MUScoop

MUScoop => Hangin' at the Al => Topic started by: CAGASS24 on May 20, 2013, 11:37:14 AM

Title: Juan Anderson's return and what it means to MU
Post by: CAGASS24 on May 20, 2013, 11:37:14 AM
Juan coming back (as mentioned in the thread); this team is freaking stacked.  I've said before, Juan is no all star, but very successful teams typically have guys like Juan on them - a seasoned heady role player that can rebound, score without being demanding for the ball, and hustle his a$$ off while still being a high level talent in terms of athleticism and explsovie ability (i've seen enough blocks, dunks, and threes from Juan to know what he is capable of).

Literally, all we need to be National Championship legit is a point guard combo that does not turn the ball over and can get the ball to others with good space, angle, and timing.  I'm not talking a world beater NBA point guard here, but a college model dish, defend, and deny type of guy only.  With that in mind, I really do think Derek Wilson takes a majority of the minutes at hte point, with Duane and/or Dawson getting 10-15.  If you add in a dynamic punch (Duane and maybe John) to the point position in addition to Derek's great defense and very low turnover percentage, watch out baby.

We will be dominant at the 4 and 5, and will have so many options for the 2 and 3 it is ridiculous.  So, like i said, point guard is what can take us to the promised land.

WE HAVE ALL THE PIECES -

Here's to the offseason, the kid's keeping their noses clean and heads on straight, and to Buzz and the staff doing everything they can think of to keep that fire and confidence burning!!!!!  
Title: Re: HOG DIGGITY DOG
Post by: denverMU on May 20, 2013, 11:53:43 AM
I agree completely and OBTW Todd Mayo available just makes things even better.
Title: Re: HOG DIGGITY DOG
Post by: klyrish on May 20, 2013, 01:21:29 PM
I think I like "hog dog" better than "hot dog" now.
Title: Re: HOG DIGGITY DOG
Post by: Skatastrophy on May 20, 2013, 01:24:40 PM
A stacked team would have a clear point guard, imo. I really hope you're right though!
Title: Juan Anderson's return and what it means to MU
Post by: tower912 on May 20, 2013, 05:49:10 PM
The biggest benefit of Juan staying will be the 14-15 year.   A frontline of McKay, Juan, STjr,  and Deonte/JJJ is a really good spot to start.   It gives whatever big Buzz lands in his next class a year to get acclimated and develop.     Second, I like seeing good kids stay four years.   Third, I think he doesn't come back unless he knows Buzz is sticking around.  

Thanks for changing your mind, Juan.   And good luck.
Title: Re: Juan Anderson's return and what it means to MU
Post by: GoldenZebra on May 20, 2013, 08:15:31 PM
JA coming back is great, glad to have a good guy back on the team!

Our success is gonna be driven by Todd though, we need him to play good for us to win the big games.
Title: Re: Juan Anderson's return and what it means to MU
Post by: Rockmic87 on May 21, 2013, 12:06:05 AM
Were not beating KU or UK, so lets just focus on getting to the sweet 16 first before this national championship talk....
Title: Re: Juan Anderson's return and what it means to MU
Post by: PE8983 on May 21, 2013, 12:38:57 AM
Derek Wilson may be a decent backup point, but we're not getting to the "promised land" with him there playing the majority of the minutes.  However, Duane Wilson is a start in the right direction.
Title: Re: Juan Anderson's return and what it means to MU
Post by: muwar2003 on May 21, 2013, 06:26:51 AM
I was glad Juan was leaving.  We could have filled his spot with someone who could maybe score, rebound or play defense.  Juan didn't do anything and I don't see him all of a sudden scoring, rebounding or playing defense.
Title: Re: Juan Anderson's return and what it means to MU
Post by: tower912 on May 21, 2013, 06:42:44 AM
Were we watching the same games?   I saw a gamer, someone who has good skills, with a great attitude.   I saw a player that if he is able to stay healthy and work on his body and his game the next two summers, will be a 12/6 guy as a senior.   I want that guy to stay at MU. 
Title: Re: Juan Anderson's return and what it means to MU
Post by: Dawson Rental on May 21, 2013, 06:59:01 AM
Quote from: muwar2003 on May 21, 2013, 06:26:51 AM
I was glad Juan was leaving.  We could have filled his spot with someone who could maybe score, rebound or play defense.  Juan didn't do anything and I don't see him all of a sudden scoring, rebounding or playing defense.

