http://www.foxsportswisconsin.com/12/16/11/Revamped-frontcourt-should-aid-Marquette/landing_marquette.html?blockID=628250&feedID=8359
According to this article from yesterday, Jamil Wilson will be back in the lineup today against Northern Colorado. But it goes on to say that while there's still no timetable on Otule's return, he could be back before too long.
Buzz Williams: "Getting Jamil back Saturday will help some, and then hopefully we can get Juan back and potentially Chris back in the next couple of weeks and that will help defensively."
Obviously saying "no timetable" and "potentially" leaves this up in the air, but I have to say this is the best news I've heard recently. As I've said (probably too often) before I think a healthy CO could be the difference between a solid top-25 team and a legitimate league and dark horse national title contender.
Crossing my fingers that CO is back soon!
I agree. Best news yet about his potential return.
Brewcity---National title contender? I like the way you think!!
National title contender? You're being too modest. Try NBA Champions!
Quote from: TallTitan34 on December 17, 2011, 11:23:46 AM
Try NBA Champions!
Bulls with a big win last night. Haha just kidding. I really wish there was no NBA season so Chicago had no professional sports teams that were going to do anything (I don't follow the NHL, so I'm sure the Blackhawks are good, but wouldn't know).
Isn't it safe to say even if Chris does come back he won't be at 100% for some time (if at all) this season?
Quote from: TallTitan34 on December 17, 2011, 11:37:56 AM
Isn't it safe to say even if Chris does come back he won't be at 100% for some time (if at all) this season?
Possible/probable, but I would say Chris doesn't really rely on his athleticism all that much but just his length to do damage on the defensice end.
If they are talking that kind of timetable, and it is as they have said, an ACL injury, this is extremely fortunate - it must have been a very minor tweak to that structure. If we are getting that kind of luck, this could indeed be our year!
Quote from: Goose on December 17, 2011, 11:17:35 AMBrewcity---National title contender? I like the way you think!!
I'll admit we'd still be a long shot, but after UNC, UK, and OSU (maybe Syracuse), we're right there in that next tier of teams. And all of those first three have proven vulnerable to opposition that I would say is no better than us.
This is the best Marquette team I think we've had in the past 30 years. Granted, the 2002-03 team had a better individual, but I think as a team, we're better. DJO is the best scorer we've had since Wade, and I think our complimentary pieces are better. Our defense is also MUCH better, but needs Otule in there to reach our peak.
I'd probably put us in that 5-10 range, but a #1 seed isn't out of our reach and from there, it would probably only take one or two upsets for us to win it all. I know it's not likely, but it's also not an impossibility.
agreed, a 7 footer like chris can sub in on D and take up space withing having to cut/put too much stress on the knee. his role on offense can be dimished to screen and seal for the guards. it wont help his rebounding, but that big of a body can fill a lot of space and affect lots plays. remember the injury came on a loose ball that he tracked down 40 ft from the hoop, doubtful he is in that position again.
That sounds like Otule's role on offense anyway; set screens, post, get the occasional putback or sweet feed from a slashing player like Blue/DJO/Cadoogs. He's way more important to us on defense, and rebounding. Even if he's well under 100%, he'll still be very valuable to have in the lineup.
If Chris comes back this year it is safe to assume that making the decision to do so - will NOT result in further damaging the knee. Buzz looks at Chris like a son, and there is no doubt he would only allow Chris back if it didn't jeopardize him in the future.
Having said this, hopefully Chris can come back and compete at a level similar to his past performances.
Dare I say that a 75% CO may be more effective than a 100% CO?
75% gets you back and forth in the lane just fine. 100% gets you all over the defensive end chasing loose balls and stuff (where one might find himself out of position on defense occasionally).
Although being able to "spread out" on both ends of the court adds a different dimension to his game, CO's role where he's most effective is clogging up the lane on defense. Personally, I think I'd rather have him in position defensively on every possession rather than having him roam around hoping he'll grab a steal or deflection once in a while... at the risk of giving up bunnies because he was 15' from the hoop.
