[Cracked Sidewalks] Resume Builder's Last Call

[brewcity77]

Teams like Marquette have scheduling flexibility, and never before has so much NCAA resume data been available with so much simultaneous opportunity to fill holes on the schedule due to cancellations. A savvy athletic department might look at the NET and realize "we can add a sure-fire Quadrant 1 game that we would likely win to bolster our resume." That would be especially smart for athletic departments of teams sitting on the NCAA bubble, like Marquette.

Here's Cracked Sidewalks' look at some potential high-reward, low-risk ways to improve a resume in the middle of an unprecedented season, as well as the latest S-Curve and where Marquette lands:

http://www.crackedsidewalks.com/2021/01/resume-builders-last-call.html

[mileskishnish72]

Lotta good stuff here, Brew, but I'd be leery of back-to-backs (after @UConn or @Prov) for a team like ours that gets tired easily.

[brewcity77]

Marquette is reportedly looking for a game in the next 10 days. If they believe they can run the table and sneak into an at-large bid, here are games they should consider:

• Loyola-Chicago, Feb 20
  
• Colgate, Feb 24
  
• Drake, Feb 19 or 24
  
• St Bonaventure, Feb 24
  
• Boise State, Feb 22

If I'm Wojo and there's any concern I'm coaching for my job, I get aggressive and schedule the best team I can that could also use the resume boost of winning a Q2 high-major road game.

[Galway Eagle]

Marquette is reportedly looking for a game in the next 10 days. If they believe they can run the table and sneak into an at-large bid, here are games they should consider:

• Loyola-Chicago, Feb 20
  
• Colgate, Feb 24
  
• Drake, Feb 19 or 24
  
• St Bonaventure, Feb 24
  
• Boise State, Feb 22

If I'm Wojo and there's any concern I'm coaching for my job, I get aggressive and schedule the best team I can that could also use the resume boost of winning a Q2 high-major road game.

That would be the coaching job of a lifetime. Instead I expect they'll say "nobody reached out" then go out whimpering after winning Wednesday night.

[brewcity77]

That would be the coaching job of a lifetime. Instead I expect they'll say "nobody reached out" then go out whimpering after winning Wednesday night.

I'm firmly in the virtually no shot in hell camp, but if I'm an optimist in the program, I think it's the most savvy move they can make. It also sends a message to the team and fanbase that they aren't giving up on the season.

[Galway Eagle]

I'm firmly in the virtually no shot in hell camp, but if I'm an optimist in the program, I think it's the most savvy move they can make. It also sends a message to the team and fanbase that they aren't giving up on the season.

Yeah I mean. I'll never hop back on the Wojo train but at least it'd give us all something to cheer for and a slight glimmer of hope again.

[5DollarPitcher]

In what world would 9-10 in the Big East, 14-12 overall, put us in the tournament?  We aren't even on the same continent as the bubble.

[MU82]

The two that make the most sense to me:

++ Loyola on either 2/20 or 2/23. Either date would fit nicely in either team's schedule, the travel is easy, and it's a real quality opponent.

++ Georgetown on 2/25. We're going to UConn on 2/27, so it's a pretty easy flight from DC to Hartford. It's the conference game both teams are missing.

I know GT doesn't help our resume much if at all ... but really, we ain't getting an at-large bid even if we win out, so such talk seems silly. And I like playing a full BE schedule. But GT has a noon game at DePaul on 2/27 and it's hard to blame them if they'd rather not play a home game only about 40 hours earlier.

So I'd go with Loyola. Logistically, it makes sense. If we do it 2/23 it still gives Marquette's players nearly a week to heal their wounds and then plenty of time before UConn. And it theoretically could help both LU and MU.

Oh, and it also would let us see The Great Porter Moser (who just took down mighty, mighty Valpo by 2 at home) go heads-up against The Worst Coach In Basketball History (coming off his pathetic squeaker of a road win over D3-reject Butler).

[BCHoopster]

Best Villy and Creighton in the Big East tournament

[Uncle Rico]

In what world would 9-10 in the Big East, 14-12 overall, put us in the tournament?  We aren't even on the same continent as the bubble.

