"Buzz should be fired immediately."

[NersEllenson]

Lots of rumors swirling that Buzz was in trouble with MU admin as early as January this year.  Recall many posters saying that if Buzz was playing a player out of being "stubborn" or hard headed - he should immediately be fired.

Find it rather ironic to ponder now.  Did Buzz somewhat tank the season as a final middle finger to MU?  Did he know all along he'd be leaving - whether asked to by admin, or on his own - and decided to just mail it in, and annoy the hell out of the 80% of our fanbase who were pulling their hair out watching his "coaching" decisions?  He definitely had a pulse for what was said here and the other boards...and he is a highly, highly sensitive individual.

Never thought I'd say it, but I believe we are better off in the long run having moved on from Buzz.  The time had come.  We will land a very good coach, and the program will be solid moving forward.

[Mutaman]

I definitely heard the sound of a shot being fired from the grassy knoll.

[Goose]

Don't think he purposely tanked it but think he was making a point by rotations played. The more I talk to people that really know basketball the more I am hearing they do not think Buzz knows much about coaching basketball. The guy worked his ass and gave us success on the court and I can overlook this season and appreciate vwhat he did.

Time to move on to bigger and better things.

[Ahoya06]

That's a little *too* conspiracy theorist, I don't think he intentionally tanked. I do think he reached a point during this season where, perhaps subconsciously, he checked out. Probably had it in his head that he might be seriously entertaining offers after the year, so wasn't fully in the game.

[brandx]

Don't think he purposely tanked it but think he was making a point by rotations played. The more I talk to people that really know basketball the more I am hearing they do not think Buzz knows much about coaching basketball. The guy worked his ass and gave us success on the court and I can overlook this season and appreciate vwhat he did.

Time to move on to bigger and better things.

He was much more of a motivator rather than a coach. What bothered me this season wasn't the rotation issue - but that for the first time, his teams were being out-hustled for rebounds and loose balls. I thought he packed it in early this year.

[MUSF]

High level coaches don't tank on purpose. It's not in their DNA. I'm sure there were a lot of issues affecting Buzz's performance, but I really doubt that he tanked deliberately.

[Goose]

I'm not sure Buzz is high level coach or not and time will tell. I am Buzz guy and not bashing him because he left. I think jury is out on Buzz like it was on KO and TC when they left. Not sure if I would bet Buzz will mirror his MU success and his next gig.

[Wojo'sMojo]

I think Buzz knew this was his last season going into the year. If it wasn't Va Tech it would've been somewhere else. It sounded like he wanted to leave last year, but would've looked bad after going to the elite 8. I seriously had a man crush on this bozo until this year. In all my years of watching basketball, I have never seen such a piss poor coaching performance. I think he turned into a stubborn prima donna and I think his act was starting to wear thin with his players. I am not sorry to see him go, as I never really thought he was that great of a game coach. I think we will miss his recruiting however. We will be fine in the long run, but it's gonna take a couple of years to fix this mess Brent left us with.

[NersEllenson]

He was much more of a motivator rather than a coach. What bothered me this season wasn't the rotation issue - but that for the first time, his teams were being out-hustled for rebounds and loose balls. I thought he packed it in early this year.

His "rotations" this year absolutely annoyed me, and I'm sure EVERY player on the roster outside of Derrick and Jake who consistently got max minutes.  The rapid fire substitutions, offense to defense, yanked in and out at first mistake - none of that breeds confidence, or cohesion.

I recall one game where Dawson played with 9 different guys in a 3 minute stretch.  There is a reason you don't see other coaches doing this.  Just last night heard it said that Wisconsin played the same starting lineup ALL season.  Buzz?  He benches his leading scorer and 3rd leading scorer and most dynamic guard - and plays both Gardner and Mayo less than 26 minutes per game on average for the  year.  Bizarro.

[MUSF]

I'm not sure Buzz is high level coach or not and time will tell. I am Buzz guy and not bashing him because he left. I think jury is out on Buzz like it was on KO and TC when they left. Not sure if I would bet Buzz will mirror his MU success and his next gig.

I actually agree with you on all of these points. By "high level", I simply meant the level at which they are coaching, i.e., major conference in D1. I don't think anyone that makes it to that level tanks games on purpose.

[T-Bone]

High level coaches don't tank on purpose. It's not in their DNA. I'm sure there were a lot of issues affecting Buzz's performance, but I really doubt that he tanked deliberately.

And who's at VT now? 

