[MJS Blog] Buzz Williams likes to philosophize, oh yes he does

[MJS_Says]

Buzz Williams likes to philosophize, oh yes he does
               



After Marquette beat Notre Dame Saturday to remain in second place in the Big East, earn a double-bye in the Big East tournament and capture its 25th consecutive home victory, Buzz Williams was in a little bit of an expansive, feisty mood.

               

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/194682781.html
               

[tower912]

It sounds like Buzz is proud of this team.   That he is trying to instill a lunch-pail attitude.    In his opinion, some national media types have no idea what this team is about.   That he appreciates the support he has received from the rank and file. 

[keefe]

In his opinion, some national media types have no idea what this team is about.    

Hell, the local reporter has no idea what this team is about

[CTWarrior]

I love Buzz, and he's a tremendous coach, but once that guy starts talking I don't think he ever ends up completing the thought he started.  He is a true stream of consciousness guy.

[MU82]

Hell, the local reporter has no idea what this team is about

Why would you say that? Michael Hunt has done a nice job this season.

[jsglow]

I love Buzz, and he's a tremendous coach, but once that guy starts talking I don't think he ever ends up completing the thought he started.  He is a true stream of consciousness guy.

'Throw a good pitch. Throw a good pitch. Throw a good pitch.'

'The butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker'.

Al would have absolutely LOVED lunch bucket Buzz.

[NersEllenson]

Interesting his reference to having "peed themselves" in last year's Big East tournament.  Buzz gets motivation from everywhere..including here...no stone unturned.

My man crush on Buzz is as high as ever.  He is solid gold...and if Pilarz and Larry Williams somehow screw it up...they should be thrown out.

[jsglow]

My man crush on Buzz is as high as ever.  He is solid gold...and if Pilarz and Larry Williams somehow screw it up...they should be thrown out.

Ners, Fr. P and Larry are both super bright guys.  Give them some credit, okay?

[Goose]

I agree Buzz is solid gold. One of a kind and a real star. Never tire of hearing what he has to say.

[Lennys Tap]

Not a phony bone in Buzz's body. Refreshing change.

[keefe]

In a world of coach-speak Buzz stands out as the real deal. He is genuine. Refreshing.

[Goose]

I do not totally agree that Buzz is without a phony bone in him but I sure find him entertaining. To me part of his appeal is that I do think he has a schtick and trying to figure it out is the fun part for me.

[Lennys Tap]

I do not totally agree that Buzz is without a phony bone in him but I sure find him entertaining. To me part of his appeal is that I do think he has a schtick and trying to figure it out is the fun part for me.

Goose - I'm not saying that Buzz doesn't play the "Shucks" card or the "I'm not that smart" card with the media. He loves to spar/toy with them. What I mean is that he's grounded - his heroes aren't rich and famous people he can have a "photo-op" relationship with - they're real life people who show up every day and do an honest day's work. I'm proud to have him be the face of my alma mater - for me, that's a nice change.

[keefe]

Goose - I'm not saying that Buzz doesn't play the "Shucks" card or the "I'm not that smart" card with the media. He loves to spar/toy with them. What I mean is that he's grounded - his heroes aren't rich and famous people he can have a "photo-op" relationship with - they're real life people who show up every day and do an honest day's work. I'm proud to have him be the face of my alma mater - for me, that's a nice change.

Well said, Lenny. That puts it rather well.

[Skatastrophy]

I do not totally agree that Buzz is without a phony bone in him but I sure find him entertaining. To me part of his appeal is that I do think he has a schtick and trying to figure it out is the fun part for me.

+1

[keefe]

Ners, Fr. P and Larry are both super bright guys.  Give them some credit, okay?

Glow

You seem to be connected at MU. I read on the other board that Buzz and LW haven't spoken to each other in person in 6 months. People here keep referencing the rift between Buzz and his Boss and his Boss' Boss. What the hell is going on? Is any of this true? I have spent a lot of time deployed and if there is any intel network better than deployed airmen/soldiers/marines I have yet to find it. One thing I know from rumor mills is that there is always some truth to every rumor. What the hell is going on back there?

[MUfan12]

Glow

You seem to be connected at MU. I read on the other board that Buzz and LW haven't spoken to each other in person in 6 months. People here keep referencing the rift between Buzz and his Boss and his Boss' Boss. What the hell is going on? Is any of this true?

