article on Williams (AD)

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

Goose - "my gut" or "my guy"?

[Goose]

Gut....my apologies.

[Aughnanure]

Seriously Goose, stop freaking me out -  they spent all that money on him last year only to throw it all away? They're not insane.

[PuertoRicanNightmare]

I've yet to meet anybody who went to Notre Dame that I like and I'm completely serious. Maybe this guy will turn out great. Maybe not.

[denverMU]

To quote the great Al McGuire, "A Notre Dame grad will pick his nose to show you his class ring."  This guy sounds like the proverbial ND grad who knows everything and thinks his $hit doesn't stink.  If you ask me his over the top celebration after the WV win was too much.  Maybe he should worry about his over enthusiastic celebration being unbecoming of a Big East AD.

[JoBo2756]

I read all your comments first then read the article, and I have to say, you guys are freaking out WAYYYYY TOOO MUCHHHHHH about this.

Did you consider this excerpt:

In the Big East, Marquette is second only to Notre Dame in terms of spending on recruiting for men's sports. According to the Department of Education, Marquette spent $1,289,650 in 2010-'11, compared to $1,612,608 by Notre Dame.

Williams said he could not speak to the comparison with other Big East schools but doesn't necessarily see the high costs as a negative. "Here, there is a huge commitment to attract from coast to coast the best possible student athletes," he said.

It means he's committed to spending on men's sports at a high level, which is GOOD for Marquette MEN's basketball.

I have a admit that his comments about Buzz where strange, but this could have been an hour long interview and maybe they talked about tons of other stuff, but he mentioned Buzz's dance and that's the quote that made it through... obviously regrettable, but don't think they are dumb enough to run Buzz out of town for an alleged sexual assault that is firmly in the rear-view mirror.

So here are my asks for those reading this thread:

1. Give the administration more credit.
2. Stop freaking out
3. Enjoy the ride here... it could be a long time before it happens again!

[MUrugger]

I don't know Williams or what he will do--that would be absurd to predict.  But I have to admit that my first exposure to him this past weekend was not positive.  Ego seems to be a huge issue.  I don't want to put all domers in this category, but if the shoe fits...

When he and Father Pilarz were introduced for the Senior Day festivities (the announcer quite obviously lead with Father Pilarz) Williams had a 20 pace lead on his boss headed to center court, was beaming broadly for the masses and the clicking cameras/videos, and only realized as he got close, that it might be a little smarter to wait for the President of the University and have him take center stage before the AD.  The guy's smarmy self was everywhere and l wondered out loud to my wife--"Who is this dope hogging the spotlight?"  Oh, that's our new AD.  Not impressed.

No AD at MU since Eddie Hickey was the bball coach has thought himself bigger than the school's basketball coach--whether that is the right approach or not.  This guy looks to be forging a name for himself.  His comments, his actions, his carriage (under just my observation) suggest he wants all to know he's the new Sheriff in town.  If I can see and sense that--I'm sure a smart guy like Buzz can too.  And I wouldn't underestimate the "Texas two-stepper" ever.  Buzz is smart and shrewd with his eyes wide open.

And oh, yeah...he appears to be genuinely humble.  Humility is the most appealing characteristic in man.  But they don't seem to teach that at ND.  

[MUMac]

I hope you are right but another quote in the article by Larry worries me:

Why couldn't he just say something like, "Buzz is our coach, period.  He has done a helluva job at building the basketball program we want him to continue long into the future."  

We do not know the context of the response in question.  They were in relation to a question.  What was the question?  That is material and missing.  It could have easily have been "Last year Buzz was mentioned with several job openings.  After the results from this year, are you concerned that Buzz will get even more interest?"

That would greatly change the reading of the comment, no?

[real chili 83]

If this Notre Dame a$$hole messes with Buzz he should be run out of Milwaukee on a rail.

Isn't Using Notre Dame and a$$h0le in the same sentence kinda of redundant?

[4everwarriors]

All you cats gotta keep rememberin' is Larry didn't hire Buzz.

