1. Nova is #7 in the country. MU is bad. Predictable results
2. Carlino's fall was one of the scariest things I have seen recently.
3. Nobody can complain about lack of minutes tonight.
4. Raftery sounded bored. Can you blame him?
5. MU's young guys now know what a top 10 looks like. The bar has been set. Get to work.
I got gas.
Not sure how anyone can disagree with any of that tower. We aren't good. Nova is. They have the horses and go deep too.
Lots to work on.
Wow this season sucks hard
This is the first time all year that MU looked totally outclassed. Competing hard wasn't enough tonight. MU's record is about what I (and Pomeroy, and every objective prognosticator) thought it would be. The team has give its all. Tonight, MU learned what a really good team looks like at their gym. I just hope it doesn't break their will.
We failed to capitalize on early turnovers and they made us pay repeatedly. Carlino's fall was terrifying. Honestly not sure he should have been allowed back in. Could very well have been concussed.
I think we're St. Louis right now.
JJJ, Du Wilson, Fischer, Cohen all need to hit weight room for next year. Every other team seems much stronger and built better. Like men against HS players.
JJJ played a lot and was 4 for 12. At least he showed some offensive initiative/option besides
Carlino.
MU has some tough games coming up, hope they can win a few to close out season, but we shall see. It will be a significant challenge
Quote from: tower912 on February 04, 2015, 08:04:22 PM
This is the first time all year that MU looked totally outclassed. Competing hard wasn't enough tonight. MU's record is about what I (and Pomeroy, and every objective prognosticator) thought it would be. The team has give its all. Tonight, MU learned what a really good team looks like at their gym. I just hope it doesn't break their will.
Al had teams like this as well. Played hard but outclassed. We always supported the team. They deserve it when they give their all. Wojo will keep them together and they will fight the good fight and real fans will continue to watch their progress.
The team made 15 two-point attempts.
15!!
They're better 1 through 8.
Leading scorer, with two threes made and no turnovers: JaJuan Johnson. 4-12, but whatever. Let him roll, we might not win another game either way.
Keep recruitin'.
Quote from: nyg on February 04, 2015, 08:08:52 PM
JJJ, Du Wilson, Fischer, Cohen all need to hit weight room for next year. Every other team seems much stronger and built better. Like men against HS players.
I miss DJO and Crowder. Nothing like the dude that looks like he could kick the other guys' butts, and does...and screams "And 1" to boot.
Quote from: Atticus on February 04, 2015, 08:11:09 PM
The team made 15 two-point attempts.
15!!
Nothing wrong with that, Villanova made 12. Just added 11 threes and 13 free throws to the mix.
Quote from: Class71 on February 04, 2015, 08:09:42 PM
Al had teams like this as well. Played hard but outclassed. We always supported the team. They deserve it when they give their all. Wojo will keep them together and they will fight the good fight and real fans will continue to watch their progress.
My time at MU was the last two years of Majerus and the first two under Dukiet. Never missed a home game that took place while I was on campus. My continued support is a given.
Quote from: tower912 on February 04, 2015, 07:55:35 PM
1. Nova is #7 in the country. MU is bad. Predictable results
2. Carlino's fall was one of the scariest things I have seen recently.
3. Nobody can complain about lack of minutes tonight.
4. Raftery sounded bored. Can you blame him?
5. MU's young guys now know what a top 10 looks like. The bar has been set. Get to work.
6. Wojo better find a passionate rebounder for next year.
Quote from: moomoo on February 04, 2015, 08:18:45 PM
6. Wojo better find a passionate rebounder for next year.
Unfortunately, our most passionate rebounder is our point guard.
Box score. Oy.
http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/boxscore?gameId=400588443
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on February 04, 2015, 08:21:25 PM
Unfortunately, our most passionate rebounder is our point guard.
Too bad he is the worst PG in the history of PGs.
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on February 04, 2015, 08:21:25 PM
Unfortunately, our most passionate rebounder is our point guard.
Point guardS...tonight Carlino was our leading rebounder.
One day closer to the end of this season.
One thing to keep in mind, we had very quality looks, especially early. Some is dead legs some is just trying too hard.
next year those shots will fall and it'll be a different team.
