This season's X-Factor

[Juan Anderson's Mixtape]

There's one area where Marquette needs to be a lot better in order to reach their ceiling:  3 point shooting from the role players.

The top three 3FG shooters are doing well.

Kam Jones 42.1% on 5.4 3FGA per game
David Joplin 39.4% on 4.7 3FGA per game
Tyler Kolek 52.4% on 3.0 3FGA per game

That's a collective 43.5% on 13.1 3FGA per game.  Truly excellent numbers.

But while those three have been excellent, the group of Stevie Mitchell, Chase Ross, Sean Jones, and Ben Gold has struggled to find consistency from long range. 

*Edit*
The quartet has shot a combined 15-71 from long range.  That's a paltry 21.1% on 10.1 3FGA per game.
**

If Marquette is going to reach another level, improving those shooting numbers will be key.

[Jockey]

I think your numbers are wrong. 16 - 51 would be about 31%.

[Vander Blue Man Group]

Those guys are actually a combined 15 - 71, which is a brutal 21.1%.

Sean and Stevie are 5-36 combined. 

A couple of them need to step it up. 

[nyg]

Mitchell  3 for 20   15%
S. Jones 2 for 16.  12%
Gold.     6 for 21.   28%
Ross.     4 for 14.   28%

Total.     15 for 71  21%

The stats do not reflect Mitchell's airballs or the fact he is usually wide open and not a defense player within 6 to 7 feet.  When he shoots the ball, its almost as if he is like "shot putting" the ball or heaving it from his waist area.

The three others have good form and hopefully they start dropping these threes at a much better pace.  I agree that it is an essential factor moving forward. 

[MuggsyB]

Those guys are actually a combined 15 - 71, which is a brutal 21.1%.

Sean and Stevie are 5-36 combined. 

A couple of them need to step it up.

Agreed.  And it's not just 15-71, it's 15-71 on primarily uncontested shots. Both Sean and Ben have made a few under some pressure, especially JTY vs UCLA.  They are more than capable of shooting at a significantly better clip on wide open spot triples.  As I stated before, if we're able to get more consistency from these guys, meaning closer to 30 -33%,  we become an extremely difficult team to beat.  I for one believe they can turn these percentages around. 

[Scoop Snoop]

Agreed.  And it's not just 15-71, it's 15-71 on primarily uncontested shots. Both Sean and Ben have made a few under some pressure, especially JTY vs UCLA.  They are more than capable of shooting at a significantly better clip on wide open spot triples.  As I stated before, if we're able to get more consistency from these guys, meaning closer to 30 -33%,  we become an extremely difficult team to beat.  I for one believe they can turn these percentages around.

Based upon what? I'm looking for specific reasons.

[TSmith34, Inc.]

Based upon what? I'm looking for specific reasons.

I think Ross and Gold can improve. They have good form and both shoot free throws well which (pulling a stat from my tush) seems to correlate with overall shooting. I'm less optimistic about Stevie and Sean getting to the mid-30's percetage wise.

[Juan Anderson's Mixtape]

Thanks to all who corrected my numbers.  Edited to the correct numbers...which are even worse than originally stated.

[Vander Blue Man Group]

Based upon what? I'm looking for specific reasons.

Because each one of them shot it better last season?  Obviously not impressive numbers but not abysmal like we've seen so far:

-Steve: 30%
-Chase: 32.3%
-Sean: 31.7%
-Ben: 30%

I have more confidence in Ben and Chase improving their numbers but I also can't imagine Sean and Stevie continuing to shoot 14%.

[Juan Anderson's Mixtape]

I think your numbers are wrong. 16 - 51 would be about 31%.

I actually calculated 15-61 for 24.6%.  I had 2 typos in my post (16 instead of 15,  and 51 instead of 61).

And on top of that, I originally miscalculated the number of attempts.  Should have been 71.

Management regrets the errors.

[muwarrior69]

Simon Cowell will push the X Factor's golden Buzzer sending Marquette straight to the NCAA Championship game. So no concerns.

[Mu8891]

Stevie and Sean have been BRUTAL…

But, Sean hit the HUGE / game winner type shot v. UCLA. 

Stevie’s shots are painful to watch at the moment

[BrewCity83]

I actually calculated 15-61 for 24.6%.  I had 2 typos in my post (16 instead of 15,  and 51 instead of 61).

And on top of that, I originally miscalculated the number of attempts.  Should have been 71.

Management regrets the errors.

Note to self:  Don't hire JuanAnderson'sMixtape for a bookkeeping job.   

[avid1010]

There's one area where Marquette needs to be a lot better in order to reach their ceiling:  3 point shooting from the role players.

The top three 3FG shooters are doing well.

Kam Jones 42.1% on 5.4 3FGA per game
David Joplin 39.4% on 4.7 3FGA per game
Tyler Kolek 52.4% on 3.0 3FGA per game

That's a collective 43.5% on 13.1 3FGA per game.  Truly excellent numbers.

