Wisconsin Fans Muted?

I would like to see UW win a championship in my lifetime, and this may have been their chance. I do like Duke, and wasn’t upset with them winning. However, as a fan of both teams, the refs decided that game. I would have preferred to let the kids on the floor decide who was the better team. Anytime UW gained momentum, the refs would botch a call or no call. Also, they need to do something about media timeouts in the tournament. It’s absolutely ridiculous that they halt the game so much for ads. Basketball is about the flow and momentum, stopping guys for media TO while on a run or before shooting FT’s is a joke.

I’m glad for Duke, but would like to see that game played again with different refs. UW was in full control the second half until the refs shut them down. Not saying Duke couldn’t have won anyway, but I would have liked to see what would have happened with better calls…

It is a fishing site and Dave is trolling. Must be a full moon with low pressure.

Why is it always the refs fault? The better team won. And based on the fact that they beat Wisconsin twice this year they are better than Wisconsin. Enough said. Just once after a game I’d like to see the losing fans just say that the other team was better instead of the boring argument that it was the refs that cost them the game! Duke outplayed them and Wisky was off their game. That is what I saw…Lets move on to Brewers and Twins baseball with hopes of a border World Series!!!

I said I am a fan of both teams, and I could clearly see the refs errors greatly affecting UW momentum. I can’t honestly say that the best team won… Without having the game called evenly, no one will know.

I am surprised at how many haters there are on this site towards wisconsin. Why? I don’t hate any Minnesota team and wouldn’t trash any of their fans if UM was in the same position…

But for anyone to not notice the poor calls and not to notice the calls dragging UW down, is showing your blindness. Maybe it’s because I have equal interest in either team winning, that I noticed the poor calls and it’s affect on UW runs???

In sports, I just want to see hard fought games with all the players heart. Poor refs ruin good games, and this was one of them. There is no denying that, go watch the game tape. Like I said, I’m glad Duke won, and would have been equally glad to see UW win, so I’m not biased on what I saw…

Duke beat them twice…Different refs in both games. Stop it already. The better team won…

roosterrouster wrote:

Duke beat them twice…Different refs in both games. Stop it already. The better team won…

Cock-a-doodle-doo

The Badgers screwed themselves. All of the missed shots within 3 feet of the basket. Travon Jackson throwing the ball away and bricking layups didn’t help. Yes there were some questionable calls, but if they would’ve made 50% of those 3 footers those calls would’ve been a total non factor. Dekker wasn’t himself, never tried to drive the lane, Gasser didn’t even think about taking shots. They were out of sorts, and looked ugly near the basket.

My one gripe as a UW fan, and this goes for both football and basketball is that these teams don’t attack when they smell blood. With a 9 point lead, I think this team felt comfortable and didn’t continue to attack. Duke having two guards who were lava hot can cut a 9 point lead in just a few posessions, which they did. The two bigs sitting on the bench for Duke should’ve been all Frank time in the post the entire time. He was eating them up, I see no reason to stop doing it until it doesn’t work any more.

Duke was the better team, because they executed and won the game. They are not heads and shoulders more talented than WI by any means, but this season, they were the better team. In the end, the fact that the Badgers were in a position for any calls or missed calls to impact the game is their own fault for not capitalizing on repeated opportunities to build a substantial lead throughout the game.

Basketball is a sport that is officiated by human beings. There will always be bad calls and missed calls. Nobody is perfect. It is part of the game and just needs to be accepted, plain and simple. There were plenty of things that led to the Wisconsin loss, partly things they didn’t do, and partly the fact that Duke just played tougher down the stretch. Props to Duke on a tough win. Would have loved to see the badgers win it all, but was still a great run.

You could see it in the face of the WI players before the game that they got overwhelmed with just being there. They were just about all tearing up. It seemed like it was harder to overcome their own emotions than handling Duke, especially early in the game missing all those under the basket shots and throwing up 3-point shot air balls. Koening and Dekker were short on all shots the entire first half. Duke did seem to handle the pressure better, I’d give that credit to Coach K. He topped Bo which may have been a bigger difference in the game than what happened on the floor.

