Chris Otule is good enough, and darn it, people like him. 12 pt first half.
What movie is that line from?
I think it's from SNL - "Daily Affirmation With Stuart Smalley."
Correct. Stuart Smalley played by Senator Al Franken.
Quote from: tower912 on February 27, 2011, 03:52:25 PM
Chris Otule is good enough, and darn it, people like him. 12 pt first half.
Yes, but it is not like Providence is loaded with bigman talent. That is why MU was going inside so often. I believe Otule has already taken 10 shots. Nice game plan so far.
BTW, that big, fat guy (Hall?) is terrible. He must hit the scales at 370. 1-800-JennyCraig
Any harm in having more than one on the team?
I like what I see. I'd still recruit a project at minimum 3 out of every four years so that we always have bigs developing, practice simulates the size you see in games, and the team can absorb injuries.
But, Buzz and the staff look like that they have done a marvelous job with developing the bigs so far.
For how much CO has progressed and improved as a player, the fact he is doing this with 1 working eye should not be understated. I would imagine he would have to work twice as hard in many facets of the game, what an athletic achievement and testament to his work ethic.
Quote from: 4everwarriors on February 27, 2011, 04:02:49 PM
Any harm in having more than one on the team?
We have 2. DG, a year from now, will look like Otule now. However, taking and redshirting a 7'0 project is ok with me.
Quote from: 4everwarriors on February 27, 2011, 04:02:49 PM
Any harm in having more than one on the team?
Exactly. We are not a good defensive rebounding team. Yes, the five position looks solid. However, we still need a four next year who can really rebound and play some "D".
Otule is really progressing. Not just today but over the last 8 games or so. Love to see him putting it together.
Also love the OX. Great hands and feet. Conditioning is getting there.
Both are testaments to our coaching staff and should help prove to potential recruits that we can make bigs better.
Next recruit needs to replace the boards that we'll miss when Crowder leaves. His 13 boards tonight we're massive. He seemed to end most of Providence's possessions with the ball in his hands. THat's a Zar-like nose for the Rock.
Of course we need another guy coming down the pipe.
It took Otule three years to reap any benefits and it just takes Otule landing funny once and he's done for the year.
Gardner is never going to be a rebounding/defending presence, he just doesn't jump well enough. He'll give you some offense.
No disrespect intended, let's remember whom we were playing. Good win.
14 rebounds tonight for the Predator, and last game he had 7 offensive boards. He is more than adequate at the 4. Wilson's height next year (while playing the 3) will create some interesting match-ups
Quote from: Slim on February 27, 2011, 05:24:43 PM
14 rebounds tonight for the Predator, and last game he had 7 offensive boards. He is more than adequate at the 4. Wilson's height next year (while playing the 3) will create some interesting match-ups
That's great and who will play the four the year after? Do you want a first year player or someone who has some experience? And what if Crowder gets into foul trouble? We have Fulce this year as a backup but he will not be around next year. I really think we need a power forward in the recruiting class.
You have to give big props to Chris and the coaching staff, he has improved greatly in his time at MU.
Our search for strong, skilled big men must be priority one -- now and forever.
Like many others, I am excited to see Chris Otule contributing more and truly helping decide games' outcomes. But no one should mistake his improved play for more than it is.
Marquette still needs a couple of guys who provide plenty of height (and some bulk), contribute on offense, play solid defense, block a few shots and are generally menacing to our opponents.
For now, nothing makes me happier than seeing Chris Otule playing some pretty fine basketball.
Quote from: Stone Cold on February 27, 2011, 05:20:38 PM
Of course we need another guy coming down the pipe.
It took Otule three years to reap any benefits and it just takes Otule landing funny once and he's done for the year.
Gardner is never going to be a rebounding/defending presence, he just doesn't jump well enough. He'll give you some offense.
I'd look at some early videos of Rob Jackson while he was at Miss State and argue that Gardner could get there. Heck, even in his year with MU I don't think I ever remember RJax even dunking the ball cuz he couldn't get up that high, but he sure could defend and board.
Remember Otule is a sophomore. I really like how he's progressed in BE play this season. It would be ridiculous for him to continue this progression throughout his career. Even still, I'm curious to see what his ceiling is over the next couple years. Hopefully it's higher than any of us have imagined.
