Here are the stats through the first half of conference play for our top 4 players, vs. the full conference stats of the triplets+Zar in 2008/2009 through 18 conference games
Butler/Matthews
Minutes: 32.7/35.9
Points: 16.1/18.1
Rebounds: 6.8/5.2
Assists: 2.4/2.3
Steals: 1.4/1.0
Turnovers: 1.3/2.3
FG%: 50.6/50.0
2P%: 50.0/54.5
3P%: 55.6/37.9
FT%: 82.5/80.2
DJO/McNeal
Minutes: 32.7/38.1
Points: 19.9/22.3
Rebounds: 2.6/4.7
Assists: 3.0/4.6
Steals: 0.7/2.3
Turnovers: 1.7/2.8
FG%: 47.8/44.0
2P%: 50.8/50.0
3P%: 44.4/40.6
FT%: 73.8/69.4
Crowder/Hayward
Minutes: 32.4/33.8
Points: 16.4/15.4
Rebounds: 7.4/7.7
Assists: 2.1/1.1
Steals: 1.2/1.3
Turnovers: 0.4/1.5
FG%: 51.4/44.1
2P%: 58.6/48.6
3P%: 39.0/36.3
FT%: 60.0/85.2
Buycks (minus injury-riddled Rutgers game stats)/DJames (minus UConn game stats)
Minutes: 32.4/36.7
Points: 12.4/12.4
Rebounds: 3.8/3.9
Assists: 4.1/5.4
Steals: 0.6/2.6
Turnovers: 2.5/1.9
FG%: 52.2/41.8
2P%: 51.4/54.1
3P%: 53.1/23.9
FT%: 62.5/43.2
The similarities are pretty striking. Taking a macro view, we have a clear top 4 yet again, providing the bulk of our scoring and rebounding. The biggest differences I can see are that this year's top 4 are playing about 32.5 mpg (to a man), whereas the team of 2 years ago played around 36 mpg (give or take). This year's team is more efficient offensively. We also don't force as many turnovers this year, but take care of the ball better to balance that out. It's pretty safe to say that the triplets' squad was better defensively as a unit. Another glaring difference is that the '08-'09 big 4 was full of high school all-stars while this year's is full of JUCO all-stars, 3 of which were signed in the spring. That's about it as far as the contrast goes.
Individually, it's shocking to look at the position by position comparison. They're almost mirror images of each other. To a player, this year's team shoots much better. James and McNeal stole the ball much better than anyone on our current squad.
The Crowder/Hayward junior year comparison is a thing of beauty. What a steal by Buzz. This guy was a late-period JUCO signing. I used to cringe when Crean threw a panic scholarship at a JUCO player in the spring. Now we're bringing in players in those situations that immediately produce at the level of some of the best players to put on a Marquette uni. I almost can't believe it's true. Crowder's a beast.
James had a much better A/TO ratio than Buycks, but the points and rebounds are identical, and Buycks is a much better shooter. James was an incredible defender senior year and set the tone on both sides of the ball. But Buycks' overall offensive production is probably a push, if not a slight edge in his favor due to the shooting threat he poses.
DJO and McNeal play an identical role, and they both play(ed) it so well. McNeal was a more complete player his senior year, but DJO is only a junior and I can't wait to see the jump he'll make for us next year.
Butler and Matthews are the most similar, with Butler rebounding at a higher rate and turning it over less, and Matthews scoring at a higher rate. I would give the defensive edge to Matthews for sure though.
Bottom line - if this team stays healthy (knocking on every piece of wood I can find), can it break through to the second weekend of the tournament and deliver the sweet 16 and beyond that the triplets rightfully deserved? I know we have to make the tournament first, but I'm cautiously optimistic about the rest of this season after looking at this breakdown. Can't wait to see how it plays out.
Kind of makes you wonder how anybody could still have a problem with Buzz recruiting JUCOs?
Very interesting analysis. Thanks. The one thing I think these stats can't take into account is the defensive end. No question the 2008-09 team was vastly superior. If the current team can pick up the 'D', they can make a dent in the tourney. Also, I really like Otule as my #5.