call me spoiled but...

[HarbinHoya]

It will be hard after this run to root for anything less than a return to the final four. Obviously if Jeff and Roy return we have a great shot, but after all the excitement it would be tough to find the same joy in a repeat regular season championship or big east championship with putting the icing on the cake.

I hope these guy come back so we have that chance, if not my expectations are not as high but its still going to be difficult moving forward to find pleasure in moral victories or other non championshop accolades.

Id be interested to hear from any that was around for the 80s runs if they felt similar at least for those years immediately following our title game appearances.

[hoyatmf]

It's not spoiled. It's realistic and warranted. If everyone returns, I fully expect us to win it all and would be disappointed by anything less than a National Title. We'd be the best team in the country and among the most talented. These players need to make sure they take that same motivation into next season too. It's not that you don't applaud a team that falls short, especially in the tourney format, but this is within reach. It was within reach this year too, so in that respect, I am disappointed we didn't play our best against OSU. I am still incredibly proud of this team and of our fans for travelling to games and celebrating with class. Go Hoyas!!! National Champs in 2008!

[FrazierFanatic]

OK, you're spoiled (hey, you asked for it! ;D). In the 80's we certainly almost expected to be in the Final Four, so there was a little disappointment when we fell short - although to be honest, it is such an accomplishment that trying to think objectively usually tempered the disappointment, and knowing that we had a fairly dominant program helped. As for this year and next, the recent down tears shoould help keep us from expecting TOO much, and hopefully allow us to simply appreciate being back near the top, even if we fall a round or two earlier next year (but the Mojo tells me that Roy and Jeff are coming back to get what the Gators got last night).

[YB]

We haven't won anything yet.... so I'd root for them to get as good as they can. If everyone comes back, I think the "6 more wins" chant after the BET will sound good...

[HoyaLingus]

I don't think that, if everyone returns, such expectations are within the realm of reason.

[SFHoya99]

It's spoiled and here's why.

Final Fours are special. They are hard to get to. Even if you are a Top 4 team they are far from guaranteed. Look at UNC or Kansas.

We were definitely a Top 6 team this year (and you can argue better). But we still struggled versus BC, needed a last second shot to beat Vanderbilt and needed a huge comeback and overtime versus UNC to get there.

College basketball has parity. Runs like this through the tournament are special.

Now, if everyone comes back should we expect to be a Top 5 team? Sure. But making the Final Four requires a little more sometimes.

[hoyatmf]

Why shouldn't Hoya fans expect to win it all? Don't most top ranked teams expect to win the National Title? I expected us to win this year and am disappointed we didn't. That doesn't mean that I devalue how special it is to make the Final Four. This doesn't mean that we criticize the team and/or coach if we don't make the Final Four next year. Furthermore, it's not just about talent. It's about toughness and resolve. I expect this team to beat what may in fact be a more talented Kansas or UNC team because, with the exception of Saturday night, we always seemed to come through in the clutch. It might be spoiled to say "the team let us down" if we lose in the first round next year, but how is it spoiled to have high expectations right now. Assuming everyone comes back, why wouldn't we? Go Hoyas!!

[ExcitableBoy]

As Joe Lang would undoubtedly say, "It is unrealistic to expect to make the final four every year."

[Nevada Hoya]

sfhoya99 said:

It's spoiled and here's why.

Final Fours are special. They are hard to get to. Even if you are a Top 4 team they are far from guaranteed. Look at UNC or Kansas.

We were definitely a Top 6 team this year (and you can argue better). But we still struggled versus BC, needed a last second shot to beat Vanderbilt and needed a huge comeback and overtime versus UNC to get there.

College basketball has parity. Runs like this through the tournament are special.

Now, if everyone comes back should we expect to be a Top 5 team? Sure. But making the Final Four requires a little more sometimes.

SF, I agree completely!

[momzer]

With this team intact with the additions of the two frosh, it is not inconcievable for Hoyas to return to FF. Tasting the final four should be all the incentive this team needs to get to San Antonio. JT3 will keep them focused on the ultimate prize. This year was the taste. Next year will be the whole meal.

[Filo]

sfhoya99 said:

It's spoiled and here's why.

Final Fours are special. They are hard to get to. Even if you are a Top 4 team they are far from guaranteed. Look at UNC or Kansas.

We were definitely a Top 6 team this year (and you can argue better). But we still struggled versus BC, needed a last second shot to beat Vanderbilt and needed a huge comeback and overtime versus UNC to get there.

College basketball has parity. Runs like this through the tournament are special.

Now, if everyone comes back should we expect to be a Top 5 team? Sure. But making the Final Four requires a little more sometimes.

I agree - that's why what UF has accomplished is so impressive. Getting to the Final Four requires unbelievable commitment, determination and talent -- as well as a little luck.

On the flipside, there are those "windows of opportunity" that absolutely must be pounced upon. Everyone here knows how special this team and its players are. If both Roy and Jeff stay, or even if only one stays, and Chris and Austin can add some value, then that window is still there. Sky-high expectations would be warranted, especially because that window could very well close if we don't get the right players, or the right mix of players in subsequent classes.

[lichoya68]

HECK IF JEFF AND ROY RETURN JUST THE FINAL FOUR HOW ABOUT POSSIBLY UNDFEATED FOLKS UNREALISTIC BUT KINDA POSSIBLE FOLKS 2008 WIL BE GREAT

[guru]

I'm with SF.

This year was special and will be hard to duplicate. I hope for better next season, and certainly think we can win it all, but to expect it is to set yourself up for disappointment and frustration.

