Mack on the Big East vs. A10

[Xu Red Dogg]

LOVE that Coach Mack did this. Check Shannon's twitter for exact quotes. I hated times in the past when X and the A10 would let the "bullies" pick on them and I certainly don't want to see that happen in the Big East.

Hopefully Mack's comments cause some people to look a little closer at the comparison. I agree with him. It is not even close.

[LadyMuskie]

Yeah. I really love it when our coach sounds like the guy coaching in Clifton. Woot! Exciting!

There are better ways to get noticed and not back down. Much, much better ways.

[GoMuskies]

Beating a shitty team like USC would have been good. Or perhaps at least splitting against a team that lost to Fairly Ridiculous and some other NJ lightweight like St. Peters.

[LadyMuskie]

Excellent point, Go. We had every opportunity to seal up a bid. If we don't make the dance, this team and Chris Mack have no one to blame but themselves for not getting it done when we needed to get it done. Making idiotic statements about who would win what in which conference to hide the fact that we lost games we should have won is just, so. . . UC.

[Strange Brew]

We are officially off the rails. Coach is making excuses and pleading for respect. Go earn it Chris and while you're at it, develop a team that can hit greater than 20% from 3.

[nuts4xu]

http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/2014/03/06/xavier-falls-villanova-77-70/6146611/

Full story. I like him defending his guys, I think his campaigning is a part of the process anymore. It's unfortunate our resume can't stand on its own and coach feels the need to promote his team (as opposed to winning our way) into the tournament, but this year we need all the help we can get.

[xsteve1]

I want to know what the question was for why Mack answered the way he did? The only A10 team that might finish in the Top 4 of the BE is VCU and Georgetown beat them. The BE deserves at least 4 bids and I think that's what Mack is lobbying for. There may have been a better way to go about it though then taking it out on the former conference that X owned for years.

[Xu Red Dogg]

Hahaha. Maybe you guys can work for ESPN and join in on their anti-Big East campaign. I for one have had enough and I'm glad Mack did it.

GoMuskies, when you play a top 25 SOS you are going to lose some games. You think we lose to USC is we don't play iowa and UT the 2 days before? You think we lose @ Seton Hall if we play Fordham 2 days prior, not Top 10 Creighton? These kids aren't robots.

Playing a tough schedule comes with the understanding that you are going to lose games...and oftentimes it is more the toll it takes, not the opponents that bring an L.

[LadyMuskie]

I was fine with everything he said up until the last two paragraphs.

[The_Mack_Pack]

You guys honestly think he's trying to make up for the loss to USC and Seton Hall by making those comments? He's just trying to rep his conference which gets absolutely no press anywhere despite having two National Title contenders in it. Sometimes you actually have to show off your good traits when you really need to.

[RoseyMuskie]

It does sound a bit "UCish" but 1) He's coached in both, so I feel that his opinion is more accurate than Mick and 2) I think he's doing it to show his confidence in the team. He wants them to believe they are a tournament team heading into the BE Tourney. Can't fault him for that.

[Xu Red Dogg]

If Mack had a black uniform on when making these comments this entire site might have shut down.

[GoMuskies]

GoMuskies, when you play a top 25 SOS you are going to lose some games. You think we lose to USC is we don't play iowa and UT the 2 days before? You think we lose @ Seton Hall if we play Fordham 2 days prior, not Top 10 Creighton? These kids aren't robots.


They should beat USC if they played the Heat and the Pacers the two days before. And what if they had played top 10 SLU 2 days prior and not Creighton? Seton Hall is 4-11 against Big East teams not named Xavier. Seems most other teams have figured a way to get it done at least once against the Hall (well, except for CERTAIN A-10 top 3 team Georgetown).

[nuts4xu]

It does sound a bit "UCish" but 1) He's coached in both, so I feel that his opinion is more accurate than Mick and 2) I think he's doing it to show his confidence in the team. He wants them to believe they are a tournament team heading into the BE Tourney. Can't fault him for that.

That's the way I see it too. Whether he even believes it or not himself is not relevant, if he needs to say that for the benefit of the team, I'm fine with it.

[paulxu]

I wish you all would stop referring to the Seton Hall games.
It's giving me heartburn.

[TaipeiMuskie]

Thank you!!
Hahaha. Maybe you guys can work for ESPN and join in on their anti-Big East campaign. I for one have had enough and I'm glad Mack did it.

GoMuskies, when you play a top 25 SOS you are going to lose some games. You think we lose to USC is we don't play iowa and UT the 2 days before? You think we lose @ Seton Hall if we play Fordham 2 days prior, not Top 10 Creighton? These kids aren't robots.

Playing a tough schedule comes with the understanding that you are going to lose games...and oftentimes it is more the toll it takes, not the opponents that bring an L.

[Xu Red Dogg]

GoMuskies, you are looking at this issue through too small of a lens. For every disappointment you point out there are also accomplishments and overachievements. Buy a Xavier media guide and look back at some season by season results. We lost @ Duquesne when we were ranked 7th in the country. David West lost to lower seeded Maryland in the NCAA tournament. Skip lost at home to Lasalle by 40. There are outliers. There are things you don't expect or predict.

The broader look at this year shows we have an NCAA resume and our conference is a top 3 or 4 conference. Pick little spots here and there all you want, those are facts. Our head coach has the right to call attention to both.

[casualfan]

You think we lose to USC is we don't play iowa and UT the 2 days before?


Um, USC played two two games the days before as well.

[GoMuskies]

I think we're very close even if we lose our next game. Making idiotic statements about Georgetown and the A-10 doesn't help anything.

[LadyMuskie]

GoMuskies, you are looking at this issue through too small of a lens. For every disappointment you point out there are also accomplishments and overachievements. Buy a Xavier media guide and look back at some season by season results. We lost @ Duquesne when we were ranked 7th in the country. David West lost to lower seeded Maryland in the NCAA tournament. Skip lost at home to Lasalle by 40. There are outliers. There are things you don't expect or predict.

The broader look at this year shows we have an NCAA resume and our conference is a top 3 or 4 conference. Pick little spots here and there all you want, those are facts. Our head coach has the right to call attention to both.

Sure. He has that right. It's his responsibility to do so, in fact. But there are ways to do things, and this way is the wrong way. How did you feel when Cronin said practically the same thing when we were in the A10 and he was in the Big East? Were you as understanding then?

[casualfan]

Mack also complained on his postgame radio show about the Big East scheduling. Said FS1 really put the screws to them or something like that because we've had 4 games in 9 days. Went on to say "This isn't the NBA"

I follow college basketball pretty closely and having 4 games in 9 days isn't all that uncommon. Also, it has actually been 4 games in ten days which is even less uncommon.

I really liked some of his postgame comments then he threw that in there and it left it bad taste in my mouth.

[casualfan]

Sure. He has that right. It's his responsibility to do so, in fact. But there are ways to do things, and this way is the wrong way. How did you feel when Cronin said practically the same thing when we were in the A10 and he was in the Big East? Were you as understanding then?

People lost their mind when he made those comments. Hell people still bring that up.

[BMoreX]

This sounds exactly like Mick.

[GoMuskies]

People lost their mind when he made those comments. Hell people still bring that up.

As well they should have. Cronin's comments were bullshit.

[LadyMuskie]

People lost their mind when he made those comments. Hell people still bring that up.

Truth.

[casualfan]

As well they should have. Cronin's comments were bullshit.

I don't disagree. I did a triple take when I saw the tweets coming across from Shannon. Total busch league.

The other thing I don't understand about it is that beyond the fact that it is totally classless, it gives an A10 team a little something extra if they happen to face us in the tournament.

I'm sure some will say "It's the tourney, they don't need extra motivation", but whey even risk it?

[Retire33]

I'm personally Ok with the comments. Mack has perspective with what he is saying. He first hand has seen the difference in talent and physicality of the players and the abilities and smarts of the coaches in both conferences.

His perspective to the narrative give him a free pass. In all honesty, I 100000% agree with him too. The conference is losing the PR battle and it is not even close.

[Nocalmuskie]

Mack is doing what he needs to sell the program and the league. I wouldn't want the coach of Xavier to do otherwise.




I don't disagree. I did a triple take when I saw the tweets coming across from Shannon. Total busch league.

The other thing I don't understand about it is that beyond the fact that it is totally classless, it gives an A10 team a little something extra if they happen to face us in the tournament.

I'm sure some will say "It's the tourney, they don't need extra motivation", but whey even risk it?

[sirthought]

Cronin was right when he said it. Mack was right when he said it. People on this board need to accept this opinion. It's just opinion, but it's highly qualified.

These two coaches have coached at different levels of conferences (A-10, Big East, Ohio Valley, ACC, C-USA).
They understand what is different between the levels of talent and competition you face.

Does this mean I think Xavier had a cakewalk through the A-10? No! Play Seton Hall or Fordham, you still have to make shots and stop the other guy. The A-10 is full of competitive programs with strong players. But in the past two decades, the Big East historically has recruited more talent throughout the conference. The conference has been stronger from top to bottom.

[GoMuskies]

What PR battle? The league has 2 great (maybe one great and one really good) teams, and 4 teams that are the very definition of bubble teams. How, exactly, is the Big East getting screwed in any way, shape or form? Xavier is likely to be the conference's #3 seed, and if you looked at our resume blind you wouldn't know whether to include us to exclude us from the Tournament. That's not ESPN's fault.

[GoMuskies]

Cronin was right when he said it..

Please tell me you're kidding.

[LA Muskie]

I don't like it at all. Like I said in another thread, it's exactly what Mick used to say. In the same exact context. Ironically, some of those defending Mack were the first to jump on Mick. Second, unless I'm missing something we didn't play a single A-10 team this year. So I have no idea how Mack feels qualified to even say it. We would have struggled with every A-10 team not named Fordham, Duquesne, or St. Bonaventure. Georgetown would have too.

[GoMuskies]

We would have struggled with every A-10 team not named Fordham, Duquesne, or St. Bonaventure. Georgetown would have too.

I am in 99% agreement with your post. However, I would be remiss if I did not point out that George Mason is now a member of the A-10.