A few thoughts on this thread. Being a UW student I’m well tapped into the Badger scene in Madison. Number 1.) While the reffing was not perfect, calls go against teams every game that each side can use for scapegoating but it was not the reason the Badgers lost 2.) Tre did not belong playing, he was rattled, nervous and out of control, when Koenig went on a scoring spree in the second half to go up nine, Bo pulled him in favor of T-Jack and Koenig cooled off and never scored for the remainder of the game and T-Jacks insertion into the game also coincided with Grayson Allen’s explosion 3.) Quick penetrating guards sink the Badgers again a la the Maryland game, the second half Duke’s plan was to drive Jones, Winslow and Allen to the rim and get shots up or get fouled, they did both 4.) Sam Dekker seemed off all night not sure if nerves or what but he was a non-factor and for UW to win they needed him 5.) Wisco and Frank in general were too passive they needed to take a page out of Duke’s playbook and drive to the rim, instead we settled for outside shots down the stretch with Dukes two stud bigs on the bench 6.) Badgers struggled to shoot, I think we were only 30% or so from deep and 40 some % from the field.

I’m so glad to have gotten to play in a natty, sad for the players it had to end in a loss. This very well could have been the best team we will ever see at Wisconsin. The Badgers cannot recruit with the “blue-bloods” of the game today simply because face it Wisconsin is not a blue-blood no matter how you spin it. Solid teams with great coaching, the talent just chooses other big time programs over UW because we aren’t as sexy even though as evidenced in the tourney Bo can win a lot of games with talent (see Badgers starting line-up). And while Bo will probably continue with his great consistency until he retires I doubt he will ever have a similar nucleus of young talent infused with great veteran leadership and skill like he had this year. I just don’t see Bo adapting to the one-and-done phenomena that is sweeping CBB right now, even though it’s pretty much what it takes to win in today’s game.

Also to the poster who commented on losing Diamond Stone to ACT issues and not getting accepted due to academics. That is false. Stone himself said he was ok to go to Madison, he had a 20 on his ACT which is good enough to get into the UW as a student athlete, which have different standards than traditional students. The consensus around Madison is that Bo didn’t promise him playing time like Turgeon did at Maryland and also Bo’s style didn’t mesh with what he wanted. Lots of other rumors out there but simply put he chose Maryland over Wisconsin.

Sorry for the lengthy diatribe, I’m one disappointed but as always, proud Badger fan today.

I didn’t say they lost him to ACT issues but when the Badgers left for CA one of the unknowns was those results. I agree, the biggest factor was style of play and Maryland promoting him as a starter on a projected top 5 team so he can potentially be yet another one and done.

I don’t know why but he reminds me of Rashard Griffith. He’s the only one and done I can recall ever playing for the Badgers. He didn’t go far.

Well stated Ice…RR

Gregg Pfeifer wrote:

I didn’t say they lost him to ACT issues but when the Badgers left for CA one of the unknowns was those results. I agree, the biggest factor was style of play and Maryland promoting him as a starter on a projected top 5 team so he can potentially be yet another one and done.

I don’t know why but he reminds me of Rashard Griffith. He’s the only one and done I can recall ever playing for the Badgers. He didn’t go far.

Sorry Gregg, I didn’t mean it as a personal attack at you if it came off that way. Misinterpreted your post. I never got to see Griffith ever play he was beyond my time (only see him on BTN now lol) but I think Stone is too athletically superior to fail as Griffith did, I very well could be wrong. The reason missing out on him hurts so bad is it hurts the perception of the Badgers, losing out on another blue-chip. His commitment coupled with this deep run could have catapulted the Badgers to another level, not to mention Dekker might have considered staying if he committed (I’ll gladly eat crow if he comes back despite not having stone). Not saying we will fall of the face of college basketball but I feel like the UW basketball renaissance of greatness window just closed, at least under Bo Ryan so it seems. But maybe, just maybe, he will coach longer than what I got him pegged for in my mind (3-4 years).

The off chance of Dekker coming back would be huge. Koenig has proven himself an above average point guard, I think Showalter can play a much bigger role next year. Hayes needs at least another year for sure. Dekker could be the focal point, and Ethan Happ will likely be a major contributor next year. It may not be as great of a team as this year, but that sounds like a pretty sweet starting lineup if it could happen. I wonder if Dekkers stock fell a little in that last game with the NBA guys.

I’d put him at 95% gone, but I’ll hold onto that 5% and hope.

I agree with you there. The cupboard is not bare for the Badgers but the lack of proven seasoned performers will not be there outside of (BK and Hayes). I know it may seem like I am casting gloom over the program but I think we will be good just not great like this years team. Happ and Showy both have great potential and Hayes and Koenig with another season could become stars but the lack of a true big man is glaring for next season. I am holding out hope that Vitto Brown can maybe harness even a fourth of Frank’s transformation over his sophomore to junior season.

I’m not a great basketball mind but was the pace of the game last night faster than normal? Man, they were flying!

Marshall your post about daveb and his miserable life was spot on!

