Prediction for Next Season

[NersEllenson]

Realize this is way premature but though could be fun topic at this point.  What's everyone's take/prediction for next season?  Assume 32 game schedule.  Final record/why?

22-10

11-7 in Big East

Think team will play significantly better being free of Buzz.  Buzz completely lost team last season, and did a lousy job.  Why I'm bullish:

Point Guard play will improve greatly - if it's Derrick...he certainly won't get worse, and should improve.  Yet expect to see Dawson/Duane getting 25-30 minutes of the action at the PG position by conference season.

Overall Guard Play:  Mayo will be a star next year.  JJJ will show his 5 star potential.

Deonte Burton:  Will be 1st Team All Conference performer.  Will be best player at MU since Wade, and will begin to show why this will be true next season.

Steve Taylor:  Will take a big step up, being freed from weird head games Buzz played last year.

Luke Fischer - Should give us a hybrid between what Otule and Gardner could do last year.  

Intangibles:  Team will have a lot of hunger and desire to show its potential after last year's debacle under Buzz.  Wojo should have great buy in.  Juan and Derrick can be solid role player/glue guys/leaders.

[dgies9156]

25-7.

I thought this team had real talent this past year and still do for next year. There is potentially Top 10 talent in Deonte, Todd and Taylor Jr., and maybe JJJ. If our recruits stay, we're deep and with the center situation working itself out in mid-December, we're strong as well.

Ya think maybe Coach Wojo saw that? Perhaps that's what got him to leave Duke!

I think with the right coaching and motivation, we're Sweet 16 and maybe Elite 8 with some luck. Biggest downside is we're a tad raw and inexperienced.

Then I thought this past year could have been something special!

[MarquetteDano]

New coach, new system.  We will probably have a couple of unexpected losses early and this board will do it's normal meltdown.

However with Fischer playing a larger role in conference play and Wojo's system understood, I think we could go 11-7 in conference.

I would say we get a NCAA tourney bid but just too hard to predict from there.

[Tugg Speedman]

Does Hill or no Hill change your outlook?

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

New coach, new system.  We will probably have a couple of unexpected losses early and this board will do it's normal meltdown.

Wheres the Scoop checklist?

[tower912]

No predictions until I see the make up of the roster, and see Wojo actually coach a couple of games.   

[Tugg Speedman]

A year ago many of thought next year's team was potential top 10.  That was not an outlandish guess.

Then ...

* Vander went pro
* McKay transferred
* Duane red-shirted
* Steve was slow in his recovery

Tell us when what the roster is the week before we start.  Who is here, who is not, who is hurt and then we can answer this question.

[NersEllenson]

Does Hill or no Hill change your outlook?

Certainly would be a big plus if he's on roster - would further improve depth/talent at guard position...

From what we know, everyone returns from last year's team - which is a big plus and kudos to Wojo for retaining the existing talent within program - and kudos to all the guys for sticking together.

The core of: Mayo, Deonte, JJJ, Steve, Dawson, Duane, Fischer - is very talented.  Add Cohen and Hill to that mix, along with Derrick and Juan - lots of depth, experience, and versatility.  We should be very good next year.  Too bad we didn't have Davante for 1 more year though.  Gonna miss that guy a ton.

[Windyplayer]

@Windyplayer: 2:00 p.m. CST news conference outside the Al to discuss how the process of making a prediction for the 2014-2015 is coming along.

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

Just gonna put this here for reference...

( ) Buzz Wojo to (fill in the blank)
( ) Non-conference near-miss against inferior opponent (sky falls on Scoop)
( ) Non-conference stinker to inferior opponent (more sky-falling)
( ) Non-conference loss on big stage convinces board MU not ready for Big East
( ) Mid-season transfer speculation
( ) Unmentionable conference loss
( ) Derrick plays too many minutes
( ) Road Game we weren't supposed to win
( ) Late surge
( ) Top-half Big East Finish

[forgetful]

I actually expect a big year from Juan…I think he paint touches rule and Buzz's system held him back a lot.  I expect him to surprise a lot of people.

