Congrats to UConn

[MuggsyB]

They're just better than everyone.  Meanwhile the B20 streak is at what?  25 yrs? 

[Spirit Of James]

They're just better than everyone.  Meanwhile the B20 streak is at what?  25 yrs? 

I think that makes 10 Natty’s for the BEast in the last 25 years (yea I know, Pitino had to forfeit his). Meanwhile the B20 is at 1 in the last 35 years…

[WhiteTrash]

I think that makes 10 Natty’s for the BEast in the last 25 years (yea I know, Pitino had to forfeit his). Meanwhile the B20 is at 1 in the last 35 years…

I'll still argue the Big10 is the best mid-major conference.

[MuggsyB]

I think that makes 10 Natty’s for the BEast in the last 25 years (yea I know, Pitino had to forfeit his). Meanwhile the B20 is at 1 in the last 35 years…

Lol.   

[MuggsyB]

That's the most dominant two tourneys I can ever remember.

[Shooter McGavin]

That's the most dominant two tourneys I can ever remember.

Yep Muggsy.  Pretty impressive. 

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Congrats UConn. I hope your entire roster goes pro and youre terrible for years to come.

[Dr. Blackheart]

B1G basketball (male or female) zero for the century. 

Four BE teams in the tourney egregious

Two (semi) Big East refs whistling the final.

Hurley won the championship on roster construction.  Can play multiple styles of play.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

Yeah. I can’t see Hurley going to UK.

[MuggsyB]

UCONN was 6-22 from distance and still blew them out.

[CountryRoads]

UCONN was 6-22 from distance and still blew them out.

They’re a machine. They just keep coming after you. Only chance to get them is at home.

[oldwarrior81]

I think that makes 10 Natty’s for the BEast in the last 25 years (yea I know, Pitino had to forfeit his). Meanwhile the B20 is at 1 in the last 35 years…

But the B10-20 are retooling by adding the quartet from the Conference of Champions.

On second view, did the 12PAC win one since Zona in '97?

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

But the B10-20 are retooling by adding the quartet from the Conference of Champions.

On second view, did the 12PAC win one since Zona in '97?

Nope. Pretty sure they only got to one other championship game. (UCLA lost to Florida right?) Utah under Majerus was in the MWC.

[GoFastAndWin]

4 of the last 8 for the best conference in the land! A league that refused to fall victim to any requiem. Imagine that, a team from Storrs sticks it to Bristol again!

[WhiteTrash]

4 of the last 8 for the best conference in the land! A league that refused to fall victim to any requiem. Imagine that, a team from Storrs sticks it to Bristol again!

LOVE IT!

ESPN's open disdain for the Big East is truly hilarious.

[MuggsyB]

I will give D.Hurley credit for consistently praising out conference. 

[JustinLewisFanClubPres]

Absolute buzz saw. So balanced. So well coached. Hurley is a heel but he is damn good at it and he keeps all the heat off his players. Tip your cap because that was an absolute clinic even with Edey physically removing his defender from legal guarding position all game (season).

[tower912]

UConn was the best team all season.  Hat tipped.

[HowardsWorld]

I think that makes 10 Natty’s for the BEast in the last 25 years (yea I know, Pitino had to forfeit his). Meanwhile the B20 is at 1 in the last 35 years…

and we have 0 so?

[Uncle Rico]

Purely dominant squad

https://x.com/uconn6thborough/status/1777566019470635249?s=46&t=QSiaGcOIKZrrpw0ciZkI5Q

[tower912]

and we have 0 so?

The Big East isn't dead yet.   Do you remember 'Requiem for the Big East?'  Great conference.  One that breeds champions.   

[Badgerhater]

MU was the last team to beat them in an elimination game.

I remember that in the huddle TV shot at last years BET when Hurley said MU can’t guard like that the whole game.  He was wrong, but his teams have been virtually unbeatable since.

[MattyWarrior]

We need to build a team like that, start with a mobile 7 footer

[BLWarrior91]

Hurleys statement about UCONN running college basketball for the last 30 years is absolutely true.  6 men’s titles and an incredible 11 women’s titles in that span.  Absolute dominance.

Yet there are people who still don’t consider them a blue blood.  It’s even more impressive that three different coaches have been part of those six men’s titles.

