I share my initial thoughts on this year's squad.
1) There is a collective "chip" on their shoulders from most of the returning players. Especially STJ, JJ and DB.
2) I expect STJ to make one of the all BE teams this year. Think of Denzel Washington from Man on Fire. This young man is ready to paint his masterpiece.
3) Starting line up until LF is eligible to play:
A) Duane Wilson
B) JJ
C) JA
D) DB
E) STJ
4) After LF is Eligible
A) Duane Wilson/Matt C
B) JJ
C) JA/DB
D) STJ
E) LF
There is a strong possibility of DB and/or DW not starting later only to beef up scoring off the bench. Unlike last couple of years scoring from bench is much less likely and there is a need to have balance on court.
I also know that folks here are not overly impressed with Derrick Wilson and his level of skill, but what I can tell you is you will not find a better representative for the University and his commitment to improve is second to none. Derrick won't be in the NBA, but he also won't show up in any videos or police blotters or have academic issues. And 15-20 years from now we will see Derrick as someone that has achieved great success in his post-basketball career. I am not sure what his role will be this year, but please don't rip him anymore, he knows he is not Derrick Rose and so do we. Whatever you feel his limitations are, it is not because he doesn't care and doesn't work at it and there is no one that responds to coaching better than Derrick.
Early comments on SC are that like most freshman has to learn D1 defense, especially team defense that Wojo wants. Has above average handle especially for his size, true 6 5", and has a above average release on his shot and his form is solid but needs some refining to get his release point more consistent, but when he has it dialed in he reminds me of Ray Allen's form, but his release is not even close to being as fast, but the type of shot is very similar. SC is a good athlete, but not an uberathelete (like a Dominic James), needs to add muscle/strength. Will be a good boost off bench for scoring, but defense will determine how much he plays and ability to rebound, especially on defense.
I say all of this with the caveat that after watching JBF the first time I though he was going to be a bust, so what I share is one person's opinion and you know what they same about opinions.
PS I am predicting that this years squad has a better record than last years squad.
Thanks for the reasons for optimism.
Wow, Duane getting the start from day one over Carlino is impressive. Kinda shocking to be honest.
Love you, BigDaddy.
I'm assuming that JBF = JFB?
Thanks for your opinions. I share your thoughts on DW after observing him in Annaheim last year. He is the type of young man any program would be proud to have. Looking forward to watching this year's squad and seeing the improvements in our guys.
Great post!
+100000 re: DW -- couldnt be happier that he represents our school.
I've been critical of Derrick Wilson, but that had more to do with the way Buzz used him last year than anything to do with Derrick. Derrick is a class act and a great representative of the university.
No Carlino in the starting lineup? That is surprising. Otherwise, it's about what I expected.
Quote from: TAMU Eagle on September 11, 2014, 11:30:10 AM
No Carlino in the starting lineup? That is surprising. Otherwise, it's about what I expected.
That was my thought, too, TAMU.
As for Derrick ...
I agree with every word Big Daddy said. Derrick is who he is. He has tried to get better. He only has so much talent. It is up to the coach - not the player - to put each player in a position where he can help the team the most. Last season, the coach failed completely at this mission when it came to Derrick.
I am hopeful that the current coach will use Derrick wisely and maximize the positive things the player can do for the team.
If for some reason the coach fails and Derrick again is asked to do things he doesn't do well, it again will not be Derrick's fault.
Thanks BigDaddy, awesome to hear about STJ.
I doubt that JA and Steve both start before Fischer can play. Too much risk for foul trouble with the only 2 guys taller then 6'6.
Quote from: MuMark on September 11, 2014, 12:05:40 PM
I doubt that JA and Steve both start before Fischer can play. Too much risk for foul trouble with the only 2 guys taller then 6'6.
That's why they both will start.
