Buzz seems to be a great guy. He works hard and he gets all the effort out of his players any fan or coach could ever ask for. He has turned some kids with questionable character into good young men. I am proud of the overall job he has done at MU. I am by no means calling for Buzz to be fired or anything close to that. He is young and has excellent coaching attributes, that you can't teach. But he is a very below average basketball coach. His inability to draw up plays out of timeouts, adjust on the fly to game plans and improve players has been extremely disappointing. There is so much physical talent that is not being used or developed its shameful. I understand the value of hard work in practice and playing with your hair on fire. I also understand rewarding players for hard work and effort. But the point of basketball is to score more points than the other team. Regardless of how much you like individuals, the goal is to win. You punish quality players who deserve to win, by not surrounding them with the best teammates possible and by not understanding the x's and o's of the game. Again, I love Buzz as a person, but in order for him and the program to take the next step he needs to surround himself with better basketball people who can help him with x's and o's, improve basketball skills such as shooting and basketball IQ, and keep his "favorites" playing time in check. Again, I love Buzz and hope he stays here until he retires, I just hope he learns some things from this season and improves himself and his staff in the offseason.
Sweet 16, Sweet 16, Elite 8, best record in the Big East over the last 5 years. Not infallible. But the only people in all of college basketball who think Buzz can't coach are the frustrated guys at their keyboards this afternoon.
Outcoached Boeheim in Milwaukee last year. Outcoached Brad in the round of 32 last year. Took a team with no one taller than 6'6 to the tourney. Dude can flat out coach.
Quote from: tower912 on January 25, 2014, 04:37:27 PM
Sweet 16, Sweet 16, Elite 8, best record in the Big East over the last 5 years. Not infallible. But the only people in all of college basketball who think Buzz can't coach are the frustrated guys at their keyboards this afternoon.
100% agree. It amazes me that a coach with Buzz's track record, recruiting, and the number of good games all of the sudden can't coach or plays favorites.
Quote from: tower912 on January 25, 2014, 04:37:27 PM
Sweet 16, Sweet 16, Elite 8, best record in the Big East over the last 5 years. Not infallible. But the only people in all of college basketball who think Buzz can't coach are the frustrated guys at their keyboards this afternoon.
No kidding. Idiots. Our guard play is atrocious.
Quote from: BenCat12 on January 25, 2014, 04:36:03 PM
I am by no means calling for Buzz to be fired or anything close to that.
That's why we pay you the big bucks.
The only thing I truly agree with is that Buzz is very bad at drawing up plays out of timeouts. I used to blame poor execution on the players but it's a recurring theme year in, year out. It's not the players.
Quote from: tower912 on January 25, 2014, 04:37:27 PM
Sweet 16, Sweet 16, Elite 8, best record in the Big East over the last 5 years. Not infallible. But the only people in all of college basketball who think Buzz can't coach are the frustrated guys at their keyboards this afternoon.
Outcoached Boeheim in Milwaukee last year. Outcoached Brad in the round of 32 last year. Took a team with no one taller than 6'6 to the tourney. Dude can flat out coach.
I feel like this post could be placed in a thread on this board at least once a week and still be relevant.
Maybe I should make it my new signature. Although, my current signature amounts to the same thing.
What stupid topic this is!
Quote from: tower912 on January 25, 2014, 04:37:27 PM
Sweet 16, Sweet 16, Elite 8, best record in the Big East over the last 5 years. Not infallible. But the only people in all of college basketball who think Buzz can't coach are the frustrated guys at their keyboards this afternoon.
Outcoached Boeheim in Milwaukee last year. Outcoached Brad in the round of 32 last year. Took a team with no one taller than 6'6 to the tourney. Dude can flat out coach.
+1.
Quote from: tower912 on January 25, 2014, 04:37:27 PM
Sweet 16, Sweet 16, Elite 8, best record in the Big East over the last 5 years. Not infallible. But the only people in all of college basketball who think Buzz can't coach are the frustrated guys at their keyboards this afternoon.
Outcoached Boeheim in Milwaukee last year. Outcoached Brad in the round of 32 last year. Took a team with no one taller than 6'6 to the tourney. Dude can flat out coach.
So I write a post that does not rip individual players, shows respect for what Buzz has accomplished, while giving constructive criticism, and these are the responses I get......Guess the death of scoop is here.....
