It has been brought to our attention that we have been hard on Marquette all year. Admittedly, we have, but we’ve also been truthful. I personally believe they are going to be a much better team next year. And I know the injury to McNeal was a killer. If Georgetown lost Hibbert or Green, their chances of advancing in either tournament would have been diminished as well.

However, we have been right on with Marquette all season long. We accurately predicted Providence to defeat Marquette to open the Big East, we accurately predicted Marquette to go to Pittsburgh and win. Their stretch mid season was very nice, and then we accurately predicted them lose to Notre Dame and then to defeat Pitt once again. Then we accurately predicted them to defeat St. John’s and then lose to Pitt and Michigan State.

Look, this year’s Marquette team was a great team to watch. I love their intensity, and I think Tom Crean is a great, great coach. However, much like the ‘05 version of Villanova, the ‘03 version of UConn and the ‘95 version of Georgetown, this team is young, and they didn’t have the experience or ability to do serious damage in either tournament.

Next year, I believe they will be much, much better, and more consistant. Between, Marquette, Louisville and Georgetown, the Big East will be very strong at the top next season. We wish Marquette would have done better because they are so enjoyable to watch, but injuries do happen, and like I said before, we haven’t been ragging on Marquette because we don’t like them, it’s just a simple fact that we were right about them all year. And hopefully, we’re right about them being fantastic next year.

Categories: Commentary