[Daniel]

With a new President and a new AD - neither of whom hired Buzz - there has to be some learning period and evaluation period.  This article has some positives and negatives and without doubt, the focus is on running a clean program focused on student developement of athletes - they are, indeed, athletes second. 

Buzz has been very good for Marquette - for basketball and for the university, and has ortrayed a gret image for Marquette.  He danced after a victory - not in their face - to be happy with a huge win.  I think we all need to let that go.  But scrutiny is the word now - everything move and word is being looked at I am sure.

Go Buzz and Go Marquette!  A great match . . .

[radome]

I think that Fr. Pilarz will have much to do in any of these decisions. He seems rather hands on.

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

Gut....my apologies.

I'm relieved.  I thought you had an inside source. 

[Goose]

The problem is what is the bar set for student athletes. If MU wants to copy the ND model you can kiss the program goodbye. We never would have had the juco kids and ability to recruit lower lever students is gone.
Again I still believe that alums and some BOt/admin think we are ND. Not looking to fight over academic status here just pointing out we are dealt a different hand than Duke and ND.

I will go to be death bed believing that basketball makes the school better. I would rather we focus on basketball players than students in regards to the program. Many of kids have come through the program as marginal kids and did very well.

Over the years I have always stated the same thing, whatever direction the school wants it's identity to be I support it. But, not for a second can you not know what your identity is and be successful. Not sure what is wrong with putting an entertaining program on the floor. Being in the NCAA is the best advertising the school can have. They get paid to showcase the university.

This fan hopes that the politically correct crowd loses on the school's ultimate identity.

[Aughnanure]

The problem is what is the bar set for student athletes. If MU wants to copy the ND model you can kiss the program goodbye. We never would have had the juco kids and ability to recruit lower lever students is gone.
Again I still believe that alums and some BOt/admin think we are ND. Not looking to fight over academic status here just pointing out we are dealt a different hand than Duke and ND.

I will go to be death bed believing that basketball makes the school better. I would rather we focus on basketball players than students in regards to the program. Many of kids have come through the program as marginal kids and did very well.

Over the years I have always stated the same thing, whatever direction the school wants it's identity to be I support it. But, not for a second can you not know what your identity is and be successful. Not sure what is wrong with putting an entertaining program on the floor. Being in the NCAA is the best advertising the school can have. They get paid to showcase the university.

This fan hopes that the politically correct crowd loses on the school's ultimate identity.

I call BS. So yeah, maybe SOME alums and some BOTs want us to have higher standards. But the rest? They know we aren't ND, and shouldn't pretend to be. If anything we should be looking at Georgetown and Syracuse, two programs that have had their share of embarrassing problems, but have continued their commitment to their basketball programs, and coaches.

These school officials care about one thing most - alumni donations. And they know if the team and program goes downhill, so will donations.

[Goose]

Ask Al, Rick, KO and Tom Crean if they think the school understands the importance of basketball. This has been a battle for decades with the identity and that is why guys always leave. That Al was built because alums made it happen and all of our good hires were because alums made it happen. The school has the ultimate power and they know it.

All you need is several key people to not understand and the problem begins. For 35 years we have been chasing programs and we are close to being a program being chased. Never underestimate the politically correct crowd. Too often the vocal minority make the decisions.

[Norm]

The ND bashing in this thread is rather ridiculous. So what if Larry Williams graduated from Notre Dame....he was a football player and if I recall correctly Marquette shut their football program down in 1962. I get that ND is a rival, but to claim all of the new AD's character faults arise from his having attended ND is juvenile.

And to all on this thread who claim they have never met a ND grad they like or who isn't a jerk, you need to expand your circle of friends. My father, an ND grad, is the nicest, humblest guy you will ever meet - I can only aspire to be half the man he is. And he sent three kids to Marquette.

Let's judge Larry Williams by his actions as Athletic Director, not what college he attended.

[Goose]

I actually am praising ND. I wish we had a building with famous alum for every facet of college life like ND. If we want to be considered in the likes of ND and Georgetown we need basketball. I hope that every extra dollar brought in by basketball was spent to hire the top ND and Georgetown Dean's and prof's. Everyone in Wisconsin has seen what extra sport revenues has done for UW.

