For context...

[MU82]

This team has consistently exceeded my expectations since Shaka arrived. I hope they do it again next year. Shaka, his staff, and the players have more than earned the benefit of the doubt. But let's not get ahead of ourselves.

I don't get how, for so many Scoopers, Shaka has only earned all of the doubt and none of the benefit. I seriously don't get it.

[jesmu84]

This team has consistently exceeded my expectations since Shaka arrived. I hope they do it again next year. Shaka, his staff, and the players have more than earned the benefit of the doubt. But let's not get ahead of ourselves.

What was your tournament seed expectation at the end of this seasons non-con?

[Pakuni]

I don't get how, for so many Scoopers, Shaka has only earned all of the doubt and none of the benefit. I seriously don't get it.

You're reading a very different Scoop than I am. Other than a tiny minority of curmudgeons (willie, Viper, etc.) the vast majority of Scoopers are quite content with Shaka.
It seems that even the mildest of criticism is met with an avalanche of "Oh, so you want Wojo back???" nonsense.
I know, I know ... hyperbole.

[StillAWarrior]

What was your tournament seed expectation at the end of this seasons non-con?

Absolutely a top four seed...probably a two or three.* But my expectation when Kolek and Oso graduated (and got drafted) wasn't particularly high. I never said that they've always exceeded my expectations. They haven't. But they have pretty consistently. I didn't expect a double Big East championship in 2022-23. I didn't expect a two-seed last season. I didn't expect a tournament birth in Shaka's first year.

Saying that the team consistently exceeds my expectations doesn't mean that I'm not disappointed by how this season played out as the conference schedule progressed. Of course I am.

*Edited to add that when I bought my tickets for Cleveland months ago, I honestly expected that MU would probably end up playing here as a protected seed. Over the last few weeks I've gone through disappointment that MU wouldn't be slotted in Cleveland as a top four seed to elation that they somehow ended up here as a 7.

[DienerTime34]

Absolutely a top four seed...probably a two or three.* But my expectation when Kolek and Oso graduated (and got drafted) wasn't particularly high. I never said that they've always exceeded my expectations. They haven't. But they have pretty consistently. I didn't expect a double Big East championship in 2022-23. I didn't expect a two-seed last season. I didn't expect a tournament birth in Shaka's first year.

Saying that the team consistently exceeds my expectations doesn't mean that I'm not disappointed by how this season played out as the conference schedule progressed. Of course I am.

*Edited to add that when I bought my tickets for Cleveland months ago, I honestly expected that MU would probably end up playing here as a protected seed. Over the last few weeks I've gone through disappointment that MU wouldn't be slotted in Cleveland as a top four seed to elation that they somehow ended up here as a 7.

I mirror this, it's been a roller coaster with this team. Before the season started I was HOPEFUL we'd be a 7-10 seed. At the end of non-con, my expectations were a 2-4 seed. So it's weird being back to where we started.

A successful tournament to me would be a victory over New Mexico and a single-digit loss to MSU. Losing to UNM or getting annihilated by MSU would both be disappointing considering the Jones/Jop/Stevie combo.

[MDMU04]

Let's get some context to see where we stand compared to our conference rivals in the future.

St John's – BodyArmor CEO spends NIL money like it's going out of style. Pitino can rebuild a team in one offseason, probably best coach to have for NIL era. Finished above us this season with no sign of slowing down. Spike Lee is back in the fold. Arrow pointing WAY up.

UConn - Hurley has rings, they rebuild and reload and finish above us every year, with the gap GROWING. Beat us in standings in their worst season in years. Games against us not competitive on the court. Arrow pointing WAY up.

Villanova – With Neptune finished holding the program back, they will bring in a coaching hire who will undoubtedly return them to their previous glory. Arrow pointing WAY up.

Creighton – Key players leaving but McDermott always using portal to rebuild. Spends MILLIONS of DOLLARS per year in NIL. Tradition of banging bigs so will be able to bring in more. Arrow pointing up.

Providence – Kim English guiding his program through transition year. Very difficult for us to win in the Dunk. Arrow pointing up, slightly.

