I hate to be that guy, but would someone be able to post this ESPN Insider article. Just curious what we are projected to be. I'm not gonna lie and say that my membership expired.... i'm a student and just too cheap for insider. (if this is against the board rules, just let me know!)
Thanks in advance!
MU at # 4 in ranking. Says MU may have a no-name quality to it, but is talented and will scrap.
Quote from: Nukem2 on July 23, 2012, 04:40:59 PM
MU at # 4 in ranking. Says MU may have a no-name quality to it, but is talented and will scrap.
Love it, thanks!!
Very appropriate for the coming year.
Vander is the key to everything. If he can run the offense and find an occasional shot, we will be terrific. Todd Mayo needs to come back to give us a real edge.
If Chris Otule stays healthy and is as strong as he was before his injury last year; if Davante is a beast and if our guards are the playmakers we think they can be, we will have something special/
But, if Todd does not come back, if Vander doesn't find a shot or if Chris is hobbled, this could be a looooonnnggg year.
I'm betting on the former and hope we're something really special this year!
Buzz Williams has built upon a culture of hard work,toughness and preparation and the program is going to be a contender
for as long as the Big East lasts. Returnees Vander Blue,Jamil Willson and Davante Gardner will provide a solid nuclues
and transfer Trent Lockett and frosh Steve Taylor will add quality depth. Marquette may have a no-name quality to its roster
but will scrap and fight its way to the upper division of the league. Bilas
Quote from: Blueprint on July 23, 2012, 05:37:44 PM
Returnees Vander Blue,Jamil Willson and Davante Gardner will provide a solid nuclues
and transfer Trent Lockett and frosh Steve Taylor will add quality depth.
I think Junior is going to have a big year, too. Other than Siva, are there any Big East point guards better than Junior?
Most Important Player-Vander Blue
A team in the best sense of the word, MU won collectively instead of individually, and that was with Jae Crowder edging
out DJO for conference player of the year. Amid the collection of unheralted superstars was Blue, a gifted player who has the ability to shine and now, will have the opportunity as well..
Quote from: TrueBlueAndGold on July 23, 2012, 05:41:21 PM
I think Junior is going to have a big year, too. Other than Siva, are there any Big East point guards better than Junior?
Anthony Collins.
Quote from: TrueBlueAndGold on July 23, 2012, 05:41:21 PM
I think Junior is going to have a big year, too. Other than Siva, are there any Big East point guards better than Junior?
Did you see the last five games of the year?
Quote from: TrueBlueAndGold on July 23, 2012, 05:41:21 PM
I think Junior is going to have a big year, too. Other than Siva, are there any Big East point guards better than Junior?
1. Siva
2. Council
3. Cadougan
..in my book.
Eric Atkins is also better. IMO
While Junior is not a great shooter and he can be prone to turnovers, the fact is he really makes the team go, especially against a man defense in transition. With MU much bigger in the frontcourt, this will be a team built for Junior. Jamil, Taylor and Lockett can run the court and he is one of the best around at feedling the post. With TJ gone and Mayo in question, he really needs to work on his shot which he is doing or else MU will be zoned every game. If Mayo returns and Jake can be that zone breaker in spots, MU can be very very good, and it will all start with Junior.
Back to Junior, say what you will about +/-, but over the course of a season it is very good measure of one's contribution. The Roland rating, a +/-metric of +/- of a player when on and off the court, had Junior as #1 in the Big East last season and #6 nationally of all D1 players. Who were some of those just ahead of him?: Anthony Davis and Teauge from Kentucky, Sullinger from tOSU. Jae was #13 nationally and #2 in the BE, with names like Lamb, Denom, English DeShaun Thomas in between the two Warriors.
This team will be more built for the half court game than last year's, but the ability to run is still in place. And, Junior makes it happen like few others. The kid is a winner.
http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/stats/roland?season=2011-2012
Junior struggles against teams that fill the passing lanes when they press him and force him to pass the ball. There are very few teams that can do this.
