How does this team rank amongst the 2000s?

[Galway Eagle]

The season isn't over, I get that. But as we close out a second decade of 2000s, where do you think this team holds up to the other 2000s teams? (at their peak, so 05 with Diener, 09 with James). I'd go:

1. 2003 (27-6, NCAA)
2. 2009 (25-10, NCAA)
3. 2012 (27-8, NCAA)
4. 2019 (18-3, NCAA)
5. 2002 (26-7, NCAA)
6. 2013 (26-9, NCAA)
7. 2008 (25-10, NCAA)
8. 2007 (24-10, NCAA)
9. 2010 (22-12, NCAA)
10. 2005 (19-12, NIT)
11. 2006 (20-11, NCAA)
12. 2011 (22-15, NCAA)
13. 2018 (21-13, NIT)
14. 2017 (19-13, NCAA)
15. 2016 (20-13)
16. 2004 (19-12, NIT)
17. 2014 (17-15)
18. 2015 (13-19)
19. 2001 (15-14)
20. 2000 (15-14, NIT)

[blikemike2]

I didn't realize we missed 3 years in a row 14-16 and 4 out of last 5 NCAA's. Needless to say I'm hungry

[The Sultan]

You have 2009 ranked too high.  Sure if DJ would have been healthy it would have been better, but he wasn't and the team tanked down the stretch and lost in the second round.

Also you have 2013 ranked too low.  That team won the BE and got to the E8. 

[cheebs09]

You have 2009 ranked too high.  Sure if DJ would have been healthy it would have been better, but he wasn't and the team tanked down the stretch and lost in the second round.

Also you have 2013 ranked too low.  That team won the BE and got to the E8.

He mentioned ranking at their peak. Which I would agree. That team had almost no depth, but that starting five was really tough.

[Eye]

Thought 09 team could make the Final 8 and maybe more until DJ got hurt. Even after DJ got hurt, level of play in that game against UConn was really high.

[IrwinFletcher]

One season under .500 and 3 seasons (if you include the two 15-14 seasons) out of 20 where we were 1 game over or under .500.

And that is under 3 different coaches.  Goes to show that this program can achieve success regardless of who is wearing the fancy suit on the sideline.  Speaks to the support of the school and the administration and gives hope that if and when Wojo leaves for any reason, we should be just fine.

[Galway Eagle]

You have 2009 ranked too high.  Sure if DJ would have been healthy it would have been better, but he wasn't and the team tanked down the stretch and lost in the second round.

Also you have 2013 ranked too low.  That team won the BE and got to the E8.

honestly I think that team really punched above its weight. I don't recall them being that impressive. And as Cheebs said this is at their peak which is why the 05 team is ranked so high

[Lennys Tap]

Ranking teams based on their actual accomplishments (regular and post season) is an interesting exercise. Ranking teams "at their peak" doesn't make any more sense to me than ranking them "at low ebb".

This year's team might end up being #1 in the 2000s. Or much lower. Enjoy the ride and hope they're "at their peak" in March when the games matter most.

[Mr. Sand-Knit]

Thought 09 team could make the Final 8 and maybe more until DJ got hurt. Even after DJ got hurt, level of play in that game against UConn was really high.

My favorite team in a long while.  Was a huge huge fan of dom james, simply loved that kid's toughness.  Was at that uconn game, season that could have been...

[THRILLHO]

Ranking teams "at their peak" doesn't make any more sense to me than ranking them "at low ebb".

Makes perfect sense to me (and others in this thread). I hope you are able to find something in the >1000 pages of other threads that makes sense to you so you can contribute.

[The Sultan]

Ranking teams based on their actual accomplishments (regular and post season) is an interesting exercise. Ranking teams "at their peak" doesn't make any more sense to me than ranking them "at low ebb".

Yeah this is where I am as well.  I could argue that this team peaked during the second half v. Buffalo.  But that doesn't mean much.

[Galway Eagle]

Yeah this is where I am as well.  I could argue that this team peaked during the second half v. Buffalo.  But that doesn't mean much.

buzzkill

[brewcity77]

You have 2009 ranked too high.  Sure if DJ would have been healthy it would have been better, but he wasn't and the team tanked down the stretch and lost in the second round.

Also you have 2013 ranked too low.  That team won the BE and got to the E8.

Disagree on both counts. If anything, I think 2009 might be too low. If James stays healthy (which is the premise of the thread) I think we win the Big East and potentially make a Final Four run as a more legitimate title contender than 2003. And while the E8 run was fun, that team was incredibly lucky to survive the first weekend not just against Davidson but also against Butler. 2008 and 2007 may have ended sooner, but they were probably better teams.

[Marqus Howard]

Not a big quibble, but since it hasn't been mentioned, I think the 2017 team was better than the 2018 team.

[Galway Eagle]

Not a big quibble, but since it hasn't been mentioned, I think the 2017 team was better than the 2018 team.

I think the difference is negligible, I put last year's team higher because how lucky we were with the injuries to X and Creighton when we played them

[Mr. Sand-Knit]

Disagree on both counts. If anything, I think 2009 might be too low. If James stays healthy (which is the premise of the thread) I think we win the Big East and potentially make a Final Four run as a more legitimate title contender than 2003. And while the E8 run was fun, that team was incredibly lucky to survive the first weekend not just against Davidson but also against Butler. 2008 and 2007 may have ended sooner, but they were probably better teams.

2007 n 2008 we had Crean as a coach, the guy sucked, still does.  Career has been a downward spiral since his pot of gold was drafted 5th overall by the Miami Heat.

[LoudMouth]

I think the difference is negligible, I put last year's team higher because how lucky we were with the injuries to X and Creighton when we played them

Not related to this at all, but your signature would officially be depressing if it were to happen 

[Galway Eagle]

Not related to this at all, but your signature would officially be depressing if it were to happen 

Was my preseason prediction. Gotta own it.

[LoudMouth]

Was my preseason prediction. Gotta own it.

[BM1090]

I didn't realize we missed 3 years in a row 14-16 and 4 out of last 5 NCAA's. Needless to say I'm hungry

How did you not realize this?

Good thread idea. I think 2009 was our best team, followed by 2003 and 2012. 2013 was kind of a flash in the pan run. Was amazingly fun but I think the 2012 team smokes the 2013 team

[Cheeks]

Are you rating the team at the end of the year or full strength.  James broken foot was a killer.  The Diener NIT team was obviously better than their end result, but he was sidelined.  The McNeal broken wrist team the same.

[Galway Eagle]

Are you rating the team at the end of the year or full strength.  James broken foot was a killer.  The Diener NIT team was obviously better than their end result, but he was sidelined.  The McNeal broken wrist team the same.

Full strength, sorry if that was not clear. Forgot that McNeal broke his wrist, that was the sophomore year team right against MSU?

[CTWarrior]

Ranking teams based on their actual accomplishments (regular and post season) is an interesting exercise. Ranking teams "at their peak" doesn't make any more sense to me than ranking them "at low ebb".

This year's team might end up being #1 in the 2000s. Or much lower. Enjoy the ride and hope they're "at their peak" in March when the games matter most.

I agree with you Lenny but I see the opening post's point.  That 2009 team was a personal favorite as they were tough as nails.  I still wonder what they would have done if not for the injury to James.

[Cheeks]

Full strength, sorry if that was not clear. Forgot that McNeal broke his wrist, that was the sophomore year team right against MSU?

Correct

[Goose]

Lenny is spot on. There is no way to evaluate teams at their peaks vs. other peaks. This team should be judged by the end result, just like all other years. This team might be #1 or out of top half.