I agree.  This is the worst news since it became clear that Buzz wasn't going to SMU.  Which is worse; a player who can't score, rebound or play defense, or having a coach who understands so little about basketball that he starts him?  No wonder we have five straight years of no final fours under Buzz!
Title: Re: Juan Anderson's return and what it means to MU
Post by: damuts222 on May 21, 2013, 07:01:33 AM
QuoteI was glad Juan was leaving.  We could have filled his spot with someone who could maybe score, rebound or play defense.  Juan didn't do anything and I don't see him all of a sudden scoring, rebounding or playing defense.

Juan passes the eye test, stats only tell you so much.
Title: Re: Juan Anderson's return and what it means to MU
Post by: GGGG on May 21, 2013, 08:14:29 AM
Quote from: muwar2003 on May 21, 2013, 06:26:51 AM
I was glad Juan was leaving.  We could have filled his spot with someone who could maybe score, rebound or play defense.  Juan didn't do anything and I don't see him all of a sudden scoring, rebounding or playing defense.


You know very little of what you are talking about.

First off, Juan is actually a very good rebounder.  He averaged 2.8 per game.  Just a cursory glance shows that his per 40 is about the same as Jamil's and Taylor's.  And outside of the centers, is about as good as any wing player but Locketts.

Second, he isn't a bad perimeter defender.  He isn't a good interior defender, but that is why IMO he is making a switch.

And finally, I love how people continue to discount the ability of players to improve.  Buzz wants him...and Buzz knows more than you do.
Title: Re: Juan Anderson's return and what it means to MU
Post by: Skatastrophy on May 21, 2013, 08:15:57 AM
Quote from: Terror Skink on May 21, 2013, 08:14:29 AM
...and Buzz knows more than you do.

Pshh
Title: Re: Juan Anderson's return and what it means to MU
Post by: GGGG on May 21, 2013, 08:16:11 AM
Quote from: GoldenZebra on May 20, 2013, 08:15:31 PM
JA coming back is great, glad to have a good guy back on the team!

Our success is gonna be driven by Todd though, we need him to play good for us to win the big games.


The success of next year's team isn't necessarily driven by Todd.  There are a number of options for that label.
Title: Re: Juan Anderson's return and what it means to MU
Post by: bilsu on May 21, 2013, 08:24:19 AM
Quote from: muwar2003 on May 21, 2013, 06:26:51 AM
I was glad Juan was leaving.  We could have filled his spot with someone who could maybe score, rebound or play defense.  Juan didn't do anything and I don't see him all of a sudden scoring, rebounding or playing defense.
That of course is your opinion. However, posting it on the internet for our team to see makes you an *** and that is my opinion. I be glad if you transferred elsewhere. There I posted on the internet that I be happy if you transferred elsewhere. How, do you like it?
Title: Re: Juan Anderson's return and what it means to MU
Post by: Hards Alumni on May 21, 2013, 08:44:57 AM
Quote from: Terror Skink on May 21, 2013, 08:14:29 AM

You know very little of what you are talking about.

First off, Juan is actually a very good rebounder.  He averaged 2.8 per game.  Just a cursory glance shows that his per 40 is about the same as Jamil's and Taylor's.  And outside of the centers, is about as good as any wing player but Locketts.

Second, he isn't a bad perimeter defender.  He isn't a good interior defender, but that is why IMO he is making a switch.

And finally, I love how people continue to discount the ability of players to improve.  Buzz wants him...and Buzz knows more than you do.

