1. Beggars can't be choosers.
2. Won the rebounding battle.
3. On to New York.
http://scores.espn.go.com/ncb/boxscore?gameId=400588483
Teve-o with 12 rebounds in 24 minutes. Got to play him and Luke together more minutes.
Hope the past two games are building blocks for Steve. Take physical play and rebounds, add one more component (ideally good defense), and he can have a nice senior year.
With Steve and Luke in together, I liked JJ in as well. Really understands how to get the ball into the post guys.
Both twins, finally!
At least we won't be 20 game losers.
Steve and Luke work great together and it allows Steve to focus more on his game(except for the taking 3s part).
He's also way more efficient because his baskets are basically wide open after luke draws the defender or off his offensive rebound.
JJJ worked great with them too. His passing when he gets an opening is fantastic.
Hope these 3 are big pieces next year. Steve could potentially surprise playing alongside Luke and Henry all year.
Duane....consistency is only thing holding him back from All American potential in a few years
Quote from: HaywardsHeroes32 on March 07, 2015, 08:15:39 PM
Steve and Luke work great together and it allows Steve to focus more on his game(except for the taking 3s part).
He's also way more efficient because his baskets are basically wide open after luke draws the defender or off his offensive rebound.
JJJ worked great with them too. His passing when he gets an opening is fantastic.
Hope these 3 are big pieces next year. Steve could potentially surprise playing alongside Luke and Henry all year.
Duane....consistency is only thing holding him back from All American potential in a few years
Agree, especially on the Steve parts. Many of his minutes this season were at the 5 with Juan at the 4, but he is sooooo much more effective at the 4 with Luke in the middle.
Might get even better if he gets to play at the 3 next season alongside Luke and Henry.
Quote from: GooooMarquette on March 07, 2015, 08:21:44 PM
Agree, especially on the Steve parts. Many of his minutes this season were at the 5 with Juan at the 4, but he is sooooo much more effective at the 4 with Luke in the middle.
Might get even better if he gets to play at the 3 next season alongside Luke and Henry.
Henry at the 3 (he can play that right?), Steve at 4, Luke at 5 could be nasssttyyy.
Quote from: GooooMarquette on March 07, 2015, 08:21:44 PM
Agree, especially on the Steve parts. Many of his minutes this season were at the 5 with Juan at the 4, but he is sooooo much more effective at the 4 with Luke in the middle.
Might get even better if he gets to play at the 3 next season alongside Luke and Henry.
Yeah I was thinking about suggesting hkm at the 3 as well. That's some great size. Since Henry is a stretch 4 I don't see why that wouldn't work. Wojo will have to cement it in steves head to not go behind the 3pt line though lol.
Or as zebra said..Henry could probably just technically be the 3 as well.
Next year is going to be so much better. Idk about how much success but at least we are going to have legitimate lineup options.
I doubt we'll see a ton of Henry, Steve, and Hank all on the court at once next year. That leaves Heldt as the only guy with any size on the bench, and I'm not sure he'll be ready to contribute a whole lot next year. You can't risk a lot of fouls to those 3 while they're all on the court. My guess is Steve comes off the bench mainly to ensure we always have 2 bigs available even if one gets in foul trouble.
When is the last time MU had at least 3 guys 6'9" or taller? Or 4 guys 6'7" or taller?
At least STJ is giving everyone reason for optimism going into next year, because three- four weeks ago, I don't think anyone on this board felt that way. I sure didn't. Really happy to see him contribute like he has. I do wish he would keep his offensive game from 17 feet on in. It seems he takes 1 or 2 threes every game, and since the Creighton road loss has been coming up empty. His ideal range just isn't out to 20 feet.
Boy, Duane has had some really nice games this year, and other ones in which he's just been awful like today. It seemed like he sat quite awhile to finish the game today.
There was one play in the second half today that he turned it over against the press where all he needed to do was put the ball on the floor and dribble it straight up court, it was completely open in front of him. Not sure where his head was today.
