Who do you see as the most improved player returning from last season?
In my mind, the only candidates are Junior and Vander. I vote Vander.
Junior's replaced most of his what the hell were you thinking moments with more putting the team on his back moments.
Vander's gotten so much better at driving smartly, and his shot has improved.
Vander is the obvious answer. Also, I would throw Juan Anderson out there. Last year, he looked lost on the court, now he's a solid contributor.
As for Junior, I don't know. He's a little better than last year, but he's still runs too hot or cold for my liking. I was hoping for more consistency from him.
They both has shown improvement. Junior still needs to work on his left hand, dribbling and shooting. Still turns it over. When he scores more than 10, are chances of winning
are better, last night 2.
Vander has really improved, offense the first two years was a liability, today his shot has really improved, no hitch like before. good left hand, rebounds. 30 points in one game, never
saw that coming, 3 point shooting 100% improved. One more year and we might see him in the association, I could never see that, after last year.
1. Vander
2. Juan
3. JC
In that order.
I suppose Juan deserves mention, but in my mind, his improvement is not on the level of JC and Vander. Maybe it's my own expectations because I anticipated that kind of improvement from a freshman. It's similar to DG (although Juan's improved more since last year than DG). DG is better, but it's a gradual, expected improvement based on how he was playing last year.
Agree with those above but wouldn't overlook Gardner. Not only scoring, but conditioning is better to play longer stretches and with more mobility, better shot blocking, and better rebounding.
Vander.
A year ago I thought the talk of him being in the NBA was unreasonable. He makes another jump between his junior and senior year and he gets drafted in 2014.
Quote from: EnderWiggen on January 29, 2013, 11:55:42 AM
1. Vander
2. Juan
3. JC
In that order.
Co-sign. The honorary Jimmy Butler intra-season development award goes to Steve Taylor.
For a program that can't just go out there and pick up top 20 talent every year player development is tantamount. Buzz has a great record for instilling the "next man up" philosophy. "Who can ever replace ------?" has been answered by a diverse and sometimes unlikely group that has included Mo Acker, JFB, Jae Crowder and Vander Blue. Having players ready to seize their moment is the key to sustained excellence.
Quote from: Lennys Tap on January 29, 2013, 12:13:06 PM
For a program that can't just go out there and pick up top 20 talent every year player development is tantamount. Buzz has a great record for instilling the "next man up" philosophy. "Who's can ever replace ------?" has been answered by a diverse and sometimes unlikely group that has included Mo Acker, JFB, Jae Crowder and Vander Blue. Having players ready to seize their moment is the key to sustained excellence.
Since Al, its more like can't go out and pick up top 20 talent every
decade.
Blue improved all of his problems on offense and every time he drives I am confident he will finish. I think I'd even take Vander for last shot in the game to be honest. He's got more of the X factor than Wilson.
The "next man up" magic we've seen over the last five years is nothing short of remarkable. I can't think of another program--except maybe Butler or Notre Dame--that develops players like we do. That's the beauty of not having one and done talent.
Taking a look at the bigger picture, we have been spoiled in Buzz's tenure. He is quietly putting together an excellent tenure. Tourney every single year, two sweet 16s, usually finishes towards top of BE, NBA draftees, etc. Player development and consistency is remarkable. Even better, I think the future looks bright. Next year we lose JC and CO, but Juan, Jamil, Vander, Steve, Davante, Derrick will be back, and throw in the exciting freshman. We are fortunate to be MU fans right now. Yes, things could be better (final fours, Big East titles), but realistically speaking-- its been a good run for Buzz
No question Blue. The kid is finally playing like the player we knew he could be. With his speed, he is pretty much an automatic 12 points a game. He does have some iffy moments where I think he drives into a crowd of defenders and that is where most of his turnovers come these days. I can see him struggling against Syracuse which means trouble for us since he is by far our best player right now.
I really hope he stays one more year. If he develops a bit more strength around the rim and improves his decision making, he will fill up that trophy case.
Lots to choose from.