Side note, not even close to an impact this game, but Wojo has got to get some respect from the officials somehow. There were calls that just should be made(when Sandy was taken out mid-court in this game) and egregious ones missed the previous 3 games. Not saying there is a bias but we are getting no respect whatsoever.
Didn't really see much of the game but a couple of things
1. Good to see JJJ at least hit 2-3 3s. Man he needs some sort of confidence
2. I know it was probably more a result of it being a game where we were owned and simple not good enough for....but those are the minutes Id like to see for rest of year or pretty close. Less for Juan, more for Duane.
Quote from: HaywardsHeroes32 on February 04, 2015, 08:36:06 PM
Didn't really see much of the game but a couple of things
1. Good to see JJJ at least hit 2-3 3s. Man he needs some sort of confidence
2. I know it was probably more a result of it being a game where we were owned and simple not good enough for....but those are the minutes Id like to see for rest of year or pretty close. Less for Juan, more for Duane.
That stat isn't accurate. He missed his first two before hitting any. But agree in spirit.
Seeing the talent level differences tonight really highlights the importance of Wojo's recruiting for those last three spots in 2015.
Quote from: mu03eng on February 04, 2015, 08:28:56 PM
One thing to keep in mind, we had very quality looks, especially early. Some is dead legs some is just trying too hard.
next year those shots will fall and it'll be a different team.
Side note, not even close to an impact this game, but Wojo has got to get some respect from the officials somehow. There were calls that just should be made(when Sandy was taken out mid-court in this game) and egregious ones missed the previous 3 games. Not saying there is a bias but we are getting no respect whatsoever.
What? Quality looks early and we had dead legs? Seriously? This team is pretty bad. Plain and simple. No shooters other than Carlino. We have basically four guys coming back (STJ has checked out) Next year will be just as bad as this year.
Quote from: HaywardsHeroes32 on February 04, 2015, 08:36:06 PM
Didn't really see much of the game but a couple of things
1. Good to see JJJ at least hit 2-3 3s. Man he needs some sort of confidence
2. I know it was probably more a result of it being a game where we were owned and simple not good enough for....but those are the minutes Id like to see for rest of year or pretty close. Less for Juan, more for Duane.
I have be seeing this trend as well. Last few games, no calls. Granted, we are not good, but we are just not getting any help and I don't see anything changing anytime soon. 4 of 7 at the charity stripe tonight.
Maybe. Depends on who Wojo can sign with the last 3 schollies.
Quote from: 79Warrior on February 04, 2015, 09:01:25 PM
What? Quality looks early and we had dead legs? Seriously? This team is pretty bad. Plain and simple. No shooters other than Carlino. We have basically four guys coming back (STJ has checked out) Next year will be just as bad as this year.
Yes seriously, they had at least 15 chances at the rim they didn't convert. Duane and Luke got to the rim pretty regularly in the first 10 minutes and couldn't finish. The team's not good, but they are not nearly as bad as the record or the stats.
Respect the process.
Quote from: nyg on February 04, 2015, 08:08:52 PM
JJJ, Du Wilson, Fischer, Cohen all need to hit weight room for next year. Every other team seems much stronger and built better. Like men against HS players.
Sandy is only months out of high school, he gets a pass for this year but better show up bigger and stronger next year. Don't think strength is the most pressing problem for JJJ and Duane, but time in the weight room wouldn't hurt. Luke is another story altogether. A 2nd semester sophomore shouldn't be getting pushed around like this. When this season ends he should hit the weights and pretty much forget the gym for a while.
Quote from: nyg on February 04, 2015, 08:08:52 PM
JJJ, Du Wilson, Fischer, Cohen all need to hit weight room for next year. Every other team seems much stronger and built better. Like men against HS players.
JJJ played a lot and was 4 for 12. At least he showed some offensive initiative/option besides
Carlino.
MU has some tough games coming up, hope they can win a few to close out season, but we shall see. It will be a significant challenge
Yep. My first impression last Fall was that this is a small and non-physical team. I still ave that impression.
Quote from: tower912 on February 04, 2015, 08:23:43 PM
Box score. Oy.
http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/boxscore?gameId=400588443
Wow--Oy is right. One guy with 10 pts.
Yeah but, everyone scored.
Outmanned! Weight Room.
