I found this quote interesting from Billy Donovan after their last loss (7th in a row). Not sure I've ever heard a HC publicly explain his strategy so truthfully. I'm used to the typical " we're trying to win games, make the playoffs, ect." or "this year is about developing young players, etc". But this is Billy's motivation for the Bull's season:

"The [only] way I worry about it right now is, how about the guys that are going into the last year of a contract? How about taking care of those guys? That would be my mentality [as a teammate]. We have an opportunity to go in there every single night and say, 'You know what? I know he's going into the last year. I'm going to try and do everything I can to make sure he gets taken care of, man. He's open — I'm going to find him. And you know what? I'm going to help this guy block out . . .' That's really what you do."

Has competing for playing time and winning games become "old school" and taboo in basketball. Is the main objective just to get guys paid?

Quote from: Stretchdeltsig on Today at 05:54:40 AMOnly wish he was bigger.

TWSS

Quote from: muwarrior69 on Today at 06:18:44 AMYeah! Huggy Bear and Pitino are my generation and even Al would call out a player not cutting it. Of course back then the rules were different.

What does "call out" a player mean?
I don't think calling out a player who lacks skill is leadership.
Unfortunately a few Marquette players lack talent, they can't shoot.
Does calling that out help?  It probably makes the situation worse, it's called stress.
In the Wisconsin game Marquette had more shots, problem is many didn't go in. 
What's the solution?
Slower pace, less defense, fewer substitutions, more zone, conserve energy, I haven't a clue.  However, I don't think calling out a kid who can't make a basket solves anything.

Schools have said no to the NIT.  Al said no the NCAA tournament.   I applaud ND's decision. 

Quote from: rocky_warrior on December 06, 2025, 09:02:57 PMWell, unless that coach is Rick Pitino.

Yeah! Huggy Bear and Pitino are my generation and even Al would call out a player not cutting it. Of course back then the rules were different.

A little harsh to charge Hurts with a fumble lost on that one interception sequence last night but still hilarious and deserving.

Only wish he was bigger.

I know they were never getting in with a third loss, Texas' resume impresses me a lot more than the teams in front of them.

Learned my lesson flaunting scoops rules to be excited about young development. Nature has punished me accordingly

If the Cowboys win out and the Eagles lose (to Buffalo)...

👀

Edit: Eagles would have to lose twice