A few more updates
The Marquette Golden Eagles have already landed a replacement for the closed workout/scrimmage that they lost recently when USC backed out.
http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/128625573.html
Good to see Jake Thomas get granted a scholarship... sucks he must sit out for the year but I think he could be a potential role player in the future... the kid has range.
What's the story on USC "backing out" on the scrimmage?
Quote from: Jay Bee on August 29, 2011, 07:03:40 PM
What's the story on USC "backing out" on the scrimmage?
Rosiak had said on twitter that it was due to injuries.
Glad to hear the George Mason replacement. Maybe not a high major, but a tourney team that seem likely to return in 2012. Also glad to hear the Jake Thomas news...even if it's just one year, it's a good faith move on Buzz's part.
Quote from: pux90mex on August 29, 2011, 07:06:14 PM
Rosiak had said on twitter that it was due to injuries.
Particularly Jio Fontan's injury, I presume.
Quote from: Brewtown Andy on August 29, 2011, 11:37:59 PM
Particularly Jio Fontan's injury, I presume.
Jio vs Junior.
A good measuring stick for the Cadougan. Too bad Jio is out for the year.
I hope that USC can scrimmage again. Love to see the MU ties at work.
Now if only... ;)
Let me be the first to say boo.
I was hoping to do more with the scholarship.
The scholly was going unused. Buzz and co were probably out scouring looking for someone who wasn't going to enroll at their original school (a la Newbill, from the other angle). Failing that, better to use it as a gesture to someone who IS committed to the program than let it go unused. A class move by Buzz. Of course, a year from now, it will give the whackjobs to the west something else to complain about when JT returns to walk-on status, but they're never happy unless they are complaining about MU anyway.
Quote from: tower912 on August 30, 2011, 07:08:26 AM
The scholly was going unused. Buzz and co were probably out scouring looking for someone who wasn't going to enroll at their original school (a la Newbill, from the other angle). Failing that, better to use it as a gesture to someone who IS committed to the program than let it go unused. A class move by Buzz. Of course, a year from now, it will give the whackjobs to the west something else to complain about when JT returns to walk-on status, but they're never happy unless they are complaining about MU anyway.
Jake was playing for MU either way. I understand the good gesture, but it prevents MU from getting a mid season transfer... and we all know (from experience) that there are a lot more of them happening every year.
Quote from: Hards_Alumni on August 30, 2011, 07:22:32 AM
Jake was playing for MU either way. I understand the good gesture, but it prevents MU from getting a mid season transfer... and we all know (from experience) that there are a lot more of them happening every year.
Not entirely true. MU still has one scholarship available for that purpose. We had 11 on Scholarship prior to giving one to Jake. We now have 12. That leaves 1 available during the season.
It keeps us from getting 2 mid season transfers. We can still have one schollie unused.
Jake Thomas impresses the coaches this season, there might be an opportunity for him to get a full
ride the following year. If not it just means Buzz recruited somebody better. He has a ton of offers
out there right now, not sure how it works, since there are only 2 in two years and 1 left next year.
If Burton is one, that only leaves one left that year and for sure that will go to a point guard, so pretty
sure Thomas will be a walk-on again. Needs a big for last schollly.
I do not think there is much value to mid-season transfers. At best they would be eligible the second half of next season. I rather save the scholarship for a recruit that would be eligible at the start of the season. Having seen Maymon and Smith transfer out at mid-season leads me to believe mid-season transfer players are not the best team players. I am not interested in a plyer that is going to jump ship mid-season.
Quote from: bilsu on August 30, 2011, 08:53:50 AM
I do not think there is much value to mid-season transfers. At best they would be eligible the second half of next season. I rather save the scholarship for a recruit that would be eligible at the start of the season. Having seen Maymon and Smith transfer out at mid-season leads me to believe mid-season transfer players are not the best team players. I am not interested in a plyer that is going to jump ship mid-season.