No more "Practice Free Throw" threads.....it is time for a "Practice Layups" thread or two-hundred.
This was the 1st putrid game of year.
Two positives I got tonight were: 1) JJJ looks like he may still have something to offer and the future looks bright for MUBB w/Du, Luke, Sandy and that Henry McStud
Quote from: Lennys Tap on February 04, 2015, 09:10:50 PM
Sandy is only months out of high school, he gets a pass for this year but better show up bigger and stronger next year. Don't think strength is the most pressing problem for JJJ and Duane, but time in the weight room wouldn't hurt. Luke is another story altogether. A 2nd semester sophomore shouldn't be getting pushed around like this. When this season ends he should hit the weights and pretty much forget the gym for a while.
Fischer had a shoulder issue coming from IU. I'd imagine that has at least something to do with his relative lack of strength at this point in his career. Tough to add much muscle and bulk with that type of injury.
Quote from: MerrittsMustache on February 04, 2015, 10:33:48 PM
Fischer had a shoulder issue coming from IU. I'd imagine that has at least something to do with his relative lack of strength at this point in his career. Tough to add much muscle and bulk with that type of injury.
Forgot about that. If that's what kept him out of thr weight room he gets a pass.
Quote from: Stone Cold on February 04, 2015, 08:06:20 PM
I think we're St. Louis right now.
Shut the unnatural carnal knowledge up with this narrative. St. Louis's dont get top 5 recruiting classes.
We kept the score down because we take up a lot of time with each offensive possession, but I think our defense was at least as big a problem as our offense, particularly after it was tied 12-12. Their guards got wherever they wanted on the floor, open threes in abundance, lots of drives and dishes for easy buckets and we had atrocious defensive rebounding.
Just outmanned.
The staff seems to be really pushing hard for a JUCO PG, but games like this illustrate how badly we need a rebounder. Doesn't have to be a great scorer, but someone like Dwight Burke would work wonders here. We're 332nd in allowing offensive boards and are losing 3 of our top 5 rebounders. Get a point that can complement Duane and a guy that can provide some width and physicality down low to help Luke and Henry and we'll be in much better shape.
At this point, someone who can get boards is more important to me than someone else who can score. Duane, Luke, Sandy, and Henry will all get at least some points. Maybe 40-50 per game between them, conservatively? But there doesn't seem to be much relief coming on the glass. Can't expect freshman Henry to do it all.
Quote from: mu03eng on February 04, 2015, 08:28:56 PM
Side note, not even close to an impact this game, but Wojo has got to get some respect from the officials somehow. There were calls that just should be made(when Sandy was taken out mid-court in this game) and egregious ones missed the previous 3 games. Not saying there is a bias but we are getting no respect whatsoever.
That'll happen when were not a 9th place team regularly relegated to FS2.
Quote from: Lennys Tap on February 04, 2015, 09:10:50 PM
Sandy is only months out of high school, he gets a pass for this year but better show up bigger and stronger next year. Don't think strength is the most pressing problem for JJJ and Duane, but time in the weight room wouldn't hurt. Luke is another story altogether. A 2nd semester sophomore shouldn't be getting pushed around like this. When this season ends he should hit the weights and pretty much forget the gym for a while.
I agree that the injury might have a lot to do with Luke's lack of off season weight room work. If he hopes to make the NBA, he must get much stronger.
Quote from: brewcity77 on February 05, 2015, 07:59:06 AM
The staff seems to be really pushing hard for a JUCO PG, but games like this illustrate how badly we need a rebounder. Doesn't have to be a great scorer, but someone like Dwight Burke would work wonders here. We're 332nd in allowing offensive boards and are losing 3 of our top 5 rebounders. Get a point that can complement Duane and a guy that can provide some width and physicality down low to help Luke and Henry and we'll be in much better shape.
At this point, someone who can get boards is more important to me than someone else who can score. Duane, Luke, Sandy, and Henry will all get at least some points. Maybe 40-50 per game between them, conservatively? But there doesn't seem to be much relief coming on the glass. Can't expect freshman Henry to do it all.
MU is not very good at boxing out. There were a few times during the second half when Nova would put up a shot and I'd pause the game (that's what you do during blowouts) and see at least 2-3 MU players watching while 2-3 Nova players were getting position and/or making a move toward the basket.
