Buzz has his weekly radio show tonight. Some questions I would like asked.
With Steve Taylor Jr. apparently healthy, do you foresee a change in the rotation up front?
Has John Dawson earned more minutes and your trust, or was the Georgetown game an outlier?
You have said this team has a run in them. Aside from the schedule easing, what signs have you seen that indicate that?
Does Todd ever smile?
How is JaJuan's ankle?
I posted this as a separate thread, but will add it here in case Homer does read this ...
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Regarding Gardner's FTs ...
In the first game this year (Nov 8, Southern) he was 15 for 20 (75%) in FTs
Over the next 12 non-conference games he was 25 for 42 (59.5%) in FTs
Since BE pay started with Creighton (6 games ago), he is a sizzling 30 for 32 (94%)!
Why the turnaround? What is Gardner doing now that he was not earlier? Is is merely confidence?
I like the STj question. Also, is the freshman's minutes going to keep going up? What do they need to do to get more PT (particularly Deonte and Dawson)?
Homer: Another great question: Why is Du. Wilson suiting up, what is his medical status, and how was the RS decision arrived at? Follow up: How does Duane feel about this?
Plenty of response opportunity for Buzzspeak with those questions.
Bring on those questions or come by Ward's House of Prime from 6-7 tonight.
Quote from: tower912 on January 22, 2014, 07:51:17 AM
Has John Dawson earned more minutes and your trust, or was the Georgetown game an outlier?
And two related questions: Was the decision to insert Dawson early against Georgetown prompted by their zone? And if so, might Derrick and Dawson find their minutes affected by the other team's use of zone vs man to man?
Has John Dawson earned more minutes and your trust, or was the Georgetown game an outlier?
This question has to be asked....please ask it Homer!
It seems like MU has been taking a lot more threes in the second halves of games lately. Any particular reason for it?
For Buzz: Are you Goldenboy? If so, who is the 2016 mystery recruit that is committing but keeps pushing the commitment date back? When will Diamond Stone adequately have satisfied his father by going through the recruiting process and announce his commitment to play at Marquette? If you are not Goldenboy16, do you know these things or does Goldenboy know things that you are not even aware of?
Thanks Hometeam!
Buzz can't answer questions about unsigned recruits.
In your coaching experience, why do teams that have been moving the ball well, running the offense, getting good looks, suddenly stop moving and quit doing all of the things that were succeeding? It isn't just this team, it is a phenomenon I have witnessed in countless games by countless teams.
With the graduation of the entire frontline and size, do you plan on utilizing Luke Fischer at the #5 position next year? Hopefully in 2015 there will be a true #5, from Wisconsin, arriving.
Deonte Burton has struggled the last couple of games, is this because of a "freshmen wall", increasing competition, or just a slump he will work his way out of?
Understanding that you play every game to win, what's your opinion on what our record will need to be to lock up an NCAA bid?
By the way Homer, how are you feeling these days? Hope all is well.
If you could buy the restaurant, would you change the name to "Big Buzz's House of Munch"???
Steve Taylors playing time has been hard to figure out. Initially it appeared to be injury/atrophy, but then he would play a minute or two. Then none at all> So has it been practice performance or just getting healthy? can we assume he is now healthy and practicing well?
The over/under on Steve Taylor Jr. questions/comments you have received since the Georgetown game is 100.
Have you hit the over yet?
From: Tom in Chicago
I second (or rather, one-hundredth) the questions about Taylor, Dawson, and JaJuan Johnson. Specifically: Does Buzz anticipate that Taylor and Dawson will see more minutes, especially in the 2nd half of games? And is JaJuan Johnson healthy?
Ultimately, to what extent did the Georgetown game change Buzz's plans for rotation and minutes?
Buzz
Could you give us an update on the play of Ahmed Hill, Shayok, Sandy Cohen and Pierce this season?
I have watched some tape of Hill and he looks like a guy who could also play some point guard if needed. Do you see that as a possibility?
SportsVU.
In what way has it helped?