1. Never said he can't coach, simply said he needs to improve his and his staffs ability to improve players and the x's and o's of the game. I appreciate his success.
2. So does this mean you'd rather have Buzz, than Boeheim or Stevens?
Quote from: tower912 on January 25, 2014, 04:37:27 PM
Sweet 16, Sweet 16, Elite 8, best record in the Big East over the last 5 years. Not infallible. But the only people in all of college basketball who think Buzz can't coach are the frustrated guys at their keyboards this afternoon.
Outcoached Boeheim in Milwaukee last year. Outcoached Brad in the round of 32 last year. Took a team with no one taller than 6'6 to the tourney. Dude can flat out coach.
+1000
Go home Bencat. You now said he is not a bad coach, but your topic says poor.
Buzz can coach and he has a very strong coaching staff.
Quote from: BenCat12 on January 25, 2014, 05:31:22 PM
So I write a post that does not rip individual players, shows respect for what Buzz has accomplished, while giving constructive criticism, and these are the responses I get......Guess the death of scoop is here.....
1. Never said he can't coach, simply said he needs to improve his and his staffs ability to improve players and the x's and o's of the game. I appreciate his success.
2. So does this mean you'd rather have Buzz, than Boeheim or Stevens?
On the flip side...
We had more talent than Butler.
We got smoked by Syracuse in the game that mattered most.
Quote from: BenCat12 on January 25, 2014, 05:31:22 PM
So I write a post that does not rip individual players, shows respect for what Buzz has accomplished, while giving constructive criticism, and these are the responses I get......Guess the death of scoop is here.....
1. Never said he can't coach, simply said he needs to improve his and his staffs ability to improve players and the x's and o's of the game. I appreciate his success.
2. So does this mean you'd rather have Buzz, than Boeheim or Stevens?
1. Your point is incorrect. This year is the first year that players haven't notably improved from the year before. See Butler, Jimmy/Crowder, Jae/Blue, Vander/ Gardner, Davante. X's and O's...you don't go 60-30 in the Big East without being, at minimum, above average at X's and O's. It is impossible.
2. Yes.
You're frustrated. We all are. Your frustration does not make Buzz a poor coach.
I'm a bitter bastard, but even I won't go there....Buzz is a good coach. Every team is different and this one seems to be missing something huge. Something we have all taken for granted for a long time. I don't know if it's character or talent, but dammit our margin for error is zero point zero.
Quote from: tower912 on January 25, 2014, 04:37:27 PM
Sweet 16, Sweet 16, Elite 8, best record in the Big East over the last 5 years. Not infallible. But the only people in all of college basketball who think Buzz can't coach are the frustrated guys at their keyboards this afternoon.
Outcoached Boeheim in Milwaukee last year. Outcoached Brad in the round of 32 last year. Took a team with no one taller than 6'6 to the tourney. Dude can flat out coach.
+10,000
Quote from: muhoops1 on January 25, 2014, 05:44:23 PM
I'm a bitter bastard, but even I won't go there....Buzz is a good coach. Every team is different and this one seems to be missing something huge. Something we have all taken for granted for a long time. I don't know if it's character or talent, but dammit our margin for error is zero point zero.
Missing something huge? How about a point guard? Look at the difference TJ McConell is making at Arizona. There is not remedy for lacking a legit point guard. It is amazing we are where we are because our starting backcourt is one of the worst among major college basketball programs.
So, you're saying that Vander leaving and Duane getting hurt has impacted this team.
Quote from: BenCat12 on January 25, 2014, 05:31:22 PM
2. So does this mean you'd rather have Buzz, than Boeheim or Stevens?
Definite yes for me.
Quote from: karavotsos on January 25, 2014, 06:33:12 PM
Definite yes for me.
If you asked all three fan bases, they would all pick their coach. Message boards...
I wonder who the celtics would pick, though...
I didn't realize that I was required to worship at the altar of Danny Ainge.
Someone has to substantiate "so much physical talent." 'Cuz, I don't see it. Look, Buzz has shown me he has all the stuff great coaches are made of, on and off the court. And, I'm proud to say he's the face of my alma mater. If Buzz is to be criticized this season, rag on him for bein' caught, talent wise, with his pants down. To me, it's a minor point. Can and is bein' rectified.
If you want a snake in the grass baffoon, he can be found in Bloomington.
Quote from: karavotsos on January 25, 2014, 06:53:10 PM
I didn't realize that I was required to worship at the altar of Danny Ainge.
