[PaintTouches]Shayok commits to Marquette, bigs still on the radar

[PaintTouchesSays]

Shayok commits to Marquette, bigs still on the radar

On the same day Buzz Williams and the Golden Eagles received a crushing blow, they also received some good news when 6-foot-6 wing Marial Shayok announced his commitment to Marquette via Twitter. Earlier in the day it was announced that 6-foot-8 junior-college junior Jameel McKay had decided to transfer from the school before ever playing […]<img alt="" border="0" src="http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=painttouches.com&blog=28348875&post=8982&subd=painttouches&ref=&feed=1" width="1" height="1" />

Source: Shayok commits to Marquette, bigs still on the radar

[MU82]

Good story, although I might pick a nit on the use of "crushing blow" to describe McKay's departure.

Buzz leaving would be a crushing blow. An injury to a starter would be a crushing blow.

A backup forward leaving? Not crushing, even if it does blow.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Good story, although I might pick a nit on the use of "crushing blow" to describe McKay's departure.

Buzz leaving would be a crushing blow. An injury to a starter would be a crushing blow.

A backup forward leaving? Not crushing, even if it does blow.

There are many who thought he would start this year. And he would have definitely started next season. Either way, it never looks good when a recruit transfers before the season even starts.

[Lennys Tap]

There are many who thought he would start this year. And he would have definitely started next season. Either way, it never looks good when a recruit transfers before the season even starts.

Those who thought he would start this year were wrong. Two front court slots available, at least 3 guys (Otule, Gardner, Taylor) ahead of him, four when Jamil slides over to the 4. Next year? Who knows?

[strotty]

Good story, although I might pick a nit on the use of "crushing blow" to describe McKay's departure.

Buzz leaving would be a crushing blow. An injury to a starter would be a crushing blow.

A backup forward leaving? Not crushing, even if it does blow.

As it stands, this absolutely is a crushing blow to next year's team. And the staff would agree.

[jsglow]

As it stands, this absolutely is a crushing blow to next year's team. And the staff would agree.

No doubt and one would assume their highest recruiting priority between now and September.  But at least the perspective of a potential recruit changes with immediate minutes absolutely available.  Again, I'll go back to Tory Miller's current thought process as an example.

[Dawson Rental]

As it stands, this absolutely is a crushing blow to next year's team. And the staff would agree.

Especially given the Tory Miller news.

[94Warrior]

Especially given the Tory Miller news.

Do you know when Miller or Pierce are announcing?  I would be happy with either or both.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Especially given the Tory Miller news.

What Tory Miller news?

[Dawson Rental]

What Tory Miller news?

The news in the Paint Touches article which is the subject of this thread.

[Dawson Rental]

Do you know when Miller or Pierce are announcing?  I would be happy with either or both.

No.

[GGGG]

Mark Miller predicted Tory Miller to Colorado yesterday.  I wouldn't count on Tory.

And Miller is probably announcing next week.

[Aughnanure]

I'll say this. We may be a bit short next year and probably the year after (not going to put too many expectations into getting a frosh BIG unless it's Stone), but our wings are going to be very very long long. After point guard it stacks up like this:

6'3
6'4
6'5
6'5
6'6
6'6
6'6
6'7
6'7

[GGGG]

I'll say this. We may be a bit short next year and probably the year after (not going to put too many expectations into getting a frosh BIG unless it's Stone), but our wings are going to be very very long long. After point guard it stacks up like this:

6'3
6'4
6'5
6'5
6'6
6'6
6'6
6'7
6'7

Hey, the tallest player on the Final Four "Flyin' Illini" team was 6'8" Marcus Liberty.

[MU82]

As it stands, this absolutely is a crushing blow to next year's team. And the staff would agree.

OK. I'm still not crushed by this blow, and I won't be next year, but I've got superhuman recovery skills! 

I can accept that some might be very disappointed by this, though.

[94Warrior]

Mark Miller predicted Tory Miller to Colorado yesterday.  I wouldn't count on Tory.

And Miller is probably announcing next week.

I am not counting Tory out until he tweets 'Can't wait to be a Buffalo'.  A lot can change between now and next week, especially considering a fair amount of minutes just opened up at the 4/5 at MU. 

