Miami

[tower912]

So, what did you guys see in Miami that you think is exploitable?    What scares you?     I saw a team that didn't respond well to Illinois beating up on it.   I also saw a team that is used to seeing shots fall that just weren't last night.   (that scares me)   I saw a team with big bigs, not 6'8, 195 lb guys playing the stretch 4.     BTW, I think STjr finally gets PT on Thursday due to foul trouble.     Be ready, young man.    Larkin is quicker than Junior or DWilson, but that is nothing new.     Illinois shot 3's without conscience, but Miami allowed some easy dunks worrying too much about the 3.   Generally not a problem playing MU.      To sum up, Miami is a good team that has earned all of the accolades sent their way this year.    However, like every other team, they have flaws.    Be physical every possession, every play, avoid the long periods without scoring, and MU has as good a shot as they have had in the previous two games.

[jficke13]

I saw a very talented Larkin. I saw a team that will work shots on the perimeter, but is just as happy going towards the paint. I think we'll have to play Larkin tenaciously like we played Clark in the 2nd half against Butler. I think that we should be aggressive on offenes, take the ball to the paint of the bounce and with crisp entrance passes to Jwilson, Otule, and Gardner when they have good position.

I think if we routinely lose players on screens or inside-out play defensively, then Miami will take and knock down open looks from 3. I think we need to capitalize on open shots and high-percentage shots. I think that we cannot have many turnovers and empty, bad-shot and no-offensive-rebound, possessions. Miami is too good to give them extra possessions.

[🏀]

Look to play aggressive and physical. Have to get out and see where the refs are going to call this game. A physical game will frustrate Miami in a big way.

I think Buzz comes out with a zone package and see if Miami is going to bomb out of it. Likely a zone that starts 40 feet out. I don't think we'll be looking at pressing often due to Larkin's speed.

[🏀]

Buzz also needs to feed the beasts down low. Hopefully Chris can establish some early offense prior to Gardner coming in.

Jamil's mid-range game will be needed big time as well.

[Retire54]

Maybe it was because the floor was spread out so much for the 3 point shooting but I wasn't as impressed with Miami's bigs as I thought I would be. They got out-rebounded by a bad rebounding team in Illinois. It will be tough because I think their bigs will give Davante and Chris everything they can handle, but I think Buzz needs to focus mostly on stopping the guards

[Benny B]

I'm going to grossly oversimplify here, but I'd play Miami pretty much the same way I played Cincinnati, just score one extra basket this time.

[🏀]

I'm going to grossly oversimplify here, but I'd play Miami pretty much the same way I played Cincinnati, just score one extra basket this time.

Not a bad plan.

[NavinRJohnson]

Illinois scored transition points in the first half, and did not in the second. That will be the key for MU to be able to score enough to win. As always, turnovers both ways will be a key.

[GGGG]

Look to play aggressive and physical. Have to get out and see where the refs are going to call this game. A physical game will frustrate Miami in a big way.

I think Buzz comes out with a zone package and see if Miami is going to bomb out of it. Likely a zone that starts 40 feet out. I don't think we'll be looking at pressing often due to Larkin's speed.

We aren't going to press...but we are going to pressure.  MU's MO this year is to make teams work for 40 minutes...keep subbing...fresh players to ride the ball.  Try to get them mentally and physically tired.  

[T-Bone]

I could see Mayo being glued to Larkin much the same as he was against Kilpatrick in the Cincy game.  Possibly Blue as well.  *IF* Larkin goes off.

Larkin vs. Junior/Wilson
Scott vs Blue/Mayo
McKinney-Jones/Brown vs Trent/Anderson
Kadji vs Wilson/STjr
Gamble/Johnson/Jekiri vs Otule/Gardner.  

The match-ups look decent there.  And that's generally the number of players that are out there for the teams.  Miami with a 8 rotation, us with 10.  

[tower912]

One thing that makes me nervous about Miami is that they have many players capable of having a huge game.    If one that MU isn't expecting to go off (see: Connaughton), it will end poorly.  

[Benny B]

One thing that makes me nervous about Miami is that they have many players capable of having a huge game.    If one that MU isn't expecting to go off (see: Connaughton), it will end poorly.  

Could you not say the same about MU?  Davante, Vander, Jamil, Junior... any one of them could go off for 25 pts.  Heck, even another double-double for Otule could be devastating for the other team.