Like many here, I'm not a huge fan of Derrick's as a player at least, but so happy for him that he came back quickly from the injury and then sunk 4/4 FT's to end the game today.
Quote from: Norm on March 07, 2015, 09:52:36 PM
When is the last time MU had at least 3 guys 6'9" or taller? Or 4 guys 6'7" or taller?
05-06, when we had five guys listed at 6'9" and taller:
Kinsella 7'0"
Barro 6'10"
Grimm 6'10"
Novak 6'10"
Fitzgerald 6'9"
We also had Burke and Amoroso at 6'8" and Lott at 6'7". That's eight guys at least 6'7"!
At least Duane has three more years. He still has a lot of work to do but has some talent.
If JJJ had better handles I would love to see him have a chance to run the point. Probably the best distributor on our team and can drive to the basket. Thoughts?
His length would give him an advantage but I don't know if he's quick enough to get the corner on pg's consistently.
I've been a harsh critic of JJJ, but that kid is really, really good in the open court, finishes well, makes good decisions, goes strong. That aspect of the game, he's fun to watch, plus he just kind of glides toward the rim.
If he could just shoot it better from outside of 10-15 feet. That part of his game has to improve.
Quote from: ChitownJuan on March 07, 2015, 10:08:16 PM
If JJJ had better handles I would love to see him have a chance to run the point. Probably the best distributor on our team and can drive to the basket. Thoughts?
But if he can't shoot, which he hasn't shown he can do yet, teams will just sag way off of him and take away his drive. Thus making him an ineffective PG. His outside shot has to get better.
Another thing about JJJ that's troubling, the good games he's had this year have all been at home. Check out his home/road splits, especially shooting (not that he's setting the world on fire at the Bradley Center either), but he's been a total non-factor in every road game, and road shooting percentage is in the 20% range. His one road performance that doesn't look terrible on paper was against 'Nova, and that was well after that game got out of control.
Quote from: GooooMarquette on March 07, 2015, 10:03:16 PM
05-06, when we had five guys listed at 6'9" and taller:
Kinsella 7'0"
Barro 6'10"
Grimm 6'10"
Novak 6'10"
Fitzgerald 6'9"
We also had Burke and Amoroso at 6'8" and Lott at 6'7". That's eight guys at least 6'7"!
And not a single one a solid post player. The Tanned Tommy Tradition
Quote from: HutchwasClutch on March 07, 2015, 10:15:54 PM
Another thing about JJJ that's troubling, the good games he's had this year have all been at home. Check out his home/road splits, especially shooting (not that he's setting the world on fire at the Bradley Center either), but he's been a total non-factor in every road game, and road shooting percentage is in the 20% range. His one road performance that doesn't look terrible on paper was against 'Nova, and that was well after that game got out of control.
He was key at SHu as well. Not great % I don't believe but he was big.
But yeah you're rifht. He hasn't been a road warrior yet. But really aside from Matt and maybe a little streaky Duane...who has lol
Another problem with him as PG - I don't think he's nearly strong enough to withstand the pounding of going into the paint - he gets knocked off balance fairly easily a lot when he puts it on the floor and there's contact.
Quote from: HaywardsHeroes32 on March 07, 2015, 10:20:26 PM
He was key at SHu as well. Not great % I don't believe but he was big.
But yeah you're rifht. He hasn't been a road warrior yet. But really aside from Matt and maybe a little streaky Duane...who has lol
Now that you mention it, he did have a nice game against Seton Hall, and we probably don't win that one without his performance.
Quote from: ChitownJuan on March 07, 2015, 10:08:16 PM
If JJJ had better handles I would love to see him have a chance to run the point. Probably the best distributor on our team and can drive to the basket. Thoughts?
Yep, like some of his reads but just don't know if handles would ever be a part of his game or if he'd be comfortable with the ball always in his hands. But I'll take a two guard that can feed the bigs.
Quote from: HutchwasClutch on March 07, 2015, 10:27:28 PM
Another problem with him as PG - I don't think he's nearly strong enough to withstand the pounding of going into the paint - he gets knocked off balance fairly easily a lot when he puts it on the floor and there's contact.
