5 Year Evaluation of Buzz

[shoothoops]

The short, quick, and easy answer is an "A," thus far.

I am a believer in evaluating a variety of categories that go into the job.  First, it's the first 5 years. It takes many coaches that long just to get started to get it going. Buzz has had some advantages there, of inheriting a good situation, great budget, support, fan base etc...to make that easier. But, he still had to take a situation and make it better and he did that. 

Making the NCAA's every year, and getting to the second weekend 3 of those 5 years, stands out. The biggest one for me is accomplishing first place in what was the previous Big East with all of those great teams and programs.  I wasn't sure if that would ever get accomplished. It's easily the biggest highlight on the court for me.  Top 5 league finishes every year but one. Being successful against rival type opponents.  Adding a couple of sweet 16's and an elite 8. The trend of better recruiting.  Conference tourney success or lack of it, would be an area for improvement. For many this takes a back seat to regular season results and NCAA results.

Off the court, he's done well in many areas.  He is not a conservative traditionalist, which I like. The AD situation has died down as both adjust to one another. It's an adjustment for the AD to understand that Buzz is a bigger figure than him and always will be. And, it's an adjustment for Buzz to work with the AD without unlimited free reign.

5 years ago one of the back of my mind thoughts was that if Buzz could limit mistakes when taking chances on recruits, he will be successful. By this I mean problem kids with talent. Some can be saved so to speak and some can't. That's how Buzz is going to do it. He's going to see something in someone that many others don't see and take a chance on them. I get that and do that myself. But, if you have too many misses in this area, it can be a big problem. Mostly hits there.

The grade would change and lower if Buzz left any time soon. It would change and lower if more off court problems occur that affect the program. It would change and lower if the on court success wasn't there.

Not giving him an A for on court success thus far is head scratching for me. It's only been 5 years. To give him a B+ or B because there hasn't been a FF or better is unrealistic. My expectations have been met and exceeded to this point. Informal evaluations occur after every year for me. Buzz would have to do a lot wrong in a short amount of time to lower his progress report grade.

[Dawson Rental]

I can't give him anything higher than an A- until he gets 4ever to forget about Crean.

[Galway Eagle]

I can't give him anything higher than an A- until he gets 4ever to forget about Crean.

What does he get when he gets Chicos to forget about Crean?

[NersEllenson]

What does he get when he gets Chicos to forget about Crean?

Moot point - it will never happen.  Buzz could led us to multiple National Championships and it wouldn't happen.  I'm grateful for what Tom Crean did while at MU, absolutely turned the program around when it was headed into the abyss under Mike Deane - most grateful that Crean recruited Buzz prior to leaving for IU.

[g0lden3agle]

What does he get when he gets Chicos to forget about Crean?

What do MUScoop frequenters get when people stop ruining threads by dragging Chicos through the mud?

[brewcity77]

What does he get when he gets Chicos to forget about Crean?

Chicos didn't just go to Marquette, he went to Indiana as well. Kind of natural for a guy who went to IU to also follow his other team and coach's progress.

[TedBaxter]

With an NCAA appearance in the 2013-2014 season, Buzz would be alone in second place in NCAA appearances for a Marquette coach with 6.  I think that tells you something.

[Jay Bee]

With an NCAA appearance in the 2013-2014 season, Buzz would will be alone in second place in NCAA appearances for a Marquette coach with 6.  I think that tells you something.

FIFY

[Coleman]

Buzz has already eclipsed Crean IMO. #1 Al, #2 Buzz, #3 Crean

Ok, a Final Four would end all argument, but I think he's already done it, based on his ability to develop NBA talent and deliver an NCAA appearance every single year, with 3 Sweet 16s including an Elite 8. 2003 was a great year and I will readily admit it is what got us an invitation to the Big East, but it was the exception of Crean's tenure, not the rule. More common were 1 and dones or the NIT. Buzz is getting us to the 2nd weekend of the tournament year in and year out. If Buzz sticks around at MU, a Final Four is just a matter of time.


For Grins:

Crean in 9 seasons: 1 No postseason; 3 NITs, 5 NCAAs: 3 one and dones, 1 round of 32, 1 Final Four (5 NCAA wins) - 2003 Conference USA champs
Buzz in 6 seasons: 6 straight NCAAs, 1 one and done, 1 round of 32, 2 Sweet 16s, 1 Elite 8 (8 NCAA wins) - 2013 Big East Champs

[ChicosBailBonds]

Moot point - it will never happen.  Buzz could led us to multiple National Championships and it wouldn't happen.  I'm grateful for what Tom Crean did while at MU, absolutely turned the program around when it was headed into the abyss under Mike Deane - most grateful that Crean recruited Buzz prior to leaving for IU.