Juan. Didn't see much of him last year, but has been increasing his productivity steadily.
Blue. Still has an ugly shot (at least to me), but he's learned to work with it instead of seeming to fight it. Better control than last year.
Junior. Has learned to score, which could make him a better point guard in the remainder of the year. Leadership.
Since the beginning of the season...
ST Jr. Looked so very lost out there in the cupcake season. Has found confidence out there and better defensive awareness. Totally looks like a different player out there.
Juan. If you count last season as an incomplete (though 24 games). Confidence.
I think the overall theme in my view is confidence. It seems instilled in this team - even more so than the start of the season.
Vander Blue without a doubt.
I said when the Vander-bashing was the topic d'jour on these boards that the most important part of Buzz's career development was the ability to make Vander the star we all thought he could be when he signed with us. Vander's growth is a clear signal to other four-star and five-star recruits that you can come here and excel.
I liked Vander two years ago. I like him a whole lot more now. He's our go-to guy and the guy who can take the game into his hands.
Much as Al did with George Thompson, Dean Meminger, Marcus Washington, Bob Lackey and Maurice Lucas, Buzz is beginning to develop a legacy. It makes it easier to pitch young men to come here and play ball when our coach develops and instills the best in potential NBA talent.
As a side note, I'm beginning to think the current back court reminds me of Lloyd Walton and Butch Lee, circa 1976. Any thoughts on that one? Butch was a sophomore and Lloyd was a senior.
Other than the '76 backcourt and this backcourt being non traditionals I see no similarities. Lloyd was light years beyond Jr. as a player and Butch was one of the all time best. VB will leave a basketball legacy here but I believe his best days are down the road.
Quote from: MUWarrior11 on January 29, 2013, 12:24:20 PM
The "next man up" magic we've seen over the last five years is nothing short of remarkable. I can't think of another program--except maybe Butler or Notre Dame--that develops players like we do. That's the beauty of not having one and done talent.
Yep. I think we take that for granted as fans sometimes. No JUCOs this year too but Lockett is sort of our 'experienced newcomer' if you will. Can't wait to see Vander next year.
Vander - And it's not even a contest....in my 25 years watching the program closely, I'm not sure I recall a player improving more in one season, than Vander has from last year to this year.
Loved seeing him incorporate/hit about 3 pull up/mid range jumpers last night - which was something we almost never saw from him his first 2 years. The perimeter shooting improvement has been remarkable. Finishing WAY better at the basket. He's playing with much better body lean, tempo, change of pace, which has enabled his drives to the hoop to be so much more effective. Far better body control than what DJO exhibited when going to hope - which was one speed and one speed only - 100% full bore.
Kudos to Vander for the hard work he must have put in to improve so much in such a little amount of time. It's been an enjoyable sh$tburger for me to eat, as I was convinced he didn't stand a snowball's chance in hell of sniffing the NBA - now I'm thinking it is realistic if his ascent continues at the trajectory we've seen this year.
Ners
It was easy to get frustrated with him and all of us did. But if you know anything about basketball it was obvious the skills/talent were there. His level of stepping up his play reminds me of what Butch did between Soph and Jr. seasons. Butch drove me nuts his first two years and his last two years had me on my feet cheering. Vander is awfully fun to watch. When he goes coast to coast after D rebound he makes others look in slow motion.
Basically, this long time Warrior fan agrees with the above, but would add in Davante Gardner. He is still 30 pound over an ideal playing weight, but all facets of his game, especially defense, have improved this year.
Thinking about it, maybe the entire team has improved because Coach Williams, for the first time, has a full complement of players he recruited and who have all mentally "bought in."
Regardless, these five Williams years have been great entertainment, not to mention good basketball.
Blue
The guy couldn't make a layup consistently his first two years. That's not an overstatement. He plays more in control, adjusting to his body. His outside shot results have improved, though it's still ugly as sin in form...Too flat which reduces his margin for error. If he could improve that shot his %'s would go up even more and open up his driving game, but not sure if he can. I'm sure the coaching staff has worked on his form like crazy and it might simply be that this is what it is. Jamal Wilkes had the ugliest release I ever saw, but the results were stellar.
