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MUScoop => Hangin' at the Al => Topic started by: warriorfred on March 30, 2013, 05:58:20 PM

Title: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: warriorfred on March 30, 2013, 05:58:20 PM
Kind of makes me wonder what this year's team would have looked like with a 3 point shooter.  If DJO or Crowder had another year of eligibility? 

Alternatively, what would last year's team look like with a healthy Otule or this year's Gardner?

Besides a 3 point shooter, what do we need for a run next year?
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: Clam Crowder on March 30, 2013, 06:00:34 PM
Nothing. Honestly this team with DJO alone would have done something amazing.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: rocky_warrior on March 30, 2013, 06:01:47 PM
Quote from: warriorfred on March 30, 2013, 05:58:20 PM
Besides a 3 point shooter, what do we need for a run next year?

TWO 3 point shooters :)
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: setyoursightsnorth on March 30, 2013, 06:02:00 PM
Quote from: warriorfred on March 30, 2013, 05:58:20 PM
Kind of makes me wonder what this year's team would have looked like with a 3 point shooter.  If DJO or Crowder had another year of eligibility? 

Alternatively, what would last year's team look like with a healthy Otule or this year's Gardner?

Besides a 3 point shooter, what do we need for a run next year?

Everything we could possibly have for a run next year is already there or coming in. We have OX, hopefully Blue and Chris, we have Jamil. Duane, McKay, JJJ, Burton, and Dawson will all be used. If Chris and Blue comes back, anything short of an Elite Eight would be a failure.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: mileskishnish72 on March 30, 2013, 06:03:07 PM
How is Jajuan from 3?
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: Hards Alumni on March 30, 2013, 06:03:40 PM
Quote from: mileskishnish72 on March 30, 2013, 06:03:07 PM
How is Jajuan from 3?

pretty money.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: Clam Crowder on March 30, 2013, 06:04:05 PM
Yeah I have heard the same about Jajuan. Supposed to be a great shooter
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: downtown85 on March 30, 2013, 06:11:11 PM
I really hope Duane Wilson embraces the point guard role and can, by the start of the conference season, be proficient enough to be our starting point guard. 

We lose Cadougan and Lockett but get Duane Wilson and JaJuan Johnson.  With everyone else back, the team should be pretty good. 

I think we will start the season in the top 10 in the polls. 
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: Goose on March 30, 2013, 06:13:30 PM
4ever has said a dozen players we need better players to compete on regular basis against top teams. Need better play at PG in big time way and guys that can shoot. It does not take basketball expert to realize the top ten teams have better players in key positions than we do. Hopefully incoming kids prove to be better than departing players.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: hilltopper03 on March 30, 2013, 06:14:09 PM
Next year I hope there's a #freedstevetaylor
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: Sunbelt15 on March 30, 2013, 06:14:49 PM
Quote from: rocky_warrior on March 30, 2013, 06:01:47 PM
TWO 3 point shooters :)

A 6'9" three point shooter.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: Clam Crowder on March 30, 2013, 06:14:59 PM
Quote from: downtown85 on March 30, 2013, 06:11:11 PM
I really hope Duane Wilson embraces the point guard role and can, by the start of the conference season, be proficient enough to be our starting point guard. 

We lose Cadougan and Lockett but get Duane Wilson and JaJuan Johnson.  With everyone else back, the team should be pretty good. 

I think we will start the season in the top 10 in the polls. 

We will be unranked and Buzz will use that all year.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: monkeyman34 on March 30, 2013, 06:15:30 PM
We really need Otule back.  If he doesn't come back, we're going to really really struggle playing D inside.  Our biggest players would be Gardner, McKay, and Steve.  That's not a good setup vs good, legit 7' centers.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: 77ncaachamps on March 30, 2013, 06:16:10 PM
Quote from: Sunbelt15 on March 30, 2013, 06:14:49 PM
A 6'9" three point shooter.

That's Davante! 1 for 1 today!
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: Otule's Glass Eye on March 30, 2013, 06:16:47 PM
I feel like Jamal Ferguson should've been given an opportunity to take a shot today.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: Clam Crowder on March 30, 2013, 06:17:48 PM
Quote from: monkeyman34 on March 30, 2013, 06:15:30 PM
We really need Otule back.  If he doesn't come back, we're going to really really struggle playing D inside.  Our biggest players would be Gardner, McKay, and Steve.  That's not a good setup vs good, legit 7' centers.

