Steve Wojciechowski likes results of Marquette's practices

[ChicosBailBonds]

Think of all college bound high school students as a pyramid.  At the very top you have the elite students.  As you decrease in academic strength, you increase in the number of students at that level.  If you try to chase the top of that pyramid, you are going after a relatively smaller pool of students and you don't have a lot of the resources your competition has.

If you go after that "next level" you are still going after very good students, but you are playing in a larger pool with schools that have similar resources.  And I think MU can be very competitive here.

And don't say stuff like "75th is not bad, in fact pretty good.  For that kind of money, I'd want to be top 50, however."

That's nonsensical.  Remember that most of what these ratings are based on are inputs (what the quality of the student body is like entering school.)  Your Marquette education will not fundamentally change either way.  And "fit" is more important than these rankings anyway.

I say it because many people rely on those rankings to pick their school.  Hell, MU has no problem touting the ranking whenever they get a chance.  If they didn't matter, people wouldn't pay attention to them.

100% in agreement that fit, etc is better, but I'm not going to pretend it isn't important or MU and every other school wouldn't try to play to the number to improve it, as well as hail it at every turn.

[NersEllenson]

First, I acknowledged that it wasn't Buzz's best year, but what you call excuses happen to be facts. As for the idiots who picked Marquette to win the Big East with Derrick, Jake, John D and JJJ our choices at the 1/2, wel, they were idiots.

I'm sure the idiot coaches at the other schools in the Big East couldn't even fathom/predict how awful Buzz's CHOSEN STARTING backcourt would be, and not to mention Buzz's insistence to not only stick with them after they performed awfully in nonconference play- but play them more minutes than any two players on the team.

Buzz parked a lot of talent on the bench all season long in Burton, Mayo, Dawson - that was his choice.  He doubled down on Derrick and Jake....thinking somehow he could polish that into a winning backcourt...and it failed...which was evident to virtually everyone early on...that if he didn't shake up backcourt early on...the season was going to be a bust...and it was a bust of EPIC proportions.  Buzz did both Derrick and Jake a disservice by pairing them together for max minutes.  You simply cannot pair two guys who are that limited together as a starting 30+ minute per game backcourt.

Love what Buzz did during his time at MU....but how he handled last season was beyond bizarre and reeked of either incredible arrogance, stubbornness or ego mania.  He faced his first year of adversity at MU and bailed - albeit - MU didn't call his bluff this time around and let him go.  The antics grew old.

[mu-rara]

I'm sure the idiot coaches at the other schools in the Big East couldn't even fathom/predict how awful Buzz's CHOSEN STARTING backcourt would be, and not to mention Buzz's insistence to not only stick with them after they performed awfully in nonconference play- but play them more minutes than any two players on the team.

Buzz parked a lot of talent on the bench all season long in Burton, Mayo, Dawson - that was his choice.  He doubled down on Derrick and Jake....thinking somehow he could polish that into a winning backcourt...and it failed...which was evident to virtually everyone early on...that if he didn't shake up backcourt early on...the season was going to be a bust...and it was a bust of EPIC proportions.  Buzz did both Derrick and Jake a disservice by pairing them together for max minutes.  You simply cannot pair two guys who are that limited together as a starting 30+ minute per game backcourt.

Love what Buzz did during his time at MU....but how he handled last season was beyond bizarre and reeked of either incredible arrogance, stubbornness or ego mania.  He faced his first year of adversity at MU and bailed - albeit - MU didn't call his bluff this time around and let him go.  The antics grew old.

Sweet Jesus Ners.  The season was over almost 3 months ago, and we have a new coach.  Do you think we don't know your opinion after almost 7.5 million posts.  I hope you are using cut and paste.  I would hate to think that your employer (even if that is YOU) is paying for retyping this over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over.

[Lennys Tap]

How about the preseason polls, not the coaches...those so reliable preseason polls that had MU in the top 15.  Idiots also?   

This is fun

What idiot ever said that Marquette was rated in the top 15 in the preseason polls? Oh, sorry, that would be you. They were actually ranked 17th in both. Indiana was ranked 24th and 28th. From that you extrapolated that MU's season was a disaster and IU met expectations.

You're right. This is fun.

[Lennys Tap]

Lots of "idiots" apparently

http://www.muscoop.com/index.php?topic=40285.25

Wait. Our message board has guys who look through blue and gold colored glasses when assessing our talent and predicting our record? Stop the presses. I think you might be in line for a Pulitzer for investigative reporting.

