throwing it out there--- what if we didnt have james

[jaybilaswho?]

i would like to see what you all think:

What if we didnt have james for any reason
- he didnt come here
- he leaves
- he hurts himself

Are we deep enough to where we wouldnt be hurt that badly or do you think he is the glue that holds this offense together?

[Gwaki]

 I don't think he is the glue that holds us together.  I know he is.  When he is on the court he is a threat to all of teh teams that play us.  We need him to play and to make smart decisions.  I know a lot of people hate him but they are going with the crowd. 

[rocky_warrior]

Dude...I know your a new user, but this horse was run over by a mac truck last year and while DJ was testing the NBA...

Nonetheless, we're better with James, even if we are disappointed by him at times.  'nuff said.

[Big Papi]

When James is on, he can take us to another level that Acker, Cube or practically any other replacement on our roster this year or next can't do.  While last year James was off more than on.  This year he has been on more than off.  We will miss him a lot when he leaves.

[tower912]

DJ is the one guy on the team who can elevate his game to a near NBA level and put the team on his back and carry them.    See the Valpo game last year.   JM is a warrior, but he can't carry the team for a half or more.   This year, we have the depth where we can win a game or two, even in the BEast without him, but if we want to go deep in the BEast, the BEast tourney, or the big dance, we need him to be playing well.    If he goes after this year, we will miss him.   His return this year probably bumped our pre-season ranking 8-10 slots.

[TallTitan34]

While Dom may have good or bad shooting nights, he almost always has an excellent defensive night.

Don't overlook how much Dom's defense means to this team as well.

[MilTown]

Wes Matthews at Point / Forward, or maybe Trevor at point forward ala M Jax

[NavinRJohnson]

We wouldn't be anywhere near as good.

BTW, I have never understood when people make signs and such like your nickname. It doesn't make any sense. You see signs like Brett Favre Who? Tam Brady Who? Randy Moss Who? Jay Bilas Who? Shoudln't it just be Jay Who? If you know his first and last name, you know who he is.

[NavinRJohnson]

Wes Matthews at Point / Forward, or maybe Trevor at point forward ala M Jax

I was actually talking to someone last night that maybe they should let him (Matthews) play a little bit of PG here and there as a means to maybe get him a bit more involved.

[TallTitan34]

Jay Bilas always does his reasearch on teams and players and provides a pretty good insight on the game.  Not to mention is a huge supporter of Marquette.  I'm just wondering is there a reason you dislike Jay?

[PuertoRicanNightmare]

DJ is the one guy on the team who can elevate his game to a near NBA level and put the team on his back and carry them.   

I disagree with this premise. James is far too limited offensively to carry a team. His value is in his explosiveness, which should lead to open opportunities for others. He simply does not have the skill set to be a top "go to" type scorer. Wade obviously did. Diener did. Novak was iffy in this regard. None of our "Big Three" do.

We wouldn't be as good without James because he forces teams to account for him. But he's not a dominant force.

[Tribby]

Tam Brady Who?

Good question ... who IS Tam Brady? 

[NCMUFan]

DJ can be a dominant force.  I do not know why or when, but we have seen it.  The Duke game last year was won primarily by DJ.

[CTWarrior]

We would be much worse off without him.  I don't keep track of plus/minus, but his must be the best on the team.  We seem to lose ground whenever he sits.  Hayward is much the same in this regard.

[PuertoRicanNightmare]

DJ can be a dominant force.  I do not know why or when, but we have seen it.  The Duke game last year was won primarily by DJ.

His belief that he can be a dominant force is what gets him into trouble. I do think he played OK last night, though.

[downtown85]

I have done my fair share of beating this dead horse but here I go again... we are likely to confront the situation of no James next year.  I think we will be about as good as this year but not because of James leaving but because the team may be more balanced.    

