"Everyone keeps saying, 'Drake's not that good. They just find ways to win.' Well that's what great teams do-- they find ways to win."
That quote from Keno after tonight's game said a lot. As an '07 grad, I have a huge connection to this team and love seeing them succeed, but I've also been hesitant to completely buy into the hype. I've always thought that they were deserving of their ranking based on what they've accomplished, but I've never honestly believed that they were the 15th best team in the country. However, reading that quote really made me think. It's true that most of Drake's wins have been close games, some closer than the score indicates (both Creighton games, for example). But there is something to be said about the fact that the Bulldogs end up on top every time. When they win this many games that come down to the wire, eventually you have to conceed that it's a trend, not a mirage. People will try to spin it like its a bad thing that they havent blown anybody out, but if they were winning games by 30, everyone would say they'd crumble due to lack of experience if they ever got in a tight one. I still don't think anyone can know how good this team truly is based on their pretty shaky schedule, but at least I'm beginning to appreciate the fact that they are getting experience in these games. That's something that can only help alleviate the pressure come tournament time, assuming they make it (had to add that qualifier... I'm terrified of jinxing them). I'd just like to know if Jay Bilas (quickly becoming public enemy #1 in Des Moines) still thinks Illinois State is the best team in the Valley, as he said last week.
|
