Of course, now I can't find the quote. I think it was DJO earlier this year talking about regrets. Both he and Jae were disappointed last year when they came up short in the NCAAs and didn't want to have that kind of feeling again this year. That they were both completely committed to leaving Marquette without regrets.
I could see this tandem really exploding in the coming weeks. All year, I've felt like DJO is on the verge of reaching his potential as a collegiate player, but don't think he's there yet. Jae is starting to find that potential. It honestly wouldn't surprise me if we didn't lose another game until November or December. These two guys are playing like men possessed, and both have shown the ability to play up to the moment. I think that as the moments get bigger, so will their play.
Right now, I expect to see them cutting down nets at Madison Square Garden a week from Saturday. I think we are playing the best ball of any team in the Big East right now, and I don't even think it's that close. I am desperately hoping to see Syracuse in the final so we can send them out of the league with a loss.
From there...well, the last two Big East tournament champions went to the Final Four. There's no reason these guys can't do the same. And on the biggest stage in the collegiate game, there's also no team I look at and say we couldn't beat them. Kentucky would be tough. Kansas would be tough. UNC would be tough. But I don't think any of them has a better senior tandem than we do. I'm not sure anyone in the nation does.
Bring on March. Bring on the Big East Tournament. Bring on the NCAAs. There's nothing these guys can't accomplish. No regrets. Right up until April 2nd, no regrets.
Syracuse and Pitt are still in the league next year, no?
All in all, I agree with your sentiments. Gardner going down was a blessing in disguise because it forced us to discover our best lineup. That being said, I firmly believe we will need a productive Gardner in the NCAA's to make a final four type of run. He should be coming off the bench, but the 15 minutes he can provide for post scoring and drawing fouls will be huge against certain teams.
The talent is there. The desire is there. Hopefully the luck is on our side, because every team needs a healthy does of it in March. With all three, there is no reason this team can't win it all.
Quote from: dwaderoy2004 on February 27, 2012, 10:34:08 AM
Syracuse and Pitt are still in the league next year, no?
At least. Perhaps the year after as well.
I'm picking MU to win it all in my bracket regardless of what happens in the end of the regular season/big east tournament. Jae and DJO are playing as well as any other tandem in the country, Cadougan, Blue, and Wilson are also ballin', and we are going to get Davante back soon. The only team I think we cannot beat is Kentucky.
We can beat kentucky. Them and UNC would be our toughest matchups, but we can beat them.
Love the optimism, but can't say I share it. Then again, I'm always a late-adapter when it comes to optimism. Two weeks ago I laughed when people said they thought we could "win out" through the regular season. Now its looking quite possible. So yes, right now I think this National Championship talk is a little far-fetched and very premature. Hopefully I'll be surprised again and agree with you in a few weeks.
Too many what ifs at the moment. Yes we are capable of winning it all, but so are 10ish other teams. Just have to get hot at the right time and stay hot. A lot can change between now and the opening rounds in 2 weeks.
Quote from: dwaderoy2004 on February 27, 2012, 10:34:08 AM
Gardner going down was a blessing in disguise because it forced us to discover our best lineup. That being said, I firmly believe we will need a productive Gardner in the NCAA's to make a final four type of run. He should be coming off the bench, but the 15 minutes he can provide for post scoring and drawing fouls will be huge against certain teams.
The talent is there. The desire is there. Hopefully the luck is on our side, because every team needs a healthy does of it in March. With all three, there is no reason this team can't win it all.
I agree with this completely. We have become much more versatile now than earlier in the season, because we've been forced to. You knew that Jae and DJO would play well, but guys like Blue, and Jamil Wilson have really stepped up their games recently.
As for the "luck" being on our side, usually that manifests in someone who you might not expect making a huge play or shot in the NCAA games. In '03, we had Chapman's 3s in the first game, Novak straight BLOWING UP in the Mizzou & Kentucky games, and Karon Bradley's clutch minutes vs Pitt. I think we'll need somone like Jamail Jones, Juan Anderson, or Derrick Wilson to make a big play or shot in the tournament if we want to get to FF/Natl Championship game.