[Groin_pull]

18-14 overall

10-8 Big East

NIT

This team will compete, but is really undersized. I expect them to be much more enjoyable to watch. They'll actually run something that resembles an offense and have fewer mixups on D. Also looking forward to seeing more than a few fast breaks.

Good things are on the way.

[Windyplayer]

I actually expect a big year from Juan…I think he paint touches rule and Buzz's system held him back a lot.  I expect him to surprise a lot of people.

Come on, man. Don't you think we would have seen glimmers of hope over the first 3 years? I hope you're right, but there's very little reason to believe in your expectations.

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

18-14 overall

10-8 Big East

NIT

This team will compete, but is really undersized. I expect them to be much more enjoyable to watch. They'll actually run something that resembles an offense and have fewer mixups on D. Also looking forward to seeing more than a few fast breaks.

Good things are on the way.

Really not that undersized when you think about it. Lets not forget when Lazar was playing the 5.

[Groin_pull]

Really not that undersized when you think about it. Lets not forget when Lazar was playing the 5.

Good point. Maybe Taylor and Fischer (when eligible) will be enough. Hope so.

[barfolomew]

22-10

11-7 in Big East

I think a 22-10 mark is about right, but I would expect a little better conf. record.
Based on the anticipated strength of the BE next year, I can think of a few Scoopers who would have a problem with a 11-3 non-con. start followed by 11-7 once Fischer is in the fold.

[Tums Festival]

Too hard to say with some certainty without knowing next year's roster or schedule. But if everything comes together, I think we can expect:

>A 20 win season
>Winning conference record
>NCAA tourney bid

[tower912]

Really not that undersized when you think about it. Lets not forget when Lazar was playing the 5.

Yeah, but that was with Buzz coaching.   Wojo is the great unknown.   

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

I can't make a record prediction until I see the schedule. But my expectations are being NIT bound. I hope to be pleasantly surprised.

[Class71]

I actually expect a big year from Juan…I think he paint touches rule and Buzz's system held him back a lot.  I expect him to surprise a lot of people.

Agree Buzz held him back as he did to some others. Buzz had many positive qualities but IMHO he had no clue about players being in a flow. He crushed instinctive reaction and over coached some players. How good Juan will be is unclear but if he gets on track there is potential.

 I think Mayo will also be more consistent player as he plays more aggressively for all the game, not just the end when Buzz was desperate for anything. Think about it, Buzz pulled freshman Deonte in our last game of the season for making one mistake after playing his best game on the year. Buzz coached very well based on stats but missed completely those aspects of the game where stats simply do not measure.

 Let's see what Wojo does. Overall Buzz was a positive winning influence but did not fit with where the school is going. Wojo is possibly a winner that alines more with the direction of the school overall. He, however, is unproven on the court as a head coach. I hope he can coach as well as he presents himself. If he can we will have one great ride over his tenure at MU.

[NersEllenson]

I can't make a record prediction until I see the schedule. But my expectations are being NIT bound. I hope to be pleasantly surprised.

If this is the case....I'll have some serious reservations about Wojo as a coach.  Mayo and Burton will be stars next season.  Al used to say you need 3 NBA caliber talents on a roster to make a long run in NCAA/Final Four....Burton is an NBA talent...Mayo...potentially (though probably too undersized)..but Todd will have a big year next year.

Add in Duane, Steve T, Dawson, Fischer, Juan, Derrick, Cohen...there is a lot of talent on the roster for it to be an NIT team.  Fischer and Steve T will be the wildcards...if they are good...we could be REALLY good.

[hoyasincebirth]

6th-8th in the BE, Record depends on OOC schedule could end up being slightly better than last year with a weaker OOC. NIT at best.

[bilsu]

I think top four in Big East and 1st is a possibility. Somewhat a reflection of my expectations that Big East will not be as good as last year.

[Golden Avalanche]

I think top four in Big East and 1st is a possibility. Somewhat a reflection of my expectations that Big East will not be as good as last year.

I happen to agree the conference will be down but it was already poor last season. Nova and Jays proved to be paper tigers and Xavier was last team in and showed it. PC only team to equip themselves well.

This is not to mention that our crapshow of a season was very nearly an 11-7 record and solo third which epitomizes the state of the conference.

