Projected Starting Lineup for 2013-2014

[TheFarEastMovement]

Assuming that Chris Otule will not return next year and Vander does not declare for the draft, here is what I believe will be the starting lineup.

Vander Blue/Derek Wilson/Duane Wilson/John Dawson
Todd Mayo/Jamal Ferguson/Jake Thomas/Duane Wilson
Jamil Wilson/JaJuan Johnson/Deonte Burton/Garret Swanson
Juan Anderson/Steve Taylor/Deonte Burton/Garret Swanson
Davante Gardner/Jameel Mckay

Breakout players: Juan Anderson and Todd Mayo

This team will probably be the most talented team that Marquette has ever seen. I can't wait for the season to already begin.

[Markusquette]

This team will probably be the most talented team that Marquette has ever seen. I can't wait for the season to already begin.

That's certainly going to be up for debate!

[Ron Paul]

Its an odd feeling having the team make the Elite 8 and still being extremely excited for next season.  MU is going to be stacked next year.

[setyoursightsnorth]

Its an odd feeling having the team make the Elite 8 and still being extremely excited for next season.  MU is going to be stacked next year.

And for many, many years after that as well. Assuming this whole recruiting class stays. The next two years will be off the charts.

[onepost]

Would LOVE to see:

Vander
JJJ
Jamil
Steve
Davante
(if Vander can go PG and we wanna go big)

or

Duane Wilson
Vander
JJJ
Jamil
Davante
(if Duane comes along as hoped)

With Otule (we'll see), Steve, Jameel, Deonte, Derrick getting the majority of the rest of the minutes.
Having said that, this much depth is a GREAT problem to have. Just gotta find the right lineups and hope that bench guys buy into their roles with no drama.

[macman320]

By mid season, starters will be:
Der. Wilson, Blue, Jamil, McKay, Gardner, with Duane getting in first.

[BCHoopster]

I think the biggest improvement will come from Steve Taylor!

[chapman]

Predict: Derrick Wilson, Vander, Jamil Wilson, Taylor, Gardner. 

Safe bet on biggest improvement is Steve.  Biggest need for improvement for the team to be successful is between Taylor and Derrick.  Any contribution greater than what we had this year from Anderson, Mayo, Ferguson, Thomas would be a bonus.

[dwaderoy2004]

I think Otule will be back.  Buzz certainly recruited as if that would be the case since Gardner and McKay are not ideal 5s.  So based on that assumption this will be the starting 5 by conference:

Duane Wilson
Vander
Jamil
McKay
Otule

[Lennys Tap]

Derrick Wilson
Vander Blue
Juan Anderson/Jamil Wilson
Steve Taylor
Chris Otule

Buzz rewards those who have "been there". After Davante gets his, the only significant minutes available will be Trent's and Junior's. The freshmen/juco will have to be very good and mature to boot to get big minutes, Hope they are.

[brewcity77]

First five:

PG Derrick Wilson
SG Vander Blue
SF Jamil Wilson
PF Jameel McKay
C Chris Otule

Next five:

PG Duane Wilson
SG Jajuan Johnson
SF Juan Anderson
PF Steve Taylor
C Davante Gardner

After that, I think Burton, Thomas, Ferguson, and Dawson, see minutes in that order.

[dwaderoy2004]

First five:

PG Derrick Wilson
SG Vander Blue
SF Jamil Wilson
PF Jameel McKay
C Chris Otule

Next five:

PG Duane Wilson
SG Jajuan Johnson
SF Juan Anderson
PF Steve Taylor
C Davante Gardner

Man, written out like that...Both of those five are pretty amazing.  That talent pool is absurd.

And I see you are assuming Mayo is gone.  That is my guess, as well.

[ecompt]

I think unless Derrick really improves his offensive game  Duane Wilson starts from the get-go,. as does McKay. Blue is a given. I thjnk Steve Taylor has to get 25 minutes a game.

[sellit07]

Beginning of the Year:
Derrick Wilson
Vander Blue
Jamil Wilson
Jameel McKay
Chris Otule

Next 5
Duane Wilson
JaJuan Johnson
Juan Anderson
Steve Taylor
Davante Gardner

Rest of the Team
Todd Mayo (if he stays)
Deonte Burton
John Dawson
Jake Thomas
Jamal Ferguson (if he stays)


By Conference
Duane Wilson
Vander Blue
Jamil Wilson
Jameel McKay
Chris Otule

Next 5
Derrick Wilson
JaJuan Johnson
Juan Anderson
Steve Taylor
Davante Gardner

Rest of the Team
Todd Mayo (if he stays)
Deonte Burton
John Dawson
Jake Thomas
Jamal Ferguson (if he stays)

Someone has to leave and I think it will either be Jamal Ferguson or Todd Mayo.