IF he did, that's a BS move worthy of being blacklisted by other schools - should it become public.  However, the motivation for schools to pay for a winner despite previous transgressions ultimately, and unfortunately, leads to very short memories. 

[BenCat12]

I don't think he lost on purpose.  However, I do think he deliberately made no attempt to develop the program.  What I mean by that is he gave up on the freshman far too quickly and played strictly for this season.  I also think the players picked up on Buzz's attitude, which caused this team to appear leaderless. Many coaches will tell you a team's play and attitude is a direct result of leadership.  His rotations showed he had very little interest in remaining here for the long haul.  No one really knew it at the time, but it certainly makes sense.  I think Buzz was out the door much earlier than any of us realize.  Good Riddance!

[MikeDeanesDarkGlasses]

Don't think he purposely tanked it but think he was making a point by rotations played. The more I talk to people that really know basketball the more I am hearing they do not think Buzz knows much about coaching basketball. The guy worked his ass and gave us success on the court and I can overlook this season and appreciate vwhat he did.

Time to move on to bigger and better things.

I think Buzz was a decent coach, but somehow lost the team this year.  If you look at his first year coaching, he took one of the smallest teams in Division I basketball (smallest team in NCAA tourney)  and almost had them playing in the sweet 16.  Wes Matthews really blossomed under Buzz, and that team played to its strengths.    

The first few years of Buzz's tenure, were spent coaching Crean's recruits and getting Juco's in to fill the gaps.  Vander Blue's class was Buzz's first class that he recruited that had true freshman.  If you take a look at all the guys that Buzz took from freshman to junior/senior - Blue is the most successful.  There were a lot of busts in his program like D. Wilson, Cadougan, Brett Roseboro, and several others who were 4 star recruits/top 100 players.  There was a reason for many of the transfers - Buzz's staff over-evaluated players at the high school level.  

I think Buzz saw that the cupboard was bare for this team.  Sure, Burton will be good, but there's not much else on the team.  Combine that with the quote, unquote "issues behind the scenes" and you realize there was no point for him to coach a team that would be rebuilding next year and possibly the year after.  You can see by the reaction of the fans in this forum, that there isn't any patience for that @ MU.  

Buzz saw the writing on the wall and left to do what he's always wanted to do..... hunt down the big fish and be seen on ESPN doing it.  He will be more appreciated at Va Tech - if he can turn it around.  

[brandx]

His "rotations" this year absolutely annoyed me, and I'm sure EVERY player on the roster outside of Derrick and Jake who consistently got max minutes.  The rapid fire substitutions, offense to defense, yanked in and out at first mistake - none of that breeds confidence, or cohesion.

I recall one game where Dawson played with 9 different guys in a 3 minute stretch.  There is a reason you don't see other coaches doing this.  Just last night heard it said that Wisconsin played the same starting lineup ALL season.  Buzz?  He benches his leading scorer and 3rd leading scorer and most dynamic guard - and plays both Gardner and Mayo less than 26 minutes per game on average for the  year.  Bizarro.

I should have been clearer. His rotations did bother me - but the lack of hustle bothered me more.

And when I said he "packed it in", I was referring to not coaching at the same level of intensity that he had previously done - not that he was tanking.

[bilsu]

It would not make sense to purposely have a bad season, when you are going to looking for another job. I think for Buzz the tipping stone was losing out on Matthews. I am sure he felt, if he got Matthews he would also get Stone. I also think he would not of left, if he felt he was getting Stone. Hopefully, the new coach can peak Stone's interest.

[oshkoshbgosh]

Don't think he wanted to "tank" or lose games out of spite. Rather, Buzz wanted to win with "his guys" so he could thumb his nose at those who dared criticize his coaching. Had they pulled out those final two two-overtime games with Derrick and Jake playing big minutes you can bet he would've reminded anyone who'd listen that he was smarter than the media or the fans. He just didn't like  being questioned, which puts with 90% of all college and pro coaches.

[Wojo'sMojo]

It would not make sense to purposely have a bad season, when you are going to looking for another job. I think for Buzz the tipping stone was losing out on Matthews. I am sure he felt, if he got Matthews he would also get Stone. I also think he would not of left, if he felt he was getting Stone. Hopefully, the new coach can peek Stone's interest.

Well if he couldn't get players of Matthews caliber to come here, he will be in for a rude awakening when he tries to get them to Va Tech.

[BrewCity83]

This conversation leads me to a theory that's been bouncing around in my head all week...