[Retire33]

What PR battle? The league has 2 great (maybe one great and one really good) teams, and 4 teams that are the very definition of bubble teams. How, exactly, is the Big East getting screwed in any way, shape or form? Xavier is likely to be the conference's #3 seed, and if you looked at our resume blind you wouldn't know whether to include us to exclude us from the Tournament. That's not ESPN's fault.

X's profile stand well above the following teams.

Dayton
St Joseph's
BYU
Nebraska
Colorado
Missouri
Arkansas
Florida State
California
Gonzaga
Oregon

A few of these teams are locks and the profiles are not even close.

[GoMuskies]

Which "locks" do we have a better profile than? And based on what?

[Retire33]

I don't like it at all. Like I said in another thread, it's exactly what Mick used to say. In the same exact context. Ironically, some of those defending Mack were the first to jump on Mick. Second, unless I'm missing something we didn't play a single A-10 team this year. So I have no idea how Mack feels qualified to even say it. We would have struggled with every A-10 team not named Fordham, Duquesne, or St. Bonaventure. Georgetown would have too.

I personally didn't have that big of issue with Mick saying it. His alternative motives were cringe worthy; nothing else. Mack at least has first hand knowledge to what he speaks.

[Retire33]

Which "locks" do we have a better profile than? And based on what?

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/bracketology/team-comparison/XAVIER/GONZAG

Gonzaga is widely considered a lock and are one of ESPN's "staple" teams (help consistently fill the 11pm game slot).

Example:

- 13 of Zags 24 wins (54%) are sub 150+ RPI teams (Kenpoms are similar)
- X wins +150 = FIVE of 19 wins (26%)

Also X best wins totally dwarf those of Zags.

[GoMuskies]

And how is Xavier's profile better than Gonzaga's? They're 1-4 against the top 50. Obviously that's not great. But they're 23-2 against 51+ (including 7-0 against 51-100). X is 16-6 against 51+ (5-3 against 51-100). Xavier has 1 top 50 win away from home to 0 for Gonzaga. Not a huge difference. The biggest difference for top 50 opponents appears to be that Xavier played 3 at home and Gonzaga only played 1. Also, Gonzaga's road/neutral is 9-6 to Xavier's 4-9.

I think Gonzaga pretty clear should get in ahead of Xavier.

[Xu Red Dogg]

Mack is doing what he needs to sell the program and the league. I wouldn't want the coach of Xavier to do otherwise.

This!

Beyond that, here was Mick's quote.

“To me, that’s ridiculous,” said UC coach Mick Cronin. “I would tell Joe Lunardi he needs to buy the ESPN Full Court package. Are you telling me that Syracuse wouldn’t win the A-10? Does somebody want to give me that answer? I’d like to have that argument with somebody.”
-Mick Cronin -

I'm not going to blast Mick for this quote then be naive enough to applaud Mack, but I will say this - Mick discredited the A10. He said the 8th ranked team in his league at the time would WIN the A10. He did it knowing Xavier was 5 miles away in that conference. It was a shot at X.

Mack didn't discredit the A10. He didn't argue that the A10 should have LESS bids. He simply said the Big East should be looked at in a similar light. If Mack was doing this as a classless shot with no agenda, he would have took a shot at the AAC. His message was calculated and he stuck his neck out for Xavier and the Big East. For that, I applaud him.

By the way, Georgetown - the team he suggested would be 2nd or 3rd in the Atlantic 10 - played VCU earlier this year and won. VCU is currently 11-4 in the A10, sitting in 2nd place.

[GoMuskies]

The day before that they lost to Northeastern.

[GoMuskies]

KenPom and Sagarin both essentially place Gonzaga around #20 and Xavier around #45. I'm trying to figure out the argument for Xavier over Gonzaga.

[Retire33]

And how is Xavier's profile better than Gonzaga's? They're 1-4 against the top 50. Obviously that's not great. But they're 19-2 against 51+ (including 7-0 against 51-100). X is 14-6 against 51+ (5-3 against 51-100). Xavier has 1 top 50 win away from home to 0 for Gonzaga. Not a huge difference. The biggest difference for top 50 opponents appears to be that Xavier played 3 at home and Gonzaga only played 1. Also, Gonzaga's road/neutral is 9-6 to Xavier's 4-9.

I think Gonzaga pretty clear should get in ahead of Xavier.

Road/Neutral in totality is not how committee looks at resumes. Its who they beat. Honestly, most committees in the past look at who a team beat not who they lost to.

WINS(ROAD/Neutral)


-
Xavier
Gonzaga


RPI 1-25
2(1)
0


RPI 26-50
1
1


RPI 51-75
5(1)
5(3)



RPI 76-100
0
2(1)



RPI 101-150
7(3)
2(1)


RPI 151-200
2
9(2)





I just don't see how people don't see these as on par profiles. X with better wins and more wins in the upper half of D-1 by far.

[LA Muskie]

Road/Neutral in totality is not how committee looks at resumes. Its who they beat. Honestly, most committees in the past look at who a team beat not who they lost to.
I don't think that's entirely true. There's a reason everyone keeps track of "bad losses." But I agree that who you beat is generally more important that who you lost to.

[GoMuskies]

So they have 4 top 100 road/neutral wins (3 of which are against the top 64) to our 2, have a 24 RPI to our 44, have a 20 KenPom and Sagarin to our 45 and a 2 bad losses to our 3. I agree that between Xavier and Gonzaga it is not even close.

[Xu Red Dogg]

Xavier's accomplishments come against the 20th hardest schedule in the country.
X has a harder non conference SOS.
X has 2 Top 25 RPI wins.

Gonzaga's accomplishments come against the 92nd hardest schedule in the country.
Zags have 0 Top 25 RPI wins.

[OTRMUSKIE]

They loss to Dayton too that right there should put you way behind.

[xubrew]

Seth Greenberg did this every year.

Every year, it didn't work.

[sirthought]

Please tell me you're kidding.

I'm serious. I don't know that he was correct in saying the #8 Big East would WIN the A-10, but the sentiment that the #8 Big East would be competing at the top of the A-10, I totally believe that considering where the Big East was at that time.

In 2014, I think if you were to have the current teams from Seton Hall, Marquette, or Georgetown compete in the A-10, I think they'd be towards the top.

[Masterofreality]

http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/xavier/2014/03/06/xavier-falls-villanova-77-70/6146611/

Full story. I like him defending his guys, I think his campaigning is a part of the process anymore. It's unfortunate our resume can't stand on its own and coach feels the need to promote his team (as opposed to winning our way) into the tournament, but this year we need all the help we can get.


I want to know what the question was for why Mack answered the way he did? The only A10 team that might finish in the Top 4 of the BE is VCU and Georgetown beat them. The BE deserves at least 4 bids and I think that's what Mack is lobbying for. There may have been a better way to go about it though then taking it out on the former conference that X owned for years.


Hahaha. Maybe you guys can work for ESPN and join in on their anti-Big East campaign. I for one have had enough and I'm glad Mack did it.

GoMuskies, when you play a top 25 SOS you are going to lose some games. You think we lose to USC is we don't play iowa and UT the 2 days before? You think we lose @ Seton Hall if we play Fordham 2 days prior, not Top 10 Creighton? These kids aren't robots.

Playing a tough schedule comes with the understanding that you are going to lose games...and oftentimes it is more the toll it takes, not the opponents that bring an L.


You guys honestly think he's trying to make up for the loss to USC and Seton Hall by making those comments? He's just trying to rep his conference which gets absolutely no press anywhere despite having two National Title contenders in it. Sometimes you actually have to show off your good traits when you really need to.

I agree with all of these, but two other things....Don't lose to Seton Hall at home when you have a week to prepare and...

Last night on the post game with Joe and Byron, CMack said, I'm sure out of frustration, that "Fox Sports One did the league no favors with it's scheduling"

Uh sorry Coach. Wrong on that one. If you want to be in the Big Leagues, and get Big League network money, you accept and deal with the schedule you're given. Xavier actually had only 2 "two games in three days" scenarios. Villanova had FIVE. Remember that last year with "Big Monday" on the 4 letter network there were numerous 2 in 3's.

I wouldn't be saying anything about our $50 million/ year TV partner.

[Masterofreality]

By the way..on Ken Pomeroy this morning, Xavier is rated higher than UMass, St. Joes and the dump....three A-10 teams that are now considered "locks" by BE dismissers . Georgetown is rated higher than the Cryers and Hawks.

No way that the A-10 gets 6 teams in...and no way that the BE only gets 2-3.

[paulxu]

For you guys in Cincinnati, could you help me with something. The article with Mack's quote sort of puts it out there in a vacuum.
(in discussing the game and his comments, they just highlight some of his comments including the one discussed in this thread)

I'm interested to know if his comment was in response to a question from a reporter. Did someone ask him directly about the number of bids possible for the A10 vs the BE and that spurred his reaction/comment? Or did it just come out of nowhere?

[casualfan]

Here's the other thing I don't quite understand about Mack's comments and it has nothing to do with his comments regarding the A10.

He also talked about how the Big East is the third or fourth conference using the RPI and Kenpom and that there is no way Xavier shouldn't get in finishing fourth in the 3rd or 4th best league.

Well Chris, I got news for you. Both Kenpom and RPI have us rated #45 which puts us squarely on the bubble.

I mean, if the idea is to pump our resume and make comments about why we should definitely be in (something I've always despised anyway) then what the hell is he doing bringing up two rating systems that don't think very highly of our team?

[xavierj]

I guess he could have made some guys happy by saying we do not deserve to get in and just call it a year. The guy is trying to stick up for his team. Yes they could have done better but at the same time the team kind of exceeded expectations. They were picked to finish in the lower half of the league and they finished in the upper half. They celebrate those kinds of things across town. I know Xavier always has high expectations but other than losing to USC and the Hall twice, they had a pretty good year against a pretty tough schedule and league. Chris is just pointing that out.

[Xu Red Dogg]

You know what, I've slept on it and some you you guys were right... Mack shouldn't have stuck up for X or the Big East. In fact, I've sent Mack some suggested answers in the event he has to field these questions again.

Coach, is Xavier an NCAA Tournament Team?
Well, you know, that is for a committee to decide. It would be nice to get in the NCAA Tournament but people in Dayton tell me the NIT is nice too. And, come to think of it, we've been in the NCAA Tournament a lot over the last 20 years. Maybe we can sit this one out and someone else can get a chance to experience it.

