Last weekend at their preseason picnic, I told the team they had elite 8 talent this season. Also told them I fully expected them to beat BYU. This is a very talented and deep team. 2nd team would take 3rd in the Big East behind MU and Creighton. Was a very competitive three weeks of practice. Had extra practice time before their trip to Europe and unlike basketball, actually played some really talented teams in Europe.

I would expect, barring injury, they would again host a first and second round tournament game and possibly be ranked to the point they wouldn't have to play a top 4 seed in the round of 16. I'll take my chances in that match to get to the elite 8. This is a special group. I think they are finally believing they belong with the top teams in the country, which is a good thing because their pre-conference schedule is brutal. Bring on Bucky!