Do we deserve more respect or less?

[matt714gd]

Okay...maybe I am overly confident or anxious about this next season, but I just now read Espn.com's Andy Katz's article on the top 25 teams of next season. What is your reaction to the article? I definitely did not expect to see our name mentioned in the top twenty-five. But honestly, I am somewhat shocked in the fact we are not even mentioned in "the teams missing the cut" section. With two extremely talented players returning in Crouch and Ruffin, plus a top twenty recruiting class, I cannot help feel like we have been underestimated...

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=2853904

(On the contrary, we were picked to make the tourney by Joe Lunardi...so I am very confused)

[BradleyBrave]

It's hard to justify a top 25 recruiting class without the 'name' players we had before. It has been proven time and again that there just are too many good players and too many schools to give an accurate ranking of a true top 25 class. With limited time and resources, it's usually easiest to look at the biggest schools, closest schools, and biggest names. Land a 'name' or two, and you've got a ranked class.

I really don't care what our class is or is not ranked. What matters is how many wins they put up between November and March.

[Lakeview Brave]

I agree with BB, we dont have a 5 Star recruit coming in or the top rated JUCO in america. We have a good class that hopefully will translate into lots of wins. If we want respect we need to earn it. 22 wins with a NIT win is nice but making it to the NCAA is what gets you noticed then winning earns you respect. We are on the verge but we still have work to do as both a team and conference.

[Beninator]

Well said Lakeview Brave.. I agree with your last post on this thread.

[BuBraves55]

if anything just tell them they're over hyped... the whole underdog scheme seemed to work in 05

[real fan]

This team has the potential to be a top 25 team but it needs to prove that it can play as a team and beat a Michigan St. at home along with The SIU"s and Creightons to earn that type of respect.

[shaunguth]

This team has the potential to be a top 25 team but it needs to prove that it can play as a team and beat a Michigan St. at home along with The SIU"s and Creightons to earn that type of respect.

Agreed, and with Michigan St. considered #10, SIU #23, and Butler and VCU "missing the cut", we'll definitely have our chances at earning some respect!