Hey now, around here we don't let little things like facts get in the way of gut feelings.
Title: Re: Juan Anderson's return and what it means to MU
Post by: ATWizJr on May 21, 2013, 09:24:35 AM
Quote from: muwar2003 on May 21, 2013, 06:26:51 AM
I was glad Juan was leaving.  We could have filled his spot with someone who could maybe score, rebound or play defense.  Juan didn't do anything and I don't see him all of a sudden scoring, rebounding or playing defense.
Welcome back, Juan and please don't take this post as being representative of how the MU family feels about you.
Title: Re: Juan Anderson's return and what it means to MU
Post by: slack00 on May 21, 2013, 09:28:04 AM
With Anderson's return, I think it just continues the shift to a bigger lineup.  In years past, the Juan Anderson and Jamil Wilson type players were forced to play and guard the opposing team's 5s.  This year I think we'll see both of those players defend the opposing 3s.  Gardner and Otule will continue to split the minutes at the 5, McKay and Taylor will split minutes at the 4, and Wilson and Anderson will split the minutes at the 3 vacated by Lockett.
Title: Re: Juan Anderson's return and what it means to MU
Post by: jsglow on May 21, 2013, 09:38:58 AM
Quote from: slack00 on May 21, 2013, 09:28:04 AM
With Anderson's return, I think it just continues the shift to a bigger lineup.  In years past, the Juan Anderson and Jamil Wilson type players were forced to play and guard the opposing team's 5s.  This year I think we'll see both of those players defend the opposing 3s.  Gardner and Otule will continue to split the minutes at the 5, McKay and Taylor will split minutes at the 4, and Wilson and Anderson will split the minutes at the 3 vacated by Lockett.

Exactly how I see it as well.  One other point on this.  The entire group you've just described will be upperclassmen with the exception of STjr.  All but two will be in at least their 3rd year in the program.  (And I'm pretty sure CO was a Frosh back when I was in school 30 years ago!)  That's a great deal of BEast maturity brought to the table.  All those kids know how to play the game at a high level.

Mix in some veteran leadership at the #1 and #2 to go along with 4-star incoming talent and we might just have something here.
Title: Re: Juan Anderson's return and what it means to MU
Post by: CAGASS24 on May 21, 2013, 09:41:42 AM
Quote from: PE8983 on May 21, 2013, 12:38:57 AM
Derek Wilson may be a decent backup point, but we're not getting to the "promised land" with him there playing the majority of the minutes.  However, Duane Wilson is a start in the right direction.


By national champ legit I mean a contender; a team that can be considered to have a reasonable chance.  If we stay healthy and increase open shoot making consistency from last year, I absolutely think d Wilson is the right kind of point guard to have.  You don't need to have elite talent at every position, you need to be a me to dominate in a few and elite depth.
Title: Re: Juan Anderson's return and what it means to MU
Post by: tower912 on May 21, 2013, 09:52:01 AM
Quote from: slack00 on May 21, 2013, 09:28:04 AM
With Anderson's return, I think it just continues the shift to a bigger lineup.  In years past, the Juan Anderson and Jamil Wilson type players were forced to play and guard the opposing team's 5s.  This year I think we'll see both of those players defend the opposing 3s.  Gardner and Otule will continue to split the minutes at the 5, McKay and Taylor will split minutes at the 4, and Wilson and Anderson will split the minutes at the 3 vacated by Lockett.

IMO for 14/15, it means bigger switchables.    This coming season, with JWilson, Otule,  and Gardner, there are going to fairly clearly defined positions.   In 14-15, when the projected starting lineup of McKay, STjr, Juan, JJJ, and DuWilson goes 6'9, 6'7, 6'7, 6'5, 6'3, Buzz will have a team where his each of his starters can defend at least 3 positions on the floor. 
Title: Re: Juan Anderson's return and what it means to MU
Post by: GOO on May 21, 2013, 10:10:19 AM
Quote from: CAGASS24 on May 21, 2013, 09:41:42 AM

By national champ legit I mean a contender; a team that can be considered to have a reasonable chance.  If we stay healthy and increase open shoot making consistency from last year, I absolutely think d Wilson is the right kind of point guard to have.  You don't need to have elite talent at every position, you need to be a me to dominate in a few and elite depth.

We were probably a shooter away from being a contender last year (or maybe two guys shooting reasonably well).  Not saying we'd win it, but we'd have been in the discussion, as mentioned above.  If Blue had come back we'd be a contender and one of the top teams in the discussion.

So looking at it that way, we have to replace 3 players in Blue, Junior and Tent:

  Junior:  I guess the issue is can Derrick Wilson and Duane replace what he brought.  I was never a hugh fan of Junior, so the answer is probably yes from my  perspective.  The intangibles and ability to hit that wide layup when we needed points and things weren't going well will be missed from Junior.  But Derrick probably gives us better defense.  Can we rely on Derrick due to him seemingly having no offensive game?  No.  So hopefully Duane and Derrick together will allow us to elevate the point guard position.  This is an IF position, but not an area of strength last year and I bet we are as good or better at the point this year.