Do you think Brent made promises to Jake (and maybe Juan) about playing time after he found out Vander was leaving last Spring?  Like, hey don't transfer, if you come back you'll be a starter...

Starting to make sense in the context of him not playing for the future this past season.

[JTBMU7]

buzz was great when he had the horses, if you look at the years we supposedly overachieved, we can now say we had more talent than we realized at the time (2011 we were an 11 seed, but had 4 future NBA players on the team, plus davante. last year, we had a solid, experienced core of guards with a handful of above average role players)...
this year, my guess is he assumed he could make it work with the usual boot camp/toughness/etc... but you could tell he had no idea what the real identity of the team was or how to get them to play hard consistently - which is always been his calling card.  
from what i hear, the team became dysfunctional and really had no sense of direction all year (remember todd's comments about Jamil?)
he was too stubborn to change his ways, too loyal to give up on underdog juniors/seniors, too insecure to take the criticism. in the end his inability to coach the team up probably led to his second guessing himself and wanting to make a jump.
i certainly dont think he tanked, but he definitely dug himself deep with his own process and probably exposed the fact that he couldnt take his most talented roster and make anything positive out of it.

[Goose]

In looking back at this season there is no doubt in my mind that Buzz knew he was leaving. Aside from crazy coaching seems like a different guy and it was not due to pressure. Being MU coach is far from a pressure cooker.

Do think it is funny that he did get more heat than I thought he would for the way he handled this team. I know I was not alone about checking out on this team early and I mean early. A year ago today I was nursing serious hangover post Miami S16 win and by News Year Day this year was completely disconnected from the team's success or failure.

[Coleman]

Don't think he wanted to "tank" or lose games out of spite. Rather, Buzz wanted to win with "his guys" so he could thumb his nose at those who dared criticize his coaching. Had they pulled out those final two two-overtime games with Derrick and Jake playing big minutes you can bet he would've reminded anyone who'd listen that he was smarter than the media or the fans. He just didn't like  being questioned, which puts with 90% of all college and pro coaches.

This. Buzz didn't tank. But he was ridiculously stubborn. And he knew there was little risk of any impact, because he knew he would be gone. He was basically giving a middle finger to anyone who didn't think he was making the right decisions.

[BenCat12]

I think Buzz was a decent coach, but somehow lost the team this year.  If you look at his first year coaching, he took one of the smallest teams in Division I basketball (smallest team in NCAA tourney)  and almost had them playing in the sweet 16.  Wes Matthews really blossomed under Buzz, and that team played to its strengths.    

The first few years of Buzz's tenure, were spent coaching Crean's recruits and getting Juco's in to fill the gaps.  Vander Blue's class was Buzz's first class that he recruited that had true freshman.  If you take a look at all the guys that Buzz took from freshman to junior/senior - Blue is the most successful.  There were a lot of busts in his program like D. Wilson, Cadougan, Brett Roseboro, and several others who were 4 star recruits/top 100 players.  There was a reason for many of the transfers - Buzz's staff over-evaluated players at the high school level.  

I think Buzz saw that the cupboard was bare for this team.  Sure, Burton will be good, but there's not much else on the team.  Combine that with the quote, unquote "issues behind the scenes" and you realize there was no point for him to coach a team that would be rebuilding next year and possibly the year after.  You can see by the reaction of the fans in this forum, that there isn't any patience for that @ MU.  

Buzz saw the writing on the wall and left to do what he's always wanted to do..... hunt down the big fish and be seen on ESPN doing it.  He will be more appreciated at Va Tech - if he can turn it around.  

The bolded paragraph is completely false.  If you look at the physical talent of the returning guys and incoming freshmen, the cupboard would have been as full as it has ever been during Buzz's tenure.  Still could be if they can find a coach that can keep the incoming recruits.  The future is very bright......with the right coach

[brandx]

In looking back at this season there is no doubt in my mind that Buzz knew he was leaving. Aside from crazy coaching seems like a different guy and it was not due to pressure. Being MU coach is far from a pressure cooker.

Do think it is funny that he did get more heat than I thought he would for the way he handled this team. I know I was not alone about checking out on this team early and I mean early. A year ago today I was nursing serious hangover post Miami S16 win and by News Year Day this year was completely disconnected from the team's success or failure.

I checked out after the first 5 minutes of the 1st Creighton game. Letting a team that relies on the 3-point shot to shoot 13 threes before 5 minutes were off the clock told me his head wasn't in the game this year.

