MarquetteMBB @MarquetteMBB
#mubb junior guard Jake Thomas to return to MU on scholarship in 13-14. He had requested release after the end of the season.
Good for Jake. One scholarship left.
Why the ??? Seems pretty definite to me
Quote from: MisterDMU on April 18, 2013, 02:30:10 PM
MarquetteMBB @MarquetteMBB
#mubb junior guard Jake Thomas to return to MU on scholarship in 13-14. He had requested release after the end of the season.
So either he got promised some PT or it really was about having to pay his own way.
Oh, goodie.
So who fills the last scholarship for next year...?
Quote from: MU B2002 on April 18, 2013, 02:32:43 PM
Why the ??? Seems pretty definite to me
Was more of an "I'm surprised by this" ? than an "is this right" ?. But yeah, obviously it seems quite definite. Good for Jake.
He couldn't leave after all those awards he got last night.
IMO if we got a freshman that wasn't great the guy would have been for 1 year just like Jake will be and would have gotten no PT. If we found a project 7 footer I would be all about that, but Buzz would not have found a 2 that would be able to contribute to the team. Jake is here 1 more year. Might as well reward the guy for a leap of faith to MU.
Interesting.
Good for him, he already knows the system, and according to others he was a great teammate and gave it his all in practice even if he barely saw the court.
I like it since it still allows us to use this scholarship again in 14-15 since it will only be 1 year.
Someone wasn't upfront regarding there decision in my eyes. Juan, Jake and Jamal transferring then Vander declaring for the draft.
Given Vander's quick entry into the draft and the fact that he was the last player to state his intent I would say that his leaving was a surprise to Buzz and co. Doesn't matter to me really, however Jake may not have considered leaving given the development with Vander and an open scholarship.
Jake said he wanted to leave due to playing time, right? So does that mean that Buzz has told/guaranteed him significant court time?
Quote from: damuts222 on April 18, 2013, 02:38:24 PM
Someone wasn't upfront regarding there decision in my eyes. Juan, Jake and Jamal transferring then Vander declaring for the draft.
Given Vander's quick entry into the draft and the fact that he was the last player to state his intent I would say that his leaving was a surprise to Buzz and co. Doesn't matter to me really, however Jake may not have considered leaving given the development with Vander and an open scholarship.
I would guess that it was more Juan and Ferguson leaving that made him reconsider. Wasn't Jake the first to leave even though it didn't matter scholarship wise?
I hope he manages to figure out his shot against good opponents. If he does then perhaps he can get some PT this year.
Quote from: jesmu84 on April 18, 2013, 02:40:44 PM
Jake said he wanted to leave due to playing time, right? So does that mean that Buzz has told/guaranteed him significant court time?
Don't have the time to look it up right now but I think the PT reason was just all fan conjecture. I don't think we were ever really privy to his real reasons for leaving.
They're two under. They have 4 freshmen already, so taking another is a long shot. Can't really go after a JUCO. So they're exploring a 1 year transfer again, but two of those would be very unlikely.
Don't discount Wardle's situation at GB, either. Almost positive that had something to do with him coming back.
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Thomas set to return to Marquette
Written by: Mark Strotman
It's rare that a high-school recruit de-commits and then re-commits to that same school. And it's even rarer that a player is publicly set to transfer from a school and ultimately returns just two weeks later. But that's what has ... Continue reading → (http://painttouches.com/2013/04/18/thomas-set-to-return-to-marquette/)
(http://stats.wordpress.com/b.gif?host=painttouches.com&blog=28348875&post=7564&subd=painttouches&ref=&feed=1)
http://painttouches.com/2013/04/18/thomas-set-to-return-to-marquette/
Is that now 4 openings for 2014?
The 2013 class is great, the 2014 class I hope is exceptional.
Good for Thomas, another summer to get that 3 point shot back.
Quote from: MUMonster03 on April 18, 2013, 02:42:01 PM
Don't have the time to look it up right now but I think the PT reason was just all fan conjecture. I don't think we were ever really privy to his real reasons for leaving.
https://www.facebook.com/MarquetteMensBB?hc_location=timeline
April 9 - Junior guard Jake Thomas has asked for his release and it was granted by Marquette University. Thomas arrived on campus as a walk-on and was awarded a scholarship the last two seasons because the program had one available below the NCAA maximum of 13.