There's so many legit 7' centers around...just saying. Jameel is LONG, and Otule will be back I feel
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: Otule's Glass Eye on March 30, 2013, 06:18:25 PM
Quote from: monkeyman34 on March 30, 2013, 06:15:30 PM
We really need Otule back.  If he doesn't come back, we're going to really really struggle playing D inside.  Our biggest players would be Gardner, McKay, and Steve.  That's not a good setup vs good, legit 7' centers.

I wish Diamond Stone were 2 years older.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: We R Final Four on March 30, 2013, 06:25:53 PM
Quote from: setyoursightsnorth on March 30, 2013, 06:02:00 PM
Everything we could possibly have for a run next year is already there or coming in. We have OX, hopefully Blue and Chris, we have Jamil. Duane, McKay, JJJ, Burton, and Dawson will all be used. If Chris and Blue comes back, anything short of an Elite Eight would be a failure.

There it is-- didn't take long for the expectations and subsequent 'failure' bar to be set.  Good job.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: Lennys Tap on March 30, 2013, 06:26:53 PM
Quote from: Clam Crowder on March 30, 2013, 06:14:59 PM
We will be unranked


Assuming Vander returns this is beyond silly.

Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: Clam Crowder on March 30, 2013, 06:31:20 PM
I was being sarcastic lol
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: Lennys Tap on March 30, 2013, 06:37:04 PM
Quote from: Clam Crowder on March 30, 2013, 06:31:20 PM
I was being sarcastic lol

Sorry I didn't pick that up, Clam, but a couple of weeks ago when I suggested we might sneak into the preseason top 10 next year some here thought I was nuts and wanted to bet me big $. I waiting to hear from them.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: BCHoopster on March 30, 2013, 07:05:39 PM
Easily Top 10 if Otule is back, 4 solid players back, Juan can not be any worse, might score some next year, add a Top 10 class, for sure.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: Blackhat on March 30, 2013, 07:10:26 PM
Have heard jajuan is a streaky shooter.  Hopefully he's DJO streaky.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: Nukem2 on March 30, 2013, 07:12:28 PM
Quote from: Stone Cold on March 30, 2013, 07:10:26 PM
Have heard jajuan is a streaky shooter.  Hopefully he's DJO streaky.
Shooters are streaky...have to forget the last miss.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: mu_hilltopper on March 30, 2013, 07:16:51 PM
Ouch .. the wiki needs some updating.  If you know details about these players...

http://wiki.muscoop.com/doku.php/men_s_basketball/john_dawson
http://wiki.muscoop.com/doku.php/men_s_basketball/jajuan_johnson
http://wiki.muscoop.com/doku.php/men_s_basketball/jameel_mckay
http://wiki.muscoop.com/doku.php/men_s_basketball/duane_wilson
http://wiki.muscoop.com/doku.php/men_s_basketball/deonte_burton

http://wiki.muscoop.com/doku.php/men_s_basketball/garrett_swanson


Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: ATL MU Warrior on March 30, 2013, 07:19:54 PM
Quote from: Lennys Tap on March 30, 2013, 06:37:04 PM
Sorry I didn't pick that up, Clam, but a couple of weeks ago when I suggested we might sneak into the preseason top 10 next year some here thought I was nuts and wanted to bet me big $. I waiting to hear from them.
No way we are pre-season top 10.  what's your wager?
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: BCHoopster on March 30, 2013, 10:20:18 PM
Why not?  The higher ranked teams normally lose there best players to the draft.  MU has 7-8 coming back with 5 new players all highly ranked.  Out of those 5, 4 will see time over
some of the players on the team, which will make them improved.  Maybe Kansas losing all 5 starters, or Maybe Indiana losing 4 out of 5 starters, or Duke losing there top 3 players.
There might be a small group of new freshman coming in, but did you see Kentucky this year with all there High School A-A's, NIT.  I can not wait to see how Calipari plays all 10 of his
stars next year, it might be a mess there.  Syracuse, loses there top 3 players, Louey will probably be #1, NC, will be better, but I see no reason why not Top 10, your 3 top scorers are
back next year, how many teams can say that?
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: MU72491 on March 30, 2013, 10:30:11 PM
Even though a loss today crushes me I just feel great about Marquette basketball right now. What a year, hell of a year.  All season I thought we were tough and really competitive but didn't have a true great basketball player on the team.  By the end of the year I thought vander and Gardner were unbelievable. Although it sucks we lost today I'm so excited for next year Duane Wilson and Jamal McKay along with hopefully outlet stickin around will make us better next year.  Great time to be a Marquette basketball fan
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: 🏀 on March 30, 2013, 10:30:17 PM
Yeah, MU is not respected to be top 10 preseason. Top 20 likely.

