[Cracked Sidewalks] What are we, what should we be, how do we get there?

[Silkk the Shaka]

This is a key point for me. Some of these guys came from crap situations. Poor areas, poor schools, less than ideal family situations. And MU has traditionally given them a chance to succeed.

For all the talk of a "Jesuit mission" that gets tossed around, isn't giving the disadvantaged a chance for a quality education right up there?

Hell yeah!  My thoughts exactly.  I want to see as many stories like Wade, Jimmy B, Junior C, etc. as possible.  As Herman Blume in Rushmore said, take dead aim at the rich kids.  I don't want to be Duke, I don't want to be Stanford, I don't want to be ND.  I want to be Marquette.  I want to win different.  I want to win flashy.  I want a distinct style of toughness, athleticism, and smart hoops.  In short, I think we can become the Oregon Ducks of college basketball, with the unis, athletic style, and Ws.  We're on the brink of becoming that kind of national brand with Buzz. We're almost there, and we will certainly get there if the admin will just let it happen.

[warriorchick]

 In short, I think we can become the Oregon Ducks of college basketball, with the unis, athletic style, and Ws.  

Why would you ever use those Godawful Oregon Ducks uniforms as an inspiration.

Worst unis in football.  Hands down.

[Hards Alumni]

Why would you ever use those Godawful Oregon Ducks uniforms as an inspiration.

Worst unis in football.  Hands down.

Personally, I think they are awesome.

[Goose]

Jamailman

I want to be the Oregon Ducks on steroids. We finaly have the style of play that catches peoples attention. I mentioned in Feb that my son, a Sr in HS at the time, mentioned all the guys at his school were talking MU ball and not UW ball. I have been around a long time and do not think that has been the case since the 70's.

[🏀]

Personally, I think they are awesome.

Some are awful, but the majority are awesome.

[BrewCity83]

Hell yeah!  My thoughts exactly.  I want to see as many stories like Wade, Jimmy B, Junior C, etc. as possible.  As Herman Blume in Rushmore said, take dead aim at the rich kids.  I don't want to be Duke, I don't want to be Stanford, I don't want to be ND.  I want to be Marquette.  I want to win different.  I want to win flashy.  I want a distinct style of toughness, athleticism, and smart hoops.  In short, I think we can become the Oregon Ducks of college basketball, with the unis, athletic style, and Ws.  We're on the brink of becoming that kind of national brand with Buzz. We're almost there, and we will certainly get there if the admin will just let it happen.

I agree with this completely.

Oregon uniforms, IMO, more awesome than awful.

[Lennys Tap]

Well, the reasons for a given outcome are important.

If Buzz leaves because of a personal dispute... that would suck. A LOT.

But, that doesn't mean that MU is de-emphasizing athletics and that Pilarz is some sort of high and mighty academic sent to MU to make it more like Loyola.

We just don't know that (yet).

I'm with Goose on this. When ND eased Holtz out they didn't offically de-emphasize football, but it certainly worked out that way.

[karavotsos]

Is there anything wrong with the Al McGuire/KO/TC/Buzz model? Have we taken kids from rough neighborhoods/backgrounds? Have we taken kids with less than stellar high school transcripts? Yes and yes, and without those kids MU has no Sweet 16s, let alone Final Fours. And by and large these same young men (due to their own and MU's efforts) have done us proud. I agree with the article that standing for something is important. And that those who stand for something inevitably are branded (incorrectly) hypocrites when they fail. That's precisely why I place such a low value on other's "perceptions". Aspire to success on and off the court, and be quick to take responsibility when you fall short.

How do we get there? Stay the course, but Buzz has to reconcile the fact that the people who hired and trusted him are gone. He's a relationship guy, and if a positive one between him and Pilarz/LW is possible he's got to try to make it happen. His new bosses need to realize that the state of the program they inherited (the best it's been in 34 years) is not the norm at MU. If they can't make the guy most responsible for that feel appreciated (I'm not talking about money) the program and ultimately the university will suffer.

Final note. Though I disagree with some of your assertions (surprise, surprise), thanks, Chicos, for your thought provoking post.

Agree completely with this.  Except the 'some' in the last sentence would be replaced with a 'most' or an 'all'.

[mileskishnish72]

"Cannonize Al?" Jeez, I loved Al. Does this have to do with shooting?

[muwarrior69]

Thanks Chicos. Wish you were back.

[dgies9156]

"Cannonize Al?" Jeez, I loved Al. Does this have to do with shooting?

No it has everything to do with the Kentucky game in 2003. That was Al's first verifiable miracle. He's now the Blessed Al