Quote from: mugrad2006 on February 27, 2011, 06:10:19 PM
I'd look at some early videos of Rob Jackson while he was at Miss State and argue that Gardner could get there. Heck, even in his year with MU I don't think I ever remember RJax even dunking the ball cuz he couldn't get up that high, but he sure could defend and board.
I remember him dunking once, and we all went crazy...in disbelief.
Quote from: T-Bone on February 27, 2011, 07:38:54 PM
Remember Otule is a sophomore. I really like how he's progressed in BE play this season. It would be ridiculous for him to continue this progression throughout his career. Even still, I'm curious to see what his ceiling is over the next couple years. Hopefully it's higher than any of us have imagined.
Who are we kidding, Otule's already exceeded my expectations, really. Really excited to see where this ride goes, no more injuries.
As far as RJax, he was pretty long. I was actually watching the MU-UK Elite 8 game today and Jackson had some long arms and legs. Was 6'9" too. Couldn't jump similar to Gardner. I don't really see the potential there for Gardner to be a big time defender/shot blocker/ rebounder.....we'll see though, it is only his freshman year.
I said it a few times that Chris Otule will be All-Big East by his senior year if he stays healthy. The kid has just completely transformed himself mentally and physically. Really proud of him and he's just someone that I don't know how you can't root for.
Quote from: Doris Burkes Thong on February 27, 2011, 07:59:31 PM
I said it a few times that Chris Otule will be All-Big East by his senior year if he stays healthy. The kid has just completely transformed himself mentally and physically. Really proud of him and he's just someone that I don't know how you can't root for.
I completely agree. He's a much different kid than he was even at the start of the season (at least mentally). Big kid, big heart.
As far as All-BE, I hope so. If he can have consistent performances like today against the better teams in the BE, then definitely (and he has had some).
I love how he showed some burst going up for some dunks in traffic. Didn't know that was there. if history is an indication, DG will significantly improve his jumping ability over the next 3 years. He's come a long way already in terms of fitness.
Quote from: Doris Burkes Thong on February 27, 2011, 07:59:31 PM
I said it a few times that Chris Otule will be All-Big East by his senior year if he stays healthy. The kid has just completely transformed himself mentally and physically. Really proud of him and he's just someone that I don't know how you can't root for.
+1
Quote from: Stone Cold on February 27, 2011, 05:20:38 PM
Of course we need another guy coming down the pipe.
It took Otule three years to reap any benefits and it just takes Otule landing funny once and he's done for the year.
Gardner is never going to be a rebounding/defending presence, he just doesn't jump well enough. He'll give you some offense.
wow never??
You must not remember Damon Key, DuJuan Blair and hundreds of other non high flyers that were not great defenders as freshamn yet improved over the course of their careers. I think he is going to be a defending and rebounding presecence by his junior year
Do you think someone on the Providence board started a post with: "Keno Davis can't recruit big men!"? "Look at what Buzz has done with Chris Otule and he's bringing freshman Davante Gardner along too!"
tower912...is that you scott walker?
stop taking away our rights
Quote from: Canadian Dimes on February 27, 2011, 09:39:09 PM
wow never??
You must not remember Damon Key, DuJuan Blair and hundreds of other non high flyers that were not great defenders as freshamn yet improved over the course of their careers. I think he is going to be a defending and rebounding presecence by his junior year
Key is before my time, at least i can't give a thorough evaluation at 9.
But I don't know man, Blair was a consensus freshman all-american who averaged 11 & 9 rebs his freshman year.
Gardner is at 4 & 1.76 rebs.
RJAX's senior year he went for 15 & 8. Based on cankles and no spring I'd be surprised if come Gardner's senior year he averages 6 boards a game.
I have no doubt he could get to double digits on offense but it's his d and rebounding where he's a huge project.
Quote from: MarquetteDano on February 27, 2011, 05:29:26 PM
That's great and who will play the four the year after? Do you want a first year player or someone who has some experience? And what if Crowder gets into foul trouble? We have Fulce this year as a backup but he will not be around next year. I really think we need a power forward in the recruiting class.
If Buzz can't lock up a quality big guy out of the high school ranks, i'd be fine with him looking into the JUCO ranks for a big to replace Crowder. For whatever reason, Buzz seems to have some magic dust when it comes to signing JUCO players.
None have been a bust, all have contributed to varying degrees from the get go, and guys like Butler, DJO, and Crowder have been impact players.
