Bumped. GO BRUINS. -N

From the Man Who Knows Best -- John Wooden.

Since I joined BruinsNation, two years ago, the issue of whether  our expectations, as Bruins, were "reasonable" has been the topic of many discussions and well written posts.

During the lizard years, and the football season, the claim was that we were unreasonable -- that our expectations were out of control, and that we should recognize and accept mediocrity.

Mediocre coaches and their supporters tried to paint us as unreasonable fans.

Now, the "expectations" debate has taken a screwy turn.

We are using the "unreasonable expectations" brush to paint some MSM reporters who are claiming that if we do not hang banner 12 our season will have been a failure.

Eloquently, many BN members have written that our season has been a complete success -- a delight, a wonderful journey -- not matter how it ends.

Is it odd that we are the ones playing the "unreasonable expectations card"?

No, it's not.

Although some may be to simple to see it, our position is both factually and intellectually consistent -- where the reporters and whiner's is not.

The key to the debate is how one defines "success".

Our touchstone has been provided with the one man best qualified to define the term -- Coach.

Here's his definition:

This year, we are saying that, however this season ends, we will be at peace because we know that CBH and our incredible players have always done their best to be their best.

This very young team, this team with significant injuries, this team playing other great teams, has always left it all on the floor.

If we win. Great. If we don't, we know that it will not be for lack of effort. And, what more can we ask?

When I was teaching, I was frustrated because I wanted to grade on "effort" not "achievement". It troubled me when gifted students did not try to be the best they could be. In the legal education world, grades are simply a way to spread out people so that the "elite" law firms don't have to work hard in the interview process to find the best candidates. I resented being a part of that process.

When I grade our BB program and our FB program under the lizard and KD, I see programs that underachieved. We expected more effort from those programs and their coaches and did not get it. Under Coach's standard, we were correct when we said those programs were not successful. Our expectations of "more" were reasonable.

When we grade our BB program under CBH, we see the type of effort from a coaching staff that comes into the games well prepared, makes incredible adjustments, and finds ways to win games. When things go against us we don't whine. We just play harder. Under Coach's standard, this season has been a success. No matter how it ends, with or without a banner, it will have been a success. Those who will only be satisfied with a banner are being unreasonable.

We own the "expectations" moral high ground because we have been applying a legitimate standard in a consistent manner.

Those who both supported the lizard and KD and now are questioning whether this season will be a success, have been intellectually dishonest.

Brothers and Sisters, you have done a great job challenging them.

Now, it's time to brush them aside, like a few ants on the table cloth. It's time to enjoy the feast.