Rankings

[CDK]

I know it's early and rankings don't matter but what will it take to break into the top 25?  I'm thinking maybe 2-3 more consecutive wins might do it, a victory against the rodents would go a long way.   

[muarmy81]

I think a win on sunday and a win at the Hole Center would really help our resume come march.

[OhioGoldenEagle]

Who cares about rankings at this point.  I would prefer to continue to fly under the radar until we go into communist Madison.

[VegasWarrior77]

Don't jinx us!  It's way too early in the season!

[TallTitan34]

Who cares about rankings at this point.  I would prefer to continue to fly under the radar until we go into communist Madison.

Agreed.  I'd be fine staying out of the rankings despite winning.  Let them play with a chip on their shoulder.  All the rankings do is get you a highlight on sportscenter.  With all of the ranked teams we play in conference we will be on sportscenter ranked or not.

Just keep winning!

[Buzz Williams' Spillproof Chiclets Cup]

Agreed.  I'd be fine staying out of the rankings despite winning.  Let them play with a chip on their shoulder.  All the rankings do is get you a highlight on sportscenter.  With all of the ranked teams we play in conference we will be on sportscenter ranked or not.

Just keep winning!

Agreed. The Rankings generally, and especially at this point in the season, are a beauty contest.

This team is playing hungry and I love it. Let's keep it that way. Us against the world!

[CDK]

I don't see UConn, Kansas or UCLA flying under the radar too often.  I know all that matters is the tournament but recruits I'm sure are influenced by the rankings.  I personally would like to be ranked as highly as possible as early as possible for as long as possible.  It means the program is where we all want it to be.  Buzz will take care of the motivation, I don't buy the chip on the shoulder argument.  I'd rather see us play with confidence knowing we're a strong team.  

[esotericmindguy]

I don't see how you don't rank MU if they win Sunday.  Likely beating the consilation winner and 3rd place winner while taking home the championship. I think thats enough to crack the top 25 IMO.

Not the strongest field, but still very solid.

[Benny B]

Four years ago we had a great team.  Beat UCONN, Pitt, GTown, finished 4th in the BE, and never cracked the top 25. Rankings are meaningless, just fun to look at. RPI is the only metric that matters, but not until March.  Enjoy the ride... it may not be as bumpy as many think.  

[HoopsMalone]

Win Sunday and get some votes.  Beat NC State or Wisco on top of winning the Old Spice will get us in IMO.

we might need the early season perception as being good because we are in trouble our first 9 or 10 conference games before we have the chance to put together a nice finish in the second half.  

[HoopsMalone]

Four years ago we had a great team.  Beat UCONN, Pitt, GTown, finished 4th in the BE, and never cracked the top 25. Rankings are meaningless, just fun to look at. RPI is the only metric that matters, but not until March.  Enjoy the ride... it may not be as bumpy as many think.  

That year was also coming off an absolutely terrible year.  This year, we bring back an all-Big East level player to go with a solid class.  Novak did not have the junior season that Lazar had.  And if you really want to nit-pick, Jimmy is perceived as way better than Joe Chapman.

Like you say, rankings are meaningless and about perception, but it is easier to perceive us as being good this year as opposed to 4 years ago.

[CDK]

I agree, they're are largely meaningless.  However, given the choice I would rather be ranked versus not ranked given the same record.  I only see the extra publicity helping us in the long run.  There is a big difference between the teams that are consistently ranked year in and year out compared to those that occasionally have a good season and crack the top 25 every few weeks. Granted, it would be better to never be ranked and make the Sweet 16 every year.