But while those three have been excellent, the group of Stevie Mitchell, Chase Ross, Sean Jones, and Ben Gold has struggled to find consistency from long range. 

*Edit*
The quartet has shot combined 15-71 from long range.  That's a paltry 21.1% on 10.1 3FGA per game.
**

If Marquette is going to reach another level, improving those shooting numbers will be key.

Spot on...will be the difference between a good and a great year. 

[Scoop Snoop]

Because each one of them shot it better last season?  Obviously not impressive numbers but not abysmal like we've seen so far:

-Steve: 30%
-Chase: 32.3%
-Sean: 31.7%
-Ben: 30%

I have more confidence in Ben and Chase improving their numbers but I also can't imagine Sean and Stevie continuing to shoot 14%.

Thank you, and TSmith as well. Not trying to be difficult, but scoopers simply stating that those struggling with 3s will improve without any reasons given does not mean much. 

[MuggsyB]

Based upon what? I'm looking for specific reasons.

I think it's too small of a sample size and besides Stevie their form looks fine to me.  Ben needs more arc for sure.  There's no doubt they've had their probs but I think they can turn tbe corner so to speak. 

[rocky_warrior]

I think it's too small of a sample size and besides Stevie their form looks fine to me. 

And there was so much optimism about Stevie's shooting less than a month ago:
https://www.muscoop.com/index.php?topic=64592.msg1580362#msg1580362

[MuggsyB]

And there was so much optimism about Stevie's shooting less than a month ago:
https://www.muscoop.com/index.php?topic=64592.msg1580362#msg1580362

That's also hard to understand.  I these guys are knocking down open J"s in practice. 

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

If I had a dime for whenever I have heard the phrase "<player who doesn't shoot well> has really been working on their shot. They are going to be so much more of a threat from deep this year," only to have that not be the case, I would be a wealthy man.

[Jockey]

I actually calculated 15-61 for 24.6%.  I had 2 typos in my post (16 instead of 15,  and 51 instead of 61).

And on top of that, I originally miscalculated the number of attempts.  Should have been 71.

Management regrets the errors.

I’ve never made a mistake so I don’t know what that’s like. 

[TSmith34, Inc.]

I actually calculated 15-61 for 24.6%.  I had 2 typos in my post (16 instead of 15,  and 51 instead of 61).

And on top of that, I originally miscalculated the number of attempts.  Should have been 71.

Management regrets the errors.

Unacceptable! Management needs to be introduced to darkness.

[TSmith34, Inc.]

I think it's too small of a sample size and besides Stevie their form looks fine to me.  Ben needs more arc for sure.  There's no doubt they've had their probs but I think they can turn tbe corner so to speak.

Dunno. Stevie's looks like a two-handed push shot.

If he takes only wide-open 3s and can get to 33% that would be good enough.

[We R Final Four]

Thank you, and TSmith as well. Not trying to be difficult, but scoopers simply stating that those struggling with 3s will improve without any reasons given does not mean much.

He gave a reason……that they shot better last year than they are currently….which certainly can be done again.
Why do you think that they those four can’t shoot better than they are now?

[Scoop Snoop]

He gave a reason……that they shot better last year than they are currently….which certainly can be done again.
Why do you think that they those four can’t shoot better than they are now?

I never said nor implied that they could not. I was simply asking how and why they would become better.

[Daniel]

Here are a couple of good things:
1.  The offense that MU runs is creating lots of open looks which is excellent.
2.  Ben, Chase and for the most part STJ need to refine their shot instead of reinventing it.   Stevie looks like reinvention time.

But yeah… get these guys cranking inhe plus 30% range and wow … tough team ti beat

[MU82]

It is absolutely not overly optimistic to think those 4 can combine to shoot 30%+.

They have done so in the past. By and large their form looks good. They have excellent work ethic and we have good coaches to work with them - think of how much Kolek improved, even during the course of last season.

That Sean stepped up and hit a huge 3 against Bill Walton U and that Gold made two important 3s against Kansas also suggests that they are not awed by the moment.

I'm actually loving that this is our biggest concern, and I think we'll hit a lot of crucial 3s as the season goes on.

[Coleman]

I love Stevie. He has great energy and is probably the best MU defender since Jerel McNeal. But he should not be shooting 3s. At all.

Sean also should not be shooting many 3s. He should be driving the lane and going up or dishing. That is his strength.

I'm fine with Chase or Gold putting it up a couple times per game if one of them is wide open. But other than that, the leave the 3s to TK, Jam or Jop.

[MUfan12]

They have to shoot 'em. How can you tell a kid to play with confidence and aggressiveness and say don't shoot open threes?

It's tough to be this bad for a whole season. They'll start to fall at a higher clip.

[Shooter McGavin]

They have to shoot 'em. How can you tell a kid to play with confidence and aggressiveness and say don't shoot open threes?

It's tough to be this bad for a whole season. They'll start to fall at a higher clip.

Yep, need to develop as the season goes on.  Other teams will be.  These guys need to keep shooting wide open threes.  Leave the contested ones for Kam, Jop and Tyler if need be. 