To steal one of Tower's ideas: With all the new talent coming in next season, is there any plan to go on an overseas trip or something similar to get the youngsters used to playing with each other?
Quote from: wadesworld on January 22, 2014, 10:20:38 AM
For Buzz: Are you Goldenboy? If so, who is the 2016 mystery recruit that is committing but keeps pushing the commitment date back? When will Diamond Stone adequately have satisfied his father by going through the recruiting process and announce his commitment to play at Marquette? If you are not Goldenboy16, do you know these things or does Goldenboy know things that you are not even aware of?
Thanks Hometeam!
To go off this...
Is Dreadman a person close to the program? Your son? Your secretary? How do they already know that Jajuan told you he's transferring after this season? Has Jajuan actually told you that?
I watched the Georgetown game live and then the replay on FS1. One thing I noticed is that Gardner and Taylor jr played vastly different strategies on defense when in together. Gardner would always follow his man, even out beyond the arc. In contrast, Taylor sagged deep in the lane even when his man (#3 mostly) had the ball. Neither Gardner not Taylor's man was a threat to shoot past mid range, so why the difference in roles? It looked to put Gardner out of position to rebound and he picked up some fouls beyond the arc.
Thanks.
With news of Vander Blue signing a 10-day contract with the Celtics and DJO and Trent playing pretty well in the D-League, how often do you keep in touch with your NBA Players, D-Leaguers, and overseas players? Are there one or two that you are particularly closer with?
Quote from: MuMark on January 22, 2014, 11:14:33 AM
Buzz
Could you give us an update on the play of Ahmed Hill, Shayok, Sandy Cohen and Pierce this season?
I have watched some tape of Hill and he looks like a guy who could also play some point guard if needed. Do you see that as a possibility?
I don't believe coaches are allowed to talk about signed recruits without committing a violation.
Quote from: Atticus on January 22, 2014, 12:06:06 PM
I don't believe coaches are allowed to talk about signed recruits without committing a violation.
Signed guys? Really? Did not know that.
Now that (the new and reconfigured) Big East play has started...is there a rivalry or venue that you will miss from the prior Big East and is there a rivalry or venue from the new Big East that resonates with you and will develop going forward?
He can talk about signed guys all he wants.....
Quote from: jesmu84 on January 22, 2014, 11:34:10 AM
To go off this...
Is Dreadman a person close to the program? Your son? Your secretary? How do they already know that Jajuan told you he's transferring after this season? Has Jajuan actually told you that?
really??
Why did it take you so long to make the change of giving Dawson more pt over Derrick?
How was STJ's knee the day after the game? Any swelling?
I'd like to know if he thinks there has been a concerted effort by opponents to get Davante off his game thru pushes and/or borderline plays. If so, have they seen something in Davonte's demeanor that would lead them to believe he could become distracted?
It seemed to me that this was definitely the case vs. Georgetown, although Davante did a great job staying focused.
There is no doubt Buzz scours Scoop as an essential part of his game planning. What strategic nuggets from this board has Buzz appreciated most in making him the success he has become?
As a coach, how does it feel seeing guys like Dawson and Taylor contribute in a big game on the road? How does the distribution of playing time contribute to team morale?
Do you think Creighton could beat the Bucks?
Gail or Lisa?
Quote from: keefe on January 22, 2014, 01:35:16 PM
There is no doubt Buzz scours Scoop as an essential part of his game planning. What strategic nuggets from this board has Buzz appreciated most in making him the success he has become?
And as a follow-up - which one of us does Buzz consider to be his go-to guy for advice?
Quote from: 4everwarriors on January 22, 2014, 01:37:29 PM
Do you think Creighton could beat the Bucks?
That was good--made me laugh.
Do you actually think having DG double team the GT guards near the top of the key at the end of regulation and leaving his man wide open at the basket for easy fgs is a good defensive strategy. Aren't you just exchanging baskets if you make any on your end and eating up precious seconds?
what does Buzz think about the women of the IDF?