  Trent:  Rebounding.  Played well down the stretch.  I think we will be a good or even great rebounding team.  Plus Jamil Wilson playing more at the 3 gives us more scoring.  Juan can rebound and will probably elevate his game going into his junior year with his first full summer of work at MU.  This could be a big upgrade, especially offensively.  We will have height and be long.  Trent's rebounding may be replaced somewhat by our power forward.

 Blue:  He carried us at times, but still couldn't shoot.  I am hopeful that JJuan Johnson will be stud.  But that is hope and ifs.  Maybe Mayo can help out or will surprise me (as I have my doubts on Mayo's desire to not take bad shots and do what he wants).  I can't see us being better at the 2, especially on defense, but if we have a couple of shooters on the court, the drive and kick and be an option... and if so, it will help open some driving lanes.  This will probably be a down grade at this position.

So, my conclusion:  Point guard is a question mark, but even if it isn't a area of strength, this position has been a weakness for years under Buzz, and we've been able to win. We have a potential stud in Duane Wilson, so there is hope.  We don't have a lot to replace here in my opinion, and should be fine from that perspective.

Trent, we will miss his rebounding, but over all, I think we will be better off.  Jamil Wilson can shoot it and post up.  He will have a big height advantage over most of this competition.  

Blue and the 2 guard spot is a question mark and the big IF in my opinion.  But we do have candidates to step up.  

Since we should be long and tall, it will be interesting to see if Buzz mixes up he defenses more and plays more zone.  
 
Title: Re: Juan Anderson's return and what it means to MU
Post by: bilsu on May 21, 2013, 12:38:29 PM
Common sense would tell us that point guard is the weak spot. However, I am not sure that is true. We know at a minimum we have Derrick Wilson. To me the biggest area he needs to improve in is not scoring but distributing the ball. I think we have enough players and options to be considered solid at the 3, 4 & 5 spots. The weak spot might actually be the two. We have Mayo and I just do not know what that means based on his first two seasons. We have JJJ, but he is a freshmen who at this point is way to thin. We also have Thomas and he has not shown the ability to hit the three like I thought he would. The reality is the best two on the team might be Duane Wilson, but he is probably going to play point.
Title: Re: Juan Anderson's return and what it means to MU
Post by: seakm4 on May 21, 2013, 01:09:03 PM
I'm just happy to have Juan Back.  He's the best teammate on the bench and a great hustle guy. 

Apparently I missed the things the sconnie troll pointed out he can't rebound, score, or defend.
Title: Re: Juan Anderson's return and what it means to MU
Post by: T-Bone on May 21, 2013, 01:13:50 PM
Quote from: seakm4 on May 21, 2013, 01:09:03 PM
I'm just happy to have Juan Back.  He's the best teammate on the bench and a great hustle guy. 

Don't forget about the Buzz impression he does.
Title: Re: Juan Anderson's return and what it means to MU
Post by: Lighthouse 84 on May 21, 2013, 01:44:43 PM
Juan's return means another switchable who knows Buzz's system, someone with BEast experience, someone who is probably going to come off the bench this year instead of playing the first few minutes but who can give us valuable minutes nevertheless, but more to the point.....someone whose skill set is such that if we had gotten a transfer who could immediately play (like Trent) to replace Juan, and his skill set was as good as Juan's, this Board would have been ecstatic.

Glad you're back Juan.
Title: Re: Juan Anderson's return and what it means to MU
Post by: Badgerhater on May 21, 2013, 01:47:26 PM
Jamie Dixon remarked about MU this last season, "Marquette stays old," meaning they always have great or solid players who know their role and are upperclassmen.  Buzz doesn't have to rely on rolling the dice on immediate contributions by freshman, which can make or break you.