DW must be reading what his critics have posted. This is the first picture of the "official posed player photos" on MUBB's facebook site:
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10458655_528962623914036_7129658495837200450_n.jpg?oh=341d6bedcfe1d22fa427152b068661ee&oe=54A2ABEB&__gda__=1422823522_931376367518befbbf17a40d84312069)
A lot can change between now and November 14th, but it's good to see that Duane could get the keys from the get go. I really think he's got the right makeup to be a star at Marquette.
BD- Any insight into Wojo and the staff? There's a very different culture around the program, and I'm curious to hear your thoughts as to how the players are responding.
Hearing Gabe Levin is a stud, although not eligible this season.
Quote from: warriorchick on September 11, 2014, 12:16:18 PM
DW must be reading what his critics have posted. This is the first picture of the "official posed player photos" on MUBB's facebook site:
Thankfully he's not in the baby blues on a national website. We could've been doomed from the start of the season.
Quote from: BigDaddy84 on September 11, 2014, 10:50:59 AM
I share my initial thoughts on this year's squad.
1) There is a collective "chip" on their shoulders from most of the returning players. Especially STJ, JJ and DB.
2) I expect STJ to make one of the all BE teams this year. Think of Denzel Washington from Man on Fire. This young man is ready to paint his masterpiece.
3) Starting line up until LF is eligible to play:
A) Duane Wilson
B) JJ
C) JA
D) DB
E) STJ
4) After LF is Eligible
A) Duane Wilson/Matt C
B) JJ
C) JA/DB
D) STJ
E) LF
There is a strong possibility of DB and/or DW not starting later only to beef up scoring off the bench. Unlike last couple of years scoring from bench is much less likely and there is a need to have balance on court.
I also know that folks here are not overly impressed with Derrick Wilson and his level of skill, but what I can tell you is you will not find a better representative for the University and his commitment to improve is second to none. Derrick won't be in the NBA, but he also won't show up in any videos or police blotters or have academic issues. And 15-20 years from now we will see Derrick as someone that has achieved great success in his post-basketball career. I am not sure what his role will be this year, but please don't rip him anymore, he knows he is not Derrick Rose and so do we. Whatever you feel his limitations are, it is not because he doesn't care and doesn't work at it and there is no one that responds to coaching better than Derrick.
Early comments on SC are that like most freshman has to learn D1 defense, especially team defense that Wojo wants. Has above average handle especially for his size, true 6 5", and has a above average release on his shot and his form is solid but needs some refining to get his release point more consistent, but when he has it dialed in he reminds me of Ray Allen's form, but his release is not even close to being as fast, but the type of shot is very similar. SC is a good athlete, but not an uberathelete (like a Dominic James), needs to add muscle/strength. Will be a good boost off bench for scoring, but defense will determine how much he plays and ability to rebound, especially on defense.
I say all of this with the caveat that after watching JBF the first time I though he was going to be a bust, so what I share is one person's opinion and you know what they same about opinions.
PS I am predicting that this years squad has a better record than last years squad.
Nice post Big Daddy. Very reminiscent of info formerly provided by bma. Sure do miss that guy. Thanks for the post.
Glad to see JaJuan starting in both scenarios. In my opinion he is going to have a huge year, even better than Burton's!! Man, I wish we could start the season now!
Big Daddy tells it like it is!
(https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRzoOpxlh5DrSirdKM8OrSg4QI41c8GEZH4cz0I_dXIRTIJ8LeHsw)
All:
These are only my thoughts and what I have heard. Matt may start versus Duane, but my guess is that without LF to start with we need to maximize our punch early in games. But I agree nothing is written in Ellenson. JA and STJ will both start, no choice.
Wojo and players are tight and there is an us vs them attitude and that he is one of the us.
Quote from: BigDaddy84 on September 11, 2014, 01:26:17 PM
All:
These are only my thoughts and what I have heard. Matt may start versus Duane, but my guess is that without LF to start with we need to maximize our punch early in games. But I agree nothing is written in Ellensen. JA and STJ will both start, no choice.