At some point, a 2014 or 2015 freshman big is going to take advantage of the huge opportunity and immediate playing time available at MU.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

The news in the Paint Touches article which is the subject of this thread.

Oh, I thought there was something that was more than speculation

[Badgerhater]

Hey, the tallest player on the Final Four "Flyin' Illini" team was 6'8" Marcus Liberty.

Do keep in mind that MU next year will still be taller as a group than any team in the recent past that didn't have Otule actively playing.  MU can still match up taller at the 1-4 than most teams and will have lots of  6'6 and above to rotate in at the 5.

Remember the Cooby/Acker back court?

[Dr. Blackheart]

As it stands, this absolutely is a crushing blow to next year's team. And the staff would agree.

Totally agree on next year where the pace was going to be all uptempo.  McKay has a very unique skill set Buzz was building around past this year.  No doubt he was struggling this year, though, with the physicality.  

Strotty, any chance you get an interview with McKay?  This just seems so ill timed and not thought out. This roster is very unbalanced in the future...both in terms of class, skills set and frontcourt vs. backcourt.

[Dawson Rental]

Oh, I thought there was something that was more than speculation

Got ya.  As far as speculation goes, Strotty has a pretty good insight into what the MU staff is hearing a lot of the time.

[Dawson Rental]

nm

[BCHoopster]

In seeing McKay physique he was built like a small forward, I can see why he does not want to play center next year.  But could he play small forward, not sure about that
either.  There was time next year for him, this year I did not see it.  Gardner has slimmed down enough to play the PF at times, Jamil can play the 4, I think he is more comfortable
there, playing against a slower 4 vs. a quick 3.  Worry about next year when it comes, but they will play a much more open offense next year with no big man.  The other team may
have to change there style to defend MU.  Taylor, Burton, and Anderson will just have to rebound, if they get one, watch out.  Duane Wilson will be much more important next year
as MU will need a scoring point guard.  Mayo, Hill and Johnson will have to give MU a scoring punch next year.  MU will be a guard oriented team next year, will be fun to watch.
Still not sure if Harris will make it here next year.

[Aughnanure]

Do keep in mind that MU next year will still be taller as a group than any team in the recent past that didn't have Otule actively playing.  MU can still match up taller at the 1-4 than most teams and will have lots of  6'6 and above to rotate in at the 5.

Remember the Cooby/Acker back court?

Agreed. Would be nice to get that one true 6'9 guy that can let us go mid-2000s Nova-style with the 4 guard/wing lineup.

[Dawson Rental]

Totally agree on next year where the pace was going to be all uptempo.  McKay has a very unique skill set Buzz was building around past this year.  No doubt he was struggling this year, though, with the physicality.  

Strotty, any chance you get an interview with McKay?  This just seems so ill timed and not thought out. This roster is very unbalanced in the future...both in terms of class, skills set and frontcourt vs. backcourt.

It will be interesting to see where McKay ends up.  I just can't understand where he can go and get playing time this year.  Wouldn't it have made more sense for him to stay and redshirt if he wanted to get solid minutes for two years?  Maybe, that wasn't an option due to the 2015 scholarship situation.

[94Warrior]

Oh, I thought there was something that was more than speculation

My thoughts exactly, not exactly "news".  

[ChicosBailBonds]

Bigs still on the radar.....


That is going to be the name of my new band.   Describes MU perfectly for much of the last 25 years (with some exceptions)

[94Warrior]

It will be interesting to see where McKay ends up.  I just can't understand where he can go and get playing time this year.  Wouldn't it have made more sense for him to stay and redshirt if he wanted to get solid minutes for two years?  Maybe, that wasn't an option due to the 2015 scholarship situation.

The way I understand it - with him being enrolled at MU, he can't play this year or first semester next year after transferring.  His only chance to play 2 full seasons is at MU.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Interesting that the article says Buzz plans on signing 2 bigs

[willie warrior]

Bigs still on the radar.....


That is going to be the name of my new band.   Describes MU perfectly for much of the last 25 years (with some exceptions)

Chicos--how dare you blaspheme.

[Lennys Tap]

Especially given the Tory Miller news.

What news is that?

[GGGG]

What news is that?