Im a huge MU fan just like everyone on this board is. With that said, Junior is prolly the 8th best point guard in the big east.
Quote from: Dreadman24 on July 24, 2012, 08:55:10 AM
Im a huge MU fan just like everyone on this board is. With that said, Junior is prolly the 8th best point guard in the big east.
Yes im a Junior hater.
I like him in transition.
His defense is better than I thought.
His 1/2 court effectiveness is limited. He lacks a consistent jumper, which allows players to back off, which limits Junior's ability to get in the lane.
The ability to knock down shots would force defenses to close out on him and would open up a world of opportunity for him. Give Junior 1/2 step on a guy, and he creates very well.
Junior and Vander are similar in this aspect: An improvement in shooting could lead to all-conf. type performances.
Tough to do, but not impossible (Acker).
I'm really hoping Junior has a breakthrough season and takes charge for his senior year the way Acker did. He has been excellent at times but needs to perform at a higher level on a more consistent basis - he clearly has the ability.
Quote from: Dreadman24 on July 24, 2012, 08:55:10 AM
Im a huge MU fan just like everyone on this board is. With that said, Junior is prolly the 8th best point guard in the big east.
I am sorry but that is ridiculous. Junior does what Buzz wants his point guards to do....press the action...get into the lane. This type of play is going to result in some turnovers, but by and large he is the engine that gets MU going.
Jamil is the most important player next year. He really has to step up and do some of the interior things that Jae did last year. He needs to rebound more consistently...create more offense on the inside, etc. We have been strong at that position since Buzz has gotten here, and we can't be weak now.
If Mayo returns, I am honestly not concerned about our backcourt depth. I fully anticipate that Lockett will essentially make up for the loss of DJO. He's got the body and the game. (The TJ Taylor loss will be felt down the road...like next year.)
But having a player like Lazar, JFB and Jae on the front line is what this team needs and Jamil has to be that guy.
Quote from: The Sultan of South Wayne on July 24, 2012, 09:37:08 AM
I am sorry but that is ridiculous. Junior does what Buzz wants his point guards to do....press the action...get into the lane. This type of play is going to result in some turnovers, but by and large he is the engine that gets MU going.
Weird that everyone can come on here and bash Junior, but say anything bad about Buycks and people freak out...
Our offense is so much better with Junior in the game it's not even funny. He may have a game or two a year where things do not go well, but everything else he brings to the table more than counteracts it.
It is what it is
Quote from: The Sultan of South Wayne on July 24, 2012, 09:41:38 AM
I fully anticipate that Lockett will essentially make up for the loss of DJO. He's got the body and the game. (The TJ Taylor loss will be felt down the road...like next year.)
I hope you are right. I like Lockett's offensive efficiency numbers, but DJO was such a high-volume-high production type of player.
I hope Lockett's offensive usage can increase without a big drop in efficiency/effectiveness.
MU plays at a higher pace than ASU, so it's conceivable Lockett's volume could increase and still be effective.
He'll have to take 5 more shots per game in 2 less minutes played to equal DJO's usage.
I'm sure the stat guys will have more comparisons as we get closer to the season.
Quote from: Guns n Ammo on July 24, 2012, 10:12:01 AM
I hope you are right. I like Lockett's offensive efficiency numbers, but DJO was such a high-volume-high production type of player.
I hope Lockett's offensive usage can increase without a big drop in efficiency/effectiveness.
MU plays at a higher pace than ASU, so it's conceivable Lockett's volume could increase and still be effective.
He'll have to take 5 more shots per game in 2 less minutes played to equal DJO's usage.
I'm sure the stat guys will have more comparisons as we get closer to the season.
These are very, very valid points...and obviously my opinion wasn't as well researched as it should have been.
Put it this way...I think we will get the production out of the backcourt that we need. Whether or not Lockett is a perfect replacement I don't know. But with his experience, AND another year of experience from Mayo and Blue, I am not as worried about replacing DJO as much as I am about replacing Jae.