It also is helpful to be matched up with particular teams or getting some teams bounced on the way. Right now, I don't think there are too many teams I'd be afraid to play.
Quote from: lab_warrior on February 27, 2012, 11:47:41 AM
I agree with this completely. We have become much more versatile now than earlier in the season, because we've been forced to. You knew that Jae and DJO would play well, but guys like Blue, and Jamil Wilson have really stepped up their games recently.
As for the "luck" being on our side, usually that manifests in someone who you might not expect making a huge play or shot in the NCAA games. In '03, we had Chapman's 3s in the first game, Novak straight BLOWING UP in the Mizzou & Kentucky games, and Karon Bradley's clutch minutes vs Pitt. I think we'll need somone like Jamail Jones, Juan Anderson, or Derrick Wilson to make a big play or shot in the tournament if we want to get to FF/Natl Championship game.
It also is helpful to be matched up with particular teams or getting some teams bounced on the way. Right now, I don't think there are too many teams I'd be afraid to play.
I think not enough people are talking about Blue. He's been huge for us in our recent winning streak. He's actually been making layups! And some pretty nasty dunks...
And I agree, I hope
someone can step up. Anderson, though, just straight up needs more minutes... Every time he's gotten in this year, save for a couple of rebounds, he seems nervous and his ball-handling and decision-making isn't all there (as compared to Mayo, and DWilson to a lesser extent).
Very few championships are won without some element of luck being involved. The opportunity to win a championship usually comes with your team being good enough to take advantage of the opportunity that good luck creates.
This team has overcome some adversity this season and plays like a team that believes that they can win. They have also played themselves into a position where they can take advantage of a good break or two.
I don't think anyone could take off the rose colored glasses and honestly argue they're the most talented team in the country. That being said, they are pretty damn good. And a lot of the more talented teams probably wouldn't want to see them in their bracket. From their position, the way they play as a team, and with some good luck in the mix, I think anything is possible.
Quote from: MU_LOL on February 27, 2012, 12:28:46 PM
I think not enough people are talking about Blue. He's been huge for us in our recent winning streak. He's actually been making layups! And some pretty nasty dunks...
And I agree, I hope someone can step up. Anderson, though, just straight up needs more minutes... Every time he's gotten in this year, save for a couple of rebounds, he seems nervous and his ball-handling and decision-making isn't all there (as compared to Mayo, and DWilson to a lesser extent).
Agree on Blue he had 6 rebounds on Friday, crowder had 4. Blue played 20 minutes crowder 40.
Not taking anything away from Crowder but when we were getting killed on the boards Blue started rising above everyone and grabbed 6 huge boards in a half!
Quote from: Canadian Dimes on February 27, 2012, 12:33:00 PM
Not taking anything away from Crowder but when we were getting killed on the boards Blue started rising above everyone and grabbed 6 huge boards in a half!
pound for pound, blue is the best rebounder on the team...
Quote from: MDMU04 on February 27, 2012, 12:31:50 PM
Very few championships are won without some element of luck being involved. The opportunity to win a championship usually comes with your team being good enough to take advantage of the opportunity that good luck creates.
This team has overcome some adversity this season and plays like a team that believes that they can win. They have also played themselves into a position where they can take advantage of a good break or two.
I don't think anyone could take off the rose colored glasses and honestly argue they're the most talented team in the country. That being said, they are pretty damn good. And a lot of the more talented teams probably wouldn't want to see them in their bracket. From their position, the way they play as a team, and with some good luck in the mix, I think anything is possible.
Gotta play well, hit free throws, etc., but agree totally that luck will have a LOT to do with the end result.
Hopefully, we'll be talking about luck and not the lack thereof!
I have a feeling that Jae and DJO are on the verge of taking this team and throwing them on their shoulders. While it would be great to see one of them win Big East POY, it could be a kemba walker blessing if neither won it. Jae deserves it, but I could see him using that as motivation to carry this team to April 2nd.