Luke needs to hit the boards harder. Plain and simple. An athletic 7-footer should be averaging significantly more than 5 boards in 28 minutes. Steve Taylor is averaging 4.6 in nearly 7 fewer minutes. Luke's rebounding total needs to be at least 7.5-8/game.
One thing is for certain. No one can bitch about minutes after that game. Everyone played 20+ but STJ. There are no hidden weapons available for Wojo. Incomplete team.
Wojo needs a Point Guard and a rebounder for next year. My take is neither is currently on the roster and relying on Frosh is dangerous. I suspect he'll find both as any JUCO or Grad Transfer will be able to see immediate high D-1 playing time. Any inability to reel those couple kids in would worry me.
Quote from: jsglow on February 05, 2015, 09:09:58 AM
Wojo needs a Point Guard and a rebounder for next year. My take is neither is currently on the roster and relying on Frosh is dangerous. I suspect he'll find both as any JUCO or Grad Transfer will be able to see immediate high D-1 playing time. Any inability to reel those couple kids in would worry me.
Marquette isn't physically strong enough for the BE right now. And I don't see that physicality coming in next year either. They need a badass rebounded forward.
Agree with everything being said. Would only add that the losing streak is certainly weighing on this team. They need something good to happen to get their heads back up.
They are called dumbells and they work, even for dummies. We are the scrawniest team in D1. (Derrick not included)
This can be fixed by next year but Wojo needs to push it now. Why wait.
Quote from: paddyquakes on February 05, 2015, 09:28:24 AM
They are called dumbells and they work, even for dummies. We are the scrawniest team in D1. (Derrick not included)
This can be fixed by next year but Wojo needs to push it now. Why wait.
You can only put so much weight on a frame. JJJ and Duane are slight. They can get stronger, but they aren't going to get "bulky" like Derrick because they don't have the frame.
A Faisal Abraham type would be perfect.
Maybe something will get STJ pissed and he'll turn into that badass rebounding machine. [/wishful thinking]
Quote from: MerrittsMustache on February 05, 2015, 08:19:53 AM
MU is not very good at boxing out. There were a few times during the second half when Nova would put up a shot and I'd pause the game (that's what you do during blowouts) and see at least 2-3 MU players watching while 2-3 Nova players were getting position and/or making a move toward the basket.
There were a couple times also when we had numbers under the boards. 4 gold shirts standing there on a missed shot and the 1 guy in white would pop up and get the put back attempt. Someone box him out and ANYONE else grab the damn ball.
Quote from: Nukem2 on February 04, 2015, 09:17:31 PM
Yep. My first impression last Fall was that this is a small and non-physical team. I still ave that impression.
Thanks to the phony cowboy, Burt, for leaving the program in such pee poor shape.
Among other issues, VU was way too quick for this team. Other than Duane, everyone else appears to be stuck in cement.
Glad to see Jujuan with double digits scoring, even in a blow-out. I'm worried about him and want so bad to see the Jujuan we thought we were getting from Memphis.
Quote from: dgies9156 on February 05, 2015, 12:04:15 PM
Glad to see Jujuan with double digits scoring, even in a blow-out. I'm worried about him and want so bad to see the Jujuan we thought we were getting from Memphis.
JJJ is a talented kid. The problem is that his current game simply isn't very well-rounded. He can put the ball in the hoop as long as he's playing under control but he doesn't always play under control and his offense isn't enough to overcome his deficiencies. In other words, he doesn't seem to have much interest in doing anything besides scoring.
That doesn't mean he can't have a valuable role on this team. He's built a bit in the Mayo/Buycks mold where every time he gets the ball, it could result in a highlight reel play or in a mind-boggling TO. He may carry the team to a tough road win one night and then be invisible for 3-4 games.
Last night it was great to see him knock down a couple 3s and show his mid-range game but it was also frustrating to watch him gamble for steals and show little desire to rebound. I don't think he's ever going to be "the man" for a Marquette team, but if he can play under control and begin to contribute more defensively and especially on the boards, he can be an important piece.
Quote from: dgies9156 on February 05, 2015, 12:04:15 PM
Glad to see Jujuan with double digits scoring, even in a blow-out. I'm worried about him and want so bad to see the Jujuan we thought we were getting from Memphis.
