FWIW: One fan's opinion

[Capt. Tuttle]

Unlike some, I have never been enamored of this team. (Not that I am correct or incorrect. ) I don"t know if it is lack of a true star, lack of an identity, lack of consistent outside shooting, or early onset curmudgeonism. I have, however, been duly impressed with their ability to win, and was glad to be an observer at one of the great comeback attempts of all time for SU on Friday night. I might be more happy with the effort in that loss than many recent wins. The lessons learned in that game may make the difference between a win and a loss somewhere in the next 6 games.

All of that leads me to this: I would not be surprised if we lose anywhere from the Sweet 16 on if we don't shoot better than we have and overall play better (rebounding, create TO's, run, FT's, etc.)

On the other hand, I feel that if SU plays very well, to great, we can beat anyone we meet, up to the FF. If the top 4 seeds are all there, as well as Missouri or Kansas, I think that even our best game might not be good enough if the others bring their best effort and play to top form.

Good luck guys. Regardless of the outcome of the next 3 weeks, its been a great year. Thanks for taking me along.

 

[HoustonCuse]

All I care about is that we play our game and play well. But you can clearly see it brewing. If we lose in this tournament it will be because we played in such a way that will make it totally unbearable. This place will go nuclear and stay that way for a long time.

 

[jdubs30]

If we're on our game the only team that has a chance to beat us is UK.

 

[tbonezone]

heads up warning. if we bow out early again i'll be banging on that silo door launch key ready!

 

[orangefan13]

I feel the exact opposite our players have never had to step it up all together. We have so many weapons.
I don't think that is coincidence or matchups.

I fully and firmly belive its just the stakes weren't high enough.
I think we are a Very Very Very dangerous tournament team because we have so many offensive weapons and a nice spread offense.
We have the Most offensive weapons in the country if we want to be.

Agree that emphasis will be on our shooting though. This team needs to drill in their heads not to rush shots take your time form, just enough spin (not to much or two little), good verticle on our jumpers and follow through. Even when we are feeling it in transition don't rush the shot take your time.
Same at the freethrow line. No rushed first freethrows.
And no stagnant non motion offensive sets. We have the bench we don't need that garbage. Hustle shows off in March.

I feel better about this team then I did about the 02-03 one. This team can put out 5 offensive weapons on the floor together and proabably has a better defense.

 

[Toga]

Eeyore

 

[44cuse]

I might be more happy with the effort in that loss than many recent wins.

Absolutely right. I could not agree more.

What I disagree with, however, is your statement of who we can and cannot beat. If this plays very well, we can beat any team in the country. And I don't mean "on any given day" type of stuff. I'm truly believe this team can beat everyone when playing very well. Kentucky I know is a stretch...but everyone else, I truly believe we would house `em.

Now, we have not been playing that way, but if we do...look out.

The energy level went up when we pressed.

44cuse

 

[realorange]

I agree we are capable of beating anyone. Having said that, I can stomach (barely) losing if we put forth our best effort. I will Not be able to stomach a loss where we got lazy, stupid or didn't give our best.

 

[PoppyHart]

Apparently we've been playing a nice game of chess, when we really need global thermonuclear war on the line to motivate us.

 

[cusetown1]

Kansas, Mizzou?? Polyanna where are you??? We play our best vs. any of the top 6 best game we beat anybody in this field.

 

[Cuseman78]

I'm actually with you on this. I've enjoyed the ride this year but I just have a hard time picturing this team as a National Champion type. Could we get to a Final Four? Sure we could. But I think its just as likely that we rack up another Sweet Sixteen loss.

Here's to hoping this post is thrown in my face in a few weeks time.

 

[syr02esq]

If we don't get past the Sweet 16 this year then the Big East really sucked this year and our record is deceiving.