Buzz, it would appear you were accosted and battered during Markel Starks traveling violation and subsequent scrum late in the Georgetown game. Where was Leonard?! Will this be a negative mark on his next performance review?
Quote from: murphmurphy on January 22, 2014, 02:31:03 PM
Do you actually think having DG double team the GT guards near the top of the key at the end of regulation and leaving his man wide open at the basket for easy fgs is a good defensive strategy. Aren't you just exchanging baskets if you make any on your end and eating up precious seconds?
Homer, don't bother with this one. He's already had the question answered by several scoopers in another thread. They informed him it's a widely used, highly effective defensive strategy. Everyone else gets it so I wouldn't waste the time
Does the reffing appear to be as inconsistent and confusing to you as it does to me and, if so, what is the Big East doing to get control of this (e.g., do they review games and grade refs on performance in this area, do they have a process for schools/teams/coaches to note problems with reffing, etc.)? For example, in some of our games it looks like they are trying to strictly enforce the new hand checking rules and just generally calling a very tight game with many touch fouls. Other games they appear to be ignoring the new hand checking rules and letting the teams whale away at each other.
Quote from: MARQCAT on January 22, 2014, 03:54:17 PM
Does the reffing appear to be as inconsistent and confusing to you as it does to me and, if so, what is the Big East doing to get control of this (e.g., do they review games and grade refs on performance in this area, do they have a process for schools/teams/coaches to note problems with reffing, etc.)? For example, in some of our games it looks like they are trying to strictly enforce the new hand checking rules and just generally calling a very tight game with many touch fouls. Other games they appear to be ignoring the new hand checking rules and letting the teams whale away at each other.
Answer this question carefully or Buzz will be paying fines out the wazoo!
Does Buzz have a favorite poem he would care to share with us on air?
Buzz, after seeing Duane Wilson, does he look like he is 100% percent yet? Secondly, have you figured out how you will use him next year, as the point or 2 guard?
How are the recruits doing in High School and do you see any of them getting significant minutes next year?
Steve Taylor, is he 100% yet or does he have a ways to go, it looks like he is not as explosive yet compared to last year?
I still see the lack of a Jae Crowder, Vander Blue, Junior Cadougan type leader among this current group of players. Gardner and Mayo for example, are good at "gettin theirs," but not necessarily good at taking the needs/shortcoming of the team upon themselves. Jamil does many things well, but doesn't seem willing to take over when needed, again to take the needs of the team upon himself.
Related side note to illustrate the point, has Davante Gardner been told not to go to the ground after a loose ball? Seems he's much more comfortable bending at the waste and reaching for it (usually unsuccessfully).
Quote from: NavinRJohnson on January 22, 2014, 04:32:29 PM
Related side note to illustrate the point, has Davante Gardner been told not to go to the ground after a loose ball? Seems he's much more comfortable bending at the waste and reaching for it (always unsuccessfully).
FIFY
Why does Jim Burr have a hate woody for Marquette?
Quote from: brandx on January 22, 2014, 01:49:34 PM
And as a follow-up - which one of us does Buzz consider to be his go-to guy for advice?
You mean when Chico is not in exile, self-imposed or otherwise?
It was reported here on Scoop that Buzz and Tom Crean have a deep, meaningful personal relationship. Does this include sharing poems with each other during dinner?
If an assistant coach were to leave during the next off-season, would Buzz consider hiring Ners as his replacement?
After all, Ners' extensive post-HS basketball experience, consisting primarily of hanging around the gym and being a warm body for pick up games and his near all-time program best vertical leap contributing to his status as an "avid dunker" would make him an excellent candidate. Ners has considerable previous coaching experience from working at MU basketball camps, as well as an extensive collection of MU workout gear. He has demonstrated an uncanny ability to spot latent greatness in virtually unknown HS prospects while at the same time mercilessly "telling it like it is" by trashing and wishing failure upon less talented current members of the team. He already has an open line of communication with Head Coach Buzz Williams so the getting-to-know-you process should be considerably shorter than with other candidates.
