" team. Time will tell if this is how college athletics will look. I am not so sure Marquette will be able to financially compete with the larger alumni base schools which is why the emphasis is on retention. So, I am not sure what Zog posted was odd, other than if we were winning he would be fine with a Marquette G-League team.
Quote from: muwarrior69 on November 30, 2025, 05:03:54 PMSchools paying their players just started this July 1. A few G-League players are now returning to play "college" ball. In a few years Zog may be right about schools who advertise their "G-League" team. Time will tell if this is how college athletics will look. I am not so sure Marquette will be able to financially compete with the larger alumni base schools which is why the emphasis is on retention. So, I am not sure what Zog posted was odd, other than if we were winning he would be fine with a Marquette G-League team.
What's odd is that player compensation has anything to do with one's interest as a fan.
I think this is a truly sad group of people. I have been an MU fan since 1966 and I've seen worse teams than this. For my part I thought the team would be someting like 8 and 3 in nonconference and maybe 12 and 8 in conference. I'm fairly certain that this team will finish well short of those numbers. It is upsettiong that Gold has not stepped up to be a 14 and 7 kind of guy and that Hamilton is not a monster on the baseline or that Parham has not settled in yet, all that said the teams T rank is 65 and not abyssmal. My take on this is that this is a real young team and is still trying to find the connectivity of more recent teams, give them some time. The big east is a mess, it is entirely possible that MU could woin 10 games in conference and make the NIT field. The people who think that winning a national chamionship is or should be the goal I would suggest getting a life. Winning is hard and the fact that the last four years have been successful and entertaining should not be dismissed. This team could yet pull itsef together and have some success but even if that is not the case, next year looks like the potential begining of another 4 or 5 year run. It is the job of the fan to believe in the team and certainly, the burden of RGV while distastful, is no reason to jup ship. Shaka has earned some consideration for past performance. Be fans, hope for the best and look for a turn of fate next season, afer all it is still only a game and if you really want to worry about something look at your government.
Quote from: Badgerhater on November 30, 2025, 02:10:39 PMI remember catching a Rio Grande Valley Vipers game long ago when visiting my snowbird parents. Jerel McNeal was playing.
my buddy coached at UT-RGV (go Vaqueros). While he wanted out of there every day he said the city had the best Tex-Mex food he's ever had.
I like it Hawk. Good post. They won't be losing my support anytime soon. I agree the fans need to wait this out without being asses about it. Have to let this play out a little more and see what leaders step up and take control. They have to know three wins were left on the table. At some point Gold may say WTF and play without fear of making a mistake. At some point Stevens or Parham will say WTF and fill a leadership void. Maybe Owens will come out of his coma. They need one or two more players to join James and Ross and this could be a mid tier Big East team. That IMO would be the arrow pointing up and would be an encouraging sign going into next year.
Quote from: Mu8891 on November 30, 2025, 03:53:58 PMI agree that the RGV stuff is awful...
It was annoying and eye roll inducing before, but given that lack of Vs it really needs to go. But it won't. Shaka
and MU ( Broeker and Kimo ) are WAY too invested in it >:(
ya think? 61 different products for sale at the Spirit Shop with the RGV brand on it:
https://spiritshop.marquette.edu/rgv/
I've said it before, I'm afraid RGV is going to be come what "our academic standards are too high" has been to schools like Bucky in the 80s, Northwestern, etc.
I do appreciate that we have a roster of guys who are making a commitment to MU as an institution but we act like we're the only school doing this and everyone else has complete roster turnover every year.
Quote from: Jay Bee on November 30, 2025, 11:44:56 AM"It not hard" to imagine more than 6 BE wins. Also, I assure you we will
not be 4-6 heading into conference play. Sounds like you probably don't really watch much ever, hey??
How about 5-6? Will we do better than that?
Remember, schools get 20.5M a year to pay athletes and MU does not have football so that should help you think?
Quote from: Class71 on November 30, 2025, 07:03:32 PMHow about 5-6? Will we do better than that?
If they beat Wisconsin they will.
I'd be pretty surprised if that game wasn't competitive.
Unfortunately, even 6-5 in the OOC is so rough that the team would need 15-5 type of record in the BE, with a win versus UConn/StJ to have at large hopes.