Juan Anderson for the next two years is going to be that old guy.   Now its up to him to determine if he wants go be solid or great.  I can see him picking up two or three SOTGs each season.  I can definitely see him in the Trent Lockett role of the intangible guy you can't take off the floor.   I can also see him as a Jimmy Butler junior season guy who can step it up because he will benefit from double teams on other guys on the floor.
Title: Re: Juan Anderson's return and what it means to MU
Post by: The Equalizer on May 21, 2013, 02:41:05 PM
Quote from: CAGASS24 on May 20, 2013, 11:37:14 AM
Juan coming back (as mentioned in the thread); this team is freaking stacked.  I've said before, Juan is no all star, but very successful teams typically have guys like Juan on them - a seasoned heady role player that can rebound, score without being demanding for the ball, and hustle his a$$ off while still being a high level talent in terms of athleticism and explsovie ability (i've seen enough blocks, dunks, and threes from Juan to know what he is capable of).

Literally, all we need to be National Championship legit is a point guard combo that does not turn the ball over and can get the ball to others with good space, angle, and timing.  I'm not talking a world beater NBA point guard here, but a college model dish, defend, and deny type of guy only.  With that in mind, I really do think Derek Wilson takes a majority of the minutes at hte point, with Duane and/or Dawson getting 10-15.  If you add in a dynamic punch (Duane and maybe John) to the point position in addition to Derek's great defense and very low turnover percentage, watch out baby.

We will be dominant at the 4 and 5, and will have so many options for the 2 and 3 it is ridiculous.  So, like i said, point guard is what can take us to the promised land.

WE HAVE ALL THE PIECES -

Here's to the offseason, the kid's keeping their noses clean and heads on straight, and to Buzz and the staff doing everything they can think of to keep that fire and confidence burning!!!!!  

I think its hard to make a case that we're "National Championship Legit" when we return players that managed just 19 points against Syracuse, 23 against Butler and 29 against Davidson.  

And I don't say this to crap all over the team--I say this to put some rational and realistic expctations on our players--most of whom have limited experience in major roles.

First, there is an underestimation of the talent departing.  We're losing 3 starters (who combined for 103 starts out of 105 possible).  3 starters who combined for 29 of our 68 points (43% of our scoring).  The loss of Blue, Cadougan and Lockett is going to hurt--no question.  

Second, we're going to rely heavily on five players who have never played D1 ball (and two more who had limited roles).  And Buzz's history suggests that new players (even JUCOs) don't step up in a big way until at least their 2nd season.  Crowder, Butler, and DJO, were all good and showed promise their first year--but none showed national-championship contending greatness until year two.  And as far as frosh, the reality is we have had few players demonstrate strong performance out of the gate.  Even for players as highly regarded as Blue and Jamil Wilson, it really took untl the 3rd year to see consistent high level performance.

Third, while this *class* is above average for *us*, its only 9th (RSCI) or 11th (ESPN) this year--and many of those teams ahead of us land this type of class every year.  While this class should be enough to keep us at or near the top of our new conference--but still puts us at a talent disadvantage relative to the best teams in the ACC, Big 10, Big 12, Pac 12, and SEC.  

We should temper expectations--sure, we should have a good team next year.  And with a surprise (like the 2nd coming of Dwyane Wade), we might even be a great team.  

But "National Championship legit?"  Not yet.
Title: Re: Juan Anderson's return and what it means to MU
Post by: Sunbelt15 on May 21, 2013, 02:57:32 PM
Quote from: Terror Skink on May 21, 2013, 08:16:11 AM

The success of next year's team isn't necessarily driven by Todd.  There are a number of options for that label.

Nothing is driven by Mayo. He will continue as a role player until his ball handling skills improve and he begins to score off the dribble. Big games are rarely won by one dimensional players.
Title: Re: Juan Anderson's return and what it means to MU
Post by: Canned Goods n Ammo on May 21, 2013, 03:28:12 PM
Quote from: Sunbelt15 on May 21, 2013, 02:57:32 PM
Nothing is driven by Mayo. He will continue as a role player until his ball handling skills improve and he begins to score off the dribble. Big games are rarely won by one dimensional players.

Actually, I would argue that Todd's weakness is that he doesn't have a "one dimension". Right now, he has zero dimensions.

He and Juan are somewhat similar in that way. Both have displayed some skill in most areas, but the consistency and overall effectiveness isn't there.

They both just need to be flat out better in all areas.

But, the good news is that they both have good upside, and they could be good college players.

Neither has THAT far to go.
Title: Re: Juan Anderson's return and what it means to MU
Post by: Strokin 3s on May 21, 2013, 03:32:46 PM
Quote from: The Equalizer on May 21, 2013, 02:41:05 PM
I think its hard to make a case that we're "National Championship Legit" when we return players that managed just 19 points against Syracuse, 23 against Butler and 29 against Davidson.  