So the reffs blew a 9 point lead late in the 2nd half missed all those shots and free throws. The reffs made the badgers start fighting amongst themselves..the reffs made Ryan coach atrociously and lose control of his players and the game itself.

Too funny…yet typical of Wiscondin sports fans in general. Cry if you win cry louder if you lose.

The worst call of the game was the 3rd foul on Okafor that really impacted the game.

How about we lost game to a better team in the championship game.

And Bo Ryan showed his true colors again#classless

Too funny…yet typical of Wiscondin sports fans in general. Cry if you win cry louder if you lose.

And Bo Ryan showed his true colors again#classless

You know what I call classless? Someone throwing a blanket over all Wisconsin fans. Did Wisconsin miss several opportunities to pull away and win the game? Sure did. Is it curious that Wisconsin was called for 13 fouls in the 2nd half vs 2 in the 1st half? Yes. Am I blaming the refs? No. As I said, the Badgers had opportunities and didn’t capitalize. So do me a favor and don’t lump all Badger fans under one blanket. Every teams fan base has those who will cry about everything and those who can see things for what they really are. I am proud to be a Badger fan as you should be proud of your states team.

pb2- Quit being BELLIGERENT. Most Wisconsin fans here have stated that the team lost the game because of the play of the team. Some of the calls and non-calls did not help our case along the way, but is not the reason we lost.

Duke beat them twice…Different refs in both games. Stop it already. The better team won…

I’m a Duke fan and can see his beef with the officials the okafor play where Winslow stepped out of bounds before the the dunk was big along with a bad charge call. All things that can affect the outcome and slowed wisconsins momentum both times. But I’m enjoying another title

As for beating them twice sconnie had guys dinged up the first time around.

icefanatic11 wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Gregg Pfeifer wrote:</div>
I didn’t say they lost him to ACT issues but when the Badgers left for CA one of the unknowns was those results. I agree, the biggest factor was style of play and Maryland promoting him as a starter on a projected top 5 team so he can potentially be yet another one and done.

I don’t know why but he reminds me of Rashard Griffith. He’s the only one and done I can recall ever playing for the Badgers. He didn’t go far.

Sorry Gregg, I didn’t mean it as a personal attack at you if it came off that way. Misinterpreted your post. I never got to see Griffith ever play he was beyond my time (only see him on BTN now lol) but I think Stone is too athletically superior to fail as Griffith did, I very well could be wrong. The reason missing out on him hurts so bad is it hurts the perception of the Badgers, losing out on another blue-chip. His commitment coupled with this deep run could have catapulted the Badgers to another level, not to mention Dekker might have considered staying if he committed (I’ll gladly eat crow if he comes back despite not having stone). Not saying we will fall of the face of college basketball but I feel like the UW basketball renaissance of greatness window just closed, at least under Bo Ryan so it seems. But maybe, just maybe, he will coach longer than what I got him pegged for in my mind (3-4 years).

End of greatness for the Badgers was the thought a few years ago after when Butch and Steisma left. Remember Frank was on the bench for 2 years. Bo has a way of getting the most out of blue-chippers. They’re already pegged as a #4 seed in next years tourney. That’s not exactly a fall from greatness. If we were on the other side of the river that’d be a huge success.

icefanatic11 wrote:

I agree with you there. The cupboard is not bare for the Badgers but the lack of proven seasoned performers will not be there outside of (BK and Hayes). I know it may seem like I am casting gloom over the program but I think we will be good just not great like this years team. Happ and Showy both have great potential and Hayes and Koenig with another season could become stars but the lack of a true big man is glaring for next season. I am holding out hope that Vitto Brown can maybe harness even a fourth of Frank’s transformation over his sophomore to junior season.

I predict Dekker will be back. He needs to bulk up to survive in the NBA. He’ll be back and be one of the top 5 players in the NCAA next year. He has more raw talent than Frank and could very well give Bucky back-to-back players of the year. Nigel will pick up his game and surpass what Dekker did this year. Brown has shown glimpses he can produce up to Nigel’s level of a year ago. Showalter has the stuff to step right in for Captain America and Koening will be lights out. Production off the bench will be the biggest question. If Dekker is back there won’t be much of a drop off.

