Revised Expectations for 2014

[tower912]

With Mayo's departure, what is your new, revised expectation for the 14-15 team?

[HutchwasClutch]

Fewer turnovers and bad man defense.

[79Warrior]

Depth could become an issue, especially if we get a few injuries.

[tower912]

I think our ceiling is now 17-15 and our floor is DePaul/Butler.

[Earl Tatum]

I Hope we have a 17 win game season. I do feel we WILL surprise some good teams. JUST PURCHASED MY MARQUETTE WARRIORS T-SHIRT WITH WOJO'S WARRIORS ON THE BACK. Diehard with my Wis-consin Badgers coffee club. 2 Against 5. Think Taylor and Johnson will be big surprises.

[GurneeHitchkr]

I think this will give opportunities to others (JJJ, STJ, DB, etc.) that will make them that much better the following year. Who knows, maybe one of them will have a coming out season. Also makes us more of an underdog and we seem to do well with that chip on our shoulder.  At least we'll have less distractions this year.  Can't really say we'll be worse off.  Guess we'll never really know.

[BM1090]

I think our ceiling is now 17-15 and our floor is DePaul/Butler.

Nah. Too much talent to be Depaul. Best case is probably a fringe NCAA team though. And a lot of things would have to break right for that to happen.

Who knows? We thought we would suck Lazar's senior year. We had no height. But we ended up a 6 seed.

[bilsu]

I voted 14-17 and I would of voted that before Mayo left. Assuming there are no injuries this may make the team better. Mayo had talent, but he never really meshed with the team.

[Galway Eagle]

I'm saying NIT based on talent but it became clear that we have 9 players till Fisher's eligible  2 of whom have never played college basketball before.  I'd say that's gonna be rough going I mean I can't remember how thin we were 09-10 but I'm thinking it wasn't this bad. 

[MU82]

I am totally pissed that National Champion (or at least Final Four) wasn't an option!

[77ncaachamps]

Postseason is ALWAYS the expectation at MU, that's why last year's debacle was extremely irritating.

Looking at this roster - its experience, depth (huge problem...they're going to be weary as the season progresses), chemistry, NIT would be the very least of expectations, I would say.

[WarriorFan]

We lose 8ppg, poor handles no defense and a high risk of bad behavior.

We gain additional opportunities for youngsters who have totally committed to the program.

This probably hurts a bit (but maybe not more than 1 or 2 wins) this year while it makes us heaps better for next year.

[MUfan12]

I'm usually a miserable pessimist, but I have a feeling this group has gelled over the summer, and will surprise some people.

Big opportunity for JJJ/Duane/Dawson. After last season, those guys are hungry.

[Galway Eagle]

I will say this. The big 3 took us to the tournament when they were freshmen with less highly rated talent around them (minus Novak) who's to say burton, d Wilson and JJJ can't?

[jsglow]

Just like last year's expectations were far too high, I personally think this year's is a bit too low.  I believe we'll hear our name called on Selection Sunday as about a 10 seed after finishing 4th.  8-3 non-con (announced), 11-7 conference, 1 Garden win and I think there's one non-con left to disclose.

[NersEllenson]

Losing Todd is a big blow for this season...putting aside some's dislike for Todd as a person - he was a very talented player, and we saw that talent come out the last 10 games of last season...and it likely wasn't going to regress.  Todd had legit First Team All Big East talent/potential to be a 16-18ppg scorer.

I felt the team had a chance at 23 wins with him in the mix.  I still love the talent of Burton, JJJ and Dawson - and many are very high on Duane too - that recruiting class could turn out to be REALLY special by the time they are seniors...and Todd leaving only helps accelerate the development of JJJ, Dawson, and Duane.

I still like the team's potential for the team to win 18+ - and likely showing a lot of improvement come February March...and a team that could play its way into the NCAA by way of winning conference tourney.

[Benny B]

Where's the option for 10-12 wins, an NCAA autobid, and being the first #16 to beat a #1 seed?

[Silkk the Shaka]

It's going to be an entertaining, growing-pains type season with potential to surprise on the upside once Fischer gets added to the mix. I have a feeling we'll be bombing treys with impunity like 2010. If we can add a guy like Ellenson to the experience this young crew will get this year, 2016 could bring a VERY fun NCAA tourney run.

[MUHoopsFan2]

We lose 8ppg, poor handles no defense and a high risk of bad behavior.

We gain additional opportunities for youngsters who have totally committed to the program.

This probably hurts a bit (but maybe not more than 1 or 2 wins) this year while it makes us heaps better for next year.

No defense? Todd was the BEST DEFENDER on the team. I don't know what you are talking about. Go watch the tape...

[MUHoopsFan2]

Fewer turnovers and bad man defense.

The ONLY reason his defense may have looked bad, and I frankly can't remember a game where he was that bad is due to the no touch rules that were instituted last year.

There was no contact allowed which is why teams with guards like UConn were effective offensively...as well as Kentucky. You can't touch them.

[g0lden3agle]

The ONLY reason his defense may have looked bad, and I frankly can't remember a game where he was that bad is due to the no touch rules that were instituted last year.