Wojo and players are tight and there is an us vs them attitude and that he is one of the us.
That last line makes me very happy.
Quote from: BigDaddy84 on September 11, 2014, 01:26:17 PM
All:
These are only my thoughts and what I have heard. Matt may start versus Duane, but my guess is that without LF to start with we need to maximize our punch early in games. But I agree nothing is written in Ellensen. JA and STJ will both start, no choice.
Wojo and players are tight and there is an us vs them attitude and that he is one of the us.
Nice line. 8-)
I have to agree on the assessment of Derrick Wilson. We got to meet him at our re-seating appointment and he came across as a very intelligent young man and very excited about the upcoming season. I am proud to have him represent our University!
Quote from: keefe on September 11, 2014, 01:24:25 PM
Big Daddy tells it like it is!
(https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRzoOpxlh5DrSirdKM8OrSg4QI41c8GEZH4cz0I_dXIRTIJ8LeHsw)
I always assumed more like this:
(http://img3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20090615164324/simpsons/images/a/ac/Bigdaddy.JPG)
Quote from: BigDaddy84 on September 11, 2014, 01:26:17 PM
But I agree nothing is written in Ellensen.
It took me a few times, but I now see what you did there.
Quote from: TAMU Eagle on September 11, 2014, 02:55:25 PM
It took me a few times, but I now see what you did there.
I can't do any more Keefe-like "beat around the bush" haikus/conjecture.
Just give us the details!!!
Quote from: oneposteagle on September 11, 2014, 03:06:42 PM
I can't do any more Keefe-like "beat around the bush" haikus/conjecture.
Just give us the details!!!
There may be some *silent* messages going on.
Quote from: warriorchick on September 11, 2014, 12:16:18 PM
DW must be reading what his critics have posted. This is the first picture of the "official posed player photos" on MUBB's facebook site:
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10458655_528962623914036_7129658495837200450_n.jpg?oh=341d6bedcfe1d22fa427152b068661ee&oe=54A2ABEB&__gda__=1422823522_931376367518befbbf17a40d84312069)
Either that or he wants to go back to playing football...
So, Big Daddy as far as 2015 goes... which of the four top 100 freshmen do you think has the best chance to start?
Quote from: TAMU Eagle on September 11, 2014, 02:55:25 PM
It took me a few times, but I now see what you did there.
It took me a a few more times after reading your post. I'm slow.
Which 2015 Freshman will start?
The highest rated ;)
I know that is a little cheap to say, but lets say this.
If you are a Top 20 5 star HS Senior and pretty much could go to the school of your choice, and you have already decided where you are going, but you have all of the blue bloods taking to you and you have the ability to develop relationships that can last a lifetime with very influential folks, what would you do, announce you decision now or wait and at least go through the whole process. Also if you know one of these TOP 20 kids and they know where they are at and they want to have one of these ceremonies to pick the hat from the table shouldn't we let them do it. So why do I say anything, 1) The the number of calls, emails, texts I am getting on this subject is stupid. 2) I like messing with the Badger fans.
We are in great shape and we need to just relax. D Wade did not make MU, MJ did not make UNC and UConn won the National Championship without Diamond Stone and probably wont win one with him (that is not a dig on DS, just that winning a NC is even harder now with the parity in college basketball, except maybe Kentucky).
Whoa, whoa, whoa... Are you telling me playing time can be determined by one's ability to play good defense?! Holy crap! If Wojo has that coaching philosophy, at least one poster is going to lose their mind.
Quote from: BigDaddy84 on September 11, 2014, 04:05:37 PM
Which 2015 Freshman will start?
The highest rated ;)
I know that is a little cheap to say, but lets say this.