Basketball makes MU a better place. I do not need a basketball team of 3.5 gpa's. The scholarship is two way street and the smart school's get it. This alum would love to see our school become ND and have a core of alums with deep pockets.

[BrewCity83]

Buzz seems to be extremely happy here right now.

The one thing that concerns me is that Buzz was hired by Cottingham under Fr. Wild.  Both of those guys are now gone.  While the new bosses may be great guys and completely competent, I worry that they may not see eye to eye with Buzz on everything like the men who hired him did.  Over time, this may affect his level of happiness. 

I really really hope that is not the case and Buzz's bosses stay out of his way.  Buzz is really building something special here.

[Goose]

What worries me is the breakup of the BE and the assualt issue from last year coupled with new President and AD. In addition, the Penn State scandal, the Syracuse scandal makes universities cringe. I respect MU's desire to be a clean program but that also scares me. There are times when the politically correct overpower the right decision to be made.

[RJax55]

The ND bashing in this thread is rather ridiculous. So what if Larry Williams graduated from Notre Dame....he was a football player and if I recall correctly Marquette shut their football program down in 1962. I get that ND is a rival, but to claim all of the new AD's character faults arise from his having attended ND is juvenile.

And to all on this thread who claim they have never met a ND grad they like or who isn't a jerk, you need to expand your circle of friends. My father, an ND grad, is the nicest, humblest guy you will ever meet - I can only aspire to be half the man he is. And he sent three kids to Marquette.

Let's judge Larry Williams by his actions as Athletic Director, not what college he attended.

+1, Norm.

[MerrittsMustache]

Let's stop all the rumors and overreactions. Larry Williams is nothing more than a Notre Dame grad who's out to destroy all of Marquette's athletic programs while at the same time ruining all of his credibility as an AD. That was obvious from Day 1.

[real chili 83]

The ND bashing in this thread is rather ridiculous. So what if Larry Williams graduated from Notre Dame....he was a football player and if I recall correctly Marquette shut their football program down in 1962. I get that ND is a rival, but to claim all of the new AD's character faults arise from his having attended ND is juvenile.

And to all on this thread who claim they have never met a ND grad they like or who isn't a jerk, you need to expand your circle of friends. My father, an ND grad, is the nicest, humblest guy you will ever meet - I can only aspire to be half the man he is. And he sent three kids to Marquette.

Norm,

Lighten up....I mean that respectfully.  I appreciate your position based on family history.

I grew up in South Bend.  Went to almost every home football, basketball and hockey game growing up.  Back in the 60's and 70's, it was actually more of a middle class/working class school.  Knew lots of the faculty and many students.  Heck, I was even baptised in Sacred Heart.  

The school has changed.  In my opinion, based on my experiences, ND alum are a lot more arrogant than they were back in the day.  You are weclome to disagree with me based on your experience.  The reason why ND gets so much crap on this board is because they are a long standing rival (just like DePaul), but also bring a touch of arrogance that results in the giggging they get from our fans.  AL said it best, an ND grad will pick his nose just to show you his class ring.  Also, let me know if you want any details on Digger's reputation while he was a resident of SouthBend

Besides, its just plain fun to pick on the Golden Domers.

Norm...all the best.

ND sucks.  Did I mention, ND sucks?  

[79Warrior]

Ask Al, Rick, KO and Tom Crean if they think the school understands the importance of basketball. This has been a battle for decades with the identity and that is why guys always leave. That Al was built because alums made it happen and all of our good hires were because alums made it happen. The school has the ultimate power and they know it.

All you need is several key people to not understand and the problem begins. For 35 years we have been chasing programs and we are close to being a program being chased. Never underestimate the politically correct crowd. Too often the vocal minority make the decisions.

The Al was also built because Fr Wild was a major supporter. You are way off here. The importance of Basketball is well understood within the university. All you need to do is mention Fr. Al D,  who almost singlehandedly tanked the University.

[Goose]

79 Warrior
Fair you think I am way off on The Al. Being a supporter and getting things done are two different things. Former players and a group of alums made it happen.