[GGGG]

Could you not say the same about MU?  Davante, Vander, Jamil, Junior... any one of them could go off for 25 pts.  Heck, even another double-double for Otule could be devastating for the other team.

Neither Jamil nor Junior have ever scored 20 at MU much less 25.  Miami has at least four (and I stopped counting after that) players with 20+ point games this season.

[MarquetteMAN]

I don't know if this makes much of a difference, but did anyone see where #42 Reggie Johnson on Miami played a lot last night? the 6-10", 292 lbs. center was playing more toward the top of the key in the first half of that game than down low and when he got a pass a few feet away from the basket, he showed how incapable he is at dribbling. That said, I wasn't blown away by Miami's post players and they don't strike me as a team with a lot of depth (8 total 'Canes played last night). Their guards are definitely to be feared but their front court looks a bit slow. If Chris and Davante can establish themselves under the basket, they can do a lot of damage.

[Warriors10]

I could see Mayo being glued to Larkin much the same as he was against Kilpatrick in the Cincy game.  Possibly Blue as well.  *IF* Larkin goes off.

Larkin vs. Junior/Wilson
Scott vs Blue/Mayo
McKinney-Jones/Brown vs Trent/Anderson
Kadji vs Wilson/STjr
Gamble/Johnson/Jekiri vs Otule/Gardner.  

The match-ups look decent there.  And that's generally the number of players that are out there for the teams.  Miami with a 8 rotation, us with 10.  

Yeah....if Mayo is playing D on Larkin we are screwed.  His defense wasn't that great during the season and has been pretty damn mediocre thus far in the first two rounds.

[Benny B]

I don't know if this makes much of a difference, but did anyone see where #42 Reggie Johnson on Miami played a lot last night? the 6-10", 292 lbs. center was playing more toward the top of the key in the first half of that game than down low and when he got a pass a few feet away from the basket, he showed how incapable he is at dribbling. That said, I wasn't blown away by Miami's post players and they don't strike me as a team with a lot of depth (8 total 'Canes played last night). Their guards are definitely to be feared but their front court looks a bit slow. If Chris and Davante can establish themselves under the basket, they can do a lot of damage.

Kadji attempts almost four 3-pointers a game... only 1-3 vs. Pacific & 0-1 vs. Illinois, but he's taken as many as 7 in a game (vs. GTech) and shoots from range at a 35% clip... that concerns me a little bit.  Otherwise, no, their post players are not dominating guys; otherwise, Miami would be undefeated right now, and most of us would be cancelling our reservations in DC.

[ecompt]

Mayo hasn't been any kind of factor since the bombs he hit against Syracuse. He'll get some time against Miami but will probably be on a very short leash.

[GGGG]

Yeah....if Mayo is playing D on Larkin we are screwed.  His defense wasn't that great during the season and has been pretty damn mediocre thus far in the first two rounds.

Mayo is going to play spot minutes like he did against Butler unless he gets hot offensively.  He has been out of place and slow in his rotations.  Plus Blue and Lockett can go 35+ mpg.

[chapman]

I don't know if this makes much of a difference, but did anyone see where #42 Reggie Johnson on Miami played a lot last night? the 6-10", 292 lbs. center was playing more toward the top of the key in the first half of that game than down low and when he got a pass a few feet away from the basket, he showed how incapable he is at dribbling.

Big key here is for Gardner/Otule to not get drawn out (which Gardner especially tends to do) which allows him to clear the lane.  Be ready for the dribble drive instead.  And if Johnson gets the ball you give him the 15 footer or let him put it on the floor.  

[Eldon]

Larkin didn't look too comfortable when the pressure came once he passed the half-court line.  I like the 'play them like we played cincy' line, seems like a good, concise way to put it.

[MarquetteMAN]

otherwise, Miami would be undefeated right now, and most of us would be cancelling our reservations in DC.

Very true. As people were saying above, a physical team can beat them and that's what we are. as long as we don't repeatedly shoot ourselves in the foot, we will be in this.

[brewcity77]

Weaknesses I see that we could exploit:

• Bench play: Miami only goes 7 deep. This is another game where waves of players will wear the opposition out.
  
• Pace of play: They play at a slower pace than we do. I think in spurts putting Jamil in at center could work. Play Junior, Vander, Mayo, Taylor, and Jamil. It's a little unconventional but if we can get in transition their bigs won't be able to keep up.
  
• No unforced errors: Just like Davidson and Butler, Miami sucks at turning teams over. If we don't give it to them, they probably won't force it.
  
