2003 team

[1SE]

Legends. Although TC was his usual a$$ self - "why didn't anyone else recruit DWade?"

[MU82]

Crean's not my fave, but he was asked the question. He didn't ask himself.

[DoctorV]

I know dudes have bones to pick, but let it go.

Tom was huge for Marquette.

So was Wade, and Travis and everyone else from that 2003 team.

Crean was right, that team was a big reason for the move to the BE.

Get over in and move on to the new legend, Shaka

[1SE]

Crean's not my fave, but he was asked the question. He didn't ask himself.

Could have deflected with something else...

[1SE]

I know dudes have bones to pick, but let it go.

Tom was huge for Marquette.

So was Wade, and Travis and everyone else from that 2003 team.

Crean was right, that team was a big reason for the move to the BE.

Get over in and move on to the new legend, Shaka

Could've made that point without throwing shade on Wade

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

Crean was fine

The dude genuinely cares about MU

[MU82]

So, your beef with Crean was that he was asked a question ... and instead of answering it, he should have talked about the weather.

[PGsHeroes32]

Legends. Although TC was his usual a$$ self - "why didn't anyone else recruit DWade?"

I just dont get the Crean hate.

Sure hes a bit of a goof and he left us but it was for Indiana, worth the shot. Since then hes always been complimentary of MU. Has never forgot his time here. Supports the program, supports TBT. GOt us a FF. Coached some all time MU greats.

And Im pretty sure he kinda misses it here.

Guy is a good rep for the program

[Autoengineer]

Could have deflected with something else...

. I thought it was a good question.  I recall that Wade kind of came out of nowhere to the casual fan.  There was very little talk about him as a recruiting target.  He was’t a prized recruit that people were fighting for and excited about. 

[DoctorV]

The response came off a bit harsh, but you know what? Tom and Dwyane have that close of a relationship that I’m sure it’s not the first time it’s been said.

Crean was honest, and Wade appreciates Marquette for it.

Crean is just looking for more respect than 2003 FF, hence the move to the BE.
Odd that he still seeks that but I get it.

I appreciate TC, I appreciate Buzz.
I appreciate Wojo, and I appreciate


Let’s give him his own spot
SHAKA SMART

[1SE]

IDK  - I always felt DW made TC more than vice versa. So to first make the weird comment about the jackets "he can afford it" and then to double down with "he was too dumb to get recruited anywhere else" just rubbed me wrong.

But the rest of the team showing up - legends - for a good but ultimately somewhat meaningless mid season game in the middle of January.  I love every member of that team - they bleed B&G without qualification- Tommy only does when it helps Tommy.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

A few boos at the Fiserv tonight for CTC, they were heavily drowned out by the cheers. Fanbase has mostly moved on but meatballs are going to meatball

[BLWarrior91]

I don’t get the hate for TC.  The guy was at Marquette for nine years, stayed after going to the Final Four and built a group that started a run of eight straight NCAA bids.  He speaks very highly of MU and knows he should’ve stayed.  The program was in a much better place when he left than when he arrived.  He also left for Indiana, not Virginia Tech. 

[Dr. Blackheart]

A few boos at the Fiserv tonight for CTC, they were heavily drowned out by the cheers. Fanbase has mostly moved on but meatballs are going to meatball

A few laughs when his microphone didn't work at halftime. Was 4Ever the sound jockey?

[#UnleashSean]

Why wasn't wade recruited elsewhere? Seriously?

He was a kid from Chicago without the grades. This was in the very early 2000s where that was a major risk. And scouting wasn't nearly what it is now. Tons of teams saw where he came from, and what he currently was, and decided it wasn't worth the risk.

Don't be dumb. Wade was huge for marquette, but he came with a risk. A risk that marquette and clean decided was worth it. And they were correct.