You don't have to. Just take a look at the Celtics's roster....and then look at their record. Stevens is doing an unbelievable job in Boston.
Quote from: tower912 on January 25, 2014, 04:37:27 PM
Sweet 16, Sweet 16, Elite 8, best record in the Big East over the last 5 years. Not infallible. But the only people in all of college basketball who think Buzz can't coach are the frustrated guys at their keyboards this afternoon.
Outcoached Boeheim in Milwaukee last year. Outcoached Brad in the round of 32 last year. Took a team with no one taller than 6'6 to the tourney. Dude can flat out coach.
And that is working out how this year? Hid idiocy to keep playing De. Wilson, especially down the stretch is boneheaded. In the last 6 minutes and into OT, the guy Derrick was guarding either drove the length for a dish, or never gave up his dribble and dished. He was beaten off the dribble repeatedly. And Buzz and his Buzzspeak loyalty is costing the team big this year.
When you say Brad Stevens has been unbelievable as Celtics coach you do realize that 1st yr coach Jeff Hornaceck has led a team that was supposed to be worse than the Celtics to a 24-18 record in the West, correct?
I'm not an advanced stats guy, but comparatively, I'd say 15-30 is pretty believable. Stevens did get Jordan Crawford moved up to the bench on a major league team; I will give him that.
Buzz coaching sucks THIS year!
Quote from: karavotsos on January 25, 2014, 07:08:23 PM
When you say Brad Stevens has been unbelievable as Celtics coach you do realize that 1st yr coach Jeff Hornaceck has led a team that was supposed to be worse than the Celtics to a 24-18 record in the West, correct?
I'm not an advanced stats guy, but comparatively, I'd say 15-30 is pretty believable. Stevens did get Jordan Crawford moved up to the bench on a major league team; I will give him that.
Umm...yeah....exactly. I said he has been unbelievable with the celtics. I never said he is the best first year coach in the NBA....as u suggested. Strange leap there.
This is the first time I can remember someone saying Buzz can't develop players. I think it's one of his strengths and a major difference between him and his predecessor. This year's team has struggled due to lack of leadership and lack of a proven point guard due to players leaving the program. I trust Buzz will not have the same problems with future teams.
Quote from: Atticus on January 25, 2014, 07:35:54 PM
Umm...yeah....exactly. I said he has been unbelievable with the celtics. I never said he is the best first year coach in the NBA....as u suggested. Strange leap there.
You said in your post to look up the Celtics record as an indication of what an ubelievable coach Brad Stevens is. I looked up the Celtics record. It is 15-30. I do not find that record to be indicative of an unbelievable head coach, no matter who your players are. In order to more fully state my point, I attempted to point to an alternative example of an unbelievable rookie head coach, as judged by team record. That was my leap.
Quote from: Heavy Gear on January 25, 2014, 07:49:29 PM
This is the first time I can remember someone saying Buzz can't develop players. I think it's one of his strengths and a major difference between him and his predecessor.
His best work has been with JUCO guys. His track record with HS guys isn't as good. And that has to be at least a little bit concerning.
In all the stupid things that have ever been posted on the internet, the original post has to be in the top 10 of all time.
I love the Buzz Cool-Aid. No coach I would rather have right now, and mostly because I think he really likes it here. I do not think he is just looking for his next job like his predecessor. Hope he stays a lOOOOOONG time because the future is very bright for this team as long as he remains.
I hope Buzz stays at Marquette forever. However, his loyalty to certain players is very troublesome and his stubbornness has doomed this team. There is no way that Thomas should get more minutes than Mayo in ANY game. And hitching your wagon to Derrick...well we know where that has gotten us this season. Truly disappointing and a real head scratcher.
Quote from: mubuzz on January 25, 2014, 08:24:41 PM
I hope Buzz stays at Marquette forever. However, his loyalty to certain players is very troublesome and his stubbornness has doomed this team. There is no way that Thomas should get more minutes than Mayo in ANY game. And hitching your wagon to Derrick...well we know where that has gotten us this season. Truly disappointing and a real head scratcher.
I still don't believe this rumored loyalty to certain players for a second. He plays the players he thinks will win. Jake is our most consistent three point threat and you need him out there to spread out the defense. Jake does this better than Mayo does. I agree that Mayo should be getting more PT but I wouldn't take it out of Jake's. As for Derrick...Buzz thinks he's the better option. I liked Dawson against Georgetown but Buzz wouldn't sit him if he really was the right player for the team.