Coach, is the Big East a 2 bid league? How does it compare to your old league, the A10?
The A10 was a lot of fun! The have some nice schools. One of them is actually coached by a guy that is a doctor! I know every ranking and indicator indicated that the Big East is a better league but who looks at that kind of stuff anyway?

I would hate to see some posters respond to their boss asking them if they deserve a raise...

[GoMuskies]

Mack was free to defend X and the Big East without saying something idiotic.

[mistabeecee41]

I'm not disagreeing with what he said - but he sounded like a dog backed into a corner. His 2nd best player is out. His team is struggling down the stretch. No doubt he reads the same bubble reports we do. No doubt he checks scoreboards to see what other bubble teams are doing. He knows we might be in trouble.

[XU 87]

I think it would have been ok for Mack to simply say that the BE is a better conference than the A-10. I think the Georgetown reference made his comment a little strong and comes across as belittling the A-10 a bit. It would have come off better if he would have said,"The A-10 is good but this conference is better."

But we shouldn't compare Mack's comments to Cronin's. Mack compared the two conferences because he's coached in both. Cronin compared the two conferences because he was trying to take a cheap shot at X, or at least it apeared that way.

[Masterofreality]

Here's the other thing I don't quite understand about Mack's comments and it has nothing to do with his comments regarding the A10.

He also talked about how the Big East is the third or fourth conference using the RPI and Kenpom and that there is no way Xavier shouldn't get in finishing fourth in the 3rd or 4th best league.

Well Chris, I got news for you. Both Kenpom and RPI have us rated #45 which puts us squarely on the bubble.

I mean, if the idea is to pump our resume and make comments about why we should definitely be in (something I've always despised anyway) then what the hell is he doing bringing up two rating systems that don't think very highly of our team?

Yeah, but again, we're ranked higher than UMass, St. Joes and udump. So there you go.

[Masterofreality]

I think it would have been ok for Mack to simply say that the BE is a better conference than the A-10. I think the Georgetown reference made his comment a little strong and comes across as belittling the A-10 a bit. It would have come off better if he would have said,"The A-10 is good but this conference is better."

But we shouldn't compare Mack's comments to Cronin's. Mack compared the two conferences because he's coached in both. Cronin compared the two conferences because he was trying to take a cheap shot at X, or at least it apeared that way.

Yep.

[GoMuskies]

Yeah, but again, we're ranked higher than UMass, St. Joes and udump. So there you go.

Georgetown, however, is ranked behind VCU, SLU, GW and UMass.

[Masterofreality]

Georgetown, however, is ranked behind VCU, SLU, GW and UMass.

I get that, but my point is that there will not be 6 A-10 teams in this tournament...and we're better than 3 of the 6 the pundits like.

[xubrew]

I really don't care what he said, but it didn't accomplish anything. The committee isn't going to care what he thinks, and nothing he says is going to have any influence whatsoever over what they do.

Most people who aren't Atlantic Ten fans will just dismiss it. But, when you start talking about how good you are compared to someone else, it does raise the question of why you feel the need to talk about how good you are compared to someone else. No one from Creighton is saying anything like that about their old conference because they don't have to.

[LA Muskie]

But we shouldn't compare Mack's comments to Cronin's. Mack compared the two conferences because he's coached in both. Cronin compared the two conferences because he was trying to take a cheap shot at X, or at least it apeared that way.

Nice try, but no. Same context same purpose. What you suggest is just color, mostly inferred through blue shaded glasses.

[cutterX]

As coach he should defend the Big East and Xavier to the nth degree. But to make the statement he did made him sound like the whiny little turd in Clifton and that's what sucked.
As far as the scheduling goes that is nothing but an excuse. If you wanna play in the Big leagues and earn big $ you have to go through a schedule like this.

[XU-XHI]

Yeah. I really love it when our coach sounds like the guy coaching in Clifton. Woot! Exciting!

There are better ways to get noticed and not back down. Much, much better ways.

The midget from clifton made comparisons without any experience or foundation to do so. Mack has coached in both conferences within a year of each other and is drawing his conclusions based on actual experience. Actually only Butler and X's coaches are in a position to draw comparisons between the conferences. Mack's comments are nothing like the boasts cronin would make.

[Retire33]

As coach he should defend the Big East and Xavier to the nth degree. But to make the statement he did made him sound like the whiny little turd in Clifton and that's what sucked.
As far as the scheduling goes that is nothing but an excuse. If you wanna play in the Big leagues and earn big $ you have to go through a schedule like this.

The schedule is not the issue. It's the imbalance in the scheduling. Like FS1 threw darts on a dartboard to schedule.

The big XII and the Big East of last year had teams that have/had the Sat-Mon and other 48 hour or so turnarounds guarantee their opponent did the same. The turnarounds were still tough but at least year opponent was in same situation along side you.

I certainly hope this is fixed with a full offseason for schedule makers.

[LA Muskie]

The midget from clifton made comparisons without any experience or foundation to do so. Mack has coached in both conferences within a year of each other and is drawing his conclusions based on actual experience. Actually only Butler and X's coaches are in a position to draw comparisons between the conferences. Mack's comments are nothing like the boasts cronin would make.

That's pure BS. But if the justification works for you then so be it. Mack pulled a Cronin. That's a fact.

[LA Muskie]

The schedule is not the issue. It's the imbalance in the scheduling. Like FS1 threw darts on a dartboard to schedule.

The big XII and the Big East of last year had teams that have/had the Sat-Mon and other 48 hour or so turnarounds guarantee their opponent did the same. The turnarounds were still tough but at least year opponent was in same situation along side you.

I certainly hope this is fixed with a full offseason for schedule makers.

Wah... Complaining about the schedule? Sounds like something else the whiny YTG would do.

[XUFan09]

Last night on the post game with Joe and Byron, CMack said, I'm sure out of frustration, that "Fox Sports One did the league no favors with it's scheduling"

Uh sorry Coach. Wrong on that one. If you want to be in the Big Leagues, and get Big League network money, you accept and deal with the schedule you're given. Xavier actually had only 2 "two games in three days" scenarios. Villanova had FIVE. Remember that last year with "Big Monday" on the 4 letter network there were numerous 2 in 3's.

I wouldn't be saying anything about our $50 million/ year TV partner.

Actually, Mack isn't alone among Big East coaches in being frustrated with the schedule. It's wonky at times, and next year it will look different with more time to plan.

He also isn't alone in having to deal with it though.

[El Shaqtus]

Why even bring up the A-10? Chris Mack is a very good coach and smart guy.

If SLU ever leaves the A-10, I would bet it doesn't get mentioned in St. Louis again (not even by Valley folk).

[American X]

Last night on the post game with Joe and Byron, CMack said, I'm sure out of frustration, that "Fox Sports One did the league no favors with it's scheduling"

Uh sorry Coach. Wrong on that one. If you want to be in the Big Leagues, and get Big League network money, you accept and deal with the schedule you're given. Xavier actually had only 2 "two games in three days" scenarios. Villanova had FIVE. Remember that last year with "Big Monday" on the 4 letter network there were numerous 2 in 3's.

I wouldn't be saying anything about our $50 million/ year TV partner.

That is Boeheim-esque whining from our coach. The SOLE reason the Big East came into existence was to get games on television.

[Retire33]

Wah... Complaining about the schedule? Sounds like something else the whiny YTG would do.

I'm stating facts about what other conferences do and how the "big league schedule" those on here keep pointing to is not apples to apples. It's well known the Big East had some of the craziest scheduling ever seen in this TV age.

I also would like to say if you cannot contribute anything of substance but bring childish remarks to bring down facts/information and opinions of others then I feel very sad for your state of mind and hope you rethink hitting quick reply if you have basically nothing to say.

[Xu Red Dogg]

I am just confused as to how this man is expected to answer questions?

Coach, do you think the fact that your team played 4 games in 10 days took a toll? He answered with an honest reply, YES! It takes a toll. If you have 2 games in 10 days or even 3 that is a different ballgame. Not to mention the imbalance for scouting purposes. If a team is sitting there with 6 days to prepare and you get 1, that is a PROBLEM!

[LA Muskie]

I'm stating facts about what other conferences do and how the "big league schedule" those on here keep pointing to is not apples to apples. It's well known the Big East had some of the craziest scheduling ever seen in this TV age.

I also would like to say if you cannot contribute anything of substance but bring childish remarks to bring down facts/information and opinions of others then I feel very sad for your state of mind and hope you rethink hitting quick reply if you have basically nothing to say.

It wasn't directed at you Retire. It was commentary on Mack's comments. Which I believe are in fact whiny and YTG-esq.

[ThrowDownDBrown]

These quotes from Chris were completely embarrassing. Shit like this is why I can't stand Mick Cronin and when he said almost exactly the same thing a couple years ago everyone on this board crucified him for it. But now Mack does it and it's ok? Maybe you should have gotten our guys to actually come out ready to play on the road and we wouldn't be in this position Chris. He sounds like a desperate guy who's staring right at not making the tourney two years in a row.

[LA Muskie]

I am just confused as to how this man is expected to answer questions?

Coach, do you think the fact that your team played 4 games in 10 days took a toll? He answered with an honest reply, YES! It takes a toll. If you have 2 games in 10 days or even 3 that is a different ballgame. Not to mention the imbalance for scouting purposes. If a team is sitting there with 6 days to prepare and you get 1, that is a PROBLEM!

Last I checked winning 2 in 3, 3 in 7 and 4 in 10 are requirements to win the NCAA tourney. Just sayin...

[casualfan]

I am just confused as to how this man is expected to answer questions?

Coach, do you think the fact that your team played 4 games in 10 days took a toll? He answered with an honest reply, YES! It takes a toll. If you have 2 games in 10 days or even 3 that is a different ballgame. Not to mention the imbalance for scouting purposes. If a team is sitting there with 6 days to prepare and you get 1, that is a PROBLEM!


It wasn't a question. He brought it up on his own. Right at the end of his radio interview with Byron and Joe he said something to the effect of:

"And by the way, FS1 did this league no favors with it's scheduling. 4 games in 9 days is crazy, this is not the NBA"

As I mentioned in another thread it was actually 4 games in 10 days which is not all that uncommon.

