Marquette Basketball Trend

[curbina]

Is the Marquette basketball trending up or down?

[WI inferiority Complexes]

I once sat next to Freeway on a city bus driving from County Stadium to campus.  The conversation was as follows:

Freeway: "Do Milwaukee Brewer fans want a winner, or do they want a World Series?"
Me: "Well, making the playoffs consistently is quite an accomplishment, but winning a World Series is the ultimate..."
Freeway (interrupting): "DO MILWAUKEE BREWER FANS WANT A WINNER, OR DO THEY WANT A WORLD SERIES?"

It went on that way for the entire ride.

[jesmu84]

From year 1 to year 6, MU under wojo is trending up

[5DollarPitcher]

From year 1 to year 6, MU under wojo is trending up

From year 2 to year 6, MU under wojo is trending horizontal

[wadesworld]

From year 2 to year 6, MU under wojo is trending horizontal

It is?

[5DollarPitcher]

It is?

Your Projoism is relentless and insufferable.

Yes.  It is.

[wadesworld]

Your Projoism is relentless and insufferable.

Yes.  It is.

Your stupidity is relentless and insufferable too.

Year 2 KenPom: 97
Year 3 KenPom: 32
Year 4 KenPom: 53
Year 5 KenPom: 33
Current KenPom: 29

Yup, horizontal from year 2 on!

PS love that “NoJos” get all hot and bothered when a “projo” says if you leave out the waste of a first year...Until that fits their agenda and then they’re all for it. Have it both ways!

[CaptainHavoc]

MU basketball was 8-2 in 1916-17.  So anything less than 80% is down.

[5DollarPitcher]

Your stupidity is relentless and insufferable too.

Year 2 KenPom: 97
Year 3 KenPom: 32
Year 4 KenPom: 53
Year 5 KenPom: 33
Current KenPom: 29

Yup, horizontal from year 2 on!

You are so sad.

[panda]

Your stupidity is relentless and insufferable too.

Year 2 KenPom: 97
Year 3 KenPom: 32
Year 4 KenPom: 53
Year 5 KenPom: 33
Current KenPom: 29

Yup, horizontal from year 2 on!

PS love that “NoJos” get all hot and bothered when a “projo” says if you leave out the waste of a first year...Until that fits their agenda and then they’re all for it. Have it both ways!

He has a losing record in conference over 6 seasons....

[wadesworld]

You are so sad.

Good argument.

[79Warrior]

He has a losing record in conference over 6 seasons....

I guess that is trending up to some folks.

[5DollarPitcher]

Good argument.

How about you just trust what you see manifest itself on the court.  KenPoms algorithms are heavily dependent on SOS.  Which is helped by the fact that the Big East has improved this year and a number of other variables year-over-year.  Wojo is not competing to be the 30th best team according KenPom (at least I sincerely hope he's not) - he's competing to win the Big East, Big East Tourney, and make runs in the NCAA.  None of which he has made progress towards.

The argument is futile though because you've chosen to die on the Projo hill.  Congrats.  The guy is an absolutely awful coach and you were wrong.  Truth hurts.

[wadesworld]

How about you just trust what you see manifest itself on the court.  KenPoms algorithms are heavily dependent on SOS.  Which is helped by the fact that the Big East has improved this year and a number of other variables year-over-year.  Wojo is not competing to be the 30th best team according KenPom (at least I sincerely hope he's not) - he's competing to win the Big East, Big East Tourney, and make runs in the NCAA.  None of which he has made progress towards.

The argument is futile though because you've chosen to die on the Projo hill.  Congrats.  The guy is an absolutely awful coach and you were wrong.  Truth hurts.

So ignore the facts and just trust you. Got it. Always a good argument.

The truth is college basketball results don’t really hurt me. So nope.

[MUeng]

He has a losing record in conference over 6 seasons....

yikes didn't realize that one. Yup, probably time to move on considering MU was a flagship school heading into the new BE

[5DollarPitcher]

So ignore the facts and just trust you. Got it. Always a good argument.

The truth is college basketball results don’t really hurt me. So nope.