PB2 wrote:

And Bo Ryan showed his true colors again#classless

Dumbest thing I ever heard. You obviously don’t know Bo and must not watch much college basketball nor his regular conversations with media. If he wasn’t happy about something it was a legit grip – he tells it like it is and always has. He’s one of the most respected coaches in the last 50 years. I think you showed your true colors – uninformed with a big mouth. For the guy that said Bo is a grumpy old man, if I could only be 1/4 as happy working and happy in life as he is I’d be a blessed man. I just love the comments about WI fans blaming the refs – did you read all the posts here or just love to generalize? Refs aside UW had plenty of chances to win and nearly did playing their worst game of the tourney. Duke won by the seat of their pants and had nothing left either. If Jackson stayed on the bench UW would have won. The calls by the refs at the end of the game were the dagger, the step out of bounds and the ball of the finger out of bounds resulted in 6 points. UW lost by 5.

Let’s put this in perspective. Bo does not interview well and does not come off as a happy go lucky guy. He is not a media favorite/darling whatever you want to call it. After the game he should have gave credit to Duke and Coach K. They deserved it for winning the game. Giving the media ammo to bash WI wasn’t a good move, but you always get the straight story and tells you what is on his mind. He should have been nice in the interview and let the talking heads (media) talk about the officiating.

Was there Coaching miscues–Yes. By both coaches in my opinion. Badgers didn’t pound it inside enough when their bigs were on the bench. Frank was player of the year for a reason. Coach K for not starting the game the way they beat us in Madison. Bo didn’t adjust in the second half to change to how the officiating was being called. You don’t think Coach K didn’t talk to the officials at halftime??? After a 7 to 2 foul difference in the first half. You bet he did. I was there and saw it.
As far as calls go the only 2 that upset me is the out of bounds plays. Took 2 possessions away from us.They scored on both and got 6 points. The one under the basket the ref was right there and blew it. The finger tip review-they blew it. Announcers on TV said they blew it. I’m not saying that is why we lost but anyone who says it had no effect on the game does not know much about the sport.

mxskeeter wrote:

Let’s put this in perspective. Bo does not interview well and does not come off as a happy go lucky guy. He is not a media favorite/darling whatever you want to call it. After the game he should have gave credit to Duke and Coach K. They deserved it for winning the game. Giving the media ammo to bash WI wasn’t a good move, but you always get the straight story and tells you what is on his mind. He should have been nice in the interview and let the talking heads (media) talk about the officiating.

I love Bo Ryan as a coach but you hit the nail on the head with that statement.

I also love looking down the road and seeing whats in the works for next year.
IMHO – showy doesn’t start next year or probably ever. He will however, continue to give great energy off the bench which is no small thing. Just look at what the so called “little white guy” did for Duke in the title game.
Showy has the potential but he’s a long, long way from polished and would need to make a huge jump to be a starter on Bo Ryans team.
Everything else said about next years team I fully agree with.
Cupboard is not bare, not even close. The only thing missing is a big guy.

I would love for Dekker to come back for his senior year but honestly I will be shocked if he does. His stock is pretty high right now and I dont think he can get much higher in the draft if hes stays for another year.

bo will be fine. he’s said this stuff in the past. however, he often goes after 1 and dones (see stone) so his statement his statements were pretty stupid and could be detrimental to recruiting but that’s bo.

onto the game, wisky got a few calls early on, and that 3rd foul on okafor was bs and changed the entire game. Wisc should have been able to take advantage of the foul trouble okafor and winslow were in but bo, while a great coach, totally got outcoached.

the refs had nothing to do with dekker being a turd all night and them inexplicably shooting jumpshots all over the floor with okafor and winslow out and the tank posting up against small forwards and guards. the refs had nothing to do with allen and jones just going off and igniting duke past the badgers. against guys 2-3 years older than they. wisconsin may have the edge in experience and fundamentals but duke has better talent and athleticism and it played out as such. if you think wisc is still better than duke, then you can certainly make an argument that kentucky is a better team than wisconsin.

PB2,

Sounds like you have a problem with Wisconsin fans in general, all teams have idiot fans that think they get screwed on every call in every game, you shouldn’t make general statements about all of us.

The Badgers lost because they missed key shots down the stretch, but the missed calls did not help things either, especially the one with the ball going off of the Duke players finger tips, even Stevie Wonder could see that one on replay.

Duke was a better team than Wisconsin, but as they say on any given day any team can win. Do I believe Wisconsin is a better team than Kentucky, probably not but they beat them in the only game that mattered.

Sam will be gone IMO because he is projected as top ten pick. Don’t blame him one little bit. If someone was going to throw several million $$$$$ at me I would be gone to.

Will Badgers be as good next year, probably not. Most teams are not in the FF every year either. I hope we’re good enough to keep our string of not finishing lower than 4th in the Big Ten going. That alone is a huge accomplishment in this day and age.