[brewcity77]

Crean was great, he always is when he comes back. He brought us our only Final Four in damn near 50 years. It's idiotic to keep holding a grudge

[mujivitz06]

He just wasn't a high ranking prospect. Not even close, emerged late at Richards but that combined with the fact that he would be a partial qualifier, prop 48 held teams back.  But it was more so that he just wasn't rated very highly as a prospect. Easy to say now, "why didn't everyone want him".

If I remember correctly the only real offers he had were MU, Illinois State, and maybe DePaul if I remember correctly that finally offered him very late.

He was playing AAU for Illinois Warriors, and Darius Miles was on his team so he had plenty of people watching him, but the academic issues were always a question.

There were also plenty of people that questioned the competition since he didn't play in the public league against the Chicago powerhouses, or any of the big holiday tournaments.

[brewcity77]

Wade didn't have offers in part because he was Prop 48. There was more high major interest but they backed off when he had to sit. Crean just got the Marquette job, so it was worth the risk.

[Mr. Nielsen]

Tom Crean took the student section from 200 student season tickets sold to 3K plus each season.

[tower912]

Crean took MU to a final 4.

Last night he said great things about that team, tied it in to this year's team and how they play together, said other nice things about this team and coach Smart.   He was kind and gracious.    He clearly has made peace, moved on, and appreciates his time at MU and that team.

Perhaps it is time to. follow that example.

[cheebs09]

I just dont get the Crean hate.

Sure hes a bit of a goof and he left us but it was for Indiana, worth the shot. Since then hes always been complimentary of MU. Has never forgot his time here. Supports the program, supports TBT. GOt us a FF. Coached some all time MU greats.

And Im pretty sure he kinda misses it here.

Guy is a good rep for the program

100% agree.

[Skatastrophy]

Tom Crean took the student section from 200 student season tickets sold to 3K plus each season.

I met Crean his first year as I was walking out of the McCormick cafeteria. He and Oluoma Nnamaka were there handing out tickets to the game, behind the visitor bench lower bowl, for the exhibition game that weekend. He was telling every kid that would listen what a great time we were going to have watching MU Bball.

That man could sell ketchup at a hot dog stand in Chicago

I attended the game with sweet seats while we beat the Nike Allstars or whatever, lol. BUT it was the beginning of my love affair with MUBB

[Uncle Rico]

I met Crean his first year as I was walking out of the McCormick cafeteria. He and Oluoma Nnamaka were there handing out tickets to the game, behind the visitor bench lower bowl, for the exhibition game that weekend. He was telling every kid that would listen what a great time we were going to have watching MU Bball.

That man could sell ketchup at a hot dog stand in Chicago

I attended the game with sweet seats while we beat the Nike Allstars or whatever, lol. BUT it was the beginning of my love affair with MUBB

Anyone that dismissed the impact he had on the program is a fool

[Galway Eagle]

He was an ass as he left this is true

He did huge things for the program this is true

Hes been very complimentary of MU since IU this is true

Pros outweigh negatives, I've called many a person an ass or been called an ass on this board for something that may have been true in the moment but would still grab a beer with them. I view it the same with Crean, he was an ass in a moment, that's always true but doesn't negate everything else.

[Galway Eagle]

I met Crean his first year as I was walking out of the McCormick cafeteria. He and Oluoma Nnamaka were there handing out tickets to the game, behind the visitor bench lower bowl, for the exhibition game that weekend. He was telling every kid that would listen what a great time we were going to have watching MU Bball.

That man could sell ketchup at a hot dog stand in Chicago

I attended the game with sweet seats while we beat the Nike Allstars or whatever, lol. BUT it was the beginning of my love affair with MUBB

Like when Heinz tried to market ketchup as "Chicago sauce"

[Goose]

I will never dismiss the impact Crean on had on the history of MU basketball. He provided a ton of excitement, team success, brought the greatest player in school history to the program and energized a fanbase. That being said, he left at the right time and I was happy when left. It was time for a new era.

[Galway Eagle]

I will never dismiss the impact Crean on had on the history of MU basketball. He provided a ton of excitement, team success, brought the greatest player in school history to the program and energized a fanbase. That being said, he left at the right time and I was happy when left. It was time for a new era.