[brandx]

The bolded paragraph is completely false.  If you look at the physical talent of the returning guys and incoming freshmen, the cupboard would have been as full as it has ever been during Buzz's tenure.  Still could be if they can find a coach that can keep the incoming recruits.  The future is very bright......with the right coach

You're a guy that I disagree with a lot - but I agree totally with your statements here.

[Goose]

Brandx

That was my exit time as well. Prior to halftime of Creighton game at Creighton.

[Sharpie]

In looking back at this season there is no doubt in my mind that Buzz knew he was leaving. Aside from crazy coaching seems like a different guy and it was not due to pressure. Being MU coach is far from a pressure cooker.

Do think it is funny that he did get more heat than I thought he would for the way he handled this team. I know I was not alone about checking out on this team early and I mean early. A year ago today I was nursing serious hangover post Miami S16 win and by News Year Day this year was completely disconnected from the team's success or failure.

First time in last ten years I checked out on the season as well.

[BenCat12]

You're a guy that I disagree with a lot - but I agree totally with your statements here.

It's funny I was thinking the same thing about you.  I could have sworn you were one of the slurpers that would come to Buzz's rescue anytime I would write a criticism.  What changed?  Was I right all this time or have you lost your mind?

[MikeDeanesDarkGlasses]

The bolded paragraph is completely false.  If you look at the physical talent of the returning guys and incoming freshmen, the cupboard would have been as full as it has ever been during Buzz's tenure.  Still could be if they can find a coach that can keep the incoming recruits.  The future is very bright......with the right coach

LMAO!!! You do not know how to evaluate talent.  They are not an NCAA tourney team next year or the year after.  Tell me the sophomores and juniors that are going to be great and carry this team........   I'm waiting......  

[BenCat12]

LMAO!!! You do not know how to evaluate talent.  They are not an NCAA tourney team next year or the year after.  Tell me the sophomores and juniors that are going to be great and carry this team........   I'm waiting......  

A starting lineup of Fischer, Taylor, Burton, Mayo and Duane Wilson and a bench of
Hill, Dawson, Anderson, Pierce, Shayok and Harris definitely has the physical ability to finish in the top 3 in the BE next year and earn a tourney spot.

Tell me again what makes your opinion more valid than anyone elses?  Would love to hear your credentials.  
Again, your glasses may be a little too dark.

[Tums Festival]

I think we can all agree that Brett's coaching performance this season was both bizarre and frustrating to watch. As for why he coached the team the way he did, who knows, but it was definitely much different from the way he did his first five years. I think most fans would've forgiven him if he had tried everything he could to get better results, but he didn't make any real adjustments to try and make the team better.

[NersEllenson]

LMAO!!! You do not know how to evaluate talent.  They are not an NCAA tourney team next year or the year after.  Tell me the sophomores and juniors that are going to be great and carry this team........   I'm waiting......  

Do you feel we should have been an NCAA tournament team this past season based on the talent on the roster?

[brandx]

Brandx

That was my exit time as well. Prior to halftime of Creighton game at Creighton.

I still watched many of the games afterwards - but it wasn't priority anymore.

[brandx]

It's funny I was thinking the same thing about you.  I could have sworn you were one of the slurpers that would come to Buzz's rescue anytime I would write a criticism.  What changed?  Was I right all this time or have you lost your mind?

Nope - you were right.  I did criticize his coaching a lot this year, but on a macro level, I defended him.

[NersEllenson]

I think we can all agree that Brett's coaching performance this season was both bizarre and frustrating to watch. As for why he coached the team the way he did, who knows, but it was definitely much different from the way he did his first five years. I think most fans would've forgiven him if he had tried everything he could to get better results, but he didn't make any real adjustments to try and make the team better.

I tend to disagree with bolded, as I feel Buzz made ALL kinds of adjustments to try to make the team better - except for the most obvious one..and the only change he didn't try to make - Point Guard.

His on/off starting lineup of Derrick, Jake, Juan, Jamil and Otule was a JOKE.  People want to blame Jamil...yeah..he didn't have a great year...but what the hell do we think other coaches were game planning for on their defensive schemes with that travesty of a lineup??