Step 1. Grab wide brush
Step 2. Paint
Quote from: bilsu on August 30, 2011, 08:53:50 AM
I do not think there is much value to mid-season transfers. At best they would be eligible the second half of next season. I rather save the scholarship for a recruit that would be eligible at the start of the season. Having seen Maymon and Smith transfer out at mid-season leads me to believe mid-season transfer players are not the best team players. I am not interested in a plyer that is going to jump ship mid-season.
Sample size = 2
Getting a player on your team for half the year is better than sitting the entire year.
Quote from: Hards_Alumni on August 30, 2011, 09:11:29 AM
Sample size = 2
Getting a player on your team for half the year is better than sitting the entire year.
Using the scholarship on a mid-year transfer means he cannot play until second semester of 2012/2013 season assuming he is willing to give up a season of eligibility to play a half season. A spring signee who is a freshmen or junior college player can play in fall of 2012. North Carolina's starting point guard transfers mid-season last year and North Carolina becomes a better team. Yes this is a wide brush, but I just think players leaving mid-season generally indicates a problem. I am not sure how many mid-season transfers there are, but I believe the number is relatively small and it is not likely that the transfer and MU would have a mutual interest in each other.
Quote from: tower912 on August 30, 2011, 07:08:26 AM
The scholly was going unused. Buzz and co were probably out scouring looking for someone who wasn't going to enroll at their original school (a la Newbill, from the other angle). Failing that, better to use it as a gesture to someone who IS committed to the program than let it go unused. A class move by Buzz. Of course, a year from now, it will give the whackjobs to the west something else to complain about when JT returns to walk-on status, but they're never happy unless they are complaining about MU anyway.
Re-read the thread. Are you sure it's Badgers fans who are never happy unless they're complaining about MU? Sheesh.
MU wasn't going to use the scholarship this season so they gave it to a walk-on for a year. You'd think fans would find that commendable. Instead, they view it as Buzz wasting the 0.2% chance that an impact mid-season transfer would come to MU. Better hope that Jared Sullinger doesn't decide over Christmas break that he wants to be a Warrior. Man, would Buzz have egg on his face!
Quote from: MerrittsMustache on August 30, 2011, 10:37:46 AM
Re-read the thread. Are you sure it's Badgers fans who are never happy unless they're complaining about MU? Sheesh.
MU wasn't going to use the scholarship this season so they gave it to a walk-on for a year. You'd think fans would find that commendable. Instead, they view it as Buzz wasting the 0.2% chance that an impact mid-season transfer would come to MU. Better hope that Jared Sullinger doesn't decide over Christmas break that he wants to be a Warrior. Man, would Buzz have egg on his face!
I'm glad you view the CBB world this way. I, for one, prefer to keep my options open and get the best players that I can.
Quote from: Hards_Alumni on August 30, 2011, 10:43:11 AM
I'm glad you view the CBB world this way. I, for one, prefer to keep my options open and get the best players that I can.
While I agree, I also think you are making far too much of this. Would Buzz offer 2 mid-year transfers? Highly doubtful. He has yet to add one in a given year. He also needs the Scholarships for next years incoming class.
I suspect the reason Thomas received the scholarship is that Buzz has finally decided against adding someone to this years roster. I am guessing he was looking at potential transfers, recruits that changed from '13 to '12, foreign recruits ...
This, to me, tells me Buzz is done for this years roster.
Quote from: Hards_Alumni on August 30, 2011, 10:43:11 AM
I'm glad you view the CBB world this way. I, for one, prefer to keep my options open and get the best players that I can.
Well then, I'm surprised Buzz didn't consult with you on this one.
Quote from: Hards_Alumni on August 30, 2011, 10:43:11 AM
I'm glad you view the CBB world this way. I, for one, prefer to keep my options open and get the best players that I can.
Then why not leave a scholarship open - heck, why not leave mutliple scholarships open - in perpetuity in order to keep your options open?
I think keeping one open for Mid Year transfer is OK, 2 is pointless.
If Jake has been better then they thought he would be, and by giving him a spot for a year that was 95% going to go unused you reward him and make sure he will be here for 2 more years as a walkon.