I don't know about 6 months, but there's not a whole lot of contact between the two of them.

[Lennys Tap]

Ners, Fr. P and Larry are both super bright guys.  Give them some credit, okay?

Don't think anyone has questioned their IQs.

[Golden Avalanche]

I can only imagine what will be said when Buzz leaves Marquette. He's the smartest guy in the room and he knows it. The time will come, likely sooner then later. Hopefully it is handled better by the fanbase than the last three departures. But I'm not sure the complex cultivated over decades can so easily be dismissed.

[keefe]

I don't know about 6 months, but there's not a whole lot of contact between the two of them.

I was not aware they had not been communicating until I read on Dodds board that they have not spoken face to face in 6 months. I have no idea if that is correct. You seem to have some insight on this...how serious is this? If I had to rack and stack I would put Buzz above the AD in terms of importance.

From a practical standpoint, not speaking with your boss for an extended period of time isn't a good situation. Bloody hell.

[Pakuni]

I was not aware they had not been communicating until I read on Dodds board that they have not spoken face to face in 6 months. I have no idea if that is correct. You seem to have some insight on this...how serious is this? If I had to rack and stack I would put Buzz above the AD in terms of importance.

From a practical standpoint, not speaking with your boss for an extended period of time isn't a good situation. Bloody hell.

This is how stupid rumors get started.
Here's exactly what was posted re: Buzz and LW not talking. Please what shred of credibility I'm failing to find here:

"I don't understand why Marquette would hire an athletic director like Williams. Our basketball program has put this university on the map. Buzz may take some risks with some kids, but he helps make them into fine young men. Isn't that part of Marquette's mission? Buzz is a wonderful person, and he cares deeply about his kids. The arrogance that some from Notre Dame have isn't something we need incorporated at Marquette. I hope the rumors I have heard regarding our AD aren't true. Supposedly he hasn't communicated with Buzz for months. If so, sad! If Buzz leaves this program because of the ideas of our new AD, I will not continue to support the program until we get a new AD. Like I said, I hope this is just rumors."

So, basically, someone on one message board starts a rumor, stating it is, in fact, a rumor. Then someone here takes it and passes it along as perhaps more than a rumor (ignoring the fact that the originator said it was rumor and the general tone of that post was plainly stupid.

To entertain for even a millisecond the idea that amid all the conference realignment/C&/New Big East stuff Buzz and Larry haven't spoken is dumb beyond words.

[Goose]

All I can say is whether Buzz is MU coach next year or not I will remain fan of his. He is entertaining to me and has delivered the goods to the program. If and when Buzz were to leave I will not be bashing down the road.

[NersEllenson]

Ners, Fr. P and Larry are both super bright guys.  Give them some credit, okay?

I'm sure Pilarz is bright - Larry Williams?  Not so sure.  His head has been knocked around for years in the NFL, and his lack of judgement to throw Buzz basically under the bus last year to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel remains the dumbest thing I've ever read/seen from an Athletic Director 90 days on the job regarding a guy in his 4th year on the job - who just delivered the first back to back Sweet 16 seasons since the 70s.

And for those who think somehow Larry Williams is a driving force behind the C7 - just because he is the most talkative of the Athletic Directors (as his ego loves the spotlight and microphone), that by no means indicates he's the straw stirring the drink.

We'll see how it all plays out - Buzz has a lot of great things going at MU - and his wife/family are reported to like it in MKE...so those things all help offset having a boss that you probably disdain/disrespect.

[4everwarriors]

Goose - I'm not saying that Buzz doesn't play the "Shucks" card or the "I'm not that smart" card with the media. He loves to spar/toy with them. What I mean is that he's grounded - his heroes aren't rich and famous people he can have a "photo-op" relationship with - they're real life people who show up every day and do an honest day's work. I'm proud to have him be the face of my alma mater - for me, that's a nice change.

In other words, 180 degrees opposite from Coach Tom Crean?

[keefe]

All I can say is whether Buzz is MU coach next year or not I will remain fan of his. He is entertaining to me and has delivered the goods to the program. If and when Buzz were to leave I will not be bashing down the road.

Well said. I feel the same way. I will always be a fan, regardless of who is cutting his checks. I cannot imagine him disengaging with anything less than complete professionalism. And I am certain his men would not hear about it on Sports Center.