Juan Anderson's return and what it means to MU

[T-Bone]

I'm just happy to have Juan Back.  He's the best teammate on the bench and a great hustle guy. 

Don't forget about the Buzz impression he does.

[Lighthouse 84]

Juan's return means another switchable who knows Buzz's system, someone with BEast experience, someone who is probably going to come off the bench this year instead of playing the first few minutes but who can give us valuable minutes nevertheless, but more to the point.....someone whose skill set is such that if we had gotten a transfer who could immediately play (like Trent) to replace Juan, and his skill set was as good as Juan's, this Board would have been ecstatic.

Glad you're back Juan.

[Badgerhater]

Jamie Dixon remarked about MU this last season, "Marquette stays old," meaning they always have great or solid players who know their role and are upperclassmen.  Buzz doesn't have to rely on rolling the dice on immediate contributions by freshman, which can make or break you.

Juan Anderson for the next two years is going to be that old guy.   Now its up to him to determine if he wants go be solid or great.  I can see him picking up two or three SOTGs each season.  I can definitely see him in the Trent Lockett role of the intangible guy you can't take off the floor.   I can also see him as a Jimmy Butler junior season guy who can step it up because he will benefit from double teams on other guys on the floor.

[The Equalizer]

Juan coming back (as mentioned in the thread); this team is freaking stacked.  I've said before, Juan is no all star, but very successful teams typically have guys like Juan on them - a seasoned heady role player that can rebound, score without being demanding for the ball, and hustle his a$$ off while still being a high level talent in terms of athleticism and explsovie ability (i've seen enough blocks, dunks, and threes from Juan to know what he is capable of).

Literally, all we need to be National Championship legit is a point guard combo that does not turn the ball over and can get the ball to others with good space, angle, and timing.  I'm not talking a world beater NBA point guard here, but a college model dish, defend, and deny type of guy only.  With that in mind, I really do think Derek Wilson takes a majority of the minutes at hte point, with Duane and/or Dawson getting 10-15.  If you add in a dynamic punch (Duane and maybe John) to the point position in addition to Derek's great defense and very low turnover percentage, watch out baby.

We will be dominant at the 4 and 5, and will have so many options for the 2 and 3 it is ridiculous.  So, like i said, point guard is what can take us to the promised land.

WE HAVE ALL THE PIECES -

Here's to the offseason, the kid's keeping their noses clean and heads on straight, and to Buzz and the staff doing everything they can think of to keep that fire and confidence burning!!!!!  

I think its hard to make a case that we're "National Championship Legit" when we return players that managed just 19 points against Syracuse, 23 against Butler and 29 against Davidson.  

And I don't say this to crap all over the team--I say this to put some rational and realistic expctations on our players--most of whom have limited experience in major roles.

First, there is an underestimation of the talent departing.  We're losing 3 starters (who combined for 103 starts out of 105 possible).  3 starters who combined for 29 of our 68 points (43% of our scoring).  The loss of Blue, Cadougan and Lockett is going to hurt--no question.  

Second, we're going to rely heavily on five players who have never played D1 ball (and two more who had limited roles).  And Buzz's history suggests that new players (even JUCOs) don't step up in a big way until at least their 2nd season.  Crowder, Butler, and DJO, were all good and showed promise their first year--but none showed national-championship contending greatness until year two.  And as far as frosh, the reality is we have had few players demonstrate strong performance out of the gate.  Even for players as highly regarded as Blue and Jamil Wilson, it really took untl the 3rd year to see consistent high level performance.

Third, while this *class* is above average for *us*, its only 9th (RSCI) or 11th (ESPN) this year--and many of those teams ahead of us land this type of class every year.  While this class should be enough to keep us at or near the top of our new conference--but still puts us at a talent disadvantage relative to the best teams in the ACC, Big 10, Big 12, Pac 12, and SEC.  

We should temper expectations--sure, we should have a good team next year.  And with a surprise (like the 2nd coming of Dwyane Wade), we might even be a great team.  

But "National Championship legit?"  Not yet.

[Sunbelt15]

The success of next year's team isn't necessarily driven by Todd.  There are a number of options for that label.

Nothing is driven by Mayo. He will continue as a role player until his ball handling skills improve and he begins to score off the dribble. Big games are rarely won by one dimensional players.

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

Nothing is driven by Mayo. He will continue as a role player until his ball handling skills improve and he begins to score off the dribble. Big games are rarely won by one dimensional players.

Actually, I would argue that Todd's weakness is that he doesn't have a "one dimension". Right now, he has zero dimensions.

He and Juan are somewhat similar in that way. Both have displayed some skill in most areas, but the consistency and overall effectiveness isn't there.

They both just need to be flat out better in all areas.

But, the good news is that they both have good upside, and they could be good college players.

Neither has THAT far to go.

[Strokin 3s]

I think its hard to make a case that we're "National Championship Legit" when we return players that managed just 19 points against Syracuse, 23 against Butler and 29 against Davidson.  

And I don't say this to crap all over the team--I say this to put some rational and realistic expctations on our players--most of whom have limited experience in major roles.