As much as I love Derrick Wilson as a defender I just can't see him more than just a backup PG. We need a PG that will provide the ability to score and assist. If Duane Wilson can prove he is like the player he was in high school than he will start very soon in his college career.

[slack00]

Starting:
Derrick Wilson
Vander Blue
Jamil Wilson
Juan Anderson
Davante Gardner

In the rotation:
Duane Wilson
Todd Mayo
Jajuan Johnson
Jameel McKay

Spot minutes:
John Dawson
Jake Thomas
Jamal Ferguson
Deonte Burton

[Otule's Glass Eye]

Starters

PG: Duane Wilson
SG: Vander Blue
SF: Jamil Wilson
PF: Jameel McKay
C: Chris Otule/Davante Gardner**

Next In:

PG: Derrick Wilson
SG: Todd Mayo, Jamal Ferguson/Jajuan Johnson
SF: Juan Anderson, Jamal Ferguson/Jajuan Johnson
PF: Steve Taylor, Juan Anderson
C: Chris Otule/Davante Gardner**

Spot minutes:

PG: John Dawson
SG: Jake Thomas, Deonte Burton
SF: Deonte Burton
PF: Deonte Burton
C: N/A

Notes:

** If Otule returns then I think he'll start, if he doesn't return Davante will start.
- If Derrick improves his offense maybe he'll start over Duane, but that remains to be seen.

[slack00]

Starting:
Derrick Wilson
Vander Blue
Jamil Wilson
Juan Anderson
Davante Gardner

In the rotation:
Duane Wilson
Todd Mayo
Jajuan Johnson
Jameel McKay

Spot minutes:
John Dawson
Jake Thomas
Jamal Ferguson
Deonte Burton

Whoops, unintentionally forgot Steve Taylor.  He'll be in the rotation as well.

[🏀]

Really want to get a 'Du. Wilson' jersey.

[mileskishnish72]

Agree with dwade & Brew on starters. Steve, Jr. and Duane first up. JJJ will get some time at the 2 if he can shoot from downtown. Deonte? Will be interesting to see (and of course, Ox is in and out with CO).

[ResidentBrown]

I really think that JJJ is going to be too good to keep off of the court. Mayo may have potential to be a solid contributor, but he's just not going to win minutes over JJJ for the backup SG position.

PG Duane Wilson
SG Vander Blue
SF Jamil Wilson
PF Jameel McKay
C Chris Otule

6 Devante Gardner
7 JuJuan Johnson
8 Derrick Wilson
9 Steve Taylor
10 Juan Anderson
11 Todd Mayo
12 Jamal Ferguson
13 Deonte Burton
14 John Dawson

[4th and State]

Agree with dwade & Brew on starters. Steve, Jr. and Duane first up. JJJ will get some time at the 2 if he can shoot from downtown. Deonte? Will be interesting to see (and of course, Ox is in and out with CO).

I think the biggest factor in Deonte's minutes will be if CO comes back.  If he doesn't I expect Jamil, Mckay, or maybe even steve to get some minutes at the 5 and that may allow Deonte to get some minutes at the 3 or 4.  If CO does come back I don't see Deonte getting much time unless he's just an absolute stud or we have some injuries.

[Aughnanure]

Otule is coming back. They didn't ignore him on Senior day for no reason.

[Badgerhater]

I really think that JJJ is going to be too good to keep off of the court. Mayo may have potential to be a solid contributor, but he's just not going to win minutes over JJJ for the backup SG position.

PG Duane Wilson
SG Vander Blue
SF Jamil Wilson
PF Jameel McKay
C Chris Otule

6 Devante Gardner
7 JuJuan Johnson
8 Derrick Wilson
9 Steve Taylor
10 Juan Anderson
11 Todd Mayo
12 Jamal Ferguson
13 Deonte Burton
14 John Dawson

That is 14 players, one of them won't be on the team next fall due to schollie limit of 13.

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

PG: Derrick Wilson (20)
SG: Vander Blue (30)
SF: Juan Anderson (20)
PF: Jamil Wilson (30)
C: Otule (15)

PG: Duane Wilson (15)
SG/SF: Todd Mayo (15)
SG/SF: JJJ (10)
SF/PF: Steve Taylor Jr. (15)
C: Gardner (25)

I know people are high on McKay, so maybe he sneaks in there. I have no opinion because I haven't see him play and I'm not very good at projecting JUCO players. 