+1 maybe if we make a run in 08 he stays but I doubt it and if he does maybe we're slightly better in 09 but almost certainly worse in 10, 11, 12 & 13

[Uncle Rico]

I will never dismiss the impact Crean on had on the history of MU basketball. He provided a ton of excitement, team success, brought the greatest player in school history to the program and energized a fanbase. That being said, he left at the right time and I was happy when left. It was time for a new era.

Program rejuvenator, not a coach to take the program to the next step?  Probably

[tower912]

Mmmmm, ketchup on a hot dog.   With some sweet relish, onions, cheese

[MU82]

Mmmmm, ketchup on a hot dog.   With some sweet relish, onions, cheese

So wait ... ketchup on hot dogs AND pineapple on pizza?

Jeesh, just when you thought you knew a guy!

[Markusquette]

He was asked questions and answered honestly and was very complimentary of Wade as to be expected. TC's a good guy and cares about MU.

[real chili 83]

Crean made an awful choice when he left by lying to the Administration.

He was also a screaming prick to many of the staff inside the Al.  That’s in part why you hear boo’s.

I appreciate his success on the court. IU did us a favor. Crean was not sustainable. His post MU record supports that.   

Do I think he is more humble now?  Perhaps.

That ship has sailed.

[mileskishnish72]

He was an ass as he left this is true

He did huge things for the program this is true

Hes been very complimentary of MU since IU this is true

Pros outweigh negatives, I've called many a person an ass or been called an ass on this board for something that may have been true in the moment but would still grab a beer with them. I view it the same with Crean, he was an ass in a moment, that's always true but doesn't negate everything else.

Good summation, GE.

[CountryRoads]

I hated Crean when he left for Indiana and tuned into most IU games actively rooting for him to lose. It was a satisfying day for me when they fired him.

Though at that point, I completed got over the hatred and can now fully appreciate what he did for MU and I’ve wished him success since then. I wanted him to succeed at Georgia and would give him a warm welcome back to MU any time.

[tower912]

So wait ... ketchup on hot dogs AND pineapple on pizza?

Jeesh, just when you thought you knew a guy!

[mix it up]

Could have deflected with something else...

Now why would he have deflected? Landing Wade and getting to the FF were his 2 biggest accomplishments in his career. (ok, some might argue getting hired by 4I was) Anyone with those achievements would talk about it when asked. ANYONE

[brewcity77]

Many people dislike that Crean is a salesman. Those types always come across as disingenuous. That said, after Deane we NEEDED a salesman. We needed someone to fill the student section, to bring back donors, and to get the right recruits. Crean did all that and thank god because the vast majority of us wouldn't be here if he hadn't.

Crean was a salesman, Buzz was a showman, and Wojo was a nice guy in over his head. Shaka is different than all of them. He's a ball coach and a relationship builder. But he's not a salesman.

We could really use a salesman right now. A salesman that can sell the brand that is Marquette.

[jfp61]

Many people dislike that Crean is a salesman. Those types always come across as disingenuous. That said, after Deane we NEEDED a salesman. We needed someone to fill the student section, to bring back donors, and to get the right recruits. Crean did all that and thank god because the vast majority of us wouldn't be here if he hadn't.

Crean was a salesman, Buzz was a showman, and Wojo was a nice guy in over his head. Shaka is different than all of them. He's a ball coach and a relationship builder. But he's not a salesman.

We could really use a salesman right now. A salesman that can sell the brand that is Marquette.

100%. Marketing is stepping it up as of recently with the success of the team. Marquette could use a touch more salesmanship to really keep things rolling, or just a sweet 16, ill take that too.

[ZiggysFryBoy]

Many people dislike that Crean is a salesman. Those types always come across as disingenuous. That said, after Deane we NEEDED a salesman. We needed someone to fill the student section, to bring back donors, and to get the right recruits. Crean did all that and thank god because the vast majority of us wouldn't be here if he hadn't.