He managed to complain about our current and former league in about a 20 minute span last night.

[GoMuskies]

I am just confused as to how this man is expected to answer questions?

With as little whining as possible

[LA Muskie]

Our current situation has very little to do with scheduling or the conference. It has to do with losing games we needed to win. If we (or Georgetown) had been swept by Rhode Island or George Mason we'd be in the exact same situation. Not losing to USC (or if you are Georgetown, even worse, Northeastern) also would have helped.

[Xu Red Dogg]

GoMuskies, please humor me for a second - step in the shoes of Xavier's head coach and answer these question as you see fit.

"GoMuskies, is Xavier an NCAA Tournament Team?"
"GoMuskies, is the Big East a 2 bid league? How would you compare it to your previous conference, the A10?"

[GoMuskies]

Were those the questions he was actually asked that led to his idiotic response?

[Xu Red Dogg]

I don't have the press conference transcript in front of me. Sorry.

[LA Muskie]

GoMuskies, please humor me for a second and answer these question as you see fit.

"GoMuskies, is Xavier an NCAA Tournament Team?"
"GoMuskies, is the Big East a 2 bid league? How would you compare it to your previous conference, the A10?"

I'm not Go, and those weren't the questions, but I'll take the bait:

1. Yes, I think so. I think we are one of the 36 best teams in the country. We've played one of the toughest schedules in the country including a very difficult Big Easy tilt, and while we have had a few unfortunate hiccups we've still won at least 20 with more to play.

2. I can't imagine the Big East is a 2-bid league. According to the metrics it's one of the most difficult leagues in the country. And I can vouch for that. It was a gauntlet, and I can't imagine the 3rd (or even 4th) place team in this league isn't one of the top 36 eligible for an at large. We didn't play any A-10 teams this year so I can't compare this year, but it was easily the most competitive conference slate I've ever coached in. For whatever that's worth.

[GoMuskies]

GoMuskies, please humor me for a second - step in the shoes of Xavier's head coach and answer these question as you see fit.

"GoMuskies, is Xavier an NCAA Tournament Team?"
"GoMuskies, is the Big East a 2 bid league? How would you compare it to your previous conference, the A10?"

Yes, we're an NCAA Tournament team. We've played a difficult schedule and have some good wins, and we're third place in one of the top conferences in the country.

Both are very good leagues with a number of very good teams, but the Big East has been a more difficult league for us top to bottom and on a night in, night out basis.

[Xu Red Dogg]

1. Yes, I think so. I think we are one of the 36 best teams in the country. We've played one of the toughest schedules in the country including a very difficult Big Easy tilt, and while we have had a few unfortunate hiccups we've still won at least 20 with more to play.

This is exactly what he said.


Both are very good leagues with a number of very good teams, but the Big East has been a more difficult league for us top to bottom and on a night in, night out basis.

Yaaaawwwwwnnnnnn

[GoMuskies]

This is exactly what he said.

And who's complaining about that?

[GoMuskies]

Yaaaawwwwwnnnnnn

Yeah, pretty much exactly what he should be going for if someone were to ask him a stupid question like that.

[GoMuskies]

GoMuskies, please humor me for a second - step in the shoes of Xavier's head coach and answer these question as you see fit.

"GoMuskies, is Xavier an NCAA Tournament Team?"
"GoMuskies, is the Big East a 2 bid league? How would you compare it to your previous conference, the A10?"

1) Yeah, the other bubble teams kind of blow. I mean, Jimmy Carter for God's sake! And Gonzage, more like Gone-zaga, amirite? MOR back there know's what I'm talking about (thumbs up to MOR).

2) The Big East is awesome, and the A-10 is and always was a huge sack of shit. We owned that two-bit league, and if DePaul was part of it, they'd probably be 16-0. They shouldn't even get an auto-bid now that Temple, Butler and us have left. Can you believe we used to have to play at Tom Gola's Garage (another wink at MOR).

[THRILLHOUSE]

I'd like to know what the questions were. If someone asked him an A10 vs Big East question, then I'm ok with his response. If not, then yes it was a Cronin like statement.

[OTRMUSKIE]

If only he would have said something along the lines of "I can tell you right now that Dayton wouldn't finish better than 8th in the Big East" When my friend texted me what Mack said I too thought it was YTGesque. However one thing I do like about YTG is his passion and wearing his heart on his sleeve/foot, not sure where gnomes hearts are.

[nuts4xu]

Here is a thought....

Christi Mack is inducted into the Dayton HOF at Senior Night this Saturday at the dayton vs Richmond. The last time she attended a game there, the crowd heckled her so badly she left in tears. This is one of the best female basketball players the school has ever had, and they gave her so much crap she couldn't take it.

Fast forward 12+ months, and her husband, long hated for his antics against dayton while playing for Evansville, will reportedly be in attendance with her on Saturday.

After the comments Coach Mack made last night, I hope they simply boo her and the family, and the mouthbreathers save their cuss word filled rants for the Richmond fans.

Should be interesting for sure....

[El Shaqtus]

YTG?

Looking for clarification here. :)

[GoMuskies]

YTG?

Looking for clarification here. :)

Mick Cronin. Yellow toothed gnome

[XU 87]

Nice try, but no. Same context same purpose. What you suggest is just color, mostly inferred through blue shaded glasses.

No, it's not the same context, unless Georgetown moves its campus to Cincinnati and becomes an out of conference rival.

Of all the leagues Cronin picked, why do you think he chose the A-10 as a comparison?

And why do you think Mack picked the A-10 as comparison?

But Mack could have handled this better.

[El Shaqtus]

Mick Cronin. Yellow toothed gnome

Thank you sir.

[xubrew]

I can't see the Big East not getting three teams simply because the conference tournament will force the issue. Teams that lack decent wins away from home will be matched up against each other away from home, and SOMEBODY has got to win. I think if Georgetown can win either their last game, or win their quarterfinal game, they're in pretty solid shape, at least when compared to the rest of the league, even though they're a little lower in the standings. We REALLY need to win at least one conference tournament game. If we don't, I think that's it.

I do see a scenario where the league doesn't get any more than three, though, especially if Xavier doesn't get past the quarterfinals. If that does happen, and a league like the Atlantic Ten ends up with six (which, I think they will. At the very least I don't think it will be fewer than five), it will be interesting to see what the fallout is.

It isn't that the Atlantic Ten is better. It's that there are a lot more teams within the Atlantic Ten that did exactly what the committee says teams are supposed to do. Will there be a collective recognition of that among the Big East teams, or will they revert back to acting like Seth Greenberg, whining endlessly about it, and not changing a thing??

I honestly believe that if you're better than a team, but that team gets an at-large and you don't because the other team did what they were supposed to do (IE, play and win away from home), it's your fault.

[hoyahooligan]

First of all I have a problem with what Mack said. No way Georgetown finishes 2nd in the A10.... We'd totally finish first:biggrin:

I have no problem with what Mack said. The BE is a much better league than the A10 and always has been. Butler would probably be tied with Dayton for 6th if they had staid in the A10. I don't know the Cronin comments, but they were probably true then too. Sorry.

As for the scheduling he does have a legitimate gripe.

Since the conference got its act together so late the schedule was decided entirely by FS1. They made up the schedule and the schools had no say in it what so ever. That is not normal. Despite being a round robin the schedule was not balanced. Matchups are normally determined by TV desires to a certain extent, but normally the ADs and coaches get input into the schedule. That did not happen this year. The schedule will be better next year. Mack certainly is in the right to complain about this years BE schedule. Maybe he did not phrase it well, but there are legitimate problems with this year's BE schedule.

[El Shaqtus]

Historically, Georgetown is an excellent program. Saying they'd finish high anywhere is not a huge deal.

Good luck in the NCAAs.

[beatuc]

First of all I have a problem with what Mack said. No way Georgetown finishes 2nd in the A10.... We'd totally finish first:biggrin:

I have no problem with what Mack said. The BE is a much better league than the A10 and always has been. Butler would probably be tied with Dayton for 6th if they had staid in the A10. I don't know the Cronin comments, but they were probably true then too. Sorry.

As for the scheduling he does have a legitimate gripe.

Since the conference got its act together so late the schedule was decided entirely by FS1. They made up the schedule and the schools had no say in it what so ever. That is not normal. Despite being a round robin the schedule was not balanced. Matchups are normally determined by TV desires to a certain extent, but normally the ADs and coaches get input into the schedule. That did not happen this year. The schedule will be better next year. Mack certainly is in the right to complain about this years BE schedule. Maybe he did not phrase it well, but there are legitimate problems with this year's BE schedule.

After watching their flagship program lose three in a row I totally agree Georgetown would finish first. I don't really have a problem with what Mack said at all. There is more NBA talent and coaching top to bottom in the BE compared to the A-10 and that's not even close. Even last place teams in the BE have talent.

[BMoreX]

I don't disagree with his opinions on the two conferences, it just shouldn't have been said.

[GoMuskies]

I don't disagree with his opinions on the two conferences, it just shouldn't have been said.

I both disagree with his opinion AND think it should not have been said. Could Georgetown be #2 or #3 in the A-10? Sure. They could also be #6. To say that "it's not even close" is the part where I really think Mack was talking out his ass.

[El Shaqtus]

After watching their flagship program lose three in a row I totally agree Georgetown would finish first. I don't really have a problem with what Mack said at all. There is more NBA talent and coaching top to bottom in the BE compared to the A-10 and that's not even close. Even last place teams in the BE have talent.

The flagship program who is looking for the exits? I think Xavier took the term with them.

[beatuc]

The flagship program who is looking for the exits? I think Xavier took the term with them.

Okay, well then St. Louis is the marquee program this year and they aren't that special.

[LadyMuskie]

Here is a thought....

Christi Mack is inducted into the Dayton HOF at Senior Night this Saturday at the dayton vs Richmond. The last time she attended a game there, the crowd heckled her so badly she left in tears. This is one of the best female basketball players the school has ever had, and they gave her so much crap she couldn't take it.

Fast forward 12+ months, and her husband, long hated for his antics against dayton while playing for Evansville, will reportedly be in attendance with her on Saturday.