Buzz gave more minutes to Derrick than any other player.  Point guard is most important position on floor.  When you have a guy who WON'T shoot outside of 3 feet from basket, has made 2, career 3 point FGs through the end of his junior season, that shoots 46% from the FT Line - im-freaking-possible to win at this level with that guy getting 32+ minutes per game.  Derrick would be a GREAT backup PG - Buzz insisted on trying to make him the team leader/man...you can still be a good leader and not have to play 32 minutes a game when your production warrants the exact opposite..

[CAGASS24]

Is he a high level D1 quality of X's and O's guy - maybe, maybe not - but its not like he didn't know more than 99.9% of the people in this world do about X's and O's of basketball - he's been doing nothing the last 20 years - I think at times he got too caught up in the analytics versus the feel of the game, but likely because he was never a player

[BenCat12]

Trust me I defended him early in his time here, too.  Who could argue with his results?  But as time went by I saw him for what he was.  I even wrote a long post explaining it back in January, he was a good motivator, a good recruiter, and a below average coach.   Believe the same to be true today.

[MikeDeanesDarkGlasses]

A starting lineup of Fischer, Taylor, Burton, Mayo and Duane Wilson and a bench of
Hill, Dawson, Anderson, Pierce, Shayok and Harris definitely has the physical ability to finish in the top 3 in the BE next year and earn a tourney spot.

Tell me again what makes your opinion more valid than anyone elses?  Would love to hear your credentials.  
Again, your glasses may be a little too dark.

What has Fischer done?  Steve Taylor was up and down and is a SF, Mayo is a #2, Wilson is a question mark as we don't know how he will fit in, and with Burton starting you now have a very undersized team.  Not one of these people can create their own shot.  The shooting range is pretty lackluster as well.  Mayo is the only one who can shoot and his effort is questionable.   None of the guys below are proven.  Not to mention... some might go to different schools.   *shakes head*  Plus, tell me how often Freshman make serious contributions.  Take a look at Buzz's tenure.  How many Freshman played significant minutes or sophomores?  

Hill - Freshman
Dawson - Sophomore
Anderson - Garbage
Pierce - Freshman
Shayok - Wants to open recruitment
Harris - Freshman
Sandy Cohen - You Forgot - Might be the best recruit out of all - if he stays.  

[MikeDeanesDarkGlasses]

Do you feel we should have been an NCAA tournament team this past season based on the talent on the roster?

This year, during the preseason, I thought we were a bubble team after Vander Blue leaving.  My thought process was that the team would go as far as the PG situation would take them.  At that time, D. Wilson was an unknown.   Having realized that there wasn't much hype about him, I assumed it would be a baptism by fire.  Todd Mayo seemed like he would improve and solidify the 2 spot with Vander leaving, so I thought we were ok there. 

Otherwise, I thought we would have a robust interior defense with J. Wilson and Otule, with Gardner showing up here and there.  As long as we could pass the ball down low, we'd be able to score on smaller teams.  Best case scenario... I thought we seemed like a Jamie Dixon Pittsburgh team.  Physical up front, but questionable in the backcourt. 

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

He didn't tank the season on purpose.

However, that doesn't mean that certain players saw less playing times than they should for personal reasons

[NersEllenson]

This year, during the preseason, I thought we were a bubble team after Vander Blue leaving.  My thought process was that the team would go as far as the PG situation would take them.  At that time, D. Wilson was an unknown.   Having realized that there wasn't much hype about him, I assumed it would be a baptism by fire.  Todd Mayo seemed like he would improve and solidify the 2 spot with Vander leaving, so I thought we were ok there. 

Otherwise, I thought we would have a robust interior defense with J. Wilson and Otule, with Gardner showing up here and there.  As long as we could pass the ball down low, we'd be able to score on smaller teams.  Best case scenario... I thought we seemed like a Jamie Dixon Pittsburgh team.  Physical up front, but questionable in the backcourt. 

Solid analysis.  Buzz blew it by not maxing Todd and Gardner's minutes from the get go.  Clearly the two most talented players.  Thought his fuse was way too short with DAwson given the alternative.  In your other point though, regarding the returning players - Burton can create a shot for himself any time he wants, and I'd argue Mayo as well.  Think Dawson and Duane can step up a lot next year and greatly improve our production at PG.  Fischer is a question mark, but thought to be skilled.  I'm still pretty optimistic for next year's team, provided these core guys stay which it sounds like they will:  Duane, Dawson, Burton, Fischer.  Think Buzz leaving actually HELPS us retain JJJ and Steve Taylor.  Juan and Derrick can provide solid back up minutes.  Not counting on any of the freshman being on team next year...other than perhaps Cohen.