Leaving will be:
Ooze
Fitz
James
TB

Arriving will be:
Trevor
TT
Otule
Fulce
NW

I think the new bigs will contribute more by the end of next season than Fitz, Ooze and Trend by the end of this season.  TT and NW have very good potential but will probably not be huge contributors at the get go.  That being said, they could be doing some damage too by the end of the season.  We have two adequate point guards in Reece and DC so the "1" is covered for 2 more seasons.   We will have a more than adequate guard core and our recruiting class stays in tact.  

I do not like the situation if he stays.  Who has to go in that case?  I wish him the best but I think the team is best off if he goes pro at the end of this season.  

[NavinRJohnson]

I have done my fair share of beating this dead horse but here I go again... we are likely to confront the situation of no James next year.  I think we will be about as good as this year but not because of James leaving but because the team may be more balanced.    

Leaving will be:
Ooze
Fitz
James
TB

Arriving will be:
Trevor
TT
Otule
Fulce
NW

I think the new bigs will contribute more by the end of next season than Fitz, Ooze and Trend by the end of this season.  TT and NW have very good potential but will probably not be huge contributors at the get go.  That being said, they could be doing some damage too by the end of the season.  We have two adequate point guards in Reece and DC so the "1" is covered for 2 more seasons.   We will have a more than adequate guard core and our recruiting class stays in tact.  

I do not like the situation if he stays.  Who has to go in that case?  I wish him the best but I think the team is best off if he goes pro at the end of this season.  

I understand what your saying, but I think you're nuts, and you underestimate the positive impact a guy with that combination of talent, experience, strength, speed and athleticism has. As far as balance goes, James' presence is not holding anyone back. If anything, he makes guys better. Great teams have great players. Lack of balance relative to our bigs is because our bigs aren't particularly good. Improve that situation as you suggest we will, along with James and the sky's the limit.

[Frozen Caveman Coach]

Jay Bilas sucks??  You have lost all credibility on future posts.  He is one of the best analysts on tv in all sports, college or pro!  No one gives so much insight in a well spoken manner like him.  If you were just introduced to bball, you would actually learn something listening to his analysis, unlike the tired announcers like Packer, Vitale and other former coaches.  All they talk about is heart and hustle and insult their viewers intelligence.  I met the guy in person when he was in Milw for Midnight Madness 5 yrs ago.  He was as classy in person as he comes off on tv.

Also, everyone thinks James is leaving after this year?  What to play ball in Europe?  Why wouldn't he spend one more year in college to try to improve his game and potentially make him more NBA ready? 

[ToddPacker]

DJ can be a dominant force.  I do not know why or when, but we have seen it.  The Duke game last year was won primarily by DJ.

His belief that he can be a dominant force is what gets him into trouble. I do think he played OK last night, though.

You are right, PRN.  James has never carried this team on his back during his tenure here.  Funny, you list Diener as a player who could dominate - did you account for his relatively porous defense when writing that?  Don't get me wrong, I loved Diener, but a defender he was not. 

[RJax55]

MU is a better team with James, period. I can't believe this is still being questioned.
Here are the improvements that he has made this season:

1.) Shooting - His 3% has improved from 27% last year to 37% this year. Overall, his shooting percentage has gone from 38% to 42%. Also, he is shooting 70% from the free-throw line (career high).

2.) Shot Selection - Goes hand-in-hand with the better shooting percentage. Not forcing the action, taking shots within the offense.

3.) Game Management - Getting teammates involved ... Has 2 to 1 assist to turnover ratio!

4.) Defense - DJ has become a terrific defender ... An underrated part of his game.

I agree with PRN that he may not be a great late-game scorer, but to say MU is better without him, is wrong. IMO, DJ has made the improvements and is playing like the player people wanted him to be when this topic was discussed over the summer.

[mviale]

Crean would have found someone else

[downtown85]

I have done my fair share of beating this dead horse but here I go again... we are likely to confront the situation of no James next year.  I think we will be about as good as this year but not because of James leaving but because the team may be more balanced.    