After the comments Coach Mack made last night, I hope they simply boo her and the family, and the mouthbreathers save their cuss word filled rants for the Richmond fans.

Should be interesting for sure....

This is a good example of one reason why saying what Mack said is stupid and unprofessional. Saying these kinds of things comes back to bite you in the ass at the most inopportune times.

[Xville]

For Mack to say what he said is completely ridiculous. I am sure that Mack continually preaches to his team to worry about what you are doing and not what some other team is doing. Maybe he should heed his own advice and focus on the fact that they lost to a .500 not just once but twice and not worry about what conference is better or not.

The fact of the matter is..he may be right but that isn't the point. The committee isn't all of a sudden going to be "well Mack said his conference is better than the A-10 so we need to make sure we have more teams in it than the A-10" It's a stupid, whiny thing for Mack to say and something that us here maade fun of and continue to do so when it came out of Mick's mouth. His statement doesn't do anyone any good.

[MuskieFN]

For Mack to say what he said is completely ridiculous. I am sure that Mack continually preaches to his team to worry about what you are doing and not what some other team is doing. Maybe he should heed his own advice and focus on the fact that they lost to a .500 not just once but twice and not worry about what conference is better or not.

The fact of the matter is..he may be right but that isn't the point. The committee isn't all of a sudden going to be "well Mack said his conference is better than the A-10 so we need to make sure we have more teams in it than the A-10" It's a stupid, whiny thing for Mack to say and something that us here maade fun of and continue to do so when it came out of Mick's mouth. His statement doesn't do anyone any good.

I can't imagine he thought he was influencing the committee. It seemed to be aimed at writers and analysts who previously extolled the BE's depth and now believe it's a 2-bid league.

[xubrew]

I don't think he should have said it, but I don't think it's that big of a deal and don't think anyone really cares.

Then again, this is the 105th post in this thread, so maybe it is a big deal and people do care.

I probably say something that I shouldn't say at least once or twice a day. Maybe more. When you get down to it, a coach is saying that his team and conference are better than other teams in other conferences. I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that if Kevin Ollie were put on the spot and had to take sides, he's day that the new American Conference is every bit as competitive as the old Big East, and that most of the strongest programs from the old Big East are still there. He coached in both leagues, so he knows.

It's humorously, and somewhat pathetically, predictable that a coach will vouch for their own team and conference. While at Memphis, John Calipari talked at length about how tough Conference USA was to anyone who would listen, and how it was hard to go on the road and be everyone's showcase game.

It doesn't do any good. No one listens, and the people who do listen aren't going to change their minds about what they think of a team and conference. You just come off looking like an agenda driven coach with no objectivity whatsoever. That's why I don't think he should have said it....but I really don't care that he did.

[El Shaqtus]

I don't think he should have said it, but I don't think it's that big of a deal and don't think anyone really cares.

Then again, this is the 105th post in this thread, so maybe it is a big deal and people do care.

I probably say something that I shouldn't say at least once or twice a day. Maybe more. When you get down to it, a coach is saying that his team and conference are better than other teams in other conferences. I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that if Kevin Ollie were put on the spot and had to take sides, he's day that the new American Conference is every bit as competitive as the old Big East, and that most of the strongest programs from the old Big East are still there. He coached in both leagues, so he knows.

It's humorously, and somewhat pathetically, predictable that a coach will vouch for their own team and conference. While at Memphis, John Calipari talked at length about how tough Conference USA was to anyone who would listen, and how it was hard to go on the road and be everyone's showcase game.

It doesn't do any good. No one listens, and the people who do listen aren't going to change their minds about what they think of a team and conference. You just come off looking like an agenda driven coach with no objectivity whatsoever. That's why I don't think he should have said it....but I really don't care that he did.

Well stated. People say things they wish they wouldn't have all the time. Mack is showing his appreciation for the teams in his league. Why wouldn't he?

I don't think he had to reference the A-10 to make his point, but this doesn't make Mack any less of a coach or anything stupid.

[brownlavender]

Most peoples concept of "cheering" for xavier basketball on here is absolutely pathetic. Im sure happy I never ever have to go to war with you people fighting on my side. You really don't grasp the all for one mentality I guess. Just two games ago the same people who are writing the team off and throwing the coach under the bus were talking tourney run and praising mack. Then we lose our big man and lose to the #6 team in the nation and now the program needs a major overhaul. Lighten up drama queens! This isnt the jerry springer show. Your not babies daddy. RELAXXX! Let the season play out and spare us your crying and babble and cheer on our team in the NCAA tourey this year. Please join us it's going to be a wild ride!

[GoMuskies]

Most peoples concept of "cheering" for xavier basketball on here is absolutely pathetic.

Ha, I love a good "I'm a better fan than you" speech. More please!

[brownlavender]

Ha, I love a good "I'm a better fan than you" speech. More please!

keep on bashing. shows great character. I never said I was a better fan. I am fan though. I don't understand how you can call yourself a fan by bashing the players and team. If they're not good enough for you, you should probably find another team that doesn't suck so bad to cheer for. That way you won't have anything to whine about and all will be good in the world

[GoMuskies]

keep on bashing. shows great character.

I am interested to learn more about the bashing I'm doing. Please elaborate.

[sirthought]

I wasn't listening to the radio that night. Was this the press conference or the post-game show?

Here is the link to the press conference. I'll have to listen later.
http://www.goxavier.com/allaccess/?media=439222

[xubrew]

Ha, I love a good "I'm a better fan than you" speech. More please!

I'm a better fan than you. I always have been.

It makes more sense for comparisons to go up, not down. Prior to this year, the Pac Twelve had been struggling. They weren't getting many teams into the NCAAs, and the ones the were getting weren't always seeded that great. When teams like Cal and Washington were on the bubble, it would have looked a little silly for their coaches to go on about how they would win the West Coast Conference or the Mountain West conference if they played in those leagues. It's just bad form. On top of that, it opens up a floodgate of rebuttles about how Gonzaga, Saint Mary's, BYU, New Mexico and San Diego State are as good/better than Cal and Washington.

It's a double standards, but that is the standard. If Gonzaga wants to speculate about how they'd do in the Pac Twelve, that's fine. For Cal to speculate about how they'd do in the WCC, that's just crazy.

I kind of feel that's what Mack did. I'm not up in arms about it. I really don't care what he says because I don't think anyone else is really paying attention anyway. But, for the people that are paying attention, I don't think they're going to take it the way that he wants them, especially when the A10 is having the kind of year that they are.

What some of you call "All for One," I call "blindly following." You don't have to agree with everything everyone says and does in order to be a fan.

[LadyMuskie]

Most peoples concept of "cheering" for xavier basketball on here is absolutely pathetic. Im sure happy I never ever have to go to war with you people fighting on my side. You really don't grasp the all for one mentality I guess. Just two games ago the same people who are writing the team off and throwing the coach under the bus were talking tourney run and praising mack. Then we lose our big man and lose to the #6 team in the nation and now the program needs a major overhaul. Lighten up drama queens! This isnt the jerry springer show. Your not babies daddy. RELAXXX! Let the season play out and spare us your crying and babble and cheer on our team in the NCAA tourey this year. Please join us it's going to be a wild ride!

This is so incoherent that I don't even know how to respond. Are you drinking? High? What does "your not babies daddy" mean? The "jerry springer show" has what to do with this again?

If you're saying, from the little I'm able to glean from this, that you're only a good fan if you blindly follow a coach no matter what idiot road he may take, then I guess I'm not a fan (but I'm also not a hypocrite and I don't have a sheep-like mentality when it comes to sports).

Maybe I'm such a fan of my alma mater that it pains me to see our head coach acting like the coach of the school down the road. Maybe, Go, LA, myself and others like us, are the best fans of the program because we're willing to say the hard things that need to be said and admit that neither Mack nor Xavier is perfect. We're standing up and saying something is wrong. Because if history has shown us one thing it is that the best, the most fondly remembered leaders aren't those who needed people to blindly accept them no questions asked, but rather those who invited differing opinions, who accepted that mistakes might be made and that sometimes you need to be called out for them.

Or maybe we're all fans and fandom can't be measured by some bullshit meter made up on the spot to make one feel superior. Maybe.

[LadyMuskie]

I wasn't listening to the radio that night. Was this the press conference or the post-game show?

Here is the link to the press conference. I'll have to listen later.
http://www.goxavier.com/allaccess/?media=439222

The stuff he said about the scheduling with FS1 was with Joe & Byron on the post game show.

[GoMuskies]

Maybe, Go, LA, myself and others like us, are the best fans of the program

This is clearly true. Other than the part about LA and others like us.

[nuts4xu]

Wow LadyMuskie really has her panties twisted in a bunch about this.

I haven't seen LadyMuskie this lathered up before.

[LA Muskie]

This is clearly true. Other than the part about LA and others like us.
Ouch. Uncalled for.

[LadyMuskie]

Wow LadyMuskie really has her panties twisted in a bunch about this.

I haven't seen LadyMuskie this lathered up before.

You just haven't been paying attention. Ask Paul about his 1st Rule or Rule No. 1 or something like that. :wink:

[blobfan]

I'm ok with Mack saying something douche-adjacent after a hard fought, disappointing loss on senior night when a top scorer is rehabbing and media has been dumping on the team. If it only happens once or twice a year, I won't judge him too harshly. If he starts doing a full on Cronin though I will join the fracas.

[paulxu]

You just haven't been paying attention. Ask Paul about his 1st Rule or Rule No. 1 or something like that. :wink:

He's been too busy with other stuff to notice (see private lounge stuff).

Just crank up one time on her wrong side Nuts, you'll get the idea.

1. I still never got an answer as to whether Mack was answering a question with his "comment" that is so contentious, or just pulled it out of thin air.

2. I have a great bullshit meter, and know damn well when it's coming my way. For example: Go says Kansas is a great place and I should visit. Ding, Ding, Ding....

[brownlavender]

This is so incoherent that I don't even know how to respond. Are you drinking? High? What does "your not babies daddy" mean? The "jerry springer show" has what to do with this again?

If you're saying, from the little I'm able to glean from this, that you're only a good fan if you blindly follow a coach no matter what idiot road he may take, then I guess I'm not a fan (but I'm also not a hypocrite and I don't have a sheep-like mentality when it comes to sports).