[MarsupialMadness]

I think Buzz has known he was gone (for whatever reason) for a while now.

[BenCat12]

What has Fischer done?  Steve Taylor was up and down and is a SF, Mayo is a #2, Wilson is a question mark as we don't know how he will fit in, and with Burton starting you now have a very undersized team.  Not one of these people can create their own shot.  The shooting range is pretty lackluster as well.  Mayo is the only one who can shoot and his effort is questionable.   None of the guys below are proven.  Not to mention... some might go to different schools.   *shakes head*  Plus, tell me how often Freshman make serious contributions.  Take a look at Buzz's tenure.  How many Freshman played significant minutes or sophomores?  

Hill - Freshman
Dawson - Sophomore
Anderson - Garbage
Pierce - Freshman
Shayok - Wants to open recruitment
Harris - Freshman
Sandy Cohen - You Forgot - Might be the best recruit out of all - if he stays.  

Mr. Expert Talent Evaluator.  Fischer, Burton, Johnson, Du.Wilson, Cohen and Hill are all top 100 players in their classes, according to real experts.  The whole premise behind this was that the players on the team were staying and all the 2014 recruits are still coming.   There is plenty of talent on the roster if it stays intact.  The 2015-16 season could've been special if everything would have stayed together.  Hopefully the new coach can keep as much in tact as possible and bring some of his own guys to fill the void.  Fischer Burton and Du. Wilson is a very strong foundation.    Point is, the cupboard is definitely not bare.

[MattyWarrior]

Won't have much of a bench nomatter whowe hire

[PistolPete]

I think Buzz has known he was gone (for whatever reason) for a while now.

I agree, I'm just not sure how he would benefit from throwing the season away. He made several decisions that would support the theory though.

The whole situation is peculiar. Did Buzz express interest the BC or Wake vacancies? Would they have been interested? Wouldn't those be considered better jobs than VT?

[MikeDeanesDarkGlasses]

Mr. Expert Talent Evaluator.  Fischer, Burton, Johnson, Du.Wilson, Cohen and Hill are all top 100 players in their classes, according to real experts.  

Being a Top 100 player means nothing.  Look at all the McDonald's All Americans Duke gets.  Many of those guys end up being bench players.  Kansas has two of the top 3 NBA picks and they were ousted in the 2nd round.  Freshman are inconsistent and being a top 100 player doesn't entitle you to being good.  Remember Brian Butch?  He redshirted his freshman year..... McD's All American.  

[BenCat12]

Being a Top 100 player means nothing.  Look at all the McDonald's All Americans Duke gets.  Many of those guys end up being bench players.  Kansas has two of the top 3 NBA picks and they were ousted in the 2nd round.  Freshman are inconsistent and being a top 100 player doesn't entitle you to being good.  Remember Brian Butch?  He redshirted his freshman year..... McD's All American.  

You are hopeless.  So only your talent evaluation matters?  Than why discuss it?  Just sit there quiet with your own thoughts.....

Scouting services who watch these kids multiple times in high school, AAU, etc..=Don't matter
I personally have seen Burton, Du. Wilson, and Fischer a dozen times each in high school=Don't matter
MikeDeanesDarkGlasses=Matters

[Niv Berkowitz]

Can we all stop hammering Buzz in hindsight on what a garbage coach he was?

He wasn't great his final season so I understand that left a bad taste in anyone's mouth. And yeah, he was peculiar/eccentric. But he was a great coach. Whether it's X's or O's, or the 'motivational' coach. Either way, he wore the C and did a great job here. Even if he was more motivator than coach, doesn't make him bad. Just means he stood a better chance of guys tuning him out. Maybe that's what happened. That and the fact that maybe this year's seniors weren't as good of leaders/learners as the past ones. I think it's a little bit of both those things. Because, you don't get a top 10 national recruiting class if you suck.

But to me, he elevated guys like Wes, Butler, Lazar, DJO, and Crowder to play beyond their potential. Not many coaches could have done what he did to those guys. And if everyone can take off their goggles, EVERYONE thought MU's team the year following Wes/Jerel/Dom was going to be bad. Then, after Lazar left, we all said, "oh, THIS is the year we'll be terrible" and it never, ever happened.

Time may have been for him to go and he may not have done great this last season, but to act like he sucked and "deep down I really didn't like that guy" talk is for the birds.