[hoyasincebirth]

I disagree. I think the conference will be better than it was last year.

Villanova will be better.
Georgetown will be much much better.
Seton Hall will be better
Providence will be at least as good if not better imo.
Butler will be better
DePaul will be better.

Xavier will be about the same.
Marquette will be about the same.

St. John's will be a little worse.
Crieghton will be a lot worse.

BE gets 5 bids instead of 4 and 3 into the Sweet 16 instead of none.

[Lennys Tap]

38-0.

John Dawson (25 and 10) plays 35 minutes at the point. Mayo (28pts, 4 rbs) JJJ (27pts, 5 stls) and Duane (30 pts, 6 assts) play the remaining 85 minutes in Wojo's 3 guard offense. Deonte plays 40 minutes every game and goes for 39 and 15 and is the unanimous college POY. Steve (19 and 12) and Luke (21 and 9) man the 5.

To nearly unanimous cheering by Scoopers, Derrick and Juan turn in their jerseys and become team managers.

The joy of the record shattering season is short lived, though. In April an NCAA investigation uncovers that a booster (Ners) has been John Dawson's agent for more than 18 months. Championship vacated, all 6 "studs" declare for the NBA and Wojo signs a 10 year, 180 million dollar contract with Phil Jackson's Knicks. Still acting AD Bill Cords hires recently fired Indiana coach Tom Crean who immediately announces a verbal from son Riley and touts him as the next Dwyane Wade. Chicos rejoices that at long last MU has hired an established coach. Warrior Nation weeps.

[Dawson Rental]

Realize this is way premature but though could be fun topic at this point.  What's everyone's take/prediction for next season?  Assume 32 game schedule.  Final record/why?

22-10

11-7 in Big East

Think team will play significantly better being free of Buzz.  Buzz completely lost team last season, and did a lousy job.  Why I'm bullish:

Point Guard play will improve greatly - if it's Derrick...he certainly won't get worse, and should improve.  Yet expect to see Dawson/Duane getting 25-30 minutes of the action at the PG position by conference season.

Overall Guard Play:  Mayo will be a star next year.  JJJ will show his 5 star potential.

Deonte Burton:  Will be 1st Team All Conference performer.  Will be best player at MU since Wade, and will begin to show why this will be true next season.

Steve Taylor:  Will take a big step up, being freed from weird head games Buzz played last year.

Luke Fischer - Should give us a hybrid between what Otule and Gardner could do last year.  

Intangibles:  Team will have a lot of hunger and desire to show its potential after last year's debacle under Buzz.  Wojo should have great buy in.  Juan and Derrick can be solid role player/glue guys/leaders.

Luke Fischer the happy medium between very good defense, but no offense and outstanding offense, but limited defense?  A very intriguing idea.  At first blush, it kinda makes sense.  It'll definitely be in the back of my mind once Luke begins playing.

My main point, however, is that I think that next year will be a referendum on Buzz's defense.  Was it just too complicated?  Did its complexity really shave much off the other team's score?  And if it did, was it effective enough to justify keeping talented young players on the bench who would have boosted Marquette's offensive production?  Based on last year, I'm convinced that virtually every MU fan would feel some level of skepticism about the payoff from the complexity of Buzz's defense.  We will see.

[Dawson Rental]

38-0.

John Dawson (25 and 10) plays 35 minutes at the point. Mayo (28pts, 4 rbs) JJJ (27pts, 5 stls) and Duane (30 pts, 6 assts) play the remaining 85 minutes in Wojo's 3 guard offense. Deonte plays 40 minutes every game and goes for 39 and 15 and is the unanimous college POY. Steve (19 and 12) and Luke (21 and 9) man the 5.

To nearly unanimous cheering by Scoopers, Derrick and Juan turn in their jerseys and become team managers.

The joy of the record shattering season is short lived, though. In April an NCAA investigation uncovers that a booster (Ners) has been John Dawson's agent for more than 18 months. Championship vacated, all 6 "studs" declare for the NBA and Wojo signs a 10 year, 180 million dollar contract with Phil Jackson's Knicks. Still acting AD Bill Cords hires recently fired Indiana coach Tom Crean who immediately announces a verbal from son Riley and touts him as the next Dwyane Wade. Chicos rejoices that at long last MU has hired an established coach. Warrior Nation weeps.