Maybe I'm such a fan of my alma mater that it pains me to see our head coach acting like the coach of the school down the road. Maybe, Go, LA, myself and others like us, are the best fans of the program because we're willing to say the hard things that need to be said and admit that neither Mack nor Xavier is perfect. We're standing up and saying something is wrong. Because if history has shown us one thing it is that the best, the most fondly remembered leaders aren't those who needed people to blindly accept them no questions asked, but rather those who invited differing opinions, who accepted that mistakes might be made and that sometimes you need to be called out for them.

Or maybe we're all fans and fandom can't be measured by some bullshit meter made up on the spot to make one feel superior. Maybe.
what i'm saying with the jerry springer and baby daddy is that you all create WAYYYYYYY to much drama out of nothing. This isn't daytime television. I'm not on here for the bs drama. I'm here for facts and xavier basketball. I'm not here to read about how you and everybody else thinks that this team is crap. We lose the second most important player on our team during a game on the road to a pretty decent team on senior night and come home and lose respectfully to a probable 1 seed in the tourney. Two games we could of won if he had stain, maybe not, but we would of had a much better chance. That's not my gripe. My gripe is you all act like a bunch of lemmings. When one jumps off the cliff most follow. My point is relax...... the season is far from over and we're going to the dance. I for one believe that bitching and moaning gets nothing done that's why i don't come on here after losses. We should ease off on the drama and concentrate on the tasks at hand which will be either St. Johns or Marquette. Take this is for all it is.. I love Xavier basketball and I bleed blue. Cliff jumping isn't for me. ps- why do people attack others on chatboards that are supposed to be cheering for the same team. Am i drunk, am i high... sorry for being passionate about xavier basketball

[GoMuskies]

ps- why do people attack others on chatboards that are supposed to be cheering for the same team.

Oh man, this is rich.

By the way, you seem to be in the wrong thread with your gripes. This thread is about our coach saying something stupid.

[brownlavender]

Not sure how backing your team is saying something stupid

[xukeith]

I agree with Mack but remember the days of early March while in the A10, how much we posters yelled and screamed when analysts and coaches of teh Big East said "Any team in the Big East would win or be in top half of A10" A10 is a midmajor conference.
I bet St. Louis would be in top 3 of Big East.

[mid major]

I've spent half an hour reading this thread and it's half an hour I'll never get back. WTF? This is beginning to sound like the Priders board. I don't like Mack any less now that he got this off his chest. Can we move past our coach's comments?

[LadyMuskie]

He's been too busy with other stuff to notice (see private lounge stuff).

Just crank up one time on her wrong side Nuts, you'll get the idea.

1. I still never got an answer as to whether Mack was answering a question with his "comment" that is so contentious, or just pulled it out of thin air.

2. I have a great bullshit meter, and know damn well when it's coming my way. For example: Go says Kansas is a great place and I should visit. Ding, Ding, Ding....

I don't know about the comment regarding the A10. The complaint about the schedule was not prompted by a question.

[XUFan09]

I've spent half an hour reading this thread and it's half an hour I'll never get back. WTF? This is beginning to sound like the Priders board. I don't like Mack any less now that he got this off his chest. Can we move past our coach's comments?

I'm trying to understand why I should be upset. I just don't care too much. I'm not meaning to be disparaging to those who do care, but I just can't find the energy to be too concerned about this.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk

[LA Muskie]

I'm not upset. I still like Mack. But I think the comment was dumb and harkened back to comments routinely made by a certain coach up the street that we all love to hate. It's not like I'm losing sleep over it or calling for Mack's head.

[xavierj]

I agree with Mack but remember the days of early March while in the A10, how much we posters yelled and screamed when analysts and coaches of teh Big East said "Any team in the Big East would win or be in top half of A10" A10 is a midmajor conference.
I bet St. Louis would be in top 3 of Big East.

St. Louis best non conference win was Indiana St. They have lost 3 straight and had to pull a rabbit out of a hat to beat George Mason. They lost by 7 at home to Duquesne. They look old, slow and tired. They will go out very early in the tourney.

[mid major]

St. Louis best non conference win was Indiana St. They have lost 3 straight and had to pull a rabbit out of a hat to beat George Mason. They lost by 7 at home to Duquesne. They look old, slow and tired. They will go out very early in the tourney.

The bulk of their reputation is based solely on close losses to VCU and Wisconsin. I don't know why they are rated so highly. Same as UMass. They've lost to the GMU at home and to the Bonnies on the road. A10 is getting too much respect and they seem to think 6 teams are going dancing.

[XUFan09]

The bulk of their reputation is based solely on close losses to VCU and Wisconsin. I don't know why they are rated so highly. Same as UMass. They've lost to the GMU at home and to the Bonnies on the road. A10 is getting too much respect and they seem to think 6 teams are going dancing.

They have really faltered these past three games. Prior to that, though, they had reason for their rep:

- Winning at Vanderbilt, even though Vandy isn't good this year, is actually a pretty good win
- They played a weak schedule, but they went 13-2 in it
- They proceeded to cut through the A10 when it is having a really good year, starting 12-0 while notching wins at Dayton and at St. Joseph's (these are fantastic road wins) in addition to home wins versus VCU and George Washington
- Their Kenpom ranking prior to their recent spill was 19th

[xubrew]

The bulk of their reputation is based solely on close losses to VCU and Wisconsin. I don't know why they are rated so highly. Same as UMass. They've lost to the GMU at home and to the Bonnies on the road. A10 is getting too much respect and they seem to think 6 teams are going dancing.

You don't know why they are rated so highly??

They won nineteen games in a row, and were 21-2 overall. Make a list of all the teams who have ever started off 21-2, and see how many of them weren't rated highly no matter what conference they were in. Murray State was ranked #6th a few years ago. So was that pathetic George Washington team the year they blew through the Atlantic Ten.

What's funny is that there is a team this year that falls into that category, but they've won a grand total of three games against the top 180. But, still, it doesn't take a genius to figure out why they were rated so highly. Next week they probably won't be.

Their defense is tremendous, though. I think Creighton is really the only team that matches up well against it, and that's only because they have such great perimeter shooting (most of the time). I think most Big East teams would struggle against them.

[xavierj]

You don't know why they are rated so highly??

They won nineteen games in a row, and were 21-2 overall. Make a list of all the teams who have ever started off 21-2, and see how many of them weren't rated highly no matter what conference they were in. Murray State was ranked #6th a few years ago. So was that pathetic George Washington team the year they blew through the Atlantic Ten.

What's funny is that there is a team this year that falls into that category, but they've won a grand total of three games against the top 180. But, still, it doesn't take a genius to figure out why they were rated so highly. Next week they probably won't be.

Their defense is tremendous, though. I think Creighton is really the only team that matches up well against it, and that's only because they have such great perimeter shooting (most of the time). I think most Big East teams would struggle against them.

They lost to the only good teams they played in the non conference. Duquesne didn't have a problem with them and either did Dayton. What do you think Villanova would do with them? Yes they started out 21-2 and beat relatively no one. They beat VCU at home by 2 and at LaSalle by 1. And then look at the talent level, they don't have one guy who will sniff the NBA. I just am not impressed with them. They will go out quick, probably first game quick. They will also likely be in the 9 seed range.

[xubrew]

They lost to the only good teams they played in the non conference. Duquesne didn't have a problem with them and either did Dayton. What do you think Villanova would do with them? Yes they started out 21-2 and beat relatively no one. They beat VCU at home by 2 and at LaSalle by 1. And then look at the talent level, they don't have one guy who will sniff the NBA. I just am not impressed with them. They will go out quick, probably first game quick. They will also likely be in the 9 seed range.

I think Nova would win, but I also don't think they match up well against their defense. A lot of teams in the Big East like to get up and down the floor, and those are the teams that SLU is most effective against. Dayton and Duquesne don't exactly run up and down the court. VCU does, but VCU is also unbeaten at home and they still struggled to score against them. On offense, they're mediocre most of the time, and average when they're at their best, but defensively I think they're as good as anyone in the country.

I don't think they'll beat UMass this weekend either. I don't see them falling all the way down to the #9 line, but I seriously doubt they'll be a protected seed either. As far as going out in the first round, I think it depends on what kind of team they play.

But, okay, if you think they're a #9 seed, which is probably lower than what they'll actually get, other than Creighton and Nova there really aren't any other teams in the Big East that are likely to get a seed that's even that good, so speculating that they'd finish third isn't that outrageous.

[xavierj]

I think Nova would win, but I also don't think they match up well against their defense. A lot of teams in the Big East like to get up and down the floor, and those are the teams that SLU is most effective against. Dayton and Duquesne don't exactly run up and down the court. VCU does, but VCU is also unbeaten at home and they still struggled to score against them. On offense, they're mediocre most of the time, and average when they're at their best, but defensively I think they're as good as anyone in the country.

I don't think they'll beat UMass this weekend either. I don't see them falling all the way down to the #9 line, but I seriously doubt they'll be a protected seed either. As far as going out in the first round, I think it depends on what kind of team they play.

But, okay, if you think they're a #9 seed, which is probably lower than what they'll actually get, other than Creighton and Nova there really aren't any other teams in the Big East that are likely to get a seed that's even that good, so speculating that they'd finish third isn't that outrageous.

Dayton actually beat them by pushing the ball and making St Louis look slow. St Louis has 24 wins, 0 non conference wins against tourney teams. 18 ctappy wins. They will not have a very good seed. Especially when they enter with two more losses. Yes they could be top 3 in the big east but they would have around 8 losses. Butler is 3-14 in the big east. They would be at least .500 or better in the A10 so Chris is probably right. DePaul is the worst team in the big east but they have athletes. That's the difference between the big east and the A10, the shit teams have good athletes and you have to be ready each night.

[paulxu]

Maybe Mack was upset at the A10 in general because of how one of their "better" programs is treating his wife and family.
Last year Christi was suppose to be inducted into the HOF if I remember right, and they put it off a year because of how some yahoos in their student section treated her at a game.
This year when she is inducted, Mack and the girls are supposedly going to be kept up in a private suite when she gets the award rather than joining her on court, assumedly over concerns of what the fans might do in reaction. Nice.
Stay classy UD.