Besides how good the JUCO kids as a whole have been on the court, they've also behaved wonderfully and represented the university in a very positive fashion. Sometimes JUCO kids come with the stigma of being problem kids, partially because of what coaches like Huggins had going at Cincinnati with what seems like his teams should have instead been called the Cincinnati Vice Lords. That hasn't been the case at all with Butler, Fulce, DJO, Buycks, and Cowder who all seem to be great kids.
Quote from: mugoose on February 27, 2011, 09:50:24 PM
tower912...is that you scott walker?
stop taking away our rights
Well played. I didn't make the connection at first, but I do remember Scott Walker at MU. His character has remained consistent.
PC had no answer in the paint and has no serviceable big man. Is Keno Davis getting heat? Absolutely!
Quote from: MarquetteDano on February 27, 2011, 05:29:26 PM
That's great and who will play the four the year after? Do you want a first year player or someone who has some experience? And what if Crowder gets into foul trouble? We have Fulce this year as a backup but he will not be around next year. I really think we need a power forward in the recruiting class.
The year after next senior Eric William will be at the 4. He'll start, play 30 minutes and be good.
Not that I'd complain about a 4 in this year's class, as long as he's a 4 year player.
Quote from: El Duderino on February 27, 2011, 09:53:43 PM
If Buzz can't lock up a quality big guy out of the high school ranks, i'd be fine with him looking into the JUCO ranks for a big to replace Crowder. For whatever reason, Buzz seems to have some magic dust when it comes to signing JUCO players.
None have been a bust, all have contributed to varying degrees from the get go, and guys like Butler, DJO, and Crowder have been impact players.
Besides how good the JUCO kids as a whole have been on the court, they've also behaved wonderfully and represented the university in a very positive fashion. Sometimes JUCO kids come with the stigma of being problem kids, partially because of what coaches like Huggins had going at Cincinnati with what seems like his teams should have instead been called the Cincinnati Vice Lords. That hasn't been the case at all with Butler, Fulce, DJO, Buycks, and Cowder who all seem to be great kids.
-1. Why get a two year player to play behind EW & Jae? Would be better having a 4 year who can sit as a fresh, back up as a soph, and start as an upperclassmen.
Three forwards in rotation next year, EWill (6'7), Wilson(6'8), Jae (6'6). Two bigs, Chris and DG (6'9). Three guard rotation of Blue, Junior and DJO. (Assumes Blue can play some point) JJ splits 5-8 minutes a game at 2-3. We will have decent sized 3's guarding the other team's 4. Only thing missing is the Chism-type 4.
Quote from: RawdogDX on February 28, 2011, 12:46:55 PM
-1. Why get a two year player to play behind EW & Jae? Would be better having a 4 year who can sit as a fresh, back up as a soph, and start as an upperclassmen.
The first word in my post was "if."
Of course the ideal situation would be for Buzz to land a quality young big man out of the high school ranks that could contribute at least a bit as a freshman and then by his sophomore year, that kid would be ready to be a major contributor.
If though Buzz struggled to land a quality big out of the high school ranks, i'd have no problem with him instead dipping into the JUCO ranks again so long as that JUCO kid could come in and contribute right away.
Unless a college coach lands one of the elite big man recruits out of high school, which is hard to do, often bigs coming from high school need at least a year on the bench to eventually develop into something useful. Sometimes it can also take part of or all of their sophomore year before they become a key contributor.
So while it is more ideal to land a quality big man recruit out of high school, unless that kid is a top 75ish recruit who can contribute a lot right away, odds are his freshman year won't bring much production. Kinda like what we've out out of Gardner this season. In effect then, you're really only getting one extra year compared to a JUCO big man assuming that that JUCO kid contributes right away.
Quote from: El Duderino on February 28, 2011, 07:49:05 PM
The first word in my post was "if."
Of course the ideal situation would be for Buzz to land a quality young big man out of the high school ranks that could contribute at least a bit as a freshman and then by his sophomore year, that kid would be ready to be a major contributor.
What do you mean by quality? You mean any old big 3 star project? If yes, than I agree.
I'd rather have that than take a juco with our team. If we can't land another Liam or Mbao than sure, why not. As pointed ealier we'lll have a sr, 3 jrs and a soph who can play down low. It isn't critical to get one in general.