Crean was a salesman, Buzz was a showman, and Wojo was a nice guy in over his head. Shaka is different than all of them. He's a ball coach and a relationship builder. But he's not a salesman.

We could really use a salesman right now. A salesman that can sell the brand that is Marquette.

You are saying that you would rather have a crean or buzz type over Shaka?

Is scooptakes still around?  JFC.

[MUfan12]

You are saying that you would rather have a crean or buzz type over Shaka?

brew can correct me if I'm wrong, but I read it as he'd like Crean at MU to sell while Shaka coaches ball.

[GoFastAndWin]

. I thought it was a good question.  I recall that Wade kind of came out of nowhere to the casual fan.  There was very little talk about him as a recruiting target.  He was’t a prized recruit that people were fighting for and excited about.

While this is true, it should be noted that almost the minute Wade stepped on the OldGym practice floor, everyone knew he was going to be special, to the point that MU beat writer Lori Nickel wrote an article about him entitled “The One Who Didn’t Get Away.”

[brewcity77]

You are saying that you would rather have a crean or buzz type over Shaka?

Is scooptakes still around?  JFC.

Not at all. I want Shaka here as long as possible. The next 25 years would be great.

But someone who's a salesman working with Shaka? That would be ideal. Let Shaka run things, let the salesman hype the program.

[tower912]

A competent marketing department.   I just got my invitation to buy an ugly hat for National Marquette Day.      Sorry.   I want something like this, but with an MU logo and the colors on the underside of the brim.


https://www.williammurraygolf.com/products/players-tech-hat-white

There are so many cool styles and designs out there.    The gray uniforms weren't great on the court, but they opened up a whole palette of MU gear.   

The Wiscy jerseys from the Penn State game, if they do an entire product line, are going to make them a crap ton of money.   

[4everwarriors]

Crean's not very bright. Having said that, he has the gift of gab, which in college basketball translates to being able to recruit.
As for his coaching, he's a phony and a fraud. Getting #3 into MU is Crean's greatest accomplishment. DWade made Tom Crean generational wealth and as such he and Joanie should worship the ground he walks on.
In short, Crean sucks and are better off without that empty sack, hey?

[ZiggysFryBoy]

Not at all. I want Shaka here as long as possible. The next 25 years would be great.

But someone who's a salesman working with Shaka? That would be ideal. Let Shaka run things, let the salesman hype the program.

So like a hype man? 

[panda]

I'd go as far as to say you don't know ball if you don't like Tom Crean at this point.

[cheebs09]

So like a hype man?

Crean can take over the MC role and play Cotton Eye Joe at the most opportune moment.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

Marquette doesn't need a salesman or showman. They need to win with consistency. If Shaka brings that, all will be good.

[panda]

Marquette doesn't need a salesman or showman. They need to win with consistency. If Shaka brings that, all will be good.

That's what the fine people in the MU athletics marketing office are for.

[Miss Katie’s]

A competent marketing department.   I just got my invitation to buy an ugly hat for National Marquette Day.      Sorry.   I want something like this, but with an MU logo and the colors on the underside of the brim.


https://www.williammurraygolf.com/products/players-tech-hat-white

There are so many cool styles and designs out there.    The gray uniforms weren't great on the court, but they opened up a whole palette of MU gear.   

The Wiscy jerseys from the Penn State game, if they do an entire product line, are going to make them a crap ton of money.   

I’d love that hat.  Great eye. 

[tower912]

I’d love that hat.  Great eye.

Subtle Nike swoosh on the side. Small blue and gold Jumpman on the back.

[ZiggysFryBoy]

That's what the fine people in the MU athletics marketing office are for.

The "we're in 2nd place, buy an ugly hat" marketing department?  Good luck.

[Jockey]

A few laughs when his microphone didn't work at halftime. Was 4Ever the sound jockey?

Please don't use 4ever and Jockey in the same sentence.