[RealDeal]

Maybe Mack was upset at the A10 in general because of how one of their "better" programs is treating his wife and family.
Last year Christi was suppose to be inducted into the HOF if I remember right, and they put it off a year because of how some yahoos in their student section treated her at a game.
This year when she is inducted, Mack and the girls are supposedly going to be kept up in a private suite when she gets the award rather than joining her on court, assumedly over concerns of what the fans might do in reaction. Nice.
Stay classy UD.

That's just pathetic.

[xsteve1]

I think Nova would win, but I also don't think they match up well against their defense. A lot of teams in the Big East like to get up and down the floor, and those are the teams that SLU is most effective against. Dayton and Duquesne don't exactly run up and down the court. VCU does, but VCU is also unbeaten at home and they still struggled to score against them. On offense, they're mediocre most of the time, and average when they're at their best, but defensively I think they're as good as anyone in the country.

I don't think they'll beat UMass this weekend either. I don't see them falling all the way down to the #9 line, but I seriously doubt they'll be a protected seed either. As far as going out in the first round, I think it depends on what kind of team they play.

But, okay, if you think they're a #9 seed, which is probably lower than what they'll actually get, other than Creighton and Nova there really aren't any other teams in the Big East that are likely to get a seed that's even that good, so speculating that they'd finish third isn't that outrageous.

SLU is struggling terribly right now. I like SLU and would much rather have them in the BE than the Dump but they have been exposed in the last few weeks. Looking at their results they have squeaked out a ton of close wins against some really bad teams. VCU and SLU were much better last year which has lead to parity at the top half of the A10. If X had been in the A10 this year I think they are undefeated at home and probably playing for a league title.

[Gopher+RamFan]

SLU is struggling terribly right now. I like SLU and would much rather have them in the BE than the Dump but they have been exposed in the last few weeks. Looking at their results they have squeaked out a ton of close wins against some really bad teams. VCU and SLU were much better last year which has lead to parity at the top half of the A10. If X had been in the A10 this year I think they are undefeated at home and probably playing for a league title.

I think VCU is better this year, in all honesty. VCU has played the top 7 teams on the road, and getting 3 return games. The unbalanced schedule definitely favored SLU and UMass this year - as well as SJU. VCU also had 4 Thur/Saturday turnaround games - so Mack's comments about Big East scheduling ring true for some A10 teams as well.

VCU is much better prepared this year with road wins at: #9 (UVA) #43, #53 (Belmont), #71, #104. No bad losses, nor home losses.

Last year VCU had a schedule that allowed them to face a number of good teams at home. The two teams who beat VCU at home last year made the Sweet Sixteen or Final Four (LaSalle, Wichita St.)

I find that when you are a coach of a high major program, you shouldn't have to compare yourself to a lesser conference - even if they are getting more bids. Sounds petty, but I'm sure most on here don't care what I think (being a VCU fan). That said, I really hope to be joining the Big East fanbases at some point in time.

I do hope, out of all the other BE programs, X makes the tourney.

[LA Muskie]

Maybe Mack was upset at the A10 in general because of how one of their "better" programs is treating his wife and family.
Last year Christi was suppose to be inducted into the HOF if I remember right, and they put it off a year because of how some yahoos in their student section treated her at a game.
This year when she is inducted, Mack and the girls are supposedly going to be kept up in a private suite when she gets the award rather than joining her on court, assumedly over concerns of what the fans might do in reaction. Nice.
Stay classy UD.

This is true. http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/sports/former-ud-great-target-of-foul-mouthed-fans-saturd/nWRZd/


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[XUFan09]

I think VCU is better this year, in all honesty. VCU has played the top 7 teams on the road, and getting 3 return games. The unbalanced schedule definitely favored SLU and UMass this year - as well as SJU. VCU also had 4 Thur/Saturday turnaround games - so Mack's comments about Big East scheduling ring true for some A10 teams as well.

VCU is much better prepared this year with road wins at: #9 (UVA) #43, #53 (Belmont), #71, #104. No bad losses, nor home losses.

Last year VCU had a schedule that allowed them to face a number of good teams at home. The two teams who beat VCU at home last year made the Sweet Sixteen or Final Four (LaSalle, Wichita St.)

I find that when you are a coach of a high major program, you shouldn't have to compare yourself to a lesser conference - even if they are getting more bids. Sounds petty, but I'm sure most on here don't care what I think (being a VCU fan). That said, I really hope to be joining the Big East fanbases at some point in time.

I do hope, out of all the other BE programs, X makes the tourney.

I think his main goal was just trying to compare his past coaching experience with his current one. It's not simply "some other conference." It's where he was just coaching for the first four years of his tenure.

[xubrew]

SLU is struggling terribly right now. I like SLU and would much rather have them in the BE than the Dump but they have been exposed in the last few weeks. Looking at their results they have squeaked out a ton of close wins against some really bad teams. VCU and SLU were much better last year which has lead to parity at the top half of the A10. If X had been in the A10 this year I think they are undefeated at home and probably playing for a league title.

I'm not saying SLU isn't struggling. The third place team right now in the Big East is on the bubble. SLU is not.

Squeaking out close wins to bad teams?? Look at the Big East for crissake!!!

Providence barely beat Boston College, barely beat Brown, barely beat Rhode Island, struggled against a La Salle team that is nowhwere near where SLU is, barely beat Yale and barely beat Columbia. Yet, they're tied with us in the Big East right now.

Saint John's squeaks by the worst Bucknell team in recent memory, struggled against Monmouth, struggled against Youngstown State, and struggled against Columbia. All of those were home games against teams in bad leagues who played badly in those leagues.

Marquette barely beat Southern and New Hampshire. NEW HAMPSHIRE!!! One of the five worst teams in the country.

None of those teams beat anyone that was any good out of conference, they played very few road games and lost most of them, and barely beat some horrendously craptacular teams. I don't think SLU is a top ten team, but outside of Creighton and Nova, I don't think anyone in the Big East is even a solid top 40 team. SLU is. So, yes, I agree with the assessment that they would finish third.

Georgetown, admittedly, was solid, but they've been schizophrenic in conference play.

[danaandvictory]

They lost to the only good teams they played in the non conference. Duquesne didn't have a problem with them and either did Dayton.

Dayton was down 5 points with 5 minutes left, and got back into the game largely because Jalen Robinson, who had two threes ON THE YEAR, hit two straight.

Saying Dayton "had no problem" with SLU is stupid. It was a tight game and UD made plays down the stretch.

[xavierj]

Dayton was down 5 points with 5 minutes left, and got back into the game largely because Jalen Robinson, who had two threes ON THE YEAR, hit two straight.

Saying Dayton "had no problem" with SLU is stupid. It was a tight game and UD made plays down the stretch.

I didn't say they didn't have a problem. You missed my point. He stated that athletic teams struggle with slu and I was pointing out that is exactly how Dayton beat them. By getting up and down the floor and making them look slow. Which they are. Dayton only made 6 threes they did the most damage in transition and blew them out in the 2nd half.

[Xavier]

Blew them out? They won by 5..

[xubrew]

T Duquesne didn't have a problem with them and either did Dayton.


I didn't say they didn't have a problem. You missed my point. He stated that athletic teams struggle with slu and I was pointing out that is exactly how Dayton beat them. By getting up and down the floor and making them look slow. Which they are. Dayton only made 6 threes they did the most damage in transition and blew them out in the 2nd half.

So, by speeding up the game, Dayton was forced to rely on two low percentage shots that were taken by a low percentage shooter, which miraculously went in, and you think that is what everyone who plays SLU should rely on??

Was it Dayton's athleticism and ability to get low percentage shots for crappy shooters the reason they beat SLU, or did SLU going absolutely ice cold on offense for about a seven minute stretch have anything to do with Why UD was able to pull even and then ahead?? SLU almost (and did) get back into the game, and one of the reasons was that, despite being ahead, Dayton was still trying to push the pace....and failing.

I do think that the reason SLU is so good against athletic teams is that they control the pace of the game and don't let the other team utilize their athleticism. Most of the teams that try and push the pace aren't able to do it. Dayton did try and push the pace, but continued to do it when it clearly wasn't to their advantage. I still think it's was SLU"s crappy offense that kept UD in the game. SLU sucks on offense. They routinely go through stretches like they did in the UD game where they just can't score. Their defense is awesome, though. Even teams that beat them struggle against it.

[kyxu]

This is true. http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/sports/former-ud-great-target-of-foul-mouthed-fans-saturd/nWRZd/


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

Some of the comments to that article are mind-blowing. I cannot believe the thought process of some adults.

[xavierj]

So, by speeding up the game, Dayton was forced to rely on two low percentage shots that were taken by a low percentage shooter, which miraculously went in, and you think that is what everyone who plays SLU should rely on??

Was it Dayton's athleticism and ability to get low percentage shots for crappy shooters the reason they beat SLU, or did SLU going absolutely ice cold on offense for about a seven minute stretch have anything to do with Why UD was able to pull even and then ahead?? SLU almost (and did) get back into the game, and one of the reasons was that, despite being ahead, Dayton was still trying to push the pace....and failing.

I do think that the reason SLU is so good against athletic teams is that they control the pace of the game and don't let the other team utilize their athleticism. Most of the teams that try and push the pace aren't able to do it. Dayton did try and push the pace, but continued to do it when it clearly wasn't to their advantage. I still think it's was SLU"s crappy offense that kept UD in the game. SLU sucks on offense. They routinely go through stretches like they did in the UD game where they just can't score. Their defense is awesome, though. Even teams that beat them struggle against it.

Dayton scored 44 2nd half points and won the 2nd half by 14. I think that speaks for itself. They allowed Dayton to score 44 2nd half points. They looked tired and they do not appear to have a ton of talent. Duquesne did the same thing too them at SLU. They may be running out of gas. Not doing anything in the non conference won't help them either.

[LA Muskie]

I think his main goal was just trying to compare his past coaching experience with his current one. It's not simply "some other conference." It's where he was just coaching for the first four years of his tenure.

I don't think that was his main goal at all. I just think that's an after-the-fact justification that folks on this board are concocting. His main point was to say that he thinks the Big East is a better conference and therefore should get more than the 2 teams into the tourney that some talking heads are suggesting.