Look at a different way what are the odds of a 2nd mid year transfer being better then Jake?
a solid 4 or 5th guard that is a 3 point specialist is nice. This now affords you to take a chance on 1 more Big.
Agreed, kmw.
Jake played great during the Pro-Am and looked a lot better than you'd expect from a walk-on. I imagine he's probably doing well with in early practices as well and working hard to get up to speed. If that's the case, what's the harm in giving out a scholarship? I understand keeping options open, but we still have a scholarship open in case there's a late commit or mid-season transfer.
I really think it's best to chalk this up to Buzz rewarding some early hard work, and not expecting to fill both schollies this year. If someone comes along (say Mitch McGary reclassifies to 2011 and wants to go to MU) we can act on it. No harm in a kindness for a kid willing to walk-on.
Quote from: Hards_Alumni on August 30, 2011, 10:43:11 AM
I'm glad you view the CBB world this way. I, for one, prefer to keep my options open and get the best players that I can.
If a mid season transfer becomes available, just get MU's worst player to transfer.
Boom. Problem solved.
It does not work that way. When you sign your schloraship its good for the full year. So even though somebody might leave midway that spot does not open until the summer.
Quote from: Pakuni on August 30, 2011, 01:39:24 PM
Then why not leave a scholarship open - heck, why not leave mutliple scholarships open - in perpetuity in order to keep your options open?
That avoids my point. We already had Jake Thomas on the team without giving him a scholarship.
I don't advocate having any scholarships open if it can be helped. I have always been against banking. But IMO, giving a player who is already going to play for you for free a scholarship is... unnecessary.
Just my 2 cents. Obviously, not appreciated around here... I do understand and I agree that we probably don't need 2 scholarships open for mid season transfers, BUT you might as well do it if you can... considering there is NO HARM done if you have them open.
and Brew, lots of players look great during the Pro-Am, and then look like hell during the season... I'm sure we can all think of a few examples.
Think of it as a gift from Buzz to JT. Or, the inverse of your point. Why make a kid pay when you can give him a scholarship that wasn't being used by anyone else?
Think of it as a reward for the future free hard work he will give the the program the next 2 years......
Quote from: Hards_Alumni on August 30, 2011, 03:40:12 PM
That avoids my point. We already had Jake Thomas on the team without giving him a scholarship.
I don't advocate having any scholarships open if it can be helped. I have always been against banking. But IMO, giving a player who is already going to play for you for free a scholarship is... unnecessary.
Just my 2 cents. Obviously, not appreciated around here... I do understand and I agree that we probably don't need 2 scholarships open for mid season transfers, BUT you might as well do it if you can... considering there is NO HARM done if you have them open.
and Brew, lots of players look great during the Pro-Am, and then look like hell during the season... I'm sure we can all think of a few examples.
Also if he played really well as a 4th year Jr, I'm sure schools would offer him a spot as a 5th year guarduate player.
I'm guessing that this shows him Buzz wants him at MU the next 3 years.
Quote from: kmwtrucks on August 30, 2011, 02:45:02 PM
It does not work that way. When you sign your schloraship its good for the full year. So even though somebody might leave midway that spot does not open until the summer.
Ahh ha. I did not know that.
I don't really think "cutting" a kid to bring in a mid-season transfer is a good idea anyways.
I'm just trying to see how far everybody is willing to go using the "Big time college basketball" defense.
Quote from: MuMark on August 30, 2011, 04:08:18 PM
Think of it as a reward for the future free hard work he will give the the program the next 2 years......
Isn't getting laid enough?!?!?!
Some of the ignorance in this thread shocking. There isn't going to be any "mid-season transfer" that can play on this year's team - their earliest availability would be December/January of 2012/2013 - like Reggie Smith will become eligible at UNLV beginning of second semester this year.
That said, why would Buzz NOT give Jake Thomas at least 1-year "free" at Marquette this season. Jake will be eligible to play for MU next year earlier (start of 2012) season, than any mid-season transfer this year.