Quote from: Benny B on December 17, 2011, 02:08:49 PM
Dare I say that a 75% CO may be more effective than a 100% CO?
Next year when he heels up, we can whack his other knee.
Idk if thats forsure right benny, but i do agree with everyone that we just need him back for starters. If hes completely healed thats gravy
I told everybody to relax about the situation!
I do think a couple of weeks may be a bit optimistic, but I'd love to see it!
Quote from: brewcity77 on December 17, 2011, 11:58:09 AM
I'll admit we'd still be a long shot, but after UNC, UK, and OSU (maybe Syracuse), we're right there in that next tier of teams. And all of those first three have proven vulnerable to opposition that I would say is no better than us.
I agree, though I hate to add Duke as a team that I believe will be very hard to beat by tournament time. So i would consider UNC, UK, OSU and Duke the four teams I believe we would really have trouble with, but i believe we can beat anyone else in the country if Chris is back and we play well on a given night.
Of course, the key is always whether or not we can win six in a row in March. Admittedly, the odds are against that.
On Chris, it does seem that Buzz tries to keep expectations of return low (see Junior), i assume to keep pressure off the kids while they are rehabbing, so I really am hopeful.
Two bad we play 2 of our 3 toughest games of the season right off the bat - potentially before Chris is back or at least 100% - in the trips to Syracuse and Georgetown. Of course, the toughest game of the year is at Wisconsin. Oh yeah, we already killed them.
Quote from: jmayer1 on December 17, 2011, 11:41:21 AM
Possible/probable, but I would say Chris doesn't really rely on his athleticism all that much but just his length to do damage on the defensice end.
+1. His presence is more important than his actually mobility.
Quote from: The Sultan of South Wayne on December 17, 2011, 02:20:26 PM
Next year when he heels up, we can whack his other knee.
Is that some sort of new dance move?
brewcity--This is the best team since '78. We cannot call the dogs off because all 9 or 10 guys are big time D1 players. I am 48 years old and have waited 30 years to have team of athletic basketball players and we sure have one. Have talked to many people who followed the program for years, including former players, and almost to the person everyone has said deepest team since Al was here.
Over the years I have been harsh critic because I believe MU has set bar lower than I liked in terms of basketball and I believe this team is special. The pressure on D side is fun to watch and they play hard. If you want minutes on this team you better be in shape and work hard. Not 40 minutes of hell yet, but getting close.
Quote from: Goose on December 17, 2011, 06:25:54 PM
brewcity--This is the best team since '78. We cannot call the dogs off because all 9 or 10 guys are big time D1 players. I am 48 years old and have waited 30 years to have team of athletic basketball players and we sure have one. Have talked to many people who followed the program for years, including former players, and almost to the person everyone has said deepest team since Al was here.
Over the years I have been harsh critic because I believe MU has set bar lower than I liked in terms of basketball and I believe this team is special. The pressure on D side is fun to watch and they play hard. If you want minutes on this team you better be in shape and work hard. Not 40 minutes of hell yet, but getting close.
Not only this, but it doesn't look like Marquette is going to take much of a step back next year, with the continued development of everybody, but specifically Todd Mayo and Jamil Wilson. Looks like some great basketball will be around in Milwaukee for a while. Hang on to Buzz at all cost.
MU student...Recruit studs and good things happen. I hope Buzz never stops recruiting or offering schollies. If everything goes as planned two years from now we will be 40 minutes of hell on the court.
Quote from: Goose on December 17, 2011, 06:33:42 PM
MU student...Recruit studs and good things happen. I hope Buzz never stops recruiting or offering schollies. If everything goes as planned two years from now we will be 40 minutes of hell on the court.
Couldn't agree more. Boy, I would love to see elite teams year in and year out.
Quote from: brewcity77 on December 17, 2011, 11:58:09 AM
This is the best Marquette team I think we've had in the past 30 years.