And I don't say this to crap all over the team--I say this to put some rational and realistic expctations on our players--most of whom have limited experience in major roles.

First, there is an underestimation of the talent departing.  We're losing 3 starters (who combined for 103 starts out of 105 possible).  3 starters who combined for 29 of our 68 points (43% of our scoring).  The loss of Blue, Cadougan and Lockett is going to hurt--no question.  

Second, we're going to rely heavily on five players who have never played D1 ball (and two more who had limited roles).  And Buzz's history suggests that new players (even JUCOs) don't step up in a big way until at least their 2nd season.  Crowder, Butler, and DJO, were all good and showed promise their first year--but none showed national-championship contending greatness until year two.  And as far as frosh, the reality is we have had few players demonstrate strong performance out of the gate.  Even for players as highly regarded as Blue and Jamil Wilson, it really took untl the 3rd year to see consistent high level performance.

Third, while this *class* is above average for *us*, its only 9th (RSCI) or 11th (ESPN) this year--and many of those teams ahead of us land this type of class every year.  While this class should be enough to keep us at or near the top of our new conference--but still puts us at a talent disadvantage relative to the best teams in the ACC, Big 10, Big 12, Pac 12, and SEC.  

We should temper expectations--sure, we should have a good team next year.  And with a surprise (like the 2nd coming of Dwyane Wade), we might even be a great team.  

But "National Championship legit?"  Not yet.

I hate the "returning points argument, if those players that scored those points last year weren't there others would've scored some points in their absence.
Title: Re: Juan Anderson's return and what it means to MU
Post by: Windyplayer on May 21, 2013, 03:38:19 PM
Quote from: The Equalizer on May 21, 2013, 02:41:05 PM
And as far as frosh, the reality is we have had few players demonstrate strong performance out of the gate. Even for players as highly regarded as Blue and Jamil Wilson, it really took untl the 3rd year to see consistent high level performance.
That's what makes this incoming class so special though. It is one of the only top 10 recruiting classes we've had in quite some time and as a result, there's going to be talent in that group to step up right now and make an immediate impact. College basketball has shown time and again over the last 5-10 years that freshmen can have a huge impact on a team. I'm obviously not comparing AAU ball with college ball, but the pervasiveness of pre-collegiate high level basketball clubs is a big reason for this freshmen stepping in and killing it from the get-go. They're going up against the best of the best, and their game usually rises to the occasion at least if they're going to a legit DI program. I'm just saying there's not as big of a leap for a lot of these players as there used to be.
Title: Re: Juan Anderson's return and what it means to MU
Post by: swoopem on May 21, 2013, 03:41:10 PM
Quote from: Guns n Ammo on May 21, 2013, 03:28:12 PM
Actually, I would argue that Todd's weakness is that he doesn't have a "one dimension". Right now, he has zero dimensions.

He and Juan are somewhat similar in that way. Both have displayed some skill in most areas, but the consistency and overall effectiveness isn't there.

They both just need to be flat out better in all areas.

But, the good news is that they both have good upside, and they could be good college players.

Neither has THAT far to go.

Neither of them has had an offseason with the team either. Hopefully both will improve from the work they put in this summer
Title: Re: Juan Anderson's return and what it means to MU
Post by: MUSF on May 21, 2013, 03:46:56 PM
Quote from: CAGASS24 on May 20, 2013, 11:37:14 AM

Literally, all we need to be National Championship legit is a point guard combo that does not turn the ball over and can get the ball to others with good space, angle, and timing...

So, like i said, point guard is what can take us to the promised land...

WE HAVE ALL THE PIECES   

I am glad Juan is coming back, but I have to disagree with the above comments. True, we need a solid point guard, but we also need a couple of guys that can consistently hit outside shots to keep teams from packing the lane and playing off our perimeter players to prevent the dribble drive.

