Are we better than last year?

[vogue65]

In my opinion,  if one is to use the basketball program to help market the university and the quality of the school, we should aspire to put the product in as best a light as possible.  MU is a private school, costs a considerable amount of money to attend and there is a perceived value for that money spent.

Now, not everyone agrees with this. UConn is a good school, G'Town is a good school, both basketball programs have taken their share of guys that quite frankly didn't belong academically in the parking lot of the school.  Different strokes for different folks.  I admire what Stanford does, UCLA, Duke, Notre Dame, etc.  Yup, exceptions at all of those schools, but by and large I believe it helps in the overall reputation of the school, it also helps the kids that are playing for those schools because they come out with folks knowing these kids are not only quality athletes, but are prepared intellectually.  They weren't there just to play a game.  In the end, that's a huge benefit to those kids for many reasons.

My two cents, many will disagree.

I agree 100%, the new Big East will be somewhat like the Ivys, Ivy lite, but not DUKE strong.

[Small Orange Soda]

Don't worry MU will continue to Facebook, tweet & Instagram Jae, Jimmy, DJO & Vander  everyday tho.

Because you know. The era was squirmy but the results were great.

Yup.  We're no longer at the JUST WIN BABY stage where we take Prop 48 cases that high majors can't, but I'm glad we've taken on guys who took the JUCO route who busted their asses to get here.  Hard work is an admirable thing.

[MU82]

Yup.  We're no longer at the JUST WIN BABY stage where we take Prop 48 cases that high majors can't, but I'm glad we've taken on guys who took the JUCO route who busted their asses to get here.  Hard work is an admirable thing.

Thank goodness we won't take on any more high-risk guys like Wade. That turned out to be a disaster for us.

[tower912]

Thank goodness we won't take on any more high-risk guys like Wade. That turned out to be a disaster for us.

Same with Crowder.   

[bilsu]

This may have been posted in this thread already, but the fact that this is even a question (Are we better than last year?), when we are starting 3 freshman, including our PG is really a tribute to the fact that we are on the right track.

If you look at DePaul. It did not matter year after year if they were more experienced or not. What does matter is whether a coach can assemble a team that can win. DePaul has had some good players during their mediocrity, so it is not totally a talent thing.

[79Warrior]

Fair points. Here's my counter:

In 2-1/2 years, the new arena will open. Ticket sales will go back up, at least temporarily, from fans curious to see the new venue both in terms of STHs and casual walk-up fans.

In general, we will be a lower cost alternative to basketball fans that want to watch games in a state-of-the-art NBA facility without paying NBA prices.

If we are winning, the fans will stay. If a team that features seniors Cheatham, Heldt, Carter, and Anim, along with the Hauser brothers, Markus Howard, and Brendan Bailey can be a top-25 staple and earn a high seed while winning at home, the new interest gained from the arena could easily translate to a new generation of long term STHs.

I understand the negatives going on now, but the arena will open at a perfect time to give us the chance to turn it around, if Wojo and the staff can answer the bell by then.

The place where we play is not what matters. Please, we played for years in the crappy Milwaukee Arena. What matters is the product on the floor. We win and the fans will show up. We could be playing in the old gym and it would be packed if we were winning. The window dressing of a new building is nice, don't get me wrong. But, if the current team was playing in the new arena we would be having the same frustrating threads about performance and attendance.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Don't worry MU will continue to Facebook, tweet & Instagram Jae, Jimmy, DJO & Vander  everyday tho.

Because you know. The era was squirmy but the results were great.

A bit hyperbolic on the every day stuff. 

I would be surprised if the school did much ever on Vander or DJO...a post here or there, maybe.

Jimmy, they should.  Wade, they should.  They would be fools not to.  Jimmy was a full qualifier, people keep forgetting this.

Again, I don't think anyone is saying we can't take Jucos or take exceptions to the rules, it is when the team is loaded in that regard it causes imbalance and we had a few issues with some folks, you would know exactly who they are (several were not Jucos but no way in hell Buzz should have recruited them and how they were recruited leaves a lot to be desired).

[ChicosBailBonds]

Yup.  We're no longer at the JUST WIN BABY stage where we take Prop 48 cases that high majors can't, but I'm glad we've taken on guys who took the JUCO route who busted their asses to get here.  Hard work is an admirable thing.