And I don't have any problem with his primary point. I just think the way he made that point came off eerily like Mick. That's not good for business. That's not good for anyone.

[xubrew]

I didn't realize that SLU was not the host institution for the round of 64/32 round games in Saint Louis. The Missouri Valley is.

If Kansas falls down to the #2 line, the closest city is Saint Louis. If SLU ends up a #7, they will almost certainly be placed in.....Saint Louis.

It's within the rules, and it actually abides by the guide line of keeping teams as close as possible.

[xubrew]

Holy Crap.

If Wichita gets a #1 and Kansas gets a #2, then both will almost certainly go to Saint Louis. That means we'd have a 1, 16, 8, 9 and a 2, 15, 7, 10,

If SLU is seeded 7th, 8th, 9th or 10th there is almost no way they wouldn't be staying home. Ironically, if they were 4th or 5th like what it appeared they were on pace to get, they'd probably be shipped pretty far away.

Never has a team benefited from sucking quite like this could potentially be.

[Fireball]

I don't think that was his main goal at all. I just think that's an after-the-fact justification that folks on this board are concocting. His main point was to say that he thinks the Big East is a better conference and therefore should get more than the 2 teams into the tourney that some talking heads are suggesting.

And I don't have any problem with his primary point. I just think the way he made that point came off eerily like Mick. That's not good for business. That's not good for anyone.

I agree totally with this. His points are all solid, and if he'd stopped before he said that Georgetown would finish in the top 3 of the A-10, then I don't think we would be having this debate right now. He's right when we says that the Big East is a better conference and right when he says that the idea of the A-10 getting 6 bids and Big East getting 2 bids is crap.

It's that Mick-like "where would Georgetown finish in the A-10" comment that makes us all pause, though that point is correct also. He's campaigning his his team and his conference, and I have no issue with that.

[xubrew]

Georgetown seems to beat good teams and lose to bad ones. They may not even finish in the top half of the Atlantic Ten.

[xudash]

I agree totally with this. His points are all solid, and if he'd stopped before he said that Georgetown would finish in the top 3 of the A-10, then I don't think we would be having this debate right now. He's right when we says that the Big East is a better conference and right when he says that the idea of the A-10 getting 6 bids and Big East getting 2 bids is crap.

It's that Mick-like "where would Georgetown finish in the A-10" comment that makes us all pause, though that point is correct also. He's campaigning his his team and his conference, and I have no issue with that.

I've held off this long enough.

I agree with what you wrote. The only thing with which I take issue (not with what you wrote, but generally with this thread), whether anyone thinks he should have or should not have gone there with respect to the comments about the A10, is the idea that Mack doesn't warrant an opinion in this area. Cronin NEVER coached in the A10. Chris Mack coached in the A10. If, as part of his efforts to defend his new conference, he felt compelled to step over some line in order to make a comparison, he did so having experience in both conferences, making his opinion worthwhile. Should he have made that opinion known? Well, we're back to that, I guess.

I could have done without this stuff like most here, but I can't come to the conclusion that Chris's comments were egregious.

[xsteve1]

Georgetown seems to beat good teams and lose to bad ones. They may not even finish in the top half of the Atlantic Ten.

I think Butler would finish in the top half of the A10. It's about matchups and Butler matches up well with A10 teams. Heck watching Butler play today they'd beat SLU.

[X-band '01]

Holy Crap.

If Wichita gets a #1 and Kansas gets a #2, then both will almost certainly go to Saint Louis. That means we'd have a 1, 16, 8, 9 and a 2, 15, 7, 10,

If SLU is seeded 7th, 8th, 9th or 10th there is almost no way they wouldn't be staying home. Ironically, if they were 4th or 5th like what it appeared they were on pace to get, they'd probably be shipped pretty far away.

Never has a team benefited from sucking quite like this could potentially be.

That's also assuming that SLU doesn't get bumped out of the St. Louis subregional if matchups dictate as such.

SLU doesn't really dominate the St. Louis metro market; it's still predominantly Mizzou fans in that area. I doubt we'd see a potential SLU-Wichita State rematch in the Round of 32 if it can be avoided (especially since Wichita already played at SLU earlier this year), so I'd be sweating more if I were a Kansas fan with SLU (and maybe a few Mizzou) fans in attendance.

[XUFan09]

That's also assuming that SLU doesn't get bumped out of the St. Louis subregional if matchups dictate as such.

SLU doesn't really dominate the St. Louis metro market; it's still predominantly Mizzou fans in that area. I doubt we'd see a potential SLU-Wichita State rematch in the Round of 32 if it can be avoided, so I'd be sweating more if I were a Kansas fan with SLU (and maybe a few Mizzou) fans in attendance.

Yup, to the resentment of many SLU fans. Growing up in STL, I liked SLU, but I was more of a Mizzou fan. I followed both but tended to be more knowledgeable about the Mizzou team.

It's a symbiotic relationship: Mizzou as a school tends to be pretty biased toward STL, much to the dismay of Kansas City residents. Screw them, though. They're just over the border from that awful state.

[xubrew]

That's also assuming that SLU doesn't get bumped out of the St. Louis subregional if matchups dictate as such.

SLU doesn't really dominate the St. Louis metro market; it's still predominantly Mizzou fans in that area. I doubt we'd see a potential SLU-Wichita State rematch in the Round of 32 if it can be avoided (especially since Wichita already played at SLU earlier this year), so I'd be sweating more if I were a Kansas fan with SLU (and maybe a few Mizzou) fans in attendance.

You're right. You're 100% right.

I could admit that I forgot all about Wichita playing SLU when I posted this, or I could take the low road and say that I was just testing you.

Okay, I was just testing you.

[Masterofreality]

By the way..

The Borecats today beat a bad team from New Jersey..On their Senior Day....with only one day between games....on the road...after a huge win at home.Props to them.

One more reason why complaining about the schedule is pure horsesheet. Coach, I love ya, but shut up about the schedule, don't make excuses, get your team ready and play the game tough.

Chris Mack has always said that Xavier is a "no excuses" program. Well, don't make excuses.

[LA Muskie]

By the way..

The Borecats today beat a bad team from New Jersey..On their Senior Day....with only one day between games....on the road...after a huge win at home.Props to them.

One more reason why complaining about the schedule is pure horsesheet. Coach, I love ya, but shut up about the schedule, don't make excuses, get your team ready and play the game tough.

Chris Mack has always said that Xavier is a "no excuses" program. Well, don't make excuses.

Amen Brother. A...men.

[vee4xu]

I have stayed out of this fray. But, now I will say that Coach Mack's comments about the schedule, though not ideal, show the disappointment he had at a vulnerable time. His team just lost a tough battle to a Top 10 team at home. He was hoping to clinch an NCAA bid with an upset. His team played like junk against Seton Hall after a nearly flawless game versus Creighton. You know what, Coach Mack had to prepare for 4 games in 9 days, which is more intense than his players doing so. He got very little sleep, his team is on the NCAA bubble after having not made the tournament last year and the pressure of the BE is big. Is that any reason for him to suggest that the schedule was too tough? No. Was it an unguarded moment from a very tired human being that he probably wishes he can take back? Likely.

Perfection is a tough standard to hold anyone to. No one human is perfect and Coach Mack's comment about the schedule is proof of his human imperfection. The difference in my little world between Coach Mack and Coach Mick is that Coach Mack made an error in judgment, which is called a mistake. Coach Mick, on the other hand, makes it a habit to whine, complain and otherwise degrade in his zeal to prop up UC., who now plays in a crap league after having been in the BE. That my friends is called a character flaw, which is very much different than an error in judgment.

That's all folks!

[xudash]

I have stayed out of this fray. But, now I will say that Coach Mack's comments about the schedule, though not ideal, show the disappointment he had at a vulnerable time. His team just lost a tough battle to a Top 10 team at home. He was hoping to clinch an NCAA bid with an upset. His team played like junk against Seton Hall after a nearly flawless game versus Creighton. You know what, Coach Mack had to prepare for 4 games in 9 days, which is more intense than his players doing so. He got very little sleep, his team is on the NCAA bubble after having not made the tournament last year and the pressure of the BE is big. Is that any reason for him to suggest that the schedule was too tough? No. Was it an unguarded moment from a very tired human being that he probably wishes he can take back? Likely.

Perfection is a tough standard to hold anyone to. No one human is perfect and Coach Mack's comment about the schedule is proof of his human imperfection. The difference in my little world between Coach Mack and Coach Mick is that Coach Mack made an error in judgment, which is called a mistake. Coach Mick, on the other hand, makes it a habit to whine, complain and otherwise degrade in his zeal to prop up UC., who now plays in a crap league after having been in the BE. That my friends is called a character flaw, which is very much different than an error in judgment.

That's all folks!

Well done.

[LA Muskie]

I have stayed out of this fray. But, now I will say that Coach Mack's comments about the schedule, though not ideal, show the disappointment he had at a vulnerable time. His team just lost a tough battle to a Top 10 team at home. He was hoping to clinch an NCAA bid with an upset. His team played like junk against Seton Hall after a nearly flawless game versus Creighton. You know what, Coach Mack had to prepare for 4 games in 9 days, which is more intense than his players doing so. He got very little sleep, his team is on the NCAA bubble after having not made the tournament last year and the pressure of the BE is big. Is that any reason for him to suggest that the schedule was too tough? No. Was it an unguarded moment from a very tired human being that he probably wishes he can take back? Likely.

Perfection is a tough standard to hold anyone to. No one human is perfect and Coach Mack's comment about the schedule is proof of his human imperfection. The difference in my little world between Coach Mack and Coach Mick is that Coach Mack made an error in judgment, which is called a mistake. Coach Mick, on the other hand, makes it a habit to whine, complain and otherwise degrade in his zeal to prop up UC., who now plays in a crap league after having been in the BE. That my friends is called a character flaw, which is very much different than an error in judgment.

That's all folks!

The voice of reason. As usual. Well said Vee.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Here's what coach K said last night about the A-10: http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/10616782/mike-krzyzewski-coach-duke-blue-devils-believes-acc-bubble-teams-better (http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/10616782/mike-krzyzewski-coach-duke-blue-devils-believes-acc-bubble-teams-better)

Even the best coaches have to be a politician for their league sometimes.