The future is bright... Today was dark, really dark

[goldeneagle91114]

Not going to jump of any type of cliff here...but that is just frustrating to watch

the utter darkness:
 1. The seniors - wont/cant step up, been like that for 4 years
 2. Defense - 63 in the second half?
 2a. Young coach - needs to know when to change it up.
 3. 11 a.m. game on a Monday

the bright spots:
1. the freshman have potential
1a. you can see Wojo's offense beginning to take shape
2. Good learning experience for the freshmen
3. The first half

bottom line, you have to play a full game. And you can play not to lose

[tower912]

Not going to jump of any type of cliff here...but that is just frustrating to watch

the utter darkness:
 1. The seniors - wont/cant step up, been like that for 4 years
 2. Defense - 63 in the second half?
 2a. Young coach - needs to know when to change it up.
 3. 11 a.m. game on a Monday

the bright spots:
1. the freshman have potential
1a. you can see Wojo's offense beginning to take shape
2. Good learning experience for the freshmen
3. The first half

bottom line, you have to play a full game. And you can play not to lose

What should/could Wojo have changed?    Playing the way that got him a 16 point halftime lead?    Telling his players to not play aggressive defense in the second half because all contact was being called a foul?    Once in foul trouble, use Matt Heldt more?  (for the record, I like that one, but think about that for a second.    Wojo's best option was to use Matt Heldt more)    Pressure a team that never turns the ball over?    Order his team to make more shots?

When Luke got in foul trouble, Wojo chose to go with offense and try to outscore the other team when it was clear that his team had completely lost defensive focus.   Like we got to listen to him warn them about.   

[goldeneagle91114]

What should/could Wojo have changed?    Playing the way that got him a 16 point halftime lead?    Telling his players to not play aggressive defense in the second half because all contact was being called a foul?    Once in foul trouble, use Matt Heldt more?  (for the record, I like that one, but think about that for a second.    Wojo's best option was to use Matt Heldt more)    Pressure a team that never turns the ball over?    Order his team to make more shots?

When Luke got in foul trouble, Wojo chose to go with offense and try to outscore the other team when it was clear that his team had completely lost defensive focus.   Like we got to listen to him warn them about.   

Honestly, I'm not sure what Wojo could/should have done, i'm not even a fantasy basketball coach, let alone a D1 college basketball coach, However, maybe wojo should ask one of the following coaches, none of the gave up 63 in a half to Butler:
1. Northern Colorado
2. Northwestern
3.Bucknell
4. Norfolk state
5.Vanderbelt
6. Arizona
7. Utah
8. Central Arkansas
9. Indiana State
10. Cincinnati
11. Indiana
12. Vermont
13. St. Johns
14. Providence
15. Nova
16. Georgetown
17. Creighton
 

[tower912]

Xavier just gave up 58 in the second half to Butler.  Maybe it is Butler.

[MerrittsMustache]

What should/could Wojo have changed?    Playing the way that got him a 16 point halftime lead?    Telling his players to not play aggressive defense in the second half because all contact was being called a foul?    Once in foul trouble, use Matt Heldt more?  (for the record, I like that one, but think about that for a second.    Wojo's best option was to use Matt Heldt more)    Pressure a team that never turns the ball over?    Order his team to make more shots?

When Luke got in foul trouble, Wojo chose to go with offense and try to outscore the other team when it was clear that his team had completely lost defensive focus.   Like we got to listen to him warn them about.   

More Duane Wilson. He can at least guard on the perimeter and could have slowed down the parade of lay-ups. Butler absolutely abused Rowsey in the 2nd half and Howard didn't fair much better. Wilson isn't going to be confused for a defensive stopper...well, unless you compare him to Rowsey.

[goldeneagle91114]

Xavier just gave up 58 in the second half to Butler.  Maybe it is Butler.

Tower, I agree with about 99% of the stuff you post on the boards. But come on, only twice this season has Butler scored more than 50 points in a half. if Central Arkansas, Northern Colorado and Norfolk state can do it, our team should be able to do it to.

[4everwarriors]

Damn straight, 'cuz we are Marquette, ai na?

[brewcity77]

Tower, I agree with about 99% of the stuff you post on the boards. But come on, only twice this season has Butler scored more than 50 points in a half. if Central Arkansas, Northern Colorado and Norfolk state can do it, our team should be able to do it to.

What could the staff have done? They tried to go small, but Butler was quicker and any contact was a whistle. Had they gone zone without bigs, Butler would have had all day to pass around and easier offensive rebounds.