Hard work is an admirable thing, it's also not exclusive to JUCO kids.  Just as not all JUCO kids bust their butts either. 

We will continue to recruit JUCOs, there will be transfers into the program, and on occasion there will be guys that we take a flyer on academically.  It just won't be 40% to 50% of the roster anymore.  Nor does it have to be to be successful.

Some of you make it out like a zero sum game, it isn't.

[The Lens]

A bit hyperbolic on the every day stuff. 

I would be surprised if the school did much ever on Vander or DJO...a post here or there, maybe.

Jimmy, they should.  Wade, they should.  They would be fools not to.  Jimmy was a full qualifier, people keep forgetting this.

Again, I don't think anyone is saying we can't take Jucos or take exceptions to the rules, it is when the team is loaded in that regard it causes imbalance and we had a few issues with some folks, you would know exactly who they are (several were not Jucos but no way in hell Buzz should have recruited them and how they were recruited leaves a lot to be desired).

Vander got his own tweet just this week for averaging 25+ ppg in the NBDL. 

[CubillanSandwich]

I heard UNC called Wojo and asked him to stop wearing the baby blues.

[ChicosBailBonds]

I'll give a bit of an anecdote that we relayed to me from someone I respect greatly at MU and the thinking going on.

MU isn't stuck in the 1960's, 70's, 80's anymore where it was a private school, but not nearly as costly as other private schools.  The school was letting in many kids, it was sort of a safety private school.  Things have changed, for the better academically.  As a result, better professors, more invested dollars into the school, and a lot more expensive to attend.

The long term plan is to continue this, but to do this you need kids graduating from MU that are going to give back to MU.  High income producing kids, with good jobs, good salaries, etc.  We're playing (pun intended) in a different academic world now and justifying that expense is a difficult chore for the university.  Everything the school is doing goes toward that image, that ROI calculation, that belief system and selling system about what it means to attend, graduate and be an alumnus of MU for years to come. Everything.  That includes sports teams. 

I am confident in what I've been told that we will compete at a HIGH level, that we will win, we will represent the school and these goals well.  You can read between the lines if you wish on how we get there, but I know how it has been described to me.  There is a plan in place, that plan does not exclude going after certain kids as much as people want to make that joke here, but there is a MASSIVE expectation that our teams (not just hoops) will behave appropriately and understand who is joining the programs better be vetted to the tee.

[Norm]

I'll give a bit of an anecdote that we relayed to me from someone I respect greatly at MU and the thinking going on.

MU isn't stuck in the 1960's, 70's, 80's anymore where it was a private school, but not nearly as costly as other private schools.  The school was letting in many kids, it was sort of a safety private school.  Things have changed, for the better academically.  As a result, better professors, more invested dollars into the school, and a lot more expensive to attend.

The long term plan is to continue this, but to do this you need kids graduating from MU that are going to give back to MU.  High income producing kids, with good jobs, good salaries, etc.  We're playing (pun intended) in a different academic world now and justifying that expense is a difficult chore for the university.  Everything the school is doing goes toward that image, that ROI calculation, that belief system and selling system about what it means to attend, graduate and be an alumnus of MU for years to come. Everything.  That includes sports teams. 

I am confident in what I've been told that we will compete at a HIGH level, that we will win, we will represent the school and these goals well.  You can read between the lines if you wish on how we get there, but I know how it has been described to me.  There is a plan in place, that plan does not exclude going after certain kids as much as people want to make that joke here, but there is a MASSIVE expectation that our teams (not just hoops) will behave appropriately and understand who is joining the programs better be vetted to the tee.

That's fine that the administration has shifted to that goal, but I know I probably would not have attend the school today because of the rise in tuition. It only cost me a couple thousand more to go to MU than it would have cost for me to go to my state school when I attended- but now MU's tuition is way more than the state school and almost cost prohibitive.

[ChicosBailBonds]

That's fine that the administration has shifted to that goal, but I know I probably would not have attend the school today because of the rise in tuition. It only cost me a couple thousand more to go to MU than it would have cost for me to go to my state school when I attended- but now MU's tuition is way more than the state school and almost cost prohibitive.

That's the point he was making to me.  To justify the cost, they need to make sure they are attracting top flight students that can afford it and will continue to give after they leave.  This is the approach USC has taken and is now considered a top 25 academic school when for years that was just not the case.  A few other examples out there as well.