Quote from: TAMU Eagle on January 25, 2014, 09:31:22 PM
I still don't believe this rumored loyalty to certain players for a second. He plays the players he thinks will win. Jake is our most consistent three point threat and you need him out there to spread out the defense. Jake does this better than Mayo does. I agree that Mayo should be getting more PT but I wouldn't take it out of Jake's. As for Derrick...Buzz thinks he's the better option. I liked Dawson against Georgetown but Buzz wouldn't sit him if he really was the right player for the team.
I think a lot of this stems from Buzz's frequent comments to the effect that he plays the guys who work hardest in practice. That leads to the assumption that if a better player has a bad practice session, he'll be on the bench while a less capable player gets the majority of the game-time minutes.
I don't think its necessarily unreasonable to draw that assumption after watching Dawson agianst Georgetown and Wilson against Villanova.
Quote from: The Equalizer on January 25, 2014, 10:00:10 PM
I think a lot of this stems from Buzz's frequent comments to the effect that he plays the guys who work hardest in practice. That leads to the assumption that if a better player has a bad practice session, he'll be on the bench while a less capable player gets the majority of the game-time minutes.
I don't think its necessarily unreasonable to draw that assumption after watching Dawson agianst Georgetown and Wilson against Villanova.
zone vs. man
Quote from: tower912 on January 25, 2014, 04:37:27 PM
Sweet 16, Sweet 16, Elite 8, best record in the Big East over the last 5 years. Not infallible. But the only people in all of college basketball who think Buzz can't coach are the frustrated guys at their keyboards this afternoon.
Outcoached Boeheim in Milwaukee last year. Outcoached Brad in the round of 32 last year. Took a team with no one taller than 6'6 to the tourney. Dude can flat out coach.
Fair points, though the coach does recruit the players and I'm still scratching my head on the PG spot.
As for outcoaching someone in a game, I find that to be a great myth usually. Coaches teach, they coach, the instruct, but players execute. If players don't succeed and folks like the coach, it's the players fault. If players don't succeed and they don't like the coach (or want to glorify their guy), it's all due to coaching. It's never quite that simple, but fans constantly want to go there.
Terrible coach, amazes me that a guy getting top 15 recruiting classes continues to start a football player and a CYO player. (dw and the white guy).
Quote from: tower912 on January 25, 2014, 05:57:25 PM
So, you're saying that Vander leaving and Duane getting hurt has impacted this team.
Yes, but Diener hurting and Wade leaving did not...... ;)
I'm teasing Tower, I'm teasing....but I do find it interesting in watching fandom how similar circumstances are viewed differently by sports fans.
Chicos, I was right there back in the day with you on jsonline defending the 03-04, 04-05 teams. IIRC, the first time I said a negative word about those two seasons was during one of the endless debates where, again IIRC, 84/Equalizer denigrated Buzz's 09/10 coaching job because there were future NBA players on the roster. They were frustrating years. There are parallels. Amusement goes both ways.
Quote from: mubuzz on January 25, 2014, 08:24:41 PM
I hope Buzz stays at Marquette forever. However, his loyalty to certain players is very troublesome and his stubbornness has doomed this team. There is no way that Thomas should get more minutes than Mayo in ANY game. And hitching your wagon to Derrick...well we know where that has gotten us this season. Truly disappointing and a real head scratcher.
I used a similar headscratcher line when discussing yesterday's game with several buds yesterday.
I like Buzz and have defended him. I also have criticized him at time, because any of us can and should be held accountable.
Even if one allows that Dawson didn't play as well yesterday as he did against GTown for any number of reasons (defense spotty, a little erratic on offense, etc.), it's hard to look at what Derrick did and what Nova's guards did and say that Derrick deserved 36 minutes to Dawson's 8.
And if Jake can't get off a shot without double screens on every play, it is totally impossible to justify playing him more than Mayo.
Yes, I like Buzz, but he has made me scratch my head many times this season.
Quote from: 4everwarriors on January 25, 2014, 06:55:10 PM
Someone has to substantiate "so much physical talent." 'Cuz, I don't see it. Look, Buzz has shown me he has all the stuff great coaches are made of, on and off the court. And, I'm proud to say he's the face of my alma mater. If Buzz is to be criticized this season, rag on him for bein' caught, talent wise, with his pants down. To me, it's a minor point. Can and is bein' rectified.
