Big time win tonight. Didn't get to watch, will have to wait until tomorrow night or Friday to watch it and maybe contribute to the Xavier discussion.
Having said that, biggest game of the year coming up on Saturday. How do we strap up our dancing shoes and lock up our spot in the Tournament?
Make Foster take a lot of shots to get his points. They're coming. Just don't let them come efficiently.
Get Patton into foul trouble and keep him out of the lane. I think the key for this is to get Fischer going. Fischer got him into foul trouble at their place.
Don't let Huff or Hegner get hot. Patton and Foster probably get theirs. You can't let the role guys get theirs.
Play hard and as a team for 40 minutes.
Let's get one for the seniors and ensure they taste the NCAA Tournament. Fight on, Warriors.
Saturday biggest game of the Year, a"i"naaaa??
Quote from: JamilJaeJamailJrJuan on March 01, 2017, 11:26:26 PM
Saturday biggest game of the Year, a"i"naaaa??
Yes. As stated in the original post.
Very good chance this game will be played into the 90s. Should be fun to watch. Creighton had no answer for Reinhardt last time. He caused them all sorts of match-up issues. Similar to what he did tonight.
Anyone have an idea of how many tickets are still left for Saturday?
Got mine a few weeks ago, but curious to see what the demand is like right now.
Quote from: MadtownGoldenEagle on March 01, 2017, 11:34:20 PM
Anyone have an idea of how many tickets are still left for Saturday?
Got mine a few weeks ago, but curious to see what the demand is like right now.
Stubhub has atleast 200 left.
I saw a bunch on marquette tickets. I bought 5.
Predicted Patton would go 30 and 15 last time and the opposite happened.
Honestly, I have no idea. Should be a high scoring affair if anything (so obviously it will be 66-63). Will be screaming my lungs out from the upper deck. Looking for JJJ and Luke to finish strong!
Quote from: WayOfTheWarrior on March 01, 2017, 11:38:53 PM
Predicted Patton would go 30 and 15 last time and the opposite happened.
Honestly, I have no idea. Should be a high scoring affair if anything (so obviously it will be 66-63). Will be screaming my lungs out from the upper deck. Looking for JJJ and Luke to finish strong!
He went for 15 and 30!?!?
;)
Jk but seriously let's do this!
Quote from: fjm on March 01, 2017, 11:39:35 PM
He went for 15 and 30!?!?
;)
Jk but seriously let's do this!
Trying to think what a game like that would look like. Maybe if we shot 20% and he missed all of the putbacks on the offensive end.
Just hope Luke comes to play like he did last time we ruffled their Jay feathers.
Im hoping JJJ has turned a corner and doesn't trying to play hero ball on senior night.
Senior day!
This win would be icing and keep us from Dayton.
Question:
Do the seniors start? (JJJ and Luke? As we know Katin has been a beast off the bench).
My belief is no. Don't mess with a good thing for the team.
Quote from: fjm on March 02, 2017, 10:16:48 AM
Senior day!
This win would be icing and keep us from Dayton.
Question:
Do the seniors start? (JJJ and Luke? As we know Katin has been a beast off the bench).
My belief is no. Don't mess with a good thing for the team.
I'm pretty sure in the past, Wojo has not started the seniors if they weren't normally starters.
Quote from: fjm on March 02, 2017, 10:16:48 AM
Senior day!
This win would be icing and keep us from Dayton.
Question:
Do the seniors start? (JJJ and Luke? As we know Katin has been a beast off the bench).
My belief is no. Don't mess with a good thing for the team.
No.
Win Saturday, solidify bid, 10 wins, 3rd place in BE .. and .. would Wojo be the BE Coach of the Year?
Quote from: mu_hilltopper on March 02, 2017, 10:49:23 AM
Win Saturday, solidify bid, 10 wins, 3rd place in BE .. and .. would Wojo be the BE Coach of the Year?
Crazy with the variability on the season but I think he would be in the conversation.
I am looking forward to a packed and rowdy BC to send off the seniors. Senior day/night has typically been a letdown game for us in the old BE and its been irrelevant in the new BE -- time to turn that around.
Quote from: mu_hilltopper on March 02, 2017, 10:49:23 AM
Win Saturday, solidify bid, 10 wins, 3rd place in BE .. and .. would Wojo be the BE Coach of the Year?
Amazing what can happen in one game.
