Where did I say that I'm happy about getting knocked out in the first round of the NCAAT? Where did I say that I'm good with NIT appearances? What rational, knowledgable fans like myself understand is that this is a process, Miami isn't going to go from also ran to Duke, or UNC overnight. I'm not going to look a gift horse in the mouth, just so I can have something to complain about. Just remember the following: The run L has put together here, has never happened before in program history. Miami is one of the better programs in the ACC right now, and a couple of frustrating flameouts doesn't change that. There's always work to be done, but fans like you that have little to no understanding of how a program is built over the long term do more to hurt the perception of the program, than actually help. Look at Villanova, Wright had to build, and there were tons of flameouts along the way, and that's at a program with legit history and tradition.
Do you realize how utterly random the NCAA Tournament is? Syracuse was one of the last teams in the **** field, and managed to get to the Elite Eight. Does that mean that they were one of the best teams in the country, or does it mean that in a one game situation, crazy crap happens? Even in your example, Loyola had to have something happen that has NEVER happened before in the history of the tournament in order to advance. They had TWO last second victories, in a 48 hour window. They also were fortunate enough to have the bracket around them fall apart, making it easier for them to advance. It's a single elimination tournament, with dozens of teams, it's arguably the least efficient and effective way of determining a champion. What's funny is that fans like you love to believe that they are helping the program by being utterly unrealistic. Say it with me: L is by far the best coach this program has ever had, the odds of Miami finding someone that can merely tread water, much less be significant better long term is unlikely. When L is ready to retire, Miami should do everything they can to find a suitable replacement, but let's be honest: Mark Few isn't walking through that door, chances are Miami will have to take a chance on some mid major guy, or a highly touted assistant, and that's a complete crapshoot.