That's right.  The staff and players should opt out

[BM1090]

In what world would 9-10 in the Big East, 14-12 overall, put us in the tournament?  We aren't even on the same continent as the bubble.

If they scheduled another game and won it they would be 15-12. That resume, with a win or two in the BET, could allow them to sneak in at something like 17-13.

It's not happening though and nobody here believes it is going to happen so save yourself the arguments.

[brewcity77]

In what world would 9-10 in the Big East, 14-12 overall, put us in the tournament?  We aren't even on the same continent as the bubble.

This is spoken like someone who doesn't look at bubble resumes every week. I think we're better off if we get to +3 in the win column, but as recently as last week, many bracketologists had Penn State with a losing overall record in the field. Maryland has been right there with a record hovering around .500. Our quality wins are better than just about anyone on the bubble.

I don't expect it. I'm off the Wojo train. But if you aren't abandoning all hope (and while we can do that, people on the team, staff, and in Marquette admin shouldn't) then you schedule aggressively and try to get an at-large. Because bubble resumes suck.

[CountryRoads]

I think we're limited in our options. It would have to be a home game for it to make sense for the opponent. Why would a team risk a loss to a Q3 team on their home floor at this time of the year? We should definitely stay Q2 if the opponent comes to Milwaukee, though.

[5DollarPitcher]

If they scheduled another game and won it they would be 15-12. That resume, with a win or two in the BET, could allow them to sneak in at something like 17-13.

It's not happening though and nobody here believes it is going to happen so save yourself the arguments.

I factored the 1 additional game (that doesn't even exist yet) into 14-12. You gave them an extra game.

[5DollarPitcher]

This is spoken like someone who doesn't look at bubble resumes every week. I think we're better off if we get to +3 in the win column, but as recently as last week, many bracketologists had Penn State with a losing overall record in the field. Maryland has been right there with a record hovering around .500. Our quality wins are better than just about anyone on the bubble.

I don't expect it. I'm off the Wojo train. But if you aren't abandoning all hope (and while we can do that, people on the team, staff, and in Marquette admin shouldn't) then you schedule aggressively and try to get an at-large. Because bubble resumes suck.

As of today, Penn State is in 2 of 109 brackets. I wouldn't call that a bubble team. And their resume is still better than ours with a much better SOS, less Q1 losses, same Q1 wins, more Q2 wins. And their impressive wins have come in December and January compared to ours in November.

We could win every single remaining regular season game and an additional game against Loyola Chicago or some other inconsequential school, and we will not be considered. The only way we make it in is if we win the Big East tourney (mayybbeeeee if we win every single game and go to the Final).

[5DollarPitcher]

As of today, Penn State is in 2 of 109 brackets. I wouldn't call that a bubble team. And their resume is still better than ours with a much better SOS, less Q1 losses, same Q1 wins, more Q2 wins. And their impressive wins have come in December and January compared to ours in November.

We could win every single remaining regular season game and an additional game against Loyola Chicago or some other inconsequential school, and we will not be considered. The only way we make it in is if we win the Big East tourney (mayybbeeeee if we win every single game and go to the Final).

Oh and Marquette has a Q4 LOSS by the way whereas Penn State hasn't even played a Q4 game.

[Uncle Rico]

As of today, Penn State is in 2 of 109 brackets. I wouldn't call that a bubble team. And their resume is still better than ours with a much better SOS, less Q1 losses, same Q1 wins, more Q2 wins. And their impressive wins have come in December and January compared to ours in November.

We could win every single remaining regular season game and an additional game against Loyola Chicago or some other inconsequential school, and we will not be considered. The only way we make it in is if we win the Big East tourney (mayybbeeeee if we win every single game and go to the Final).

So?

[brewcity77]

As of today, Penn State is in 2 of 109 brackets. I wouldn't call that a bubble team. And their resume is still better than ours with a much better SOS, less Q1 losses, same Q1 wins, more Q2 wins. And their impressive wins have come in December and January compared to ours in November.