Ill do a beer wager on that for anyone that offers.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: ATL MU Warrior on March 31, 2013, 06:21:04 AM
Quote from: BCHoopster on March 30, 2013, 10:20:18 PM
Why not?  The higher ranked teams normally lose there best players to the draft.  MU has 7-8 coming back with 5 new players all highly ranked.  Out of those 5, 4 will see time over
some of the players on the team, which will make them improved.  Maybe Kansas losing all 5 starters, or Maybe Indiana losing 4 out of 5 starters, or Duke losing there top 3 players.
There might be a small group of new freshman coming in, but did you see Kentucky this year with all there High School A-A's, NIT.  I can not wait to see how Calipari plays all 10 of his
stars next year, it might be a mess there.  Syracuse, loses there top 3 players, Louey will probably be #1, NC, will be better, but I see no reason why not Top 10, your 3 top scorers are
back next year, how many teams can say that?
Did you pay any attention AT ALL to the media pundits before and during the tournament?  That's why.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: muwarrior87 on March 31, 2013, 06:41:38 AM
Quote from: PTM on March 30, 2013, 10:30:17 PM
Yeah, MU is not respected to be top 10 preseason. Top 20 likely.

Ill do a beer wager on that for anyone that offers.

I wish I could take that bet but unfortunately I ha e the same thoughts about the media as you. We were the 16th best team left, then 8th. Can't see any respect suddenly coming our way next fall.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: Silkk the Shaka on March 31, 2013, 07:52:32 AM
Quote from: ATL MU Warrior on March 31, 2013, 06:21:04 AM
Did you pay any attention AT ALL to the media pundits before and during the tournament?  That's why.

I actually think next year is the year that media types start overvaluing Buzz in a classic overcorrection. Not that I'll disagree with them...
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: DCWarriors04 on March 31, 2013, 07:59:57 AM
The best is yet to come...the returning players will be hungry and the incoming recruits will be great compliments.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: Silkk the Shaka on March 31, 2013, 08:03:40 AM
Quote from: DCWarriors04 on March 31, 2013, 07:59:57 AM
The best is yet to come...the returning players will be hungry and the incoming recruits will be great compliments.

We're gonna roll the new Big East. I wouldn't be shocked if we were a 1 seed next March. Gonna be so entertaining.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: The Equalizer on March 31, 2013, 09:05:38 AM
Quote from: Jajuannaman on March 31, 2013, 08:03:40 AM
We're gonna roll the new Big East. I wouldn't be shocked if we were a 1 seed next March. Gonna be so entertaining.

I agree. Nobody is going to improve their team as much as we will.  We start out ahead of everyone execpt Georgetown.  And if Porter moves on to the NBA we will have the talent to put together an 18-0 conference record. 

Georgetown is the only team I see with the talent that could challenge us--and thats only if Porter stays.

On recruting, we have the 4 best incoming players in the entire league.   Using ESPN's HS rankings:

26 JaJuan Johnson
49 Deonte Burton
55 Duane Wilson
--
56 Brandon Austin - Providence
59 Kris Jenkins - Villanova
63 Reggie Cameron - Georgetown
89 Brandon Rudolph - Xavier
90 Billy Garret Jur. - DePaul
91 Josh Hart - Villanova

From JUCOrecruiting.com:
3 - McKay
--
92 Greg Dequele - DePaul

Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: DCWarriors04 on March 31, 2013, 09:13:27 AM
I think it's safe to say...Porter is going to the NBA.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: KenoshaWarrior on March 31, 2013, 09:17:53 AM
Quote from: Clam Crowder on March 30, 2013, 06:14:59 PM
We will be unranked and Buzz will use that all year.

