Perspective

[Texas Western]

One of the great things about college basketball is things can turn around quickly if the basic talent is there. I was down at Carolina this week an had the opportunity to go to the UNC Duke game and UNC Wake Forest . Earlier this year UNC had a very similar record to ours and had gotten off to a poor start in the ACC. Lots of people were openly questioning Roy Williams , saying the game had passed him by etc. Lots of off the court bad press etc. Nativea were restless. Now a big win and an 8 game winning streak later all is well again.

Hopefully Buzz keeps the big picture on perspective and keeps the program moving forward . We have enough history to our program to withstand a year like this. Marquette basketball needs to be bigger than the individual parts . I think Buzz understands that, however working through years like this is uncharted territory for him, as this is effectively his first job.

The learning pains are difficult for all of us.  The one thing I know is this team won't quit and that is a reflection of the coach .  We can still make the tournent if we win the Big East. The way things are going one of the middle class teams could upset Villanova or Creighton and if we do our part and win we could still have a shot at it.  I think to do that it has to be about Marquette basketball, no matter who is on the floor .

[Archies Bat]

Nice observation and post.

[River rat]

I believe buzz and the program are the last things we need to worry about.  Based on reading a lot of the posts on he tho, i do worry about the ability of many of the posters perspective, basketball knowledge, and ability to grasp reality.

[dgies9156]

Ok, I have two perspectives. For this year, put a fork in it. We're done. Kaput. Finished.

At best, we're a bubble team for the NCAA and most likely, we're playing in the National Not Quite Good Enough Tournament ("NIT"). It happens and as disappointed as I am, given the hope I had going into the season, these things happen from time to time. The good out of it is that it allows us to reset and work on what makes us stronger.

Long-term, Buzz is the best thing that happened to this program since Al. He's a winner, recruits good players and we're again consistently among the nation's best programs. We have work to do, but six years in, so did Al. We're a couple of players (Diamond Stone, are you listening) from being one of the best programs in the country and I'm confident we're going to get there. I also suspect Buzz is learning a lot from things that went wrong this year and I'm pretty confident they'll be fixed.

[Windyplayer]

Ok, I have two perspectives. For this year, put a fork in it. We're done. Kaput. Finished.

Hopefully Buzz keeps the big picture on perspective and keeps the program moving forward . We have enough history to our program to withstand a year like this. Marquette basketball needs to be bigger than the individual parts . I think Buzz understands that, however working through years like this is uncharted territory for him, as this is effectively his first job.

We're not dead. Good grief. 3-1 isn't a stretch considering two games are at home and one is a winnable game on the road @Providence. And hell, who knows what happens on a Sunday afternoon game at an NBA arena against Nova (much better than playing at the Pavilion on a Saturday afternoon/evening). Read some posts from Paint Touches, other posters with solid analysis, 3-1 will give us a pretty good chance of getting in. I like how this thread waves the white flag prematurely and in the same breath bashes posters for their lack of loyalty. DePaul was a rough game, but we won, despite DePaul drilling 12 3s including some absolute prayers. These games happen. We survived, and lived to fight another day. Stick with'em for just a week or two longer.

[UticaBusBarn]

Ok, I have two perspectives. For this year, put a fork in it. We're done. Kaput. Finished.

At best, we're a bubble team for the NCAA and most likely, we're playing in the National Not Quite Good Enough Tournament ("NIT"). It happens and as disappointed as I am, given the hope I had going into the season, these things happen from time to time. The good out of it is that it allows us to reset and work on what makes us stronger.

Long-term, Buzz is the best thing that happened to this program since Al. He's a winner, recruits good players and we're again consistently among the nation's best programs. We have work to do, but six years in, so did Al. We're a couple of players (Diamond Stone, are you listening) from being one of the best programs in the country and I'm confident we're going to get there. I also suspect Buzz is learning a lot from things that went wrong this year and I'm pretty confident they'll be fixed.

Just in way of clarification, in Coach McGuire's third year, the Warriors went to the NIT finals in the old Garden. This was when the NIT was still important. In the fourth year, Coach McGuire got the Warriors into the 32 team NCAA field - losing to Kentucky on their home court. In his fifth year the Warriors got to what is now called the "Elite 8" (Al coined the "Sweet 16" phrase after a song of the same title), but lost a game they should have won to Rick Mount and Purdue in over-time. (Missed free throw and the great George Thompson being stripped of the ball during the over-time period by Gilliam.)

From that point onwards, the Warriors were perennial national powers, and only UCLA had a better record during the next 8 years, as the Warriors went to the NCAAA finals twice and won the NIT (after told the NCAA to go pound sand).

Coach Williams, has a chance to be the greatest ... as good as McGuire, Raymonds, or previous coaches, if not better. It all depends on him. I, for one, am very happy he is coaching the Warriors.

