National Championship

[SubGod22]

I think we can be better than Gonzaga because our conference is a lot better. That helps the potential. If you are happy just getting to the dance I feel sorry for you. Nobody expects a national title, but that should be the goal. If it isn't, you're always going to sell yourself short. We may never be the most talented or athletic team, but that's not all it takes. A lot of luck is involved and I think we can get enough talent in here to be in position to make a run if things fall right. Getting to the dance and losing in the first round isn't going to make me happy. That would be a wasted opportunity. The goal should always be to win your last game.

[shockar25]

I agree that a lot of luck is involved. I think you have to have a break or two IN ADDITION to playing as hard as possible and putting yourself in a position to take advantage of the opportunities and breaks that you are given.

Peaking at the right time is important too I think. Going into the tournament with momentum definately helps. Winning the MVC tourney would be a great way to establish that momentum, and it's great to have a coach that's won some conference tournaments on our side.

Lastly, I think injuries obviously play a big role. When WSU went to the S16, we had no injuries to our starters for the entire season, so everyone was healthy.

In any case, I agree with Subgod--high expectations are essential. The thing I like about Gonzaga's success is now EVERYONE who knows about college basketball knows about them, and with today's higher profile recruits, having that name recognition and consistent success in March might make the difference between them signing or not. Do you think Stutz would've been serious about WSU had we not had recent tournament success?

[BostonWu]

So Wheaties you think Sweet 16 is the very best we can do? Go tell that to Jim Larranaga. I guess we had zero chance in that game against Mason???

[capnkirk]

I found this old thread and figured I would get my shovel and dig it up. It's an interesting read.

[kcshocker11]

lol, if only we could have gotten Matt Doherty

[SubGod22]

I'm happy with my comments.

[kcshocker11]

I do agree that the National Championship should be the goal. That doesn't mean we'll definitely get there or win one, but aiming lower than that is just dumb. Time will tell, but I'm not happy with just reaching the NCAAs. Doing something while there is what it's all about.

As well you should be

[Dan]

Does anyone else have the feeling that this guy must have been smoking crack when he posted this topic? First, GM won't be here for more than 5 years (assumming his plan works out, makes this team a consistent 20 game winner every year and makes the NCAA Tourney as well).

If his plan works, BCS programs will be a callin'. Lastly and more important, no matter how well we do, WSU will never be able to recruit the 4/5 star atheletes National Champion Teams do.

Gregg Doyle, meet KCShox....

[shocksrbest]

Really neat to see how speculations actually play out down the road. I have never been more proud--or stoked--about an upcoming season than this one. I hope and think HCGM could retire here--all of the pieces are in place and his success has escalated each year...hopefully that trend will continue and we WILL win a NC.

[60Shock]

The really neat thing about this is that our program is now at least at the point that we can, within reason, believe that we have the talent to compete at the highest level. And if, like last year, over the entire stretch of the NCAA tournament, if our players play to their fullest and beyond, if we get the right calls and breaks that are beyond our control, and we get exceptionally lucky, anything can happen.

Just don't ever stop dreaming.

[WuDrWu]

It starts with believing you belong. After that, it's up to you.

I'm very proud of this program right now, and not just because of the on the court successes.

Glad I didn't predict something in this thread.

[BostonWu]

Here's a real gem

I haven't really read through the thread but there is no way in hell that we are winning a national championship. I mean, no way in the nicest of hells.

The way I look at it is, if we get in the NCAA tourney, the rest is gravy, house money. I love the shockers but we have to admit, we aren't a real major, we don't get the best recruits. Gregg Marshall is here to do a great job and move on, these are the facts. What Turgeon did in 05-06 is as good as it gets...... buuut, that year was GREAT. A sweet 16 is great for us, you have to be willing to accept that that is as good as it gets, if you don't you're delusional.

At best, the very best we can become is Gonzaga, and they hit BIG on Morrison, Stepp, Turiaf, Heytvelt, Dickau, etc. yet didn't reach a final 4. I just don't see us getting that far, let alone recruiting guys as good as them, there is just no way. It would be like getting 12 Cousinards on our team. Not happening.

Also, the guy that started this thread is a troll. Thanks for making me talk bad about my favorite team.

[shocksrbest]

Sounds very Turgeon-esque.

[lemuel777]

Thanks for digging this one up. It's a treasure. I would also like to remind everyone that Coach GM has talked winning a National Championship since the day he arrived. I BELIEVE!

[WSUwatcher]

It takes a while to build the talent base, lemuel, but the Shocks have now done it, so why shouldn't you -- or any of us believe at this point? Last year's team was a couple of possessions from playing for the trophy, and Butler has shown that a team "at this level" can be within one possession of actually winning it. There's nothing Butler has done that the Shocks can't.