Even if we are ranked from 20-25 he can use that all year.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: Earl Tatum on March 31, 2013, 09:24:50 AM
I hope Jamil's light stays on and will be brighter. He got some key rebounds, shooting wasn't bad either in our tourney stretch.
Thought Taylor should have played more. You learn playing the game. D-Wil kept the boat steady. Surprised. Wish he had offense.
Come on back Chris. Burton should be a horse next year. Listed at 6-5, 230. Adjusts his talent to the game being played. Dawson
is the ?-mark. Don't know about Juan and Fergy.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: wildbill sb on March 31, 2013, 09:25:46 AM
After reading all of the above, I'm thinking we should be ready to start next year's March Madness around the end of November.  Obviously, we've got all the pieces, why wait?
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: avid1010 on March 31, 2013, 09:37:54 AM
my dream:
-otule back
-overall team improvement from the 3pt line
-duane wilson had a dj type freshmen year at the point 

all of that would lead to a team that could play with anyone. 
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: KenoshaWarrior on March 31, 2013, 09:42:28 AM
Quote from: avid1010 on March 31, 2013, 09:37:54 AM
my dream:
-otule back
-overall team improvement from the 3pt line
-duane wilson had a dj type freshmen year at the point 

all of that would lead to a team that could play with anyone. 

Yes that would be awesome!!
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: brewcity77 on March 31, 2013, 09:53:07 AM
Obviously we need outside shooting. But I do think the answers may mostly be on the team already. If Vander stays, there's no reason he can't become a 35% shooter from three next year. His form is much improved and if he takes another step like he did this year we're talking about a legitimate first-team All-American player. Jamil has already shown he can shoot the three and it looks like the light has gone on. Shooting 40% is entirely possible. Juan and Steve have both shown the ability to shoot the three as well. With Lockett leaving, they will likely have extended roles and may not be lights out, but I could see either or both hitting around 33%. If just one of the newcomers (Jajuan comes to mind) can be a bit of a sharpshooter off the bench we should be able to shoot around 33% as a team, which would make us roughly an average three-point shooting team. With all our talent inside, that would be enough.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: Lennys Tap on March 31, 2013, 10:31:05 AM
Quote from: PTM on March 30, 2013, 10:30:17 PM
Yeah, MU is not respected to be top 10 preseason. Top 20 likely.

Ill do a beer wager on that for anyone that offers.

If Vander stays, you're on.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: Goose on March 31, 2013, 10:35:18 AM
If Vander is back I am leaning Lenny's direction. Preseason polls mean little and good end of season ranking, key guys back and great incoming class could squeeze us in.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: Sunbelt15 on March 31, 2013, 10:57:15 AM
Hopefully Juan will improve greatly from behind the arc. With his height and leaping ability, he will be able to elevate over defenders to get off good shots. That would be beautiful.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: Otule's Glass Eye on March 31, 2013, 12:43:15 PM
It's crazy to think of how good this team has he potential to be. October/November can't get here soon enough.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: Stretchdeltsig on March 31, 2013, 12:51:43 PM
The big question is how do we fit 18 people on the roster????
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: Canned Goods n Ammo on March 31, 2013, 12:56:38 PM
After yesterday's game, it certainly feels like MU needs a specific "shooter".

However, I think that most/all of the guys could see some improvement in the off season, and as a team, they should be average from 3pt next season (compared to being pretty bad this season).

Obviously having a Novak-type player makes a huge difference, but from a macro perspective, they just have to be 5% better (as a team), and that will significantly change how they can score.

Vander should be better, Todd should be better, Jamil could be a little better, ST2 should be better, Derrick can't be worse, Juan should be better.

If the fosh. can provide some shooting (33%+), then I think as a team, they have enough outside shooting to be REALLY good.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: 🏀 on March 31, 2013, 01:09:55 PM
Quote from: Lennys Tap on March 31, 2013, 10:31:05 AM
If Vander stays, you're on.

Deal.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: brandx on March 31, 2013, 03:02:46 PM
Quote from: Goose on March 30, 2013, 06:13:30 PM
4ever has said a dozen players we need better players to compete on regular basis against top teams. Need better play at PG in big time way and guys that can shoot. It does not take basketball expert to realize the top ten teams have better players in key positions than we do. Hopefully incoming kids prove to be better than departing players.

I agree - I think PG is the biggest thing - we were outmanned at the position against most of the good teams.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: Warriors88 on March 31, 2013, 09:05:31 PM
Don't know much about this site but we are ranked 7th next year -

http://www.bracketologyexpert.com/2013/03/31/2013-2014-college-basketball-top-50-march-29-2013-kentucky-louisville-1-2/

Gtown ranked ahead of us, even with Porter assumed leaving early. 
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: wardle2wade on April 01, 2013, 09:48:53 AM
Quote from: ATL MU Warrior on March 30, 2013, 07:19:54 PM
No way we are pre-season top 10.  what's your wager?

Assuming Van is back, we'll be preseason top 10 next year.  I'm guessing #8.  We got enough press with the elite eight and post-season success that even the "experts" will have to notice it. 