Quote from: BrewCity BallCrusher on January 22, 2014, 05:07:35 PM
Why does Jim Burr have a hate woody for Marquette?
Don't know why, but look at the cheap fouls he always calls on us. And not just this year.
Quote from: ATL MU Warrior on January 22, 2014, 05:13:24 PM
If an assistant coach were to leave during the next off-season, would Buzz consider hiring Ners as his replacement?
After all, Ners' extensive post-HS basketball experience, consisting primarily of hanging around the gym and being a warm body for pick up games and his near all-time program best vertical leap contributing to his status as an "avid dunker" would make him an excellent candidate. Ners has considerable previous coaching experience from working at MU basketball camps, as well as an extensive collection of MU workout gear. He has demonstrated an uncanny ability to spot latent greatness in virtually unknown HS prospects while at the same time mercilessly "telling it like it is" by trashing and wishing failure upon less talented current members of the team. He already has an open line of communication with Head Coach Buzz Williams so the getting-to-know-you process should be considerably shorter than with other candidates.
LOL - Thanks for the letter of recommendation. In the event I'm hired, I"ll be sure to try to take you with me on scouting trips - and if you like a player - I'll know for sure we definitely don't need to sign him. Your lack of talent evaluation skills could play an equally important role in our success. If ATL MU Warrior thinks the kids a good player - run far away and fast!
Quote from: NavinRJohnson on January 22, 2014, 04:32:29 PM
I still see the lack of a Jae Crowder, Vander Blue, Junior Cadougan type leader among this current group of players. Gardner and Mayo for example, are good at "gettin theirs," but not necessarily good at taking the needs/shortcoming of the team upon themselves. Jamil does many things well, but doesn't seem willing to take over when needed, again to take the needs of the team upon himself.
Related side note to illustrate the point, has Davante Gardner been told not to go to the ground after a loose ball? Seems he's much more comfortable bending at the waste and reaching for it (usually unsuccessfully).
Yeah Gardner is just good at getting his, which explains his 5 assists in the last game. Five of he team's 9, I believe.
Quote from: willie warrior on January 22, 2014, 05:15:59 PM
Don't know why, but look at the cheap fouls he always calls on us. And not just this year.
Xavier game was the best example. Called a foul on Jamil and Mac threw out the "He who sees what nobody else sees" line referring to Burr.
Quote from: willie warrior on January 22, 2014, 05:24:07 PM
Yeah Gardner is just good at getting his, which explains his 5 assists in the last game. Five of he team's 9, I believe.
Yep. Definitely a typical night for the big fella.
Of course, I wasn't asking you. much more interested in what Buzz has to say, but thanks.
Has anybody been messin' with his happy lately?
Quote from: Ners on January 22, 2014, 05:19:37 PM
LOL - Thanks for the letter of recommendation. In the event I'm hired, I"ll be sure to try to take you with me on scouting trips - and if you like a player - I'll know for sure we definitely don't need to sign him. Your lack of talent evaluation skills could play an equally important role in our success. If ATL MU Warrior thinks the kids a good player - run far away and fast!
Thanks but no thanks on the scouting trips invite. I have to travel enough for my real job as it is. ;D
Quote from: NavinRJohnson on January 22, 2014, 06:14:40 PM
Yep. Definitely a typical night for the big fella.
Of course, I wasn't asking you. much more interested in what Buzz has to say, but thanks.
So what was your question to Buzz: Why is Gardner good at getting his?
Gardner passes well and feeds others. You do not believe that.
Listened to the show, Homer asked a bunch of these questions word for word. Definitely appreciate him being the messenger for all our questions.
From what I can remember (paraphrasing):
Where has Taylor been?
Taylor's knee was worse than I think any of us realized. The surgery was to correct a "hook" on his thighbone. Surgeon had to go through the knee. The leg atrophied during recovery. Tried playing him when wasn't 100% because he's good and wants to be out there. But could tell that he wasn't himself on the court. Wanted to play him at Butler but still didn't think he was recovered. Need him against Georgetown and he proved he was ready. We will see more of him in the future.