[Lennys Tap]

Love what Buzz did during his time at MU....but how he handled last season was beyond bizarre and reeked of either incredible arrogance, stubbornness or ego mania.  He faced his first year of adversity at MU and bailed - albeit - MU didn't call his bluff this time around and let him go.  The antics grew old.

Wins big, he's a genius, our very own basketball and life lesson savant - and a great face for the program, charitable, indefatigable. A guy of great character.

One down year and he's an arrogant, stubborn egomaniac.

Pardon me if I don't find this logical.

One more thing - don't play poker. In the fantasy scenario that you describe Marquette absolutely called Buzz's bluff this time around, though it proved not to be a bluff.

[brandx]

Wins big, he's a genius, our very own basketball and life lesson savant - and a great face for the program, charitable, indefatigable. A guy of great character.

One down year and he's an arrogant, stubborn egomaniac.

Pardon me if I don't find this logical.

One more thing - don't play poker. In the fantasy scenario that you describe Marquette absolutely called Buzz's bluff this time around, though it proved not to be a bluff.

No, he was as arrogant, stubborn egomaniac even when he was winning - we just didn't care.

The problem with those kind of people is that they lose support real quick when things aren't going well. People see how that raging ego has seeped into his coaching.

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

Wins big, he's a genius, our very own basketball and life lesson savant - and a great face for the program, charitable, indefatigable. A guy of great character.

One down year and he's an arrogant, stubborn egomaniac.

Pardon me if I don't find this logical.

One more thing - don't play poker. In the fantasy scenario that you describe Marquette absolutely called Buzz's bluff this time around, though it proved not to be a bluff.

Right, this gets back to the whole eccentric vs crazy.

When Buzz was winning, we all loved the folksy goodness and some were predicting final 4's in MU's future. some people want to hand Buzz the keys to the kingdom (read about the LW & Pilarz backlash).  

Now, Buzz struggles for a season, ends up leaving, and some people like he's an idiot?

You don't go from eccentric genius to idiot in 12 months.

Maybe he wasn't as good as we thought 2-3 years ago, and maybe he's not as bad as some people are pretending now? Seems likely, right?  

[GGGG]

Wins big, he's a genius, our very own basketball and life lesson savant - and a great face for the program, charitable, indefatigable. A guy of great character.

One down year and he's an arrogant, stubborn egomaniac.

Pardon me if I don't find this logical.

I think there is a lesson to be learned here.  Don't slobber their knob when they are successful, only to label them every negative adjective under the sun when they aren't.  Just understand that they are human, fallible, and by and large replaceable.  

And for the love of God, don't fall for the "Marquette is an incredibly special place" shtick.  

[NersEllenson]

Wins big, he's a genius, our very own basketball and life lesson savant - and a great face for the program, charitable, indefatigable. A guy of great character.

One down year and he's an arrogant, stubborn egomaniac.

Pardon me if I don't find this logical.

One more thing - don't play poker. In the fantasy scenario that you describe Marquette absolutely called Buzz's bluff this time around, though it proved not to be a bluff.

Disagree on MU not calling Buzz's bluff - he did his dance with another school - as a leverage play, as he'd done the last 3 seasons..and this time around MU didn't sweeten the deal...make any concessions...but instead gave him a slight nudge to move along.  He landed at an OUTPOST of a program...worst job in the ACC.  A move of desperation.  Of course we know he put his name in the hat for Auburn too...yet Auburn opted for Bruce Pearl instead - odd that a guy out of coaching with a pretty sordid past..got the nod over Buzz.  Hmm.  Buzz couldn't even wait it out through the end of the NCAA tourney...just had to make a move...and in so doing missed out on openings at Tennessee, Mizzou, California....all jobs better than VaTech..

[NersEllenson]

No, he was as arrogant, stubborn egomaniac even when he was winning - we just didn't care.

The problem with those kind of people is that they lose support real quick when things aren't going well. People see how that raging ego has seeped into his coaching.

+1

[Windyplayer]

Maybe he wasn't as good as we thought 2-3 years ago, and maybe he's not as bad as some people are pretending now? Seems likely, right?  

Your moderate tone is SICKENING!

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

Your moderate tone is SICKENING!

I know, it's annoying.

I need more HOT SPORTS TAKES!

"(insert coach) is a genius! Sign him to a lifetime deal."

"(insert same coach) is past his prime. I'm glad he's gone!"