If you are a Top 20 5 star HS Senior and pretty much could go to the school of your choice, and you have already decided where you are going, but you have all of the blue bloods taking to you and you have the ability to develop relationships that can last a lifetime with very influential folks, what would you do, announce you decision now or wait and at least go through the whole process. Also if you know one of these TOP 20 kids and they know where they are at and they want to have one of these ceremonies to pick the hat from the table shouldn't we let them do it. So why do I say anything, 1) The the number of calls, emails, texts I am getting on this subject is stupid. 2) I like messing with the Badger fans.
We are in great shape and we need to just relax. D Wade did not make MU, MJ did not make UNC and UConn won the National Championship without Diamond Stone and probably wont win one with him (that is not a dig on DS, just that winning a NC is even harder now with the parity in college basketball, except maybe Kentucky).
Ellenson to MU. Stone to UConn. Interesting.
Quote from: jesmu84 on September 11, 2014, 06:23:42 PM
Whoa, whoa, whoa... Are you telling me playing time can be determined by one's ability to play good defense?! Holy crap! If Wojo has that coaching philosophy, at least one poster is going to lose their mind.
almost had milk come up my nose.
Quote from: BigDaddy84 on September 11, 2014, 01:26:17 PM
All:
These are only my thoughts and what I have heard. Matt may start versus Duane, but my guess is that without LF to start with we need to maximize our punch early in games. But I agree nothing is written in Ellenson. JA and STJ will both start, no choice.
Wojo and players are tight and there is an us vs them attitude and that he is one of the us.
I see what ya did here
Quote from: jesmu84 on September 11, 2014, 06:23:42 PM
Whoa, whoa, whoa... Are you telling me playing time can be determined by one's ability to play good defense?! Holy crap! If Wojo has that coaching philosophy, at least one poster is going to lose their mind.
LOL - Nice try. I know this is directed at me. I'll indulge you: I've never said playing good defense wasn't valuable, nor have I said a guy being a very good defender isn't worthy of playing time. I've simply said that if a player is going to be a total and complete liability and void on the offensive end, and there is a more talented offensive player behind that person - the kid with the major offensive limitations better be an elite level defender. Even the best shooters fail 50% of the time regardless of who is guarding them. A guy who is an offensive liability - well, that is present 100% of the time on the offensive end.
In the Blue/Gardner debate and not the Derrick/Dawson - I've also said that Gardner was an offensively elite player, to where his limitations defensively were worth the value he brought on the O end. As for Vander Blue - he wasn't elite offensively or defensively....and you can't find ONE stat to suggest otherwise. Sorry.
yet another thread that started intelligent, pleasant, and insightful dragged into primitive chest thumping. let's stick to the DW is the type of student athlete we want representing our University and not jump to defensive posturing.
DE. Wilson and Carlino to start. Seniors rule.
Quote from: raul on September 11, 2014, 10:44:14 PM
DE. Wilson and Carlino to start. Seniors rule.
Du and matt
Quote from: Johnny Basketball on September 11, 2014, 10:46:12 PM
Du and matt
(http://ministry127.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/Hook%2C%20Line%2C%20and%20Sinker%20%28title%29.jpg?itok=lXpcsdC4)
Quote from: BigDaddy84 on September 11, 2014, 10:50:59 AM
I share my initial thoughts on this year's squad.
3) Starting line up until LF is eligible to play:
A) Duane Wilson
B) JJ
C) JA
D) DB
E) STJ
4) After LF is Eligible
A) Duane Wilson/Matt C
B) JJ
C) JA/DB
D) STJ
E) LF
Thanks BigDaddy for the big time knowledge drop. With the previous coach, listing starters wasn't as meaningful as listing how many expected minutes a player would get, as he would start some people just to use up a foul or keep other people out of foul trouble. Does anyone have any guesses as to what Wojo's strategy for picking starters might be? Do you expect the starter lists BigDaddy posted to broadly reflect minutes played? I guess I'm kind of expecting a more old school approach where starters would play more minutes and a starting spot is truly earned but that's just a guess based on Wojo's kind of old school reputation as a player.