[Uncle Rico]

We need to build a team like that, start with a mobile 7 footer

Shaka has got to get one.  College basketball is littered with mobile 7’ players and we can’t get one in Milwaukee

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

Shaka has got to get one.  College basketball is littered with mobile 7’ players and we can’t get one in Milwaukee

It's really a shame that he could only make do with a mobile 6'11" guy.

[Uncle Rico]

It's really a shame that he could only make do with a mobile 6'11" guy.

We need an aircraft carrier that is quick and nimble, not a landing helicopter assault ship that is quick and nimble.  Huge difference

[wisblue]

That's the most dominant two tourneys I can ever remember.

At least going back to the UCLA dynasty days.

[MuggsyB]

What I see from UCONN, which is different from every other team, is that they can attack from all spots on the floor.  They have 5 guys that know how to play and understand their roles.  They are elite defensively with tremendous length, physicality, and quickness.  There is no weak link.  There were several games this year, and even last night, where they couldn't hit a 3 but still dominated.  Why?  They can score from other spots, whether it be floaters or at the rim.

Even more impressive is there is zero hesitation from any of their players when they are in a position to score, and they run a variety of sets to take high percentage shots.  Last night the second Purdue took Edey out of the game, Clingan deep posted and scored.  Hurley and their coaches get it.  They don't run the same thing over and over, it's more of an NBA style. 

We were the victim of a good shooting performance by UCONN at their place.  The result was a horrific death within minutes.  What's really scary is if they made a few shots last night they would have won by 30.   The gap right now between them and everyone else is incredible in light of the overall talent and assumed parity across the country. 

So what does this all mean?  We must go to work immediately to counter their dominance. I am sick of it Scoopers.  We need to find a complete arsenal, dudes at every position, with a will and tenacity to destroy them.  Get more length, power, snipers, switchables, quickness, paint erasers, or what have you.  It's time to step the F up and punch back.

[MUfan12]

Their guys attack with purpose. Guys like Chase, Stevie, and Jop dribble with hopes of getting to the rim. That's the biggest difference I see offensively. They maybe have one more shooter cumulatively.

It sounds crazy to say after they got done steamrolling their second straight NCAA Tournament, but they don't feel that far away. Even with TK and Oso leaving. Might not happen in the short term but as a program we're not far off the top. Keep getting some dudes in here, put a value on outside shooting, and LFG.

[WhiteTrash]

Hurleys statement about UCONN running college basketball for the last 30 years is absolutely true.  6 men’s titles and an incredible 11 women’s titles in that span.  Absolute dominance.

Yet there are people who still don’t consider them a blue blood.  It’s even more impressive that three different coaches have been part of those six men’s titles.

For most American's lifetime, UCONN is the bluest of the blue bloods. And maybe even the Big East is the best conference.

But remember outlets like ESPN have a vested interest in diminishing the Big East. As a business with shareholders, they have a right and a duty to do so.

[Uncle Rico]

For most American's lifetime, UCONN is the bluest of the blue bloods. And maybe even the Big East is the best conference.

But remember outlets like ESPN have a vested interest in diminishing the Big East. As a business with shareholders, they have a right and a duty to do so.

Because Seth Greenberg said something doesn’t mean espn is diminishing what UConn has accomplished.

This lazy narrative of ESPN diminishing UConn and the Big East isn’t true. 

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

We are a little bit too sensitive on what ESPN says about anything. They are in the hot take industry, and that's what people like Seth Greenburg do. Rico is correct - that narrative about ESPN and the BE stopped a long time ago. If it was even ever a real thing.

[Uncle Rico]

We are a little bit too sensitive on what ESPN says about anything. They are in the hot take industry, and that's what people like Seth Greenburg do. Rico is correct - that narrative about ESPN and the BE stopped a long time ago. If it was even ever a real thing.

If espn was going to target a conference to diminish, it would be the Big Ten.  Big Ten and Fox being in bed together is a far greater threat than the Big East and Fox.

The ESPN stuff is little brother syndrome so many in the Big East have.  It’s pretty embarrassing at this point

[Daniel]

Cheers to UConn and Coach Hurley for getting it done again and in commanding style! Congrats!   Happy you are part of the Big East!