I'm fairly certain most pundits make their list from the final AP poll (top 10) and then looking at how many seniors leave.  Then they sprinkle in a few bluebloods into their rankings (UK, UNC, etc) and click send.  For anyone of them actually looking at recruiting rankings, we're going to be very high. 

I'd bet a decent amount on preseason top ten, for better or worse.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: wardle2wade on April 01, 2013, 09:50:41 AM
Also, I'm interested in seeing how Buzz will motivate the squad when they are the "hunted" as opposed fo the underrated.  I bet he has some ideas for that.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: mu-rara on April 01, 2013, 09:58:04 AM
Somebody needs to fill Lockett's role.  He was great at doing all the little things few people notice.  Not an impossible job, but someone needs to do it.  He was a huge part of the team chemistry.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: MUHoopsFan2 on April 02, 2013, 06:43:14 AM
Quote from: mu-rara on April 01, 2013, 09:58:04 AM
Somebody needs to fill Lockett's role.  He was great at doing all the little things few people notice.  Not an impossible job, but someone needs to do it.  He was a huge part of the team chemistry.
NO one needs to fill Lockett's role. You just need a better player then he was. . . period.

He did the little things sure enough but gave you absolutely and truly NOTHING offensively when that is what they needed from him.   

This team should be completely different. Juan might give you what Trent did but I do not see what he did that needs to be replaced.

He did the little things sure enough but they might not need a guy like that next year. I think Derrick Wilson can do what Trent did.

To me he was a weak link and I would have played Mayo more but I understand why they didn't and do not disagree with them not, but I would have because I think you need scoring and Mayo's shot then what Trent gave.

But I know many disagree and that's fine.   
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: robertoc on April 02, 2013, 09:41:14 AM
Quote from: MUHoopsFan2 on April 02, 2013, 06:43:14 AM
NO one needs to fill Lockett's role. You just need a better player then he was. . . period.

He did the little things sure enough but gave you absolutely and truly NOTHING offensively when that is what they needed from him.   

This team should be completely different. Juan might give you what Trent did but I do not see what he did that needs to be replaced.

He did the little things sure enough but they might not need a guy like that next year. I think Derrick Wilson can do what Trent did.

To me he was a weak link and I would have played Mayo more but I understand why they didn't and do not disagree with them not, but I would have because I think you need scoring and Mayo's shot then what Trent gave.

But I know many disagree and that's fine.   


Yeah- I have to disagree here.  Along with many others, I had higher scoring expectations for Lockett, but he really proved to be a great addition throughout the year.  He was a capable scorer- just didn't take the shots that vander, gardner, wilson, etc did.  In two of our biggest wins of the year- Miami and Butler, he was terrific.  His lines for those games were 8pts, 11rebs, 2 assists (more than our starting pg) and 13pts, 6rebs, 2 blocks, respectively.

Along with great defense- those are good numbers for arguably, your fourth or fifth offensive option...
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: Silkk the Shaka on April 02, 2013, 09:49:34 AM
Quote from: robertoc on April 02, 2013, 09:41:14 AM

Yeah- I have to disagree here.  Along with many others, I had higher scoring expectations for Lockett, but he really proved to be a great addition throughout the year.  He was a capable scorer- just didn't take the shots that vander, gardner, wilson, etc did.  In two of our biggest wins of the year- Miami and Butler, he was terrific.  His lines for those games were 8pts, 11rebs, 2 assists (more than our starting pg) and 13pts, 6rebs, 2 blocks, respectively.

Along with great defense- those are good numbers for arguably, your fourth or fifth offensive option...

Lockett really won me over down the stretch this year.  He was a big reason we won the Butler game and I will forever be greatful for that.  However, I think his loss will be made up for by increased minutes from an improved Steve Taylor, 10-15 minutes from Jameel McKay, increased minutes from JWilson & Anderson, and an opportunity for wings Jajuan Johnson & Burton to make a name for themselves.  Not really all that worried about his absence - he turned out to be the perfect one year stopgap to this 2013 class though.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: BCHoopster on April 02, 2013, 09:57:20 AM
Quote from: Jajuannaman on April 02, 2013, 09:49:34 AM
Lockett really won me over down the stretch this year.  He was a big reason we won the Butler game and I will forever be greatful for that.  However, I think his loss will be made up for by increased minutes from an improved Steve Taylor, 10-15 minutes from Jameel McKay, increased minutes from JWilson & Anderson, and an opportunity for wings Jajuan Johnson & Burton to make a name for themselves.  Not really all that worried about his absence - he turned out to be the perfect one year stopgap to this 2013 class though.