If anyone is ignoring facts here it's you.

5+ years no NCAA wins.  6 years overall losing record in the Big East.  2/6 seasons with a >.500 record in the Big East.
 One Top 3 Big East finish.  No single season with single digit losses.  No BET Finals appearances (with a 2x BE POY).  0 players sent to the NBA (despite multiple 4/5 star recruits).  2 straight horrendous collapses.  4 losses to DePaul in 6 years.

Ok you have a *slightly* positive KenPom slope.  KenPom is so heavily dependent on conference ratings that 13-15 Minnesota Gophers are like 3 spots behind us.

[Eldon]

Your stupidity is relentless and insufferable too.

Year 2 KenPom: 97
Year 3 KenPom: 32
Year 4 KenPom: 53
Year 5 KenPom: 33
Current KenPom: 29

Yup, horizontal from year 2 on!

PS love that “NoJos” get all hot and bothered when a “projo” says if you leave out the waste of a first year...Until that fits their agenda and then they’re all for it. Have it both ways!

This Wades vs 5DP argument boils down to the measure.

Wades shows KenPom numbers.  5DP could cite Tourney wins

Year 2: 0
Year 3: 0
Year 4: 0
Year 5: 0

Hence, flat. 

I think it's good to remember that KenPom is a means to an end, namely, getting to the NCAA--and winning games there.

[Jay Bee]

Much of the 'fanbase' is trending downward. Deep into the poopy muck.

[jesmu84]

If anyone is ignoring facts here it's you.

5+ years no NCAA wins.  6 years overall losing record in the Big East.  2/6 seasons with a >.500 record in the Big East.
 One Top 3 Big East finish.  No single season with single digit losses.  No BET Finals appearances (with a 2x BE POY).  0 players sent to the NBA (despite multiple 4/5 star recruits).  2 straight horrendous collapses.  4 losses to DePaul in 6 years.

Ok you have a *slightly* positive KenPom slope.  KenPom is so heavily dependent on conference ratings that 13-15 Minnesota Gophers are like 3 spots behind us.

Ellenson?

[wadesworld]

Much of the 'fanbase' is trending downward. Deep into the poopy muck.

Yup.

Ellenson?

Yup.

[5DollarPitcher]

This Wades vs 5DP argument boils down to the measure.

Wades shows KenPom numbers.  5DP could cite Tourney wins

Year 2: 0
Year 3: 0
Year 4: 0
Year 5: 0

Hence, flat. 

I think it's good to remember that KenPom is a means to an end, namely, getting to the NCAA--and winning games there.

I don't think it's quite that simple for me.  If we somehow win a tourney game this year in an 8/9 against some another dismal bubble team and then get crap pumped by Dayton.  I'm not going to suddenly submit that Wojo is trending upward.

[5DollarPitcher]

Ellenson?

Lol oh yes.  How could I forgot.  Ellenson may have had more NBA success if he was allowed to go straight from high school.

[wadesworld]

Lol oh yes.  How could I forgot.  Ellenson may have had more NBA success if he was allowed to go straight from high school.

That makes a lot of sense.

[5DollarPitcher]

That makes a lot of sense.

Really couldn't be much worse than what his NBA career actually was (past-tense as he's a G league guy now).  Henry was getting drafted lottery with or without Wojo.

[MikeDeanesDarkGlasses]

Really couldn't be much worse than what his NBA career actually was (past-tense as he's a G league guy now).  Henry was getting drafted lottery with or without Wojo.

Kind of interesting  how Steve Novak had a way better career.

[wadesworld]

Really couldn't be much worse than what his NBA career actually was (past-tense as he's a G league guy now).  Henry was getting drafted lottery with or without Wojo.

None of which supports your claim. Shockingly.

Kind of interesting  how Steve Novak had a way better career.

Not really. One could shoot the lights out as a freshman in high school. The other still can’t shoot. Not that hard to figure out why one had a better career than the other.

[5DollarPitcher]

None of which supports your claim. Shockingly.