The Racine, Wis., native wasn't going to receive a scholarship in 2013-14 based on the size of the current incoming recruiting class.
"We are grateful for all the energy and work Jake put in our program while he was here," head coach Buzz Williams said. "He was a great teammate, and I am thankful for my relationship with Jake and his entire family. As a graduate student, he is looking for a new opportunity, and we are all in complete support of that."
"My decision wasn't based on whether or not I had a scholarship for next season," Thomas said. "Buzz had explained to me when I first got here that a scholarship for my third year was unlikely. I just want to have my last year of college basketball be at a program where I can play significant minutes and contribute to a team.
"My two years at MU have been some of the best of my life and I have loved the opportunity to be closer to my family, Thomas added. "All of the coaches at MU have been helpful during this process and understand my situation."
I like this move. Reward the kid and leave a scholarship open for 13-14. If only they could have finalized this sooner to avoid the whole "pulling his scholarship" debacle with Mike Hunt.
MUBB Facebook, today:
Junior guard Jake Thomas has decided to return for the 2013-14 campaign with the Marquette University men's basketball team after asking for his release at the conclusion of the season.
"After thinking it over and talking with my family about the situation, along with the help of Buzz, I have decided to finish my career at Marquette," Thomas said. "It has been a great two years and I am looking forward to what the future holds.
"I am incredibly thankful for all the coaches who took the time to reach out to me during this process and I wish them the best next season," Thomas added.
Thomas will continue to be a scholarship student-athlete at MU.
The Racine, Wis., native appeared in 23 games off the bench in 2012-13 and averaged 9.0 minutes per contest in his first season on the court for Marquette. He redshirted in 2011-12 after two years at South Dakota.
"We are excited Jake has decided to return for his last year of eligibility," head coach Buzz Williams said. "Our conversations leading up to his release and throughout the last few weeks have been very transparent. He has always been welcome in our program and represents everything that our program is built on."
Quote from: jesmu84 on April 18, 2013, 02:47:03 PM
"My decision wasn't based on whether or not I had a scholarship for next season," Thomas said. "Buzz had explained to me when I first got here that a scholarship for my third year was unlikely. I just want to have my last year of college basketball be at a program where I can play significant minutes and contribute to a team.
Nonsense. Of course it was. He probably said that to avoid controversey so it didn't look like his scholarship was being "pulled." He was trying to avoid looking like a martyr to avoid making MU look bad. It was a classy move, but as today proves, it was about his scholarship all along. And you can't fault the guy. I would have done the exact same thing all the way up through today, given the changing circumstances.
Gets to defend his ProAm MVP title now...
Quote from: nyg on April 18, 2013, 02:46:42 PM
Is that now 4 openings for 2014?
The 2013 class is great, the 2014 class I hope is exceptional.
Good for Thomas, another summer to get that 3 point shot back.
Graduating at the end of 2013 (or, in Thomas's case, finishing his eligibility with a year of grad school):
Otule
Gardner
Wilson
Thomas
Is anyone talking with Jamal??!!
Better yet, what about Vander!
yeah, we got a traditional
Shoot. I like Jake but I was really hoping we would use that scholarship on some stud transfer.
Quote from: KenoshaWarrior on April 18, 2013, 03:02:54 PM
Shoot. I like Jake but I was really hoping we would use that scholarship on some stud transfer.
Still have another scholie open.......
Quote from: LloydMooresLegs on April 18, 2013, 02:53:17 PM
Graduating at the end of 2013 (or, in Thomas's case, finishing his eligibility with a year of grad school):
Otule
Gardner
Wilson
Thomas
There's GOT to be a way we can find another year for Otule!
Quote from: damuts222 on April 18, 2013, 02:38:24 PM
Someone wasn't upfront regarding there decision in my eyes. Juan, Jake and Jamal transferring then Vander declaring for the draft.
Given Vander's quick entry into the draft and the fact that he was the last player to state his intent I would say that his leaving was a surprise to Buzz and co. Doesn't matter to me really, however Jake may not have considered leaving given the development with Vander and an open scholarship.
