In the midst of what could be another big night for Butler basketball, it has me thinking, “How many of these fans are truly Butler fans?”
I remember Chris Denari telling me a couple years ago that when he started, they had about 10 season ticket holders. Now there are over a thousand.
The success in the last decade has been strong, especially with the likes of Thad Matta and Brad Stevens at the helm. In fact, both are still coaching with only 16 teams remaining in the tournament.
Is Butler truly worthy of the lead story on the local news, or is the news really that slow this time of year. It’s a big accomplishment for the Bulldogs, who have about 4,000 undergraduates, but I argue the true “fan” in those rooting for Butler.
I guarantee that I was at more Butler home games this season than 90% of their students. Hinkle seats 10,000 and by my estimate, they averaged about 6,000 fans per game. Maybe it’s not just with the Dawgs, but it’s our culture now days.
I’ll admit, I grew up in Indianapolis so I am a loyal fan of my local teams: the Colts, Pacers, and Hoosiers.
There is nothing wrong with rooting for an upset, or cheering for the “underdog,” but the false following with various teams has me questioning others commitment to their teams.
I don’t mind seeing Butler succeed (their not a rival after all), but my emotions aren’t in flux whether they win or lose. Now when my Pacers or Hoosiers are in action, I rarely miss a game and will skip just about everything to tune in.
Should Butler win great. But if Wisconsin wins, that’s fine to because I support other Big Ten teams—non black and gold colors of course. I like Butler in the game because of Coach Stevens and Matt Howard but I also like Wisconsin because they’re in the Big Ten, they don’t have the most athletic players but get the job done and they play fundamental basketball.
There is nothing wrong with rooting for a team, coach or player. It’s those that don’t attend a game all year, don’t know much about them yet they go out and buy shirts and now say they are a fan.
Is this a cultural change, or is a team like Butler is “good story” or a “local interest?” I don’t get it. I’m no bandwagon fan and hate the fact that some of my friends can like numerous teams at the same time.
For example, I have seen a tweet go something like this: “Big day in college basketball! Let’s go Syracuse, Purdue, Texas, Notre Dame and Louisville.” WHAT!!!! Are you kidding me???
Sorry folks, bandwagons are full. Enough of this nonsense. Where has the loyalty gone?
Is it wrong that I always adopt a random team? That is, whoever purdouche is playing.
I see your point of view, but what about supporting the kids that I followed in high school? I enjoy watching them grow on the court and as a person.
I agree. We can all enjoy the thrill of a game going down to the wire and the buzzer-beaters to send Gus Johnson wild but the fans like dukies are nonsense. I appreciate the TRUE fans that are there through and through. ex. IU fans.