You missed the part where it's revealed on the Wisconsin board by Swenson that Luke Fischer, Deonte Burton and Duane Wilson all wanted to go to Wisconsin, but were refused admittance for academic reasons.

[Lennys Tap]

You missed the part where it's revealed on the Wisconsin board by Swenson that Luke Fischer, Deonte Burton and Duane Wilson all wanted to go to Wisconsin, but were refused admittance for academic reasons.

Good catch, Murs.

[Golden Avalanche]

I disagree. I think the conference will be better than it was last year.

Villanova will be better.
Georgetown will be much much better.
Seton Hall will be better
Providence will be at least as good if not better imo.
Butler will be better
DePaul will be better.

Xavier will be about the same.
Marquette will be about the same.

St. John's will be a little worse.
Crieghton will be a lot worse.

BE gets 5 bids instead of 4 and 3 into the Sweet 16 instead of none.

Certainly optimistic and could be the case. I don't see DePaul nor Butler being much more than they were this past season. Nova only loses Bell but they hit some fortunate points that I'm not sure happen next year. PC losing Cotton candy and Batts is a blow for a team that only played five kids. And Hoyas and Hall in similar boat where they will look to rookies to provide immediately though Hoyas have better foundation so I agree they should be better.

MU is a total wildcard with new coach. Lavin sucks. X has big hole without Semaj and Martin. No doubt Creighton down. I wouldn't even get into NCAA berths nor success as it's pointless discussion 11 months before it happens.

[MUfan12]

Butler gets Roosevelt Jones back, which will be a big help.

[MarquetteDano]

Marquette will be about the same.

Digging this.  You predicted us to go 19-16 in 09-10 with a NIT bid.  Instead we go 22-12 (11-7) and a tourney bid.  I hope your history repeats itself.

[MikeDeanesDarkGlasses]

Next season's team will be marred with growing pains.  For the people who think that MU is going to win 22+ games, you're in for a lot of frustration.

We have a new coach, and we're fielding a team that hasn't played any games together as of yet.  There's going to be a lack of cohesiveness in the first part of the season.  We also have to factor in the following, glaring deficiencies.

1.  Lack of a playmaker - Everyone is high on Deonte Burton, but he's not that guy that can handle the ball and create a shot on his own - yet.  We will have difficulty scoring.

2.  Lack of an inside post player with size/scoring ability/rebounding presence- Not having Gardner nor a big man that can score with his back to the basket will allow the defense to play loose down low.  Expect to be out-rebounded in a lot of games this year as we will be expecting our guards to be relied upon more for this.  This will allow the opposition to score some easy baskets in transition since our guards will be crashing the glass.

3.  Lack of 3 pt shooting - Mayo is ok with shooting the 3 ball, but not much else exists after him.  Without the 3 ball the defense has a huge advantage being able to double down on our best player and not sacrifice much on the defensive end.  We don't have the firepower to stretch anyone out. 

4.  Lack of perimeter defense - D. Wilson/Mayo aren't the best defenders and aren't quick to the ball.  Burton, while physical inside, has a glaring weakness defending guards who can slash to the hoop. 

5.  Lack of overall size upfront - Johnson 6'7 and and Taylor 6'5 will face an uphill battle playing down low and being outsized on a consistent basis, until Fischer is on the squad.  Burton will have to spell these guys at times, to give them a rest.  Burton essentially is playing way out of position at the 4 or 5 spot.

These questions need to be answered in order to remotely consider a post season push:

Can these guys play defense/shoot the 3 consistently ?
Duane Wilson -
John Dawson -

How comfortable will these guys be playing out of position consistently?
Burton - Forward/Guard
Steve Taylor - Forward
JaJuan Johnson - Center/Forward

Overall, I think we are worse this coming season due to what appears to be a tougher conference.  In order for the scales to tip in our favor, the freshmen are going to have to contribute a lot.  Being undersized and not be a 3 point shooting team really hurts us.  It's going to be difficult to stay in games against decent opponents.  We're going to have many games where we are out-rebounded by 10 boards or more.  Without a consistent group of guys who can hit the 3 ball, we will be out of a lot of games.  Relying on freshmen is going to result in a lot of up and down basketball with many mistakes.  Expect a lot of growing pains from this coming season with a lack of senior/junior leadership.  2015-2016 is the year to expect an NCAA tourney team. 