JJ, I agree with you whole heartidly, Lockett was nice stop gap, played great by the end of the year, did a lot of the little things, I think he will be missed but other players now have
the chance to step up, really think Steve Taylor will.  Not sure about Jameel yet, it usually takes an adjustment for JC kids, plus you probably will not see McKay and Anderson playing at
the same time, somebody will have to be able to shoot the ball.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: Badgerhater on April 02, 2013, 10:05:43 AM
I think it was Jamie Dixon who said this year that Marquette does a good job of staying old (meaning experienced and tough), and Lockett was part of that.

Next year's team with our three best players as seniors will be old, tough and battletested.

It is going to be fun.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: Silkk the Shaka on April 02, 2013, 10:17:47 AM
Quote from: BCHoopster on April 02, 2013, 09:57:20 AM
JJ, I agree with you whole heartidly, Lockett was nice stop gap, played great by the end of the year, did a lot of the little things, I think he will be missed but other players now have
the chance to step up, really think Steve Taylor will.  Not sure about Jameel yet, it usually takes an adjustment for JC kids, plus you probably will not see McKay and Anderson playing at
the same time, somebody will have to be able to shoot the ball.

Steve Taylor is going to be fun to watch next year.  I predict first semester he will have a huge game or two, then second semester will really break out.  It's going to be fun to watch him grow. 

RE: JUCO adjustment - DJO, Buycks, and Crowder all played heavy minutes their first year in the program and Jimmy played the 10-15 range I have slotted for McKay.  Fulce was the only exception but he had separate injury issues.  I think Jameel gets at least that much PT.  With all the subbing that Buzz did this past year it's a safe bet he'll be doing even more of that next year.  10 players with 10+ mpg is not hard to envision at all.  Exciting times ahead.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: MU82 on April 02, 2013, 10:25:37 AM
Quote from: The Equalizer on March 31, 2013, 09:05:38 AM
I agree. Nobody is going to improve their team as much as we will.  We start out ahead of everyone execpt Georgetown.  And if Porter moves on to the NBA we will have the talent to put together an 18-0 conference record. 


Dis sounds like one of dose "superfan" sketches on SNL, my friend.

18-and-oh? Hell, we can go 18-0 with  Mini Vander! Trow in da non-con and da postseason, my friend, and we'll be 37-0.

Prediction for championship game: Da Warriors 100, Kentucky 1.

My friend.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: Silkk the Shaka on April 02, 2013, 10:38:02 AM
Quote from: MU82 on April 02, 2013, 10:25:37 AM
Dis sounds like one of dose "superfan" sketches on SNL, my friend.

18-and-oh? Hell, we can go 18-0 with  Mini Vander! Trow in da non-con and da postseason, my friend, and we'll be 37-0.

Prediction for championship game: Da Warriors 100, Kentucky 1.

My friend.

I actually agree with Equalizer.  The roster Buzz has constructed for next year is nearly perfect for how he wants to play.  I have a feeling we will see some intense pressure with mass substitutuions.  College hoops is all about matchups, and we will have the ability to play nearly any style.  Buzz has given himself a loaded deck.  I've seen what he can do with far less options - combine that with a league that is less top heavy then the BEast we're used to and I think we run away with the conference next year.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: Aughnanure on April 02, 2013, 10:43:28 AM
Quote from: mu-rara on April 01, 2013, 09:58:04 AM
Somebody needs to fill Lockett's role.  He was great at doing all the little things few people notice.  Not an impossible job, but someone needs to do it.  He was a huge part of the team chemistry.

It's called Juan.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: bkooncy on April 02, 2013, 01:21:38 PM
Quote from: Clam Crowder on March 30, 2013, 06:14:59 PM
We will be unranked and Buzz will use that all year.
There is no way we are unranked in the preseason poll.  Every good team ahead of us is losing key pieces.  With a top ten recuiting class coming in, if we are ranked higher than 10 that should be considered disrespect.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: MU82 on April 02, 2013, 01:52:29 PM
Quote from: Jajuannaman on April 02, 2013, 10:38:02 AM
I actually agree with Equalizer.  The roster Buzz has constructed for next year is nearly perfect for how he wants to play.  I have a feeling we will see some intense pressure with mass substitutuions.  College hoops is all about matchups, and we will have the ability to play nearly any style.  Buzz has given himself a loaded deck.  I've seen what he can do with far less options - combine that with a league that is less top heavy then the BEast we're used to and I think we run away with the conference next year.