At this point Buzz clearly knows that no other 2011 player (that would have been eligible to play this year) is coming available that he would have wanted/coveted...as school is now in session.)
Quote from: Ners on August 30, 2011, 07:24:06 PM
Some of the ignorance in this thread shocking. There isn't going to be any "mid-season transfer" that can play on this year's team - their earliest availability would be December/January of 2012/2013 - like Reggie Smith will become eligible at UNLV beginning of second semester this year.
But they would still need to have a scholarship to give him.
Quote from: Ners on August 30, 2011, 07:24:06 PM
At this point Buzz clearly knows that no other 2011 player (that would have been eligible to play this year) is coming available that he would have wanted/coveted...as school is now in session.)
Just a coincidence that the Jake Thomas news comes after Drummond gets settled at UConn....
Quote from: Ners on August 30, 2011, 07:24:06 PM
Some of the ignorance in this thread shocking. There isn't going to be any "mid-season transfer" that can play on this year's team - their earliest availability would be December/January of 2012/2013 - like Reggie Smith will become eligible at UNLV beginning of second semester this year.
That said, why would Buzz NOT give Jake Thomas at least 1-year "free" at Marquette this season. Jake will be eligible to play for MU next year earlier (start of 2012) season, than any mid-season transfer this year.
At this point Buzz clearly knows that no other 2011 player (that would have been eligible to play this year) is coming available that he would have wanted/coveted...as school is now in session.)
QFT
Quote from: Ners on August 30, 2011, 07:24:06 PM
like Reggie Smith will become eligible at UNLV beginning of second semester this year.
Vicious lie! Reggie should be good to go upon the conclusion of the fall semester. Some mid-year transfers wind up missing just a third or so of their new school's games the following season.
Quote from: Jay Bee on August 30, 2011, 09:02:16 PM
Vicious lie! Reggie should be good to go upon the conclusion of the fall semester. Some mid-year transfers wind up missing just a third or so of their new school's games the following season.
My bad Jay Bee - though I did mention mid season transfers can be eligible in December/January of the next year...but in Reggie's case wrote beginning of second semester..which is wrong.
Quote from: Hards_Alumni on August 30, 2011, 03:40:12 PM
That avoids my point. We already had Jake Thomas on the team without giving him a scholarship.
I don't advocate having any scholarships open if it can be helped. I have always been against banking. But IMO, giving a player who is already going to play for you for free a scholarship is... unnecessary.
The way I view it, to leave a scholarship unused, when you have a player who does everything in practice and in the classroom you ask of him and is considered a valuable member of the team, is pretty silly. This way, Buzz can show Thomas some appreciation for his hard work, and still have a scholie available for a potential transfer. (Which I doubt will happen, but you never know.)
Quote from: The Sultan of South Wayne on August 31, 2011, 07:00:02 AM
The way I view it, to leave a scholarship unused, when you have a player who does everything in practice and in the classroom you ask of him and is considered a valuable member of the team, is pretty silly. This way, Buzz can show Thomas some appreciation for his hard work, and still have a scholie available for a potential transfer. (Which I doubt will happen, but you never know.)
That is like me giving you a bagel for free and then you giving me $5 for the bagel because I'm such a nice guy.
Mmmmm... Bagels....
It is not hard to imagine that Buzz promised Thomas's family that he would get an open scholarship. No gaurantee of one, but if available he would get it as long as Jake worked hard and did not screw up. I suspect it was the same arangement with Singleton.
Quote from: bilsu on August 31, 2011, 08:38:14 AM
It is not hard to imagine that Buzz promised Thomas's family that he would get an open scholarship. No gaurantee of one, but if available he would get it as long as Jake worked hard and did not screw up. I suspect it was the same arangement with Singleton.
I also thought about this scenario, and if this is the case then I am fine with it.
Quote from: bilsu on August 31, 2011, 08:38:14 AM
It is not hard to imagine that Buzz promised Thomas's family that he would get an open scholarship. No gaurantee of one, but if available he would get it as long as Jake worked hard and did not screw up. I suspect it was the same arangement with Singleton.