Funny having this conversation.
RGV wouldn't have held for Crean, Buzz, Wojo.
Now Ws and Ls aren't important, but RGV is?
Quote from: The Sultan on November 30, 2025, 01:14:08 PMWhen the team is losing, stuff like "Get Lost in the Fight" sounds like something a two-bit inspirational speaker would say at an insurance convention in Sioux Falls.
Agree and they are lost somewhere alright but maybe not in the fight. It is like they are fighting with 2 hands behind their backs with no transfers.
Quote from: hawk on November 30, 2025, 05:43:45 PMI think this is a truly sad group of people. I have been an MU fan since 1966 and I've seen worse teams than this. For my part I thought the team would be someting like 8 and 3 in nonconference and maybe 12 and 8 in conference. I'm fairly certain that this team will finish well short of those numbers. It is upsettiong that Gold has not stepped up to be a 14 and 7 kind of guy and that Hamilton is not a monster on the baseline or that Parham has not settled in yet, all that said the teams T rank is 65 and not abyssmal. My take on this is that this is a real young team and is still trying to find the connectivity of more recent teams, give them some time. The big east is a mess, it is entirely possible that MU could woin 10 games in conference and make the NIT field. The people who think that winning a national chamionship is or should be the goal I would suggest getting a life. Winning is hard and the fact that the last four years have been successful and entertaining should not be dismissed. This team could yet pull itsef together and have some success but even if that is not the case, next year looks like the potential begining of another 4 or 5 year run. It is the job of the fan to believe in the team and certainly, the burden of RGV while distastful, is no reason to jup ship. Shaka has earned some consideration for past performance. Be fans, hope for the best and look for a turn of fate next season, afer all it is still only a game and if you really want to worry about something look at your government.
Thank you for your thoughts, Hawk. People should not give up and no longer be fans of this team or MU basketball. Now, there are a plethora of concerns, and many fans here have shared them quite extensively. There is a lot of merit with what I'm reading from everyone and the anger, frustration, and mostly depression jumps off the scoop site like a kangaroo.
I'm in the camp that things are pretty dire, but I will give Shaka the benefit of the doubt at this moment. Especially after several very good seasons. At the same time, I don't think his model is going to work moving forward and therefore he has to adapt and change his thinking. As others have stated, when you whiff on a recruit or many recruits, it's a monumental problem if you don't take transfers. This is indisputable.
I think fans are pissed, and depressed, because realistically we haven't seen anything to suggest we have much potential at all to beat quality teams.
Quote from: BCHoopster on November 30, 2025, 07:37:24 PMRemember, schools get 20.5M a year to pay athletes and MU does not have football so that should help you think?
No, they can spend up to $20.5 million in revenue share, but outside of the Power 4 conferences schools aren't making that kind of revenue.
MU should have a over $5 million to distribute but as a private school we'll never know how much exactly. VCU is doing $4 to $5 million.
Press Box: VCU men's basketball players are set to make six figures The Commonwealth Times https://share.google/eYpKt5FU2aMOy1X5P
Quote from: The Equalizer on November 30, 2025, 03:06:11 PMIf MU had lost to 3 top 25 teams (as opposed to 4 unaranked ones) maybe you could make the case that we are comparable to St. Johns.
Extremely lost
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on November 30, 2025, 08:19:33 PMNo, they can spend up to $20.5 million in revenue share, but outside of the Power 4 conferences schools aren't making that kind of revenue.
MU should have a over $5 million to distribute but as a private school we'll never know how much exactly. VCU is doing $4 to $5 million.
Press Box: VCU men's basketball players are set to make six figures The Commonwealth Times https://share.google/eYpKt5FU2aMOy1X5P
Keep in mind the new TV deal for the BE is on par with the BB portion of the P4 TV deals. It is 4X + A10 money.
MU is spending 6 this year
Quote from: The Sultan on November 30, 2025, 05:41:23 PMWhat's odd is that player compensation has anything to do with one's interest as a fan.
When players play for a paycheck instead of a school, it's not the same game to me.
When you see that UK has a roster receiving over $20 million (https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/college/kentucky/mens-basketball/2025/10/16/kentucky-wildcats-basketball-roster-cost-20-million/86732570007/), what is your expectation for MU? Shouldn't one's expectations be commensurate with the team's payroll?