Leaving will be:
Ooze
Fitz
James
TB

Arriving will be:
Trevor
TT
Otule
Fulce
NW

I think the new bigs will contribute more by the end of next season than Fitz, Ooze and Trend by the end of this season.  TT and NW have very good potential but will probably not be huge contributors at the get go.  That being said, they could be doing some damage too by the end of the season.  We have two adequate point guards in Reece and DC so the "1" is covered for 2 more seasons.   We will have a more than adequate guard core and our recruiting class stays in tact.  

I do not like the situation if he stays.  Who has to go in that case?  I wish him the best but I think the team is best off if he goes pro at the end of this season.  

I understand what your saying, but I think you're nuts, and you underestimate the positive impact a guy with that combination of talent, experience, strength, speed and athleticism has. As far as balance goes, James' presence is not holding anyone back. If anything, he makes guys better. Great teams have great players. Lack of balance relative to our bigs is because our bigs aren't particularly good. Improve that situation as you suggest we will, along with James and the sky's the limit.

I agree with your last sentence but we don't have 14 schollies.   I am just saying the TEAM and program are better off or about the same if he goes pro at the end of this season.  

I agree that James doesn't hold anyone back when he plays within his abilities and within the flow of the game, like he has done most of this year.  However, when MU gets behind and he begins to try to "take over" a game or tries to force things, then he is a detriment.  The problem is that if he starts to do that more and more (like the last two games) then we won't get a good seed or be NIT bound, we flame out in the tourney again (if we get there at all), he won't get drafted (again) and he will be back.  Not good.  On the other hand if he plays within his abilities and within the flow of the game, we will go far and he will get drafted.  That is good all around.  I think the best scenario is for the team is if he moves on at the end of the season.  That being said, I do not see much of a drop off without him as the team will be more balanced with the talent coming in.  Maybe I am overly optimistic about the new talent.  

[PuertoRicanNightmare]

I agree with PRN that he may not be a great late-game scorer, but to say MU is better without him, is wrong. 

I specifically said we wouldn't be as good without James.

And to ToddPacker's reference to Diener and his defense, please re-read my original post. It clearly references DJ's inability to "take over" a game offensively.

I referenced Diener as a person who was a "go to" type scorer, not a person who could "dominate." And I defy you to tell me he wasn't a helluva lot more reliable on offense than anything we have now.

In a close game, you wanted the ball in Diener's hands either for him to make a big shot or get to the free throw line.

In a close game in 2007, you want James to get rid of the ball so he doesn't get fouled or attempt a jump shot.

Does that explain the difference?

[RJax55]

I agree with PRN that he may not be a great late-game scorer, but to say MU is better without him, is wrong. 

I specifically said we wouldn't be as good without James.

That comment was not directed towards you ... It was to downtown85.
Sorry for the confusion.

[Gwaki]

I am glad to see that most people here think that we need D james.  I am sick of all of the students around me yelling
"Get off the court"  or "You Suck" to him.
It drives me nuts.  I jsut wnat ot turn around and punch them in the face.

[jaybilaswho?]

I am glad to see that most people here think that we need D james.  I am sick of all of the students around me yelling
"Get off the court"  or "You Suck" to him.
It drives me nuts.  I jsut wnat ot turn around and punch them in the face.

i would rather hear that then all the jersey chasers talking like he is a god. He is a good player... not a great player.

[IAmMarquette]

I am glad to see that most people here think that we need D james.  I am sick of all of the students around me yelling
"Get off the court"  or "You Suck" to him.
It drives me nuts.  I jsut wnat ot turn around and punch them in the face.

i would rather hear that then all the jersey chasers talking like he is a god. He is a good player... not a great player.

Jersey chasing = annoying
Telling your own player to "get off the court" = classless & uncalled for

[Doctor V]

I am glad to see that most people here think that we need D james.  I am sick of all of the students around me yelling
"Get off the court"  or "You Suck" to him.
It drives me nuts.  I jsut wnat ot turn around and punch them in the face.

i would rather hear that then all the jersey chasers talking like he is a god. He is a good player... not a great player.