Fandom is a crazy place to live.

[GGGG]

Disagree on MU not calling Buzz's bluff - he did his dance with another school - as a leverage play, as he'd done the last 3 seasons..and this time around MU didn't sweeten the deal...make any concessions...but instead gave him a slight nudge to move along.  He landed at an OUTPOST of a program...worst job in the ACC.  A move of desperation.  Of course we know he put his name in the hat for Auburn too...yet Auburn opted for Bruce Pearl instead - odd that a guy out of coaching with a pretty sordid past..got the nod over Buzz.  Hmm.  Buzz couldn't even wait it out through the end of the NCAA tourney...just had to make a move...and in so doing missed out on openings at Tennessee, Mizzou, California....all jobs better than VaTech..

There is a lot you have wrong here.  Buzz was not interested in VaTech simply as a leverage play.  By that point Marquette had already told him "no."  The relationship was gone.

And he took VaTech because he trusts his friend Mick Cronin and what he had to say about the AD.  I fully believe that if he even knew Tennessee, Cal, Mizzou, etc. would have come open, he still would have chosen Virginia Tech.  Look where Buzz has worked before?  Do you think he cares about the history and traditions of a basketball program?

No.  He wants to be comfortable.  He was no longer comfortable at MU.  He found comfort in VaTech.  I don't think he is the type of guy that lives life with a lot of regrets, and I doubt he has any right now either.

[Lennys Tap]

No, he was as arrogant, stubborn egomaniac even when he was winning - we just didn't care.

The problem with those kind of people is that they lose support real quick when things aren't going well. People see how that raging ego has seeped into his coaching.

Maybe you were always "on" to whom you think Buzz was but I sure don't remember you sharing those thoughts with anyone. Much easier to see if they stumble so you can join the lynch mob once it becomes "popular".

Maybe this is hopelessly old fashioned, but to me the worst kind of fan is the frontrunner who slaps you on the back when you're winning and wants blood from your carcass when you lose or leave. If Al had left for the Bucks I would have still liked and admired him. Forever. Feel the same way about Buzz. And if TC had stayed here for 25 years I still would have thought he was a douche. Finding reasons to love a guy because he's "yours" and finding reasons to hate him because he's not doesn't get it for me.

[Lennys Tap]

There is a lot you have wrong here.  Buzz was not interested in VaTech simply as a leverage play.  By that point Marquette had already told him "no."  The relationship was gone.

And he took VaTech because he trusts his friend Mick Cronin and what he had to say about the AD.  I fully believe that if he even knew Tennessee, Cal, Mizzou, etc. would have come open, he still would have chosen Virginia Tech.  Look where Buzz has worked before?  Do you think he cares about the history and traditions of a basketball program?

No.  He wants to be comfortable.  He was no longer comfortable at MU.  He found comfort in VaTech.  I don't think he is the type of guy that lives life with a lot of regrets, and I doubt he has any right now either.

Sanity - and perfectly said. Buzz never gave us any of that phony "I fell in love with MU watching them on TV as a kid" stuff. He was grateful for the trust Fr.Wild and Steve Cottingham placed in him and comfortable with how his values meshed with how they (Cottingham and Wild) represented Marquette's. He was decidedly not comfortable with new bosses who didn't hire him and were publically critical of him. The next three years were marked with lots of mixed messages from the administration that left everybody unhappy - a president and AD fired and a head coach wanting out.

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

Sanity - and perfectly said. Buzz never gave us any of that phony "I fell in love with MU watching them on TV as a kid" stuff. He was grateful for the trust Fr.Wild and Steve Cottingham placed in him and comfortable with how his values meshed with how they represented Marquette's. He was decidedly not comfortable with new bosses who didn't hire him and were publically critical of him. The next three years were marked with lots of mixed messages from the administration that left everybody unhappy - a president and AD fired and a head coach wanting out.

I think your being a little too kind here.

Buzz had plenty coaching schtick about loving MU. The coaches HAVE to do it. They are SELLING.

Buzz is no better or no worse than most in that respect.

[JakeBarnes]

I'll summarize what this has become

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&ei=qKaMU83NCs-1yAS94oDgDQ&url=http://m.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DZ2cXQbPMHvE&cd=7&ved=0CEQQtwIwBg&usg=AFQjCNG3OXjThAY_ZMYz8iqrpIrr3dqOaA

[NersEllenson]

There is a lot you have wrong here.  Buzz was not interested in VaTech simply as a leverage play.  By that point Marquette had already told him "no."  The relationship was gone.