I think that's already been established by several in the media.
Weren't going to get two ideal transfers in, didn't want to tie up a scholarship with an uncommitted freshman who wasn't going to play and would probably be transfer bait after the season. Good move to keep Jake in the fold.
Quote from: Victor McCormick on April 18, 2013, 02:49:26 PM
Nonsense. Of course it was. He probably said that to avoid controversey so it didn't look like his scholarship was being "pulled." He was trying to avoid looking like a martyr to avoid making MU look bad. It was a classy move, but as today proves, it was about his scholarship all along. And you can't fault the guy. I would have done the exact same thing all the way up through today, given the changing circumstances.
Yep, very likely it was. Since it was very clear (at least to those who don't wear red) that he wasn't promised a scholarship it made it look unreasonable to come out and say that's why he felt it best to leave. Tried to take the high road by saying that wasn't the issue, though that's buried now.
Quote from: jesmu84 on April 18, 2013, 02:40:44 PM
Jake said he wanted to leave due to playing time, right? So does that mean that Buzz has told/guaranteed him significant court time?
No, I don't think any coach would "guarantee" time. He's on scholarship now. There is room now for time. Look, if none of the freshmen can handle the job, especially on the defensive end, I think having a guy like Jake in the mix is a good thing.
I'm happy. No reason Jake can't contribute next year. Hopefully he starts knocking down more shots and he's exactly what the team needs.
Quote from: KenoshaWarrior on April 18, 2013, 03:02:54 PM
Shoot. I like Jake but I was really hoping we would use that scholarship on some stud transfer.
We have one still open, plus what will you find on the market now and Jake probably can't give you.
No promise of playing time but with Vanders 30-32 minutes a game now suddenly gone their is an opportunity to earn playing time that wasn't available a week ago.....
Quote from: jesmu84 on April 18, 2013, 02:40:44 PM
Jake said he wanted to leave due to playing time, right? So does that mean that Buzz has told/guaranteed him significant court time?
BOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
I can't wait to hear all the reports about how great Jake is shooting in summer league, in boot camp, in fall workouts, at Marquette Madness and in the days leading up to the season. And I look forward to many multi-page threads about how Buzz screws up his lineups because he should at least give Jake a chance.
I hope he has an Acker-esque senior year.
Quote from: jesmu84 on April 18, 2013, 02:40:44 PM
Jake said he wanted to leave due to playing time, right? So does that mean that Buzz has told/guaranteed him significant court time?
Maybe he just wanted a degree from a top 100 school like Marquette as opposed to a lesser school.
Quote from: Marqevans on April 18, 2013, 03:40:31 PM
Maybe he just wanted a degree from a top 100 school like Marquette as opposed to a lesser school.
He already had one coming...
Quote from: MUMonster03 on April 18, 2013, 02:40:47 PM
I would guess that it was more Juan and Ferguson leaving that made him reconsider. Wasn't Jake the first to leave even though it didn't matter scholarship wise?
The scholarship may not have mattered originally. Perhaps it's just that the situation changed and Buzz went back to Jake and said, "hey there's a spot open again....and you'll get another year scholarship."
Remember the original article from Buzz about "it was the right thing to do" (putting him on schollie). This may yet again be that case. If so...Jake and his fam really hit the lottery of "right-place/right-time".
Quote from: Nukem2 on April 18, 2013, 03:05:45 PM
Still have another scholie open.......
Thats right. Forgot Ferguson left.
I'd rather have Ferguson return.....
Quote from: Rockmic87 on April 18, 2013, 03:49:09 PM
I'd rather have Ferguson return.....
I disagree. I would rather have the extra scholie for 2014 than another two years of Ferguson. Ferguson wouldn't bring much value next year...less than Thomas for sure.
Quote from: T-Bone on April 18, 2013, 03:38:53 PM
I hope he has an Acker-esque senior year.
+1. I hope having a year under his belt shakes loose the nerves he seemed to play with all season. Next year could look the same as this year. Or he could shoot the lights out. Altogether, it's a small, safe bet that could pay off.