I'm not talking about the one dimensional 3 pt specialist, so I don't think Jake is the answer. I'm talking about 1 or 2 players that have a consistent outside shot along with additional tools that can keep them on the court. This is what kept last years team from being truly elite, and it appears that it will continue to limit MU teams in the future. Maybe one of the newcomers can fill this role, or a returning player takes a significant step forward in the offseason. Both of those scenarios are somewhat unlikely, IMO.
Title: Re: Juan Anderson's return and what it means to MU
Post by: Canned Goods n Ammo on May 21, 2013, 04:00:17 PM
Quote from: cbowe3 on May 21, 2013, 03:41:10 PM
Neither of them has had an offseason with the team either. Hopefully both will improve from the work they put in this summer

Agreed.

Remember when nobody thought Vander could shoot? Well, he's never going to be Novak, but he improved enough to be effective.

Both Juan and Todd don't need to be all conf. players, but it is conceivable that they could improve enough to be contributors next season.
Title: Re: Juan Anderson's return and what it means to MU
Post by: MUHoopsFan2 on May 23, 2013, 01:41:30 AM
Quote from: The Equalizer on May 21, 2013, 02:41:05 PM
I think its hard to make a case that we're "National Championship Legit" when we return players that managed just 19 points against Syracuse, 23 against Butler and 29 against Davidson. 

And I don't say this to crap all over the team--I say this to put some rational and realistic expctations on our players--most of whom have limited experience in major roles.

First, there is an underestimation of the talent departing.  We're losing 3 starters (who combined for 103 starts out of 105 possible).  3 starters who combined for 29 of our 68 points (43% of our scoring).  The loss of Blue, Cadougan and Lockett is going to hurt--no question. 

Second, we're going to rely heavily on five players who have never played D1 ball (and two more who had limited roles).  And Buzz's history suggests that new players (even JUCOs) don't step up in a big way until at least their 2nd season.  Crowder, Butler, and DJO, were all good and showed promise their first year--but none showed national-championship contending greatness until year two.  And as far as frosh, the reality is we have had few players demonstrate strong performance out of the gate.  Even for players as highly regarded as Blue and Jamil Wilson, it really took untl the 3rd year to see consistent high level performance.

Third, while this *class* is above average for *us*, its only 9th (RSCI) or 11th (ESPN) this year--and many of those teams ahead of us land this type of class every year.  While this class should be enough to keep us at or near the top of our new conference--but still puts us at a talent disadvantage relative to the best teams in the ACC, Big 10, Big 12, Pac 12, and SEC.   

We should temper expectations--sure, we should have a good team next year.  And with a surprise (like the 2nd coming of Dwyane Wade), we might even be a great team. 

But "National Championship legit?"  Not yet.
Then you dont know what you are tallking about...this team is NATIONAL TITLE CONTENDERS...no one will say it but they are!

Especially upfront if they can get Chris Otule back with Devante Gardner and Jamail Wilson, to say nothing Steve Taylor and Jamel McKay.

No team can deal with that if you have a PG who can run the team and get the ball where it needs to be at the right time.

All they need is to hit some shots. And rebound the missed shots and get out in transition and create some problems. Last year's team was an elite eight team.

This years team is twice as as good as last year's team on paper and definitely it is no worse because of the guys they bring back from that team who were key.

Anyone who says they are not contenders are delusional and scared to say it because they do not want to be wrong. I step out the box and say it.

They have it...on paper and from what I see can happen with slight improvements from even 1 player and its on.

Buzz can go 10-11 deep if healthy and not have a single drop off. I challenge you to find one team outside of Louisville and Miami last year who can do that?

This years depth is just sick! The second team is no worse then the first team any of you can come up with!

PG D. Wilson SG JuJuan Johnson SF Juan Anderson PF Jamil Wilson and C Devante Gardner is not better or worse then

PG Duane Wilson  SG Todd Mayo  SF Steve Taylor  PF Jameel McKay and C Chris Otule * [If ok'd by clearing house?]!!! Look at that depth if everyone is healthy and I did not even include Deonte Burton or Jake Thomas!