I think this is a point that cannot be lost here. This team does not have nearly the talent that it has been given credit for, and we have had too many transfers that sub out what should be a quality upper classman for an unproven freshman.
For instance, what would this team look like with TJ Taylor at the two guard? Instead of wasting time with Jamail Jones and Jamal Ferguson, who could have been here instead?
And next year is going to be even more interesting. Talk about young and inexperienced...
Quote from: The Sultan of Syncopation on January 26, 2014, 08:08:54 AM
I think this is a point that cannot be lost here. This team does not have nearly the talent that it has been given credit for, and we have had too many transfers that sub out what should be a quality upper classman for an unproven freshman.
For instance, what would this team look like with TJ Taylor at the two guard? Instead of wasting time with Jamail Jones and Jamal Ferguson, who could have been here instead?
And next year is going to be even more interesting. Talk about young and inexperienced...
Don't know--where is TJ Taylor banging it big time right now?
North Texas. He's up and down. But I think is a better high major player than Jake Thomas.
it really is difficult to understand how Buzz can go from a very good coach to an awful coach this year. What has happened to him. His stubborness to continue playing De Wilson, Thomas and Otule instead of Mayo, Dawson, and Taylor doesn't make any sense at all.
Quote from: Stretchdeltsig on January 26, 2014, 10:02:31 AM
it really is difficult to understand how Buzz can go from a very good coach to an awful coach this year. What has happened to him. His stubborness to continue playing De Wilson, Thomas and Otule instead of Mayo, Dawson, and Taylor doesn't make any sense at all.
I don't think Otule should be lumped in with this group. Otule played 16 minutes (out of a possible 45) yesterday and is averaging 18. Maybe his average should be closer to 12-15, but he is a guy with value. He had a great blocked shot, absolutely saved 2 points that I'm confident would have been scored had either Gardner or Taylor been in that position. His mere presence on defense does create problems for opponents. He also had a fantastic post move yesterday. By virtue of his height and shotblocking ability, he would get 10-15 minutes for many, many good teams.
Meanwhile, Derrick averages 29 and Jake 28 -- at least double (and probably triple) what they would get with almost any other high-major, high-aspirations team.
Quote from: Stretchdeltsig on January 26, 2014, 10:02:31 AM
it really is difficult to understand how Buzz can go from a very good coach to an awful coach this year.
Because he hasn't.
Just like Jay Wright and Jamie Dixon didn't when Nova and Pitt struggled the last couple of years.
Quote from: The Sultan of Syncopation on January 26, 2014, 10:14:10 AM
Because he hasn't.
Just like Jay Wright and Jamie Dixon didn't when Nova and Pitt struggled the last couple of years.
+1 to Sultan. I don't post often, but have been a diehard fan since my freshman year. That year the fans heavily criticized the coach for starting a senior forward over two future team captains. That was Bill Neary, and somehow the coach won exactly the right number of games with that lineup. I don't agree totally with the way Buzz is doing it, but I'm in sales, not coaching.
By the way, nice exit, Al!
Buzz is more than a solid coach. This original post belongs to a fair weather fan at best.
Quote from: The Sultan of Syncopation on January 26, 2014, 10:14:10 AM
Because he hasn't.
Just like Jay Wright and Jamie Dixon didn't when Nova and Pitt struggled the last couple of years.
Buzz has always been able to adjust and put his teams in the best positions to win. He was able to coach them up and get the most out of them. He for whatever reason this year refuses to make any meaningful changes and in the process has alienated a majority of the fan base. This season is lost and a large amount of the blame falls on his stubbornness. I have to imagine his act gets rather tiresome for his players when they aren't winning and he continues to trot out a starting backcourt that couldn't hold UWGB's backcourts jockstraps.
Quote from: mubuzz on January 26, 2014, 10:31:11 AM
Buzz has always been able to adjust and put his teams in the best positions to win. He was able to coach them up and get the most out of them. He for whatever reason this year refuses to make any meaningful changes and in the process has alienated a majority of the fan base. This season is lost and a large amount of the blame falls on his stubbornness. I have to imagine his act gets rather tiresome for his players when they aren't winning and he continues to trot out a starting backcourt that couldn't hold UWGB's backcourts jockstraps.
Have you ever stopped to think that maybe, just maybe, he *is* coaching them up this year and getting the most out of what he has? That maybe what we have seen is what this roster is capable of delivering?