I'm sure that will rub some folks the wrong way here.  However, I'd also note that with financial aid packages, MU also does their level headed best to make sure tuition is approachable for many folks when considering state schools, so that has to be factored in also.

[The Lens]

I get it.  We no longer want the 2.7 kid from Beverly, son of a cop. 

We're gonna convince 3.7 kids we're this Ivy oasis in MKE, well fine.  It's sort of a joke, but fine. 

Yet explain to me why can't we find room for 12 1.7s and win some games. 

Hoops players rarely match the student body in GPA.  Who cares if they're 50% qualified of the student or 80% the student.  If you're not 100% WHO CARES.  Stop pretending and start winning. 

[brewcity77]

The place where we play is not what matters. Please, we played for years in the crappy Milwaukee Arena. What matters is the product on the floor. We win and the fans will show up. We could be playing in the old gym and it would be packed if we were winning. The window dressing of a new building is nice, don't get me wrong. But, if the current team was playing in the new arena we would be having the same frustrating threads about performance and attendance.

Performance, yes, attendance, not for the first two years. New arenas sell tickets the first couple years win or lose. Couple the new arena with winning and we'll regain and sustain ticket sales. But I do think if we weren't moving to a new venue, there are STHs that have been lost that wouldn't come back to the BC.

[vogue65]

I'll give a bit of an anecdote that we relayed to me from someone I respect greatly at MU and the thinking going on.

MU isn't stuck in the 1960's, 70's, 80's anymore where it was a private school, but not nearly as costly as other private schools.  The school was letting in many kids, it was sort of a safety private school.  Things have changed, for the better academically.  As a result, better professors, more invested dollars into the school, and a lot more expensive to attend.

The long term plan is to continue this, but to do this you need kids graduating from MU that are going to give back to MU.  High income producing kids, with good jobs, good salaries, etc.  We're playing (pun intended) in a different academic world now and justifying that expense is a difficult chore for the university.  Everything the school is doing goes toward that image, that ROI calculation, that belief system and selling system about what it means to attend, graduate and be an alumnus of MU for years to come. Everything.  That includes sports teams. 

I am confident in what I've been told that we will compete at a HIGH level, that we will win, we will represent the school and these goals well.  You can read between the lines if you wish on how we get there, but I know how it has been described to me.  There is a plan in place, that plan does not exclude going after certain kids as much as people want to make that joke here, but there is a MASSIVE expectation that our teams (not just hoops) will behave appropriately and understand who is joining the programs better be vetted to the tee.

This is the same old song, I've heard it before.

I went to a "private" parochial  h.s. and did a few nights on the phones doing fund raising and what did learn?

The big money guys, international bankers, big time doctors, residents with prestigious addresses like Sugarland Texas gave spit.  Retired fire captains, equipment operators, retired school teachers all gave.  So much for the privileged supporting private education.   They tend to be more takers than givers.

The exception always proves the rule and one deep pocket alum. can make a big contribution and get a building named after him or her, and thank God for that, but basing admissions on class is just wishful thinking.

I owe a debt to Marquette, I'll pay it, but if the administration is trolling for good looking applications from the right side of the tracks I'm very disapointed.

[ChicosBailBonds]

This is the same old song, I've heard it before.

I went to a "private" parochial  h.s. and did a few nights on the phones doing fund raising and what did learn?

The big money guys, international bankers, big time doctors, residents with prestigious addresses like Sugarland Texas gave spit.  Retired fire captains, equipment operators, retired school teachers all gave.  So much for the privileged supporting private education.   They tend to be more takers than givers.

The exception always proves the rule and one deep pocket alum. can make a big contribution and get a building named after him or her, and thank God for that, but basing admissions on class is just wishful thinking.

I owe a debt to Marquette, I'll pay it, but if the administration is trolling for good looking applications from the right side of the tracks I'm very disapointed.

They have an obligation to be in business in the future.  The people that keep them employed are students and alumni.  They would be beyond stupid not to think about their customer base and who keeps the institution going.  Education costs a ton of money to keep going, and without state subsidies to the tune that state schools are getting, that is the reality of the world that they and other private schools find themselves in.

Ignore it at your own peril, I'm glad our university isn't ignoring it, but rather being pragmatic about the realities of the world.