10pts on 12 shots though.
Quote from: MerrittsMustache on February 05, 2015, 12:29:32 PM
JJJ is a talented kid. The problem is that his current game simply isn't very well-rounded. He can put the ball in the hoop as long as he's playing under control but he doesn't always play under control and his offense isn't enough to overcome his deficiencies. In other words, he doesn't seem to have much interest in doing anything besides scoring.
That doesn't mean he can't have a valuable role on this team. He's built a bit in the Mayo/Buycks mold where every time he gets the ball, it could result in a highlight reel play or in a mind-boggling TO. He may carry the team to a tough road win one night and then be invisible for 3-4 games.
Last night it was great to see him knock down a couple 3s and show his mid-range game but it was also frustrating to watch him gamble for steals and show little desire to rebound. I don't think he's ever going to be "the man" for a Marquette team, but if he can play under control and begin to contribute more defensively and especially on the boards, he can be an important piece.
"Playing under control." Would you agree that most good players that eventually become really good have an element of playing out of control. (Westbrook, Wade, Iverson, hell..Vander, DJO, Jerel?) It's called being aggressive, and putting a ton of pressure on the defense. Yes, it leads to more turnovers/errors, but it often times leads to baskets, good looks for teammates, drawing fouls on the opposition.
You see Duane play the same way. Saw it with Todd Mayo. Is it frustrating at times? Absolutely. But, through experience, adding strength, by the time guys like Duane and JJJ are upperclassmen - usually this aggression begins to result in conversion a vast majority of the time.
You can't coach the aggressiveness out of a player - particularly not guys who can be go to guys. You have to have some alpha dogs on a team. Hell some bitched at Jamil for not being aggressive/assertive enough last season. Can't have it both ways.
Also, pretty sure JJJ was playing with an ankle injury last night.
Quote from: NersEllenson on February 05, 2015, 12:43:50 PM
You can't coach the aggressiveness out of a player - particularly not guys who can be go to guys. You have to have some alpha dogs on a team. Hell some bitched at Jamil for not being aggressive/assertive enough last season. Can't have it both ways.
Agree with this. But here is where you have to look at efficiency and usage. Happy to have an alpha dog on the team, if he's an efficient scorer. You can't be an alpha dog if you are the least efficient player on the team. JjJ needs to work on his efficiency and until he does, he needs to realize that he's not the alpha dog on the team, that's not his role. I wish Jamil would have had his aggressiveness because he was an efficient scorer.
Quote from: NersEllenson on February 05, 2015, 12:43:50 PM
Also, pretty sure JJJ was playing with an ankle injury last night.
I missed that, what happened?
Quote from: LAZER on February 05, 2015, 12:38:08 PM
10pts on 12 shots though.
I was glad to see JJJ get some time in that game. Honestly, I would have liked to see him play more after Carlino went down hard. Jajuan may not have played particularly well, but we didn't have a chance and rushing Carlino back onto the floor felt a bit negligent.
Quote from: brewcity77 on February 05, 2015, 02:49:34 PM
I was glad to see JJJ get some time in that game. Honestly, I would have liked to see him play more after Carlino went down hard. Jajuan may not have played particularly well, but we didn't have a chance and rushing Carlino back onto the floor felt a bit negligent.
Agreed on JJJ/Carlino. Matt didn't need to come back in the game. Let JJJ run the rest of the game.
Forgive me if this has been posted already -too many comments to read them all - but 'Nova toyed with us last night. They knew they were going to kill us, and they knew it was just a matter of playing serious basketball for a stretch and it would be over.
THat's what this season has come to now.
Quote from: LAZER on February 05, 2015, 12:38:08 PM
10pts on 12 shots though.
OMG - are we pretending that was a good performance last night? 4-12, that's 33% folks. He did miraculously hit what, a pair of threes? His shot off the side of the backboard/ padding was impressive.
As I've said before, we can and I think will replace him with someone better after this season mercifully ends. No need to continue to jam that square peg in a round hole and hold out hope against hope that he's any good at all.
Quote from: 4everwarriors on February 05, 2015, 11:07:34 AM
Among other issues...
Understatement of the year - we were completely outclassed last night in every way, shape, and form.