[classof70]

Finally, rationality!  Maybe because MU has slipped out of NCAA contention some of the more extreme commentators are quiet.   MU is having a bad year, as bad years go (16-11).  This team though appearing talented, just doesn't play like a talented team.  It lacks a leader.   On the other hand, Buzz didn't go from genius to stupid in 27 games.  He can't make shots.  He can't play up on defense. He couldn't stop Vander from leaving.  He didn't cause the injury to the projected PG.    He's a good coach, who will get better each year.  He recruits well, just look at next year.  Most importantly, he instills character and runs a clean program.  To me, these are the two most important parts of MU's program.  I want him to stay for a long long time.  We all get frustrated, including me, (especially on the 3 pointer in regulation yesterday!)  but it is college basketball played by kids who are 18-23.  And, for God's sake, ease up on the players, especially DWilson and Anderson.  

[towncryer]

I live in Omaha, NE.  Born and raised in Lincoln.  Went to college at the University and everything.  I'm a Marquette fan because my dad went there and I've been watching MU basketball since I can remember.

Here's the point...when Nebraska loses in football (which they've done a lot of lately), it's the same thing you're seeing on this board.  People want to blame the coach.  People want to say we've lost our way and we are no longer relevant.  People want to pick apart the wins as much as the losses.  I don't pretend to know enough about basketball or football to say why we are losing (other than not scoring as many points as our opponents ). 

Here's what I know...Marquette has a rich tradition in the tournament and a national championship.  Nebraska has a rich tradition and five national championships.  Both programs are going to be just fine despite rough years.  I'm just as big of a fan the day after a loss as a win...in some cases, I'm a bigger fan after they lose because that's where fanhood is really tested.  I wore my MU shirt to the gym proudly the day after Creighton beat us (in Omaha, remember). 

If I have a point, it's this...let's just keep cheering for our team and let the chips fall where they may.  If we end up in the NIT, then I'll care more about that tournament than the NCAA.  I'm frustrated with the season, too.  I don't think we're a very good team right now.  But I'll cheer until MU basketball is over for the season, no matter what.  Ring Out, Ahoya!

[real chili 83]

I live in Omaha, NE.  Born and raised in Lincoln.  Went to college at the University and everything.  I'm a Marquette fan because my dad went there and I've been watching MU basketball since I can remember.

Here's the point...when Nebraska loses in football (which they've done a lot of lately), it's the same thing you're seeing on this board.  People want to blame the coach.  People want to say we've lost our way and we are no longer relevant.  People want to pick apart the wins as much as the losses.  I don't pretend to know enough about basketball or football to say why we are losing (other than not scoring as many points as our opponents ). 

Here's what I know...Marquette has a rich tradition in the tournament and a national championship.  Nebraska has a rich tradition and five national championships.  Both programs are going to be just fine despite rough years.  I'm just as big of a fan the day after a loss as a win...in some cases, I'm a bigger fan after they lose because that's where fanhood is really tested.  I wore my MU shirt to the gym proudly the day after Creighton beat us (in Omaha, remember). 

If I have a point, it's this...let's just keep cheering for our team and let the chips fall where they may.  If we end up in the NIT, then I'll care more about that tournament than the NCAA.  I'm frustrated with the season, too.  I don't think we're a very good team right now.  But I'll cheer until MU basketball is over for the season, no matter what.  Ring Out, Ahoya!

Welcome to Scoop.

[We R Final Four]

Nice Job.  Great perspective and way to represent the Blue and Gold!

[brandx]

Finally, rationality!  Maybe because MU has slipped out of NCAA contention some of the more extreme commentators are quiet.   MU is having a bad year, as bad years go (16-11).  This team though appearing talented, just doesn't play like a talented team.  It lacks a leader.   On the other hand, Buzz didn't go from genius to stupid in 27 games.  He can't make shots.  He can't play up on defense. He couldn't stop Vander from leaving.  He didn't cause the injury to the projected PG.    He's a good coach, who will get better each year.  He recruits well, just look at next year.  Most importantly, he instills character and runs a clean program.  To me, these are the two most important parts of MU's program.  I want him to stay for a long long time.  We all get frustrated, including me, (especially on the 3 pointer in regulation yesterday!)  but it is college basketball played by kids who are 18-23.  And, for God's sake, ease up on the players, especially DWilson and Anderson.  

Can't believe I finally found a thread where rational people hang out. Obviously we are all disappointed this year, but these things happen.

As far as DWill & Juan - they will be the two leaders of this team next year; emotionally and on the court. And I think they will be outstanding at that job even though Derek's minutes will go down and Juan may only average about 20 minutes a game. But as the two guys who will set the tone for a very young team, it bodes well for the future.

[Archies Bat]

Can't believe I finally found a thread where rational people hang out. Obviously we are all disappointed this year, but these things happen.

As far as DWill & Juan - they will be the two leaders of this team next year; emotionally and on the court. And I think they will be outstanding at that job even though Derek's minutes will go down and Juan may only average about 20 minutes a game. But as the two guys who will set the tone for a very young team, it bodes well for the future.

This post made me think and challenge my assumptions.

I have been expecting all of next year would be a rebuilding year...average at best upperclassmen, and topnotch talent in the freshman and sophomore classes, but a lot of learning curve for the underclassmen.

