It hurts, but it hurts because it's probably the 2nd best season we've ever had as a program. We were just missing that one component, an elite scorer. That's why the development of Milan is so important. He could turn into that guy. Hopefully he will
1. We got 3 really good guards coming back. All tough sons a *******.
2. Big guy coming in the portal.
3. Anybody that wants to win, will come here. Anybody with a brain, will want to go to war with those 3 guards.
4. Personally I think we really need to keep Watson, add a true post or a stretch 4. And get another shooter. I know it's a lot to ask, but this is a national title contender if you can get it done.
5. Milan will get better.
Guys, next year is our chance. Reality is we just didn't have the scheme offensively or the horses to break through this year. We were still limited. We are still working through a lot forced pieces. This is it. Next year is the year. If we just get better offensively a bit, nothing is stopping these guys. Those three guards have guts, and they can play.
It can be done here. We are so close.
Not surprised by the outcome last night, wouldn't have been surprised by any outcome.
To make an elite 8 you have to be just that (Elite), or get some luck. I'm not sure we were an elite team, and we didn't get enough luck last night (although Illinois free throw shooting was close).
In a very odd way, I'm almost waiting to measure my level of disappointment until I see how the UConn Illinois game goes.
In October I placed a bet for Iowa State to win National Championship at 75:1 odds...
In March I placed a bet for Iowa State to win the Big XII Tourney at 12:1 odds...
In March I placed a bet for Iowa State to win the NC at 20:1 odds...
Iowa State was an outlier at the beginning of the season, showed signs of struggling offensively in February, then turned it on after the K-State game.
It takes timing, seeding, upsets, health, shot-making, and ultimately a little luck to make it the the Elite Eight, Final Four, or win a NC.
Would you have called Illinois an elite team heading into the B1G Tourney? Clemson? Alabama? NC State?