Shockingly, it does.  By indicating that he could do no worse and that he was going with or without Wojo means Wojo didn't exactly "send him to the NBA" which is what my original claim was. 

Regardless, you and I both know you are splitting hairs about a situation that does not capture the spirit of what I was getting at.  Wojo didn't build any NBA players.  If anything the overwhelming majority of his players have stagnated or gotten worse under his tutelage.  You'll disagree, I'm sure.

[wadesworld]

Shockingly, it does.  By indicating that he could do no worse and that he was going with or without Wojo means Wojo didn't exactly "send him to the NBA" which is what my original claim was. 

Regardless, you and I both know you are splitting hairs about a situation that does not capture the spirit of what I was getting at.  Wojo didn't build any NBA players.  If anything the overwhelming majority of his players have stagnated or gotten worse under his tutelage.  You'll disagree, I'm sure.

Yes, if you discount the players Wojo has make it to the NBA then he had 0 players make it to the NBA.

Good argument.

And yes we’ll disagree that most of his players have stagnated or gotten worse under Wojo.

[5DollarPitcher]

Yes, if you discount the players Wojo has make it to the NBA then he had 0 players make it to the NBA.

Good argument.

And yes we’ll disagree that most of his players have stagnated or gotten worse under Wojo.

Player(S)??  Should just be "player".  You have a typo.  Also Ellenson has been in the G league nearly his whole career and has never played more than half of an NBA season.  So... I guess you're right.

[wadesworld]

Player(S)??  Should just be "player".  You have a typo.  Also Ellenson has been in the G league nearly his whole career and has never played more than half of an NBA season.  So... I guess you're right.

You got it wrong and now you’re digging in. Doesn’t change the fact that you got it wrong.

[5DollarPitcher]

You got it wrong and now you’re digging in. Doesn’t change the fact that you got it wrong.

Ok I overlooked Henry Ellenson when listing several mediocre statistics related to Wojo off the top of my head.  But my overall point is relevant and by bringing it here you're intentionally distracting.

Unless you're saying Wojo coaching Henry Ellenson followed by Henry Ellenson's NBA career should be counted as a positive for his overall "success resume"?  Is that what you're saying?  I honestly can't tell.

[wadesworld]

Ok I overlooked Henry Ellenson when listing several mediocre statistics related to Wojo off the top of my head.  But my overall point is relevant and by bringing it here you're intentionally distracting.

Unless you're saying Wojo coaching Henry Ellenson followed by Henry Ellenson's NBA career should be counted as a positive for his overall "success resume"?  Is that what you're saying?  I honestly can't tell.

I’m saying if you’re going to cry about Wojo at least get what you’re crying about right.

Or don’t and keep digging in despite the facts being against you. Up to you I suppose.

[5DollarPitcher]

I’m saying if you’re going to cry about Wojo at least get what you’re crying about right.

Or don’t and keep digging in despite the facts being against you. Up to you I suppose.

Ok - Henry Ellenson is proof that Wojo is a good coach and player development guy.  You win.  You really are gonna die on that Projo hill huh?

[Mike Deane's Seat Belt]

Buzz still has 4 former mu players in the league!!! Thats pretty impressive! 

[joparks]

Just saying, I don't think I would be bragging to everyone about getting Ellenson to the NBA if I was Wojo.  He didn't develop the guy much if at all while he was here and he hasn't done anything in the NBA and he's currently in the G League. 

Honestly, it comes across as desperate if you are chalking that one into the win column.

[ATL MU Warrior]

Shockingly, it does.  By indicating that he could do no worse and that he was going with or without Wojo means Wojo didn't exactly "send him to the NBA" which is what my original claim was. 

Regardless, you and I both know you are splitting hairs about a situation that does not capture the spirit of what I was getting at.  Wojo didn't build any NBA players.  If anything the overwhelming majority of his players have stagnated or gotten worse under his tutelage.  You'll disagree, I'm sure.

Are you suggesting that a guy like Jimmy Butler wouldn’t have gone t9 the NBA if he’d gone somewhere other than MU?

[Blackhat]

After this administration 86’d the great thing going with buzz, acting like those kind of coaches grow like raspberries, I’m not sure I’d trust them to make a better hire.