DePaul – Holtman has sleeping giant turned around and moving in right direction. Won the pre-conference season championship. Already won 5 conference games this year but was probably more like 7 since they went to OT a lot. Took us to OT in January and we never recovered. Arrow pointing WAY up.

Xavier – Losing key contributors but finished conference season on 7 game winning streak. Beat us for 4 star recruit Nyk Lewis, then beat us on our home court. Embarassing. Kids clearly want to play for Miller. Arrow pointing way up.

Georgetown – Have the right coach in place to turn program around. Attendance on upswing. Doubled their conference wins from year over year. If they do that again, watch out. Arrow pointing WAY up.

Seton Hall – Worst season in recent memory. Only one direction to go from here. Arrow pointing up.

Butler – They play in Indiana. Basketball is big time there, you might have heard about it. Arrow pointing up.

Marquette – Disappointing senior leadership leaving, will devastate roster for next year. Coach, set in his ways, cannot adapt. Questionable NIL approach cannot compete to bring in transfers. Will not use portal to bring in high impact banging bigs or shooters. Will not take ONE phone call from agents for players but takes EVERY phone call from rival schools looking to hire him away from here. Remaining roster cannot play at this level, should leave and transfer to mid-majors. Key PG contributor already in portal. Passed long ago by superior programs in league, losing recruiting battles to league rivals, gap growing larger. Rapidly loosing respect among basketball insiders. Is the bloom off the Shaka rose? Looking likely. Arrow pointing DOWN.

[StillAWarrior]

Let's get some context to see where we stand compared to our conference rivals in the future.

St John's – BodyArmor CEO spends NIL money like it's going out of style. Pitino can rebuild a team in one offseason, probably best coach to have for NIL era. Finished above us this season with no sign of slowing down. Spike Lee is back in the fold. Arrow pointing WAY up.

UConn - Hurley has rings, they rebuild and reload and finish above us every year, with the gap GROWING. Beat us in standings in their worst season in years. Games against us not competitive on the court. Arrow pointing WAY up.

Villanova – With Neptune finished holding the program back, they will bring in a coaching hire who will undoubtedly return them to their previous glory. Arrow pointing WAY up.

Creighton – Key players leaving but McDermott always using portal to rebuild. Spends MILLIONS of DOLLARS per year in NIL. Tradition of banging bigs so will be able to bring in more. Arrow pointing up.

Providence – Kim English guiding his program through transition year. Very difficult for us to win in the Dunk. Arrow pointing up, slightly.

DePaul – Holtman has sleeping giant turned around and moving in right direction. Won the pre-conference season championship. Already won 5 conference games this year but was probably more like 7 since they went to OT a lot. Took us to OT in January and we never recovered. Arrow pointing WAY up.

Xavier – Losing key contributors but finished conference season on 7 game winning streak. Beat us for 4 star recruit Nyk Lewis, then beat us on our home court. Embarassing. Kids clearly want to play for Miller. Arrow pointing way up.

Georgetown – Have the right coach in place to turn program around. Attendance on upswing. Doubled their conference wins from year over year. If they do that again, watch out. Arrow pointing WAY up.

Seton Hall – Worst season in recent memory. Only one direction to go from here. Arrow pointing up.

Butler – They play in Indiana. Basketball is big time there, you might have heard about it. Arrow pointing up.

Marquette – Disappointing senior leadership leaving, will devastate roster for next year. Coach, set in his ways, cannot adapt. Questionable NIL approach cannot compete to bring in transfers. Will not use portal to bring in high impact banging bigs or shooters. Will not take ONE phone call from agents for players but takes EVERY phone call from rival schools looking to hire him away from here. Remaining roster cannot play at this level, should leave and transfer to mid-majors. Key PG contributor already in portal. Passed long ago by superior programs in league, losing recruiting battles to league rivals, gap growing larger. Rapidly loosing respect among basketball insiders. Is the bloom off the Shaka rose? Looking likely. Arrow pointing DOWN.

This is satire, right?

[cheebs09]

Let's get some context to see where we stand compared to our conference rivals in the future.

St John's – BodyArmor CEO spends NIL money like it's going out of style. Pitino can rebuild a team in one offseason, probably best coach to have for NIL era. Finished above us this season with no sign of slowing down. Spike Lee is back in the fold. Arrow pointing WAY up.

