Katz: MU win validates New Big East

[Eldon]

http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/82297/marquette-win-could-validate-new-big-east

WASHINGTON -- For Marquette, there is so much more at stake than a berth in the Final Four.

The Big East brand isn't on the line but a Marquette win will enhance it more than any television deal or agreement to play games at Madison Square Garden. The new Big East has had Final Four representatives in the past from Villanova, Georgetown, Marquette, St. John's, Seton Hall, Providence and Butler.

But none of those matter as much right now as this Marquette team. The Golden Eagles are the last one standing and can send a strong message to the rest of Division I that a strong basketball-centric league can survive on its own.

"It would be an enormous validation for what we believe to be our purpose in college athletics,'' said Marquette athletic director Larry Williams. "We are a group of 10 schools that focus on the development of student athletes that primarily focus on men's basketball. This is an opportunity to be in the Final Four this year and we want to do it in future years. It would be a validation of our charge."

Syracuse is off to the ACC. If Marquette were to beat the Orange Saturday at the Verizon Center, it would be a signal that this league is more than viable. The new Big East, with its television partner at Fox, can pump this up.

"An already top league would climb even higher,'' said Butler athletic director Barry Collier.

For the 10 that are venturing out, especially the seven that split from the old Big East, it would soothe any fears.

"It's a validation that we believe shows we took the right course of action,'' said Williams. "It affirms those that may have had any questions. They can say they're doing it the right way.''

Williams said he has received a number of friendly text messages from his fellow athletic directors in the new conference -- particularly pleased with the potential to add NCAA tournament units. When asked if those units would stay with the new Big East or the old, Williams declined to answer.

The game will be played on the home court of another member of the new Big East -- Georgetown. The Verizon Center, like the majority of the other members' home courts, is a big-time pro environment, providing another reason why this looks like a legitimate plan.

"Obviously there is risk here by charting our own future,'' said Williams. "But we feel some sense of responsibility for it.''

Marquette coach Buzz Williams, no relation to Larry, and the team aren't feeling any added pressure to perform based on the new league. But this will be an affirmation of basketball belonging at the adult table.

"This is an important element,'' said Larry Williams of reaching a Final Four.

The Marquette brand would benefit greatly from a Final Four appearance. So, too, would Buzz Williams, much like Tom Crean did when he took Marquette in 2003. But the biggest beneficiary will be the new Big East, which can claim it is here to play with everyone else on equal footing -- even without football.

Bold is mine.  I thought that was interesting.  Tell Big Dog over on the Gtown board to calm down, his welfare check is on its way

[Chicos' Buzz Scandal Countdown]

I other words, "We got this, Georgetown"

[PuertoRicanNightmare]

What is the point of agreeing to this article? This guy cannot get out of his own way. This is the dickiest article yet.

[GGGG]

What is the point of agreeing to this article? This guy cannot get out of his own way. This is the dickiest article yet.

Exactly.  One game doesn't validate or invalidate anything.

[Chicos' Buzz Scandal Countdown]

What is the point of agreeing to this article? This guy cannot get out of his own way. This is the dickiest article yet.

What's the point of disagreeing with it? Your post was sort of dicky

[PuertoRicanNightmare]

Does he need to emphasize in the national media how big a trip to the Final Four would be? Fu*ck no! He wants his name in the media so guys like Mike Golic can say, "Hey...he played football at ND." This guy reminds me of Kenny Williams. Anything to get his name in the paper. Would Cords have done something similar in the middle of a run like this? No! Wait until afterwards. The entire article is pointless.

[NickelDimer]

No pressure though boys!!! 

I seriously don't understand his motive here...unless it was senseless (self) promotion.

[tower912]

You guys have got to let some of this crap go.   Katz found a new angle.   LW gave him some quotes.   I don't see a problem with any of them. 

[PuertoRicanNightmare]

Ill be interested in the next article about one of the other ADs. He needs to shut the F up!! Go find a women's basketball coach, douche bag

[madtownwarrior]

classy....  with fans like you, go cheer for  II,II

Ill be interested in the next article about one of the other ADs. He needs to shut the F up!! Go find a women's basketball coach, douche bag

[Norm]

Ill be interested in the next article about one of the other ADs. He needs to shut the F up!! Go find a women's basketball coach, douche bag

Lighten up Francis. Geez, you get your panties in a bundle over LW more than any poster on this site. Give it a rest already.

[bradley center bat]

Who is kenny williams.

[Marqevans]

Who is kenny williams.

Former general manager of the Chicago White Sox and now Vice President of Operations I believe.

[ZiggysFryBoy]

Larry sounded intelligent and in touch.  Why can't he say the right things about buzz?

[Chicos' Buzz Scandal Countdown]

Ill be interested in the next article about one of the other ADs. He needs to shut the F up!! Go find a women's basketball coach, douche bag

Yes. Larry Williams needs to shut the F up.... About the athletic program he leads. He is not in a position to comment.

When Andy Katz calls you for a comment I'm happy to know you'll handle it differently.

[wildbill sb]

Does he need to emphasize in the national media how big a trip to the Final Four would be? Fu*ck no! He wants his name in the media so guys like Mike Golic can say, "Hey...he played football at ND." This guy reminds me of Kenny Williams. Anything to get his name in the paper. Would Cords have done something similar in the middle of a run like this? No! Wait until afterwards. The entire article is pointless.

If LW was quoted accurately in this article, you're right, PRN, the guy is a self-serving dick and better grow up real soon.

[Chicos' Buzz Scandal Countdown]

If LW was quoted accurately in this article, you're right, PRN, the guy is a self-serving dick and better grow up real soon.

what quote was so bad?

[JoBo2756]

I don't understand people's issue with him at all. This "self-serving dick" or DOMER, just rescued Marquette from Conference USA 2.0. I don't care what he says to Andy Katz.

Get a freaking grip.

[Chicos' Buzz Scandal Countdown]

I don't understand people's issue with him at all. This "self-serving dick" or DOMER, just rescued Marquette from Conference USA 2.0. I don't care what he says to Andy Katz.

Get a freaking grip.

this

[Tugg Speedman]

this

+1

[MUFlutieEffect]

what quote was so bad?

I'm with SixStrings - completely confused as to what about this article was self-serving.

[brewcity77]

You guys have got to let some of this crap go.   Katz found a new angle.   LW gave him some quotes.   I don't see a problem with any of them. 

Nothing wrong at all with this article. Larry Williams could help a little old lady cross the street and some people here would complain that he didn't put his jacket over the puddle Disney prince style.

[Niv Berkowitz]

Wow! I'm no avid Larry fan but Jesus guys. I think u read way to much into that.

I thought it was a good article speaking to the "perception" that the new big east is some inferior conference.

Let me ask u this- if they interviewed the AD from G town or 'nova would the article had more weight? Of course not. An if they did interview Gtown we'd all be possum and moanin asking "why are they interviewing an AD from a school that's eliminated!?"

Lighten up guys. U want MU in the public eye? They are.

[Niv Berkowitz]

If LW was quoted accurately in this article, you're right, PRN, the guy is a self-serving dick and better grow up real soon.

wtf r u talking about? Jesus aged Christ guys. Your hatred of LW is so friggin beyond unreal and undeserved. Guy is promoting out favorite school/program. WTF do u want from the guy?!

[Lennys Tap]

Nothing wrong at all with this article. Larry Williams could help a little old lady cross the street and some people here would complain that he didn't put his jacket over the puddle Disney prince style.

Actually it was Sir Walter Raleigh who made that move famous. But I get your point.