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on November 30, 2025, 06:21:53 PMya think? 61 different products for sale at the Spirit Shop with the RGV brand on it:
https://spiritshop.marquette.edu/rgv/
I've said it before, I'm afraid RGV is going to be come what "our academic standards are too high" has been to schools like Bucky in the 80s, Northwestern, etc.
I do appreciate that we have a roster of guys who are making a commitment to MU as an institution but we act like we're the only school doing this and everyone else has complete roster turnover every year.
Holy sh*t. I didn't realize this was how far it's gone. Does anyone actually buy this stuff?
Tees and shot glasses are one thing. But a $105 dress shirt with a giant RGV logo might be one of the most hilariously unserious things I've ever seen them sell.
Quote from: Zog from Margo on November 30, 2025, 09:36:20 PMWhen players play for a paycheck instead of a school, it's not the same game to me.
When you see that UK has a roster receiving over $20 million (https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/college/kentucky/mens-basketball/2025/10/16/kentucky-wildcats-basketball-roster-cost-20-million/86732570007/), what is your expectation for MU? Shouldn't one's expectations be commensurate with the team's payroll?
When has Marquette basketball ever been on an even footing with Kentucky?
Quote from: K1 Lover on November 30, 2025, 11:35:25 PMHoly sh*t. I didn't realize this was how far it's gone. Does anyone actually buy this stuff?
Tees and shot glasses are one thing. But a $105 dress shirt with a giant RGV logo might be one of the most hilariously unserious things I've ever seen them sell.
This is like all the "Row the Boat" stuff that Univ of Minnesota sells using PJ Fleck's motto.
Quote from: BCHoopster on November 30, 2025, 07:37:24 PMRemember, schools get 20.5M a year to pay athletes and MU does not have football so that should help you think?
No; schools don't "get" anything. They can spend up to the cap, but most will come nowhere close. It may as well be a $1 billion cap this year for us.
With more data coming in on how to make a successful team in these times may be these questions can be better answered:
1. Does practicing against a significant number of new players due to being on a different team or the same team with turnover make a better player?
2. Is being coached by a number of different schools' coaches make one a better player?
Quote from: K1 Lover on November 30, 2025, 11:35:25 PMDoes anyone actually buy this stuff?
Tees and shot glasses are one thing. But a $105 dress shirt with a giant RGV logo might be one of the most hilariously unserious things I've ever seen them sell.
I had to take a break and go look at that shirt - it's pretty bad. You have to think that they are going to be stuck with a lot of inventory if the V's don't happen.
Quote from: Norm on December 01, 2025, 12:05:11 AMThis is like all the "Row the Boat" stuff that Univ of Minnesota sells using PJ Fleck's motto.
Oh man. I never made that parallel, but it's a good one.
Quote from: mileskishnish72 on December 01, 2025, 08:02:25 AMI had to take a break and go look at that shirt - it's pretty bad. You have to think that they are going to be stuck with a lot of inventory if the V's don't happen.
My guess is a lot of that stuff is made after an order is placed and shipped directly from the manufactuer. I can't imagine they have all of that in stock.
Quote from: YoungMUFan4 on November 30, 2025, 08:50:08 PMYikes
not really. The Power 4 football schools are allocating at least 70% of the $20.5 million towards football (most I've seen are higher) and around 15 percent on hoops, so that puts MU on par and even ahead of most of those programs. UCLA is one of the few outliers with a higher percentage dedicated to basketball.
Quote from: Pakuni on November 30, 2025, 11:52:22 PMWhen has Marquette basketball ever been on an even footing with Kentucky?
Back in Al's day we were.
Didn't think it was worth a new thread but MU checks in at #167 in the initial NET rankings. Maryland is a Q4 loss currently.
Quote from: WellsstreetWanderer on December 01, 2025, 08:21:19 AMBack in Al's day we were.
When most of us here weren't born, or those who were were unable to legally enjoy a beer at the 'Lanche. Ok then.
Question posed;question answered
Quote from: The Sultan on December 01, 2025, 08:08:39 AMMy guess is a lot of that stuff is made after an order is placed and shipped directly from the manufactuer. I can't imagine they have all of that in stock.