nm
Quote from: Ners on September 11, 2014, 09:38:35 PM
LOL - Nice try. I know this is directed at me. I'll indulge you: I've never said playing good defense wasn't valuable, nor have I said a guy being a very good defender isn't worthy of playing time. I've simply said that if a player is going to be a total and complete liability and void on the offensive end, and there is a more talented offensive player behind that person - the kid with the major offensive limitations better be an elite level defender. Even the best shooters fail 50% of the time regardless of who is guarding them. A guy who is an offensive liability - well, that is present 100% of the time on the offensive end.
In the Blue/Gardner debate and not the Derrick/Dawson - I've also said that Gardner was an offensively elite player, to where his limitations defensively were worth the value he brought on the O end. As for Vander Blue - he wasn't elite offensively or defensively....and you can't find ONE stat to suggest otherwise. Sorry.
Ners, you know you can just let sh*t go occasionally right?
Quote from: The Sultan of Sunshine on September 12, 2014, 07:12:30 AM
Ners, you know you can just let sh*t go occasionally right?
(http://i.imgur.com/cDlWK9L.jpg)
Quote from: The Sultan of Sunshine on September 12, 2014, 07:12:30 AM
Ners, you know you can just let sh*t go occasionally right?
Yes...and I do on occasion...when it is either funny, or a good point. But when it lacks humor, and is simply a false/bad point - not so much. Much the same as you do.
I enjoyed BigDaddy's post, but I would like to point out that STJ should be correctly spelled FST.
#FREESTEVETAYLOR
BTW, thanks Big Daddy.
I see that you have Juan starting in both situations. I am assuming that is due to his defense more than anything, or do you have reason to believe that he has progressed offensively as well?
Quote from: Henry Sugar on September 12, 2014, 09:36:56 AM
I enjoyed BigDaddy's post, but I would like to point out that STJ should be correctly spelled FST.
#FREESTEVETAYLOR
Hope whatever acronym Steve goes by this year he produces better results than last year. To me, he was among the biggest disappointments in a season full of them. Other than a game or two he was awful - looked totally lost, missed no-footers in bunches (how can a big shoot 32% from the field?). I thought McKay left in part because Steve stood between him and any significant PT. Assuming McKay can play at all that certainly wasn't the case last year. Fingers crossed for better health and a big bounce for Steve this season.
Quote from: Lennys Tap on September 12, 2014, 10:47:57 AM
Hope whatever acronym Steve goes by this year he produces better results than last year. To me, he was among the biggest disappointments in a season full of them. Other than a game or two he was awful - looked totally lost, missed no-footers in bunches (how can a big shoot 32% from the field?). I thought McKay left in part because Steve stood between him and any significant PT. Assuming McKay can play at all that certainly wasn't the case last year. Fingers crossed for better health and a big bounce for Steve this season.
McKay left primarily due to Buzzaro.
Quote from: The Sultan of Sunshine on September 12, 2014, 09:49:34 AM
BTW, thanks Big Daddy.
I see that you have Juan starting in both situations. I am assuming that is due to his defense more than anything, or do you have reason to believe that he has progressed offensively as well?
Good question. I suspect if Juan starts it will be due to us being very undersized initially, and will need all the help we can get rebounding. I don't think Juan is as bad of offensive player as he showed last year - yet don't think he can be very effective scoring going to the basket - think he can be a more effective scorer shooting midrange and 3's.
Whatever the case - you know with Juan you are going to get all out effort - some good rebounding, loose ball "wins," etc. His hustle does show up and help the team. See him playing a Fulce-like role.
Quote from: Lennys Tap on September 12, 2014, 10:47:57 AM
Hope whatever acronym Steve goes by this year he produces better results than last year. To me, he was among the biggest disappointments in a season full of them. Other than a game or two he was awful - looked totally lost, missed no-footers in bunches (how can a big shoot 32% from the field?). I thought McKay left in part because Steve stood between him and any significant PT. Assuming McKay can play at all that certainly wasn't the case last year. Fingers crossed for better health and a big bounce for Steve this season.