I agree we'll be good. Maybe very good. Maybe even great. Undefeated is considerably better than great.

I'm going to hold off on grandiose predictions for the 2014 Big East season until I see how our PG plays in the non-con.

Lots and lots and LOTS of great, great teams couldn't go undefeated in their conference seasons against opponents a lot less formidable than what we'll face.

But hey, I like the confidence!
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: Goose on April 02, 2013, 02:02:15 PM
If everything falls into place, Vander back and no transfers, the team will have high expectations next season. Instead of predictions on my part I have a hope for next season. Above everything else it would be great to see us play uptempo and pressure D all over the court. We will have the athletes and speed to play more non traditional next year and that is what I am looking forward to the most.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: MU82 on April 02, 2013, 02:11:45 PM
Quote from: Goose on April 02, 2013, 02:02:15 PM
If everything falls into place, Vander back and no transfers, the team will have high expectations next season. Instead of predictions on my part I have a hope for next season. Above everything else it would be great to see us play uptempo and pressure D all over the court. We will have the athletes and speed to play more non traditional next year and that is what I am looking forward to the most.
I agree, Goose. I like that kind of game, too.

If I could build my perfect team for the style I'd like to play, it would be very similar to Louisville this season. Maybe the guards could be a couple inches taller, but I love their lineup and the way Pitino uses his guys.

Quick as hell guards who can press on defense and get into the lane at will on offense, plus hit some shots, even difficult shot-clock-beaters. Tough role-playing forwards who can shoot a little and enjoy slamming opponents under the rim. And a shot-blocking center who also can knock down an open 10-footer. Plus, decent to good depth at every position.

If a couple of our freshmen-to-be turn out to be as good as advertised, we might have most or all of this next season.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: Silkk the Shaka on April 02, 2013, 02:16:03 PM
Quote from: MU82 on April 02, 2013, 01:52:29 PM
I agree we'll be good. Maybe very good. Maybe even great. Undefeated is considerably better than great.

I'm going to hold off on grandiose predictions for the 2014 Big East season until I see how our PG plays in the non-con.

Lots and lots and LOTS of great, great teams couldn't go undefeated in their conference seasons against opponents a lot less formidable than what we'll face.

But hey, I like the confidence!

I don't think we WILL go undefeated, I just think the talent is there in a somewhat weaker conference.  I understand that road games are always tough, so expecting to go undefeated is unreasonable.  Put it this way, we went 14-4 this year in a conference featuring two final four teams.  Fully healthy, I find it highly unlikely we go worse than 15-3.  I'd put money on 16-2 or better, with 18-0 about a 8-10% chance (yes I just pulled those #s out of my ass).  So while an undefeated conference record is not probable, it's certainly far more possible than any other time I've been paying attention to this team (starting with the '02-'03 season).
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: Goose on April 02, 2013, 02:27:26 PM
MU82

Complete agreement on Louisville stye to play. That type of ball will always be in style and never get old. Similar to Syracuse recruiting certain type players for 2-3 zone I hope Buzz recruits kids that play Louisvilee type ball. We saw some of that with Jae and DJO season and was fun as hell to watch. Plus I think that style is perfectly suited for Vander next season.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: The Equalizer on April 02, 2013, 03:12:19 PM
Quote from: MU82 on April 02, 2013, 01:52:29 PM
I agree we'll be good. Maybe very good. Maybe even great. Undefeated is considerably better than great.

I'm going to hold off on grandiose predictions for the 2014 Big East season until I see how our PG plays in the non-con.

Lots and lots and LOTS of great, great teams couldn't go undefeated in their conference seasons against opponents a lot less formidable than what we'll face.

But hey, I like the confidence!

To be fair, I did say that if Porter left Georgetown we had the talent to be undefeated--not that we actually would be. 

If you disagree with me, which team do you see as more talented than us?



Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: BCHoopster on April 02, 2013, 03:21:44 PM
Quote from: Goose on April 02, 2013, 02:27:26 PM
MU82

Complete agreement on Louisville stye to play. That type of ball will always be in style and never get old. Similar to Syracuse recruiting certain type players for 2-3 zone I hope Buzz recruits kids that play Louisvilee type ball. We saw some of that with Jae and DJO season and was fun as hell to watch. Plus I think that style is perfectly suited for Vander next season.

