Since ACC play started earlier this month, I've been very impressed with how the team has grown. I was very bearish on the team after the West Virginia loss but since then, I've felt like the team really turned a corner #Hour45. We've gone 4-3 since then, two losses we were within striking distance against two top-30 squads and the other was a blowout in Cameron Indoor (no shame getting blown by Duke at home even if they haven't been Duke-like since).
The biggest thing is how hard these kids play. It's awesome to watch.
I think the Hokie fans who aren't paying attention to basketball should start because I see the foundation of team that will be competitive for the ACC title 2 years from now. Buzz has done an excellent job and I couldn't be more complimentary of him. IMHO, there are multiple guys on this roster that will become NBA players once it's all said and done.
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All aboard with Buzz!
be competitive for the ACC title 2 years from now
Based on the team's improvement from last year to this year, I wouldn't be surprised if we are competitive for the ACC title next year!!
That's fantastic.... but isn't that the hype train for UVA football?
very important distinction: LOLUVa's hype train is on fire. Our's just looks like it's on fire, but that's just because it's setting everything around it on fire. You know, with all the uncontrolled hype.
I present to you LOLUVA's train "the little engine who didn't"
Yeah- I'm super excited. Just looking at the freshman...
Blackshear: right now he plays on one leg, and darn well at that. Post surgery will be an athletic, 6-10, 245 lb stretch 4. Can see him being a 16 ppg, 8 rpg guy.
Robinson: will be an elite ACC pg. His 3 shooting will be in 40% range given his textbook stroke. Ultra quick, great passer, and has some Brian Randle in him.
Clarke: will be a far better 3 ball shooter going forward, learn to play under control. A Deron Washington type.
With Hill back (he was a great defender, upper 30's on threes last year), plus development of Bibbs, Hudson, Leday, Pierce and Hopefully Hamilton etc. I think this will be a upper level ACC team. Its on Buzz with the number of available good players- larger rotation- to develop some chemistry.
I have read somewhere Blackshear does not need surgery, this is normal for him.
That is what I have heard many times. He injured it as a kid, and it didn't heal properly. He might be getting surgery over the offseason, but from what I've heard, it's normal.
That why his heels never touch the ground? I've always wondered about that
Right, his dad said he's fine and it's been like that for most of his life
Yea, I'd like to understand the issue (if there is one) that is causing there to be surgery considerations.
I heard something about his Achilles tendon(s), but that is very much 3rd hand info and I haven't put much into it.
What I've heard is that he broke his ankle and it wasn't set right
Ive never been a huge basketball fan since the tumultuous end of my AAU career in the 8th grade, and I dont think Im alone, but I can honestly say, this is the first time since early High School Ive been excited and mindful of college basketball.
FWIW: I never went to a game while in Blacksburg, I have considered and looked at the schedule to see if I could make it up for a game from Virginia Beach...and again, I feel like I am not alone, even if they lose, they are really exciting to watch and they play like a scrappy team you can be proud to get behind...Id love to hear if anyone else shares this sentiment.
Can that train come plow the streets of Arlington please?
man that would be fun to watch!
My end of Arlington is (mostly) clear minus side roads and private roads.
It'd definitely be interesting to watch though!
Or show Metro how it's done...
I've been a big fan of Buzzketball from day one. The guy's track record and fierce passion for success automatically gravitated me to become a fan. Everyone knew that he inherited a train wreck of a situation and we all knew it would take some time to build up the program. But the speed and pace at which this team continues to improve, day in and day out, just flat out makes me giddy. We are going to be a force to reckon with. I told my VCU friends this when we hired him and they laughed it off. I think, and I hope, that Justin Fuente is the football version of Buzz.
Sidenote: This team can be frustrating at times, but it is all part of the growing process for a young team being built into a winner. Like others, cannot emphasize how much I love the work ethic and effort these kids display
Talked to a Dr. that was visiting the Roanoke Valley that went to Marquette and he said the students and players there we devastated when Buzz left and no one ever could find a bad thing to say about the guy. He always treated his players and the student body there with class and the utmost respect. To me, that says a lot about the man, Buzz Willians, not counting his coaching skills and leadership. I love his honesty and up front approach, instead of a bunch of Coach speak. I hate coach speak. Some don't always like that, but to me it's refreshing. I saw in the media where Andy Bitter refered to Buzz being a Jerk like when he made the media wait after the West Virginia game and I loved Coach BW response about putting his players and their families first and then his Boss BW next and that he was offended by what certain media people like Bitter posted. I say good for you coach and having your priorities straight and obviously what you said in the hour and 45 minute talk made an impact. Glad to have BW as our BB coach. The future is bright.
I had a brief exchange with Andy Bitter over email about Buzz when he was first hired. Andy had negative feelings about Buzz and the best I could tell it had something to do with Buzz being a jerk, maybe with some press people. Don't know, but Andy indicated that Buzz wouldn't be successful with Bball right away, mainly because he was playing the same game with the same players and the coach couldn't transcend the issues VT had. While there is no doubt that Buzz has changed the pieces on the board, somewhat, I would be surprised if AB would not admit progress that was due to Buzz's presence. Now, will he warm up to him, and does it matter to us? I will leave that up to subsequence, but for my money, Buzz is the tits.
Andy must be Bitter
And I totally agree...Buzz is the tits
Buzz can rub people the wrong way. That is why so many players transferred when he got to Virginia Tech. We all knew it would happen and was the cost of a high level coach.
Bitter is a football guy who came here from Auburn.
I'm going to have to not give a shit what he thinks about Buzz Williams or VT hoops.
I honestly don't give a shit what he thinks at all anymore.
Last year me and my buddy, both of us are big basketball fans, were talking about how good this team can be. Not going to say that we expected to take UNC to the final minute this year, but we did say that the team will be very competitive and should make the NIT. I talked to one of the players who said that they were underrated at the beginning of the season and would surprise some people. Me and my friend were saying that next year is the year, we're going to be good. And after watching us this year that has changed our expectations to we're going to be really good next year. Another year of development and getting some guys back and this team could win an ACC championship and go on a deep NCAA run. Might be Buzz's best team ever. You guys all seem on the hype train, grab your friends, your family, your coworkers, and your dog now it's going down. We're going to be a fucking force not just in the ACC but nationally. Nobody is ever going to want to see us on their schedule. A lot of teams don't want to see us on their schedule now. I'm worked up now! Next year National Champions! Zach Leday Wooden Award! Entire roster drafted 1-12, even Devin Wilson and Ty Outlaw! BOOM LET'S GO! BEAT LOUISVILLE!
I'll have two of what you are having. :-)
Certainly a Buzz building around Cassell these days. 6 out of 7 ACC games decided by 5 points or less. In every game so far after a shaky start OOC.