1- if DJ stays here for 4 years he will be one of the best players of all time at this university. The only part of the game that Travis was better at was shooting, but thats the part people notice.

2- he cant dominate a game? give DJ the freedom to drive as often as he wanted and do as he pleased on the court and he would take over. Travis had this freedom, things always ran through him. I often feel that crean hurts the team when he doesnt let DJ play the point and isolate him at the end of games. I dont mean letting him jack up threes, I mean clearing out and letting him drive and finish or dish, because theres not very many people in college basketball that can stop him from getting to the hole

[Henry Sugar]

i would like to see what you all think:

What if we didnt have james for any reason
- he didnt come here
- he leaves
- he hurts himself

Are we deep enough to where we wouldnt be hurt that badly or do you think he is the glue that holds this offense together?

Based on his role in the offense and his Offensive and Defensive Ratings, James has an individual W-L record of 5.1 - 0.4 (Win % of 0.930).

Taking James off the team this year means that we would lose about five additional games that we wouldn't have.  That would take us from a 25-5 (projected) team to a 20-10 team and have us finishing 9-9 in Big East play. 

[Tribby]

i would like to see what you all think:

What if we didnt have james for any reason
- he didnt come here
- he leaves
- he hurts himself

Are we deep enough to where we wouldnt be hurt that badly or do you think he is the glue that holds this offense together?

Based on his role in the offense and his Offensive and Defensive Ratings, James has an individual W-L record of 5.1 - 0.4 (Win % of 0.930).

Taking James off the team this year means that we would lose about five additional games that we wouldn't have.  That would take us from a 25-5 (projected) team to a 20-10 team and have us finishing 9-9 in Big East play. 

Assuming that's correct (and I'll be the first to admit that I have no idea what the hell any of that means), it still assumes that you remove James and replace him in the lineup with a rag doll. Were James gone, you'd have most likely Cubillan starting in his spot, and his "individual W-L record" would surely be higher than it currently is. So you're not "losing about five additional games," you're losing five but adding however many his replacement would get. Probably fewer than five, but still not as bad as you make it out to be.

[Henry Sugar]

Based on his role in the offense and his Offensive and Defensive Ratings, James has an individual W-L record of 5.1 - 0.4 (Win % of 0.930).

Taking James off the team this year means that we would lose about five additional games that we wouldn't have.  That would take us from a 25-5 (projected) team to a 20-10 team and have us finishing 9-9 in Big East play. 

Assuming that's correct (and I'll be the first to admit that I have no idea what the hell any of that means), it still assumes that you remove James and replace him in the lineup with a rag doll. Were James gone, you'd have most likely Cubillan starting in his spot, and his "individual W-L record" would surely be higher than it currently is. So you're not "losing about five additional games," you're losing five but adding however many his replacement would get. Probably fewer than five, but still not as bad as you make it out to be.

Maybe.  James takes up about 20% of all of MU's possessions.  When he's on the floor, he takes 28% of the shots.  How do you replace that?

You'd have to at least double the involvement of both Acker and Cubillan, and then get additional contributions from other players.  What would change for Acker and Cube is the range of games they impact. 

However, players become less efficient the more that they participate in the offense.  Their Offensive Ratings would go down and their defensive limitations may get exposed.  Therefore, the current W-L record for each player wouldn't stay constant and would almost certainly get worse. 

To me, losing five additional games passes the red face test.  James is one of our two best players and it would be a big hit.

[BuzzSucksSucks]

Thanks for the statistical input this year HS.  It's a great addition.

[77fan88warrior]

DJ can be a dominant force.  I do not know why or when, but we have seen it.  The Duke game last year was won primarily by DJ.

His belief that he can be a dominant force is what gets him into trouble. I do think he played OK last night, though.

You are right, PRN.  James has never carried this team on his back during his tenure here.  Funny, you list Diener as a player who could dominate - did you account for his relatively porous defense when writing that?  Don't get me wrong, I loved Diener, but a defender he was not. 

