Big East Tourney Fans

[Doc]

This will be first time in 8 years that I won't be at the conference tourney.  For those lucky enough to attend, here are a few pointers from what to expect in your encounters with other fans.  Here they are, four-at-a-time.

Cincinnati: These bullies used to show up in droves in cUSA, but ever since they lost their HuggieBear, their fans have been neutered.  Very small presence, last year didn't even bring their band.  Timid and quiet.

Connecticut: Many hop on the train after work, and show up in business attire.  Not terribly animated, and seem to handle defeat well, since they'll be heading home to a better job and nicer house than most of us have.

DePaul: Almost non-existant, even when they were decent (and closer to the venue) in cUSA.  You are likely to see more Boston College fans at the Garden.

Georgetown: Boisterous group of educated fans.  Lots of students make the trip and are easily identifiable in their matching gray t-shirts.  Many stay for all sessions and are probably the friendliest of the bunch.

[Doc]

Louisville: Just like back in cUSA, their team doctor probably travels to take care of these geriatrics.  They are, however, a much smaller presence than in the past and seem to have a bit of an inferiority complex -- maybe they're intimidated by the Big City, although Louisville isn't as much a hole in the ground as some people assume.

Marquette: Like G-town, an easy-going bunch.  Several alumni groups of 30-somethings dot the crowd, wearing the golden capes and basketball-heads of their more youthful days.  Kind of reminds me of my antics, and maybe that's why we get along.

Notre Dame: Like their administrators, they carry themselves like they are god's gift to college athletics.  They aren't as numerous as you might have thought and keep aloof as though they are outsiders, which they ARE.  No one likes them.  They know it, and don't care.

Pittsburgh: Somewhat of a split on these guys.  The younger group, including the band, understand the game and are some of the most passionate.  The older segment, whine about how great their team should be and how everything outside of western Penna is garbage -- the most snobbish of the state schools.

[Doc]

Providence: Tiny school, tiny fan base.  A smattering of students ride down on the rails, but disappear once the game is done.  Plus with their generic colors of black and white, they are hard to locate.

Rutgers: I don't have much experience with these fans, since few attend when their team is in the dumps.  At least the group at the womens tourney pack the house and aren't afraid to speak their mind.  They tend to be fair and well-balanced people, but expect to get an earful of their Jersey-mouths if you cross the line -- I almost saw a fight break out in the stands in Hartford when a UConn fan put down their coach.

St. John's: For being the "home-team" they do a poor job representing.  Sure, it gets loud, but you can't tell the Johnnies from any other New Yorker in the crowd.  Most wear black shirts, black pants, and black jackets, none of which have the logo.  Most are more interested in slapping down 50s on the rail in prop bets during the game and view sports entertainment solely as a means for gambling.  Keep in mind, for every bet on St. John's, one of their fans takes the other side.

Seton Hall: Unenthusiastic and poor attendance, which is baffling given their proximity.  Also, the few who show up, are gone by the final gun.  Few students, generic band.  Might as well be the Creighton Bluejays (although that mascot is far more interesting).

[Doc]

South Florida: Most of our representatives have been the old-money, country-club set who never went to school at USF, and simply live in Tampa.  They don't know any of the cheers and are more interested in discussing their golf handicap.  A few loyal one make an appearance, but that's the exception to the rule.

Syracuse: The dirtiest fans with the foulest mouths, and most never set foot on the campus. They just live in New York and so jump on the bandwagon.  Last season when they lost to L'ville, a couple of fights broke out in the stands, with security having to pry off some unshaven orange-clad thugs from Cardinals fans just trying to watch the game.  You can tell who went to school there by how they chant "Let's Go Orange."  If they say "au-range," they're probably a grad.  If they say "ah-range" find another seat.

Villanova: Somewhat hard to spot since their t-shirts are invariably covered up by their fancy sweater vests and designer jackets.  Not exactly your stereotypical Philadelphian.  Well-behaved, they aren't hard to get along with, it just seems like they look down on you if you're an alumnus of one of the state schools.

West Virginia: No surprises here.  They come in large numbers -- any excuse to get out of WV I guess -- and wear profanity-laden t-shirts.  Barely able to afford shoes, they somehow come up with the money for tickets and travel.  Still, unlike ND, you can root for them out-of-conference and are somewhat glad they're on our side come NCAA-tourney time.

[DELdaBull]

I think this breakdown is sweet.

[OSMOBULL]

I will be at the Depaul game and possibly the Georgetown game (depending on the first outcome) so thanks for the heads-up.

[Velcro]

This is hall of fame worthy!

[GaUSFBull]

West Virginia: No surprises here.  They come in large numbers -- any excuse to get out of WV I guess -- and wear profanity-laden t-shirts.  Barely able to afford shoes, they somehow come up with the money for tickets and travel.  Still, unlike ND, you can root for them out-of-conference and are somewhat glad they're on our side come NCAA-tourney time.

:lmao :ROFLMAO

[tbbulls]

thanks for the breakdown very entertaining

[usfbullcpa]

a wealth of knowledge... this was great stuff.