2018-19 Media Predictions

[Golden Avalanche]

I think they'll be remembered much more fondly. The way they won most of those games, the Sister Jean factor and the plucky little urban Catholic school thing they had going for them, will make Loyola's run far more memorable than that of the other 11 seeds who've been to a Final Four.

It will be regional in nature.

For the people on this board, primarily upper midwesterners, Loyola's run will mean much more than it will to those of us outside that region.

[MU82]

Wait ... what ... Loyola was in the Final Four?

[Galway Eagle]

https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2018-04-04/duke-villanova-kansas-lead-early-look-top-2019-contenders

Big East: Villanova could/should be the class of the league, assuming the Wildcats don't get gutted by early-entry decisions. Let's assume that there isn't a mass exodus, and with the addition of Cole Swider, the Wildcats should be right back near the top. Donte DiViencenzo is more than capable of being the star once Jalen Brunson is gone. But never assume everyone stays.

The Big East was top heavy with senior-laden teams. So, there will be a bit of reshuffling. Marquette could be the sleeper team with Markus Howard, Sam and Joey Hauser and transfer Ed Morrow. Providence still has Alpha Diallo, Nate Watson and David Duke. Xavier returns Naji Marshall and Paul Scruggs, Quentin Goodin and Kaiser Gates.

[WarriorDad]

Sweet diversion...keep them all guessing my man

I have been nothing but complimentary to Coach Williams and former Marquette coaches. My only gripe with him is the comments he made about the Big East, which look more and more absurd as Nova tacks on titles, the conference remains ranked in the top 3. 

https://www.muscoop.com/index.php?topic=55605.0

[TSmith34, Inc.]

I have been nothing but complimentary to Coach Williams and former Marquette coaches. My only gripe with him is the comments he made about the Big East, which look more and more absurd as Nova tacks on titles, the conference remains ranked in the top 3. 

https://www.muscoop.com/index.php?topic=55605.0

You're pathetic Chicos.  Go have a beer summit and stay there.

[Eldon]

This is an interesting point, and I don't mean this to argue against what you're saying, but rather raise IT for discussion.
I listened to an interview with Ed Cooley the other day, and he said Xs and Os really aren't an important part of his job. He said the most important parts of being a head coach are building relationships (with players, staff, administrators, recruiting contacts, etc.), and creating a culture.
That could all just be coachspeak, of course, but I think he has a point. Mike Deane could coach circles around Tom crean and Buzz Williams, but had a fraction of the success at Marquette because of his weakness in other areas.
Obviously you want a head coach who can coach and be a relationship guy.

And I agree, next season is a big one for Wojo. If he can't get a top 25-30 season out of this group, it's not a good sign.

#assistantsMatta

[Eldon]

A couple of thoughts about next year that I have and feel fairly strongly about:

1) I know we will be better but I do not like the idea that people see us as a Top 25 team. We Scoopers and the True Believers put enough pressure on this team. I know we expect a Top 25 team, but not sure I like it in writing from so-called experts. I'd rather have us sneak up on people.

2) With Rowsey gone, we make the broad-based assumption that someone single-handedly has to make up his scoring. WRONG!!!! I'm confident that our offense should be more balanced, that our inside people will become more prolific scorers and that Matt Heldt/Ed Morrow et al will get more than 2.2 points per game. I'm high on Bailey and think that Greg Elliott could become a major asset to us as well, but I also think for us to break into the NCAA tournament and have an impact, we will have to be a balanced team. No more hero ball.

3) If we don't play defense, we will have a 50-year streak with the NIT. The point guard Wojo and Stan are scouring the country for needs to be found and needs to set the defensive tone.

4) I've said it before and I will say it again. If we don't make the NCAA, Wojo's seat will be 1000 degrees Kelvin and he will be shaking hands with Beelzebub. If we are a one-and-done team,  it will be a strong disappointment.

5) The best thing that ever happened to the NCAA was Loyola. It proves a hot team with heart and defense can go far. A little belief helps too. I expect us to be in that position a year from now --- but don't tell anyone!

6) Beat the Rodent!

What makes you so sure?

[Silkk the Shaka]

What makes you so sure?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7G_Gw8rbihY