Pretty much a Colorado lean.  Even Mark Miller posted that prediction on 247.

[bilsu]

What news is that?

Major Colorado lean

[Lennys Tap]

Bigs still on the radar.....


That is going to be the name of my new band.   Describes MU perfectly for much of the last 25 years (with some exceptions)

"Chico and the Misfits". Music that brings you back to those fabulous 50s. Chico as lead singer/songwriter and lead guitar, Hoop and 84 sing harmonies, Willie bangs on the (same old ) drum. I smell platinum.

[Lennys Tap]

Pretty much a Colorado lean.  Even Mark Miller posted that prediction on 247.

Too bad.

[willie warrior]

"Chico and the Misfits". Music that brings you back to those fabulous 50s. Chico as lead singer/songwriter and lead guitar, Hoop and 84 sing harmonies, Willie bangs on the (same old ) drum. I smell platinum.

No Lenny, you have it wrong. With McKay sliding out, Buzz bangs out the same old drum with bigs. Durley, Mbao, Roseboro, Williams, and so on. But I am still confident that at some point Buzz will land a quality big stud.  The others mentioned above were not wanted or were not studs.

[nyg]

Pierce is visiting PITT today and is a lean towards them.  

[brewcity77]

No Lenny, you have it wrong. With McKay sliding out, Buzz bangs out the same old drum with bigs. Durley, Mbao, Roseboro, Williams, and so on. But I am still confident that at some point Buzz will land a quality big stud.  The others mentioned above were not wanted or were not studs.

willie, the next time you post an original thought will be the first time since you started bitching about bigs. When was that? Oh yeah...your third post over 5 years ago.

I sure hope we win today, but do not see it happening based on our prior two BE road games.

It seems like the same thing the past few years. We play a cupcake schedule the first half of the year against mostly patsies, all at home, which does nothing to prepare us for league play. In addition, we haven't had any inside game for about 5 years. Having 6 rotating guards with  absolutely nobody to compete with the bigs of the other BE just gets us killed by those type of teams.

When will Crean get two quality big men to play on the floor at the same time, so that we do not get mrdered by the other big teams?

[94Warrior]

Pierce is visiting PITT today and is a lean towards them.  

There is at least one dissenting opinion on where Pierce is headed.  Plus, I heard he was visiting MU later this month.

http://247sports.com/Player/Satchel-Pierce-31850/PlayerInstitutionPredictions

[brewcity77]

There is at least one dissenting opinion on where Pierce is headed.  Plus, I heard he was visiting MU later this month.

http://247sports.com/Player/Satchel-Pierce-31850/PlayerInstitutionPredictions

I'll be interested to see where Pierce stands come Tuesday or Wednesday. If he gets out of Pitt without a commit, we could be in good shape. But until the Pitt visit is done coupled with a confirmed date to visit MU, I won't be getting too psyched up.

And even with Miller, it looks like despite him not committing early to CU and visiting us last, we are still likely to miss out.

[Markusquette]

Does anyone think Jameel's departure had anything to do with a big man recruit coming that is still unannounced?

[Wally Schroeder]

Does anyone think Jameel's departure had anything to do with a big man recruit coming that is still unannounced?

Nope - a combination of all the reported / speculated reasons. If Cliff Alexander and Okafor all of a sudden decided they couldn't live without Marquette, that would be great, but that ain't happening.

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

Does anyone think Jameel's departure had anything to do with a big man recruit coming that is still unannounced?

I guess we can expect Jahlil Okafor or Myles Turner to commit any day now then huh?

[bilsu]

I'll be interested to see where Pierce stands come Tuesday or Wednesday. If he gets out of Pitt without a commit, we could be in good shape. But until the Pitt visit is done coupled with a confirmed date to visit MU, I won't be getting too psyched up.

And even with Miller, it looks like despite him not committing early to CU and visiting us last, we are still likely to miss out.

There is no reason for him to ciommit right away to Pitt. I do not think Pitt has any commitments at all, so it is not like he has to worry about Pitt running out of scholarships.

[brewcity77]

There is no reason for him to ciommit right away to Pitt. I do not think Pitt has any commitments at all, so it is not like he has to worry about Pitt running out of scholarships.