There was no contact allowed which is why teams with guards like UConn were effective offensively...as well as Kentucky. You can't touch them.

I believe there's been articles posted where people have broken down Todd's on ball defense and he was one of the worst on the team in points allowed per possession where his man had the ball.  Don't remember clearly enough on who posted it and when, otherwise I'd try to find the link for you.

[MU82]

It's going to be an entertaining, growing-pains type season with potential to surprise on the upside once Fischer gets added to the mix. I have a feeling we'll be bombing treys with impunity like 2010. If we can add a guy like Ellenson to the experience this young crew will get this year, 2016 could bring a VERY fun NCAA tourney run.

That's OK, as long as Duane, JJJ, Dawson and Deonte do credible DJO, Acker, Cooby and Lazar imitations.

I have to say I have my doubts about that, but stranger things have happened.

[Silkk the Shaka]

I believe there's been articles posted where people have broken down Todd's on ball defense and he was one of the worst on the team in points allowed per possession where his man had the ball.  Don't remember clearly enough on who posted it and when, otherwise I'd try to find the link for you.

Which is weird, because when he was focused on D, he absolutely looked like the best on-ball defender. The Florida tournament game comes to mind. Hope Todd can put it all together one day, he could have a Buycks-lite career (nothing to sneeze at) if he wants it.

[Silkk the Shaka]

That's OK, as long as Duane, JJJ, Dawson and Deonte do credible DJO, Acker, Cooby and Lazar imitations.

I have to say I have my doubts about that, but stranger things have happened.

Gotta throw Carlino in that list too. I could see Duane, JJJ, Carlino and Dawson all shooting 35%+. That'll spread the floor for some forays into the lane that the midgets team (which I loved) weren't able to exploit as well. Won't be world beaters this year, but when we're on we'll be REALLY on. When we're off we'll look terrible. Regardless, the experience these guys will get this year will make us that much better in 2016. It was a transition year anyway. I really can't wait for midnight madness.

[wadesworld]

Gotta throw Carlino in that list too. I could see Duane, JJJ, Carlino and Dawson all shooting 35%+. That'll spread the floor for some forays into the lane that the midgets team (which I loved) weren't able to exploit as well. Won't be world beaters this year, but when we're on we'll be REALLY on. When we're off we'll look terrible. Regardless, the experience these guys will get this year will make us that much better in 2016. It was a transition year anyway. I really can't wait for midnight madness.

The 4 v 4 scrimmage should be awesome!

OOOOORRRR maybe we really WILL see that coaches vs. team scrimmage!

[Silkk the Shaka]

The 4 v 4 scrimmage should be awesome!

OOOOORRRR maybe we really WILL see that coaches vs. team scrimmage!

I know this is in jest, but I really hope that happens (probably not allowed through some arcane NCAA rule though)

[dgies9156]

I think we're going to make the big dance.

That's the minimum standard of excellence at Marquette. We, of course, expect another championship but I am not delusional!

The nine players we have are talented and under the Hillbilly, underperformers. I fully expect things will change under Coach Wojo.

We have only nine players but most teams rarely go more than nine deep in their regular rotation. The Hillbilly, to his credit, had enough talent to go 10 or 11. Our guys will just have to work harder and be more consistent.

Basketball, like life, ain't easy. But if we work hard and play hard, I think we're a 20 win team and an 8 or 9 seed!

[wadesworld]

I would have higher expectations if our 9 guys were more well balanced.  Having 9 guards/wings and 0 bigs available is not a recipe for success.  Even if we just had 1 big man who couldn't score but could clog up the lane defensively I might think a post season birth was a possibility.

[tower912]

6'1, 6'2, 6'3, 6'3, 6'4, 6'5, 6'6, 6'6, 6'7.

[brandx]

I would have higher expectations if our 9 guys were more well balanced.  Having 9 guards/wings and 0 bigs available is not a recipe for success.  Even if we just had 1 big man who couldn't score but could clog up the lane defensively I might think a post season birth was a possibility.

I look to see much more zone defense with the short bench even though Wojo would prefer man.

[Texas Western]

My expectations for 2014 have been revised upward. Better team chemistry sans Todd and more playing time for the Triple Trio of Deonte, JJJ and Duane. Villanova is still the team to beat in the Big East, I think we are going to be in the discussion for the 2 or 3 spot.  Would like to see us get two more creampuffs in the preseason.

[NersEllenson]

I would have higher expectations if our 9 guys were more well balanced.  Having 9 guards/wings and 0 bigs available is not a recipe for success.  Even if we just had 1 big man who couldn't score but could clog up the lane defensively I might think a post season birth was a possibility.

Interesting. We had a big last season who could score at one of the most efficient and effective rates in the country, and also had a big man with scoring challenges that could clog up the lane defensively - yet still flamed out to a 17-15 finish.  What do you attribute that to Wades?  Real curious to get your take on that..

Would you like to place a wager on the team this season?  You mention you don't think the post season is a possibility - I'll be happy to wager this team makes the NIT.

[muwarrior69]

6'1, 6'2, 6'3, 6'3, 6'4, 6'5, 6'6, 6'6, 6'7.