I don't see why you would want to forget any of them.  Some of you guys want to pretend things didn't happen. I prefer to remember them all.   There will be a day when Buzz isn't here, and I'll still remember his accomplishments fondly.  Not sure why it is a zero sum game for so many of you.

[swoopem]

Chicos, simple question: Who do you like more Crean or Buzz? This can easily be a one word answer so no beating around the bush.

[Marqus Howard]

Chicos, simple question: Who do you like more Crean or Buzz? This can easily be a one word answer so no beating around the bush.

Why does it matter? He likes both of them, and he's entitled to his own opinion.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

What do MUScoop frequenters get when people stop ruining threads by dragging Chicos through the mud?

+1

[swoopem]

Why does it matter? He likes both of them, and he's entitled to his own opinion.

Because I was wondering. It's not like I'm asking him to tell us how much money he makes, what his political views are, etc. I'm just asking out of two basketball coaches who does he like more. I agree that it is okay to like both.

[Coleman]

Because I was wondering. It's not like I'm asking him to tell us how much money he makes, what his political views are, etc. I'm just asking out of two basketball coaches who does he like more. I agree that it is okay to like both.

If you don't know what Chicos' political views are by now, you haven't been paying attention.

[brandx]

Chicos, simple question: Who do you like more Crean or Buzz? This can easily be a one word answer so no beating around the bush.

Are we still in Junior High or what? I don't understand all the Chico bashing. Sometimes I agree with the guy on sports issues - sometimes not. I basically never agree on political issues.

So what?

[Galway Eagle]

My bad guys didn't mean to twist another thread had some beers and didnt think through what would happen with my post with Chicos and Crean

[Archies Bat]

My bad guys didn't mean to twist another thread had some beers and didnt think through what would happen with my post with Chicos and Crean

From my end, it worked out well.  I am getting tired of wading through the "CBB is F-O-S" posts, and this thread shows other people are too, and becoming vocal.  If we keep up this type of response to those posts, it will, IMO, reduce these tired old posts make for a better board.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Chicos, simple question: Who do you like more Crean or Buzz? This can easily be a one word answer so no beating around the bush.

It's not a simple question, nor is the answer.  I appreciate what they have both done for my alma mater.  Each had a totally different mission and starting point.  Different facilities, different leagues, different expectations.  Both did a great job, both have their failings.  I'm thrilled with what Crean did to put MU back on the map, a major influence to getting us into the Big East, proving we belonged in the Big East, going to the Final Four, hiring Buzz Williams, etc....all of which helped Buzz tremendously.  I'm equally thrilled that Buzz has done the job he has done....could have gone sideways and he didn't allow that to happen.

Why are we making this into a 6th grade do you like Sally more than Jenny?  I want both chicks!   

[brewcity77]

Because I was wondering. It's not like I'm asking him to tell us how much money he makes, what his political views are, etc. I'm just asking out of two basketball coaches who does he like more. I agree that it is okay to like both.

If he says Buzz, will you get some satisfaction out of "winning"? If he says Crean, will you feel hurt and spiteful? This has to be one of the most juvenile requests I've seen on a message board.

[ChicosBailBonds]

If you don't know what Chicos' political views are by now, you haven't been paying attention.

Depends on the issues.....I refuse to be bucketed and vote straight ticket like all the drones out there.  In the last 6 presidential elections, I have voted for the GOP ticket TWICE....I'll bet that didn't exactly fit with what your impression of my views are, now did it.   

[Silkk the Shaka]

Depends on the issues.....I refuse to be bucketed and vote straight ticket like all the drones out there.  In the last 6 presidential elections, I have voted for the GOP ticket TWICE....I'll bet that didn't exactly fit with what your impression of my views are, now did it.   

NONE OF THE ABOVE is a pretty easy cop-out

[Jay Bee]

NONE OF THE ABOVE is a pretty easy cop-out

He didn't say none of the above. You could have a similar voting record - although you've voted in each election and have never voted democrat.  Still, certainly haven't voted Republican all the time either.

[Silkk the Shaka]

He didn't say none of the above. You could have a similar voting record - although you've voted in each election and have never voted democrat.  Still, certainly haven't voted Republican all the time either.

Oh trust me, he proudly wrote in NONE OF THE ABOVE in '08.

[ChicosBailBonds]

NONE OF THE ABOVE is a pretty easy cop-out

Not a cop out at all.  If your choice is a douche and a turd and both are ill equipped, giving either the vote is an endorsement.  No thanks.    I'm not the kind of person that says "just because" or "I had to pick one of them".  No you don't.  Not even close.