I'm probably a little higher on Juan and Derrick than most people. I think they were ok role players as sophs, and I think they will improve and will be pretty good players as Juniors.

[NCMUFan]

Starting 5
Derrick
Vander
Juan
Steve Taylor
Otule

Next 5
Mayo
Vander
J. Wilson
McKay
Gardner

[Warriors88]

Keep in mind how much PT previous frosh have experienced with Buzz.  You never know but I would expect Steve and Derrick to be in the starting line-up when next year opens -

Derrick
Vander
Steve
Jamil
Otule/Ox combo

That leaves us with a deep bench.  Expect Juan, Jamal, Mayo, McKay and at least one of the frosh to get consistent minutes.  Steve makes a big jump next year to be our most improved. 

[Otule's Glass Eye]

Keep in mind how much PT previous frosh have experienced with Buzz.  You never know but I would expect Steve and Derrick to be in the starting line-up when next year opens -

Derrick
Vander
Steve
Jamil
Otule/Ox combo

That leaves us with a deep bench.  Expect Juan, Jamal, Mayo, McKay and at least one of the frosh to get consistent minutes.  Steve makes a big jump next year to be our most improved. 

PT is always hard to come by for freshman under Buzz, and Wilson is the only one I see playing consistently. I agree with the players you said would get consistent PT as well.

[Sunbelt15]

First five:

PG Derrick Wilson
SG Vander Blue
SF Jamil Wilson
PF Jameel McKay
C Chris Otule

Next five:

PG Duane Wilson
SG Jajuan Johnson
SF Juan Anderson
PF Steve Taylor
C Davante Gardner

After that, I think Burton, Thomas, Ferguson, and Dawson, see minutes in that order.

And you still think Ferguson is staying, from your prediction?

[Otule's Glass Eye]

That is 14 players, one of them won't be on the team next fall due to schollie limit of 13.

If that's the case maybe Buzz knows something we don't in regard to who will and won't be here next year. Would Dawson be able to redshirt for a year or no?

[THRILLHO]

If that's the case maybe Buzz knows something we don't in regard to who will and won't be here next year. Would Dawson be able to redshirt for a year or no?

Sure, he could redshirt but that would do nothing for the scholarship situation.

[Lazer Sound]

I think the variables associated with Chris make it too hard to project.  I want him back, and if that means someone has to transfer, I hope it is Jamal and not Todd.  I guess there is a chance it could be Juan too, but he may see the minutes that would be there his senior year when Devante, Jamil, and Chris are all sure to be gone.  I think Jamal or Todd are more likely to leave, and again, I would rather keep Todd because I think his long range shooting is better.  For Jamal, he is not in the same situation as some other freshman who have gotten a chance to play after a year, because the freshman coming in behind him are probably better than him (JJJ, Duane, and Deonte at least if not Dawson too). 

[Otule's Glass Eye]

Sure, he could redshirt but that would do nothing for the scholarship situation.

Oh, well then idk what will happen. We'll see.

[brandx]

This team will probably be the most talented team that Marquette has ever seen. I can't wait for the season to already begin.

Most talented Marquette has ever seen - - -  since the late 70's!

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

The craziest thing for me to see is that Deonte Burton, who is extremely highly rated/talanted wont see the floor next year. That being said my prediction.

De. Wilson/Du. Wilson/Dawson
Vander/JJJ/Burton/Ferguson/Thomas
Jamil/Juan/
Steve/McKay
Otule/Gardner

Biggest assumption here is Todd wont be coming back and Otule will. After the first 10 guys I really dont see anybody else getting much PT.

[thanooj]

I find it hard to believe that jameel McKay would start over Gardner (assuming otule comes back). The problem is that I find it almost as hard to see Gardner and otule starting together. But for me I would love to see both senior bigs start and have a capable rotation of Steve Taylor jr and McKay subbing in for them.

[JTBMU7]

We still have no reliable outside shooters, didn't seem to hurt our offensive number for most of the year, but expecting freshman to come in as shooters, especially in buzz's system, is assuming a lot...
Still, best class we have had since three amigos and zar.

[MU82]

Most talented Marquette has ever seen - - -  since the late 70's!

Thank you for beating me to it.

I don't want to sound like one of those old farts who always talks about the good old days, but ...

I'll believe any modern team is better than Al's group that routinely went deep into the tournament, churned out first-team All-Americans and produced NBA All-Stars as soon as I see it actually happen.

