Big East Tourney strategy..

[NersEllenson]

Will Buzz choose to continue down the path that led to 9-9 in the conference, and almost assuredly will NOT win the Big East tourney - and in so doing essentially gaining nothing?

Or will he be bold and give Dawson and Burton 25 and roll the dice and see what happens?  In my view, it's the only way we have a chance to win BET...too much data from conference play at this point to think we can beat either Creighton or Nova by doing the same thing.

No downside as I see it - people aren't expecting us to win BET - and if we don't with freshman taking on a bigger role...no harm done, other than getting them valuable experience.  But, if by chance the freshman juice us and we went on to win BET - all is forgiven, Buzz saves face to an extent - as we still end up in NCAA tourney and everyone at that point is happy.

Doubt it will happen...but thinking about it...why not??

[Windyplayer]

Ners, I've been your biggest fan, but man, you are relentless. But hey, it is what it is.

[Markusquette]

He's going to bring the same lineups out and roll with Derrick for most of the game. 

[NersEllenson]

Ners, I've been your biggest fan, but man, you are relentless. But hey, it is what it is.

Thanks Windy...maybe redundant post/thread I guess....but thought it broached an interesting argument - what does Buzz have to lose at this point?

[brandx]

He's going to bring the same lineups out and roll with Derrick for most of the game. 

I can't see anything different happening.

[ChicosBailBonds]

I think the nature of the BET will actually force him to play more guys because you need the fresh legs to make it for three days.  It will force his hand to play guys more than he usually does, and that may benefit us (or hurt us). 

[JamilJaeJamailJrJuan]

Buzz will play Derrick bexause he is the best PG on the roster. That isn't saying much... but it is what I this. Hopefully next year he isn't the PG on the roster. Hope we can rattle off three in a row anyway.

[NersEllenson]

I think the nature of the BET will actually force him to play more guys because you need the fresh legs to make it for three days.  It will force his hand to play guys more than he usually does, and that may benefit us (or hurt us). 

Assuming we win the first game...

[ChicosBailBonds]

Assuming we win the first game...

Yup, that's the danger

[brandx]

I think the nature of the BET will actually force him to play more guys because you need the fresh legs to make it for three days.  It will force his hand to play guys more than he usually does, and that may benefit us (or hurt us). 

Normally I would agree, but this year is different. We have to win it to get to the dance. I don't think he will open up the roster at all this week.

[NavinRJohnson]

I can 100% guarantee Buzz will do what he believes provides the best opportunity to win, while adhering to his core beliefs and philosophy.

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

I have the perfect strategy. Win.

[WellsstreetWanderer]

Buzz has an epiphany and turns Todd and Deonte loose.  Or Not!

[ChicosBailBonds]

Normally I would agree, but this year is different. We have to win it to get to the dance. I don't think he will open up the roster at all this week.

You might be right.  My concern would be that by day 3 they are just exhausted doing that, but of course you have to win first.  Will be interesting to see what happens.  Could be that game 1 is business as usual, but game two gets expansive in the hopes you can get to game three with some gas left in the tank.

[wardle2wade]

Normally I would agree, but this year is different. We have to win it to get to the dance. I don't think he will open up the roster at all this week.

I agree.  He's going to roll with what he has the last week (and most the season).  If we lose, I do see him playing Dawson and JJJ more.

[muwarrior69]

I just hope Jamil shows up.

[MU82]

Just win, baby.

[BM1090]

Burton deserves 20+ minutes. Dawson doesn't.

[JamilJaeJamailJrJuan]

I just hope Jamil shows up.

Yep.

Burton deserves 20+ minutes. Dawson doesn't.

Mmmhmmm.

[Texas Western]

Will Buzz choose to continue down the path that led to 9-9 in the conference, and almost assuredly will NOT win the Big East tourney - and in so doing essentially gaining nothing?

Or will he be bold and give Dawson and Burton 25 and roll the dice and see what happens?  In my view, it's the only way we have a chance to win BET...too much data from conference play at this point to think we can beat either Creighton or Nova by doing the same thing.

No downside as I see it - people aren't expecting us to win BET - and if we don't with freshman taking on a bigger role...no harm done, other than getting them valuable experience.  But, if by chance the freshman juice us and we went on to win BET - all is forgiven, Buzz saves face to an extent - as we still end up in NCAA tourney and everyone at that point is happy.

Doubt it will happen...but thinking about it...why not??

I completely agree. This is the only viable option, if I had my way I would add JJJ into the mix as well.

[GooooMarquette]

Burton deserves 20+ minutes. Dawson doesn't.

Agreed.

[Lennys Tap]

Burton deserves 20+ minutes. Dawson doesn't.

Agreed

[Coleman]

I think the nature of the BET will actually force him to play more guys because you need the fresh legs to make it for three days.  It will force his hand to play guys more than he usually does, and that may benefit us (or hurt us). 

Excellent point, and true

[rocky_warrior]

Normally I would agree, but this year is different. We have to win it to get to the dance. I don't think he will open up the roster at all this week.

This is my belief.  In fact against SJU he didn't even play Juan, JJJ or Taylor.  I'd expect to see more of the 8 we saw against SJU.  Which could be a good thing...

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Buzz's standard lineups handled Xavier pretty good last time. And now they are missing Stainbrook. I don't expect much to change.

However, if we do see Creighton in the second round...we gotta try something new.