First, there is an underestimation of the talent departing.  We're losing 3 starters (who combined for 103 starts out of 105 possible).  3 starters who combined for 29 of our 68 points (43% of our scoring).  The loss of Blue, Cadougan and Lockett is going to hurt--no question.  

Second, we're going to rely heavily on five players who have never played D1 ball (and two more who had limited roles).  And Buzz's history suggests that new players (even JUCOs) don't step up in a big way until at least their 2nd season.  Crowder, Butler, and DJO, were all good and showed promise their first year--but none showed national-championship contending greatness until year two.  And as far as frosh, the reality is we have had few players demonstrate strong performance out of the gate.  Even for players as highly regarded as Blue and Jamil Wilson, it really took untl the 3rd year to see consistent high level performance.

Third, while this *class* is above average for *us*, its only 9th (RSCI) or 11th (ESPN) this year--and many of those teams ahead of us land this type of class every year.  While this class should be enough to keep us at or near the top of our new conference--but still puts us at a talent disadvantage relative to the best teams in the ACC, Big 10, Big 12, Pac 12, and SEC.  

We should temper expectations--sure, we should have a good team next year.  And with a surprise (like the 2nd coming of Dwyane Wade), we might even be a great team.  

But "National Championship legit?"  Not yet.

I hate the "returning points argument, if those players that scored those points last year weren't there others would've scored some points in their absence.

[Windyplayer]

And as far as frosh, the reality is we have had few players demonstrate strong performance out of the gate. Even for players as highly regarded as Blue and Jamil Wilson, it really took untl the 3rd year to see consistent high level performance.

That's what makes this incoming class so special though. It is one of the only top 10 recruiting classes we've had in quite some time and as a result, there's going to be talent in that group to step up right now and make an immediate impact. College basketball has shown time and again over the last 5-10 years that freshmen can have a huge impact on a team. I'm obviously not comparing AAU ball with college ball, but the pervasiveness of pre-collegiate high level basketball clubs is a big reason for this freshmen stepping in and killing it from the get-go. They're going up against the best of the best, and their game usually rises to the occasion at least if they're going to a legit DI program. I'm just saying there's not as big of a leap for a lot of these players as there used to be.

[swoopem]

Actually, I would argue that Todd's weakness is that he doesn't have a "one dimension". Right now, he has zero dimensions.

He and Juan are somewhat similar in that way. Both have displayed some skill in most areas, but the consistency and overall effectiveness isn't there.

They both just need to be flat out better in all areas.

But, the good news is that they both have good upside, and they could be good college players.

Neither has THAT far to go.

Neither of them has had an offseason with the team either. Hopefully both will improve from the work they put in this summer

[MUSF]

Literally, all we need to be National Championship legit is a point guard combo that does not turn the ball over and can get the ball to others with good space, angle, and timing...

So, like i said, point guard is what can take us to the promised land...

WE HAVE ALL THE PIECES   

I am glad Juan is coming back, but I have to disagree with the above comments. True, we need a solid point guard, but we also need a couple of guys that can consistently hit outside shots to keep teams from packing the lane and playing off our perimeter players to prevent the dribble drive.

I'm not talking about the one dimensional 3 pt specialist, so I don't think Jake is the answer. I'm talking about 1 or 2 players that have a consistent outside shot along with additional tools that can keep them on the court. This is what kept last years team from being truly elite, and it appears that it will continue to limit MU teams in the future. Maybe one of the newcomers can fill this role, or a returning player takes a significant step forward in the offseason. Both of those scenarios are somewhat unlikely, IMO.

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

Neither of them has had an offseason with the team either. Hopefully both will improve from the work they put in this summer

Agreed.

Remember when nobody thought Vander could shoot? Well, he's never going to be Novak, but he improved enough to be effective.

Both Juan and Todd don't need to be all conf. players, but it is conceivable that they could improve enough to be contributors next season.

[MUHoopsFan2]

I think its hard to make a case that we're "National Championship Legit" when we return players that managed just 19 points against Syracuse, 23 against Butler and 29 against Davidson. 

And I don't say this to crap all over the team--I say this to put some rational and realistic expctations on our players--most of whom have limited experience in major roles.

First, there is an underestimation of the talent departing.  We're losing 3 starters (who combined for 103 starts out of 105 possible).  3 starters who combined for 29 of our 68 points (43% of our scoring).  The loss of Blue, Cadougan and Lockett is going to hurt--no question. 

Second, we're going to rely heavily on five players who have never played D1 ball (and two more who had limited roles).  And Buzz's history suggests that new players (even JUCOs) don't step up in a big way until at least their 2nd season.  Crowder, Butler, and DJO, were all good and showed promise their first year--but none showed national-championship contending greatness until year two.  And as far as frosh, the reality is we have had few players demonstrate strong performance out of the gate.  Even for players as highly regarded as Blue and Jamil Wilson, it really took untl the 3rd year to see consistent high level performance.

Third, while this *class* is above average for *us*, its only 9th (RSCI) or 11th (ESPN) this year--and many of those teams ahead of us land this type of class every year.  While this class should be enough to keep us at or near the top of our new conference--but still puts us at a talent disadvantage relative to the best teams in the ACC, Big 10, Big 12, Pac 12, and SEC.   