Which worked out stupendously.
Quote from: Hards_Alumni on August 30, 2011, 03:40:12 PM
That avoids my point. We already had Jake Thomas on the team without giving him a scholarship.
I don't advocate having any scholarships open if it can be helped. I have always been against banking. But IMO, giving a player who is already going to play for you for free a scholarship is... unnecessary.
Just my 2 cents. Obviously, not appreciated around here... I do understand and I agree that we probably don't need 2 scholarships open for mid season transfers, BUT you might as well do it if you can... considering there is NO HARM done if you have them open.
and Brew, lots of players look great during the Pro-Am, and then look like hell during the season... I'm sure we can all think of a few examples.
I'm glad I don't work for you. After all, if you already got me to work for you for $X, why would you ever give me more money? After all, I'm already working for you....so more money is, what, unnecessary? ::)
Quote from: ATL MU Warrior on September 02, 2011, 07:11:29 AM
I'm glad I don't work for you. After all, if you already got me to work for you for $X, why would you ever give me more money? After all, I'm already working for you....so more money is, what, unnecessary? ::)
If you earned it, I would have to compensate you more because I don't want you to leave.
If Jake Thomas doesn't get the scholarship he still probably stays.
There is the hole in your analogy.
Quote from: Hards_Alumni on September 02, 2011, 08:51:05 AM
If you earned it, I would have to compensate you more because I don't want you to leave.
If Jake Thomas doesn't get the scholarship he still probably stays.
There is the hole in your analogy.
You know for being a Ronald Reagan basher, and Scott Walker basher - you sure seem to be quite hardcore in your views on how people/"employees" are treated when it comes to them being basketball players. Let's hope for humanity's sake, you never become an employer.
Quote from: Hards_Alumni on September 02, 2011, 08:51:05 AMIf you earned it, I would have to compensate you more because I don't want you to leave.
If Jake Thomas doesn't get the scholarship he still probably stays.
There is the hole in your analogy.
I'm trying to think of a good analogy. This scholarship is like an expiring gift certificate. Isn't it better to have Thomas use it than to have it go to waste? What statement does that make if we leave two vacant scholarships, never use either of them, and still have a guy paying his own way who's good enough to get scholarships elsewhere. He's showing a loyalty and desire to be at Marquette by choosing to walk-on here rather than taking a scholarship elsewhere. Shouldn't we return that loyalty and show a desire to have him here by letting him take a vacant scholarship?
If we only had one open scholarship, I'd understand wanting to keep it open. But we have two. We can give a scholarship to Thomas and still be able to add a potential mid-season transfer. When was the last time a team took two mid-season transfers? Maybe it's happened, but mid-season transfers are rare enough as is to see one to a team, much less two.
Quote from: Ners on September 02, 2011, 09:28:23 AM
You know for being a Ronald Reagan basher, and Scott Walker basher - you sure seem to be quite hardcore in your views on how people/"employees" are treated when it comes to them being basketball players. Let's hope for humanity's sake, you never become an employer.
I don't see how that is hardcore.
For being a Reagan/Walker lover you sure are quick to hand out 'welfare' scholarships.
You see, the shoe is on the other foot, now.
That's suspiciously like "Compassionate Conservatism"
Quote from: Hards_Alumni on September 02, 2011, 10:03:52 AM
I don't see how that is hardcore.
For being a Reagan/Walker lover you sure are quick to hand out 'welfare' scholarships.
You see, the shoe is on the other foot, now.
It's not quite welfare since he's actually doing something to earn it. Care to give one good reason why we'd keep two open scholarships this year instead of rewarding our walk on?
If a walk-on has one skill that stand-outs from the following list, they have a chance at a 'ship: Athletic, physical or specialty hoops skill. If a walk-on is 6'10", pretty sure he earns a ship somewhere on the bet he could become a skilled 5 with his physicalness (think Mboa or McMorrow). If a guard is super athletic he earns one because he can pressure the ball or provide a key component in the transition game (think Reggie Smith or Artie Green). Thomas stands-out with his ridiculous range to fit a certain match-up advantage to the point where it is doubtful that any other player in the BE has that range.