Heck, the last couple of years, some have tried to say these last couple of teams "might be better" than the 2002-03 squad that featured Marquette's best player ever, two other NBA players and an outstanding big man, all of whom teamed to go to the Final Four. The proof is in the results.

[BCHoopster]

The craziest thing for me to see is that Deonte Burton, who is extremely highly rated/talanted wont see the floor next year. That being said my prediction.

De. Wilson/Du. Wilson/Dawson
Vander/JJJ/Burton/Ferguson/Thomas
Jamil/Juan/
Steve/McKay
Otule/Gardner

Biggest assumption here is Todd wont be coming back and Otule will. After the first 10 guys I really dont see anybody else getting much PT.

I think it is a little early to say that Burton is going to see the floor next year.  All he needs is to be coached up a little and he will be fine.

[buckchuckler]

Thank you for beating me to it.

I don't want to sound like one of those old farts who always talks about the good old days, but ...

I'll believe any modern team is better than Al's group that routinely went deep into the tournament, churned out first-team All-Americans and produced NBA All-Stars as soon as I see it actually happen.

Heck, the last couple of years, some have tried to say these last couple of teams "might be better" than the 2002-03 squad that featured Marquette's best player ever, two other NBA players and an outstanding big man, all of whom teamed to go to the Final Four. The proof is in the results.

2 sweet sixteens, an elite eight in the last 3 seasons.  At least 1 player going to the NBA every season since 2009.  Top 3 scorers returning to go along with an extremely talented recruiting class.  That seems like a pretty good start.  

[77ncaachamps]

2 sweet sixteens, an elite eight in the last 3 seasons.  At least 1 player going to the NBA every season since 2009.  Top 3 scorers returning to go along with an extremely talented recruiting class.  That seems like a pretty good start.  

Not this year.

[Otule's Glass Eye]

The craziest thing for me to see is that Deonte Burton, who is extremely highly rated/talanted wont see the floor next year. That being said my prediction.

De. Wilson/Du. Wilson/Dawson
Vander/JJJ/Burton/Ferguson/Thomas
Jamil/Juan/
Steve/McKay
Otule/Gardner

Biggest assumption here is Todd wont be coming back and Otule will. After the first 10 guys I really dont see anybody else getting much PT.

To help even out the log jam at SG, JJJ, Burton, or Ferguson could all play SF in a small lineup.

[MUHoopsFan2]

To help even out the log jam at SG, JJJ, Burton, or Ferguson could all play SF in a small lineup.

Funny no one mentions Deonte Burton...he might surprise us all if he can buckle down in the classroom and adapt to college life. A highly skilled and talented lefty with some physicality to his game.
Not sure if he should trim down or beef up? But to me, an outstanding athlete who will need to be groomed just right and put with the right teammate to keep him squared away.
But then again he is 'home' so that should help and on a team with cats he grew up with so that should help motivate him and keep him grounded and focused.

It should be fun... 

[MUHoopsFan2]

I think it is a little early to say that Burton is going to see the floor next year.  All he needs is to be coached up a little and he will be fine.

Not sure how he will take to strong coaching though...we will know if he shrinks after boot camp or not...or call it quits. We'll see. Not everyone can be pushed or want to be pushed.

They like the idea of playing in front of family and friends and with their boys....but what happens when the heat gets in the kitchen and it burns?

How do you respond when you are pushed out of your comfort zone and asked and demanded to give more, to do more and be more?

Some can't take someone getting in their face outside of they momma...well, guess what college athletics and life can be confrontational. How do you respond?

We'll see.

[Sunbelt15]

I feel Jamal Ferguson and Todd Mayo will not return. Since Ferguson is from Virginia, so I see him transferring to an ACC school. Most likely Virginia Tech or Virginia, which he should impact immediately, especially after making it though Buzz's bootcamp. Plus, both schools needs guard help. Unless his other recruiting school, Georgetown, still shows interest.

For Mayo, I see him headed to a more free flowing, show time style of offensive school. Maybe some where out west like UCLA or USC or the majority of the California schools.

I read a post saying something to the affect of, "If Otule is focused on his body, he may head overseas and play to cash in while he can." That sounds like a good idea. We will still have potent talent with all these things happening.

[hairy worthen]

Not sure how he will take to strong coaching though...we will know if he shrinks after boot camp or not...or call it quits. We'll see. Not everyone can be pushed or want to be pushed.

They like the idea of playing in front of family and friends and with their boys....but what happens when the heat gets in the kitchen and it burns?

How do you respond when you are pushed out of your comfort zone and asked and demanded to give more, to do more and be more?