Honestly, as bad as the defense was in the second, the real problem was the offense. We settled for jumpers that were no longer falling. This allowed for Butler to get run-outs and turn up the pressure in transition. We needed to adjust to the refs and start driving, which we did, but too late.

[goldeneagle91114]

What could the staff have done? They tried to go small, but Butler was quicker and any contact was a whistle. Had they gone zone without bigs, Butler would have had all day to pass around and easier offensive rebounds.

Honestly, as bad as the defense was in the second, the real problem was the offense. We settled for jumpers that were no longer falling. This allowed for Butler to get run-outs and turn up the pressure in transition. We needed to adjust to the refs and start driving, which we did, but too late.

Brew, i hear what your saying.I think your point about offense is spot on. as i said above, i don't try to even pretend i know college basketball. But if the 17 teams listed above can find ways to not give up 50+ points in a half Wojo and team (and by team i mean players) need to do the same.

[ecompt]

I am not ripping Wojo here but this "young coach" crap has to stop. He is NOT someone who got out of college five years ago and is suddenly thrust into the spotlight. He was an assistant at one of the nation's best programs for 15 years and is in his third year running a program. One can use the excuse that he did not recruit the seniors or Duane, and that once he has his own guys that things will get better, but you cannot use the excuse that he is young and inexperienced.

[LAZER]

I'm not sure the future is really that bright. I don't think next year's team looks like it will be any better than this year's.

[goldeneagle91114]

I'm not sure the future is really that bright. I don't think next year's team looks like it will be any better than this year's.

completely agree, i think we are still 2 years away from a tournament birth. However, we can finally see what it is that wojo wants to build, at least offensively. 

[nyg]

I'm not sure the future is really that bright. I don't think next year's team looks like it will be any better than this year's.

I thought so also, but with the way Luke has been playing I am not sure now.  His last two games have been just brutal and MU was fortunate to win one of them.  I believed if Luke was playing well, MU had a chance at 9-9 in conference, but now it looks like maybe an 8-10.  Heldt is a capable 8 minute backup at this point and you heard Wojo yelling at him to "grab the ball".  His hands are like stone at this point.  So, if Luke is not playing to par and with Heldt in, MU starts to jack up threes.  Live or die.

Next year Froling will start at center and Cain will take JJJ spot.  Hauser at PF with Howard and Cheatham at guards.  Thats a good start with Wilson, Rowsey and Heldt back.  If Theo John, Eke or a potential grad transfer can provide any assistance on the offensive and defensive boards, then MU will be just fine.

Not a coach and don't even fathom what is going on in Wojo's mind, but giving up serious leads of 17, 18, and the like and losing those games in second half must be killing him and the staff.  I said it before and say it again, the defensive aspect of doubling and leaving guys open on threes is hurting, as well as offensive board rebounding.  He needs to bring in a different strategy on defense and hope the new comers can hold onto the ball and block out. 

Very frustrating for all, since MU has given up three losses that should have been wins.  Has to be getting in the players head and this one really hurts. 

[GoldenZebra]

Poor Marcus, guy has been one of the the toughest competitors Ive seen on an MU team recently...

[bilsu]

I'm not sure the future is really that bright. I don't think next year's team looks like it will be any better than this year's.

I saw Froling standing next to Fischer at the DePaul game. He appeared to be taller than Fischer and was definitely wider. As long as he and one of the other
incoming freshmen bigmen can rebound and play defense and I can see us being much better next year.

[HutchwasClutch]

There is no excuse for the meltdown today.  Butler caught MU by the three quarter mark, after trailing by 18.   63 pts and 70% shooting, I don't care who, what, when, where it is, is appallingly bad.  And this is on Wojo.  Soft teams, tough teams - all reflect the coach.  He is clueless how to adjust, utterly clueless, and proven again today.  Holtzmann coached circles around him from halftime on. 

I really thought Wojo would be fine as a coach, he just needed time to get upper Big East level talent into the program.   I was wrong. 

[buckchuckler]

What could the staff have done? They tried to go small, but Butler was quicker and any contact was a whistle. Had they gone zone without bigs, Butler would have had all day to pass around and easier offensive rebounds.

Honestly, as bad as the defense was in the second, the real problem was the offense. We settled for jumpers that were no longer falling. This allowed for Butler to get run-outs and turn up the pressure in transition. We needed to adjust to the refs and start driving, which we did, but too late.