UConn - Hurley has rings, they rebuild and reload and finish above us every year, with the gap GROWING. Beat us in standings in their worst season in years. Games against us not competitive on the court. Arrow pointing WAY up.

Villanova – With Neptune finished holding the program back, they will bring in a coaching hire who will undoubtedly return them to their previous glory. Arrow pointing WAY up.

Creighton – Key players leaving but McDermott always using portal to rebuild. Spends MILLIONS of DOLLARS per year in NIL. Tradition of banging bigs so will be able to bring in more. Arrow pointing up.

Providence – Kim English guiding his program through transition year. Very difficult for us to win in the Dunk. Arrow pointing up, slightly.

DePaul – Holtman has sleeping giant turned around and moving in right direction. Won the pre-conference season championship. Already won 5 conference games this year but was probably more like 7 since they went to OT a lot. Took us to OT in January and we never recovered. Arrow pointing WAY up.

Xavier – Losing key contributors but finished conference season on 7 game winning streak. Beat us for 4 star recruit Nyk Lewis, then beat us on our home court. Embarassing. Kids clearly want to play for Miller. Arrow pointing way up.

Georgetown – Have the right coach in place to turn program around. Attendance on upswing. Doubled their conference wins from year over year. If they do that again, watch out. Arrow pointing WAY up.

Seton Hall – Worst season in recent memory. Only one direction to go from here. Arrow pointing up.

Butler – They play in Indiana. Basketball is big time there, you might have heard about it. Arrow pointing up.

Marquette – Disappointing senior leadership leaving, will devastate roster for next year. Coach, set in his ways, cannot adapt. Questionable NIL approach cannot compete to bring in transfers. Will not use portal to bring in high impact banging bigs or shooters. Will not take ONE phone call from agents for players but takes EVERY phone call from rival schools looking to hire him away from here. Remaining roster cannot play at this level, should leave and transfer to mid-majors. Key PG contributor already in portal. Passed long ago by superior programs in league, losing recruiting battles to league rivals, gap growing larger. Rapidly loosing respect among basketball insiders. Is the bloom off the Shaka rose? Looking likely. Arrow pointing DOWN.

This can't be real. Who from PC or SH are excited about their coaching situation right now?

[82fanatic]

Let's get some context to see where we stand compared to our conference rivals in the future.

St John's – BodyArmor CEO spends NIL money like it's going out of style. Pitino can rebuild a team in one offseason, probably best coach to have for NIL era. Finished above us this season with no sign of slowing down. Spike Lee is back in the fold. Arrow pointing WAY up.

UConn - Hurley has rings, they rebuild and reload and finish above us every year, with the gap GROWING. Beat us in standings in their worst season in years. Games against us not competitive on the court. Arrow pointing WAY up.

Villanova – With Neptune finished holding the program back, they will bring in a coaching hire who will undoubtedly return them to their previous glory. Arrow pointing WAY up.

Creighton – Key players leaving but McDermott always using portal to rebuild. Spends MILLIONS of DOLLARS per year in NIL. Tradition of banging bigs so will be able to bring in more. Arrow pointing up.

Providence – Kim English guiding his program through transition year. Very difficult for us to win in the Dunk. Arrow pointing up, slightly.

DePaul – Holtman has sleeping giant turned around and moving in right direction. Won the pre-conference season championship. Already won 5 conference games this year but was probably more like 7 since they went to OT a lot. Took us to OT in January and we never recovered. Arrow pointing WAY up.

Xavier – Losing key contributors but finished conference season on 7 game winning streak. Beat us for 4 star recruit Nyk Lewis, then beat us on our home court. Embarassing. Kids clearly want to play for Miller. Arrow pointing way up.

Georgetown – Have the right coach in place to turn program around. Attendance on upswing. Doubled their conference wins from year over year. If they do that again, watch out. Arrow pointing WAY up.

Seton Hall – Worst season in recent memory. Only one direction to go from here. Arrow pointing up.

Butler – They play in Indiana. Basketball is big time there, you might have heard about it. Arrow pointing up.