There is a reason that Buzz has moved on from a PG as a priority to a 5 for the next schollie. I think Buzz has adjusted his recruiting a bit from filling in with high talent at every spot to finding the right team mix. In the book "Scorecasting", they showed the odds of winning improve with 2-3 superstars on a team--a must have...but they improve even more with evenly distributed talent that fill roles (with at least one superstar). Think the Jordan/Pippin Bulls championship teams.
His first three years here, Buzz had Frozena who had not one of these skills that differentiated him on the court. Off the court and in practice, he had his differentiated skill: His brain. He was a glue guy, but more so he was smart enough to play different roles in practice to help the team prepare for upcoming games.
Does MU have the 2-3 superstars this season? Are they DJO and Jae, with a half star to Wilson? Do Junior and Vander provide the distributor-seam buster combo to fill into specialized roles? Does Otule-Gardner also provide different looks? Does JJ fill it up on a the perimeter vs. a zone? What freshman matures to fill a role vs. trying to force the action beyond their skills (Vander often times last season)? Is Gardner fit enough to slide into a 4 role if Jae gets in foul trouble? The makings are there this season, the questions are all about how they gel, but Thomas definitely has the potential to fill a specialized role in the future.
Dr. Blackheart...
I agree that it looks as though Buzz is no longer recruiting a PG for the last scholarship and is looking more at a 4 or a 5. But the answer could be as simple as the TJ Taylor transfer, and possibly a level of comfort with DWilson.
Dunn made his "Marquette" comment just before the Taylor transfer announcement. Some are suggesting that we never formally offered him anyway. Also, Wilson supposedly played pretty well during the Pro-Am, so maybe Buzz saw enough to believe that the Taylor / Wilson combo will be good enough when both are juniors. (First year without Junior.)
Quote from: The Sultan of South Wayne on September 02, 2011, 10:48:54 AM
Dr. Blackheart...
I agree that it looks as though Buzz is no longer recruiting a PG for the last scholarship and is looking more at a 4 or a 5. But the answer could be as simple as the TJ Taylor transfer, and possibly a level of comfort with DWilson.
Dunn made his "Marquette" comment just before the Taylor transfer announcement. Some are suggesting that we never formally offered him anyway. Also, Wilson supposedly played pretty well during the Pro-Am, so maybe Buzz saw enough to believe that the Taylor / Wilson combo will be good enough when both are juniors. (First year without Junior.)
Don't get me wrong...I don't in any way think that he gets significant minutes at PG...only that he gives further assurance that Buzz has the 1 or the 1-2 depth he needs. He has a very differentiating, specialized skill that is very valuable: to come in a launch the three ball when MU is being clamped down against a zone. That can earn you a schollie IF Buzz feels comfortable he has the other pieces. Obviously, Buzz feels comfortable with the kid and his team situation to at least bridge him.
We'll see. I have stated a lot on Thomas, and this board's infatuation with him, but I really doubt that Buzz has changed his recruiting priorities because of him. There is nothing to indicate that this is the case whatsoever.
Quote from: The Sultan of South Wayne on September 02, 2011, 11:03:51 AM
We'll see. I have stated a lot on Thomas, and this board's infatuation with him, but I really doubt that Buzz has changed his recruiting priorities because of him. There is nothing to indicate that this is the case whatsoever.
Other than Buzz gave the kid a schollie. Would he have loved to get Dunn? Absolutely, but, name one player in the BE that has his range? Not bad for a walk-on.
Quote from: Hards_Alumni on September 02, 2011, 10:03:52 AM
I don't see how that is hardcore.
For being a Reagan/Walker lover you sure are quick to hand out 'welfare' scholarships.
You see, the shoe is on the other foot, now.