15 -20 Overall record
6-12  Conference record

[tower912]

What freshmen?     There is talent.    The lack of size and playing a new system is going to lead to a fair number of losses.    NIT.   

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

If this is the case....I'll have some serious reservations about Wojo as a coach.  Mayo and Burton will be stars next season.  Al used to say you need 3 NBA caliber talents on a roster to make a long run in NCAA/Final Four....Burton is an NBA talent...Mayo...potentially (though probably too undersized)..but Todd will have a big year next year.

Add in Duane, Steve T, Dawson, Fischer, Juan, Derrick, Cohen...there is a lot of talent on the roster for it to be an NIT team.  Fischer and Steve T will be the wildcards...if they are good...we could be REALLY good.

There may be a lot of talent but I look at it from an addition/subrtraction stand point. Right now, you start with a CBI worthy team, you subtract 4 of their top 5 scorers...including their entire frontcourt and you add an unproven C and PG who both have injury histories plus a recruiting class that is nowhere near the top 25. It just doesn't add up to tournament bid for me.

I know we all want to believe that Buzz was evil and he held back our best players. And now Wojo is here and those players who barely played next season will turn into world beaters, but that may not be the case.

[hoyasincebirth]

Digging this.  You predicted us to go 19-16 in 09-10 with a NIT bid.  Instead we go 22-12 (11-7) and a tourney bid.  I hope your history repeats itself.

You seriously remember what I predicted for Marquette before the 09-10 season? That seems unlikely. I certainly have no recollection of what I predicted that year.

[NersEllenson]

Next season's team will be marred with growing pains.  For the people who think that MU is going to win 22+ games, you're in for a lot of frustration.

We have a new coach, and we're fielding a team that hasn't played any games together as of yet.  There's going to be a lack of cohesiveness in the first part of the season.  We also have to factor in the following, glaring deficiencies.

1.  Lack of a playmaker - Everyone is high on Deonte Burton, but he's not that guy that can handle the ball and create a shot on his own - yet.  We will have difficulty scoring.

2.  Lack of an inside post player with size/scoring ability/rebounding presence- Not having Gardner nor a big man that can score with his back to the basket will allow the defense to play loose down low.  Expect to be out-rebounded in a lot of games this year as we will be expecting our guards to be relied upon more for this.  This will allow the opposition to score some easy baskets in transition since our guards will be crashing the glass.

3.  Lack of 3 pt shooting - Mayo is ok with shooting the 3 ball, but not much else exists after him.  Without the 3 ball the defense has a huge advantage being able to double down on our best player and not sacrifice much on the defensive end.  We don't have the firepower to stretch anyone out. 

4.  Lack of perimeter defense - D. Wilson/Mayo aren't the best defenders and aren't quick to the ball.  Burton, while physical inside, has a glaring weakness defending guards who can slash to the hoop. 

5.  Lack of overall size upfront - Johnson 6'7 and and Taylor 6'5 will face an uphill battle playing down low and being outsized on a consistent basis, until Fischer is on the squad.  Burton will have to spell these guys at times, to give them a rest.  Burton essentially is playing way out of position at the 4 or 5 spot.

These questions need to be answered in order to remotely consider a post season push:

Can these guys play defense/shoot the 3 consistently ?
Duane Wilson -
John Dawson -

How comfortable will these guys be playing out of position consistently?
Burton - Forward/Guard
Steve Taylor - Forward
JaJuan Johnson - Center/Forward



15 -20 Overall record
6-12  Conference record

And you have presented yourself here as a basketball mind??  You really believe Burton can't create his own shot??  He can get a good shot off virtually every time he touches the ball....he played with the worst starting backcourt in the Big East...and possibly Top 75 D-1 teams last year and wasn't handicapped in getting a shot off.  The backcourt isn't going to get worse this upcoming season....can promise you that.