Quote from: ATL MU Warrior on January 26, 2014, 10:49:16 AM
Have you ever stopped to think that maybe, just maybe, he *is* coaching them up this year and getting the most out of what he has? That maybe what we have seen is what this roster is capable of delivering?
Yeah, he might be--that is his job after all--coaching. Maybe what we have seen is what HIS roster is capable of--key word HIS-and that is on him.
So let's not anoint Buzz as Saint Buzz. He has done a good job up to this year, and we are now approaching a .500 season with the best front court we have had in years and the last two recruiting classes fairly highly rated. So coach them up to prior years level Coach, and earn that big time salary.
Quote from: ATL MU Warrior on January 26, 2014, 10:49:16 AM
Have you ever stopped to think that maybe, just maybe, he *is* coaching them up this year and getting the most out of what he has? That maybe what we have seen is what this roster is capable of delivering?
I think about that all the time. But it makes for boring Scoop.
Quote from: willie warrior on January 26, 2014, 10:58:06 AM
Yeah, he might be--that is his job after all--coaching. Maybe what we have seen is what HIS roster is capable of--key word HIS-and that is on him.
So let's not anoint Buzz as Saint Buzz. He has done a good job up to this year, and we are now approaching a .500 season with the best front court we have had in years and the last two recruiting classes fairly highly rated. So coach them up to prior years level Coach, and earn that big time salary.
I guess we need less bigs and more switchables.
Quote from: ATL MU Warrior on January 26, 2014, 10:49:16 AM
Have you ever stopped to think that maybe, just maybe, he *is* coaching them up this year and getting the most out of what he has? That maybe what we have seen is what this roster is capable of delivering?
I don't believe we have seen what this team can deliver because 3 of our most talented players don't see the floor. If we have exhausted all avenues and tried different player combo, then I could say that this is who we are as a team. I can't because Buzz has been unwilling to shake things up for the good of the team. I think everyone would agree that making the tourney is the goal. We aren't going so why maintain the stays quo? Start playing the talent and get them the experience...maybe we could catch lightning in a bottle in the BE tourney and get in. We have no chance playing the same guys have been out there all year.
Quote from: mubuzz on January 26, 2014, 11:03:05 AM
I don't believe we have seen what this team can deliver because 3 of our most talented players don't see the floor. If we have exhausted all avenues and tried different player combo, then I could say that this is who we are as a team. I can't because Buzz has been unwilling to shake things up for the good of the team. I think everyone would agree that making the tourney is the goal. We aren't going so why maintain the stays quo? Start playing the talent and get them the experience...maybe we could catch lightning in a bottle in the BE tourney and get in. We have no chance playing the same guys have been out there all year.
Ah yes, our most talented players are the freshmen. of course. Based on their recruiting rankings...from HS. ok.
If they were the most talented players, they would see the floor.
Unless Buzz is tanking the season in order to parlay a down season into a huge new contract somewhere else. Makes total sense.
Quote from: ATL MU Warrior on January 26, 2014, 11:16:27 AM
Ah yes, our most talented players are the freshmen. of course. Based on their recruiting rankings...from HS. ok.
If they were the most talented players, they would see the floor.
Unless Buzz is tanking the season in order to parlay a down season into a huge new contract somewhere else. Makes total sense.
Sorry, you're right...Derrick and Jake are just oozing with potential and have brought many wins to Marquette this season.
Quote from: mubuzz on January 26, 2014, 11:22:12 AM
Sorry, you're right...Derrick and Jake are just oozing with potential and have brought many wins to Marquette this season.
You are shifting the goalposts. You now say "potential." Just because they may have more potential, doesn't mean they should play now.
Quote from: mubuzz on January 26, 2014, 10:31:11 AM
Buzz has always been able to adjust and put his teams in the best positions to win. He was able to coach them up and get the most out of them. He for whatever reason this year refuses to make any meaningful changes and in the process has alienated a majority of the fan base. This season is lost and a large amount of the blame falls on his stubbornness. I have to imagine his act gets rather tiresome for his players when they aren't winning and he continues to trot out a starting backcourt that couldn't hold UWGB's backcourts jockstraps.
The best coach can't turn chicken sh*t into chicken salad.
Quote from: The Sultan of Syncopation on January 26, 2014, 11:26:07 AM
You are shifting the goalposts. You now say "potential." Just because they may have more potential, doesn't mean they should play now.