[wiscwarrior]

We are a little bit too sensitive on what ESPN says about anything. They are in the hot take industry, and that's what people like Seth Greenburg do. Rico is correct - that narrative about ESPN and the BE stopped a long time ago. If it was even ever a real thing.

I saw that segment and I believe it was Jay Bilas that made that comment, not Greenberg.

[willie warrior]

Many everywhere raving about UConn dynasty and how they have separated from rest of elites.
Question: what can Shaka do to catch up to them or are we just being left behind. If a dynasty can be built in Connecticut in 5 years why not at MU? Time to giddyup Shaka.

[Shooter McGavin]

I saw that segment and I believe it was Jay Bilas that made that comment, not Greenberg.

What was the comment?

[wisblue]

If espn was going to target a conference to diminish, it would be the Big Ten.  Big Ten and Fox being in bed together is a far greater threat than the Big East and Fox.

The ESPN stuff is little brother syndrome so many in the Big East have.  It’s pretty embarrassing at this point

They do that in football.

[Uncle Rico]

They do that in football.

No, they’re honest about football and that stings for Big 18 fans

[MU82]

If espn was going to target a conference to diminish, it would be the Big Ten.  Big Ten and Fox being in bed together is a far greater threat than the Big East and Fox.

The ESPN stuff is little brother syndrome so many in the Big East have.  It’s pretty embarrassing at this point

Yep.

[wiscwarrior]

What was the comment?

Just that the only reason Hurley might consider the Kentucky job is the potential uncertainty of the BEAST's future with the changes in college sports environment. Words to that effect.

[MU82]

Clingan took a 3 last night. Didn't miss by much, and his form looked fine.

FWIW. Probably nothing, but ...

[WhiteTrash]

Just that the only reason Hurley might consider the Kentucky job is the potential uncertainty of the BEAST's future with the changes in college sports environment. Words to that effect.

Also, it wasn't just Greenberg and Bilas. I forget the third guy's name (not Jay Williams) who dismissed the Big East.

I admit I am biased and too sensitive, but the fact that three commentators drove home the anti-Big East point in short order right after the game sure gave the appearance that they were directed to get opinion on air.

But maybe, that is what is on the minds of the American sports fans right after the Championship game and they are simply reflecting the majority of people's thoughts.

[MUDPT]

Many everywhere raving about UConn dynasty and how they have separated from rest of elites.
Question: what can Shaka do to catch up to them or are we just being left behind. If a dynasty can be built in Connecticut in 5 years why not at MU? Time to giddyup Shaka.

Evan Miyakawa put together a rating of the last two seasons combined. Marquette came in 7th.
https://twitter.com/EvanMiya/status/1777472239082017155

[GoFastAndWin]

Also, it wasn't just Greenberg and Bilas. I forget the third guy's name (not Jay Williams) who dismissed the Big East.

I admit I am biased and too sensitive, but the fact that three commentators drove home the anti-Big East point in short order right after the game sure gave the appearance that they were directed to get opinion on air.

But maybe, that is what is on the minds of the American sports fans right after the Championship game and they are simply reflecting the majority of people's thoughts.

“Sheesh. Marquette had better find a chair before the music stops.” -little bro

I thought Val was the right person for this. The best basketball conference shouldn’t have to lobby for its own relevance. It has consistently demonstrated its viability if not superiority the best way possible: on the court at Final Fours.

Pardon me if this was already discussed, but isn’t the MSG contract being renewed through 2032 evidence of the long-term stability of the BigEast?

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

The Big East is well established. Val's been great. The schools understand the value. It's gone much better than anyone dreamed really. It's not even worth debating any longer.

[GoFastAndWin]

For context, I do understand all the disruption and upheaval that is part and parcel of conference realignment and the new frontier (Wild West) of NIL.

What else does the BigEast have to do? What else CAN it do?

The soothsayers were dead wrong the first time our league was summarily dismissed. Hopefully they will be 0 for 2, if prevailing attitudes are not in our favor.

[brewcity77]

Yet there are people who still don’t consider them a blue blood.  It’s even more impressive that three different coaches have been part of those six men’s titles.

They're not a blue blood. That's something you're born into. It's like the royal family, or the Lorde song. If you didn't start a blue blood, you can't become one, and it's easier to fall from that status than achieve it.

