Poll
Question:
Will Fischer be regularly starting by the end of the year?
Option 1: Yes (and Teve will come off the bench)
votes: 58
Option 2: Yes (and Teve will move to the 4)
votes: 82
Option 3: No
votes: 6
From Matt Velazquez's recent chat:
"...when I've seen him he's been good, but not great. He doesn't seem like he's immediately going to come in and be the immediate game-changer that some people think/hope he will be, but he'll be a welcome, quality addition."
"Considering the way that Taylor has played recently, I have a hunch that Fischer would get a chance to start in his place."
Luke doesn't have to do much to be a big improvement. Having a big that can convert inside of three feet will be a lift. As will having him in the middle of the zone for rebounding purposes. Something Steve has struggled with big time. The guards will benefit as well, as Fischer is a nice passer.
As Sultan said in another thread, the guy who might benefit most is Deonte.
I think Teve comes off the bench. He will still get plenty of minutes (at 4 and 5), but I suspect Juan will be the starting 4.
We need to remember that even with Luke, this is a small team, and we don't have many fouls to give on the front line. I suspect a predominantly 3-guard lineup is here for the season.
I've got the only "No" vote thus far. Velazquez's first quote gave me quite a bit of pause last Friday when I read it. I think Fischer will get minutes off the bench, but he won't end up starting. I'd be really disappointed if I'm right.
What this means, though, is that I'll get to create a thread patting myself on the back for being a basketball genius if I happen to be correct come March.
I think Luke's presence could be enough to make everyone better. Even if he only averages 5/4, having a guy that can seal the lane for drivers, box out to let others rebounds, be enough of a defensive presence to alter shots, and jump more than six inches off the ground will help the guys around him in ways Steve hasn't been able to.
Remember how promising Steve looked as a freshman? Here he is two years later and his legs just look old. Reminds me of Joe Fulce. Plenty of ability and promise until knee injuries robbed him of his bounce. I wish Steve could be a bigger impact guy, but I just don't think he's the same athlete that was a RSCI ranked kid coming out.
My gut tells me that Luke starts by the end of the year, if not earlier. I also think that Juan continues to start so that leaves Steve as the 6th or 7th man getting significant minutes. At that point our active bench includes Steve, Bane and JJJ with Sandy and John in reserve. We can play full out with that. But it's not impossible that coach values Steve's leadership and that he earns the nominal start with Luke coming in at the first media timeout.
I'm kind of thinking that Steve's aggressiveness will be enhanced. Right now he absolutely knows that he can't get into foul trouble as there is no viable alternative. Let's not underestimate what having another big will do for his game. I'm thinking back to opening night against UT-Martin when I believe he took 2 early first half fouls. Something I'm sure he was coached on.
Teve? Is it too much work to pronounce or write an S?
Quote from: esotericmindguy on December 01, 2014, 11:01:12 AM
Teve? Is it too much work to pronounce or write an S?
It's a running gag on the forum
Luke will give MU 5 more fouls a game, so saying that the front line can be a little more aggressive. More importantly, Juan and Steve do not have to play 35 minutes a game. Luke should
be given about 20 minutes a game so that will give Juan and Steve a little more rest. They will need as the season starts getting long the end of January and February. Once in conference,
the games get tougher as the scouting gets better, need more players.
Fisher will need time this year to improve as the following 2 years he becomes critical if MU wants to make a long run in the tournament again.
As long as Fischer can hit some bunnies, it'll be an improvement.
Honestly, Luke should start from his first game and every game past that. I'm not saying he should necessarily get starter minutes, his play will warrant that, but I believe yesterday was the first tip ball Steve won all season long. In a one-possession game, losing 85% of your tips is not a recipe for winning basketball.
Quote from: BCHoopster on December 01, 2014, 12:05:51 PM
Luke will give MU 5 more fouls a game, so saying that the front line can be a little more aggressive.
Agree. I think we're seeing a little of the "afraid to foul" mentality that we last saw in '09 with the small team. Having fouls to give will help, though it might take some coaching up to tighten up the D as well.
Quote from: Groin_pull on December 01, 2014, 12:13:29 PM
As long as Fischer can hit some bunnies, it'll be an improvement.
I'll be sold if we can avoid performances of 3 rebounds in 32 minutes and 2 rebounds in 26 minutes from the 5 spot. Steve's playing it overmatched in an undersized lineup, but those lines are still unacceptable.