There was no rush for Burton, Duane Wilson, Nick Noskowiak, or Philip Flory to commit to Marquette, yet they all did. These schools work hard to get guys to commit as soon as possible because they know there's a chance of losing them. Just because he doesn't have to commit doesn't mean Jamie Dixon and his staff won't be doing everything in their power to ensure he does sooner rather than later.

[Dawson Rental]

My thoughts exactly, not exactly "news".  

Doubt Strotty at your own risk.

[We R Final Four]

willie, the next time you post an original thought will be the first time since you started bitching about bigs. When was that? Oh yeah...your third post over 5 years ago.

Holy sheet that is great!!
Almost 6 years Willie--keep it up!

[willie warrior]

willie, the next time you post an original thought will be the first time since you started bitching about bigs. When was that? Oh yeah...your third post over 5 years ago.

Thank you Brew. I have long been impressed by your original thoughts which I am sure have served you well throughout your life.

[willie warrior]

willie, the next time you post an original thought will be the first time since you started bitching about bigs. When was that? Oh yeah...your third post over 5 years ago.

You must have lots of time on your hands to search back 5 years to see what I said. Sad to say that I would not waste the same amount of time on you. Hope you have fun reading about 2000 plus posts. Sounds like a bureaucrat.

[StillAWarrior]

You must have lots of time on your hands to search back 5 years to see what I said. Sad to say that I would not waste the same amount of time on you. Hope you have fun reading about 2000 plus posts. Sounds like a bureaucrat.

I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that he didn't search through all your posts.  He probably went to your posts, went back to the beginning, and started reading there.  It wouldn't have taken long to get to your third post.  In fact, I just did the same thing to see how long it would take (less than 30 seconds) and realized that maybe brewcity77 was a little generous.  Your second post on scoop (three days earlier): "Getting Killed underneath. Barro is useless. Abysmal shooting. Remind anybody of MSU last year. This is atrocious."  I think that could fairly be characterized as "bitching about bigs."

At least your first post, "WHAT A JOKE!" was positive...or not.

[wadesworld]

Does anyone think Jameel's departure had anything to do with a big man recruit coming that is still unannounced?

No.

[Markusquette]

I guess we can expect Jahlil Okafor or Myles Turner to commit any day now then huh?

No.

I didn't either, but the only slight idea was some talk Stone might be coming or something.  But yes, esard2011, that's exactly what I expected.  Actually both of them committing.

[MU82]

I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that he didn't search through all your posts.  He probably went to your posts, went back to the beginning, and started reading there.  It wouldn't have taken long to get to your third post.  In fact, I just did the same thing to see how long it would take (less than 30 seconds) and realized that maybe brewcity77 was a little generous.  Your second post on scoop (three days earlier): "Getting Killed underneath. Barro is useless. Abysmal shooting. Remind anybody of MSU last year. This is atrocious."  I think that could fairly be characterized as "bitching about bigs."

At least your first post, "WHAT A JOKE!" was positive...or not.

Interesting. In the center-less years between Barro and Oxtule, I was pining for a center as good as Barro!

[willie warrior]

I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that he didn't search through all your posts.  He probably went to your posts, went back to the beginning, and started reading there.  It wouldn't have taken long to get to your third post.  In fact, I just did the same thing to see how long it would take (less than 30 seconds) and realized that maybe brewcity77 was a little generous.  Your second post on scoop (three days earlier): "Getting Killed underneath. Barro is useless. Abysmal shooting. Remind anybody of MSU last year. This is atrocious."  I think that could fairly be characterized as "bitching about bigs."

At least your first post, "WHAT A JOKE!" was positive...or not.

Ah yes-- a blast from the past. Ousmane Barro--now there was another great big. I believe he was one of Crean's studs. I also remember the MSU game in the tourney--what did we have--8 points at the half.
Maybe you should look about 2010-11 when we had an 18 point led at Louisville with about 9 minutes left and blew that. The Louisville meltdown. By the way, I had many posts prior to those under another name--so take the time to search that also.
Believe me, I won't waste time to look up your posts.

[muwarrior69]

Bigs still on the radar.....


That is going to be the name of my new band.   Describes MU perfectly for much of the last 25 years (with some exceptions)

Why is that?

[ChicosBailBonds]

Why is that?