Fair point - but the reality is liberals have done a great job of "branding" Republicans as being inhumane, not compassionate, etc. Yet, there are many VERY GENEROUS Republicans, who have just as good of hearts as liberals. Yes, I am a Republican, but treat my employees, and people in general very well. Sure I'll spar with you and Chicos here - but you'll notice, most of the sparring is over matters where you or Chicos were being hyper critical of our players, coaches, etc.
But I know - that makes me a fanboy/Pollyanna... but you see....it is possible to be a compassionate conservative, which is why I say give Jake Thomas a scholarship - considering there are 2 open, and the kid came here on his own dime, plus he's a local product too. Use it or lose it....and it was clearly stated it was a 1-year deal in the Rosiak blog...this will not prevent MU from landing additional talent in the future, and Jake may very well turn out to be a better player than some of the more highly regarded scholarship players.
Quote from: Dr. Blackheart on September 02, 2011, 11:21:24 AM
Other than Buzz gave the kid a schollie. Would he have loved to get Dunn? Absolutely, but, name one player in the BE that has his range? Not bad for a walk-on.
He gave the kid a scholie because he had two vacant. That is hardly the first time that has happened somewhere before. And I don't know what "his range" actually is in a gametime situation. His USD numbers don't suggest that he has consistant range from deep against high level defenses.
Quote from: The Sultan of South Wayne on September 02, 2011, 11:52:28 AM
He gave the kid a scholie because he had two vacant. That is hardly the first time that has happened somewhere before. And I don't know what "his range" actually is in a gametime situation. His USD numbers don't suggest that he has consistant range from deep against high level defenses.
I think he had 14 points at Bradley Center against our high level defense.
Of course there is some question about our defense, but at least he has produced at Bradley Center.
Quote from: The Sultan of South Wayne on September 02, 2011, 11:52:28 AM
He gave the kid a scholie because he had two vacant. That is hardly the first time that has happened somewhere before. And I don't know what "his range" actually is in a gametime situation. His USD numbers don't suggest that he has consistant range from deep against high level defenses.
So Buzz is just handing out schollies now? He had opportunities to bridge other walk-ons and didn't. This kid already earned a D1 scholarship, started two seasons at D1. Shot 39% from three vs. a 34% national average, with the high level defenses knowing, especially in his sophomore year, that 74% of his 610 shots were going to be treys--so he had to extend his range even further--well beyond the NBA line--as he had no supporting cast (yet he still shot 35%). Yet, his offensive efficiency numbers were 114 and 110, excellent. After defenses adjusted to DJO, his trey % dropped from 47% to 36%.
You throw this kid in the right game situation with a strong cast, his specialty is worth a lot--obviously one worth at least a bridge scholarship. This is not a Singleton, Frozena situation. Thomas has already earned and played high minutes in D1 on a scholarship. The threat of this kid coming off the bench means BE defenses have to adjust for that situation. That opens up options for our studs as his range significantly helps space the floor--just as a threat. And, no...there is no one I have seen that has his range in the BE. Is he a role player only, though? Yes
Quote from: Ners on September 02, 2011, 11:33:43 AM
Fair point - but the reality is liberals have done a great job of "branding" Republicans as being inhumane, not compassionate, etc. Yet, there are many VERY GENEROUS Republicans, who have just as good of hearts as liberals. Yes, I am a Republican, but treat my employees, and people in general very well. Sure I'll spar with you and Chicos here - but you'll notice, most of the sparring is over matters where you or Chicos were being hyper critical of our players, coaches, etc.
But I know - that makes me a fanboy/Pollyanna... but you see....it is possible to be a compassionate conservative, which is why I say give Jake Thomas a scholarship - considering there are 2 open, and the kid came here on his own dime, plus he's a local product too. Use it or lose it....and it was clearly stated it was a 1-year deal in the Rosiak blog...this will not prevent MU from landing additional talent in the future, and Jake may very well turn out to be a better player than some of the more highly regarded scholarship players.
Very well said, and I mostly agree with you.
I just wouldn't give Jake the schollie unless it was conditionally promised to him. :)
I doubt anyone will convince me otherwise.