Let's get that potential realized ASAP. Hopefully in time for the BE tourney. And if nothing else, we hit the ground running next season.
Quote from: The Sultan of Syncopation on January 26, 2014, 11:26:07 AM
You are shifting the goalposts. You now say "potential." Just because they may have more potential, doesn't mean they should play now.
Do you enjoy watching this team? What purpose does it serve spinning our wheels around .500 all season? I would rather bottom out and get the future more pt. Talent, potential, call it whatever you want. The players sitting on the bench have it and the starting backcourt does not. My point is this season is going nowhere and at this point we have nothing to lose. Unless we are trying to protect that .500 record.
Quote from: Archies Bat on January 26, 2014, 11:00:06 AM
I guess we need less bigs and more switchables.
It's a guard's game, starting with the point guard. I'm fine with switchables, of course get some quality bigs (very difficult to do), but you if you don't have the PG don't mean squat.
The game has changed, the spacing has changed, you need a PG that can control the tempo, score some, distribute.
Quote from: mubuzz on January 26, 2014, 11:32:49 AM
Do you enjoy watching this team? What purpose does it serve spinning our wheels around .500 all season? I would rather bottom out and get the future more pt. Talent, potential, call it whatever you want. The players sitting on the bench have it and the starting backcourt does not. My point is this season is going nowhere and at this point we have nothing to lose. Unless we are trying to protect that .500 record.
You play the players who give you the best chance to win right now. That is what Buzz is doing. You disagree.
Quote from: mubuzz on January 26, 2014, 11:32:49 AM
Do you enjoy watching this team? What purpose does it serve spinning our wheels around .500 all season? I would rather bottom out and get the future more pt. Talent, potential, call it whatever you want. The players sitting on the bench have it and the starting backcourt does not. My point is this season is going nowhere and at this point we have nothing to lose. Unless we are trying to protect that .500 record.
If I didn't enjoy watching, I would stop.
That being said, I would have played Dawson significantly more than 8 minutes yesterday, would have given JJJ at least some run if healthy enough, and would have played Mayo twice as many minutes as Jake.
Quote from: mubuzz on January 26, 2014, 11:32:49 AM
Do you enjoy watching this team? What purpose does it serve spinning our wheels around .500 all season? I would rather bottom out and get the future more pt. Talent, potential, call it whatever you want. The players sitting on the bench have it and the starting backcourt does not. My point is this season is going nowhere and at this point we have nothing to lose. Unless we are trying to protect that .500 record.
This.
Quote from: war1980rior on January 26, 2014, 10:28:54 AM
+1 to Sultan. I don't post often, but have been a diehard fan since my freshman year. That year the fans heavily criticized the coach for starting a senior forward over two future team captains. That was Bill Neary, and somehow the coach won exactly the right number of games with that lineup. I don't agree totally with the way Buzz is doing it, but I'm in sales, not coaching.
By the way, nice exit, Al!
Buzz is more than a solid coach. This original post belongs to a fair weather fan at best.
Al was also criticized for starting Jim Boylan over local favorite and outstanding shooter Gary Rosenberger the same year. Most fans thought the last 2 spots should hae gone to Toone & Rosey rather than Neary & Boylan. And I can imagine what this board would have been like when they had their 3 game losing streak (and 4 out of 6). in the middle of the season.
Quote from: MU82 on January 26, 2014, 11:37:41 AM
If I didn't enjoy watching, I would stop.
That being said, I would have played Dawson significantly more than 8 minutes yesterday, would have given JJJ at least some run if healthy enough, and would have played Mayo twice as many minutes as Jake.
Did Dawson even play in the 2nd half? I agree that he should have seen more time, a 50/50 split at PG is something I am comfortable with in general. Obviously, in-game performance and tactical considerations have more importance.
I don't think Mayo for Jake is the answer. I think both of them on the floor together is the answer.
Quote from: ATL MU Warrior on January 26, 2014, 12:29:26 PM
Did Dawson even play in the 2nd half?
Two short stints that added up to about two minutes.
During the second of those two, he came in at the under 12:00 TO down five. Taylor missed two shots, gave up an offensive rebound, and MU gave up another lay up. Down nine. Buzz calls a 20 second TO, and Dawson is gone for the rest of the day and Taylor just gets some spot time toward the end of the half.