Quote from: BCHoopster on December 01, 2014, 12:05:51 PMLuke will give MU 5 more fouls a game, so saying that the front line can be a little more aggressive.
This actually has me worried for Arizona State. They have two big men that are both very good at getting to the line. Eric Jacobsen is one of the best in the country at getting to the line and Willie Atwood isn't far behind him. In Luke's first game in a Marquette uniform, after a year layoff, over-aggression and foul trouble could definitely be an issue, and ASU is not the team you want to do that against.
Quote from: brewcity77 on December 01, 2014, 12:19:05 PM
Honestly, Luke should start from his first game and every game past that. I'm not saying he should necessarily get starter minutes, his play will warrant that, but I believe yesterday was the first tip ball Steve Juan won all season long. In a one-possession game, losing 85% of your tips is not a recipe for winning basketball.
FIFY
Quote from: brewcity77 on December 01, 2014, 12:19:05 PM
Honestly, Luke should start from his first game and every game past that. I'm not saying he should necessarily get starter minutes, his play will warrant that, but I believe yesterday was the first tip ball Steve won all season long. In a one-possession game, losing 85% of your tips is not a recipe for winning basketball.
Quick, Wojo ... see if O'Tule can be granted a 9th year of eligibility!
Quote from: MU82 on December 01, 2014, 01:24:02 PM
Quick, Wojo ... see if O'Tule can be granted a 9th year of eligibility!
LOL I was thinking this morning how someone like CO would be perfect for this team. If Fischer can provide what Otule did his last 2 years, this team's ceiling goes way up, not because of what he brings to the table, but because of what it would mean for the rest of the team.
Quote from: brewcity77 on December 01, 2014, 12:19:05 PM
Honestly, Luke should start from his first game and every game past that. I'm not saying he should necessarily get starter minutes, his play will warrant that, but I believe yesterday was the first tip ball Steve won all season long. In a one-possession game, losing 85% of your tips is not a recipe for winning basketball.
Surprised you missed that Brew. Juan actually took the opening tip against UT. But your point still stands with Luke taking the tip over all others.
Quote from: jsglow on December 01, 2014, 01:32:45 PM
Surprised you missed that Brew. Juan actually took the opening tip against UT. But your point still stands with Luke taking the tip over all others.
Was grabbing a beer at the tip ;)
We need the front court help.
Depending on the matchup - and most likely injuries - Luke will eventually get more minutes but may sit for a more favorable matchup for Steve.
I can't see Juan's minutes diminished significantly. He's the most active offensive rebounder we have. (Am I wrong?)
Interesting dynamic where Juan is suddenly considered the "constant".
Quote from: Canned Goods n Ammo on December 01, 2014, 02:59:00 PM
Interesting dynamic where Juan is suddenly considered the "constant".
He, Derrick & Carlino are Seniors. You'd have to expect them to start through, at least, the beginning of Conference season.
Quote from: Skatastrophy on December 01, 2014, 03:26:35 PM
He, Derrick & Carlino are Seniors. You'd have to expect them to start through, at least, the beginning of Conference season.
I agree, and I've always like Juan... but just think of where we were 1 month ago (much less a year ago).
Nothing but low expectations and question marks for Juan.
Now he's considered an "automatic" for big minutes.
Interesting shift.
Quote from: Canned Goods n Ammo on December 01, 2014, 03:30:05 PM
I agree, and I've always like Juan... but just think of where we were 1 month ago (much less a year ago).
Nothing but low expectations and question marks for Juan.
Now he's considered an "automatic" for big minutes.
Interesting shift.
Seeing as we're talking about Juan and the Seniors.....
I took note at the 'fight' at the 12 minute mark. Clearly Wojo was exercised going into the timeout. (Someone GIF that F*ck! Wojo screamed as he got up from the bench.) Anyway, it seems that Derrick and Juan might have started the verbal exchange out of mutual frustration. Fine. So be it. Both cooled with Steve's help (as did Wojo) and our two captains played absolutely outstanding ball for about the next 8 minutes. Re-watch the DVR. Both played
great maximizing what they do well to will us to the lead.
Quote from: Canned Goods n Ammo on December 01, 2014, 03:30:05 PM
I agree, and I've always like Juan... but just think of where we were 1 month ago (much less a year ago).
Nothing but low expectations and question marks for Juan.