Didn't James carry the team in the Valpo. game last season?

[skianth16]

Without looking at all the numbers and stats, you can break it down to one simple thing:

You don't get better when you lose an All Big East player.

Period.

[chefrad]

Doc Rivers (another lousy outside shooter) went through some of this his junior year— perhaps keading him to come out early though only a second rounder. He and Majerus had some issues on the national TV game against highly ranked Louisville, and it even made its way into the broadcast.

Rivers. like James had surreal physical gifts, but puting a 15 footer into the basket was never among them. Doc never really did shoot well, even in the pros.

[jaybilaswho?]

anyone want to change their opinion after last nights game?!?!? I know it was a horribly ugly win, but a win. The rest of the team didnt play all that well. If they play to half of their potential, my nerves are settled for the post James days.

[RawdogDX]

I am glad to see that most people here think that we need D james.  I am sick of all of the students around me yelling
"Get off the court"  or "You Suck" to him.
It drives me nuts.  I jsut wnat ot turn around and punch them in the face.

i would rather hear that then all the jersey chasers talking like he is a god. He is a good player... not a great player.

who the hell cares what they say?  Why would you support people booing a college student?  All the bball players get laid, you sound petty and jealous.

[jaybilaswho?]

I am glad to see that most people here think that we need D james.  I am sick of all of the students around me yelling
"Get off the court"  or "You Suck" to him.
It drives me nuts.  I jsut wnat ot turn around and punch them in the face.

i would rather hear that then all the jersey chasers talking like he is a god. He is a good player... not a great player.

who the hell cares what they say?  Why would you support people booing a college student?  All the bball players get laid, you sound petty and jealous.

petty and jealous??!?! i dont think so. I dont know how you can conclude that my statement is petty and jealous. I am simply trying to take an egomaniacle, slightly above average ball player off of the pedestal that everyone put him on after his freshmen year. Like in 40 Year Old Virgin... you gotta take the pus*y off the pedestal.

[nyg]

Wow.  My question is where will James go?  To test the draft again?  I hope he stays and enjoys his last two years as a student-athlete and let Hazel red-shirt or transfer.  Here are ten point guards (just off the top of my head), who are likely to enter the 2008 draft or will highly consider entering. 

1) Derrick Rose - Memphis
2) Darren Collison - UCLA
3) D. J. Augustin - Texas
4) Jerryd Bayless - Arizona
5) Derrick Low - Wash. St.
6) Mario Chalmers - Kansas
7) Sean Singletary - Virginia (Sr)
8) Brian Roberts - Dayton (Sr)
9) Ty Lawson - UNC
10) A.J. Price - UConn

Again, these are just the point guards, not even Europeon point guards and not shooting guards such as Eric Gordon, O.J. Mayo (maybe a point), Chris Lofton, Terrence Williams and Chase Budinger. How does James stack up against the above as determined by the NBA scouts.  As MU fans, we are unsure and can only speculate and discuss/argue on such boards.  But I believe TC knows, and has known for awhile, which was apparent when he sat James down in the first half last night. I hope he stays and is not featured in the NBADL next year.

[drewm88]

24th All-time in scoring at MU
7th in assists
Just outside the top 10 in steals
BE Rookie of the Year
Cousy Finalist
Naismith Finalist
1st Team All BE

You're right, jaybilas. He is a "slightly above average ball player."

Dom gets an awful break from too many people. He's learning the game as he matures. I don't think anyone would argue that he is playing much smarter this year than last, with fewer bad shots and passes. Teams need somebody to take over games from time to time. It would be nice if we ran on all cylinders at all times and made that unnecessary. We don't. We've seen Lazar, Jerel, and Wes step up, but not like Dom has. Sometimes being that guy requires you to be a little selfish. He is a great player--definitely our best this year--and if he sticks around, he will probably go down as one of our best 10-20 ever.

Credit where credit is due.

