Congrats to Buzz + our Assistant Coachs

[NotAnAlum]

Buzz is certainly looking like he can get us to the next level in recruiting. But I think a lot of the credit for getting us in with so many top players particularly from areas we haven't drawn from in the past has to go to the assistants.  AND it certainly has not hurt that we've had pretty good staff continuity since Buzz took over.  I think that is huge.  Aside from Dale L the staff has stayed pretty much constant over the last 3 recruiting seasons.  Compare that to the near constant turn over we had with TC.  You could say that was all for guys taking better positions but for what ever reason Buzz seems to be holding his assistants and I think that is a major factor in raising our level of recruiting.  These guys are building relationships with High School freshmen and sophs as well as high school and AAU coaches and they need to stay put to have those relationships bear fruit.

[redbirdwarrior]

It sure hasn't hurt that we've had some players play on national teams either.  Building great relationships with coaches and future teammates.  This is starting to look like it could be something really special.  Great job all.  Now just go get some more top 25 talent.

[Daniel]

Buzz and his staff never stop working - they are the true Grind Together, Shine Together coaching team.  Congrats to them for their hard work and for representing Marquette for what it is - a great place for a great education and rich basketball tradition.

GO Buzz and GO MARQUETTE!

[Fullodds]

Tony Benford worked this one hard and Buzz closed the deal with the in-home visit.  Helps that the official went well and Juan was welcomed to the MU family.  Nice job to all!

[NersEllenson]

Kudos to Coach Buzz and staff - thank you for all your hard work. You continue to impress with your recruiting.  Can't say I've ever seen better in my 25 years as an MU fan.

[Spaniel with a Short Tail]

+1 

[mviale]

Buzz has a plane now - watch out

[Blackhat]

Buzz has a plane now - watch out

What a coincidence, I spotted Crean's plane in Florida today.

[TheTasteofGarlic]

There is something to be said for a man who can build a team and hold it together, through thick and thin. Unlike others, for whom betrayal is the norm, Buzz understands the meaning of commitment and honor. Others, sadly, have no sense of decency. Buzz' stewardship of our program is refreshing. 

[Marquette84]

Buzz is certainly looking like he can get us to the next level in recruiting. But I think a lot of the credit for getting us in with so many top players particularly from areas we haven't drawn from in the past has to go to the assistants.  AND it certainly has not hurt that we've had pretty good staff continuity since Buzz took over.  I think that is huge.  Aside from Dale L the staff has stayed pretty much constant over the last 3 recruiting seasons.  Compare that to the near constant turn over we had with TC.  You could say that was all for guys taking better positions but for what ever reason Buzz seems to be holding his assistants and I think that is a major factor in raising our level of recruiting.  These guys are building relationships with High School freshmen and sophs as well as high school and AAU coaches and they need to stay put to have those relationships bear fruit.

Frankly, I would be shocked if Benford doesn't get his own head coaching job in the next couple of years. Wasn't he already a finalist for some job in Texas--TCU or UTEP maybe-- this spring?  His departure for a HC job is a matter of when, not if.

And if MU gets to a final four or makes a similar deep run over the next two years, I would be willing to bet that Monarch gets a HC job as well--he's an experienced head coach and a final four run would give him credentials as a legit coaching candidate similar to Kowalczak for UWGB or Horn for WKU.

[ChicosBailBonds]

What a coincidence, I spotted Crean's plane in Florida today.

You make this board unreadable.

Sincerely, MUBasketball (poster)

[Blackhat]

You make this board unreadable.

Sincerely, MUBasketball (poster)

[mu-rara]

Keeping consistency in your staff has a lot to do with recruitng success, as the  mentions of Benford in these recruiting stories attest.

[Ready2Fly]

I agree, Benford will get an offer too good to pass up sooner rather than later. Frankly, he would have been a great hire for DePaul, since he already made Chicago inroads recruiting for MU. It would have taken stones though, which that administration clearly lacks. I'd love to see him stick around long enough to replace Buzz when he steps down some day, but it's a pipe dream. The cream always rises to the top, and he'll probably be gone in a couple years. Hopefully I'm wrong though, because he's doing a great job for MU.