It's a problem for him at any position. Has got to pump the iron and chug the Muscle Milk over the next eight months.
Quote from: Stone Cold on March 07, 2015, 10:04:39 PM
At least Duane has three more years. He still has a lot of work to do but has some talent.
In general, I don't believe Duane has shown the kind of decision-making instincts that top point guards have. He charges way too much, dribbles into traffic way too much, and looks for himself instead of others way too much.
He might yet grow into that role, at least on a part-time basis, but we have seen over the course of the season why Wojo regards him as more of a 2-guard.
Still very high on Duane and think he can be a heck of an impact player, especially if he gets a little more consistent with his outside shot.
Quote from: MU82 on March 07, 2015, 10:49:04 PM
In general, I don't believe Duane has shown the kind of decision-making instincts that top point guards have. He charges way too much, dribbles into traffic way too much, and looks for himself instead of others way too much.
He might yet grow into that role, at least on a part-time basis, but we have seen over the course of the season why Wojo regards him as more of a 2-guard.
Still very high on Duane and think he can be a heck of an impact player, especially if he gets a little more consistent with his outside shot.
Nailed it, good analysis.
C'mon, the height on next year's team is nothing compared to when we had the 6'8" M(arcus)agic Jackson running the point!
Quote from: chapman on March 07, 2015, 10:43:23 PM
It's a problem for him at any position. Has got to pump the iron and chug the Muscle Milk over the next eight months.
That does beg the question, how come he's almost two full seasons in at MU, and still has these incredibly skinny arms and small upper body? What have they been doing with him since the summer of 2013???
I doubt we'll see Henry at the three very often next year. I know we've heard about his perimeter game and how he has a great handle for a big man but this is high major college basketball. I don't think he would have the handle, speed, or quickness to keep up with other BEast wings. He'll spend more time at the 5 than he will at the 3. I think our line up in the post will look something like:
4: Henry 20 minutes, Steve 20 minutes
5: Luke 25 minutes, Henry 10 minutes, Heldt 5 minutes
Quote from: TAMU Eagle on March 07, 2015, 11:26:31 PM
I doubt we'll see Henry at the three very often next year. I know we've heard about his perimeter game and how he has a great handle for a big man but this is high major college basketball. I don't think he would have the handle, speed, or quickness to keep up with other BEast wings. He'll spend more time at the 5 than he will at the 3. I think our line up in the post will look something like:
4: Henry 20 minutes, Steve 20 minutes
5: Luke 25 minutes, Henry 10 minutes, Heldt 5 minutes
I think you'll be surprised by Hank's skills. He's certainly got the ability to play the 3. I just don't think we'll see it due to only having 2 other bigs who I think will be able to contribute.
Quote from: wadesworld on March 07, 2015, 11:32:51 PM
I think you'll be surprised by Hank's skills. He's certainly got the ability to play the 3. I just don't think we'll see it due to only having 2 other bigs who I think will be able to contribute.
I hope you're right but I just don't see it. That being said, I think he will be a dominate PF.
Quote from: ChitownJuan on March 07, 2015, 10:08:16 PM
If JJJ had better handles I would love to see him have a chance to run the point. Probably the best distributor on our team and can drive to the basket. Thoughts?
So....we have come full circle now...JJJ shouldn't be playing and will transfer to playing him at the point? let's see in some posts above we have
C Fischer
PF Steve
SF Henry
2G ?
PG JJJ or Carter
Guess this means that Duane goes from All American to bench buddy, according to some speculation. I guess we fans are really fickle based on one or two games. (and in some cases, 0 games)
It's an interesting situation. Duane seems to have the slightly better handle and is certainly a better shooter, but JJJ seems better at distributing the ball inside. The question I have with both whether they can consistently bring it up against pressure without turning it over. Even with the shooting flaws, we could almost always count on Derrick getting us up court safely.
The last guy we had who could consistently dribble against pressure, pass and shoot was Acker. Before that, it was Diener.