Pretty sure it wasn't.  They gave up 465 points in the second half.  That was a big part of the problem.  And it wasn't the coaching staffs fault.  It never is.  They aren't on the court so they are beyond any sort of implication in this teams failures. 

[HutchwasClutch]

I wonder, did Wojo study how to coach defense under Coach K, or Paul Westhead?   Just go zone all the time, even a crappy coach's team can't screw up a zone too bad.  Not to the tune of 70% defensive FG% for a half.

[buckchuckler]

Tower, I agree with about 99% of the stuff you post on the boards. But come on, only twice this season has Butler scored more than 50 points in a half. if Central Arkansas, Northern Colorado and Norfolk state can do it, our team should be able to do it to.

This wasn't 50 either.  This was 63!  That is more than DePaul scored in the game.  It is only 3 less than Georgetown scored in the game.  That was as pathetic a defensive effort as you are going to see. 

[HutchwasClutch]

I don't think I ever recall an MU team this badly coached on the defensive end - good teams just have their way with us - they get any shot they want, any time they want, and usually it's in the form of layup or dunk.   We're incredibly soft defensively; zero help side defense, stopping the ball are just foreign concepts, mental lapses all over leaving guys open in the paint, or spotted up beyond the three, on and on.   All reflects on horrid coaching. 

[MattyWarrior]

I'll never get used to losing, especially like we lost in the second half. The seniors look lost.

[tower912]

How was the defense in the first half?     They did all of those things you lament in the first half.    Same team, same players, same defensive schemes.    The players didn't show up defensively in the second half.    The same players that played their best half of defense of the season in the first half.     Mental toughness.    Senior leadership.      Offense still scored 39.    So, it is mental toughness at the defensive end.   

[HutchwasClutch]

I'll never get used to losing, especially like we lost in the second half. The seniors look lost.

Really?!  Just the seniors??  No, it was every player.  Which happens when you're coach is being made to look like a fool by the other teams coach.

[brewcity77]

Pretty sure it wasn't.  They gave up 465 points in the second half.  That was a big part of the problem.  And it wasn't the coaching staffs fault.  It never is.  They aren't on the court so they are beyond any sort of implication in this teams failures.

They gave up those points for two reasons. First, they were missing shots which kept the defense from getting set. Second, the refs were calling a tight game so any contact sent Butler to the line.

If we were making shots, the defense would have been set and we would have had better position so we might not have fouled as much. However if we were also driving, we would have had easier shots from close range, would have also been able to get to the line, and would have been able to compete with Butler at their own game.

The problems may have been ending on the defensive end, but they were starting on the offensive end.

[esotericmindguy]

Tower, I agree with about 99% of the stuff you post on the boards. But come on, only twice this season has Butler scored more than 50 points in a half. if Central Arkansas, Northern Colorado and Norfolk state can do it, our team should be able to do it to.

Those teams were probably down 30 and didn't foul the last 90 seconds. They scored 6 or 7 at free throw line. Also, the refs called ticky tack sh*t to start the half and they were in bonus with 14:30 to go! The hell you want Wojo to do about Luke grabbing 1 rebound? What does Wojo do about Hauser, Rowsey, Wilson and Howard getting destroyed off the dribble? Or Howard being careless with the ball during the 17-2 run. Want them to go zone? Defensive rebounding is atrocious in man.

Just accept it, they're young and soft on defense. They need to get way stronger to handle the physical teams. Not sure why you and others expect anything different. Just wait until John, Eke and hopefully the transfer from SMU get going. Team is missing toughness and Rim protection. No help on the backside and no rebounding presence. It'll change, give Wojo some time.

[buckchuckler]

They gave up those points for two reasons. First, they were missing shots which kept the defense from getting set. Second, the refs were calling a tight game so any contact sent Butler to the line.
If we were making shots, the defense would have been set and we would have had better position so we might not have fouled as much. However if we were also driving, we would have had easier shots from close range, would have also been able to get to the line, and would have been able to compete with Butler at their own game.

The problems may have been ending on the defensive end, but they were starting on the offensive end.

I may be wrong here, but I think they scored 39 points in the 2nd half.  Again, I may be wrong, but I believe that is only 2 fewer points than they scored in the 1st half.  The big difference in halves was not the offense. 

[HutchwasClutch]

1 shot attempt for Fischer today from the field.  Your senior big gets 1 attempt.  Nice job today Wojo.