Juan Anderson seems to be getting worse as the season wears on, astounding for a senior in the last month and a half of his career. He was awful last night- there were 50/50 balls he wasn't getting to, misses from point blank range, perimeter shot as usual just terrible, hit nothing but the front of the net on a FT!! I am so glad he's almost done.
Quote from: HutchwasClutch on February 05, 2015, 07:31:54 PM
OMG - are we pretending that was a good performance last night? 4-12, that's 33% folks. He did miraculously hit what, a pair of threes? His shot off the side of the backboard/ padding was impressive.
As I've said before, we can and I think will replace him with someone better after this season mercifully ends. No need to continue to jam that square peg in a round hole and hold out hope against hope that he's any good at all.
Did you watch the game?
Marquette as a team shot 35% from the floor. JJJ's 33% shooting, while poor, was not even close to the worst shooting performance of the evening (Cohen, 1 for 7). NOBODY shot it at a 50% rate with Fischer and Duane leading the way at 44% each (4 for 9).
This is not the game to get on a guy for a 4 for 12 night from the field.
The team goes 21 for 60 during the game and you're going to complain about a guy shooting 4 for 12?
Quote from: mattyv1908 on February 05, 2015, 08:15:11 PM
Did you watch the game?
Marquette as a team shot 35% from the floor. JJJ's 33% shooting, while poor, was not even close to the worst shooting performance of the evening (Cohen, 1 for 7). NOBODY shot it at a 50% rate with Fischer and Duane leading the way at 44% each (4 for 9).
This is not the game to get on a guy for a 4 for 12 night from the field.
The team goes 21 for 60 during the game and you're going to complain about a guy shooting 4 for 12?
I was merely responding to some of the never ending optimism about JJJ on this board from some (a number which is dwindling by the day).
No sh** the whole team sucked last night, I think I made that clear in my other posts.
If you're looking to fight with someone, go somewhere else.
Quote from: HutchwasClutch on February 05, 2015, 07:35:52 PM
Juan Anderson seems to be getting worse as the season wears on, astounding for a senior in the last month and a half of his career. He was awful last night- there were 50/50 balls he wasn't getting to, misses from point blank range, perimeter shot as usual just terrible, hit nothing but the front of the net on a FT!! I am so glad he's almost done.
I love Juan. I love the energy he brings to the floor. Unfortunately energy alone is not enough, and I think his energy is running out. I would love to have Juan coming off the bench for 7-10 minutes a game--unfortunately I say that about way too many of our current players.
Quote from: connie on February 05, 2015, 08:33:11 PM
I love Juan. I love the energy he brings to the floor. Unfortunately energy alone is not enough, and I think his energy is running out. I would love to have Juan coming off the bench for 7-10 minutes a game--unfortunately I say that about way too many of our current players.
I think Juan's a good kid. After Carlino's fall he was right there by him on the bench.
But you're absolutely right, he's at best a role player playing way too many minutes, of which there are several on this team. Hence, why we're a 1/2 game now from last place in conference.
Quote from: LAZER on February 05, 2015, 12:38:08 PM
10pts on 12 shots though.
LAZER - I went back and read the quote that led to this reply. I took it out of context. Sorry I singled it out and ranted over it. Long day, my bad.
Quote from: HutchwasClutch on February 05, 2015, 07:31:54 PM
OMG - are we pretending that was a good performance last night? 4-12, that's 33% folks. He did miraculously hit what, a pair of threes? His shot off the side of the backboard/ padding was impressive.
As I've said before, we can and I think will replace him with someone better after this season mercifully ends. No need to continue to jam that square peg in a round hole and hold out hope against hope that he's any good at all.
Yeah 4-12 was not the stuff to write home about! Sort of like Derrick's 1-3 with a clanged FT, of which several on this board said "Derrick looked solid". But he did have a dunk this year so he is the man. Nobody, including the elite one had a performance that Bogie could say "That's the stuff that dream's are made of."
This team has regressed this year, and we can rag on the players and rave about our pets, but the bottom line is that we are not improving collectively. Now some of that is on Wojo and staff, while a lot of it is on the phony one's leaving the program in such lousy shape. Once again, thank you Burt!. May the door hit you in the ass at VT also.