I'd probably put us in that 5-10 range, but a #1 seed isn't out of our reach and from there, it would probably only take one or two upsets for us to win it all. I know it's not likely, but it's also not an impossibility.
It is too early to tell, but I share Brew's sentiment that this may be the best Warrior team since Al left. We have depth and we have an intangible that seems to carry us through adversity. For most of the past few years, I've been resigned to believe that if we got in a close game, we'd find a way to lose.
Now we're finding a way to win. It's early, but I'm really excited. Looking forward to seeing us in Milwaukee against Vanderbilt.
As to the National Championship, we have a funny way of losing close NCAA games. In 1971, we were Number 2 and were upset when Allie McGuire stepped out of bounds in Athens, GA. In 1972, Jim Chones, the core of our team, left what was at the time the best team in the nation. In 1974, we lost the national championship game when Al was hit with two technicals. In 1977, we were the last team in and the last team OUT!!! In 1978, our hopes were destroyed by Miami of Ohio. That's right, young fans, Miami of Ohio!
So I never bank on NCAA tournaments. Too much heartbreak. But I am excited this year and yes, perhaps for the first time since 1978, I'd agree we have an outside shot at final night net cutting. Just don't forget the switchblades.
It was hard to tell, because Otule was wearing some heavy pants, but prior to start of game he was walking with no apparent problems. I also could not tell, if he was wearing anything on his knee. I think he might be back in a couple of weeks.
There was no limp. He was walking fine. Of course, that is far different than playing against D1 competition.
Quote from: dgies9156 on December 17, 2011, 07:02:58 PM
It is too early to tell, but I share Brew's sentiment that this may be the best Warrior team since Al left.
Lets wait until BE season starts rolling before we make such grand statements. After all, we have been to a Final Four as a conference winning, #3 seed since Al left.
I'd obviously love to see Otule back sooner rather than later but a person can walk just fine with an injury such as a torn MCL. That doesn't mean they can cut or jump or change directions.
Quote from: bamamarquettefan on December 17, 2011, 02:51:18 PMOf course, the key is always whether or not we can win six in a row in March. Admittedly, the odds are against that.
One thing I'll be curious about, and I think the key to our March success, is if Buzz can make sure that we
aren't trying to win six in a row in March. We have to win one in a row six times.
I know, it sounds like splitting hairs, but looking at our last two tournament runs beyond the first weekend, it seemed like our final game was the destination.
In 2003, no one expected us to beat Kentucky. I would wager that 90% of Marquette fans had UK through to the Final Four on their office pool brackets. The Wildcats hadn't lost since Dec. 28 and were loaded. Beating Kentucky was our Super Bowl. Tom Crean, before the season, had brought the team to the Superdome in New Orleans and told them that getting there was the destination. Well, they got there, but against Kansas, it sure looked like no one had told them they could also win there.
Last year, no one (nationally) expected us to beat Syracuse. One of the last teams in beating a 3-seed? Of course, it was the same Syracuse team we had beaten less than 2 months prior. But beating them and getting to the Sweet 16 seemed like the goal. Then we show up against UNC and get flattened.
I really hope Buzz can keep the one game focus. That's why I have such high hopes for this team. I look around the country and I don't see a single team that on a given night we couldn't beat. It's much harder to go through Kentucky in the Elite 8, Ohio State in the Final Four, and North Carolina in the title game, but if we're healthy and on a neutral court, is it unthinkable that we could beat Kentucky, Ohio State, or North Carolina on a given night? I don't think we're any worse than Indiana, Kansas, or UNLV, and they all notched a win against those teams. If we play it one-at-a-time, our ceiling is really high.
We just have to make sure, especially after last year, that there is no destination.
Quote from: brewcity77 on December 17, 2011, 11:58:09 AM
I'll admit we'd still be a long shot, but after UNC, UK, and OSU (maybe Syracuse), we're right there in that next tier of teams. And all of those first three have proven vulnerable to opposition that I would say is no better than us.