Marquette – Disappointing senior leadership leaving, will devastate roster for next year. Coach, set in his ways, cannot adapt. Questionable NIL approach cannot compete to bring in transfers. Will not use portal to bring in high impact banging bigs or shooters. Will not take ONE phone call from agents for players but takes EVERY phone call from rival schools looking to hire him away from here. Remaining roster cannot play at this level, should leave and transfer to mid-majors. Key PG contributor already in portal. Passed long ago by superior programs in league, losing recruiting battles to league rivals, gap growing larger. Rapidly loosing respect among basketball insiders. Is the bloom off the Shaka rose? Looking likely. Arrow pointing DOWN.

If you believe this sheet, you are a Maroon!
I doubt you do.
I would expand, but you wouldn't comprehend!

[The Sultan]

Let's get some context to see where we stand compared to our conference rivals in the future.

St John's – BodyArmor CEO spends NIL money like it's going out of style. Pitino can rebuild a team in one offseason, probably best coach to have for NIL era. Finished above us this season with no sign of slowing down. Spike Lee is back in the fold. Arrow pointing WAY up.

UConn - Hurley has rings, they rebuild and reload and finish above us every year, with the gap GROWING. Beat us in standings in their worst season in years. Games against us not competitive on the court. Arrow pointing WAY up.

Villanova – With Neptune finished holding the program back, they will bring in a coaching hire who will undoubtedly return them to their previous glory. Arrow pointing WAY up.

Creighton – Key players leaving but McDermott always using portal to rebuild. Spends MILLIONS of DOLLARS per year in NIL. Tradition of banging bigs so will be able to bring in more. Arrow pointing up.

Providence – Kim English guiding his program through transition year. Very difficult for us to win in the Dunk. Arrow pointing up, slightly.

DePaul – Holtman has sleeping giant turned around and moving in right direction. Won the pre-conference season championship. Already won 5 conference games this year but was probably more like 7 since they went to OT a lot. Took us to OT in January and we never recovered. Arrow pointing WAY up.

Xavier – Losing key contributors but finished conference season on 7 game winning streak. Beat us for 4 star recruit Nyk Lewis, then beat us on our home court. Embarassing. Kids clearly want to play for Miller. Arrow pointing way up.

Georgetown – Have the right coach in place to turn program around. Attendance on upswing. Doubled their conference wins from year over year. If they do that again, watch out. Arrow pointing WAY up.

Seton Hall – Worst season in recent memory. Only one direction to go from here. Arrow pointing up.

Butler – They play in Indiana. Basketball is big time there, you might have heard about it. Arrow pointing up.

Marquette – Disappointing senior leadership leaving, will devastate roster for next year. Coach, set in his ways, cannot adapt. Questionable NIL approach cannot compete to bring in transfers. Will not use portal to bring in high impact banging bigs or shooters. Will not take ONE phone call from agents for players but takes EVERY phone call from rival schools looking to hire him away from here. Remaining roster cannot play at this level, should leave and transfer to mid-majors. Key PG contributor already in portal. Passed long ago by superior programs in league, losing recruiting battles to league rivals, gap growing larger. Rapidly loosing respect among basketball insiders. Is the bloom off the Shaka rose? Looking likely. Arrow pointing DOWN.

Well done.

[MU82]

You're reading a very different Scoop than I am. Other than a tiny minority of curmudgeons (willie, Viper, etc.) the vast majority of Scoopers are quite content with Shaka.
It seems that even the mildest of criticism is met with an avalanche of "Oh, so you want Wojo back???" nonsense.
I know, I know ... hyperbole.

Hmm. Maybe the tiny minority is just so loud that's mostly what I hear. I'll try to pay better attention and see if you're right.

[MU82]

Well done.

Yeah, I'm thinking that he's being "teally." He doesn't actually post on MU hoops very often, and one of his recent posts was a sarcastic play on mid-range jumpers, so I'll echo your "well done" here. I gotta admit that he had me for a second, though.

[MDMU04]

This is satire, right?

Elite ball knowledge can take many forms. However at times it can be a lot like obscenity; difficult to define, but you know it when you see it.

[Scoop Snoop]

This is satire, right?

Is the Pope Catholic?