[RawdogDX]

I am glad to see that most people here think that we need D james.  I am sick of all of the students around me yelling
"Get off the court"  or "You Suck" to him.
It drives me nuts.  I jsut wnat ot turn around and punch them in the face.

i would rather hear that then all the jersey chasers talking like he is a god. He is a good player... not a great player.

who the hell cares what they say?  Why would you support people booing a college student?  All the bball players get laid, you sound petty and jealous.

petty and jealous??!?! i dont think so. I dont know how you can conclude that my statement is petty and jealous. I am simply trying to take an egomaniacle, slightly above average ball player off of the pedestal that everyone put him on after his freshmen year. Like in 40 Year Old Virgin... you gotta take the pus*y off the pedestal.

SUre, the all big east player is slightly above average.  You've lost all credibility.  And if you'd been around longer you'd know that people around here didn't have him on any pedistal.

[IAmMarquette]

I am glad to see that most people here think that we need D james.  I am sick of all of the students around me yelling
"Get off the court"  or "You Suck" to him.
It drives me nuts.  I jsut wnat ot turn around and punch them in the face.

i would rather hear that then all the jersey chasers talking like he is a god. He is a good player... not a great player.

who the hell cares what they say?  Why would you support people booing a college student?  All the bball players get laid, you sound petty and jealous.

petty and jealous??!?! i dont think so. I dont know how you can conclude that my statement is petty and jealous. I am simply trying to take an egomaniacle, slightly above average ball player off of the pedestal that everyone put him on after his freshmen year. Like in 40 Year Old Virgin... you gotta take the pus*y off the pedestal.

Egomaniacal.

You want petty? 

And yeah, you do sound a bit envious. Not saying you are, just that it comes off that way.

[jaybilaswho?]

oh, the jersey chasers are out.

[RawdogDX]

oh, the jersey chasers are out.

no we all agree with you.  He's slightly above avg.  If you select 300 college bb div I players at random he'd only be better than 160 of them.

[schubert33]

Marquette would not have any chance with Acker and Cubillian running the point at all times!!!!

[jaybilaswho?]

i am a james hater, but after last nights performance... i have to say, "thank god he plays for us."

[BrewCity83]

i am a james hater, but after last nights performance... i have to say, "thank god he plays for us."

Spoken like a public school grad.  If I learned one thing from MU, it's that "God" is capitalized.

[mcnealfan1]

drewm88 are you crazy, he's been our best player this year, no way, hes maybe been second or third, also anyone who thinks mo acker couldnt run this team as good or better, you must have lost your minds too, everyone saw what he is capable of last night if he just gets a chance, honestly think he should be playing over cube 

[jaybilaswho?]

i am a james hater, but after last nights performance... i have to say, "thank god he plays for us."

Spoken like a public school grad.  If I learned one thing from MU, it's that "God" is capitalized.

brewcity... are you the grammer police? If so... then you are fired for not commenting on my lack of capitalizing the I's in that sentence. I don't think I really need to say this... but relax its a blog not ENG001.

[RawdogDX]

drewm88 are you crazy, he's been our best player this year, no way, hes maybe been second or third, also anyone who thinks mo acker couldnt run this team as good or better, you must have lost your minds too, everyone saw what he is capable of last night if he just gets a chance, honestly think he should be playing over cube 

hahaha... seriously?  You mean the short guy who never draws a double team when he pennetrait because he's so short he dishes every time?  The guy who has quick pg's blow by him and tall ones shoot over him?  And no, i didn't see anything that said he can start for a top teir team in his 12 point 0 ast game.

[BrewCity83]

i am a james hater, but after last nights performance... i have to say, "thank god he plays for us."

Spoken like a public school grad.  If I learned one thing from MU, it's that "God" is capitalized.

brewcity... are you the grammer police? If so... then you are fired for not commenting on my lack of capitalizing the I's in that sentence. I don't think I really need to say this... but relax its a blog not ENG001.

I'm just sayin'...some things are more important than others.

[MR.HAYWARD]

.........throwing it out there--- what if we didnt have james..........................................answer = NIT