[CTWarrior]

An interesting comment from Wojo after the game.  I think he gets it.  Don't understand why he can't get his players to grasp it.

"Obviously, I got to do a lot better job. I take full responsibility for anything that happens with our team," Marquette coach Steve Wojciechowski said.

"At times when teams have made a run on us in the second half where we have had leads, our answer is always `call my play and I'll bail us out with the basket," he said. "Butler's answer to adversity tonight was to play better defense. The way they answer adversity is the way you win. The way we try to answer adversity is the way you lose."

[JamilJaeJamailJrJuan]

An interesting comment from Wojo after the game.  I think he gets it.  Don't understand why he can't get his players to grasp it.

"Obviously, I got to do a lot better job. I take full responsibility for anything that happens with our team," Marquette coach Steve Wojciechowski said.

"At times when teams have made a run on us in the second half where we have had leads, our answer is always `call my play and I'll bail us out with the basket," he said. "Butler's answer to adversity tonight was to play better defense. The way they answer adversity is the way you win. The way we try to answer adversity is the way you lose."

Mind positing the link? Can't find it

[HutchwasClutch]

An interesting comment from Wojo after the game.  I think he gets it.  Don't understand why he can't get his players to grasp it.

"Obviously, I got to do a lot better job. I take full responsibility for anything that happens with our team," Marquette coach Steve Wojciechowski said.

"At times when teams have made a run on us in the second half where we have had leads, our answer is always `call my play and I'll bail us out with the basket," he said. "Butler's answer to adversity tonight was to play better defense. The way they answer adversity is the way you win. The way we try to answer adversity is the way you lose."

So whose fault is it in how they try to answer adversity as he explains it?!?!  Who's running things?

[tower912]

Sounds like a scooper.  Players have to make plays on defense.  See: Crowder, Jae.  James, Dominic.  Blue, Vander.  Butler, Jimmy.

[brewcity77]

I may be wrong here, but I think they scored 39 points in the 2nd half.  Again, I may be wrong, but I believe that is only 2 fewer points than they scored in the 1st half.  The big difference in halves was not the offense.

The 38-18 run to put Butler up 63-59 buried us. That's when we didn't adjust quickly enough on offense.

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

So whose fault is it in how they try to answer adversity as he explains it?!?!  Who's running things?

Ah, right you're back again after loss to drone on about the same crap as always.

Gotta be honest, I really didn't miss your presence.

[HutchwasClutch]

Ah, right you're back again after loss to drone on about the same crap as always.

Gotta be honest, I really didn't miss your presence.

I'm frustrated.  I've let several losses go by also w/o saying anything, and until today, I've advocated and defended Wojo.   But today's game was egregiously bad coaching.    So where am I wrong?

[buckchuckler]

The 38-18 run to put Butler up 63-59 buried us. That's when we didn't adjust quickly enough on offense.

Please re-read your sentence.  The offense not adjusting did us in?  When they blew a 16 point half time lead.  Ok if this is what you are going to stick with ok.  To me, this game didn't scream offensive problems, but to you obviously it did.  We can agree to disagree. 

[KampusFoods]

Please re-read your sentence.  The offense not adjusting did us in?  When they blew a 16 point half time lead.  Ok if this is what you are going to stick with ok.  To me, this game didn't scream offensive problems, but to you obviously it did.  We can agree to disagree.

Isn't it clear that the offense sucked for not keeping pace with a 63 point second half?

[HutchwasClutch]

Isn't it clear that the offense sucked for not keeping pace with a 63 point second half?

 

[Golden Avalanche]

Please re-read your sentence.  The offense not adjusting did us in?  When they blew a 16 point half time lead.  Ok if this is what you are going to stick with ok.  To me, this game didn't scream offensive problems, but to you obviously it did.  We can agree to disagree.

From another angle, Marquette scored 10 points in the first eight minutes of the second half. This was a second half that saw liberal use of the whistle from the officials. Unlike Butler, there was no concerted effort from the Warriors to exploit the proclivities of the three men in stripes.

Not making that adjustment was an issue and allowed Butler to enjoy all the advantages: scoring with a stopped clock; racking up fouls on MU guards; easier defensive possessions.

[Buzz Williams' Spillproof Chiclets Cup]

the bright spots:
1a. you can see Wojo's offense beginning to take shape

Oh, phew. It only took 83 games at the helm. How reassuring.

[KampusFoods]

Oh, phew. It only took 83 games at the helm. How reassuring.