[Pakuni]

Is the Pope Catholic?

Kinda depends on which Catholic you ask these days.

[hawk]

I'm pretty sure that MU will be ok next season.  I don't get the hand wringing and woo is me stuff.  Gold, Parham, Ross, lowery and Jones is a more than solid starting 5.  I'm also pretty comfortable with Hamilton and Owens as the next two off the bench.  I'll admit it gets a bit sketchy after that but you only need to find two more guys or a combination of layers to equal two more guys to have a better than decent team.  Big upside with Clark {no pun intended}

[PGsHeroes32]

I'm pretty sure that MU will be ok next season.  I don't get the hand wringing and woo is me stuff.  Gold, Parham, Ross, lowery and Jones is a more than solid starting 5.  I'm also pretty comfortable with Hamilton and Owens as the next two off the bench.  I'll admit it gets a bit sketchy after that but you only need to find two more guys or a combination of layers to equal two more guys to have a better than decent team.  Big upside with Clark {no pun intended}

What in the world gives you comfort as Hamilton a top 2 off the bench right now.

[hawk]

I like his size and attitude.  playing a season is better to grow than practicing for a season.  He wants to play

[Uncle Rico]

Let's get some context to see where we stand compared to our conference rivals in the future.

St John's – BodyArmor CEO spends NIL money like it's going out of style. Pitino can rebuild a team in one offseason, probably best coach to have for NIL era. Finished above us this season with no sign of slowing down. Spike Lee is back in the fold. Arrow pointing WAY up.

UConn - Hurley has rings, they rebuild and reload and finish above us every year, with the gap GROWING. Beat us in standings in their worst season in years. Games against us not competitive on the court. Arrow pointing WAY up.

Villanova – With Neptune finished holding the program back, they will bring in a coaching hire who will undoubtedly return them to their previous glory. Arrow pointing WAY up.

Creighton – Key players leaving but McDermott always using portal to rebuild. Spends MILLIONS of DOLLARS per year in NIL. Tradition of banging bigs so will be able to bring in more. Arrow pointing up.

Providence – Kim English guiding his program through transition year. Very difficult for us to win in the Dunk. Arrow pointing up, slightly.

DePaul – Holtman has sleeping giant turned around and moving in right direction. Won the pre-conference season championship. Already won 5 conference games this year but was probably more like 7 since they went to OT a lot. Took us to OT in January and we never recovered. Arrow pointing WAY up.

Xavier – Losing key contributors but finished conference season on 7 game winning streak. Beat us for 4 star recruit Nyk Lewis, then beat us on our home court. Embarassing. Kids clearly want to play for Miller. Arrow pointing way up.

Georgetown – Have the right coach in place to turn program around. Attendance on upswing. Doubled their conference wins from year over year. If they do that again, watch out. Arrow pointing WAY up.

Seton Hall – Worst season in recent memory. Only one direction to go from here. Arrow pointing up.

Butler – They play in Indiana. Basketball is big time there, you might have heard about it. Arrow pointing up.

Marquette – Disappointing senior leadership leaving, will devastate roster for next year. Coach, set in his ways, cannot adapt. Questionable NIL approach cannot compete to bring in transfers. Will not use portal to bring in high impact banging bigs or shooters. Will not take ONE phone call from agents for players but takes EVERY phone call from rival schools looking to hire him away from here. Remaining roster cannot play at this level, should leave and transfer to mid-majors. Key PG contributor already in portal. Passed long ago by superior programs in league, losing recruiting battles to league rivals, gap growing larger. Rapidly loosing respect among basketball insiders. Is the bloom off the Shaka rose? Looking likely. Arrow pointing DOWN.

This guy gets it, imo.  Well done

[Hards Alumni]

Let's get some context to see where we stand compared to our conference rivals in the future.

St John's – BodyArmor CEO spends NIL money like it's going out of style. Pitino can rebuild a team in one offseason, probably best coach to have for NIL era. Finished above us this season with no sign of slowing down. Spike Lee is back in the fold. Arrow pointing WAY up.

UConn - Hurley has rings, they rebuild and reload and finish above us every year, with the gap GROWING. Beat us in standings in their worst season in years. Games against us not competitive on the court. Arrow pointing WAY up.