JJj can never be a point guard. He has trouble any time anyone guards him tight. I don't like him bringing the ball up anytime.
DePaul men's basketball, like the Bears, still sucks. What is the deal their program has perenially been in the Big East basement? They paid a lot of money to bring in Purnell, a guy who was successful at two schools prior to DePaul, one of them being Clemson, not exactly an ACC power.
Quote from: TAMU Eagle on March 07, 2015, 11:26:31 PM
I doubt we'll see Henry at the three very often next year. I know we've heard about his perimeter game and how he has a great handle for a big man but this is high major college basketball. I don't think he would have the handle, speed, or quickness to keep up with other BEast wings. He'll spend more time at the 5 than he will at the 3. I think our line up in the post will look something like:
4: Henry 20 minutes, Steve 20 minutes
5: Luke 25 minutes, Henry 10 minutes, Heldt 5 minutes
Have you seen Henry in person?
Duane reminds me of Jerel his freshman year: there's a noticeable smoothness to his game, but he's a poor decisionmaker. That will change--he's still a freshman after all and won't be raw forever. It will also benefit him that he seems to have the intangibles like leadership (even as a frosh). Jerel looked so much more comfortable in his decionmaking his 2nd year and I expect Duane will too. (But probably not as a our PG.)
I'm still of the opinion that we'll see Luke, Steve and Henry together for significant stretches. Some have argued that this leaves no big in reserve. Sorry. THIS year we had no big in reserve whatsoever and we're still seeing the Luke/Steve combo emerge. Yesterday they played exactly 22 minutes together, with absolutely no one in reserve. And I think we can all agree that they are starting to develop some real chemistry together. I'm confident Wojo sees it.
I promise that anyone we put on the floor next year at the #5 will be a huge upgrade to when we were forced to ask Juan to give it a few minutes this year. Heldt isn't a walk on. He's playing meaningful BEast minutes next year. Guessing about 5-10. Plus Henry is certainly an option at the #5 and will likely see 30+ minutes somewhere every night.
Quote from: TAMU Eagle on March 07, 2015, 11:26:31 PM
I doubt we'll see Henry at the three very often next year. I know we've heard about his perimeter game and how he has a great handle for a big man but this is high major college basketball. I don't think he would have the handle, speed, or quickness to keep up with other BEast wings. He'll spend more time at the 5 than he will at the 3. I think our line up in the post will look something like:
4: Henry 20 minutes, Steve 20 minutes
5: Luke 25 minutes, Henry 10 minutes, Heldt 5 minutes
Henry isn't a post player. I would be very surprised.
Quote from: HutchwasClutch on March 07, 2015, 09:55:05 PM
At least STJ is giving everyone reason for optimism going into next year, because three- four weeks ago, I don't think anyone on this board felt that way. I sure didn't. Really happy to see him contribute like he has. I do wish he would keep his offensive game from 17 feet on in. It seems he takes 1 or 2 threes every game, and since the Creighton road loss has been coming up empty. His ideal range just isn't out to 20 feet.
You think some of this might just possibly be -- coaching?
I was there yesterday and while the game was against DePaul, I felt there were some promising takeaways. When help arrives, we'll be in a much better position.
Some thoughts:
1) Way too many threes as a percentage of our shots. Seemed like we always either raced down and heaved a three up or jammed it inside. We didn't seem to be able to get many mid-range jumpers.
2) Was Carlino off-balance way too often when shooting threes? Maybe it was my vantage point, but he seemed like he was leaning or on one foot too often when he shot.
3) Steve was a strong presence. Way to go Stevie! Luke was the stud because of you!
4) Maybe I'm looking for a needle in a haystack, but it sure seemed at yesterday's game like there was something to build off for next year.
There is something to build off next year but MU played a horribly coached DePaul team, that looked like they could have cared less. MU will be better just because what is being subtracted and the additions so far that they are getting. Even without a point guard in tow yet it will be better than last. Luke better, having Ellenson will give MU size and scoring, Taylor a little, add a
back-up in Heldt frontcourt fine. Then who knows, is Duane a potential star player or just a player? Yesterday he was horrible. There will be playing time for the other 3 spots, hope a few can improve.