Quote from: The Sultan of South Wayne on July 24, 2012, 10:16:55 AM
These are very, very valid points...and obviously my opinion wasn't as well researched as it should have been.
Put it this way...I think we will get the production out of the backcourt that we need. Whether or not Lockett is a perfect replacement I don't know. But with his experience, AND another year of experience from Mayo and Blue, I am not as worried about replacing DJO as much as I am about replacing Jae.
I agree. I think Lockett + other guards improvement can compensate for the loss of DJO. I think they have enough guys to take shots, the question is: Can they take/make enough 3pters?
Compensating for Jae is going to have to come from a healthy Otule and improved Jamil and Gardner. Not inconceivable, but none of them have defensive instincts/shooting ability of Jae.
They have to find some offensive production to replace all of Jae's 3's. I don't think we can just plug Jamil in and give him a lot of those shots. Maybe some high-low action with Jamil and Gardner? I was impressed with Jamil's passing when I saw him in scrimmages.
EDIT:
Not to keep harping on this but in DJO and Jae, MU loses 138-377 on 3pt FG. That's 37 fg%, which isn't elite, but when you consider the sheer volume (more than 10 3pt attempts per game!), it might be tough for MU to find that amount of scoring from deep.
You can replace those shots 2pters, but MU will have to shoot 3's well enough to keep defenses spread and prevent a packed in 2-3 zone.
This will be a totally different team. Our scoring will come from the frontline, where we have the potential to have four double figure scorers (Gardner, Wilson, Lockett and Taylor). At this point I am assuming Mayo is gone or at least so far behind the 8 ball, he will not contribute in November anyways. Due to injuries Anderson and Otule effectiveness for our November 9 game schedule is also questionable. I believe Blue will start at the two and he may actually excel there. I think he is more suited for playing the two than the three. I believe it will be easier for him to drive and create from the two ( like McNeal, who did not have a consistant three point shot until his senior year). He also will have an easier time defensively. Our starting guards and D. Wilson are not three point shooters, but Wilson, Lockett, Taylor and even Gardner can shoot the three so it will be interesting how teams try to defend us. You will see Thomas, if the other team puts to much emphasis on packing in the lane. Weaker outside shooting can be minimized by being a strong offensive rebounding team and offensive rebounding might be the key to this being a great team.
Junior is the key to the team. He's the engine that runs it. If he goes, so does MU.
Wilson is the leader. He will be the alpha dog and encourage everyone to do better.
Davante is the gritty soul. It's not pretty but it's "junkyardly" fantastic.
Vander is the heart. All of the emotion of this team will be based on how he handles games and tough situations.
It truly can be a breakout year for him. Probably not shooting-wise but dominating both ends of the floor by locking down and drawing defensive fouls.
Quote from: bilsu on July 24, 2012, 11:56:31 AM
This will be a totally different team. Our scoring will come from the frontline, where we have the potential to have four double figure scorers (Gardner, Wilson, Lockett and Taylor). At this point I am assuming Mayo is gone or at least so far behind the 8 ball, he will not contribute in November anyways. Due to injuries Anderson and Otule effectiveness for our November 9 game schedule is also questionable. I believe Blue will start at the two and he may actually excel there. I think he is more suited for playing the two than the three. I believe it will be easier for him to drive and create from the two ( like McNeal, who did not have a consistant three point shot until his senior year). He also will have an easier time defensively. Our starting guards and D. Wilson are not three point shooters, but Wilson, Lockett, Taylor and even Gardner can shoot the three so it will be interesting how teams try to defend us. You will see Thomas, if the other team puts to much emphasis on packing in the lane. Weaker outside shooting can be minimized by being a strong offensive rebounding team and offensive rebounding might be the key to this being a great team.
If you are right, they are going to be very good this year. I just don't see a scenario where Steve Taylor gets 10pts per game, but maybe I'm being a hater.
The pessimist in me doubts that MU can be efficient enough from the outside to prevent teams from packing it in and negating MU's quickness and creating off of "paint touches".