No team goes that deep  ...none! If even 2 out of the 5 new incoming recruits can shoot and play..you hit the jackpot! Just two of them not all 5 just two....and BINGO. You are a contender.
Title: Re: Juan Anderson's return and what it means to MU
Post by: tower912 on May 23, 2013, 06:09:49 AM
Next year's team has a lot of potential, but I refuse to anoint a team that will be relying on freshmen in the backcourt as much as MU will.    As Kentucky has shown, sometimes they are national championship ready, sometimes you think they are, but they are actually NIT ready.   The depth and experience up front are stabilizing factors, to be sure, but to truly be a NC contender,  DuWilson and JJJ have to be studs from day 1.   No predictions. 
Title: Re: Juan Anderson's return and what it means to MU
Post by: bilsu on May 23, 2013, 10:38:51 AM
I starting to think that 2014-15 season will be better than the 2013-14 and I am pretty high on next season. We lose Otule, Gardner, Wilson and Thomas. A lot of size, but we also lose the slowest players players on our team. Assuming no one else leaves this year's newcomers will have a year under their belt and the overall quickness will mitigate the loss of size.
Title: Re: Juan Anderson's return and what it means to MU
Post by: Clam Crowder on May 23, 2013, 12:55:23 PM
Quote from: bilsu on May 23, 2013, 10:38:51 AM
I starting to think that 2014-15 season will be better than the 2013-14 and I am pretty high on next season. We lose Otule, Gardner, Wilson and Thomas. A lot of size, but we also lose the slowest players players on our team. Assuming no one else leaves this year's newcomers will have a year under their belt and the overall quickness will mitigate the loss of size.

We will need a big in the next class and a pretty good big to replace Otule and Gardner. Jameel is skinny still and I like how he projects at the 4 a little better. We need a 5 no surprise there
Title: Re: Juan Anderson's return and what it means to MU
Post by: WarriorInNYC on May 23, 2013, 01:16:47 PM
Quote from: Clam Crowder on May 23, 2013, 12:55:23 PM
We will need a big in the next class and a pretty good big to replace Otule and Gardner. Jameel is skinny still and I like how he projects at the 4 a little better. We need a 5 no surprise there

I agree with you to an extent, grabbing a 5 in next year's class would be great.  But history would tell you that we don't need to land a 5 in next year's class.  Look at the positions Lazar and Jimmy played in their senior years.  On top of that, Jameel and Steve both have much more height than players we have had play that position in the past.

That said, would still like to land Myles Turner or another true 5, but don't necessarily think its a must.
Title: Re: Juan Anderson's return and what it means to MU
Post by: Clam Crowder on May 24, 2013, 11:40:59 AM
Quote from: WarriorInDC on May 23, 2013, 01:16:47 PM
I agree with you to an extent, grabbing a 5 in next year's class would be great.  But history would tell you that we don't need to land a 5 in next year's class.  Look at the positions Lazar and Jimmy played in their senior years.  On top of that, Jameel and Steve both have much more height than players we have had play that position in the past.

That said, would still like to land Myles Turner or another true 5, but don't necessarily think its a must.

I think if we get a big we will have a final 4 team in 2 years pending everyone staying around which is almost certainly not gonna happen. The next 3 years could be very good years for this program. If we make 4 sweet 16's I think we become a stronger brand and program than ever.
Title: Re: Juan Anderson's return and what it means to MU
Post by: dgies9156 on May 25, 2013, 08:49:13 AM
Quote from: CAGASS24 on May 20, 2013, 11:37:14 AM
Juan coming back (as mentioned in the thread); this team is freaking stacked.  

WE HAVE ALL THE PIECES -

Amen brother!!!!!

I have not felt this good about what we have since Al McGuire was here. This team is loaded and few people in college basketball know it.

If anyone out there remembers the Russian Olympic team game in 1975, I went away that night knowing we had something very, very special. I don't think we're quite that good, but we, like that team, have all the pieces.

I almost can't wait for winter!!!!
Title: Re: Juan Anderson's return and what it means to MU
Post by: warriorchick on May 25, 2013, 08:54:12 AM
Quote from: dgies9156 on May 25, 2013, 08:49:13 AM


I almost can't wait for winter!!!!

This one has to end first.....*puts on jacket to go outside on Memorial Day weekend*
Title: Re: Juan Anderson's return and what it means to MU
Post by: willie warrior on May 25, 2013, 09:09:50 AM
Quote from: Clam Crowder on May 24, 2013, 11:40:59 AM
I think if we get a big we will have a final 4 team in 2 years pending everyone staying around which is almost certainly not gonna happen. The next 3 years could be very good years for this program. If we make 4 sweet 16's I think we become a stronger brand and program than ever.
I agree--problem is, we do not seem to be landing any stud bigs--unless we can count McKay as one. Hope he brings the juice needed.
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