Such incompetence, leaves me thinking maybe another year of wojo isn’t a bad thing.

[wadesworld]

Nobody’s championing Hank. What comes out as desperate is blatantly getting your facts wrong and then shifting the goalposts when called out on it.

[Frenns Liquor Depot]

After this administration 86’d the great thing going with buzz, acting like those kind of coaches grow like raspberries, I’m not sure I’d trust them to make a better hire.

Such incompetence, leaves me thinking maybe another year of wojo isn’t a bad thing.

I hear your overall sentiment, but the bolded isn’t true.

[Blackhat]

Are you suggesting that a guy like Jimmy Butler wouldn’t have gone t9 the NBA if he’d gone somewhere other than MU?

Buzz definitely got the most out of his players, to get them ready for/to the nba.  What they do when in isn’t really on any college coach anyone.

[Blackhat]

I hear your overall sentiment, but the bolded isn’t true.

Lovell?  I know Scholl wasn’t here. ..or was that pilarz/Larry?  UGHHHHH!!!  What a nightmare

[ATL MU Warrior]

Buzz definitely got the most out of his players, to get them ready for/to the nba.  What they do when in isn’t really on any college coach anyone.

He did, that was his best trait as a coach imo.

However, JFB was going to the NBA even if he didn’t play for Buzz so to give him the credit seems silly.

[panda]

Yes, if you discount the players Wojo has make it to the NBA then he had 0 players make it to the NBA.

Good argument.

And yes we’ll disagree that most of his players have stagnated or gotten worse under Wojo.

Henry was a first rounder coming out of high school and he was drafted in the first round after MU. Good on Wojo to get him here but Ellenson would have had the same results at any other major school.

[Frenns Liquor Depot]

Lovell?  I know Scholl wasn’t here. ..or was that pilarz/Larry?  UGHHHHH!!!  What a nightmare

Lovell ok’d the Wojo hire but was not yet started.  Scholl came in to replace Cords interim stint after Larry left. 

[wadesworld]

Henry was a first rounder coming out of high school and he was drafted in the first round after MU. Good on Wojo to get him here but Ellenson would have had the same results at any other major school.

So what you’re saying is...Wojo hasn’t put 0 players into the NBA.

Agreed.

Buzz still has 4 former mu players in the league!!! Thats pretty impressive! 

Which four are we counting? I’m assuming not Deonte since he sat the bench for one year under Buzz and ended his career at Iowa State.

So we’re giving Buzz both Wes, who he coached for just his final season, and Juan, who Wojo coached for just his final season?

Wes counts for Buzz but Juan, in the exact same situation as Wes, does not count for Wojo and does count for Buzz. Sure, have it both ways Nojos!

[warriorfred]

After this administration 86’d the great thing going with buzz, acting like those kind of coaches grow like raspberries, I’m not sure I’d trust them to make a better hire.

Such incompetence, leaves me thinking maybe another year of wojo isn’t a bad thing.

I am in favor a finding a new coach, but the BOT does not inspire confidence . . . 

[jesmu84]

Henry was a first rounder coming out of high school and he was drafted in the first round after MU. Good on Wojo to get him here but Ellenson would have had the same results at any other major school.

Same with Wes. And Butler. And Crowder.

[NickelDimer]

Much of the 'fanbase' is trending downward. Deep into the poopy muck.

#lies #fakenews

This fans bases’ stock is way up for the simple fact that many woke up to the reality that we have a no-talent, stiff bum as our HC

[Galway Eagle]

#lies #fakenews

This fans bases’ stock is way up for the simple fact that many woke up to the reality that we have a no-talent, stiff bum as our HC

He's at least somewhat able, he'd have a great career somewhere with lower expectations. He'd bring in big recruits and be on the right side of the bubble more than not. He's just not able to hit MU expectations. I think the biggest issue that made this whole "projo" vs "nojo" argument so polarizing is a lot of the people who are considered "projo" aren't willing to use the ridiculous hyperbole used frequently by "nojos" seen here.