Can we stop acting like his first season should be considered in any judgment of his coaching abilities?

[GE911]

Those teams were probably down 30 and didn't foul the last 90 seconds. They scored 6 or 7 at free throw line. Also, the refs called ticky tack sh*t to start the half and they were in bonus with 14:30 to go! The hell you want Wojo to do about Luke grabbing 1 rebound? What does Wojo do about Hauser, Rowsey, Wilson and Howard getting destroyed off the dribble? Or Howard being careless with the ball during the 17-2 run. Want them to go zone? Defensive rebounding is atrocious in man.

Just accept it, they're young and soft on defense. They need to get way stronger to handle the physical teams. Not sure why you and others expect anything different. Just wait until John, Eke and hopefully the transfer from SMU get going. Team is missing toughness and Rim protection. No help on the backside and no rebounding presence. It'll change, give Wojo some time.

Did you read the title of this thread? That whole "the future looks bright" thing. That's me giving wojo time

[Buzz Williams' Spillproof Chiclets Cup]

Can we stop acting like his first season should be considered in any judgment of his coaching abilities?

Point taken.

Oh phew, we can finally see Wojo's offense beginning to take shape in the 18th game of the season. How reassuring. How's that for evaluating his coaching abilities?

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Really?!  Just the seniors??  No, it was every player.  Which happens when you're coach is being made to look like a fool by the other teams coach.

Please explain to me how Holtmann was making Wojo look like a fool. I'm not saying you are wrong, but please show your work.

[fjm]

I'm frustrated.  I've let several losses go by also w/o saying anything, and until today, I've advocated and defended Wojo.   But today's game was egregiously bad coaching.    So where am I wrong?

Yawn... not interested in trolls today.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Point taken.

Oh phew, we can finally see Wojo's offense beginning to take shape in the 18th game of the season. How reassuring. How's that for evaluating his coaching abilities?

You didn't see his offense against Vanderbilt? We've been a top 20 offense all season. If you are just seeing his offense now than your evaluating skills are questionable.

[GWSwarrior]

Yawn... not interested in trolls today.

+1

[warriorfan 14]

Our defense has sucked all year. Hasn't improved much at all. Someone is to blame, either coaches or players. This is college ball and thus I think the blame goes to the coaches

[warriorfan 14]

completely agree, i think we are still 2 years away from a tournament birth. However, we can finally see what it is that wojo wants to build, at least offensively.

or 3 years away, maybe 4, for sure 5...........

[willie warrior]

More Duane Wilson. He can at least guard on the perimeter and could have slowed down the parade of lay-ups. Butler absolutely abused Rowsey in the 2nd half and Howard didn't fair much better. Wilson isn't going to be confused for a defensive stopper...well, unless you compare him to Rowsey.

But wait...the other day I heard the FS1 color guy say that wilson is one of the better defenders in BEast. Do agree that Rowsey is a big proponent of the ole' defense.

[Newsdreams]

I wonder, did Wojo study how to coach defense under Coach K, or Paul Westhead?   Just go zone all the time, even a crappy coach's team can't screw up a zone too bad.  Not to the tune of 70% defensive FG% for a half.

Do not have enough length to go zone all the time. Will have more trouble rebounding and good shooters will feast over our small guards. Good for change of pace but not primary D for this team.

[brewcity77]

Please re-read your sentence.  The offense not adjusting did us in?  When they blew a 16 point half time lead.  Ok if this is what you are going to stick with ok.  To me, this game didn't scream offensive problems, but to you obviously it did.  We can agree to disagree.

Please reread my post. The offensive adjustment failures led directly to the defensive breakdowns. We didn't attack and weren't hitting shots, that allowed transition baskets, open driving lanes, and forced us into fouls at the other end.

There defense sucked because of breakdowns and failures to adjust that started on the offensive end. I'm not saying the defense wasn't a problem, I'm saying the offense led directly to the defensive problems.

[HutchwasClutch]

Please explain to me how Holtmann was making Wojo look like a fool. I'm not saying you are wrong, but please show your work.

Happy to -
Butler attacking the paint hard in the second half, after playing very passively in the first half, meanwhile MU was happy and content to just keep jacking up threes the opening 5-6 minutes of the second half, while in the meantime, they weren't even looking to their senior big down low.  Fischer got 1 shot attempt the entire game.  (I'll have to double check the box, did Heldt have as many or more shot attempts today?)   The threes kept coming and MU kept ignoring anything to do w/ the post or paint while Butler had extended their man to man defense.  Wojo did absolutely nothing to adjust to Butler's extended D, and attacking the paint.   Len Elmore was saying too that MU needs to work their offense from inside out.   You don't win Big East games, especially on the road, by outscoring teams from three. 