Now he's considered an "automatic" for big minutes.
Interesting shift.
No doubt but it's simply based on production.
The "shift" wouldn't take place if he wasn't producing.
I'd like to see Fischer start from his first game - so we win more tips and get the first possession. In the first few games, I expect 12 mins 4 points/3 boards, but I think he can ramp up to 20 mins, 6 points/5 boards and 1+ blocks. Teve will lose time (so far he doesn't deserve it), Juan will keep his minutes at 3 and 4, and Deonte will benefit from better spacing, but only after he slows down a bit himself.
Quote from: brewcity77 on December 01, 2014, 12:36:12 PM
This actually has me worried for Arizona State. They have two big men that are both very good at getting to the line. Eric Jacobsen is one of the best in the country at getting to the line and Willie Atwood isn't far behind him. In Luke's first game in a Marquette uniform, after a year layoff, over-aggression and foul trouble could definitely be an issue, and ASU is not the team you want to do that against.
ASU overall has gotten to the line quite a bit (except for in their loss to Maryland), but wouldn't be overly concerned about Jacobsen and Atwood. More worried about their guards and wings.
If you glance at the statistics, things look different than reality. Atwood went to the line 6 times in the final moments of the Chicago St. game... numbers are skewed.
Jacobsen isn't a big usage guy.. his FT rate is up there as are FD/40 by him, but the fouls drawn per 40 will drop over the season... historically hasn't been a foul magnet.
Now, could ASU use them differently against MU? Sure, but again I think it's more about their guards and wings. I don't mind the match up at all and we *should* spank 'em.
Quote from: Canned Goods n Ammo on December 01, 2014, 03:30:05 PM
I agree, and I've always like Juan... but just think of where we were 1 month ago (much less a year ago).
Nothing but low expectations and question marks for Juan.
Now he's considered an "automatic" for big minutes.
Interesting shift.
I've always liked Juan, too. I took a lot of $hit (and deservedly so) from my Marquette buds the last three years, but he's pretty much indispensable now.
Quote from: jsglow on December 01, 2014, 03:55:37 PM
Seeing as we're talking about Juan and the Seniors.....
I took note at the 'fight' at the 12 minute mark. Clearly Wojo was exercised going into the timeout. (Someone GIF that F*ck! Wojo screamed as he got up from the bench.) Anyway, it seems that Derrick and Juan might have started the verbal exchange out of mutual frustration. Fine. So be it. Both cooled with Steve's help (as did Wojo) and our two captains played absolutely outstanding ball for about the next 8 minutes. Re-watch the DVR. Both played great maximizing what they do well to will us to the lead.
Juan this year is reminding me of Lockett two years ago. I'm not sure if statistically that pans out, but they are both smart, high-energy players. Great role guys.
Quote from: The Sultan of Sunshine on December 02, 2014, 07:25:22 AM
Juan this year is reminding me of Lockett two years ago. I'm not sure if statistically that pans out, but they are both smart, high-energy players. Great role guys.
Agree 100% Sultan. Put some talent around them (as I think we might be beginning to see especially as it pertains to Derrick) and what they do well starts to shine.
Quote from: 77ncaachamps on December 01, 2014, 06:26:04 PM
No doubt but it's simply based on production.
The "shift" wouldn't take place if he wasn't producing.
Right, but we're talking about 7 games, and his performances have been pretty up and down.
Listen, I love Juan more than most, I'm merely pointing out the fickle nature of fans (including me).
Before the season, Juan was a huge question mark. 7 games in, and everybody is okay with him playing 30+ minutes every night?
We are an interesting bunch. I wonder how we will feel 7 games from now.
Quote from: Canned Goods n Ammo on December 02, 2014, 09:40:31 AM
Right, but we're talking about 7 games, and his performances have been pretty up and down.
Listen, I love Juan more than most, I'm merely pointing out the fickle nature of fans (including me).
Before the season, Juan was a huge question mark. 7 games in, and everybody is okay with him playing 30+ minutes every night?
We are an interesting bunch. I wonder how we will feel 7 games from now.
I think Juan is fine against average competition, against a Michigan St., he is average at best. I told a friend of mine, Juan will only score 6 points against Mich. St., and that is all he got.
Juan is a mismatch if he goes out and hit the open shot, inside he is to small and skinny, lets see how he does against the Badgers, anything above 6 points is a good game.