• Ball screen defense: Clemson shut Larkin down twice with ball screens. Play Larkin tight and hedge the passing lanes. I'm fine with Junior guarding Larkin as long as we have length on the other players to create turnovers. Make him beat you alone.

[mileskishnish72]

"Crisp entrance passes" have been a commodity in short supply this year.

[PGsHeroes32]

Johnson's 39% from the floor for a center verges on dreadful. Don't give him easy ones and he's basically neutralized.

[GGGG]

"Crisp entrance passes" have been a commodity in short supply this year.

MUCrisco has mentioned on other boards that our guards are taught only to make entry passes if they guy is open AND any "help defense" isn't close.  That is why sometimes our bigs look open...but Buzz still doesn't want our post players to be double-teamed easily.

[TSmith34, Inc.]

I could see Mayo being glued to Larkin

The way he has played recently I'd prefer to see Mayo glued to the bench.

[brewcity77]

We don't need our best defender on Larkin. We need our best defenders preventing Larkin from making passes.

[M@RQUETTEW@RRIORS]

We don't need our best defender on Larkin. We need our best defenders preventing Larkin from making passes.

I dont know.  Larkin seemed to be the only guy to go to the rack somewhat consistently.  All the rest of them seemed content to throw up the contested 3 ball.

[Retire54]

I haven't watched Miami a lot but Larkin really is their big playmaker. I think if you can take him out, they will have serious trouble. If that means face guarding him or not allowing him to make passes, we just can't get beat by one guy like Clarke tried to do last game.

Our bigs are good enough to go against theirs, jamil and vander can matchup with their 2 and 3, we just have to take away Larkin's playmaking ability

[muwarrior69]

I'll feel a lot better if we are trailing most of the game!

[brewcity77]

Our bigs are good enough to go against theirs, jamil and vander can matchup with their 2 and 3, we just have to take away Larkin's playmaking ability

Agreed. The team that did the best containing Miami was Clemson, who shut him down twice. Granted, Clemson lost both games, but Marquette is a lot better than Clemson. Take away Larkin's playmaking and you take him out of his game.

[omni77]

Looking forward to the 2 fat guys going at it: Davante vs. #42

[MarquetteMAN]

Weaknesses I see that we could exploit:

• Bench play: Miami only goes 7 deep. This is another game where waves of players will wear the opposition out.
  
• Pace of play: They play at a slower pace than we do. I think in spurts putting Jamil in at center could work. Play Junior, Vander, Mayo, Taylor, and Jamil. It's a little unconventional but if we can get in transition their bigs won't be able to keep up.
  
• No unforced errors: Just like Davidson and Butler, Miami sucks at turning teams over. If we don't give it to them, they probably won't force it.
  
• Ball screen defense: Clemson shut Larkin down twice with ball screens. Play Larkin tight and hedge the passing lanes. I'm fine with Junior guarding Larkin as long as we have length on the other players to create turnovers. Make him beat you alone.

I completely agree. They're not deep and not overly fast. wearing this team down will be key to beating them.

[MU82]

As was the case with Vander vs. Davidson, Larkin last night showed part of what makes him great.

He had a rough game, was frustrated and couldn't get anything going. And then, when the game was on the line, he came up huge. Takes a serious pair.

I haven't seen a better PG this season than Larkin, obviously an NBA player. We need to contain him as well as Temple did ... and then hope he doesn't win the game for them anyway.

[Otule's Glass Eye]

Play very tight D on Larkin, by giving D Wilson some good minutes on him. Pressure Miami just like we did in the 2nd half vs Butler, trying to cause turnovers.

[Galway Eagle]

As was the case with Vander vs. Davidson, Larkin last night showed part of what makes him great.

He had a rough game, was frustrated and couldn't get anything going. And then, when the game was on the line, he came up huge. Takes a serious pair.

I haven't seen a better PG this season than Larkin, obviously an NBA player. We need to contain him as well as Temple did ... and then hope he doesn't win the game for them anyway.

I agree Larkin's been amazing but he's 5-11 and weighs in the 170s he's just not physically gifted.  He's not gonna be able to get into the NBA. 

[Eldon]

The U's scouting report on us (according to their board)

- Vander Blue is one of the better guards we will face all year. Very similar in terms of size and build to Brandon Paul but only a 30 percent three point shooter. Streaky scorer but can go off if he's right.