PM and let me know how much you want to wager on your prediction of 15-20 overall, and 6-12 conference.  If this team finishes anything close to those records....Wojo should be crap-canned after 1 year.

[MarquetteDano]

You seriously remember what I predicted for Marquette before the 09-10 season? That seems unlikely. I certainly have no recollection of what I predicted that year.

Go to your profile and look at your posts.  It's there kiddo.

[Dawson Rental]

There may be a lot of talent but I look at it from an addition/subrtraction stand point. Right now, you start with a CBI worthy team, you subtract 4 of their top 5 scorers...including their entire frontcourt and you add an unproven C and PG who both have injury histories plus a recruiting class that is nowhere near the top 25. It just doesn't add up to tournament bid for me.

I know we all want to believe that Buzz was evil and he held back our best players. And now Wojo is here and those players who barely played next season will turn into world beaters, but that may not be the case.

Hey, hey, why not do some farting and puking instead of being such a downer?

[MikeDeanesDarkGlasses]

Hey, hey, why not do some farting and puking instead of being such a downer?

Your Avatar needs a bikini wax. 

[wadesworld]

Next season's team will be marred with growing pains.  For the people who think that MU is going to win 22+ games, you're in for a lot of frustration.

We have a new coach, and we're fielding a team that hasn't played any games together as of yet.  There's going to be a lack of cohesiveness in the first part of the season.  We also have to factor in the following, glaring deficiencies.

1.  Lack of a playmaker - Everyone is high on Deonte Burton, but he's not that guy that can handle the ball and create a shot on his own - yet.  We will have difficulty scoring.

2.  Lack of an inside post player with size/scoring ability/rebounding presence- Not having Gardner nor a big man that can score with his back to the basket will allow the defense to play loose down low.  Expect to be out-rebounded in a lot of games this year as we will be expecting our guards to be relied upon more for this.  This will allow the opposition to score some easy baskets in transition since our guards will be crashing the glass.

3.  Lack of 3 pt shooting - Mayo is ok with shooting the 3 ball, but not much else exists after him.  Without the 3 ball the defense has a huge advantage being able to double down on our best player and not sacrifice much on the defensive end.  We don't have the firepower to stretch anyone out.  

4.  Lack of perimeter defense - D. Wilson/Mayo aren't the best defenders and aren't quick to the ball.  Burton, while physical inside, has a glaring weakness defending guards who can slash to the hoop.  

5.  Lack of overall size upfront - Johnson 6'7 and and Taylor 6'5 will face an uphill battle playing down low and being outsized on a consistent basis, until Fischer is on the squad.  Burton will have to spell these guys at times, to give them a rest.  Burton essentially is playing way out of position at the 4 or 5 spot.

These questions need to be answered in order to remotely consider a post season push:

Can these guys play defense/shoot the 3 consistently ?
Duane Wilson -
John Dawson -

How comfortable will these guys be playing out of position consistently?
Burton - Forward/Guard
Steve Taylor - Forward
JaJuan Johnson - Center/Forward

Overall, I think we are worse this coming season due to what appears to be a tougher conference.  In order for the scales to tip in our favor, the freshmen are going to have to contribute a lot.  Being undersized and not be a 3 point shooting team really hurts us.  It's going to be difficult to stay in games against decent opponents.  We're going to have many games where we are out-rebounded by 10 boards or more.  Without a consistent group of guys who can hit the 3 ball, we will be out of a lot of games.  Relying on freshmen is going to result in a lot of up and down basketball with many mistakes.  Expect a lot of growing pains from this coming season with a lack of senior/junior leadership.  2015-2016 is the year to expect an NCAA tourney team.  

15 -20 Overall record
6-12  Conference record

I hope this is some sort of joke, but I don't think it is since this is the second thread you have alluded to JJJ being a post player in. You realize the basketball player named JaJuan Johnson who is a forward/center is 6'10" and finished his college career at Purdue after the 2010-2011 college season and is currently playing overseas, right? And the JaJuan Johnson on the Marquette roster, the team you apparently are a fan on based on the fact that you post on here nonstop, the highest rated recruit not named Vander Blue that we have signed at Marquette since the 1980s, who has already been at Marquette for a year, is a 6'5" shooting guard and will never play anything near the center position unless he goes back to the high school freshman team in Memphis, right?