[HutchwasClutch]

Do not have enough length to go zone all the time. Will have more trouble rebounding and good shooters will feast over our small guards. Good for change of pace but not primary D for this team.

It was meant as sarcasm by saying just play nothing but zone.  You're right, they don't have the length, and rebounding would be an even bigger issue for them. 

It's frustrating because they have so many break downs in man to man, you have other teams guys start their dribble drive out beyond the arc, and get all the way to the basket, without anybody stepping up to help, take a charge, etc.    They seem to be lacking in just basic man to man concepts.  And it's all way too frequent to simply say it's all on the players.  Coaches need to correct this stuff.

[mugrack]

I blame the Russians for Marquette losing today

[ATWizJr]

or 3 years away, maybe 4, for sure 5...........

exactly.

[GoldenDieners32]

Happy to -
Butler attacking the paint hard in the second half, after playing very passively in the first half, meanwhile MU was happy and content to just keep jacking up threes the opening 5-6 minutes of the second half, while in the meantime, they weren't even looking to their senior big down low.  Fischer got 1 shot attempt the entire game.  (I'll have to double check the box, did Heldt have as many or more shot attempts today?)   The threes kept coming and MU kept ignoring anything to do w/ the post or paint while Butler had extended their man to man defense.  Wojo did absolutely nothing to adjust to Butler's extended D, and attacking the paint.   Len Elmore was saying too that MU needs to work their offense from inside out.   You don't win Big East games, especially on the road, by outscoring teams from three.

MU needs to learn how to do this. The only people i see consistently do this is Markus and JJJ. Sometimes Haanif 

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

MU needs to learn how to do this. The only people i see consistently do this is Markus and JJJ. Sometimes Haanif

Huh? Its not something thats in everybodys skill set, the three people you mentioned are the only three that probably should be driving the lane besides maybe Duane. If you tell Rowsey, Sam, or even Katin to drive the lane more, you arent putting them in a position to succeed and are taking them away from what they do best, which is shoot the ball.

[MU82]

All reflects on horrid coaching.

So you are advocating what?

Fire Wojo right now, or wait till the end of the season?

[fjm]

So you are advocating what?

Fire Wojo right now, or wait till the end of the season?

Probably advocating fire Wojo at seasons end, restart the rebuild and see cheats, Howard and Hauser transfer due to Wojo leaving.

[HutchwasClutch]

So you are advocating what?

Fire Wojo right now, or wait till the end of the season?

I'm not advocating anything now.  There is a very troubling pattern that's developing here though.  Look back at our losses, Pitt and Butler big second half leads squandered.  UW and Michigan, both just abusing us on the defensive end.   A continuing pattern of extremely soft play and breakdowns in man defense. 

Mr. Scholl needs to let the season play out, and then take a hard look at the direction of the program when it's all said and done.  Has Wojo brought in talented kids? Of course.  Have the results been there?  Of course not.   We've got a real uphill climb to even get in the NCAA conversation as things stand now. 

So many here act like they want no part of judging anything Wojo does still, and anybody that dares to call him out are trolling.   I am not even close to jumping on here following every loss, or saying a win should have been by a bigger margin.  So when is it time to start holding he and his staff accountable??  As another poster said, this young coach stuff is crap.  He was a long time assistant, top assistant for several years, under arguably the greatest college coach ever, and his PG before that, in a conference that is year in and year out one of the best, if not the best, in the country. 

Maybe he, his staff, and players will be able to learn from what's happened so far this year, and figure out how to win these, but I am highly skeptical right now.   


 

[MU82]

I'm not advocating anything now.  There is a very troubling pattern that's developing here though.  Look back at our losses, Pitt and Butler big second half leads squandered.  UW and Michigan, both just abusing us on the defensive end.   A continuing pattern of extremely soft play and breakdowns in man defense. 

Mr. Scholl needs to let the season play out, and then take a hard look at the direction of the program when it's all said and done.  Has Wojo brought in talented kids? Of course.  Have the results been there?  Of course not.   We've got a real uphill climb to even get in the NCAA conversation as things stand now. 