[wadesworld]

Marquette doesn't need a salesman or showman. They need to win with consistency. If Shaka brings that, all will be good.

Exactly.  The marketing of the program is just fine.

[dajudge]

Exactly.  The marketing of the program is just fine.

https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/college/marquette/2023/01/19/35-things-you-might-have-forgotten-from-marquette-2003-ncaa-final-four-mens-basketball-run/69822099007/
Fun article.
Hope it is not behind the paywall---beyond my technical competence.

[Dr. Blackheart]

https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/college/marquette/2023/01/19/35-things-you-might-have-forgotten-from-marquette-2003-ncaa-final-four-mens-basketball-run/69822099007/
Fun article.
Hope it is not behind the paywall---beyond my technical competence.

This was a fun night and well done. Other than the 100 Year event, it was nice to see MU embrace its history in a more public way as this was a national story. And certainly Brand Wade has a lot to do with that.

It also occurred to me that the 1974 and 1977 Final 2 events were not as public recently, and we have lost too many of those participants. Perhaps MU should have a commemorative event for all Final 4 classes next year before it's too late?

[brewcity77]

Apparently shaming the marketing department works.

Mark Strotman in November: https://twitter.com/markstrot/status/1593271197118173184?s=46&t=VhcSXc-jjVm3X9n1Yj5fpQ

Marquette two months later: https://twitter.com/marquettembb/status/1616557369076641794?s=46&t=YE3kDtFrlOmJHqxR79mEQA

[wadesworld]

Apparently shaming the marketing department works.

Mark Strotman in November: https://twitter.com/markstrot/status/1593271197118173184?s=46&t=VhcSXc-jjVm3X9n1Yj5fpQ

Marquette two months later: https://twitter.com/marquettembb/status/1616557369076641794?s=46&t=YE3kDtFrlOmJHqxR79mEQA

No it doesn't.

They need to sell tickets.

[cheebs09]

Apparently shaming the marketing department works.

Mark Strotman in November: https://twitter.com/markstrot/status/1593271197118173184?s=46&t=VhcSXc-jjVm3X9n1Yj5fpQ

Marquette two months later: https://twitter.com/marquettembb/status/1616557369076641794?s=46&t=YE3kDtFrlOmJHqxR79mEQA

Really starting to debate my season tickets if this deal includes lower bowl.

[oilcan]

I grew up in Wisconsin. What was special about that team besides trashing Kentucky (I think they were 26-0 and ranked #1) was the fact that seven players on the roster were born in Wisconsin and played high school bb in Wisconsin.  Travis Diener, Andy Freund, Tony Gries, Rob Jackson, Scott Merritt, Steve Novak and Terry Sanders. 

[GoldenEagles03]

Dwyane Wade lives one wild life.

One night hes in Milwaukee for a 2003 Final Four Reunion.

The next he's in Italy.

Then over to Utah sitting courtside with the Jazz ownership

Now in LA getting backrubs from Jeanie Buss while LeBron breaks the scoring record. https://twitter.com/_Talkin_NBA/status/1623169882094288896?t=agcQqyhOOh1SZX6hN3JvxA&s=19

No wonder Diener was giving him so grief and messing with him so much a few weeks ago. Guy is all over the map.

[4everwarriors]

He ain't flyin' WN either, hey?

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

Dwyane Wade lives one wild life.

One night hes in Milwaukee for a 2003 Final Four Reunion.

The next he's in Italy.

Then over to Utah sitting courtside with the Jazz ownership

Now in LA getting backrubs from Jeanie Buss while LeBron breaks the scoring record. https://twitter.com/_Talkin_NBA/status/1623169882094288896?t=agcQqyhOOh1SZX6hN3JvxA&s=19

No wonder Diener was giving him so grief and messing with him so much a few weeks ago. Guy is all over the map.

Good for him. Enjoying the fruits of his labor.

[4everwarriors]

Owes it all ta T-Cubed too, aina?