I think schools get labeled.  Penn State is linebacker U.  MU is guards oriented.  UW-madison is mostly white, tall dudes.  Purdue is a QB school.  GTown with bigs.  I'm generalizing like crazy, but there is some perception to it for a reason.

I've always been a little surprised by it because our front lines in the 1970's were tall for that era, at least that was my impression.  Somewhere it seems that we stopped getting quality bigs.  I assume because there just aren't that many out there and they tend to go

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

I think schools get labeled.  Penn State is linebacker U.  MU is guards oriented.  UW-madison is mostly white, tall dudes.  Purdue is a QB school.  GTown with bigs.  I'm generalizing like crazy, but there is some perception to it for a reason.

I've always been a little surprised by it because our front lines in the 1970's were tall for that era, at least that was my impression.  Somewhere it seems that we stopped getting quality bigs.  I assume because there just aren't that many out there and they tend to go

I mean, I kinda really like are bigs this year. But I guess youre right, this would probably be labeled as an exception.

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

You must have lots of time on your hands to search back 5 years to see what I said. Sad to say that I would not waste the same amount of time on you. Hope you have fun reading about 2000 plus posts. Sounds like a bureaucrat.

Dude, you got pwned, and that's your comeback?

[wadesworld]

I mean, I kinda really like are bigs this year. But I guess youre right, this would probably be labeled as an exception.

It's no exception. The exception was the Tom Crean Era. Had some good bigs before. Then Tom came and he got a good one for a year (Bob Jackson), a decent one (Oose), and nothing else. Buzz just needed some time to turn his project into bigs. I have a feeling next year will be the one year we see Buzz without a really quality big man banging down low.

[Dawson Rental]

It's no exception. The exception was the Tom Crean Era. Had some good bigs before. Then Tom came and he got a good one for a year (Bob Jackson), a decent one (Oose), and nothing else. Buzz just needed some time to turn his project into bigs. I have a feeling next year will be the one year we see Buzz without a really quality big man banging down low.

Doesn't Crean's first recruit, Scott Merritt deserve to be called "a decent one".

[Lennys Tap]

Doesn't Crean's first recruit, Scott Merritt deserve to be called "a decent one".

He was a 4, but he was decent.

[NersEllenson]

I think schools get labeled.  Penn State is linebacker U.  MU is guards oriented.  UW-madison is mostly white, tall dudes.  Purdue is a QB school.  GTown with bigs.  I'm generalizing like crazy, but there is some perception to it for a reason.

I've always been a little surprised by it because our front lines in the 1970's were tall for that era, at least that was my impression.  Somewhere it seems that we stopped getting quality bigs.  I assume because there just aren't that many out there and they tend to go

Let me help you:  The end of the Al McGuire era.  Thankfully we have a coach now who has us looking more and more like Al's teams talent (and result)-wise.  I suspect this success will eventually help us land some premier bigs - especially if Gardner has a break out year, and even Otule - given the likelihood of another Sweet 16+ type of season this year.

[LloydMooresLegs]

I think a bunch of us forgot about Jiimmy Mac.  One of the best all around bigs in MU history.

Oh, and Lloyd Moore.

[keefe]

I think schools get labeled.  Penn State is linebacker U.  MU is guards oriented.  UW-madison is mostly white, tall dudes.  Purdue is a QB school.  GTown with bigs.  I'm generalizing like crazy, but there is some perception to it for a reason.

I've always been a little surprised by it because our front lines in the 1970's were tall for that era, at least that was my impression.  Somewhere it seems that we stopped getting quality bigs.  I assume because there just aren't that many out there and they tend to go

We had the pick of the litter until Al left. The first sign of trouble was when we missed on Bowie. When Downing signed with DePaul, despite Majerus' full court press, we knew the worm had turned.

[GGGG]

Let me help you:  The end of the Al McGuire era.  Thankfully we have a coach now who has us looking more and more like Al's teams talent (and result)-wise.  I suspect this success will eventually help us land some premier bigs - especially if Gardner has a break out year, and even Otule - given the likelihood of another Sweet 16+ type of season this year.

Yeah, but it is frustrating that we have so much PT available for 2014 and beyond and can't get anyone to bite.  Hopefully it will be Pierce.