DG second
The California kid third ;)
Junior still inconsistent for me to rank him in top 3, especially since he is a senior.
Quote from: ErickJD08 on January 29, 2013, 12:34:17 PM
No question Blue. The kid is finally playing like the player we knew he could be.
"I'll say it again... He just isn't that good." - ErickJD08, November 2011.
Don't be jumping on the bandwagon and using "we" now....you threw him under the bus enough over the past couple of seasons to throw your judgement into doubt.
Quote from: Goose on January 29, 2013, 01:03:59 PM
It was easy to get frustrated with him and all of us did. But if you know anything about basketball it was obvious the skills/talent were there. His level of stepping up his play reminds me of what Butch did between Soph and Jr. seasons. Butch drove me nuts his first two years and his last two years had me on my feet cheering. Vander is awfully fun to watch. When he goes coast to coast after D rebound he makes others look in slow motion.
Hey, but he's no DJ Newbill....
(Just yanking your chain Ners...Newbill is playing pretty well in the conference season.)
I'm just happy to see how much Vander's slap-five ratio has improved!
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on January 29, 2013, 02:00:07 PM
The California kid third ;)
That's NorCal to you. Jaundo is clearly the most improved to me. Great energy and really gets better and better every game. I have always been a Blue fan...had a great game last season vs. Mississippi. You knew the talent would rise to the top.
1. Blue, obviously
2. Juan
3. Steve Taylor
I thought Junior played well last year, so I didn't think his improvement warrants the same level of mention. Obviously he has taken the leader role, but I don;t think that's straight improvement - more maturity.
Quote from: Goose on January 29, 2013, 01:03:59 PM
Ners
It was easy to get frustrated with him and all of us did. But if you know anything about basketball it was obvious the skills/talent were there. His level of stepping up his play reminds me of what Butch did between Soph and Jr. seasons. Butch drove me nuts his first two years and his last two years had me on my feet cheering. Vander is awfully fun to watch. When he goes coast to coast after D rebound he makes others look in slow motion.
Sorry, disagree. The
Talent and
Athleticism was there, but "skills"? I'm not sure he ever showed the skills to make outside jumpers and finish in the paint like he is this year.
Potential, maybe, but not skills. that's why its so amazing and commendable.
Quote from: Dr. Blackheart on January 29, 2013, 04:22:38 PM
That's NorCal to you. Jaundo is clearly the most improved to me. Great energy and really gets better and better every game. I have always been a Blue fan...had a great game last season vs. Mississippi. You knew the talent would rise to the top.
Did the state split in two yet? They get all the water and we keep all the porn?
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on January 29, 2013, 04:44:15 PM
Did the state split in two yet? They get all the water and we keep all the porn?
Careful, you might have half the board paying you a visit soon...
Quote from: UticaBusBarn on January 29, 2013, 01:40:55 PM
Basically, this long time Warrior fan agrees with the above, but would add in Davante Gardner. He is still 30 pound over an ideal playing weight, but all facets of his game, especially defense, have improved this year.
I would disagree about Davante being 30 pounds overweight. He is obviously a naturally a big guy; he is never going to have the 30-inch Steve Taylor waist. I think his bulk actually helps him power his way to those offensive rebounds and short-range shots. He has also proven that he has the stamina to play the minutes he needs to.
He has actually slimmed down since he arrived on campus; if a guy still carries the extra weight after working out several hours a day like he and the rest of the team does, maybe that's the way he was meant to be.
Nah, the cat's overweight.
Quote from: The Sultan of South Wayne on January 29, 2013, 02:09:38 PM
"I'll say it again... He just isn't that good." - ErickJD08, November 2011.
Don't be jumping on the bandwagon and using "we" now....you threw him under the bus enough over the past couple of seasons to throw your judgement into doubt.