Also, Davante Gardner has never made a 3pter in a college game. I know we have seen him in scrimmages and whatnot, but I'm just not sure that Buzz is ever going to let him/want him shooting them.
With all of this said, if every guard shoots a little better (maybe 30+% from 3?), and if Jake Thomas/Mayo can provide enough 3pt shooting to break up zones, I think MU will be very good. The players upfront are good and will have room to work if teams can't zone them and consistently double the post.
Quote from: bilsu on July 24, 2012, 11:56:31 AM
This will be a totally different team. Our scoring will come from the frontline, where we have the potential to have four double figure scorers (Gardner, Wilson, Lockett and Taylor). At this point I am assuming Mayo is gone or at least so far behind the 8 ball, he will not contribute in November anyways. Due to injuries Anderson and Otule effectiveness for our November 9 game schedule is also questionable. I believe Blue will start at the two and he may actually excel there. I think he is more suited for playing the two than the three. I believe it will be easier for him to drive and create from the two ( like McNeal, who did not have a consistant three point shot until his senior year). He also will have an easier time defensively. Our starting guards and D. Wilson are not three point shooters, but Wilson, Lockett, Taylor and even Gardner can shoot the three so it will be interesting how teams try to defend us. You will see Thomas, if the other team puts to much emphasis on packing in the lane. Weaker outside shooting can be minimized by being a strong offensive rebounding team and offensive rebounding might be the key to this being a great team.
For the umpteeth time...there is no difference in this offense between a two and a three.
Quote from: The Sultan of South Wayne on July 24, 2012, 01:07:27 PM
For the umpteeth time...there is no difference in this offense between a two and a three.
You are right, but if Vander is playing alongside a bigger Trent Lockett rather than a smaller DJO it could change his matchups - that could certainly work to his benefit.
Quote from: Lennys Tap on July 24, 2012, 01:46:44 PM
You are right, but if Vander is playing alongside a bigger Trent Lockett rather than a smaller DJO it could change his matchups - that could certainly work to his benefit.
He is going to be playing alongside Mayo and Lockett for most of next season....pretty much in a regular rotation. Occasionally both if he is playing the point.
Quote from: The Sultan of South Wayne on July 24, 2012, 01:07:27 PM
For the umpteeth time...there is no difference in this offense between a two and a three.
I disagree. When McNeal broke his hand Matthews moved to the two (Crean's offense). He was noticeably better offensively at the two vs the three. Of course you can argue he got more touches, since McNeal was not in the game. However, I believe you get a different path and view of the basket from the two spot vs the three. Of course with Buzz's lineup being switchable you can end up being anywhere on the offensive end or defensive end. In MU's history the great drivers were guards (Meminger, Butch Lee, Wade, McNeal, etc.) I sure there were, but off hand I do not remember any threes being great drivers (Matthews and Butler did have a lot of success taking the ball to the basket in Buzz's offense, but they are bigger than Blue). Most of Blues' drives last year came off of fast breaks. I could be wrong, but I am predicting the two spot will be good for him and we will be seeing him take the ball to the hoop more. Of course he still has to make it. Looking at last year's team DJO from the two had more opportunities to drive than Blue did from the three. Of course you can argue that was the result of DJO being the better player. On defense Blue playing the two will have more opportunity to fast break versus when he played the three. There are not going to be many players that can catch Blue if gets out on the fast break versus having to try to rebound from the three. Only time will tell, but I believe playing the two will be a huge positive for Blue. Even though Buzz uses a motion offense, how many times did DJO's drive start form the three spot? It seems to me that most of DJO's drives started from around the free throw line and that is where you will Blue's drives start from
I actually like Vander at PG when they run a 1-4 flat set. I think he's tough to guard that far away from the hoop without defensive help.
The problem is he gets a full head of steam from up there and has trouble with speed/body control when he beats his man. This is something Matthews, McNeal, DJO, Wade, Jimmy were all very good at. I'm hoping with some more strength and experience Vander can get a little more under control as he gets closer to the hoop.