Quote from: dgies9156 on March 08, 2015, 10:06:36 AM
You think some of this might just possibly be -- coaching?
I was there yesterday and while the game was against DePaul, I felt there were some promising takeaways. When help arrives, we'll be in a much better position.
Some thoughts:
1) Way too many threes as a percentage of our shots. Seemed like we always either raced down and heaved a three up or jammed it inside. We didn't seem to be able to get many mid-range jumpers.
2) Was Carlino off-balance way too often when shooting threes? Maybe it was my vantage point, but he seemed like he was leaning or on one foot too often when he shot.
3) Steve was a strong presence. Way to go Stevie! Luke was the stud because of you!
4) Maybe I'm looking for a needle in a haystack, but it sure seemed at yesterday's game like there was something to build off for next year.
Carlino seemed to be rushing his shot at times, so yeah I agree with #2.
And I do agree with #4. I have said this for awhile, but there are a number of things to build on for next year even in the final couple weeks.
Quote from: BCHoopster on March 08, 2015, 10:12:05 AM
There is something to build off next year but MU played a horribly coached DePaul team, that looked like they could have cared less. MU will be better just because what is being subtracted and the additions so far that they are getting. Even without a point guard in tow yet it will be better than last. Luke better, having Ellenson will give MU size and scoring, Taylor a little, add a
back-up in Heldt frontcourt fine. Then who knows, is Duane a potential star player or just a player? Yesterday he was horrible. There will be playing time for the other 3 spots, hope a few can improve.
Yes, a horribly coached Depaul team. They were rushing down the court and just firing away, defense was just fair.
How does Purnell last? He has a 33% record at Depaul. Other coaches have been terminated for much less than his performance as head coach.
Quote from: nyg on March 08, 2015, 10:18:12 AM
Yes, a horribly coached Depaul team. They were rushing down the court and just firing away, defense was just fair.
How does Purnell last? He has a 33% record at Depaul. Other coaches have been terminated for much less than his performance as head coach.
Big contract buy out.
Really the last two hires have been awful. They went the old retread route in Wainwright and Purnell after Leitao had some success, but then left them for Virginia.
That franchise is in need of a young, energetic guy. I wonder if a guy like Isaac Chew would be good for them given his Chicago connections.
Quote from: The Sultan of Sunshine on March 08, 2015, 10:13:13 AM
Carlino seemed to be rushing his shot at times, so yeah I agree with #2.
I am totally fine with Carlinos shot selection since returning from injury. He had some dust to knock off and did so. The make up of this team requires Carlino to bomb away.
Carlino was just a bit off yesterday. It happens.
Quote from: real chili 83 on March 08, 2015, 09:27:58 AM
Have you seen Henry in person?
I have not, so I fully admit I could be wrong. This isn't the first time I've heard of a high school kid with Henry's size who is supposedly quick enough to play the 3. They almost always end up playing the 4. You are who you can guard, and I think we will see Henry guarding the post with Luke.
Quote from: TAMU Eagle on March 08, 2015, 12:30:42 PM
I have not, so I fully admit I could be wrong. This isn't the first time I've heard of a high school kid with Henry's size who is supposedly quick enough to play the 3. They almost always end up playing the 4. You are who you can guard, and I think we will see Henry guarding the post with Luke.
Don't know about the quickness aspect but he may have better handles than anybody on our team not named Duane Wilson. I would love to see a big boy lineup of Fischer, Teve and Henry.
Quote from: HutchwasClutch on March 07, 2015, 09:55:05 PM
At least STJ is giving everyone reason for optimism going into next year, because three- four weeks ago, I don't think anyone on this board felt that way. I sure didn't. Really happy to see him contribute like he has. I do wish he would keep his offensive game from 17 feet on in. It seems he takes 1 or 2 threes every game, and since the Creighton road loss has been coming up empty. His ideal range just isn't out to 20 feet.
Steve has been awesome the past two games in a definite position of need. Keep pulling down boards and you will be a very valuable part of next year's team.