I was at the Spirit Shop after the CMU game (20% discount for season ticket holders) and the RGV stuff was overwhelming and front and center once you walk in, it had the prime real-estate that historically had some of the coolest merch.
No one was buying it - the shelves were more full than any other section.
They definitely had a bunch of the other knick knacks like shot glasses/mugs with the logo in-person as well.
Quote from: WellsstreetWanderer on December 01, 2025, 08:21:19 AMBack in Al's day we were.
Not really. We may have had similar success, but we never had their resources.
Quote from: Bahama on December 01, 2025, 08:44:57 AMI was at the Spirit Shop after the CMU game (20% discount for season ticket holders) and the RGV stuff was overwhelming and front and center once you walk in, it had the prime real-estate that historically had some of the coolest merch.
No one was buying it - the shelves were more full than any other section.
They definitely had a bunch of the other knick knacks like shot glasses/mugs with the logo in-person as well.
Well, then they will figure out quickly that it doesn't have that much of a demand.
Really strange that they would go with something so niche.
Quote from: Zog from Margo on November 30, 2025, 09:36:20 PMWhen players play for a paycheck instead of a school, it's not the same game to me.
When you see that UK has a roster receiving over $20 million (https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/college/kentucky/mens-basketball/2025/10/16/kentucky-wildcats-basketball-roster-cost-20-million/86732570007/), what is your expectation for MU? Shouldn't one's expectations be commensurate with the team's payroll?
I just root for the team and don't concern myself at all with their compensation.
Quote from: K1 Lover on November 30, 2025, 12:46:57 PMWhat a genuine and completely reasonable thought to have. I'm sure someone on this board will find a way to tell you you're wrong.
the 2nd comment is your answer, which is typical. No substance, other than bs
Quote from: The Sultan on December 01, 2025, 09:21:41 AMI just root for the team and don't concern myself at all with their compensation.
That's what I have been doing.
It's interesting. College hoops is becoming more like MLB. In that world, MU would be the Brewers. The Brewers develop and don't have much to spend on FAs.
Quote from: Zog from Margo on December 01, 2025, 11:21:03 AMThat's what I have been doing.
It's interesting. College hoops is becoming more like MLB. In that world, MU would be the Brewers. The Brewers develop and don't have much to spend on FAs.
I feel that's not totally new. There's always been the have's and the have nots. Whether it's facilities, under the table payments, etc.
Quote from: Viper on December 01, 2025, 10:20:21 AMthe 2nd comment is your answer, which is typical. No substance, other than bs
Didn't even notice that. I appreciate the laugh.
There is nothing wrong with RGV - the teams before this year have seemed so connected and for each other. Other coaches have said similar things about their teams. We as fans focus on the V and of course, that what coaches get paid for. But RG can help Vs. this team seems. But disconnected, and that is a major issue.
The problem is trying to market it. That assumes that your customer base cares as much about your internal philosophy as you do (they pretty much never do) and that you're okay making your internal philosophy bigger than your established brand ("Marquette University" doesn't appear on the front of the RGV merch).
I'm not sure if it's more a sign of idiocy or arrogance in thinking that was a smart move, but 99.9% of the people that see that merch in the wild will have zero clue it's promoting Marquette, and that's not good for branding.
If the shoe fits...
Fair Weather Fan = Someone who only supports a sports team when it's winning or doing well, but quickly loses interest or disappears when the team struggles. In other words, their loyalty depends on the team's success rather than genuine long‑term commitment.
I'm learning that I take college athletic team mottos way less seriously than a lot of people, it seems. Almost every college athletic team in every sport at every level has a (or often multiple) dumb phrase it lives by. GTST for Buzz at MU. Nobody cared about RGV when MU was winning. Just like nobody cared when Shaka responded with some edge to him during post game interviews ("We take a back seat to nobody in this league").
Couldn't care much less about what term our coaches use as their motto. Apparently I'm in the minority.
Quote from: wadesworld on December 01, 2025, 09:58:08 PMI'm learning that I take college athletic team mottos way less seriously than a lot of people, it seems. Almost every college athletic team in every sport at every level has a (or often multiple) dumb phrase it lives by. GTST for Buzz at MU. Nobody cared about RGV when MU was winning. Just like nobody cared when Shaka was responded with some edge to him during post game interviews ("We take a back seat to nobody in this league").