Agreed. FST was terrible last year.
My bet is that the freshman Steve Taylor is the real player.
Quote from: Henry Sugar on September 12, 2014, 11:03:53 AM
Agreed. FST was terrible last year.
My bet is that the freshman Steve Taylor is the real player.
Me too, and if he is MU will surprise many prognosticators this year.
Quote from: Lennys Tap on September 12, 2014, 10:47:57 AM
Hope whatever acronym Steve goes by this year he produces better results than last year. To me, he was among the biggest disappointments in a season full of them. Other than a game or two he was awful - looked totally lost, missed no-footers in bunches (how can a big shoot 32% from the field?). I thought McKay left in part because Steve stood between him and any significant PT. Assuming McKay can play at all that certainly wasn't the case last year. Fingers crossed for better health and a big bounce for Steve this season.
It took your full post, but you finally got to the reasoning.
I think we will finish above 500. Rebounding will be our key. Taylor will be the biggest individual key. We all know how the others will perform. Hopefully Fischer will put in his 2 cents worth in.
Quote from: Earl Tatum on September 12, 2014, 12:31:03 PM
I think we will finish above 500. Rebounding will be our key. Taylor will be the biggest individual key. We all know how the others will perform. Hopefully Fischer will put in his 2 cents worth in.
We all know how the others will perform? ?-(
Wish Stone would also pick MU. Wish Looney would be on this years squad. We need scorers, this would be a perfect fit for him. Big wishes.
Quote from: Earl Tatum on September 12, 2014, 12:38:45 PM
Wish Stone would also pick MU. Wish Looney would be on this years squad. We need scorers, this would be a perfect fit for him. Big wishes.
Might be time to move on from those two. But hey, maybe not.
Quote from: MuMark on September 12, 2014, 12:34:40 PM
We all know how the others will perform? ?-(
My thought exactly.
Is it too early to offer John Dawson an Assistant Coaching job?
Quote from: wadesworld on September 12, 2014, 03:26:35 PM
Might be time to move on from those two. But hey, maybe not.
I can speak very confidently with respect to KL. I'm still very up/informed on the young man's basketball situation. He ain't comin' here. Has bigger fish to fry and his next stop likely will be the Association next June, provided he stays healthy. The basketball will come.
Quote from: 4everwarriors on September 12, 2014, 05:32:24 PM
I can speak very confidently with respect to KL. I'm still very up/informed on the young man's basketball situation. He ain't comin' here. Has bigger fish to fry and his next stop likely will be the Association next June, provided he stays healthy. The basketball will come.
Wait, you mean he's not leaving 75 and sunny in Westwood to come back to 47 and rainy on September 12? Well, why the hell not? Must be his sh!tty dentist back here. I mean, their home gym flooded for chripes sake!
I'm in LA this weekend. It's too damn hot, about 90ish.
Quote from: 4everwarriors on September 12, 2014, 05:46:14 PM
I'm in LA this weekend. It's too damn hot, about 90ish.
Tell him 40 degree weather is calling him home.
Quote from: The Sultan of Sunshine on September 12, 2014, 07:12:30 AM
Ners, you know you can just let sh*t go occasionally right?
Yes, I trolled/baited. But it's just so easy.
Quote from: wadesworld on September 12, 2014, 05:50:24 PM
Tell him 40 degree weather is calling him home.
He's actually in MKE before school starts. I'll relay your message on Monday.
Quote from: Earl Tatum on September 12, 2014, 12:38:45 PM
Wish Stone would also pick MU. Wish Looney would be on this years squad. We need scorers, this would be a perfect fit for him. Big wishes.
Yeah, Joe Wolf would have been nice too.