tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10389503.post-22019065581857259322008-03-24T20:53:00.000-05:002008-03-24T20:53:00.000-05:002008-03-24T20:53:00.000-05:00Good points about the coaching comparisons bamaMUfan. I haven't checked it out, but I'm sure the records of some of the best coaches over the years point out how tough it is to post 20 to 25+ wins year after year. If you throw out the freakish Wooden years (of a much different era), there aren't many coaches who can claim consistent final four runs, or for that matter sweet 16 or better runs. Izzo, Pitino, and Coach K have had great success over the past 10 or 15 years, but there aren't many that can consistently get to that level year after year. And even those coaches have their down years. Granted, their rebuilding years are first or second round losses, but I think what we've seen happen to Duke and Kansas the past couple of years point out how tough it is to get back to that level year after year.<BR/><BR/>The NY Times ran an article last week talking about how NC fans typically "don't get excited" until the final four. I somehow doubt that's true, or at least I hope for their sake it isn't. Where is the fun in that? It makes me realize that MU basketball is in the sweet spot right now: winning consistently, yet not reaching the point where we no longer get excited about first and second round tournament games. We're playing in arguably the toughest conference in the country, having success playing in that conference, and recruiting the right type of players--guys you're happy to see wearing MU blue and gold.<BR/><BR/>That's not to say it wasn't a bitter loss on Saturday--but I think the reason for that is that most of us realize that if they pulled that one out, then anything was possible next weekend. That's not a bad place to be. It's going to be tough to keep the competitiveness at this level and to take the next step or two in March, but I definitely think it's going to happen. And there's no doubt in my mind that the administration, athletic department, and coaching staff are going about it the right way.<BR/><BR/>P.S. to the Cracked Sidewalks people--thanks for all the effort to keep us informed. You've clearly become the source for all things MU basketball. We appreciate the effort. Keep up the great work.muhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06504559852613984012noreply@blogger.com