[EasyEd]

Making it to the Final Four or being the champs requires, among many other things, luck. Suppose Jeff's shot against Vandy had missed; or Jon's against NC? Based on their % shooting for the year, both should have missed (barely). Or last year, Florida's impossible shot near the end that went in against us? Or suppose an opponent just happens to light it up from the 3 all game? Luck plays a very important role.

[iverwig]

Not being spoiled at all. They should at least make it to the championship game and should be able to win it if everyone returns. If Roy or Jeff or both bolt then it will be a different ball game.

[Deleted]

I think there are 2 separate issues here:
1. We should expect (if Jeff and Roy come back) a return trip to the Final Four, and likely a national championship. Because we'll be that good.
2. We should not allow ourselves to be totally heartbroken/mad if that goal/expectation is not reached. This is where the luck/good fortune piece comes in to play. The beauty of the tournament is also its biggest risk factor: anything can happen.

JTIII put it well at one point last week in an interview: (I'm paraphrasing here): People keep saying that the Hoyas haven't been in a Final Four in 22 years. But how many teams have? We're fortunate to be here, it takes some luck to get here, and we can't forget that.

That said: be spoiled and expect to win it all. It's a hell of a lot more fun than a few years ago, when we were hoping we'd "win it all" in the NIT...

[SFHoya99]

Cam, that's why I phrase it simply:

If Jeff and Roy come back, we should be a Top 5 team. Forget tournament placement as a requirement for success. Obviously, I'd be disappointed with a second round exit, etc., but the word expectation just implies failure to me if the goal isn't reached. Was UNC or Kansas' season really a failure? Memphis?

[SirSaxa]

OK, Harbin Hoya, as per your request:
You are Spoiled!

harbinhoya said:

It will be hard after this run to root for anything less than a return to the final four. ...

Id be interested to hear from any that was around for the 80s runs if they felt similar at least for those years immediately following our title game appearances.

We will have a shot at national title next year if Jeff and Roy return. But so will some other very good teams and one or two surprise teams.

Each season has its own excitement and anticipation. Winning two straight conference championships and/or two straight BETs would be a fantastic achievement.

A return trip to the Final Four would be awesome.

But starting out the season feeling that anything less than a national title would be a disappointment is just setting yourself up. Every loss would be a tragedy -- and there will be losses next year.

I would suggest trying to view it as a whole new season with new possibilities and accomplishments. Appreciate each game. Each win over Cuse, Uconn, Nova, etc. Each OOC win against decent opponents. Appreciate how the returning guys are improving, how the new guys, Macklin and Rivers are being worked in. How the new coaching assistants are doing. How the team is developing as the year progresses. One thing we know about JT3's teams, it takes a while to integrate the new guys. The team doesn't have "end of season" cohesion right off the bat.

If we are good enough and fortunate enough (think Shaw and Valentine) to win the BET and advance deep into the NCAA tourney -- we should consider ourselves to be very lucky fans indeed. I think if you follow this suggestion, next year will be a whole lot more fun! GO HOYAS!!

[JimmyHoya]

I would be severely disappoitned if we under perform in the BE or we got bounced in the first/second rounds by a clearly inferior team, but besides that, as SF said, it takes a little something extra to get the Final Four unless you truly are the very best team in the nation.

[Boz]

sirsaxa said:

OK, Harbin Hoya, as per your request:
You are Spoiled!

harbinhoya said:

It will be hard after this run to root for anything less than a return to the final four. ...

Id be interested to hear from any that was around for the 80s runs if they felt similar at least for those years immediately following our title game appearances.

We will have a shot at national title next year if Jeff and Roy return. But so will some other very good teams and one or two surprise teams.

Each season has its own excitement and anticipation. Winning two straight conference championships and/or two straight BETs would be a fantastic achievement.

A return trip to the Final Four would be awesome.

But starting out the season feeling that anything less than a national title would be a disappointment is just setting yourself up. Every loss would be a tragedy -- and there will be losses next year.

I would suggest trying to view it as a whole new season with new possibilities and accomplishments. Appreciate each game. Each win over Cuse, Uconn, Nova, etc. Each OOC win against decent opponents. Appreciate how the returning guys are improving, how the new guys, Macklin and Rivers are being worked in. How the new coaching assistants are doing. How the team is developing as the year progresses. One thing we know about JT3's teams, it takes a while to integrate the new guys. The team doesn't have "end of season" cohesion right off the bat.

If we are good enough and fortunate enough (think Shaw and Valentine) to win the BET and advance deep into the NCAA tourney -- we should consider ourselves to be very lucky fans indeed. I think if you follow this suggestion, next year will be a whole lot more fun! GO HOYAS!!

Agreed. Plus, with all due respect to previous posters in this thread, the one thing JTIII will NOT do next year is have the team focus on advancing to the Final Four - or ultimate prize.

If we know anything about JTIII, it is that he ONLY focuses on the task/game right in front of him. And he preaches that mindset constantly. He will not give a damn about expectations from the media or fans, pre-season rankings or the like. I can only imagine the sort of exasperated look he'll give a Jill Sorenson, for example, if she asks him next November about returning to the Final Four next season (you know the look I mean; he gave it to what's-his-name from ESPN at halftime of the BET finals when asked how to "close out" the game when there was still a whole half left to play).

I don't focus on looking ahead because I am an annoying, superstitious weenie.

JTIII doesn't do it because it's not what good coaches do.