Duke vs. Villanova

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by jbduke

It's great to still see the hate, as it means Duke is still the gold standard. When it stops being news that they don't make it past the Sweet 16, it's time to worry.

Keep dreaming. They barely make the top 5 by most accounts. UCLA, UNC, and UK clearly have them beat by almost any standard. Then you have UI, KU, and a couple others that compete with Duke for the next few spots.

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by Camron Rust

Keep dreaming. They barely make the top 5 by most accounts. UCLA, UNC, and UK clearly have them beat by almost any standard. Then you have UI, KU, and a couple others that compete with Duke for the next few spots.

A sports radio show last night was making an effective case that Michigan State has been THE BEST program over the past decade.

Five Final Fours in the last eleven years. I haven't checked, but that seems to be more than Duke over that time period.

Let's be fair and give credit where it is due.

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

A sports radio show last night was making an effective case that Michigan State has been THE BEST program over the past decade.

Five Final Fours in the last eleven years. I haven't checked, but that seems to be more than Duke over that time period.

Let's be fair and give credit where it is due.

Duke: 3 FF's/1 NC

Florida: 3 FF's/2 NC's

UNC: 4 FF's/1 NC

UConn: 3 FF's/2 NC's

MSU: 5 FF's/1 NC

UCLA: 3 FF's

Kansas: 3 FF's/1 NC

MD: 2 FF's/1 NC

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

A sports radio show last night was making an effective case that Michigan State has been THE BEST program over the past decade.

Five Final Fours in the last eleven years. I haven't checked, but that seems to be more than Duke over that time period.

Let's be fair and give credit where it is due.

That may all be true, but "gold standard" is not something that comes around lately. You simply have to look at all history. And, Michigan State would certainly be in the discussion for the next tier, but NOT the best program.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by Camron Rust

That may all be true, but "gold standard" is not something that comes around lately. You simply have to look at all history.

I thought the gold standard was abolished back in the '70s. You know, like UCLA basketball.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

A sports radio show last night was making an effective case that Michigan State has been THE BEST program over the past decade.

I heard Greenberg this morning mention that Izzo has never had a player stay four years and not go to a Final Four. That's impressive over a 14 (I think) year tenure and running.

I agree that you can't use a decade to indicate how storied a program is; but I would also suggest two decades isn't enough to define a gold standard. The Gold Standard in college basketball is UCLA.

That's it, that's the list.

[26 Year Gap]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

I heard Greenberg this morning mention that Izzo has never had a player stay four years and not go to a Final Four. That's impressive over a 14 (I think) year tenure and running.

I agree that you can't use a decade to indicate how storied a program is; but I would also suggest two decades isn't enough to define a gold standard. The Gold Standard in college basketball is UCLA.

That's it, that's the list.

And growing up in the 60s & 70s, you either rooted for UCLA or against them. Everyone from that time remembers Austin Carr, NC State & David Thompson. The streak breakers.

I also remember the Duke fans tossing records after it was reported that NC State star Chris Washburn allegedly lifted a stereo. Sort of a mini disco demolition day. The fan behavior even back then was either pushing the envelope or over the edge, take your pick. A Duke/UCLA final is like a Yankees/Dodgers WS....Who do you root for?