Evansville @ Wichita State

[Aargh]

Ask the Kansas fanbase about their "feeling of superiority" regarding Bradley University and the University of Northern Iowa.

That's been done. The KU fans are insulted that the question would even be asked. KU is clearly superior and it's insulting to KU fans to even ask the question, regardless of the results of the games.

[sect.3purple]

I agree, I don't "expect" respect to be given by any opponent or opposing fan. I just don't like the put-downs about my team, and I will continue to say something.....just the way I am, I guess...admittedly a die-hard Aces fan. I don't claim that we are great, and certainly not that we can go in to any game in the Valley with a "why are we even showing up to play these losers" attitude. I am proud as hell of my team also, and I am not asking for other teams to "respect" them. The team's play will bring that if they continue to fight and play well. My post had nothing to do with a frivolous demand for respect. It had everything to do with an objection to the disrespect of put-down mentality of some of the fans.

Looking forward to tonight. I am proud of both Valley teams, WSU and the ACES, but my fighting spirit is pulling for the guys in purple!

[Aces0976]

Oh boy, I see this thread going downhill quickly......my 2 cents on this perceived lack of respect -- Respect is not given, if you ask for respect, you will be given a lack of respect. Respect is earned, one way to cure any "lack of respect" is by winning consistently, not by competing, but by WINNING. Myself and most other Aces fans are proud as hell of our boys for the turnaround we've seen this season. The difference in the way we were playing in the nonconference to the conference season is night and day. However, its almost like some of our fans expect other fanbases to share in being "proud" of our guys and that's just not going to happen. Good luck to the Aces and the Shocks......

One approach.

Another: In the military we respect our opponent, regardless of their historical record, size of Army, or perceived strengths and weaknesses. In sports, competitors respect each other because both understand how hard the other has worked at his craft. I respect all 10 Valley programs and teams and understand that from time to time each is going to struggle, whereas others may not. SIU comes to mind as the perfect example of how quickly the tables can turn on you.

My two favorite Valley teams are:

Go Shockers! (Manhattan 1982-1986, Leavenworth 1991, 1996-2001, 2008-Current)

Go Aces!

I agree with your approach, don't get me wrong. I believe in showing respect to all opponents, but what I'm saying is I don't EXPECT to receive the same respect or get too worked up about not being "respected". It would be one thing if I felt the other team didn't respect our team, but this isn't the case (to my knowledge). This is an internet messageboard, I find the differing opinions very entertaining and enlightening at times, but I'm not going to let it bother me if someone in Wichita (or any other school/city) makes some snide remark about my team.

[shocktheheart]

If you want respect from another fanbase, don't start a thread and misspell the other teams name. (which has been changed) Wheather it was deliberate or not, that doesn't start the thread off in the right direction. If you can't take a little smack talk, you probably shouldn't be in a message board with other teams. While I like what Simmons has done, please recruit someone over 6-5 that can play basketball at the D1 level.

[2livewu]

This fan is "serious" about my team being put down constantly by some WSU fans...too bad if my post defending my team was too serious for some....it is almost like we fans are expected to just roll over and play dead just like our team is expected to do! Sorry, just isn't going to happen. We may not win tonight, might even get beat bad; but I do believe we will show up ready to fight to the end. And, I will keep posting my support for my team.

Who is putting your team down? I fail to see that happening.

[shocktheheart]

On business in San Fran and going to the local Hooters to watch the game. That s@ank on the phone better be correct when she says they have Fox Sports Midwest. Go Shox!

[ShockValue]

I respect the Aces and would be happy with a one point win.

[glm38]

The comments on this string are prime examples of why WSU and their fans are the most disliked in the conference, hands down. I guess the Aces may as well just not make the trip to Wichita....since, according to some posters, UE is not in the same league. Maybe these same fans remember us bursting the Shockers' bubble in years past.

I disagree. I like most of the WSU fans that post here. There are one or 2 that go a little too far sometimes but that's probably true of all the fanbases that post here.

And overall I'd have to say that WSU fans are probably the most passionate about their team of anyone in the Valley. You have to admire them from that aspect.

[Aces1982]

If you want respect from another fanbase, don't start a thread and misspell the other teams name. (which has been changed) Wheather it was deliberate or not, that doesn't start the thread off in the right direction. If you can't take a little smack talk, you probably shouldn't be in a message board with other teams. While I like what Simmons has done, please recruit someone over 6-5 that can play basketball at the D1 level.

You mean like saying EU instead of UE which is done by Shocker fans reguarly.

The ironic thing is Wichita wants respect from BCS teams and ESPN and all of the pundits. But when they don't get it they get upset. Yet they treat almost every Valley team the way the BCS teams treat them.

[UE 71]

If you want respect from another fanbase, don't start a thread and misspell the other teams name. (which has been changed) Wheather it was deliberate or not, that doesn't start the thread off in the right direction. If you can't take a little smack talk, you probably shouldn't be in a message board with other teams. While I like what Simmons has done, please recruit someone over 6-5 that can play basketball at the D1 level.

You mean like saying EU instead of UE which is done by Shocker fans reguarly.

The ironic thing is Wichita wants respect from BCS teams and ESPN and all of the pundits. But when they don't get it they get upset. Yet they treat almost every Valley team the way the BCS teams treat them.

UCLA won the national championship in 1965 with no starter over 6-5. Adolph Rupp did the same at Kentucky with his "Rupp's Runts" What's the fixation with size. The difference between 6-5 and 6-8 is three inches.