"I will be at Marquette as long as they want me". That lie should go right up next to "If you like your Dr. and Plan, you can keep them". Now there would be a good Used car Sales Dealership--Buzz and Barry's Lemon Ade Pavilion.
Quote from: connie on February 05, 2015, 08:33:11 PM
I love Juan. I love the energy he brings to the floor. Unfortunately energy alone is not enough, and I think his energy is running out. I would love to have Juan coming off the bench for 7-10 minutes a game--unfortunately I say that about way too many of our current players.
Ideal roles:
Matt Carlino: 2nd scoring option, 25-30 mpg.
Derrick Wilson: Platoon PG, 20-25 mpg.
Duane Wilson: 3rd scoring option, 25-30 mpg.
Luke Fischer: Platoon C, 15-20 mpg.
Juan Anderson: Bench energy guy, 10-15 mpg.
Sandy Cohen: Bench scoring option, 10-15 mpg.
Steve Taylor: End of the bench, 5-10 mpg.
Jajuan Johnson: End of the bench, 5-10 mpg.
Actual roles:
Matt Carlino: 1st scoring option, 34.3 mpg.
Derrick Wilson: Starting PG, 34.3 mpg.
Duane Wilson: 2nd scoring option, 28.1 mpg.
Luke Fischer: Only C, 28.6 mpg.
Juan Anderson: Starting PF, 33.3 mpg.
Sandy Cohen: 6th man, 17.0 mpg
Steve Taylor: Energy off bench, 15.7 mpg.
Jajuan Johnson: Bench scoring option, 14.7 mpg.
Everyone on the team is being asked to do a bit more than they are suited for. If we had a true lead scoring option like Blue, DJO, or McNeal, if we had a center to platoon with Luke like Otule, if we had another starting caliber big like Burke or Barro, if we had a platoon PG like Acker or Cooby, then guys would play in roles they are suited for. Instead, we play the hand we're dealt and it's a testament to this team that it's been competitive.
Realistically, we're probably 3 pieces from being a good team. But two would have to be starters. Just not our year.
Brew- Does this leave much promise for next season? A LOT of guys are going to have to either take big steps up from their current "Ideal Positions" and/or come in as big impact freshmen for next season to be any different than this season.
Next year is probably going to be another rebuilding year. Assuming all of the underclassmen stay and that all 4 of recruits arrive:
1: Duane, NN, Haanif
2. JJJ, NN, Haanif
3. Sandy, WEllenson
4. Henry, STjr
5. Fischer, Heldt
Can Duane be a 25-30 mpg PG? Where does the outside shooting come from? Where does the rebounding come from? Will HEllenson be 25 mpg, 12/7 right away? Who leads? (I assume Duane and Luke) How quickly do the rest of the frosh adjust to the size and speed? This ain't Neenah. Take this year's stats, add in WEllenson's at Minnesota, and what do you have for next year? On paper, it isn't pretty. At least one more year of patience is going to be required.
Quote from: HutchwasClutch on February 05, 2015, 07:29:17 PM
Forgive me if this has been posted already -too many comments to read them all - but 'Nova toyed with us last night. They knew they were going to kill us, and they knew it was just a matter of playing serious basketball for a stretch and it would be over.
THat's what this season has come to now.
This.
It's not much fun when the entire second half is garbage time. It's also unfair to evaluate an individual's performance in said garbage time. All you can determine is whether a kid is still giving the effort.
I too though it might be best for Carlino to sit after the tumble. But I have to give the kid props for insisting on getting back out there to rejoin the fight. It's up to the trainer and Wojo to tell him to park it.
Quote from: jsglow on February 06, 2015, 08:03:38 AM
It's not much fun when the entire second half is garbage time. It's also unfair to evaluate an individual's performance in said garbage time. All you can determine is whether a kid is still giving the effort.
This.
JJJ was 4 for 12 overall, which doesn't look too bad in the context of the overall team performance. But he was only 1 for 7 in the first half. In the second half, when the game was already hopeless, he hit 3 for 5, with his first made shot coming midway through the half and MU down 20.
I like JJJ's athletic ability and aggressiveness, and hope he stays at MU because he can contribute once he learns to play under control. But people should not get too excited about this one game, given that 8 of his 10 points came while Nova was in cruise control.