- Not a lot of size or rebounding (163rd in the country in rebounds per game). Wilson and Gardner are their best but they are 6'7 and 6'8 respectively and average below 5 a game. Both could be matchup issues as we have had trouble at times with the undersized, scrappier bigs.

- They really don't shoot the three very well. Wilson is actually their best at 36 percent and then Lockett at 34%

other guy says

Marquette plays with a lineup very similar to ours. Gardner and Otule are big bodies that play the center and Wilson/Anderson are stretch 4s. Gardner is a beast inside and plays like the Reggie Johnson of last season.

Their backcourt is pretty talented and can all handle the ball. Blue is very athletic but doesn't have much range. Will be interesting to see how he does against the ACC defensive player of the year. Larkin is too athletic for Cadougan, but their backup pg Wilson is one of the best defensive pg's in the country. Their other guard Trent Lockett is a transfer from Arizona State where he was all Pac-12 but is more of a glue guy for them rather than a scorer. Similar to Mckinney-Jones except with a much better ability to get to the basket but not as good of a shooter.

They play 10 deep and constantly sub every whistle. They match up pretty well with us talent wise, but the fact that they can't shoot 3s will be the difference IMO. I don't think any team in the nation beats us without hitting a bunch of 3s.

I only found two boards.  The scout board and CanesInsider and this was all there was.  This "scouting MU" thread was created at noon EST and there have only been 2 replies.  If this is a good proxy for enthusiasm, I don't see their fans traveling very well.

[Tugg Speedman]

It's simple, we are not satisfied and they are.

Here is Buzz talking to his players after the Butler win:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALRZlZBB24M



Now contrast Buzz to Jim Larranaga talking to his players after the Illinois win.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHeX5rsmUw4



Which team is hungry and which team is satisfied?

Satisfied teams go home.  Hungry teams move on.


Also, the Canes players made a rap video about their win over Illinois yesterday:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFESJUHXUlQ

[muguru]

I said this earlier....this is business for MU. As Buzz says "it's time to pass the next test". These guys have been here done that with the Sweet 16. No one for Miami has...the stage will be to big for them.

[JD]

F**k Miami..

That's all.

[Chicos' Buzz Scandal Countdown]

It's simple, we are not satisfied and they are.

Here is Buzz talking to his players after the Butler win:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALRZlZBB24M



Now contrast Buzz to Jim Larranaga talking to his players after the Illinois win.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHeX5rsmUw4



Which team is hungry and which team is satisfied?

Satisfied teams go home.  Hungry teams move on.


Also, the Canes players made a rap video about their win over Illinois yesterday:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFESJUHXUlQ

they said they were going to the hotel to sleep then flying home in the morning?

[MauraDay]

good call. it's clear our players / coach believe the job is far from finished.

[ceh]

I said this earlier....this is business for MU. As Buzz says "it's time to pass the next test". These guys have been here done that with the Sweet 16. No one for Miami has...the stage will be to big for them.

I think Miami will be prepared.  They did win the ACC and all that.

[tower912]

A reasonable assessment by the one fan who cares.

[jficke13]

I think Miami will be prepared.  They did win the ACC and all that.

They'll be prepared. We'll be ready to beat them.

[Blackhat]

Lauranaga (sp) seems like a very good coach.   He's got experience in the tourney, has made it to a Final Four with less talent then this year.  I don't think these are some chumps we're up against from a coaching standpoint. 

[Otule's Glass Eye]

Good point. We've been there, done that. We want more.

[NotAnAlum]

We have not been the underdog since we played Syracuse.  Its good to be back in that role.  To have a chance we've got to play "like our hair is on fire". 

[AlienWarrior]

Becasuse Mr. Blue is not ready to go home yet

[mr.MUskie]

Good point. We've been there, done that. We want more.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48-tcRiBNj4

[Tugg Speedman]

Lauranaga (sp) seems like a very good coach.   He's got experience in the tourney, has made it to a Final Four with less talent then this year.  I don't think these are some chumps we're up against from a coaching standpoint. 

Lauranaga (sp) seems like a very good coach.   He's got experience in the tourney, has made it to a Final Four with less talent then this year.  I don't think these are some chumps we're up against from a coaching standpoint. 

Not saying that ...

Saying that Miami is dancing in the locker room, making rap videos and spending the night so they can celebrate. 

Marquette is acting like they have more to do because they have not YET done enough to warrant locker room dancing or making videos.

Miami is satisfied with their season so far.  Marquette is not.