[Lennys Tap]

UConn is a good school, G'Town is a good school, both basketball programs have taken their share of guys that quite frankly didn't belong academically in the parking lot of the school.  Different strokes for different folks.  I admire what Stanford does, UCLA, Duke, Notre Dame, etc. 

Your elitism is disgusting. And it's also selective and hypocritical. You celebrate the Final Four of 2003 as Marquette's crowning achievement in the past 4 decades, the validation of Tom Crean's place in our history. But in your world, Dwyane Wade didn't belong academically in Marquette's parking lot. I'd give 100-1 that Robert Jackson (a product of MPS who began his career at Mississippi State - ugh) didn't either. Those two accounted for 47% of the points and 42% of the rebounds of the entire team that season.

I'll continue to celebrate that team because I'm not embarrassed by those kids. Hell, I'm in awe of them, just as I'm in awe of all the young men who came from much more difficult circumstances than you or I could imagine to improve their own lives and represent Marquette proudly. Crawl back in your hole, don't let those you deem unworthy in your special, exclusive parking lot. They don't want to be there anyway. Neither do any of the other Marquette alums whom I respect.

[MUfan12]

I'll continue to celebrate that team because I'm not embarrassed by those kids. Hell, I'm in awe of them, just as I'm in awe of all the young men who came from much more difficult circumstances than you or I could imagine to improve their own lives and represent Marquette proudly.

Exactly. I don't care what background they come from. If they go to class, stay out of trouble, and win games, that's all that matters. Junior Cadougan went through a lot of sh*t growing up and now has a MU degree. We should celebrate those stories.

Part of MU's mission going forward is to be accessible for first-generation students. The basketball program shouldn't sway from that either.

[Spotcheck Billy]

Some here talk about  the missing rivalries with former BEast schools like Louisville, UCONN etc.

Others point out how our remaining schedule is loaded with Top 50 teams.

I look forward to the rivalries we develop with these Top 50 teams and believe at some future point those teams will drive ticket sales as Joe the Plumber becomes familiar with the quality match-ups these games will provide (once MU is consistently competitive).

[Lennys Tap]

Some here talk about  the missing rivalries with former BEast schools like Louisville, UCONN etc.

Others point out how our remaining schedule is loaded with Top 50 teams.

I look forward to the rivalries we develop with these Top 50 teams and believe at some future point those teams will drive ticket sales as Joe the Plumber becomes familiar with the quality match-ups these games will provide (once MU is consistently competitive).

We traded Notre Dame, Louisville, UCONN, Syracuse, Cincinnati and (yuk) Rutgers for Xavier, Butler and Creighton.

Football forced us into a bad situation and we made the best of it - but let's face it, it was a bad situation.

[Spotcheck Billy]

We traded Notre Dame, Louisville, UCONN, Syracuse, Cincinnati and (yuk) Rutgers for Xavier, Butler and Creighton.

Football forced us into a bad situation and we made the best of it - but let's face it, it was a bad situation.

Yes, I realize that trade and football causing it.

I just think that in a few years playing Nova, G'town, Butler, Xavier and maybe Creighton could drive ticket sales as the fanbase accepts these as quality Bball teams most years.

[Herman Cain]

Yes, I realize that trade and football causing it.

I just think that in a few years playing Nova, G'town, Butler, Xavier and maybe Creighton could drive ticket sales as the fanbase accepts these as quality Bball teams most years.

I completely agree with this. The double round robin format helps to build enduring and meaningful rivalries.  I am very happy with this league and the opportunity for us.

[bilsu]

I completely agree with this. The double round robin format helps to build enduring and meaningful rivalries.  I am very happy with this league and the opportunity for us.

What is a meaningful rivalry? A rivalry that the regular ticket holder's like does not necessarily bring in new season ticket holders or walk up sales. The new conference identity's impact on season ticket sales can only be resolved by dropping some buy games in exchange for regular series with Notre Dame and Louisville. Add another quality Big 10 team to rotate with UW. At this point I would take Indiana or Mich St.

[The Lens]

One thing MU should never, ever do again is place a team like Stetson in January.  Just as STH's are forgetting the endless buy games of December, you toss another one in.

If a Wake Forest type home and home or UWGB / UWM buy could have been played this week (matching BYE weeks) it would have been great but otherwise, take your BYE and move on.