Some can't take someone getting in their face outside of they momma...well, guess what college athletics and life can be confrontational. How do you respond?

We'll see.

What?  Do you personally know something about Burton?  If not why make such an unfounded statement. Sure he could flame out, but it is unlikely. He could also excel and be a major contributor next season but that is unlikely as well. The kid isn’t even in the program yet and you are predicting he is going to fail.  You could say the same thing about any of the newcomers. If you don’t know, don’t say something so negative that probably won’t happen.

The fact of the matter is anyone counting on a freshman to make major contributions is just fooling themselves. It is not fair to the players to place such unrealistic expectations on them. The same people will be bashing the players when they don’t meet the expectations (See Blue, Vander) 

My guess is that Mayo and maybe Ferguson will be gone. I don’t understand the fascination by some with Mayo. At this point he is a role player in special situations at best.

[THRILLHO]

Funny no one mentions Deonte Burton...he might surprise us all if he can buckle down in the classroom and adapt to college life.

Not sure why you bring this up with him. By all accounts he is a fine student and will have no problems in the classroom. Of course everyone adjusts differently but no a priori reason to worry about his performance in the classroom.

[Silkk the Shaka]

Not sure why you bring this up with him. By all accounts he is a fine student and will have no problems in the classroom. Of course everyone adjusts differently but no a priori reason to worry about his performance in the classroom.

Seriously, that was way out of left field.  Must hang around too many badger fans.  Pretty sure Burton tweeted his grades at one point this year and they were more than fine; likely responding to insinutations that UW didn't recruit him because of "academics" (their go-to excuse when they don't land a non-traditional athlete).  Not worried about him in that respect IN THE SLIGHTEST.

[muwarrior69]

This coming season will be the first year Buzz will have a full team with 13 schollie players and 2 walk-ons barring no summer surprises. Its possible he could go 12-13 deep.

[MU82]

2 sweet sixteens, an elite eight in the last 3 seasons.  At least 1 player going to the NBA every season since 2009.  Top 3 scorers returning to go along with an extremely talented recruiting class.  That seems like a pretty good start.  

I agree wholeheartedly that it is a darn good start.

Now, bring on the national title, the Final Fours, the multiple All-Americans and the numerous NBA All-Stars and we'll have "the most talented" teams in MU history, as so many here are in a hurry to proclaim the current group.

[brewcity77]

And you still think Ferguson is staying, from your prediction?

Absolutely I expect Ferguson back. There has been no indication otherwise. E-Will and Jamail both gave it two years, why wouldn't Jamal? Jake Thomas got some decent minutes this year and I think much of it had to do with his experience I. The system from his redshirt year. Ferguson is a livewire athlete but the Big East is a big jump for any freshman. He will likely be more prepared to contribute at least conditioning-wise than the new freshmen will be.

I think he stays at least one more year to see if he can move up the rotation and take minutes that this year went to Mayo and Thomas. While it's nice to project JJJ and the other newcomers as immediately making an impact, they will have to work their way past Ferguson first. I want to see how he responds to that.

[onepost]

Mayo was rocking an "I Heart Haters" snapback on campus today. Must be hearing all the rumblings of him possibly transferring.

[Sunbelt15]

Absolutely I expect Ferguson back. There has been no indication otherwise. E-Will and Jamail both gave it two years, why wouldn't Jamal? Jake Thomas got some decent minutes this year and I think much of it had to do with his experience I. The system from his redshirt year. Ferguson is a livewire athlete but the Big East is a big jump for any freshman. He will likely be more prepared to contribute at least conditioning-wise than the new freshmen will be.

I think he stays at least one more year to see if he can move up the rotation and take minutes that this year went to Mayo and Thomas. While it's nice to project JJJ and the other newcomers as immediately making an impact, they will have to work their way past Ferguson first. I want to see how he responds to that.

You predicted Ferguson being the 13th player off the bench in your first post. You have all four entering players logging more time, including three of them in the top ten rotating.

In your second post, you say they will have to work themselves past Ferguson. I would assume you feel they will out work Ferguson which is the reason you have them ahead of Ferguson in your line up prediction. Also, you would be the first to say, during the season, that Buzz has to shorten the line up, which leaves Ferguson on the bench another year.

We both feel Jamal can play good enough to contribute; that's the reason for this debate. But if you think that a guy who most feel can contribute, is going to sit on the bench for another year and watch 4 newcomers play before him, at a school far away from his home town, on a team very deep at his position, you're living in La-La land.

Remember, this is all based off your prediction!