vcu...wow.....

[molly jabali]

'the night we played them'??? They made 2 fts with no time left...that 'better' was paper thin....

[Ta Town Shocker]

Also I'm not sure that the verdict is out as to whether this season has been a success or not; there is still the potential for a lot of basketball yet to play.

The verdict is already out - this season is a disappointment.

Another march and another year where WSU is not participating in March Madness. We are left with a WSU playing on a sunday morning at 10am in the Not Important Tournament.

For me being at the Nebraska game eased a lot of the frustration stemming from the losses the last few weeks. I would agree that the NIT is the Not Important Tournament, that is, unless my favorite team happens to be playing in it and then it becomes important to me. Also all the games are on the ESPN networks which is an added bonus.

[60Shock]

Despite their glittzy W/L record, the disappointment in this year's squad against a number of very weak OC and conference opponents, was that they underperformed.

Very seldom did they play up to their potential. Game-after-game they were horrific the first half and terrific the second.

For one of the very few times during the entire season, they played like a top 20 team, finally excelling in both halves against Nebraska.

If they can maintain this same intensity, the road to NYC looks very promising.

[shox1989]

One could argue that playing in NYC would make this one of the top 10 seasons in Shocker history and certainly the second best season in the last 20 years.

Most seasons end with no post season tournament or a early loss in a minor tournament.

There has only been one ncaa appearance in the last 20+ years.

Making it to NYC would also mean at least 4 games on national TV against very good competition.

Certainly this isn't what we hoped for before the season started, but it certainly would make it a very good season in my book.

[eeshocker]

One could argue that playing in NYC would make this one of the top 10 seasons in Shocker history and certainly the second best season in the last 20 years.

Most seasons end with no post season tournament or a early loss in a minor tournament.

There has only been one ncaa appearance in the last 20+ years.

Making it to NYC would also mean at least 4 games on national TV against very good competition.

Certainly this isn't what we hoped for before the season started, but it certainly would make it a very good season in my book.

I agree. While I am disappointed they didn't perform well enough in the regular season to get in the tournament, a big run in the NIT could and should still be considered a success.

[AndShock]

Being in the NIT might be a successful season if we're starting 5 freshman. I honestly can't believe some of you are trying to call this season a success. The only thing an NIT run would prove is that this team didn't play up to their potential throughout the whole season.

[ShockerFever]

Being in the NIT might be a successful season if we're starting 5 freshman. I honestly can't believe some of you are trying to call this season a success. The only thing an NIT run would prove is that this team didn't play up to their potential throughout the whole season.

+1.

I'll watch the game tomorrow with interest and root the team on, but anybody getting excited by the NIT must have had some pretty low expectations going into the year.

[shox1989]

I am very excited about beating a big 12 team and getting to play an ACC team.

There have only been 8 Shocker teams that have EVER played even one game in the ncaa tournament. And only ONE team in the last 20+ years.

While I am very disappointed that this years team wasn't number 9, I am very happy they are still playing.

I don't like to judge a season until it is completely over. If this team does manage to win at VT, I will consider it a very good year.

And if they manage to make it to NYC, they will have had arguably the ninth best season in Shocker history and the second best in the last 20+ years.

That is something I can get excited about even if it is not what I expected before the season started.

[ShockBand]

Being in the NIT might be a successful season if we're starting 5 freshman. I honestly can't believe some of you are trying to call this season a success. The only thing an NIT run would prove is that this team didn't play up to their potential throughout the whole season.

Or if it were a team with lower preseason expectations that started to overperform late in the season. 2004-05 and this season do not fit that categorization.

[pie n eye]

I fully expected WSU to be in the NCAA tournament this year with the ability to reach the sweet 16. I expected and predicted on many occasions that we would win the Valley tournament. None of that happened, unfortunately. And you know what?

I'm excited about the NIT.

I am pie n eye, and I am addicted to WSU basketball.

[ShockBand]

If we win tomorrow and get another home game, I will be there happily. The Black & Gold runs deep in my veins.

[60Shock]

We still could have a few recruits on the line and a deep run in the NIT, with national TV coverage could certainly be a positive factor.

[shocker3]

I am excited about being in the NIT. In fact I am watching the UNL-WSU game for the fifth time as I type this. I can't get enough of that win.

And like pie I was expecting a Sweet 16 team or better this year, but hey I am enjoying this NIT run.

[Rosewood]

VCU has played much better than I expected in the tournament.

I apologize if this has already been brought up but I have been reading the board the last few weeks and haven't seen anyone point out the eerie similarities to our record this year and our record in the 2005-06 campaign. The pre post season record was 24-8 in both years. I have listed the losses below. The wins are against similar grade opponents also. The only conclusion that i can come up with as to why we received a 7 seed then and are playing in the NIT this year is that the Valley as a whole had a Non-conference record much better than it did this season. All I've got to say is that I hope the conference as a whole improves in the coming years. I would like to the Valley getting at least 2 bids in the NCAA's again.

05-06 losses
#15 Illinois
#14 Michigan State
4 MVC conference losses
loss in bracketbuster to CAA opponent
2nd MVC Tourney game

2010-2011 losses
UConn currently # 9
SDSU currently # 6
4 MVC conference losses
loss in bracketbuster to CAA opponent
2nd MVC Tourney game

This is why Doug E Fresh needs fired