This is the best Marquette team I think we've had in the past 30 years. Granted, the 2002-03 team had a better individual, but I think as a team, we're better. DJO is the best scorer we've had since Wade, and I think our complimentary pieces are better. Our defense is also MUCH better, but needs Otule in there to reach our peak.
I'd probably put us in that 5-10 range, but a #1 seed isn't out of our reach and from there, it would probably only take one or two upsets for us to win it all. I know it's not likely, but it's also not an impossibility.
Absolutely, 100 percent agree. We are a legit Final Four contender and, having seen Butler get to the final two years in a row...you're telling me we can't get there and win it? We can. Get Otule back and literally the sky is the limit.
not sure what its worth, but chris looks to be active in the lsu walkthrough
(http://s1-04.twitpicproxy.com/photos/large/475741338.jpg)
http://twitpic.com/7v8sd6
Quote from: brewcity77 on December 18, 2011, 06:51:28 AM
It's much harder to go through Kentucky in the Elite 8, Ohio State in the Final Four, and North Carolina in the title game, but if we're healthy and on a neutral court, is it unthinkable that we could beat Kentucky, Ohio State, or North Carolina on a given night? I don't think we're any worse than Indiana, Kansas, or UNLV, and they all notched a win against those teams.
Indiana won at home, Kansas won without Ohio State having its best/the nation's best player due to injury, and UNLV won on a neutral court...in Las Vegas.
its good seeing chris up and standing. We'll need him, but shouldnt rush back
Quote from: bigself13 on December 18, 2011, 10:42:48 PM
its good seeing chris up and standing. We'll need him, but shouldnt rush back
Haven't seen Buzz rush anyone back yet.
Quote from: what the fulce? on December 18, 2011, 09:25:18 PM
not sure what its worth, but chris looks to be active in the lsu walkthrough
(http://s1-04.twitpicproxy.com/photos/large/475741338.jpg)
http://twitpic.com/7v8sd6
I think the fact he made the trip is very encouraging.
Seems like he's just observing and not participating since he is not down in the post with jae, davante and jamil. But yes, encouraging that he made the trip and is staying involved.
Quote from: The Sultan of South Wayne on December 19, 2011, 07:55:34 AM
I think the fact he made the trip is very encouraging.
Wouldn't he make the trip almost no matter what. Guys that are out for long periods, even the whole season would likely travel with the team if they were physically able. The picture does raise some hopes because if the knee was real unstable I doubt he'd be on the court.
Quote from: NotAnAlum on December 19, 2011, 08:52:37 AM
Wouldn't he make the trip almost no matter what. Guys that are out for long periods, even the whole season would likely travel with the team if they were physically able. The picture does raise some hopes because if the knee was real unstable I doubt he'd be on the court.
No... injured players do not make road trips. Heck, I don't think that Jamil Wilson went on road trips last year (except maybe the tournaments).
Quote from: Benny B on December 19, 2011, 10:01:18 AM
No... injured players do not make road trips. Heck, I don't think that Jamil Wilson went on road trips last year (except maybe the tournaments).
Jamil couldn't go on road trips last year, he was sitting out a redshirt transfer year. You can't travel with the team unless you travel on your own in that case.
Quote from: Benny B on December 19, 2011, 10:01:18 AM
No... injured players do not make road trips. Heck, I don't think that Jamil Wilson went on road trips last year (except maybe the tournaments).
Really? It seems like other teams come to the BC all the time with guys not suited up. I've got to believe with the quick turn to play UWM on the 22nd MU chartered a flight so they can leave as soon as the LSU game is over. In that case it doesn't cost you anything to fly an extra guy and he is there for moral support.
It doesn't have anything to do with cost. Redshirt players do not travel by rule, but injured players may travel unless the team decides to leave them home for rehab. purposes or if flying could increase health risks, as in the case of blood clots, etc.
School's on break. So what's he supposed to do?