And he took VaTech because he trusts his friend Mick Cronin and what he had to say about the AD.  I fully believe that if he even knew Tennessee, Cal, Mizzou, etc. would have come open, he still would have chosen Virginia Tech.  Look where Buzz has worked before?  Do you think he cares about the history and traditions of a basketball program?

No.  He wants to be comfortable.  He was no longer comfortable at MU.  He found comfort in VaTech.  I don't think he is the type of guy that lives life with a lot of regrets, and I doubt he has any right now either.

MU had already told Buzz "no," prior to him bringing up the VaTech gig?  What exactly did MU tell Buzz, "no" about from what your sources have told you?  "No," as in you are not welcome back to coach MU next season - so start looking for another job? 

As far as look where Buzz has worked historically??  His rise through the coaching ranks is normal, particularly for a guy who never played D-1 college ball.  Multiple stops, at obscure locations...but with each stop it being a slight step up from the previous one.  Buzz had very little leverage/cache beyond being a good recruiter, prior to his time at MU.  After his success at MU - which no one will deny - he sure as hell seemingly could have landed at a program much better than VaTech, no??  Then again, perhaps Buzz doesn't like the pressure of high expectations, and being expected to be a big time winner that would go along with being at a more high profile basketball school...?

[ChicosBailBonds]

He faced his first year of adversity at MU and bailed - albeit - MU didn't call his bluff this time around and let him go.  The antics grew old.

BUZZ the Bailer...has a ring to it.

Adversity had him bail from UNO after one year.

"Adversity" (yes, very much in quotes) has him bail MU

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

MU had already told Buzz "no," prior to him bringing up the VaTech gig?  What exactly did MU tell Buzz, "no" about from what your sources have told you?  "No," as in you are not welcome back to coach MU next season - so start looking for another job? 

As far as look where Buzz has worked historically??  His rise through the coaching ranks is normal, particularly for a guy who never played D-1 college ball.  Multiple stops, at obscure locations...but with each stop it being a slight step up from the previous one. Buzz had very little leverage/cache beyond being a good recruiter, prior to his time at MU.  After his success at MU - which no one will deny - he sure as hell seemingly could have landed at a program much better than VaTech, no??   Then again, perhaps Buzz doesn't like the pressure of high expectations, and being expected to be a big time winner that would go along with being at a more high profile basketball school...?

Over Buzz's tenure, you were his BIGGEST fan.

Now after sub-par season, you are saying stuff like this?

Why so quick to anoint and so quick to bail on the guy?

[ChicosBailBonds]

Wins big, he's a genius, our very own basketball and life lesson savant - and a great face for the program, charitable, indefatigable. A guy of great character.

One down year and he's an arrogant, stubborn egomaniac.

Pardon me if I don't find this logical.

One more thing - don't play poker. In the fantasy scenario that you describe Marquette absolutely called Buzz's bluff this time around, though it proved not to be a bluff.

You think one year he acted like this?  How close are you to the program Lenny?  You know that isn't true and you know the egomaniac crap along with other stuff has been going for a number of years internally.

[NersEllenson]

Over Buzz's tenure, you were his BIGGEST fan.

Now after sub-par season, you are saying stuff like this?

Why so quick to anoint and so quick to bail on the guy?

Character revealed...that's why....preaches and demands toughness out of his players...and then exhibits little to none himself.  Hypocrisy isn't an attractive quality in anyone.  To add further explanation...I'll give a Plus 1 to Chicos below:

BUZZ the Bailer...has a ring to it.

Adversity had him bail from UNO after one year.

"Adversity" (yes, very much in quotes) has him bail MU

[keefe]

Character revealed...that's why....preaches and demands toughness out of his players...and then exhibits little to none himself.  Hypocrisy isn't an attractive quality in anyone. 

This is what is most galling about Bert.

[GGGG]

MU had already told Buzz "no," prior to him bringing up the VaTech gig?  What exactly did MU tell Buzz, "no" about from what your sources have told you?  "No," as in you are not welcome back to coach MU next season - so start looking for another job?

Buzz was never told to look for another job.  Buzz wanted some changes - changes that he thought he would get from the "old" administration returning.  When he didn't get them, he came to the conclusion that he no longer wanted to be here...and/or was not wanted.

If Buzz decided to stick it out for another year, he would still be at Marquette.