[Aircraftcarrier]

Maybe MU would start trending upward if we had some really good guards especially ones that can handle the ball and maybe shoot a little bit besides Howard.Makes me sick when I watch Dayton and see the guards they have.Pick it up WOJO!

[skianth16]

Same with Wes. And Butler. And Crowder.

Strongly disagree on Wes and Crowder. Wes was the 3rd or 4th option in his first 3 years at MU. He even thanked Buzz in his senior day speech for giving him opportunities he didn't have with Crean (slight paraphrase of course). And Crowder was undersized as a big but a little slow for a wing, not quite right for a standard college basketball role. I'm not sure how many other coaches would have allowed him to play the role/minutes he did at MU.

I think Buzz did a great job of knowing what his guys were capable of and then finding ways to highlight their talents in his gameplans. I don't think all coaches are able/willing to do this.

[jesmu84]

Strongly disagree on Wes and Crowder. Wes was the 3rd or 4th option in his first 3 years at MU. He even thanked Buzz in his senior day speech for giving him opportunities he didn't have with Crean (slight paraphrase of course). And Crowder was undersized as a big but a little slow for a wing, not quite right for a standard college basketball role. I'm not sure how many other coaches would have allowed him to play the role/minutes he did at MU.

I think Buzz did a great job of knowing what his guys were capable of and then finding ways to highlight their talents in his gameplans. I don't think all coaches are able/willing to do this.

So, even after seeing Juan's appearance in the NBA contrasted with his extremely low college production, you truly believe Wes or Crowder - juco POY - wouldn't have gotten into the NBA without Buzz?

[Golden Avalanche]

He has a losing record in conference over 6 seasons....

Willard has a losing record in conference over 10 years.

[skianth16]

So, even after seeing Juan's appearance in the NBA contrasted with his extremely low college production, you truly believe Wes or Crowder - juco POY - wouldn't have gotten into the NBA without Buzz?

I'm not sure I follow the Juan Anderson piece here.

As for Crowder, I don't know the numbers, but I doubt many other JUCO POYs made it to the NBA. Buzz probably wasn't the only coach that was able to get those guys into the league, but I don't think Wes and Crowder would have been in the NBA without Buzz's coaching. Of course, they deserve a ton of credit for putting the work in, but I give some credit to Buzz for developing that work ethic too.

[jesmu84]

I'm not sure I follow the Juan Anderson piece here.

As for Crowder, I don't know the numbers, but I doubt many other JUCO POYs made it to the NBA. Buzz probably wasn't the only coach that was able to get those guys into the league, but I don't think Wes and Crowder would have been in the NBA without Buzz's coaching. Of course, they deserve a ton of credit for putting the work in, but I give some credit to Buzz for developing that work ethic too.

With regards to Juan - his college production, or lack thereof - certainly didn't preclude him from getting to the NBA.

With Wes, he had already had 3 extremely productive college seasons. His chances at the NBA were already good.  Much better than Juan.

Did buzz make Jae and perhaps Wes better? Sure. But they had already achieved quite a bit on their own (significantly more than Juan). So I believe they would have made it with or without Buzz.

[JWags85]

With regards to Juan - his college production, or lack thereof - certainly didn't preclude him from getting to the NBA.

With Wes, he had already had 3 extremely productive college seasons. His chances at the NBA were already good.  Much better than Juan.

Did buzz make Jae and perhaps Wes better? Sure. But they had already achieved quite a bit on their own (significantly more than Juan). So I believe they would have made it with or without Buzz.

With all due respect, that’s completely incorrect revisionist history. He averaged 11 pts and 4 rebounds those first 3 seasons on average at best percentages. If he averaged 12 and 5 again as a senior, he wasn’t making an ALL-BE team and he wasn’t on scouts radar’s, especially as a relatively undersized 2/3. Juan averaged 8 and 6 as a senior with much better size, and didn’t even get a Summer League invite. Wes’ has a great work ethic and developed. But without Buzz, if he made the NBA it would have been a more Buycks-like route. He never had a “good chance” at the NBA based on his Crean years

[4everwarriors]

Too Tanned Tommy used his NBA connections on Juan. Still waitin' on da Tommy and Joanie Crean Memorial Soccer Megaplex, aina?