The team this year needs far more out of all positions, including PG.  But will we need a lot more out of PG next year?  There will be a ton of inexperienced offensive talent here next year.  Maybe what they need is a stable PG to help other positions develop offensively.  Derrick adds little offense, but is a stable defender and ball handler.  Dawson is getting some experience, will have a year under his belt at D-1, and shows he can add offense.  Duane is a partial unknown due to the injury, but has a ton of talent.

I was expecting a lot peaks and valleys next year.  Still do.  But maybe less valleys by the end of the year.

[connie]

I believe buzz and the program are the last things we need to worry about.  Based on reading a lot of the posts on he tho, i do worry about the ability of many of the posters perspective, basketball knowledge, and ability to grasp reality.

I would rather there be a firm grasp of grammar and spelling, but have decided "ignore" works better.

Your "reality" really strains the definition.  Yes we are having a year that is down from the prior 5.  Yes we have some players that have not developed as everyone had hoped.  You obviously don't care that this is the aberration.  It doesn't fit with whatever reality you have chosen.

[brandx]

This post made me think and challenge my assumptions.

I have been expecting all of next year would be a rebuilding year...average at best upperclassmen, and topnotch talent in the freshman and sophomore classes, but a lot of learning curve for the underclassmen.

The team this year needs far more out of all positions, including PG.  But will we need a lot more out of PG next year?  There will be a ton of inexperienced offensive talent here next year.  Maybe what they need is a stable PG to help other positions develop offensively.  Derrick adds little offense, but is a stable defender and ball handler.  Dawson is getting some experience, will have a year under his belt at D-1, and shows he can add offense.  Duane is a partial unknown due to the injury, but has a ton of talent.

I was expecting a lot peaks and valleys next year.  Still do.  But maybe less valleys by the end of the year.

Good post.

I think next year will be more of a "typical" Buzz team. In the past we have seen his teams get better as the season progresses.

We may struggle early next year but I think the team will get better and better as the season goes on.

[ATL MU Warrior]

Good post.

I think next year will be more of a "typical" Buzz team. In the past we have seen his teams get better as the season progresses.

We may struggle early next year but I think the team will get better and better as the season goes on.

\
I think we will play much faster and be a ton more entertaining to watch.  Won't have the post presence we have this year which slows the game way down.

[GGGG]

I think next year is going to be a lot of fun, with some nights where the team looks incredible.

And other nights that are going to make up want to tear our hair out.

Much more enjoyable than this year....

[Jay Bee]

Win three of the last four and we're right in the mix.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Win three of the last four and we're right in the mix.

A few days ago you said we would be dancing.  You re-qualifying?

[Jay Bee]

A few days ago you said we would be dancing.  You re-qualifying?

No. The post a few days ago was in fun - could go either way - but a very, very tough battle. Only lose to Nova, then go 1-1 in the BEast tourney and I think we've got a decent shot.

[El Duderino]

Can't believe I finally found a thread where rational people hang out. Obviously we are all disappointed this year, but these things happen.

Yea, plenty of quality programs have a down year for a variety of reasons and thus miss the NCAA Tournament here and there. Fans can get spoiled though when their team has a run making it every year for awhile and this leads to panic when their expectation of a guaranteed big dance berth doesn't actually happen.

Hell, i post on RealGM which is a Bucks forum and even Bo Ryan gets a bunch if flack from Badgers fans there and the guy will have made 13 straight tournaments appearances after the bid comes this year.

It's simply how to many sports fans roll. They want sustained success, but once it happens, this inevitably leads to expectations that being good every year should be a near guarantee, regardless if that's very hard to accomplish as evidenced by higher profile programs than Marquette also having some down years.

[Coleman]

I live in Omaha, NE.  Born and raised in Lincoln.  Went to college at the University and everything.  I'm a Marquette fan because my dad went there and I've been watching MU basketball since I can remember.

Here's the point...when Nebraska loses in football (which they've done a lot of lately), it's the same thing you're seeing on this board.  People want to blame the coach.  People want to say we've lost our way and we are no longer relevant.  People want to pick apart the wins as much as the losses.  I don't pretend to know enough about basketball or football to say why we are losing (other than not scoring as many points as our opponents ). 

Here's what I know...Marquette has a rich tradition in the tournament and a national championship.  Nebraska has a rich tradition and five national championships.  Both programs are going to be just fine despite rough years.  I'm just as big of a fan the day after a loss as a win...in some cases, I'm a bigger fan after they lose because that's where fanhood is really tested.  I wore my MU shirt to the gym proudly the day after Creighton beat us (in Omaha, remember). 

If I have a point, it's this...let's just keep cheering for our team and let the chips fall where they may.  If we end up in the NIT, then I'll care more about that tournament than the NCAA.  I'm frustrated with the season, too.  I don't think we're a very good team right now.  But I'll cheer until MU basketball is over for the season, no matter what.  Ring Out, Ahoya!

Good post. Couldn't agree more.