Buzz Talking about Leaving a Legacy at Marquette

[Henry Sugar]

Wow - Pretty cynical take Sugar. 

I'm happy Buzz said what he said.  I just take very little of what Buzz says at face value. 

[BubbaWilliams]

I hope one day to see a game on Buzz Williams Court at the BC

[Hards Alumni]

I hope one day to see a game on Buzz Williams Court at the BC

I'm sorry, Buzz will never ever be Al.

[BubbaWilliams]

Oh, I understand that completely. What I'm saying is that to get an honor such as that, Buzz would need to have an incredible career at MU. That is what I'm hoping for. There was no disrespect meant for Al. Al's story, however, has already been written. I feel that Buzz's is just the begining

[Hards Alumni]

Oh, I understand that completely. What I'm saying is that to get an honor such as that, Buzz would need to have an incredible career at MU. That is what I'm hoping for. There was no disrespect meant for Al. Al's story, however, has already been written. I feel that Buzz's is just the begining

I'd be okay with a Buzz Williams field house having an Al McGuire Court.

[Skatastrophy]

I'm sorry, Buzz will never ever be Al.

And if Buzz wins us 2 National Championships?

Al was great, but someone will surpass him eventually... hopefully

[Golden Avalanche]

Money does not buy happiness. either job would pay him more than enough to live on.

That's fair. And, sure, it'd be enough money to live on.

But these guys aren't in the business of getting "enough" to live on. They're in the business of maximizing their returns. Thus, take the money whether it means staying or going.

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

I'm happy Buzz said what he said.  I just take very little of what Buzz says at face value. 

Bingo.

He's detailed oriented enough (obsessive) to create an image that will help his career. I think he is wise to do so as it helps him and MU.

The guy has every minute of his day planned out. I'm sure he knows what to say and when to say it.

Nice article. Good for Buzz, good for MU.

[Lennys Tap]

That's fair. And, sure, it'd be enough money to live on.

But these guys aren't in the business of getting "enough" to live on. They're in the business of maximizing their returns. Thus, take the money whether it means staying or going.

Basketball coaches are just like people in other professions. Some are in it only for the money and always have the "for sale" sign out. But not all. Suggesting otherwise is beyond cynicism.

[NersEllenson]

Someday a pretty girl is really going to break your heart, bud.

Already been done a couple of times, but still didn't result in me becoming cynical, skeptical or bitter.  Win some you lose some, right/

I'm happy Buzz said what he said.  I just take very little of what Buzz says at face value. 

Bingo.

He's detailed oriented enough (obsessive) to create an image that will help his career. I think he is wise to do so as it helps him and MU.

The guy has every minute of his day planned out. I'm sure he knows what to say and when to say it.

Nice article. Good for Buzz, good for MU.

There is always going to be some politicking going on in a profession such as head coach at a high profile basketball school, and there is always going to be coach speak.  Buzz engages in both for sure, and he is quite intelligent, sharp and knows how to play his cards.  All of that said, by no means does that mean how he and his wife feel about MKE and Marquette are false. 

He just turned down two BCS jobs in his backyard/roots/with football teams/better recruiting grounds, warmer weather, etc., to stay at Marquette.  What more do some need?  This board should be estatic over his staements, and actions this off-season...yet there is all of this cynicism/negative nancy grabage....he only stayed cause he's getting paid more money than other schools were willing (speculation), I take what Buzz says with a grain of salt, etc...good Lord.  Ever take time to celebrate and be happy in life??!!

[bilsu]

That's fair. And, sure, it'd be enough money to live on.

But these guys aren't in the business of getting "enough" to live on. They're in the business of maximizing their returns. Thus, take the money whether it means staying or going.

That is not entirely true. Coach K and Izzo could of made a lot more money moving on to pros.

[Pakuni]

It's fair to say that the college coaching fraternity has earned every bit of skepticism/cynicism that follows declarations that they're happy where they're at, have no interest in leaving, etc. (see: Anderson, Mike).

Still - other than a well-deserved general skepticism toward the profession - there's not really any reason to believe Buzz doesn't mean what he says. That doesn't mean he's a lifer at Marquette or won't ever leave for what he sees as greener pastures (or that the MU faithful won't someday eagerly show him the way out of town).
But for now, I'll take the man at his word. Guess I'm just not cynical enough to believe this is all part of an elaborate ruse to land a recruit.

[Lennys Tap]

I'm with you, Ners. Maybe because the pretty girl didn't break my heart (she married me 37+ years ago and gave me 4 wonderful kids) or because I've been blessed with kind and loyal friends, I'm not interested in being as cynical as some here. That doesn't mean I'm gullible or can't spot an obvious phony. I just don't think it's healthy to live your life thinking EVERYBODY is one. If Buzz (or anyone else) disappoints it's on him, not me, and I'll get over it. But waiting and hoping for a chance to say "I told you so" seems an empty and venal road to travel.

[bilsu]

Buzz is happy here and says he plans on staying. That does not mean he will be happy here five, ten, fifteen years form now. That would also not make him a liar, if he became unhappy here 8 years from now and left. Things change and as long as he is being truthful with where he is at today that is all I want out of him.

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

Just to clarify my previous post, I'm not unhappy with Buzz, nor do I think he's some kind of BS artist.

There is probably a fine line between being optimistic and being naive.

We all pick our spots.

[Canadian Dimes]

I'm with you, Ners. Maybe because the pretty girl didn't break my heart (she married me 37+ years ago and gave me 4 wonderful kids) or because I've been blessed with kind and loyal friends, I'm not interested in being as cynical as some here. That doesn't mean I'm gullible or can't spot an obvious phony. I just don't think it's healthy to live your life thinking EVERYBODY is one. If Buzz (or anyone else) disappoints it's on him, not me, and I'll get over it. But waiting and hoping for a chance to say "I told you so" seems an empty and venal road to travel.

Well said Lenny, some times people like to come on anonymous message boards and act like they know everything by dropping names, hyperboly, negativity, and generalities.  I have had the pleasure of knowing many good people in the business.  Seems to me the people that like to pretend they know it all, but dont, paint with a broad brush, tainting all good and bad in the business.  A good friend of mine in the business, wrote a book called, "Lead...for God's sake!", a wonderful book and a look at the heart and drive of many coaches and what their true goals are.  It aint money and fame that drives all. 

[NersEllenson]

I'm with you, Ners. Maybe because the pretty girl didn't break my heart (she married me 37+ years ago and gave me 4 wonderful kids) or because I've been blessed with kind and loyal friends, I'm not interested in being as cynical as some here. That doesn't mean I'm gullible or can't spot an obvious phony. I just don't think it's healthy to live your life thinking EVERYBODY is one. If Buzz (or anyone else) disappoints it's on him, not me, and I'll get over it. But waiting and hoping for a chance to say "I told you so" seems an empty and venal road to travel.

Agree 100% and congrats on picking the right gal - I haven't been the best talent scout in that department.  Seems I do better recognizing coaches with high upside potential like Buzz. 

[NersEllenson]

Buzz is happy here and says he plans on staying. That does not mean he will be happy here five, ten, fifteen years form now. That would also not make him a liar, if he became unhappy here 8 years from now and left. Things change and as long as he is being truthful with where he is at today that is all I want out of him.

Agree

Just to clarify my previous post, I'm not unhappy with Buzz, nor do I think he's some kind of BS artist.

There is probably a fine line between being optimistic and being naive.

We all pick our spots.

And agree..just as there is a fine line between being cynical and a pessimist.  Guss that's why Aristotle had his Golden Mean philosophy..wow..I actually did learn something in Phil 050 at MU.