To play fast you need guards like Siva and Smith, Smith might be the quickest guard since A.I., Cadougan and Lockett are not that type of players, next year might be different.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: MU82 on April 02, 2013, 03:37:42 PM
Quote from: The Equalizer on April 02, 2013, 03:12:19 PM
To be fair, I did say that if Porter left Georgetown we had the talent to be undefeated--not that we actually would be. 

If you disagree with me, which team do you see as more talented than us?





I don't see any team more talented than us.

A team can be far and away the most talented team in its conference and odds are still incredibly long that the team goes undefeated, especially in a good league.

Hey, I hope it happens.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: Galway Eagle on April 02, 2013, 03:45:12 PM
I know everybody's all excited for next year (and I am to) but let's just balance that out with the possibility that everything goes to hell in the offseason.  If Otule, Mayo and Ferguson all leave, and Vander tries for the draft.  That leaves us essentially giving scholarships to Swanson and Flood (and I believe Dawson will be walking on so him as well).  And that's a team that would be pretty harsh to watch.  I don't think it'll happen but it's worth it to get our heads out of the clouds for one second and think what may happen if all hell breaks loose. 
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: LloydMooresLegs on April 02, 2013, 03:51:39 PM
Quote from: MU82 on April 02, 2013, 03:37:42 PM
I don't see any team more talented than us.

A team can be far and away the most talented team in its conference and odds are still incredibly long that the team goes undefeated, especially in a good league.

Hey, I hope it happens.


Yep.  Really really really hard to go 9-0 on the road in conference.   Even if your team is better than every other team.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: Silkk the Shaka on April 02, 2013, 04:07:46 PM
Quote from: BagpipingBoxer on April 02, 2013, 03:45:12 PM
I know everybody's all excited for next year (and I am to) but let's just balance that out with the possibility that everything goes to hell in the offseason.  If Otule, Mayo and Ferguson all leave, and Vander tries for the draft.  That leaves us essentially giving scholarships to Swanson and Flood (and I believe Dawson will be walking on so him as well).  And that's a team that would be pretty harsh to watch.  I don't think it'll happen but it's worth it to get our heads out of the clouds for one second and think what may happen if all hell breaks loose. 

If your "all hell breaks loose" scenario breaks out, I still think we challenge for the conference title and get no worse than a 6 seed.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: bilsu on April 02, 2013, 06:27:04 PM
Lockett is another example of new players needing half a season to adjust to Buzz ball. The trouble with freshmen is that adjust occurs around the time they start hitting the freshmen wall.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: Aughnanure on April 02, 2013, 08:26:12 PM
Quote from: BagpipingBoxer on April 02, 2013, 03:45:12 PM
I know everybody's all excited for next year (and I am to) but let's just balance that out with the possibility that everything goes to hell in the offseason.  If Otule, Mayo and Ferguson all leave, and Vander tries for the draft.  That leaves us essentially giving scholarships to Swanson and Flood (and I believe Dawson will be walking on so him as well).  And that's a team that would be pretty harsh to watch.  I don't think it'll happen but it's worth it to get our heads out of the clouds for one second and think what may happen if all hell breaks loose. 

There's a lot of wrong in this. Otule is coming back. How is this even up for debate. They didn't even do Senior Day for him! Dawson is not a walk-on (Jake Thomas will be). Losing Mayo and Ferguson would not be the end of the world. Vander would hurt though - but that's really the only threat.

Our biggest challenge will be avoiding serious injuries. We were amazingly fortunate last season (considering recent years).
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: Aughnanure on April 02, 2013, 08:28:14 PM
Quote from: bilsu on April 02, 2013, 06:27:04 PM
Lockett is another example of new players needing half a season to adjust to Buzz ball. The trouble with freshmen is that adjust occurs around the time they start hitting the freshmen wall.

Agreed, but talented point guards do seem to do a better of adjusting. I'd honestly be very disappointed if Wilson isn't starting (or playing the majority of mins) by conference play...that is, of course, unless Wilson takes a major offensive step.
Title: Re: What Ifs . . . Next Year's Pieces?
Post by: MarquetteDano on April 02, 2013, 08:37:45 PM
Quote from: MUHoopsFan2 on April 02, 2013, 06:43:14 AM
He did the little things sure enough but they might not need a guy like that next year. I think Derrick Wilson can do what Trent did.

To me he was a weak link and I would have played Mayo more but I understand why they didn't and do not disagree with them not, but I would have because I think you need scoring and Mayo's shot then what Trent gave.

But I know many disagree and that's fine.   

Yes, the most important person in the program disagreed:  Buzz
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