[brandx]

Being a Top 100 player means nothing.  Look at all the McDonald's All Americans Duke gets.  Many of those guys end up being bench players.  Kansas has two of the top 3 NBA picks and they were ousted in the 2nd round.  Freshman are inconsistent and being a top 100 player doesn't entitle you to being good.  Remember Brian Butch?  He redshirted his freshman year..... McD's All American.  

It's all about the system. Wiggins "struggled"  because they didn't have a PG to run Self's system. (Of course, that is Self's fault). The good recruiter's aren't necessarily the guys who get top 100 players, but the guys who can project the good players into the system that they run.

[Tums Festival]

I tend to disagree with bolded, as I feel Buzz made ALL kinds of adjustments to try to make the team better - except for the most obvious one..and the only change he didn't try to make - Point Guard.

His on/off starting lineup of Derrick, Jake, Juan, Jamil and Otule was a JOKE.  People want to blame Jamil...yeah..he didn't have a great year...but what the hell do we think other coaches were game planning for on their defensive schemes with that travesty of a lineup??

Buzz gave more minutes to Derrick than any other player.  Point guard is most important position on floor.  When you have a guy who WON'T shoot outside of 3 feet from basket, has made 2, career 3 point FGs through the end of his junior season, that shoots 46% from the FT Line - im-freaking-possible to win at this level with that guy getting 32+ minutes per game.  Derrick would be a GREAT backup PG - Buzz insisted on trying to make him the team leader/man...you can still be a good leader and not have to play 32 minutes a game when your production warrants the exact opposite..

Let me re-phrase it to he didn't do enough to try and make the team better. Playing Derrick the most minutes on the team and making almost no effort to ease Dawson into the lineup more were both very puzzling.

[barfolomew]

I think Buzz has known he was gone (for whatever reason) for a while now.

I am the farthest thing from a conspiracy theorist there is (conformity theorist?), but there are many signs pointing to this not being a spur-of-the-moment decision to leave for a better job.

I have been wondering this week if Bazz didn't go into this year with the Texas job firmly in his mind, but was foiled by Barnes' job-saving season...

[MikeDeanesDarkGlasses]

It's all about the system. Wiggins "struggled"  because they didn't have a PG to run Self's system. (Of course, that is Self's fault). The good recruiter's aren't necessarily the guys who get top 100 players, but the guys who can project the good players into the system that they run.

I will agree with that.  But now you bring up the point of.........what system was Buzz running?  This past year's team was a drastic change.  This tells me that Buzz was recruiting towards talent level and not anything specific towards a system.  Let's face it, we have had quite a few different styles of teams during his tenure here.  

[MikeDeanesDarkGlasses]

You are hopeless.  So only your talent evaluation matters?  Than why discuss it?  Just sit there quiet with your own thoughts.....

Scouting services who watch these kids multiple times in high school, AAU, etc..=Don't matter
I personally have seen Burton, Du. Wilson, and Fischer a dozen times each in high school=Don't matter
MikeDeanesDarkGlasses=Matters

No, not only my talent evaluation matters.  What matters is that you haven't brought up any legitimate points or backed your claims with any evidence.  Based on your theory you're saying MU has an NCAA tourney team the next 2 years with a very young team.  Most of these young players haven't played significant or any minutes for that matter.  Based on the history of top 100 players under Buzz's reign, they haven't played much in their first 2 season, or made that many significant contributions.  This would imply that the sophomores and freshman of 2014 won't have much of an impact.  Let's face it, in order to win tournament games you usually need future NBA talent on your roster.  We don't have any of that in our junior/senior ranks.  You're implying that the sophomore class will step up significantly......and that a few of recruits of the freshman class would have to play at 5 star level.  That's the only way, we would make the tourney......

This is a level of optimism not seen since Cheney declared that Iraq had WMD's.....

[nycwarrior]

Back to Buzz tanking this year. I don't buy that Buzz would intentionally give up on this year because giving up wasn't in his best interest.

If you know you're going to be looking for another job, don't you sharpen up your résumé?  So just when Buzz wants to keep his resume sharp, he lose his top three guards from last year and the top backcourt newcomer.

So, he doesn't give up on the season, he does the opposite. He starts making decisions that you otherwise might not.

For instance, you may choose to play a steady but hugely limited PG over risking investing in moving a 2 guard over or playing a freshman who might improve for a future you won't be around to see.

If you've asked a kid to come back (say Jake) when he had a foot out the door might you choose to play that kid over a freshman who might help next year. After all, if JJJ leaves, so be it.