We should temper expectations--sure, we should have a good team next year.  And with a surprise (like the 2nd coming of Dwyane Wade), we might even be a great team. 

But "National Championship legit?"  Not yet.

Then you dont know what you are tallking about...this team is NATIONAL TITLE CONTENDERS...no one will say it but they are!

Especially upfront if they can get Chris Otule back with Devante Gardner and Jamail Wilson, to say nothing Steve Taylor and Jamel McKay.

No team can deal with that if you have a PG who can run the team and get the ball where it needs to be at the right time.

All they need is to hit some shots. And rebound the missed shots and get out in transition and create some problems. Last year's team was an elite eight team.

This years team is twice as as good as last year's team on paper and definitely it is no worse because of the guys they bring back from that team who were key.

Anyone who says they are not contenders are delusional and scared to say it because they do not want to be wrong. I step out the box and say it.

They have it...on paper and from what I see can happen with slight improvements from even 1 player and its on.

Buzz can go 10-11 deep if healthy and not have a single drop off. I challenge you to find one team outside of Louisville and Miami last year who can do that?

This years depth is just sick! The second team is no worse then the first team any of you can come up with!

PG D. Wilson SG JuJuan Johnson SF Juan Anderson PF Jamil Wilson and C Devante Gardner is not better or worse then

PG Duane Wilson  SG Todd Mayo  SF Steve Taylor  PF Jameel McKay and C Chris Otule * [If ok'd by clearing house?]!!! Look at that depth if everyone is healthy and I did not even include Deonte Burton or Jake Thomas!

No team goes that deep  ...none! If even 2 out of the 5 new incoming recruits can shoot and play..you hit the jackpot! Just two of them not all 5 just two....and BINGO. You are a contender.

[tower912]

Next year's team has a lot of potential, but I refuse to anoint a team that will be relying on freshmen in the backcourt as much as MU will.    As Kentucky has shown, sometimes they are national championship ready, sometimes you think they are, but they are actually NIT ready.   The depth and experience up front are stabilizing factors, to be sure, but to truly be a NC contender,  DuWilson and JJJ have to be studs from day 1.   No predictions. 

[bilsu]

I starting to think that 2014-15 season will be better than the 2013-14 and I am pretty high on next season. We lose Otule, Gardner, Wilson and Thomas. A lot of size, but we also lose the slowest players players on our team. Assuming no one else leaves this year's newcomers will have a year under their belt and the overall quickness will mitigate the loss of size.

[Clam Crowder]

I starting to think that 2014-15 season will be better than the 2013-14 and I am pretty high on next season. We lose Otule, Gardner, Wilson and Thomas. A lot of size, but we also lose the slowest players players on our team. Assuming no one else leaves this year's newcomers will have a year under their belt and the overall quickness will mitigate the loss of size.

We will need a big in the next class and a pretty good big to replace Otule and Gardner. Jameel is skinny still and I like how he projects at the 4 a little better. We need a 5 no surprise there

[WarriorInNYC]

We will need a big in the next class and a pretty good big to replace Otule and Gardner. Jameel is skinny still and I like how he projects at the 4 a little better. We need a 5 no surprise there

I agree with you to an extent, grabbing a 5 in next year's class would be great.  But history would tell you that we don't need to land a 5 in next year's class.  Look at the positions Lazar and Jimmy played in their senior years.  On top of that, Jameel and Steve both have much more height than players we have had play that position in the past.

That said, would still like to land Myles Turner or another true 5, but don't necessarily think its a must.

[Clam Crowder]

I agree with you to an extent, grabbing a 5 in next year's class would be great.  But history would tell you that we don't need to land a 5 in next year's class.  Look at the positions Lazar and Jimmy played in their senior years.  On top of that, Jameel and Steve both have much more height than players we have had play that position in the past.

That said, would still like to land Myles Turner or another true 5, but don't necessarily think its a must.

I think if we get a big we will have a final 4 team in 2 years pending everyone staying around which is almost certainly not gonna happen. The next 3 years could be very good years for this program. If we make 4 sweet 16's I think we become a stronger brand and program than ever.

[dgies9156]

Juan coming back (as mentioned in the thread); this team is freaking stacked.  

WE HAVE ALL THE PIECES -

Amen brother!!!!!

I have not felt this good about what we have since Al McGuire was here. This team is loaded and few people in college basketball know it.

If anyone out there remembers the Russian Olympic team game in 1975, I went away that night knowing we had something very, very special. I don't think we're quite that good, but we, like that team, have all the pieces.

I almost can't wait for winter!!!!

[warriorchick]

I almost can't wait for winter!!!!

This one has to end first.....*puts on jacket to go outside on Memorial Day weekend*

[willie warrior]

I think if we get a big we will have a final 4 team in 2 years pending everyone staying around which is almost certainly not gonna happen. The next 3 years could be very good years for this program. If we make 4 sweet 16's I think we become a stronger brand and program than ever.

I agree--problem is, we do not seem to be landing any stud bigs--unless we can count McKay as one. Hope he brings the juice needed.