Couldn't care much less about what term our coaches use as their motto. Apparently I'm in the minority.
Yeah, but Shaka has had a new one each year.
First it was "play with violence"
Then it was "culture", which has continued to nauseum of course.
Then it was EGB or EKG, whatever
Now it's RGV
Can't wait for next year's motto/theme. Almost like a narrative for nicknames for everyone in elementary school.
Quote from: wadesworld on December 01, 2025, 09:58:08 PMCouldn't care much less about what term our coaches use as their motto. Apparently I'm in the minority.
No one cares what they use as the motto. The problem is reshaping the marketing to promote the motto over the University. For a month, the front page of the Spirit Shop was the 61 RGV items. If you go to the physical location. RGV dominates the front tables when you walk in.
GTST "marketing" was a free t-shirt with your section color on NMD. Win Every Day was a gold rally towel giveaway. This is cult of personality stuff.
Quote from: nyg on December 01, 2025, 10:20:36 PMYeah, but Shaka has had a new one each year.
First it was "play with violence"
Then it was "culture", which has continued to nauseum of course.
Then it was EGB or EKG, whatever
Now it's RGV
Can't wait for next year's motto/theme. Almost like a narrative for nicknames for everyone in elementary school.
RGV has been their catch phrase for years. They also use culture, violence, EGBs, etc.
Quote from: wadesworld on December 01, 2025, 10:31:10 PMRGV has been their catch phrase for years. They also use culture, violence, EGBs, etc.
Thanks, thought it was Growth, Development, Retention. Guess that Development phrase got lost along the way. Can't wait for next one.
With all the angst of the MU fan base right now, if ever there was a time to
"Win Any Way" it is right now. And no, it's not "Anyway" because we are not playing connected basketball right now. And we will take ANY way of getting a W.
RGV should just be quietly dropped. After being a nice team motto for a few years, it's now become a meme. There is no positive connotation to it anymore and never will be again.
Quote from: wadesworld on December 01, 2025, 10:31:10 PMRGV has been their catch phrase for years. They also use culture, violence, EGBs, etc.
Relationships Growth Victory was used. Not RGV. Otherwise the Rio Grande Valley jokes would've started years ago.
Quote from: Xact on December 01, 2025, 09:54:17 PMIf the shoe fits...
Fair Weather Fan = Someone who only supports a sports team when it's winning or doing well, but quickly loses interest or disappears when the team struggles. In other words, their loyalty depends on the team's success rather than genuine long‑term commitment.
There's nothing inherently wrong with being a fair weather fan. I most certainly am when it comes to the Brewers for instance.
But most here aren't fair weather.
Yep, I don't think scoopers fit the definition of fair weather fans.
Quote from: Pakuni on November 30, 2025, 11:52:22 PMWhen has Marquette basketball ever been on an even footing with Kentucky?
When Al was coach. He'll they kicked Kentuckys ass with Crean and Wade in the elite 8.
So yeah there is no reason we cannot be on an even footing. But right now many things have to change.
Since I started this thread, I feel compelled to make one more comment.
It is obvious that many of you share my frustration and declining enthusiasm. It is truly hard to watch this team and see them lose to teams like Dayton, Maryland, and Oklahoma. I shudder to think how lopsided the score may be in the Purdue game - or maybe even the WI game. The team will start the BE season with a losing record, and I will say again that it is hard to imagine more than a handful of conference wins.
I would be perfectly ok with a bad season as long as the youngsters were getting lots of playing time and showing obvious improvement. But, I have doubt that Owens is ever going to really come around, and Hamilton simply does not look like a guy to anchor the front line of a BE team. Parham may continue to improve, but I am not sure how high his ceiling really is. That leaves James and Stevens and another group of freshmen for next year.
I do not fully understand how much money MU has to pay players, and I think the whole pay system has really messed up college sports. Perhaps Shaka really limits himself to high school recruits simply because it is the cheaper way to go and money is limited. Maybe the new reality is that conferences like the BE and A10 cannot remain relevant, but I certainly hope not.
For this year, I will watch games when it is convenient to do so but will make no special effort to do it.