Best program in the country? Sure, I'll buy that. But if San Francisco improbably won the next 5 titles, would anyone call them a blue blood? Hell no. Just like UConn isn't and likely never will be.

[WhiteTrash]

They're not a blue blood. That's something you're born into. It's like the royal family, or the Lorde song. If you didn't start a blue blood, you can't become one, and it's easier to fall from that status than achieve it.

Best program in the country? Sure, I'll buy that. But if San Francisco improbably won the next 5 titles, would anyone call them a blue blood? Hell no. Just like UConn isn't and likely never will be.

I suppose. Maybe like IBM and AT&T are blue chip stocks but maybe not Amazon and Apple?

[Frenns Liquor Depot]

So you are only a blue blood if you started winning when boomers were kids?  I tend to think of it more about programs transcending coaches and eras a the highest level.  UConn definitely checks that box.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

What brew is saying is that UNC and Kentucky are like modern day Hapsburgs while UConn is a nouveau riche tech bro.

[brewcity77]

What brew is saying is that UNC and Kentucky are like modern day Hapsburgs while UConn is a nouveau riche tech bro.

This exactly. Jeff Bezos is wealthier than the Royals, but he'll never be the Duke of Sussex. That's UConn to UNC/UK.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

This exactly. Jeff Bezos is wealthier than the Royals, but he'll never be the Duke of Sussex. That's UConn to UNC/UK.

And Marquette is the guy who sold his family business in 1977, built the biggest house on the Chenequa Country Club, and stuck the rest of his money in a safe mutual fund. Still lives there, but there is too much wood paneling and the kitchen desperately needs a refurb.

[Dickthedribbler]

It wouldn't take too much convincing for me to vote Indiana out of the "Blue Blood Club. Or is it once a blueblood, always a blueblood. I guess probably.

[rocky_warrior]

Isn't it a little early in the off-season for the annual "what is a blue blood" disagreement?

[MUMountin]

Has there been any recent talk about UConn getting poached by one of the big conferences--wasn't there some discussion about it around the B12 expansion last year?  I wonder if that will kick up again with this dominant run in basketball.   

[Frenns Liquor Depot]

Isn't it a little early in the off-season for the annual "what is a blue blood" disagreement?

The faster we get through it the sooner we get to “What’s a Chicos” and politics!

[rocky_warrior]

The faster we get through it the sooner we get to “What’s a Chicos” and politics!

Good point.  I forgot about the political storm on the horizon. 

Anyhow, I think a blue blood is in the eye of the beholder.  They're made, not born.  And to DtDs point, Indiana is out.

[WhiteTrash]

Good point.  I forgot about the political storm on the horizon. 

Anyhow, I think a blue blood is in the eye of the beholder.  They're made, not born.  And to DtDs point, Indiana is out.

And ND football?

[rocky_warrior]

And ND football?

They suck at basketball. 

[willie warrior]

What I see from UCONN, which is different from every other team, is that they can attack from all spots on the floor.  They have 5 guys that know how to play and understand their roles.  They are elite defensively with tremendous length, physicality, and quickness.  There is no weak link.  There were several games this year, and even last night, where they couldn't hit a 3 but still dominated.  Why?  They can score from other spots, whether it be floaters or at the rim.

Even more impressive is there is zero hesitation from any of their players when they are in a position to score, and they run a variety of sets to take high percentage shots.  Last night the second Purdue took Edey out of the game, Clingan deep posted and scored.  Hurley and their coaches get it.  They don't run the same thing over and over, it's more of an NBA style. 

We were the victim of a good shooting performance by UCONN at their place.  The result was a horrific death within minutes.  What's really scary is if they made a few shots last night they would have won by 30.   The gap right now between them and everyone else is incredible in light of the overall talent and assumed parity across the country. 

So what does this all mean?  We must go to work immediately to counter their dominance. I am sick of it Scoopers.  We need to find a complete arsenal, dudes at every position, with a will and tenacity to destroy them.  Get more length, power, snipers, switchables, quickness, paint erasers, or what have you.  It's time to step the F up and punch back.

I agree. But is Shaka capable of this? I hope so.

[willie warrior]

And ND football?

No Dick football is highly, highly, highly overrated. Did I mention hugely?

[MU82]

I agree. But is Shaka capable of this? I hope so.

Nope. Time to move on to a much better coach.