In college basketball, there is no time for pouting. Mark Fox has been here before - 4 years ago - and the job of wondering what might have been is left mostly to us fans. If I remember correctly, Fox was on a plane the night of the loss in 2011 to go recruit Dwayne Polee on the west coast.
Does it help if Michigan State keeps winning? Probably. There were two 7 seeds that stuck out like a sore thumb in this tournament, and both are still standing in the Sweet 16. There is a randomness to the tournament that's as beautiful as it is frustrating, and Georgia came out on the wrong end of it this year.
Either way, if you feel differently than you felt 4 years ago, you're not the only one:
[Ledger-Enquirer]
Does it help if Michigan State keeps winning? Probably. There were two 7 seeds that stuck out like a sore thumb in this tournament, and both are still standing in the Sweet 16. There is a randomness to the tournament that's as beautiful as it is frustrating, and Georgia came out on the wrong end of it this year.
Either way, if you feel differently than you felt 4 years ago, you're not the only one:
“This group, and the entire program is just on more stable ground right now,” Fox said on Friday afternoon, after his team’s 70-63 loss to Michigan State. “I don’t anticipate anybody jumping out and leaving early for the NBA. What feels different is I feel like we brought a fan base that rolled their sleeves up. We brought people that wanted to be here and fight for our team. Our support has grown.Last time, Georgia had a potential star coming in but not a whole lot else. This time, a lot of scoring is returning, and those departing have been grooming their replacements:
“It feels different than it did a few years ago, certainly, because we’re more prepared, and deeper, and healthier.”
Thornton, the one Bulldog who was on both the ’11 and ’15 teams, echoed the sentiment.
“Then, we knew there were gonna be some tough times with Travis and Trey leaving early for the NBA. This time we’re gonna be able to return most of our team next year,” Thornton said. “They’ve been able to have a little consistency the last two years, winning 20 games. That’ll be good for this program, and I’m really looking forward to seeing the progress they’ll be able to continue to make.”
Yante Maten steps into one starting spot. As a freshman he led the team in shot blocks, and his rebounding and scoring improved as the season went on.Continuity is key, and the Bulldogs finally have some of that. Success isn't guaranteed, but if I tell you I think we'll be right back in the dance next season (with a higher seed), can you really look at me like I'm crazy?
“I’m really prepared,” Maten said. “I feel like Nemi and Marcus, they’ve taught me so many things. (Like if) something bad happens, don’t look sad or mad or anything, just keep encouraging the team, so we can keep rolling. It’s gonna be a big deal.”
[Ledger-Enquirer]
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