I think Blanton Simmons at 6'5 was the tallest player on the 65-66 team.

[MU82]

Gotta throw Carlino in that list too.

Of course. Brain fart.

[bilsu]

I think Blanton Simmons at 6'5 was the tallest player on the 65-66 team.

1970 NIT champion by memory
Cobb 6-6
Thomas 6-6
Thompson 6-2
Sewell 6-3
Meminger 6-1

Sewell became a starter mid-season when a starter suddenly left the team and school.  The scuttlebut was that he got his girlfriend pregnant, but I have no idea if that was the real reason. Anyways Sewell's outside shooting actually made MU a better team.

[HutchwasClutch]

I would have higher expectations if our 9 guys were more well balanced.  Having 9 guards/wings and 0 bigs available is not a recipe for success.  Even if we just had 1 big man who couldn't score but could clog up the lane defensively I might think a post season birth was a possibility.

Where are you getting this 9 guys and zero bigs from?  Fischer will miss all of one month of games about, and we'll have him all of conference. We have him the majority of the season.  

[HutchwasClutch]

MU first semester ends 12/13/14.  MU will be eight games into the season at that point.  Fischer joins the team the rest of the way.

[4everwarriors]

1970 NIT champion by memory
Cobb 6-6
Thomas 6-6
Thompson 6-2
Sewell 6-3
Meminger 6-1

Sewell became a starter mid-season when a starter suddenly left the team and school.  The scuttlebut was that he got his girlfriend pregnant, but I have no idea if that was the real reason. Anyways Sewell's outside shooting actually made MU a better team.

Brute Force was not a member of that team. Numbers 31 and 42 were, however.

[Galway Eagle]

MU first semester ends 12/13/14.  MU will be eight games into the season at that point.  Fischer joins the team the rest of the way.

8 games of which are against WI, Ohio St, either Michigan St or Kansas or Georgia Tech or Tennessee or what not.  Sooooo I'd say at that eight games in we better hope it doesn't get into our players' heads. 

[Dr. Blackheart]

MU first semester ends 12/13/14.  MU will be eight games into the season at that point.  Fischer joins the team the rest of the way.

Let's hope

[reinko]

8 games of which are against WI, Ohio St, either Michigan St or Kansas or Georgia Tech or Tennessee or what not.  Sooooo I'd say at that eight games in we better hope it doesn't get into our players' heads. 

Thank you for changing your signature gif,  at what point the other day,  Mrs.  reinko said,  what the hell are you looking at?   Much appreciated.   

[Galway Eagle]

Thank you for changing your signature gif,  at what point the other day,  Mrs.  reinko said,  what the hell are you looking at?   Much appreciated.   

Hahaha I mean it wasn't exactly the dancing in a bikini gif someone had awhile back but I thought it was funny enough to warrant an appearance for a couple days. 

[Warrior Code]

Hahaha I mean it wasn't exactly the dancing in a bikini gif someone had awhile back but I thought it was funny enough to warrant an appearance for a couple days. 

I work in EMS and my first thought when I saw that guy was "better call dispatch and get some lifting help over here." Big boy.

[tower912]

I work in EMS and my first thought when I saw that guy was "better call dispatch and get some lifting help over here." Big boy.

6 guys and a people-moving tarp with handles.   A challenge, yes, but I have moved worse.   750 lb'er is the biggest I have ever helped move.   

[Warrior Code]

750? That's a lot of gravity.

[bilsu]

Brute Force was not a member of that team. Numbers 31 and 42 were, however.

Brell or Lackey? That was a long time ago and my memory is getting fuzzy.

[Lennys Tap]

Brute Force was not a member of that team. Numbers 31 and 42 were, however.

31 was Goose Brell. 42 was Hughie McMahon (fighter, fouler, enforcer).

[DoggyDaddy]

Bob Lackey was #45: The Black Swan. Smooth and tough.
His rebounds were often one-handed grabs you did not want to get in the way of.

[alexius23]

This will be the first time since early Mike Deane that I will enter the season wondering if even the NIT is beyond MU's reach

[tower912]

750? That's a lot of gravity.

We sure as hell didn't do it in a hurry.   Had a plan, got lots of people, had a cargo net with handles, did it in stages.   Apologized for the inconvenience several times, but there are simply limitations as to what can be done.  Thought we were going to have take out a wall, but ultimately went through a slider.   

[willie warrior]

No defense? Todd was the BEST DEFENDER on the team. I don't know what you are talking about. Go watch the tape...

Best Defender? Smoke a lot of pot? Todd was a master of the ole' defense.

[willie warrior]

This will be the first time since early Mike Deane that I will enter the season wondering if even the NIT is beyond MU's reach

it was last year. Thanks, Bert!

[GGGG]

No defense? Todd was the BEST DEFENDER on the team. I don't know what you are talking about. Go watch the tape...

Todd was a good on-ball defender.  He wasn't very good in the team concept.  Late on rotations constantly.

[PBRme]

6 guys and a people-moving tarp with handles.   A challenge, yes, but I have moved worse.   750 lb'er is the biggest I have ever helped move.   

Lloyd Moore?