Also, Steve Taylor is 6'7" and not 6'5".

[leever]

I hope this is some sort of joke, but I don't think it is since this is the second thread you have alluded to JJJ being a post player in. You realize the basketball player named JaJuan Johnson who is a forward/center is 6'10" and finished his college career at Purdue after the 2010-2011 college season and is currently playing overseas, right? And the JaJuan Johnson on the Marquette roster, the team you apparently are a fan on based on the fact that you post on here nonstop, the highest rated recruit not named Vander Blue that we have signed at Marquette since the 1980s, who has already been at Marquette for a year, is a 6'5" shooting guard and will never play anything near the center position unless he goes back to the high school freshman team in Memphis, right?

Also, Steve Taylor is 6'7" and not 6'5".

Well, he did say he's be playing out of position

[bilsu]

Three point shooting will be interesting next year. Buzz did not run an offense that was conducive to three point shooting. His whole emphasis was paint touches and passing for a closer shot. Wojo comes from Duke where the system always had shooters. The Wojo will likely utilize the three point shot more than Buzz did and run screens for three point shooters. I suspect JJJ, Duane Wilson, Dawson and even Anderson will be shooting a lot more threes this year.

[bilsu]

I disagree. I think the conference will be better than it was last year.

Villanova will be better.
Georgetown will be much much better.
Seton Hall will be better
Providence will be at least as good if not better imo.
Butler will be better
DePaul will be better.

Xavier will be about the same.
Marquette will be about the same.

St. John's will be a little worse.
Crieghton will be a lot worse.

BE gets 5 bids instead of 4 and 3 into the Sweet 16 instead of none.

I think the Big East might be a two bid league next year and will definately be worse than they were this year. Some new talent coming in, but freshmen rarely make a hugh impact.

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

15 -20 Overall record
6-12  Conference record

What a joke. So basically youre saying we dont win a game in conference outside of Depaul, Creighton and Butler? Talk about being overly negative.

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

Also, Steve Taylor is 6'7" and not 6'5".

A pit nitpicky but Steve is closer to 6'9" But yea, agree with your response to that idiotic post.

[MUeng]

i think we finish right around .500 again, possible NIT bid.  new coaches, new system, who knows what will happen.

[Dawson Rental]

Your Avatar needs a bikini wax. 

Caught you looking!

[hoyasincebirth]

I think the Big East might be a two bid league next year and will definately be worse than they were this year. Some new talent coming in, but freshmen rarely make a hugh impact.

What world do you live in that Freshman rarely make a huge impact? There are definitely impact freshman coming into the BE. BE is definitely better next year not worse.

[NersEllenson]

What world do you live in that Freshman rarely make a huge impact? There are definitely impact freshman coming into the BE. BE is definitely better next year not worse.

He's lived in the same world all of us MU fans have for the last 6 years - we haven't had an impact freshman during Buzz's entire tenure at MU.  Could have this last season with Deonte Burton - but Buzz refused to let the most talented guy on the roster play more than 13 minutes per game on average.  Burton made All Big East Freshman Team, while averaging 7 minutes less per game than the next freshman who made the team.

I agree with you, that impact freshman exist - unfortunately, under Buzz he either totally missed on every Top 100 kid he signed, or he had a huge aversion to giving freshman legitimate playing time...other than Vander Blue who was AWFUL as a freshman.

[Earl Tatum]

Hope I'M Wrong---Unless we get some size and one more good big body-----BLEAK

[Warhawk Warrior]

Conference 5-13, given current roster
Long, long couple of years.  We will have a fairly strong guard situation.  Total lack of depth at 4 and 5 will dictate strategy for opposing teams.  Hope I am wrong.

[Tums Festival]

Next season's team will be marred with growing pains.  For the people who think that MU is going to win 22+ games, you're in for a lot of frustration.

We have a new coach, and we're fielding a team that hasn't played any games together as of yet.  There's going to be a lack of cohesiveness in the first part of the season.  We also have to factor in the following, glaring deficiencies.