[Elonsmusk]

He's at least somewhat able, he'd have a great career somewhere with lower expectations. He'd bring in big recruits and be on the right side of the bubble more than not. He's just not able to hit MU expectations. I think the biggest issue that made this whole "projo" vs "nojo" argument so polarizing is a lot of the people who are considered "projo" aren't willing to use the ridiculous hyperbole used frequently by "nojos" seen here.

Yet ProJos are adamant that coming into a program that made NCAA in 8 of 9 prior seasons, and included 7, Top 100 players, 4 of which were sophomores, was a “dumpster fire,” and “empty cupboard.”  Talk about hyperbole.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Yet ProJos are adamant that coming into a program that made NCAA in 8 of 9 prior seasons, and included 7, Top 100 players, 4 of which were sophomores, was a “dumpster fire,” and “empty cupboard.”  Talk about hyperbole.

What does recruiting rankings from 2+ years ago and what the program did 2+ years ago have to do with the quality of the roster in the first year?

[Frenns Liquor Depot]

To tracking players that enter the NBA is an important stat.  1. It means the coach finds pretty great players and 2. It means the coach created an environment where the player could improve.

So, I dont think Buzz made Jimmy or Jae a pro player--but he got them to attend Marquette and created an environment for them to improve/succeed.  Could that have happened elsewhere, sure, but I dont care about those places.

[Elonsmusk]

What does recruiting rankings from 2+ years ago and what the program did 2+ years ago have to do with the quality of the roster in the first year?

There was plenty of talent in the program when Wojo was hired. As virtually everyone can now agree...Wojo isn’t a very good basketball coach. And he was even worse his first two years on he job.

Nobody’s fault but his own as to why we performed so bad those first two years.  He’s also to blame for losing the Hausers. 

At some point I’d think you would get tired of making excuses for the guy...it’s almost to the John Dodd’s level of Pollyanna.

[BM1090]

There was plenty of talent in the program when Wojo was hired. As virtually everyone can now agree...Wojo isn’t a very good basketball coach. And he was even worse his first two years on he job.

Nobody’s fault but his own as to why we performed so bad those first two years.  He’s also to blame for losing the Hausers. 

At some point I’d think you would get tired of making excuses for the guy...it’s almost to the John Dodd’s level of Pollyanna.

No there wasn't. Buzz couldn't win with that talent then 4 of the best players graduated/were kicked off the team. The talent sucked. Kenpom preseason #87 says it all. Juan was our best Buzz leftover and second best player behind Carlino. Terrible roster that Buzz constructed.

There are plenty of legitimate reasons you can cite to show Wojo hasn't been good. Use them. Using this stupid unnatural carnal knowledgeing argument over and over just makes it harder for people to take you seriously when you make legitimately good points.

[Galway Eagle]

Yet ProJos are adamant that coming into a program that made NCAA in 8 of 9 prior seasons, and included 7, Top 100 players, 4 of which were sophomores, was a “dumpster fire,” and “empty cupboard.”  Talk about hyperbole.

You are so predictable. Next you can ignore the responses using facts, claim Wojo is worse than deane and ignore the facts using more ridiculous hyperbole. BM1090 put it right, there are legitimate reasons to dislike Wojo's coaching this year and last year and IMO the year before. Stick to facts not statements based on what you believe because you buy too much into the recruiting rankings.

[wadesworld]

There was plenty of talent in the program when Wojo was hired. As virtually everyone can now agree...Wojo isn’t a very good basketball coach. And he was even worse his first two years on he job.

Nobody’s fault but his own as to why we performed so bad those first two years.  He’s also to blame for losing the Hausers. 

At some point I’d think you would get tired of making excuses for the guy...it’s almost to the John Dodd’s level of Pollyanna.

