It's official now

[DaCoach]

Marquette will not end up 12th in the Big East this year. Despite the loss of Otule, Mbao, Maymon and Junior for most of the season the Golden Eagles will be going to the big dance having gained the respect of basketball fans around the country. In the end, the players win or lose. But the real story is how the entire staff has prepared them for success. From the trainers to the scholastic assistants, from the scouting reports to the game plans, from Buzz himself to the lowest assistants, everyone has had a part of the team's remarkable season.

If it takes a village to raise a child, it has taken the commitment of numerous people behind the scenes to achieve what most of us felt was almost impossible. Buzz's style is not for every player. He demands effort beyond what many are willing to offer. In return he blends them into a group where the total is greater than the sum of it parts.

The season is yet to unfold but the pride I have in our season is boundless. The fact that we accomplished so much in terms of record is special. But more than that, the manner this team approached the season and played the games will always bring a smile to my face. And, as the seasons move on, I expect the skill levels of our recruits to improve. I can imagine Buzz and his staff inspiring and preparing teams that compete with the very best. Perhaps, but I can't feel the pride that the 09-10 team installs in me.

[TVDirector]

well said.

[tower912]

I got the same feeling in my soul watching last night's game as I did during the Kentucky game in 03.    Most impressed and proud I have been of a MU team since then.

[drbob]

I've been a Warrior since 1968   seen a lot of great players and the best of the "AL" years ---   but  DAMN ---  I LOVE THIS TEAM AND THIS COACH  --  What effort,  what pride. And Buzz is for real  you can see it in the interaction with the players. Thank God when  Indiana came to steal our coach  THEY TOOK THE WRONG ONE!!!!!!

[NavinRJohnson]

Agreed. The announcers picked up on what I have been noticing all year last night, MU just plays harder than their opponents do. Its unusual to be able to say that, but in this team's case, its true. They are routinely undermanned and undersized, but they flat out play harder. Really fun to watch.

[mileskishnish72]

Thre's been a lot of back and forth about who gets the credit - Buzz, "Crean's players," the new recruits/transfers. Clearly, it's a joint effort - Buzz hasn't scored  a basket all year but has gotten the players to buy into his approach and, to their credit, the kids have jumped in with both feet and responded.
It wasn't for nothing that this team was picked 12th in the Big East - I think this season has to go down as a big success and I for one am immensely impressed with the effort.

[ecompt]

All that is left in the finale is to give the seniors a proper goodbye and knock Notre Dame out of the dance.

[NersEllenson]

Agree with all of the above posts...I think it just shows the unbelievable pride this team/coaching staff/administration/basektbal operations people - have given MU Alum, and other casual fans at very least will respect/tip their cap to the Warriors.

I particularily liked this comment:  Thank God when  Indiana came to steal our coach  THEY TOOK THE WRONG ONE!!!!!!

That said, grateful to Tom Crean for resurrecting the program, and even more grateful for bringing us Buzz Williams.

[damuts222]

I particularily liked this comment:  Thank God when  Indiana came to steal our coach  THEY TOOK THE WRONG ONE!!!!!!

  I want a t-shirt that says that!!