As far as the difference between 2 and 3, it's negligible... but in theory, could lead to some different match-ups on each end of the floor.
Quote from: Guns n Ammo on July 24, 2012, 09:13:48 AM
His defense is better than I thought.
If that's the case i hope you think his defense is atrocious. Not "hating" but Junior has probably the least impact on the floor than anybody on defense. I'd even put De' De' ahead of him.
Quote from: bilsu on July 24, 2012, 02:21:34 PM
I disagree. When McNeal broke his hand Matthews moved to the two (Crean's offense). He was noticeably better offensively at the two vs the three. Of course you can argue he got more touches, since McNeal was not in the game. However, I believe you get a different path and view of the basket from the two spot vs the three. Of course with Buzz's lineup being switchable you can end up being anywhere on the offensive end or defensive end. In MU's history the great drivers were guards (Meminger, Butch Lee, Wade, McNeal, etc.) I sure there were, but off hand I do not remember any threes being great drivers (Matthews and Butler did have a lot of success taking the ball to the basket in Buzz's offense, but they are bigger than Blue). Most of Blues' drives last year came off of fast breaks. I could be wrong, but I am predicting the two spot will be good for him and we will be seeing him take the ball to the hoop more. Of course he still has to make it. Looking at last year's team DJO from the two had more opportunities to drive than Blue did from the three. Of course you can argue that was the result of DJO being the better player. On defense Blue playing the two will have more opportunity to fast break versus when he played the three. There are not going to be many players that can catch Blue if gets out on the fast break versus having to try to rebound from the three. Only time will tell, but I believe playing the two will be a huge positive for Blue. Even though Buzz uses a motion offense, how many times did DJO's drive start form the three spot? It seems to me that most of DJO's drives started from around the free throw line and that is where you will Blue's drives start from
You can disagree all you want, but if you think that there is a "2" or a "3" in this offense and that those roles are different, you are wrong. I don't know how else I can say it. You do not "view the basket" any differently because of the rotations you make within the offense.
Now you can "start" the set by looking at the basket differently, but it is often inconsistent. It depends on who is in the right place when it begins.
The point about improving his transition offense is valid though, theoretically guarding a smaller perimeter orientated guy on D could lead to more break outs and physical finishes at the rim without a bigger guy in the way
Quote from: JDuquaine on July 24, 2012, 03:47:41 PM
If that's the case i hope you think his defense is atrocious. Not "hating" but Junior has probably the least impact on the floor than anybody on defense. I'd even put De' De' ahead of him.
Well, I expected the worst, and what I saw (eye test) was average and he did have some steals (1.1 per game) and 2.1reb per game for a PG playing 28min. isn't a huge liability.
Junior's ability to defend is down on my list of priorities.
DeDe, when individual challenged in the post isn't too bad, but he's not a great help defender, and he doesn't recover well on the P&R. His ability to rotate quickly/correctly will probably have a big impact on his minutes.
Quote from: LAMUfan on July 24, 2012, 03:57:59 PM
The point about improving his transition offense is valid though, theoretically guarding a smaller perimeter orientated guy on D could lead to more break outs and physical finishes at the rim without a bigger guy in the way
This was the point I was trying to make. Last year he was almost always our biggest 2/3. With Lockett that won't be the case this year.
Quote from: LAMUfan on July 24, 2012, 03:57:59 PM
The point about improving his transition offense is valid though, theoretically guarding a smaller perimeter orientated guy on D could lead to more break outs and physical finishes at the rim without a bigger guy in the way
Quote from: Lennys Tap on July 24, 2012, 04:04:40 PM
This was the point I was trying to make. Last year he was almost always our biggest 2/3. With Lockett that won't be the case this year.
But that's different. I was speaking specifically about the offense. But I do think you are correct about defense. (Unless Mayo is subbing for Lockett.)
I personally think that Blue should be guarding more point guards. I thought, for instance, that he should have been stuck on Siva when Junior couldn't keep him out of the lane in the BET. Instead Blue was standing in the corner guarding Kyle Kuric.