We could win every single remaining regular season game and an additional game against Loyola Chicago or some other inconsequential school, and we will not be considered. The only way we make it in is if we win the Big East tourney (mayybbeeeee if we win every single game and go to the Final).

*Sigh*

I know...reading is hard. Penn State is in two brackets that posted before their Nebraska loss. I was specifically referring to before the MSU game when they were listed in far more brackets despite a losing record, which is why I said a week ago.

Marquette currently has more Q1 wins than North Carolina, Indiana, Drake, Boise State, St. Bonaventure, Colorado State, UConn, or Utah State, who are the last 8 in per Bracket Matrix. If they added a Q1 win (say Loyola) as well as a win at UConn, those 5 Q1 wins would be tough to keep out with a winning record of any kind.

I'm not saying they have a good chance. But if they added a Q1/2 win and won out until at least the Thursday of the Big East Tournament, it would give them a legitimate shot. And if you're involved with Marquette basketball as a player, coach, or administratively, that's what you want right now. I expect them to miss. I want Wojo fired. Even if they make the tournament, my feelings on that won't change.

Oh, and while the Q4 loss is disappointing, the Selection Committee historically puts a LOT more value on who you beat than the losses you have. 5 Q1 wins and a Q4 loss is worth more than 2-3 Q1 wins and a perfect Q3/4 record. That's not even remotely debatable.

[cheebs09]

Also, in a normal year, our record probably looks 3 to 4 wins better with buy games.

[MU82]

Nice try, brew. But 5Cent has been actively rooting against Marquette all season, and he sure as hell ain't gonna stop now.

[brewcity77]

Nice try, brew. But 5Cent has been actively rooting against Marquette all season, and he sure as hell ain't gonna stop now.

Honestly, I really don't have hope for them either, but if I was inside the room, I would be scrapping and clawing for any hope I could get. If they added a game, won out, and made a semi-final run, they would have a legitimately good case. And if they missed out, they would probably make the NIT. It might not mean much to fans, but it would probably be fun for the players and you'd have a shot at cutting down some form of nets. For the staff, it would also be something to point at to convince admin to retain them.

You gotta play for something, right?

[Uncle Rico]

Honestly, I really don't have hope for them either, but if I was inside the room, I would be scrapping and clawing for any hope I could get. If they added a game, won out, and made a semi-final run, they would have a legitimately good case. And if they missed out, they would probably make the NIT. It might not mean much to fans, but it would probably be fun for the players and you'd have a shot at cutting down some form of nets. For the staff, it would also be something to point at to convince admin to retain them.

You gotta play for something, right?

This.  I'm not hopeful for some miracle or even positive signs but the kids don't want to give up and the staff will be motivated (probably).

[BCHoopster]

Team has not given up, kids win or lose love to play hoops. Glad to see the coach making even a slight change which yesterday worked.  Butler was plan bad yesterday, let's see what happens at UCONN. Nice to see Theo playing so well , might want him back next year. The other 2, Koby no and Jamal maybe. Need a good small forward transfer that can put the ball in the hole. Can either of the 2 guards recruited shoot?

[BM1090]

I factored the 1 additional game (that doesn't even exist yet) into 14-12. You gave them an extra game.

You're correct. My fault. The point still remains if they finish at 16-13.

[MU82]

Honestly, I really don't have hope for them either, but if I was inside the room, I would be scrapping and clawing for any hope I could get. If they added a game, won out, and made a semi-final run, they would have a legitimately good case. And if they missed out, they would probably make the NIT. It might not mean much to fans, but it would probably be fun for the players and you'd have a shot at cutting down some form of nets. For the staff, it would also be something to point at to convince admin to retain them.

You gotta play for something, right?

Of course.

Always, always, always* play to win. The long-term stuff will take care of itself.

(*I admit that if by tanking one game I could draft Peyton Manning or Trevor Lawrence, I would do it as an organization. But despite the best attempts of some Scoopers to equate our situation to something like that, this ain't that.)