[wadesworld]

They need to take the right 3s.  Stevie getting a steal in the backcourt and taking a 3 before any other players get down the court?  No thanks.  Stevie in the corner wide open off a drive and kick from Kolek?  Let it fly.

[tower912]

You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.

Wayne Gretzky

[willie warrior]

Mitchell  3 for 20   15%
S. Jones 2 for 16.  12%
Gold.     6 for 21.   28%
Ross.     4 for 14.   28%

Total.     15 for 71  21%

The stats do not reflect Mitchell's airballs or the fact he is usually wide open and not a defense player within 6 to 7 feet.  When he shoots the ball, its almost as if he is like "shot putting" the ball or heaving it from his waist area.

The three others have good form and hopefully they start dropping these threes at a much better pace.  I agree that it is an essential factor moving forward.

Neither Mitchell or Jones will be consistent 3 point shooters. That is not their game. Gold and Ross appear to have the potential but must continue to improve

[Goose]

Little to no concern over their three point shooting. A ton of wide open shots against top tier teams, especially on defense. Stevie probably 3-4 games that he shoots it better, no concern with Ross or Gold over the long haul.

[willie warrior]

You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.

Wayne Gretzky

100% of 0 3 point shots taken...is 0 misses

[tower912]

So keep shooting.

[lawdog77]

You miss 100% of the 3 pointshots you don't take.

Wayne GretzkyZaza Pachulia

https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/most-career-three-pointers-attempted-without-a-made-three-pointer

[Coleman]

You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.

Wayne Gretzky

- Michael Scott

[swoopem]

Anyone else notice that Ben has a slight fadeaway when he shoots 3’s? Besides the lack of arc, he also tends to fade which I’m sure is an easy fix. Every time he’s shoots, he’s open, and I want him to keep shooting, but there’s just something a little off that needs to be corrected

It’s almost as if he needs to step into it more

[Shooter McGavin]

Anyone else notice that Ben has a slight fadeaway when he shoots 3’s? Besides the lack of arc, he also tends to fade which I’m sure is an easy fix. Every time he’s shoots, he’s open, and I want him to keep shooting, but there’s just something a little off that needs to be corrected

It’s almost as if he needs to step into it more

Yes, on the slight fade away.  Zaide as well.

[MU82]

They need to take the right 3s.  Stevie getting a steal in the backcourt and taking a 3 before any other players get down the court?  No thanks.  Stevie in the corner wide open off a drive and kick from Kolek?  Let it fly.

This. Same with Ross, who has done this a few times too many.

Same with anyone on our roster not named Kam or Joplin (and maybe Kolek now) ... and even then I wince a little unless the shots go in.

[Uncle Rico]

100% of 0 3 point shots taken...is 0 misses

Personally, I’d ban the 3-point shot

[tower912]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOgp7UyPsHk

Shaka's media availability.     Apparently, he wants his team to continue to shoot open 3's.      So, take it up with him.   

Player's don't hate each other?!?!? That is quite the nut punch.

[Juan Anderson's Mixtape]

Personally, I’d ban the 3-point shot

Midrange America Great Again!

[tower912]

I would ban the dunk, the shot clock, and the 3 pt shot.  Bring back the 4 corners.

[BrewCity83]

Ban Freshmen from playing in Varsity games.

[StillAWarrior]

Apparently, he wants his team to continue to shoot open 3's.

Interesting his statement that MU's three point shots have been, on average, the most open of any team in the country. I wonder how Smith gets that data.

But yes, Shaka made it very clear that he wants our guys to keep taking those open threes. The team is getting the looks that the offense is designed to give them. If you're not going to take those shots, you might as well overhaul the offense.

[tower912]

He always has at MU.  From the first few games where it seemed that was the entire offense.   Fearlessness has been a component all along.

[Uncle Rico]

He always has at MU.  From the first few games where it seemed that was the entire offense.   Fearlessness has been a component all along.

If some posters on scoop keep saying otherwise, perhaps Shaka will take their advice some day

[Lennys Tap]

They need to take the right 3s.  Stevie getting a steal in the backcourt and taking a 3 before any other players get down the court?  No thanks.  Stevie in the corner wide open off a drive and kick from Kolek?  Let it fly.

Agreed, and I’d add that where we are in the shot clock makes a difference. Right now I don’t think an open 3 by Stevie or Sean early in the shot clock doesn’t make a lot of sense - it’s very likely we can get a better shot later.

[rgoode57]

In MU's offense, the player with a wide open 3 is supposed to take the shot. No, Stevie is not supposed to pull up on a transition break and let it fly from the 3 pt line. But, in the half-court offense, he is supposed to take that corner 3 if he is open.

[tower912]

Exactly.   You could say the goal of the MU offense is either a lay up or the open corner 3.   And everybody on the team has the green light to shoot it.   Now, Oso is never going to be there, but if he were he has the green light, too.   We have already seen Amadou shoot the open 3, so don't say ' but Amadou'.