RGV? Shaka needs to be concerned about retaining the fan base as well as players.
Quote from: willie warrior on December 02, 2025, 08:03:56 AMWhen Al was coach. He'll they kicked Kentuckys ass with Crean and Wade in the elite 8.
So yeah there is no reason we cannot be on an even footing. But right now many things have to change.
We may have won some games against Kentucky over the years, but MU has never been on their level in terms of resources at the program's disposal and ability to invest in players.
Quote from: willie warrior on December 02, 2025, 08:03:56 AMWhen Al was coach. He'll they kicked Kentuckys ass with Crean and Wade in the elite 8.
So yeah there is no reason we cannot be on an even footing. But right now many things have to change.
yeah, we beat Kentucky in 2003. Equal footing! Al was also 2-3 against UK, 2-2 in the NCAA tournament, losing to them the last time the teams played, the second round of the 1975 NCAA tourney.
Does that mean we're behind Dayton, considering they've beaten us the last four times we've played and seven of the last eight, including in the 2002-03 season?
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on December 02, 2025, 10:09:40 AMyeah, we beat Kentucky in 2003. Equal footing! Al was also 2-3 against UK, 2-2 in the NCAA tournament, losing to them the last time the teams played, the second round of the 1975 NCAA tourney.
Does that mean we're behind Dayton, considering they've beaten us the last four times we've played and seven of the last eight, including in the 2002-03 season?
I want Marquette to be on level with Duke. Dayton guy wants Dayton to be on level with Marquette. We are not...they are not.
Quote from: Pakuni on December 02, 2025, 09:39:53 AMWe may have won some games against Kentucky over the years, but MU has never been on their level in terms of resources at the program's disposal and ability to invest in players.
But we should be.
Quote from: willie warrior on December 02, 2025, 12:13:54 PMBut we should be.
We should be able to compete with Kentucky. But schools like Kentucky are going to be regularly better than us. That's just how it is.
Quote from: willie warrior on December 02, 2025, 12:13:54 PMBut we should be.
why *should* we be? And if we *should* be, how do we get there?
If the Fed keeps cutting rates, it will be hard to maintain interest on the money-market funds I hold.
Bottom line this team is a disgrace and it's poorly coached as well. It's best to take the year off. If you're looking for another team to root for, Michigan may be a good bet
A disgrace! Hell with just firing Shaka. Tar and feather the lot of them!!
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on December 02, 2025, 12:35:21 PMwhy *should* we be? And if we *should* be, how do we get there?
The school has the resources, the conference with TV package, plays in an NBA Arena, a rich history, etc. That is the why. How to get there: Make the committment, make sure you have the right leader and recruit the best players.
Quote from: AlienWarrior on December 02, 2025, 04:59:15 PMBottom line this team is a disgrace and it's poorly coached as well. It's best to take the year off. If you're looking for another team to root for, Michigan may be a good bet
Or DePaul!
I saw pics on the MU website ("Outlasts Valparaiso"), and the student section looked as crowded as it was at the end of the Deane years. Student interest is already waning.
Even The Athletic piling on a little, including MU as one of this season's disappointments. Echoing many talking points here and that Brew noted.
"So much has been made about coach Shaka Smart betting on his guys instead of recruiting out of the transfer portal, but given Marquette's 5-4 record — which includes a blowout loss to Indiana, and Tuesday's narrow overtime win over Valparaiso — I can't help but wonder if a transfer or two would help the Golden Eagles, who clearly have a talent deficiency. Marquette currently ranks 66th in KenPom's adjusted defensive efficiency and 249th(!) in 3-point percentage, but shooting close to the rim might be an even bigger issue. In losses to Maryland and Oklahoma, Marquette was a combined 20-of-47 on layups. Yeesh. Might be a (very) long Big East season in Milwaukee."
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on December 02, 2025, 10:09:40 AMyeah, we beat Kentucky in 2003. Equal footing! Al was also 2-3 against UK, 2-2 in the NCAA tournament, losing to them the last time the teams played, the second round of the 1975 NCAA tourney.
Does that mean we're behind Dayton, considering they've beaten us the last four times we've played and seven of the last eight, including in the 2002-03 season?
Right now, we are definitely behind Dayton. Nobody should be happy about that.