1.  Lack of a playmaker - Everyone is high on Deonte Burton, but he's not that guy that can handle the ball and create a shot on his own - yet.  We will have difficulty scoring.

2.  Lack of an inside post player with size/scoring ability/rebounding presence- Not having Gardner nor a big man that can score with his back to the basket will allow the defense to play loose down low.  Expect to be out-rebounded in a lot of games this year as we will be expecting our guards to be relied upon more for this.  This will allow the opposition to score some easy baskets in transition since our guards will be crashing the glass.

3.  Lack of 3 pt shooting - Mayo is ok with shooting the 3 ball, but not much else exists after him.  Without the 3 ball the defense has a huge advantage being able to double down on our best player and not sacrifice much on the defensive end.  We don't have the firepower to stretch anyone out. 

4.  Lack of perimeter defense - D. Wilson/Mayo aren't the best defenders and aren't quick to the ball.  Burton, while physical inside, has a glaring weakness defending guards who can slash to the hoop. 

5.  Lack of overall size upfront - Johnson 6'7 and and Taylor 6'5 will face an uphill battle playing down low and being outsized on a consistent basis, until Fischer is on the squad.  Burton will have to spell these guys at times, to give them a rest.  Burton essentially is playing way out of position at the 4 or 5 spot.

These questions need to be answered in order to remotely consider a post season push:

Can these guys play defense/shoot the 3 consistently ?
Duane Wilson -
John Dawson -

How comfortable will these guys be playing out of position consistently?
Burton - Forward/Guard
Steve Taylor - Forward
JaJuan Johnson - Center/Forward

Overall, I think we are worse this coming season due to what appears to be a tougher conference.  In order for the scales to tip in our favor, the freshmen are going to have to contribute a lot.  Being undersized and not be a 3 point shooting team really hurts us.  It's going to be difficult to stay in games against decent opponents.  We're going to have many games where we are out-rebounded by 10 boards or more.  Without a consistent group of guys who can hit the 3 ball, we will be out of a lot of games.  Relying on freshmen is going to result in a lot of up and down basketball with many mistakes.  Expect a lot of growing pains from this coming season with a lack of senior/junior leadership.  2015-2016 is the year to expect an NCAA tourney team. 

15 -20 Overall record
6-12  Conference record

If you think JJJ is 6' 7" and playing center next year, your glasses are way too dark.

[madtownwarrior]

I am waiting for my prediction to see if Wojo comes out at the Fish Fry and says this team is going to suck like Buzz did last year. 


Optimistically - I think we will be surprised by the talent on this roster led by Wojo..

Mayo as a senior, Fischer, burton, jjjj and Duane Wilson make a really nice core...

[MUfan12]

I don't know what will happen. But, don't underestimate the impact a positive mindset can have on a team.

Last year was a complete clusterf*ck. You could see their confidence was shot. If Wojo gets the guys to buy in, and they play a little more freely, I can see them surprising us.

[mileskishnish72]

Good point, fan12. Also depends on roster make-up and when Woj decides to install an offense.

[HoyaPotter]

Unfortunately barring some late big recruits coming in next year things are going to be tough for Marquette.  Devante Gardner was awesome and was the guy who always scared us because we couldn't match up with him and next year him and Otule are gone. 

I think it's going to take at least a year for Wojo to get his guys and system in place but the main problem I see with Marquette is the lack of size next year.

[DoggyDaddy]

They many not win 20 but they will not lose 20.
They will be as disciplined and tough as their coach and their coach's coach. 
Will surprise some favored teams even before Luke is added to the mix.
Will not be an easy mark in conference play.
Will be exciting to watch in person or on TV even as D is emphasized.
Will be going somewhere other than home in postseason.           

[bilsu]

What world do you live in that Freshman rarely make a huge impact? There are definitely impact freshman coming into the BE. BE is definitely better next year not worse.

All you have to is look at St. John's. Lavin had a lot of young talent his first couple of years and the team did not win. There are a few exceptions, but generally top 100 recruits have not made a big impact their first year in the Big East. Of course this is not the same Big East, but we are talking NCAA tournament caliber teams. Villanova is likely to be the only ranked team in the conference and is the only NCAA tournament caliber team before the season starts.