How about that John Dawsome?
Thought he played outstanding. Thinks his confidence is as much from ignorance as it is from skill. Doesn't care what the HS rankings were, Dawson is here because he can play, not because he's a throw on. Said that this performance will change the rotations but didn't say how. Was very committal about Steve but seemed wishy washy about Dawson. My interpretation is that he will play more, still doesn't get the start.
Why are we shooting more threes in the second half?
No one had the numbers so they couldn't prove if it was a true statement. Thinks we've been down and needed the threes to come back. Also noted that made threes would open up the paint
Is he in contact with the NBA players?
Says he texts the US players weekly. The european players he messages less often through twitter and other means. Sounds like he talks to Junior almost daily. Mentioned Vander Blue specifically. He said that he doesn't understand why people think it was a messy split. Still texts him weekly. Read Homer a text from Vander from yesterday. "Love you coach. Great win yesterday." Said he was proud of Vander. Gave credit to Wes for creating the Marquette toughness label.
What's the story on Duane's redshirt?
Could have played when he redshirted. Completely Duane's decision. Never commented on exactly how Duane felt about it, but said he still wants to be a part of the team. He dresses because he is still eligible to play. Could play him in an emergency situation. It also helps Duane feel like he is still a part of team. He has individual workouts 6 days a week in addition to practice. Works out before games and then participates in shootaround. Mentioned that there are before and after pictures of Duane from October til now. Says his body has undergone a "transformation." Sounds like very good news.
Do people push and shove Davante to try and distract him from the game?
Yep. Called Ayegba a "career fouler." Ecstatic that he's shooting 94% in conference play.
When's JJJ back?
Hasn't done full contact practice yet, but will be soon. Sounds optimistic. No set timetable.
What's up with Deonte's playing time?
When he's great, he's great. When he's not, he's terrible. Thinks he has the most talent of anyone on this team. Will be one of the greatest he's ever coached. Thinks he is currently getting by on talent, doesn't goes as hard as he should, 100% of the time. Particularly critiqued his rebounding. Doesn't go after it as quickly or as hard as he should be
Does Todd ever smile?
No. But is still a great team player.
That's all I remember. Of course all of that is paraphrasing.
Sorry, Keefe, nothing on poems.
Homer, please have TAMU Eagle review the replay of the last 3 minutes and explain to him that having the slowest player on the court apply a tired and weak double team at the top of the key against the opponents quickest guards is not highly effective, especially when both times MU employed this strategy GT scored easy baskets by passing it to the unguarded player at the hoop. You may want to point out that the lame justification he and a couple of others provided on another thread was bs. Thanks
Thanks, Homer.
Quote from: murphmurphy on January 23, 2014, 12:05:03 AM
Homer, please have TAMU Eagle review the replay of the last 3 minutes and explain to him that having the slowest player on the court apply a tired and weak double team at the top of the key against the opponents quickest guards is not highly effective, especially when both times MU employed this strategy GT scored easy baskets by passing it to the unguarded player at the hoop. You may want to point out that the lame justification he and a couple of others provided on another thread was bs. Thanks
Again, this defensive strategy is something Buzz has used the last few years. When the big sets the screen at the top of the key, they double team the PG, turning him and chasing him to the sideline. Weakside defenders are supposed to hedge and take away the easy pass to the rolling big while his defender recovers. I am not a particular fan of Gardner doing it, either, but if he is out there and that is the defense they are running, then he needs to hedge and recover, just like Otule/Wilson/Juan/STjr. Just like Luke, Shaylock, and Pierce have to next year.
Quote from: TAMU Eagle on January 22, 2014, 09:48:35 PM
Listened to the show, Homer asked a bunch of these questions word for word. Definitely appreciate him being the messenger for all our questions.
From what I can remember (paraphrasing):
[toughness label.
What's the story on Duane's redshirt?
Completely Duane's decision.
.
.
Buzz never said it was completely his decision, re-listened to the pod cast.--and you are right, he did not respond to how Duane felt about it.
Lot to that story we are not hearing.