I do think that Dawson should have gotten more time, if anything so that Derrick could have gotten more of a blow.
Quote from: The Sultan of Syncopation on January 26, 2014, 11:27:50 AM
The best coach can't turn chicken sh*t into chicken salad.
That's right Sultan, but then who brought in the chicken sh$t? Answer: Da Coach!
Quote from: willie warrior on January 26, 2014, 01:09:02 PM
That's right Sultan, but then who brought in the chicken sh$t? Answer: Da Coach!
Exactly. Which is why I have acknowledged that he has made some mistakes recruiting wise that has lead to the problems this year....and next year as well.
Quote from: The Sultan of Syncopation on January 26, 2014, 01:13:21 PM
Exactly. Which is why I have acknowledged that he has made some mistakes recruiting wise that has lead to the problems this year....and next year as well.
I hardly think Buzz' mistakes have been in recruiting. This team is struggling because it lacks the upperclass leadership that we have had in years past and the guards we play can't initiate offense. Its pretty tough to project what a HS junior's leadership qualities will be when they are college senior. And I think Buzz was projecting that Duane would be our starting PG right now.
My critique of Buzz is that he hasn't realized that Jake and Derrick don't have what it takes for us to win in the present and we should be playing guys with an eye toward next season. Its a tough pill to swallow for a competitive coach like Buzz, but its what he has to do. If we don't see significantly more of the freshman down the stretch I will be disappointed.
Quote from: AWegrzyn17 on January 26, 2014, 01:29:10 PM
I hardly think Buzz' mistakes have been in recruiting. This team is struggling because it lacks the upperclass leadership that we have had in years past and the guards we play can't initiate offense. Its pretty tough to project what a HS junior's leadership qualities will be when they are college senior. And I think Buzz was projecting that Duane would be our starting PG right now.
My critique of Buzz is that he hasn't realized that Jake and Derrick don't have what it takes for us to win in the present and we should be playing guys with an eye toward next season. Its a tough pill to swallow for a competitive coach like Buzz, but its what he has to do. If we don't see significantly more of the freshman down the stretch I will be disappointed.
He's made some recruiting mistakes...all coaches do...Buzz is no different.
Keep in mind, at this time last year Buzz was planning on having the choice of Vander Blue, Duane Wilson, Todd Mayo, Derrick Wilson and John Dawson in his backcourt. If they are all here, Jake Thomas would not be on the roster. He came back once Vander left. This is a totally different team with Vander and Duane. I can't even begin to exaggerate the difference those two loses were for the program. Recruiting is just fine! With Vander and Duane, we would be ranked and that ranking might be very high. Some things that happen are out of a coaches control. GO MU!
Quote from: hoops12 on January 26, 2014, 05:42:53 PM
Keep in mind, at this time last year Buzz was planning on having the choice of Vander Blue, Duane Wilson, Todd Mayo, Derrick Wilson and John Dawson in his backcourt. If they are all here, Jake Thomas would not be on the roster. He came back once Vander left. This is a totally different team with Vander and Duane. I can't even begin to exaggerate the difference those two loses were for the program. Recruiting is just fine! With Vander and Duane, we would be ranked and that ranking might be very high. Some things that happen are out of a coaches control. GO MU!
Buzz wasn't the only coach that unexpectedly lost a player after last year.
Tis true. But buzz lost 2 guards, one established as a leader and a scorer, the other reputed to be a dynamic point guard. What is this team lacking?
Quote from: tower912 on January 26, 2014, 05:54:27 PM
Tis true. But buzz lost 2 guards, one established as a leader and a scorer, the other reputed to be a dynamic point guard. What is this team lacking?
He also told us the PG we had coming back was fantastic...that's what worries me more....not sure what he's seeing.
Quote from: MUfan12 on January 25, 2014, 08:13:51 PM
His best work has been with JUCO guys. His track record with HS guys isn't as good. And that has to be at least a little bit concerning.
This. Outside of Davante and Vander(and it took till his Junior year), who has he really developed from HS? I've thought about this a few times and it is one of the very few things that concerns me about Buzz.
Also, don't read this in any way, shape, or form as me calling for Buzz's head. He's just not infallible.
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on January 26, 2014, 06:11:11 PM
He also told us the PG we had coming back was fantastic...that's what worries me more....not sure what he's seeing.
I think he compared him to Lavance Fields. He averaged 12/5/4 as a junior....and couldn't shoot.