You might also give in to your existing instinct for over coaching in a panicky attempt to cover up your team's flaws.

I honestly don't think Buzz wanted to lose a single game. But he sure might have made decisions in an attempt to get a new job.

[Niv Berkowitz]

To insinuate Buzz intentionally lost games or "tanked" just to prove a point is insulting.

[NersEllenson]

To insinuate Buzz intentionally lost games or "tanked" just to prove a point is insulting.

As was it an insult to be a witness and have to endure his coaching this past season - as a fan, and as players on that team with all the hyper manic substitutions..and continued insistence to play in his own words:  4 on 5 offensively.

[Anti-Dentite]

When you look back on the season, it all makes sense now. He knew he was going to leave (anywhere would do, hence VT) and had absolutely no allegiance to the underclassmen. He played who he had allegiance to and at the end Deonte Burton because he had to (he is that good). There is no other way to see this. The whole season never made sense to me until he left and then it became all to clear. Buzz checked out....

[NersEllenson]

When you look back on the season, it all makes sense now. He knew he was going to leave (anywhere would do, hence VT) and had absolutely no allegiance to the underclassmen. He played who he had allegiance to and at the end Deonte Burton because he had to (he is that good). There is no other way to see this. The whole season never made sense to me until he left and then it became all to clear. Buzz checked out....

+1000 and great avatar - loved Hutch.  Gotta change mine.

Back to Buzz tanking this year. I don't buy that Buzz would intentionally give up on this year because giving up wasn't in his best interest.

If you know you're going to be looking for another job, don't you sharpen up your résumé?  So just when Buzz wants to keep his resume sharp, he lose his top three guards from last year and the top backcourt newcomer.

So, he doesn't give up on the season, he does the opposite. He starts making decisions that you otherwise might not.

For instance, you may choose to play a steady but hugely limited PG over risking investing in moving a 2 guard over or playing a freshman who might improve for a future you won't be around to see.

If you've asked a kid to come back (say Jake) when he had a foot out the door might you choose to play that kid over a freshman who might help next year. After all, if JJJ leaves, so be it.

You might also give in to your existing instinct for over coaching in a panicky attempt to cover up your team's flaws.

I honestly don't think Buzz wanted to lose a single game. But he sure might have made decisions in an attempt to get a new job.

Nicely done...probably a better account/take than mine...

[Logi4three]

In the following article from VCU the writer asks folks to dismiss Buzz's tantrum that led to the dismissal of one of their better players unless you actually show up to the games (enough with the fake VCU bball fans). 

http://www.gobblercountry.com/2014/3/28/5555766/virginia-tech-hokies-basketball-marquette--why-buzz-williams-isnt-exactly-who-you-think-he-is

[marquetteff03]

Agree on checking out, I'm a diehard and for the first time ever I literally was numb to MU losing. I felt indifferent about the outcome, there was something about this team, lack of fire, heart and swagger. They didn't have it. Perhaps a reflection of the coach or due to lack of a vocal leader. The upperclassmen have less emotion than recent years. I feel the fans at the BC also followed suit.

[WarriorFan]

It's actually not hard now to figure out when the players figured out something was up.  It was when Jamil stopped hustling and when Mayo started playing like a man.  Mayo had next year's coach to impress (and he did, with his last 8-10 games) and Jamil had, literally, nothing to play for. 

[Anti-Dentite]

Jamil did not stop hustling, he was jerked around. Having to learn point forward in your senior year will make you question everything, including your own abilities.

[Doo]

I checked out after the first 5 minutes of the 1st Creighton game. Letting a team that relies on the 3-point shot to shoot 13 threes before 5 minutes were off the clock told me his head wasn't in the game this year.

Totally agree.  So much is said about our pathetic offense but I think defensively this team sucked.  We couldn't "switch" and teams constantly swung the ball around the perimeter on us and found the wide-open man for the easy three.

[Groin_pull]

As was it an insult to be a witness and have to endure his coaching this past season - as a fan, and as players on that team with all the hyper manic substitutions..and continued insistence to play in his own words:  4 on 5 offensively.

Thank you. Brent was horrible this season. Stubborn lineups...hockey-style mass substitutions...poor game management...no in-game adjustments.  Enjoy him, VT. He's all yours.

[AirPunches]

Glad he's gone now. He was getting weirder by the day. Coaching, post game comments, mannerisms, everything. Hopefully, we get a more sane coach now. I am surprised so many families that he has recruited bought into his BS.