So many here act like they want no part of judging anything Wojo does still, and anybody that dares to call him out are trolling.   I am not even close to jumping on here following every loss, or saying a win should have been by a bigger margin.  So when is it time to start holding he and his staff accountable??  As another poster said, this young coach stuff is crap.  He was a long time assistant, top assistant for several years, under arguably the greatest college coach ever, and his PG before that, in a conference that is year in and year out one of the best, if not the best, in the country. 

Maybe he, his staff, and players will be able to learn from what's happened so far this year, and figure out how to win these, but I am highly skeptical right now.   


 

OK.

You kept saying the coach was doing a horrible job, so I thought you had something to offer that would solve this catastrophic problem quickly.

Instead you simply want "a hard look at the direction of the program" and hope that such a look will result in Wojo being held "accountable."

Lovely.

Next!

[HutchwasClutch]

OK.

You kept saying the coach was doing a horrible job, so I thought you had something to offer that would solve this catastrophic problem quickly.

Instead you simply want "a hard look at the direction of the program" and hope that such a look will result in Wojo being held "accountable."

Lovely.

Next!

Ok.

You have nothing but sarcasm.   

Next!

[MU82]

Ok.

You have nothing but sarcasm.   

Next!

Nope, I have already stated what I think should happen:

Wojo should continue to recruit well. Wojo also should try to improve as a coach and to try to get his players to improve both indivudually and collectively - something I believe he is doing gradually.

If at this point in the 2018-19 season we are still at this point - which seems to be just good enough to be not quite good enough - it probably will be time for the powers-that-be to take stock in the program's direction and, if deemed necessary, make a change.

In other words, it's the very boring, "Give it time before blowing up a potential good thing and starting from effen scratch."

I happen to think that's more reasonable than, "Wojo sucks! It's all on the coach! He's already had plenty of opportunity to turn this thing around! Time to put him on the hot seat!"

But maybe that's just me.

[GGGG]

Happy to -
Butler attacking the paint hard in the second half, after playing very passively in the first half, meanwhile MU was happy and content to just keep jacking up threes the opening 5-6 minutes of the second half, while in the meantime, they weren't even looking to their senior big down low.  Fischer got 1 shot attempt the entire game.  (I'll have to double check the box, did Heldt have as many or more shot attempts today?)   The threes kept coming and MU kept ignoring anything to do w/ the post or paint while Butler had extended their man to man defense.  Wojo did absolutely nothing to adjust to Butler's extended D, and attacking the paint.   Len Elmore was saying too that MU needs to work their offense from inside out.   You don't win Big East games, especially on the road, by outscoring teams from three. 

Where did you get this notion that "You don't win Big East games, especially on the road, by outscoring teams from three."  That's ridiculous.  Of course you do.

Villanova took more 3s than any team in the BE last year.  They won the conference.
In 2014-15?  Villanova.  They won the conference.
In 2013-14?  Creighton, followed by Villanova.  They finished second and first respectively.

And you know how bad Marquette's offense was second half?  So bad that they scored TWO less points.  Two. 

That game was all about the defense falling apart.  The offense was just fine.  Probably should have attacked the basket more.  But Luke Fischer?  You want more contested flip shots?  No thanks.  Worst shot in basketball.

Modern college basketball...find shooters...shoot from distance. 

[HutchwasClutch]

Nope, I have already stated what I think should happen:

Wojo should continue to recruit well. Wojo also should try to improve as a coach and to try to get his players to improve both indivudually and collectively - something I believe he is doing gradually.

If at this point in the 2018-19 season we are still at this point - which seems to be just good enough to be not quite good enough - it probably will be time for the powers-that-be to take stock in the program's direction and, if deemed necessary, make a change.

In other words, it's the very boring, "Give it time before blowing up a potential good thing and starting from effen scratch."

I happen to think that's more reasonable than, "Wojo sucks! It's all on the coach! He's already had plenty of opportunity to turn this thing around! Time to put him on the hot seat!"

But maybe that's just me.

Fair enough.   You have your opinion, I have mine.  I've waited and tried to be patient before getting to this point.  It's hardly been a knee jerk reaction to one loss. 