There was so much talent on that roster for Wojo to work with in year one that all of two players from the team (outside of Carlino, who Wojo brought in himself) wound up being anything more than a role player on a high major team in his career, despite numerous guys from that roster having played for more than just Wojo.  And one of those two players transferred out after his mother died.  But you've claimed he's lying and using his mother's death as an excuse, so forget I said that.

So much talent left behind for Wojo that the almighty Buzz Williams took all that talent PLUS a senior Jamil Wilson, senior Davante Gardner, 6th year senior Chris Otule, and junior Todd Mayo and took them all the way to...a postseason-less year the prior year.  17-15.  With all that talent!

But hey, he had Magic Johnson Dawson to work with.  Only Wojo could mess up not giving that guy 40 minutes a night.  There's proof that he just needed the opportunity out there.  He totally dominated the juggernaut Big South conference when he got there...err...

Love this stuff Ners.  Keep it up, you're killing it.

[jesmu84]

Yet ProJos are adamant that coming into a program that made NCAA in 8 of 9 prior seasons, and included 7, Top 100 players, 4 of which were sophomores, was a “dumpster fire,” and “empty cupboard.”  Talk about hyperbole.

Re: empty cupboard/recruit rankings... What were the preseason kenpom numbers and value add numbers for MU in wojos first year?

[CountryRoads]

Anyone remember why Wojo didn’t even attempt to get any guys into the program in year one? It was a totally wasted year. I thought he could have done a better job.

[4everwarriors]

Mofo wuz on a honeymoon and had da luxury of thyme, hey?

[wadesworld]

Anyone remember why Wojo didn’t even attempt to get any guys into the program in year one? It was a totally wasted year. I thought he could have done a better job.

What does this even mean? Yeah, let’s knock Wojo because he couldn’t get the kids he was recruiting to follow him to MU. If he was even making any effort we would’ve had Tyus Jones, Jhalil Okafor, and Justice Winslow and we would’ve won a Natty his first year.

[CountryRoads]

What does this even mean? Yeah, let’s knock Wojo because he couldn’t get the kids he was recruiting to follow him to MU. If he was even making any effort we would’ve had Tyus Jones, Jhalil Okafor, and Justice Winslow and we would’ve won a Natty his first year.

Huh? He explicitly said, “This isn’t a patch job.” Then proceeds to sign a chucker on a team that wasn’t going anywhere anyway. I’m just saying I thought he could have either brought in a few pieces of his own or at least started to give bigger roles to guys who would have been on the following year’s team. Not sure why the rebuild didn’t start in year 1 if the cupboard was so bare.

[Silent Verbal]

In year one, Wojo actually gave us a preview of his “all of it, all the time” coaching model, and we didn’t even know it.  As in, promise one guy all of it, all the time and hope that his assistants, including Chris “Dead Weight” Carrawell and Brett “The Shot Doctor” Nelson (Physician, heal thyself!) could coach the other guys up.

[Lennys Tap]

The real issue isn’t whether or not Wojo inherited a “bare cupboard”. It’s why, in year 6, he is one (1) player away from a bare cupboard. Markus is an all timer at Marquette, a guy whose jersey will be hoisted to the rafters alongside GT’s, Dean’s, Bo’s, Luke’s and Dwyane’s. And his epitaph will include never playing on a team that finished in the top 25 and very possibly never playing on a team that won an NCAA tournament game. Not many 4 year players who are 2 time All Americans can say that. Thanks Wojo.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Anyone remember why Wojo didn’t even attempt to get any guys into the program in year one? It was a totally wasted year. I thought he could have done a better job.

A while back I looked at what players were still uncommitted when Wojo was hired. IIRC, there were only like 8 top 125 players that were uncommitted at the point and most of them were 5-stars that were heading to blue bloods. Recruiting rankings aren't everything of course, there may have been some uncommitted three stars who could have panned out but you don't want to fill your roster with 4 years guys that aren't going to be players.

Remember Wojo did go after and land Gabe Levin as a traditional transfer in that first summer. Then Henry Ellenson did his official visit, gave a soft verbal, and Levin was gone like a day later. Don't know how he would have panned out at Marquette but he ended up being an 18 and 8 guy at Long Beach State.