And yes, I agree JJJ should have stayed in after Matt's fall.
Quote from: tower912 on February 06, 2015, 07:35:28 AM
Next year is probably going to be another rebuilding year. Assuming all of the underclassmen stay and that all 4 of recruits arrive:
1: Duane, NN, Haanif
2. JJJ, NN, Haanif
3. Sandy, WEllenson
4. Henry, STjr
5. Fischer, Heldt
Can Duane be a 25-30 mpg PG? Where does the outside shooting come from? Where does the rebounding come from? Will HEllenson be 25 mpg, 12/7 right away? Who leads? (I assume Duane and Luke) How quickly do the rest of the frosh adjust to the size and speed? This ain't Neenah. Take this year's stats, add in WEllenson's at Minnesota, and what do you have for next year? On paper, it isn't pretty. At least one more year of patience is going to be required.
That's why Spring signing is so important for Wojo this year. He simply must take advantage of the opportunity to get one or two more quality players and I think he can and will.
Consider his current efforts to recruit a PG. 'Son, I have minutes right now for a quality guard playing high D-1 ball. You'll play with a top recruiting class including the best new #4 in the country and be on national TV every game. Interested?'
Seriously, it's Wojo's responsibility to put a quality product on the floor next year. I don't think we're there yet but he has 3 more bites at the apple and I expect him to take advantage of that opportunity. This season I completely understand. Next season I expect victory. I've refused to be a 'sky is falling' guy. I understand why this year has gone the way it has. No problem, love our guys. But the apprenticeship ends and real progress must be demanded of our heavily funded program.
Quote from: jsglow on February 06, 2015, 08:48:09 AM
That's why Spring signing is so important for Wojo this year. He simply must take advantage of the opportunity to get one or two more quality players and I think he can and will.
Consider his current efforts to recruit a PG. 'Son, I have minutes right now for a quality guard playing high D-1 ball. You'll play with a top recruiting class including the best new #4 in the country and be on national TV every game. Interested?'
Seriously, it's Wojo's responsibility to put a quality product on the floor next year. I don't think we're there yet but he has 3 more bites at the apple and I expect him to take advantage of that opportunity. This season I completely understand. Next season I expect victory. I've refused to be a 'sky is falling' guy. I understand why this year has gone the way it has. No problem, love our guys. But the apprenticeship ends and real progress must be demanded of our heavily funded program.
I'm thinking next year's team that we'll be like more Seton Hall this year. They had a good recruiting class come in this season.
Quote from: MU Fan in Connecticut on February 06, 2015, 09:19:47 AM
I'm thinking next year's team that we'll be like more Seton Hall this year. They had a good recruiting class come in this season.
I hope that's true. But we could also be like Vanderbilt. Seven of their top eight scorers are freshmen (5) or sophomores (2). Collectively, the five frosh average 35.6 out of Vandy's 70 ppg, and the two sophs average another 23.8. Beyond that, the only key contributor is a senior who averages 8.5 ppg and 5.4 ppg.
I expect MU to get a little more production out of our juniors (Luke and JJJ) and senior (STJr), but fully expect that the bulk of our production will probably come from frosh and sophs.
With this profile, Vandy is 12-10, and 2-7 in the SEC (i.e., just marginally better than MU today).
I'd like to see us look like SHU, understand that it could be more like Vandy, and expect it to be somewhere in between. Spring recruiting could nudge us one way of the other.
Just as long as we see progress next year. I've actually been impressed with the way we've played at home but Wojo can learn some lessons this year.
My observation is that the teams and the fan bases tend to be a reflection of the coach. Our coach is a winner and therefore, or team will be winning for a long time to come.
Quote from: mu03eng on February 04, 2015, 09:05:48 PM
Yes seriously, they had at least 15 chances at the rim they didn't convert. Duane and Luke got to the rim pretty regularly in the first 10 minutes and couldn't finish. The team's not good, but they are not nearly as bad as the record or the stats.
Respect the process.
It works both ways, two years ago they weren't nearly as good as their Big East record and subsequent Elite Eight run as most of their late wins were won by a possession or two (and a few we got lucky with a key player for the other team being out). Yet, at the time, whenever I brought that up, everyone else would dismiss it and criticize me for mentioning it.