[bilsu]

Our defense has sucked all year. Hasn't improved much at all. Someone is to blame, either coaches or players. This is college ball and thus I think the blame goes to the coaches

I think the guards have improved on defense, but our interior defense is weak and not improving. The probelm is really with the power positions. Heldt when in position seems to me to be a better defender than Fischer, but when he is in the other team seems to get more open shots under the basket due to Heldt or someone else being out of position. Hauser makes a good effort on defense, but he is not a power forward. Of couse good defense is only successful, if you get the rebound.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Happy to -
Butler attacking the paint hard in the second half, after playing very passively in the first half, meanwhile MU was happy and content to just keep jacking up threes the opening 5-6 minutes of the second half, while in the meantime, they weren't even looking to their senior big down low.  Fischer got 1 shot attempt the entire game.  (I'll have to double check the box, did Heldt have as many or more shot attempts today?)   The threes kept coming and MU kept ignoring anything to do w/ the post or paint while Butler had extended their man to man defense.  Wojo did absolutely nothing to adjust to Butler's extended D, and attacking the paint.   Len Elmore was saying too that MU needs to work their offense from inside out.   You don't win Big East games, especially on the road, by outscoring teams from three.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I appreciate it. I have found that people often make complaints about a "lack of adjustments" when they are frustrated with a loss and don't know who to blame.

I didn't see the same thing you did in the second half. Marquette only took 4 three pointers in the first seven minutes of the half. For our offense, that is pretty average if not below average. We only took 5 in the first 14 minutes of the second half which is WAY below our average.

The adjustment I wanted to see was a zone. I have long been an opponent of a zone for this team. I think it would exasperate our rebounding issue and compromise our offense, the best part of our game. But with the game being called as tight as it was, I think it might have been the only way to stop the layup line without our entire team fouling out by the 10 minute mark. Good lord, I still can't get over how different the reffing was between the two halves.

[El Duderino]

Our defense has sucked all year. Hasn't improved much at all. Someone is to blame, either coaches or players. This is college ball and thus I think the blame goes to the coaches

The defense has sucked each season Wojo has been our head coach. Different players, same result on that end. At some point most of the blame as to be put at the feet of the coaching staff.

Other coaches get teams with a mix of young and older players to defend. Buzz for example did his share to get run out of the job here, but never once were any of his teams as soft as each of Wojo's teams have been.

I won't claim to know what's being taught wrong to explain why his teams keep being soft and weak defensively, but soft teams who don't defend never amount to much. Wojo seems a quality recruiter, but that's only half of the job and he wouldn't be the first good recruiter who just couldn't coach up players at the level he could recruit them.

[skianth16]

It was tough to know that for a while we were considered a stepping stone school. We would win, but our coaches wouldn't stick. But now it looks like a lot of posters on here look at MU as a developmental program. Going 5 or 6 years in a row without sniffing the tournament seems to be OK in the hopes that our coach might figure a few things out along the way.

Personally, I would think a job in the Horizon League, the MAAC or even the A-10 is where new head coaches should be cutting their teeth. But seeing Wojo go through his growing pains at Marquette - in a highly competitive and nationally known conference, while receiving what can only be assumed to be a top 20 comp package - is frustrating for a lot of fans. We took a shot on Buzz having very little HC experience, and that worked out for us very quickly. Wojo, on the other hand, is on the long track to graduation, and a lot of fans aren't thrilled with that, which is proven again and again by the open seats in the BC.

[GGGG]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I appreciate it. I have found that people often make complaints about a "lack of adjustments" when they are frustrated with a loss and don't know who to blame.

I didn't see the same thing you did in the second half. Marquette only took 4 three pointers in the first seven minutes of the half. For our offense, that is pretty average if not below average. We only took 5 in the first 14 minutes of the second half which is WAY below our average.

Butler was running us off the line, and we couldn't take advantage of it. 

[GGGG]

We took a shot on Buzz having very little HC experience, and that worked out for us very quickly. Wojo, on the other hand, is on the long track to graduation, and a lot of fans aren't thrilled with that, which is proven again and again by the open seats in the BC.

It also worked out for us with O'Neill and Crean. 

But that is an interesting point.  The only other coach in the BE that had no coaching experience when he took the job was Chris Mack, and he was the lead assistant under Miller so it was more of a continuation.

[buckchuckler]

Please reread my post. The offensive adjustment failures led directly to the defensive breakdowns. We didn't attack and weren't hitting shots, that allowed transition baskets, open driving lanes, and forced us into fouls at the other end.

There defense sucked because of breakdowns and failures to adjust that started on the offensive end. I'm not saying the defense wasn't a problem, I'm saying the offense led directly to the defensive problems.

I understand that bad offense can lead to easy points the other way.  But, boy, it is some truly horrendous offense that leads to 63 points going the other way.