Thomas is coming back because Buzz needs him. That is the kind of person he is. I do think Buzz was surprised by Blue, although he should not of been. Blue said he prayed about it, before making his final decision. I can really visualize Buzz telling him to pray about it and and expecting Blue coming up with the decision to stay. My feeling is that Blue leaving makes us weaker in November and December and that could result in a lower seed at tournament time. However, I also feel the 30 minutes of his playing time distributed to other players will make them better come March, so I am not that concerned about Vander leaving.
So, MU has picked up, for 1 year, an experienced guard who knows the system and knows his role. I do not see a downside.
on scholarship? Homie don't play that game.
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Dude hit like one three all year, when he actually shot and can't guard.
Quote from: Terror Skink on April 18, 2013, 03:58:18 PM
I disagree. I would rather have the extra scholie for 2014 than another two years of Ferguson. Ferguson wouldn't bring much value next year...less than Thomas for sure.
Less than Thomas? Ok? A three point shooter that doesn't shoot. Good luck with that. And can't defend.
Quote from: Sunbelt15 on April 18, 2013, 04:41:06 PM
Less than Thomas? Ok? A three point shooter that doesn't shoot. Good luck with that. And can't defend.
Yet Buzz still had him in the rotation ahead of Ferguson. Imagine that.
It is good to have some experience on the team but truly does anybody really think his minutes will change? If anything he gives MU another minority on the team. We do not play
Syracuse this year, so how does he help? What a great deal for his family, but I would have loved to have seen him at UWM or Green Bay. At best he is the third 2 guard or fourth
depending on the progress of Duane Wilson.
I hope Jake really works on his game this summer, so he can have some more Syracuse type plays.
Quote from: BCHoopster on April 18, 2013, 04:47:59 PM
It is good to have some experience on the team but truly does anybody really think his minutes will change? If anything he gives MU another minority on the team. We do not play
Syracuse this year, so how does he help? What a great deal for his family, but I would have loved to have seen him at UWM or Green Bay. At best he is the third 2 guard or fourth
depending on the progress of Duane Wilson.
No,
at best he is able to carry his great shooting skills into game situations and become a three point shooting marksman that this team needs.
should have recruited matt thomas harder if jake thomas is getting two years on scholly. that kid is a stud shooter.
Quote from: BrewCity BallCrusher on April 18, 2013, 04:54:10 PM
No, at best he is able to carry his great shooting skills into game situations and become a three point shooting marksman that this team needs.
Does not have a quick release, secondly, after sitting for 30 minutes in the first half, how hard is it to come off the bench and hit a shot? I know how hard it is as I was sub my
junior year.
Quote from: Terror Skink on April 18, 2013, 04:42:43 PM
Yet Buzz still had him in the rotation ahead of Ferguson. Imagine that.
That's why Ferguson got the sportsmanship award. Buzz knew he should of been on the court, so reward Ferguson for his respectful demeanor during the season.
Didn't Mark Belling rip MU a new one over Thomas leaving? Didn't he accuse Buzz of running him off?
What is saying now? Probably nothing.
Hopefully he learns not to be hesitant on his shot. Every time he got in the game last year he didnt even look for his shot and thats what he is in there for. Have confidence and shoot the ball! If he learned that then he could be a big help.
Quote from: T-Bone on April 18, 2013, 03:38:53 PM
I hope he has an Acker-esque senior year.
Or Cubillan like the game against Georgetown (I think?) where he hit six 3-balls at the BC to lead us to victory.
My advise to, and sincere hope for Jake in the season to come:
Jake - Lose the pump fake. Get the pass and shoot immediately. Or get the pass and pass immediately. The pump fakes fool no one and are counterproductive.
Further note to Jake: If, after half the season you've been shooting and scoring, then you might try a pump fake or two.
My advice is get a seat warmer...
Quote from: Victor McCormick on April 18, 2013, 02:47:09 PM
I like this move. Reward the kid and leave a scholarship open for 13-14. If only they could have finalized this sooner to avoid the whole "pulling his scholarship" debacle with Mike Hunt.
Exactly. Vander left, scholarship opened,Jake was rewarded with it. This isn't complicated and it is a positive, nice story.