[willie warrior]

Interesting. In the center-less years between Barro and Oxtule, I was pining for a center as good as Barro!

Pretty pathetic that people are now labeling Barro as good.

[NersEllenson]

Yeah, but it is frustrating that we have so much PT available for 2014 and beyond and can't get anyone to bite.  Hopefully it will be Pierce.

Completely agree..extremely frustrating as I'm sure it is to Buzz and staff.  We even have DG to point to as how a big evolves and gets involved in the MU offense - and you'd think we could put to rest an assumed objection from bigs as to MU being a guard/wing school...I'm sure other coaches pound that message into big men recruits heads when going up against MU for a big.

Could really see Diamond Stone being a defining recruit for Buzz and the MU program - land him and we are totally on the way....he goes elsewhere and I suspect Buzz might begin to question his ability to compete at the highest level at MU.

[wadesworld]

Completely agree..extremely frustrating as I'm sure it is to Buzz and staff.  We even have DG to point to as how a big evolves and gets involved in the MU offense - and you'd think we could put to rest an assumed objection from bigs as to MU being a guard/wing school...I'm sure other coaches pound that message into big men recruits heads when going up against MU for a big.

Could really see Diamond Stone being a defining recruit for Buzz and the MU program - land him and we are totally on the way....he goes elsewhere and I suspect Buzz might begin to question his ability to compete at the highest level at MU.

His 2 straight Sweet 16s along with an Elite Eight and a conference championship in the best conference ever assembles would disagree with him then.

[bilsu]

I do not know if this actually plays into a recruits decision, but I could see how it can and therefore I believe it has been a big detriment to MU recruiting a power forward. Tory Miller and other players like him may want to play power forward and they can project being stuck at center if they come to MU, because MU does not have a big center. Somewhat the problem McKay was upset about. Getting a commitment from Stone would increase the chance of getting a commitment from a true 4 who wants to play the 4. Without a good center 4's are going to stay away.

[brewcity77]

You must have lots of time on your hands to search back 5 years to see what I said. Sad to say that I would not waste the same amount of time on you. Hope you have fun reading about 2000 plus posts. Sounds like a bureaucrat.

It took less than 30 seconds. Time to brush up on your Internets skillz.

[Dawson Rental]

I think a bunch of us forgot about Jiimmy Mac.  One of the best all around bigs in MU history.

Oh, and Lloyd Moore.

Sigh, if only Lloyd Moore's legs hadn't betrayed him.

One of the best all around bigs in MU history.

But only the second best all around big during all four of his years here.

[deep vacuum]

What would be the harm in having an incoming Otule, Barro type every year?  Would a 1-2 star center benefit MU as much as having a some 6'-8" 4 star switchable?

[Dawson Rental]

What would be the harm in having an incoming Otule, Barro type every year?  Would a 1-2 star center benefit MU as much as having a some 6'-8" 4 star switchable?

There are many here who agree with you.  Buzz has been here so long that many don't realize that Otule's offer was Crean's decision.  Clearly Buzz is happy to have Chris now.

[brewcity77]

What would be the harm in having an incoming Otule, Barro type every year?  Would a 1-2 star center benefit MU as much as having a some 6'-8" 4 star switchable?

I'm on board with that. Get even one 2-star every 2 years and you should always have one junior or senior big. Guys like Dwight Burke and Chris Otule have been very valuable despite not being highly acclaimed coming in.

[tower912]

This is why I was so enthused about Durley a year ago.    A big body who would have gotten a year with Todd and a year to play against Chris and Gardner before anything was required of him.    Ah, well.   

[bilsu]

There are many here who agree with you.  Buzz has been here so long that many don't realize that Otule's offer was Crean's decision.  Clearly Buzz is happy to have Chris now.

In the end it was Crean's decision, but the high school coach who knew Buzz called him about Otule. Buzz recommended him to Crean.

[Dawson Rental]

In the end it was Crean's decision, but the high school coach who knew Buzz called him about Otule. Buzz recommended him to Crean.

Buzz also recommended to Crean that MU not offer a scholarship until the spring to see how his senior year turned out, and Crean said offer him now (fall signing period).  Crean by then knew that you don't mess around if you want to get a big guy.