Quote from: LAMUfan on July 24, 2012, 03:57:59 PM
The point about improving his transition offense is valid though, theoretically guarding a smaller perimeter orientated guy on D could lead to more break outs and physical finishes at the rim without a bigger guy in the way
Vander was our 2nd best rebounder last year. He can't finish at the rim anyway, so even if he gets out and gets to the rim on the break he doesn't finish the play. Is much rather have him rebounding the ball and giving the outlet pass to Junior, where Junior is at his best (attacking the rim in transition) than give up an offensive rebound while Vander tries to get out on the break.
Quote from: The Sultan of South Wayne on July 24, 2012, 04:09:15 PM
But that's different. I was speaking specifically about the offense. But I do think you are correct about defense. (Unless Mayo is subbing for Lockett.)
I personally think that Blue should be guarding more point guards. I thought, for instance, that he should have been stuck on Siva when Junior couldn't keep him out of the lane in the BET. Instead Blue was standing in the corner guarding Kyle Kuric.
I think if Vander changes his mindset from being a defender who jumps the passing lanes to a defender who shuts down 1 player on the other team this would be great. There is no doubt Vander could be a lock down on-ball defender, but he takes too many off ball risks to do that at this point.
Quote from: 77ncaachamps on July 24, 2012, 12:05:40 PM
Junior is the key to the team. He's the engine that runs it. If he goes, so does MU.
Wilson is the leader. He will be the alpha dog and encourage everyone to do better.
Davante is the gritty soul. It's not pretty but it's "junkyardly" fantastic.
Vander is the heart. All of the emotion of this team will be based on how he handles games and tough situations.
It truly can be a breakout year for him. Probably not shooting-wise but dominating both ends of the floor by locking down and drawing defensive fouls.
Don't forget about Otule. He is the oracle who can predicts great success... or failure... perhaps mediocrity... possibly modest success. It's kind of hard to tell since his premonitions are only half as good.
Well I think we can all agree that Vander will be a key to having a successful season.
Quote from: wadesworld on July 24, 2012, 04:13:46 PM
Vander was our 2nd best rebounder last year. He can't finish at the rim anyway, so even if he gets out and gets to the rim on the break he doesn't finish the play. Is much rather have him rebounding the ball and giving the outlet pass to Junior, where Junior is at his best (attacking the rim in transition) than give up an offensive rebound while Vander tries to get out on the break.
I think if Vander changes his mindset from being a defender who jumps the passing lanes to a defender who shuts down 1 player on the other team this would be great. There is no doubt Vander could be a lock down on-ball defender, but he takes too many off ball risks to do that at this point.
If you are asking me who will make a better decision on the break, it's Junior.
If you are asking me who can actually get the ball in the hoop, I still think it's Vander. I know he clunked a lot of lay-ups, but Junior didn't exactly finish a lot of fast breaks. He's good pretty good in the lane when he beats his man, but I don't know if he is great at getting out and finishing on the break.
Vander had a lot of close calls last year. If he can be slightly more under control, a lot of those go in. McNeal was out of control his first 2 years as well, but once he learned to slow down a tiny bit, his game really blossomed.
Quote from: bilsu on July 24, 2012, 04:21:08 PM
Well I think we can all agree that Vander will be a key to having a successful season.
+100000000
Absolutely
Quote from: TrueBlueAndGold on July 23, 2012, 05:41:21 PM
I think Junior is going to have a big year, too. Other than Siva, are there any Big East point guards better than Junior?
Quote from: strotty on July 23, 2012, 10:00:07 PM
1. Siva
2. Council
3. Cadougan
..in my book.
Okay
Quote from: MuMark on July 23, 2012, 10:22:42 PM
Eric Atkins is also better. IMO
I could see that.
Quote from: THEultimateWARRIOR on July 23, 2012, 09:40:27 PM
Anthony Collins.
What are you, nuts? Have you seen his shot?