WOW. Selective reading. You must be in the media in the spin factory. Here are some of my other tidbits from the past. I must be a real band wagon guy...
"If he can become a stronger finisher around the rim, he will be very effective." November 2011
"I'll give credit where credit is due. The kid is really athletic. He just doesn't know how to use it yet. Around this time last year, I would have never thought Junior would be a better offensive player than Blue but he is. Hopefully, he just keeps at. he is going to continue to frustrate me because he is no where remotely close to how good he could be." November 2011
"So like Blue. I don't think he is terrible. I just think if he shored up some things, he would be so much more effective. There were two offensive possessions in a row where he really looked great." January 2012
"I think he had a decent game. He still has major issues finishing. There was one drive where he was fouled in the first half. It was during our drought and the foul was really weak and Blue put up a layup that was extremely off the mark. As long as he has problems finishing, he is going to be very ineffective on offense."January 2012
"My bashing is pretty much exclusive to his inability to finish around the rim." February 2012
"His success on offense will be linked to his ability to make contested layups. Last few games he has shown some progress." February 2012
"If he ever becomes a 16ppg+ player (which he could), he will be really effective driving and finishing." February 2012
ErickJD08....don't give me that bullsh*t. You have gone back and retroactively cherry-picked a few posts where you said something somewhat positive about him.
Go do a search on times you have mentioned him in a post. It's pretty silly in retrospect.
Quote from: The Sultan of South Wayne on January 30, 2013, 02:19:44 PM
ErickJD08....don't give me that bullsh*t. You have gone back and retroactively cherry-picked a few posts where you said something somewhat positive about him.
Go do a search on times you have mentioned him in a post. It's pretty silly in retrospect.
HA... I cherried picked quotes? I picked out a handful of quotes which include multiple sentences. Some that criticize his finishing abilities and some that complement him. You pick out ONE sentence and label it as my opinion. Who is cherry picking posts here?
Kids, kids, kids ... do I have to turn this car around right now?
Quote from: MU82 on January 30, 2013, 03:07:42 PM
Kids, kids, kids ... do I have to turn this car around right now?
Please do, no one likes going anywhere with ErickJD08 when he's acting all self righteous.
Quote from: Bocephys on January 30, 2013, 03:19:30 PM
Please do, no one likes going anywhere with ErickJD08 when he's acting all self righteous.
I know its tough admitting you're wrong. Its ok. :)
Quote from: dgies9156 on January 29, 2013, 12:44:45 PM
I'm beginning to think the current back court reminds me of Lloyd Walton and Butch Lee, circa 1976. Any thoughts on that one? Butch was a sophomore and Lloyd was a senior.
Jr or Lucky? Lucky. By a mile
VB or Alfred? Alfred. By two miles
As much as I like this year's back court it can't hold a candle to Lucky and Butch. Not. Even. Close.
Vander and JUAN ANDERSON...Im so happy with his game right now!
Quote from: warriorchick on January 29, 2013, 07:19:38 PM
He is obviously a naturally a big guy
He does take it to the hole with authority
Vander has a good shot at being most improved in the Big East, probably him or MCW. Safe to say he's most improved on our team. Kudos to Davante's defensive work, but it's Blue all day.
Quote from: Goose on January 29, 2013, 01:03:59 PM
Ners
It was easy to get frustrated with him and all of us did. But if you know anything about basketball it was obvious the skills/talent were there.
I have to disagree here. I think I am pretty knowledgeable about basketball, and prior to this season, I saw neither skills nor talent (other than excellent athleticism) when watching Vander Blue play. What I saw was that athleticism and a pretty good feel for the game leading Vander to be a good defender and a good rebounder for his size. To me basketball skills are good hands, a good handle, a quick first step and a deft touch with the basketball both in passing and shooting. The only one of those skills I saw prior to this season was the quick first step.
I don't recall another MU player who advanced his game this much in a year. I'm one of the many who weren't sold on him before this season but who now feel differently. I don't think any of us are hypocritical. We were just wrong because a young man stepped up his game far beyond the norm.