Quote from: Sunbelt15 on April 18, 2013, 06:54:34 PM
That's why Ferguson got the sportsmanship award. Buzz knew he should of been on the court, so reward Ferguson for his respectful demeanor during the season.
Bullsh*t. Don't make excuses...
Quote from: T-Bone on April 18, 2013, 03:38:53 PM
I hope he has an Acker-esque senior year.
Although, hopefully, no one jumps completely over him to dunk as a Dayton player did to Acker.
Quote from: Stone Cold on April 18, 2013, 04:32:33 PM
on scholarship? Homie don't play that game.
Dude hit like one three all year, when he actually shot and can't guard.
It was kind of a key three point shot and got MU a win against Syracuse, though.
Quote from: Stone Cold on April 18, 2013, 04:55:09 PM
should have recruited matt thomas harder if jake thomas is getting two years on scholly. that kid is a stud shooter.
Recruiting Matt Thomas harder would have meant no Jajuan Johnson. That's kind of silly.
I can see why Buzz is doing this. The likelihood of finding two players who can contribute next year or in the future at this late stage is probably not too good. I don't get it from Jake's perspective. I can see him coming here to see if he could play with the high najors. I can see him transferring out to get a scholarship and PT elsewhere. But why stay to play a few minutes here or there when you can be a key contributor somewhere else? I guess the kid must really like it at MU.
Quote from: CTWarrior on April 19, 2013, 07:10:57 AM
I can see why Buzz is doing this. The likelihood of finding two players who can contribute next year or in the future at this late stage is probably not too good. I don't get it from Jake's perspective. I can see him coming here to see if he could play with the high najors. I can see him transferring out to get a scholarship and PT elsewhere. But why stay to play a few minutes here or there when you can be a key contributor somewhere else? I guess the kid must really like it at MU.
Quote from: CTWarrior on April 19, 2013, 07:10:57 AM
I can see why Buzz is doing this. The likelihood of finding two players who can contribute next year or in the future at this late stage is probably not too good. I don't get it from Jake's perspective. I can see him coming here to see if he could play with the high najors. I can see him transferring out to get a scholarship and PT elsewhere. But why stay to play a few minutes here or there when you can be a key contributor somewhere else? I guess the kid must really like it at MU.
I can see why. It was not worth it to him to not play a lot and have to pay his way. It is worth more to him to have a scholarship and not play a lot at MU, then to transfer to UWM where he might play a lot on a losing team.
Quote from: CTWarrior on April 19, 2013, 07:10:57 AM
I can see why Buzz is doing this. The likelihood of finding two players who can contribute next year or in the future at this late stage is probably not too good. I don't get it from Jake's perspective. I can see him coming here to see if he could play with the high najors. I can see him transferring out to get a scholarship and PT elsewhere. But why stay to play a few minutes here or there when you can be a key contributor somewhere else? I guess the kid must really like it at MU.
That's where I am with this now. Plus, and this is the big key...it's one friggin' year. And....we still have another schollie. Get Jake in here who's familiar w/everything, and hopefully get 1-3 three-pointers from him per game. Then, next year the scholllie is back.
We have TWO spots to fill if we choose too. We bring in two freshman this late in the game, they are probably way down on the best-of lists. We get a couple more JUCO guys, we have to hope they can get in. We wait out for another Lockett or two, we are putting a lot of eggs in that basket.
So...got no problems w/this.
Team GPA went back up.
I think it's a very good move. First, Jake plays the #2 and knows the system so he's immediately a valuable practice player. Fair to say that our very preliminary #2 rotation is Mayo, JJJ, and Jake. I see all three getting minutes. Plus it's only a one year deal meaning that Buzz can be agressively recruiting for a '14 replacement. Second, if I'm not mistaken, this leaves us one open scholly for next year. My hope is that coach can find the next DJO/JFB from the ranks of 'full qualifiers' that make the move to D1 this summer after their Frosh year. It would be great to add someone to Steve's class.
I was hoping when Jake came in he would have been like Brad Redford at Xavier - at least his Fr./Soph years.
http://statsheet.com/mcb/players/compare?add=jake-thomas&p1=brad-redford
Hit some spot minutes, shoot well enough from 3, and don't mess up.
I still have hope.