[denverMU]

I will admit up front, I don't know how we do it, but to win Thursday we have to shut down Larkin.  In the first two tournament games Larkin has been responsible for 46% and 49% of Miami scoring.(either scoring himself or assisting on the score) Cut the head off the snake and we win.  I realize that's easier said then done but I believe Buzz can devise a game plan to do that.  Just like shutting down Clarke in the last 15 minutes of the Butler game.

[LloydMooresLegs]

Illinois did s decent job on Larkin.  Doubled him and the screeners defender jumped out on him on those high ball screens.  Should be able to do the same with our guys should Buzz choose that look for part of the game.

[Silkk the Shaka]

I will admit up front, I don't know how we do it, but to win Thursday we have to shut down Larkin.  In the first two tournament games Larkin has been responsible for 46% and 49% of Miami scoring.(either scoring himself or assisting on the score) Cut the head off the snake and we win.  I realize that's easier said then done but I believe Buzz can devise a game plan to do that.  Just like shutting down Clarke in the last 15 minutes of the Butler game.

Agreed. 

See: Butler on Tu Holloway, March 2011

We will have a plan for Larkin.  Can we prevent other players from hitting shots?  Can we hit our own?  That's my concern.

Did anyone catch their Wake or GA Tech games?  What was the prescription there?

[The Equalizer]

Not saying that ...

Saying that Miami is dancing in the locker room, making rap videos and spending the night so they can celebrate. 

Marquette is acting like they have more to do because they have not YET done enough to warrant locker room dancing or making videos.

Miami is satisfied with their season so far.  Marquette is not.

Or Larranaga is trying keeping his team loose, while Buzz is putting a lot of self-imposed pressure on his team. 

Meanwhile, I fail to see much difference:


 

[MU82]

To look at a couple of locker room scenes and read a few newspaper quotes and determine which team wants it more is downright silly.

I'm guessing both teams will want it plenty.

[Golden Avalanche]

Not saying that ...

Saying that Miami is dancing in the locker room, making rap videos and spending the night so they can celebrate. 

Marquette is acting like they have more to do because they have not YET done enough to warrant locker room dancing or making videos.

Miami is satisfied with their season so far.  Marquette is not.

Only the most stupid collection of words I've read in this forum.

[frozena pizza]

They will be ready for us, I have no doubt about that.

Take our posts and change "Larkin" to "Blue" and you basically have Miami's game plan.  They know that we are riding a hot player and the key to stopping us is shutting him down.

[Silkk the Shaka]

They will be ready for us, I have no doubt about that.

Take our posts and change "Larkin" to "Blue" and you basically have Miami's game plan.  They know that we are riding a hot player and the key to stopping us is shutting him down.

Jamil Wilson & Gardner gotta step up big time this game, I think they'll get a lot of looks based off of the attention Blue will likely garner.

[GGGG]

I said this earlier....this is business for MU. As Buzz says "it's time to pass the next test". These guys have been here done that with the Sweet 16. No one for Miami has...the stage will be to big for them.

Miami had a great game in the ACC Championship in North Carolina against UNC.  They are going to be fine.

[TJ]

avoid the long periods without scoring, and MU has as good a shot as they have had in the previous two games.

If they could do that, I would feel great about this game.  Unfortunately, I've seen nothing to indicate they can.

[TJ]

I'm going to grossly oversimplify here, but I'd play Miami pretty much the same way I played Cincinnati, just score one extra basket this time.

Let yourself get down big early and then claw your way back?

[Bocephys]

Let yourself get down big early and then claw your way back?

If that's the case, I'll skip the 15 point first half and just start watching an hour in.

[KenoshaWarrior]

To look at a couple of locker room scenes and read a few newspaper quotes and determine which team wants it more is downright silly.

I'm guessing both teams will want it plenty.

I agree.  It is not like Marquette did not want to win the last 2 years.  They just lost

[TJ]

If that's the case, I'll skip the 15 point first half and just start watching an hour in.

Good plan, thanks for the tip.  Might just make the game more enjoyable than the last 5 have been. 

[Tugg Speedman]

To look at a couple of locker room scenes and read a few newspaper quotes and determine which team wants it more is downright silly.

I'm guessing both teams will want it plenty.

Maybe this was correct after all ... Miami never played with the urgency or intensity of a team that plan on advancing.  They were too busy taking Monday off and making rap videos.

[muwarrior97]

They did win the cheerleader battle, snickies galore.....we got nice personalities doh