Quote from: dgies9156 on March 08, 2015, 10:06:36 AM
You think some of this might just possibly be -- coaching?
I was there yesterday and while the game was against DePaul, I felt there were some promising takeaways. When help arrives, we'll be in a much better position.
Some thoughts:
1) Way too many threes as a percentage of our shots. Seemed like we always either raced down and heaved a three up or jammed it inside. We didn't seem to be able to get many mid-range jumpers.
2) Was Carlino off-balance way too often when shooting threes? Maybe it was my vantage point, but he seemed like he was leaning or on one foot too often when he shot.
3) Steve was a strong presence. Way to go Stevie! Luke was the stud because of you!
4) Maybe I'm looking for a needle in a haystack, but it sure seemed at yesterday's game like there was something to build off for next year.
Like your points, but I don't know that anyone on the team has a mid range jumper (1). Everything looks better after a win.
Quote from: connie on March 08, 2015, 01:05:53 PM
Everything looks better after a win.
Absolutely true. All of a sudden a debate rages can JJJ play PG (he can't), and everyone is excited about STJ (with reason I think).
It's amazing the tone on this board after a win, or after a loss.
Quote from: HutchwasClutch on March 08, 2015, 01:08:14 PM
It's amazing the tone on this board after a win, or after a loss.
Hutch, you're right. But this year has been miserable. Any of us who have been Warrior fans for a long time expect better than this. It's one of the reasons why we can tolerate Midwestern winters. We look forward to a championship Marquette team.
Our enthusiasm over a win that should have been a "guarantee" when the season started should not take away from the fact that we are still up to our backsides in alligators. I'm enthused about what's returning, yes, and the Help that's on its way should get us closer to what we expect. That changed a little (positively) from yesterday but we still have nine players coming in, need help at the point and our shooting average yesterday was as terrible as Illinois' bond rating. We also need to make better decisions on the court (Steve shooting three pointers ISN'T a good decision).
In my fondest dreams, Diamond shows up and we somehow find a great point guard. If that happens -- then next year could be. Cold water please!!!!
Quote from: TAMU Eagle on March 08, 2015, 12:30:42 PM
I have not, so I fully admit I could be wrong. This isn't the first time I've heard of a high school kid with Henry's size who is supposedly quick enough to play the 3. They almost always end up playing the 4. You are who you can guard, and I think we will see Henry guarding the post with Luke.
You'd be surprised how nimble he is. No, not a pg, but very athletic.
Quote from: dgies9156 on March 08, 2015, 02:33:16 PM
In my fondest dreams, Diamond shows up and we somehow find a great point guard. If that happens -- then next year could be. Cold water please!!!!
Diamond isn't an option so quit dreamin.
I'm more than fine with Taylor, Fischer, H. Ellenson and Heldt at the 4-5 spots and if Wojo can add another forward this spring and Traci Carter at point, I like the potential of this team. Improvement from Duane, JaJuan and Sandy this summer is huge.
Quote from: TedBaxter on March 08, 2015, 03:12:34 PM
Diamond isn't an option so quit dreamin.
I'm more than fine with Taylor, Fischer, H. Ellenson and Heldt at the 4-5 spots and if Wojo can add another forward this spring and Traci Carter at point, I like the potential of this team. Improvement from Duane, JaJuan and Sandy this summer is huge.
I head something interesting about Diamond and Wojo the other day. I will preface this by saying I have no clue if this is true or not but one of my friends who always has pretty good info said that Diamond called Wojo one day saying he made a mistake and wanted to give MU a chance again. Wojo pretty much said, thanks but no thanks.
Quote from: ChitownJuan on March 08, 2015, 04:32:50 PM
I head something interesting about Diamond and Wojo the other day. I will preface this by saying I have no clue if this is true or not but one of my friends who always has pretty good info said that Diamond called Wojo one day saying he made a mistake and wanted to give MU a chance again. Wojo pretty much said, thanks but no thanks.
That story is out there. I have no idea of the validity however.