Villanova – With Neptune finished holding the program back, they will bring in a coaching hire who will undoubtedly return them to their previous glory. Arrow pointing WAY up.

Creighton – Key players leaving but McDermott always using portal to rebuild. Spends MILLIONS of DOLLARS per year in NIL. Tradition of banging bigs so will be able to bring in more. Arrow pointing up.

Providence – Kim English guiding his program through transition year. Very difficult for us to win in the Dunk. Arrow pointing up, slightly.

DePaul – Holtman has sleeping giant turned around and moving in right direction. Won the pre-conference season championship. Already won 5 conference games this year but was probably more like 7 since they went to OT a lot. Took us to OT in January and we never recovered. Arrow pointing WAY up.

Xavier – Losing key contributors but finished conference season on 7 game winning streak. Beat us for 4 star recruit Nyk Lewis, then beat us on our home court. Embarassing. Kids clearly want to play for Miller. Arrow pointing way up.

Georgetown – Have the right coach in place to turn program around. Attendance on upswing. Doubled their conference wins from year over year. If they do that again, watch out. Arrow pointing WAY up.

Seton Hall – Worst season in recent memory. Only one direction to go from here. Arrow pointing up.

Butler – They play in Indiana. Basketball is big time there, you might have heard about it. Arrow pointing up.

Marquette – Disappointing senior leadership leaving, will devastate roster for next year. Coach, set in his ways, cannot adapt. Questionable NIL approach cannot compete to bring in transfers. Will not use portal to bring in high impact banging bigs or shooters. Will not take ONE phone call from agents for players but takes EVERY phone call from rival schools looking to hire him away from here. Remaining roster cannot play at this level, should leave and transfer to mid-majors. Key PG contributor already in portal. Passed long ago by superior programs in league, losing recruiting battles to league rivals, gap growing larger. Rapidly loosing respect among basketball insiders. Is the bloom off the Shaka rose? Looking likely. Arrow pointing DOWN.

I love the objective stupidity of this post.

[Jay Bee]

I'm unable to opine on Shaka at #muMbb until after next season.

#5YearsToJudge

Shame on Nova!

[Viper]

You're reading a very different Scoop than I am. Other than a tiny minority of curmudgeons (willie, Viper, etc.) the vast majority of Scoopers are quite content with Shaka.
It seems that even the mildest of criticism is met with an avalanche of "Oh, so you want Wojo back???" nonsense.
I know, I know ... hyperbole.

so, I question the roster, or recruiting, and I'm a 'curmudgeon'? Then so be it. What's wrong with questioning Shaka's recruiting? What's wrong with the take that Marquette's ceiling is higher than a Sweet 16?  Hell, Sultan had questioned...'can't a team take a step back?'. I'm like, so it's rebuild...already and again?  I've posted it before and will once again...I'm happy with Shaka. Absolutely!! Definitely better results than Wojo. I do think Wojo was the better recruiter, but Shaka the better coach. However, I feel MU can go higher. Jay Wright-type success. That's actually optimism, not curmudgeon-ism, right? Hence, my thoughts and/or opinions are labeled as negativity. Interesting.

[tower912]

I love the objective stupidity of this post.

It was comedy.

[willie warrior]

You're reading a very different Scoop than I am. Other than a tiny minority of curmudgeons (willie, Viper, etc.) the vast majority of Scoopers are quite content with Shaka.
It seems that even the mildest of criticism is met with an avalanche of "Oh, so you want Wojo back???" nonsense.
I know, I know ... hyperbole.

And it seems that even the mildest criticism of the the program is met with an avalanche of blind Shaka has no faulkts. If you recall, I was one of the first sounding the alarm on Wojo, while many defended him. Curmudgeon or prophet? Also I love the creative name calling from the people that do not see issues.

[Hards Alumni]

And it seems that even the mildest criticism of the the program is met with an avalanche of blind Shaka has no faulkts. If you recall, I was one of the first sounding the alarm on Wojo, while many defended him. Curmudgeon or prophet? Also I love the creative name calling from the people that do not see issues.

I cannot forecast to you the action of little willie. He's a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside of dung.