Quote from: fjm on March 02, 2017, 10:16:48 AM
Senior day!
This win would be icing and keep us from Dayton.
Question:
Do the seniors start? (JJJ and Luke? As we know Katin has been a beast off the bench).
My belief is no. Don't mess with a good thing for the team.
No reason to start the seniors, but it's a nice gesture to announce them at the opening intros. I believe Frozena even got that treatment his senior year (albeit under Buzz).
I think you should start the seniors. Its not like we are at a big disadvantage with Luke, Katin and JJJ on the floor. Would still start either Markus or Rowsey and Sam or you could start both PGs and have Sam come in later. While the current starting line up has improved things its not undefeated. Then at the first media time out you sub in Sam/the other PG and Heldt for Fish and whoever is not hot and you're back to your normal rotation. Its not like these Seniors are bench players they just needed a wake up call a few weeks back on defensive intensity.
Let them hear their names called one last time during the starting intros. It might make them come out even more focused.
Quote from: JamilJaeJamailJrJuan on March 01, 2017, 11:26:26 PM
Saturday biggest game of the Year, a"i"naaaa??
...and everyone was saying last nights game was the biggest. I guess every game from here on out is the biggest.
Quote from: muwarrior69 on March 02, 2017, 11:30:28 AM
...and everyone was saying last nights game was the biggest. I guess every game from here on out is the biggest.
Someone should have thought of this before
Absolutely no reason to start the seniors despite senior day. The team is 3-1 under the new starting lineup, and the seniors were pretty big reasons why MU didn't close out the Providence game. You don't reward the seniors with a start. You reward the seniors by giving them the best opportunity to end their college careers in the NCAA tourney.
With that said, I'm hoping for a big finish for Luke. He had a monster game the last time they played, going for 18 and 8 with six blocks and getting Patton in foul trouble. I'm not expecting those numbers, but if there is a game for him to bounce back, this is it.
Per ESPN, this will be the 3rd most exciting game this Saturday - yet we're relegated to FS2.
http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/bpi/_/view/predictions/group/50/date/20170304
Interesting to look at last night's games. 2nd behind the Northwestern game.
http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/bpi/_/view/predictions/group/50/date/20170301
Quote from: mu_hilltopper on March 02, 2017, 10:49:23 AM
Win Saturday, solidify bid, 10 wins, 3rd place in BE .. and .. would Wojo be the BE Coach of the Year?
Wojo's done well, but it has to be Chris Holtmann. Picked 6th preseason and finished a comfortable 2nd. I think Jay Wright will get consideration too, but it should be Holtmann, and he deserves consideration for the National honor too.
Agreed on Holtman and Wright top 2 for COY. Not sure how the voting works, but Wojo getting some 3rd-place votes certainly a possibility if they win Saturday. Lots of guys worthy of consideration this year IMHO. Cooley, Willard, McDermott, Mullin even a little bit come to mind. Mack fine. Anybody but Thompson and Leitao.
1. Holtmann
2. Cooley
3. Wright
Quote from: mu_hilltopper on March 02, 2017, 10:49:23 AM
Win Saturday, solidify bid, 10 wins, 3rd place in BE .. and .. would Wojo be the BE Coach of the Year?
Honestly I think it'd be between Cooley and Holtmann. Holtmann will likely get it, but crap. But Providence being relevant again this year is my biggest surprise in the conference.
After losing Dunn and Bentil, Providence is still set to finish #3 or 4 in conference w/ a win Saturday. Not bad for a team that was the Preseason #9. Impressive season for the Friars.
I agree on Cooley. Losing Dunn and Bentil were huge losses. He's done an impressive job. And, not just this year, overall he's been very good at Providence.
Quote from: cheebs09 on March 02, 2017, 10:23:14 AM
I'm pretty sure in the past, Wojo has not started the seniors if they weren't normally starters.
There's zero credence to this.
In 2015, Carlino, Juan and Derrick Wilson started. These were the only seniors.
In 2016, we had no seniors. Therefore no one started.
I'm all for starting Jajuan and Luke. They've been with the program 4 years. Wojo will absolutely start them on Saturday. I would put money on it.
Starting the game doesn't mean we're rolling with this lineup all game, or trying to mess with our fast-starts. It's a 4-minute situation that can easily be substituted out. But JJJ outplayed Duane the last few games, and has been every bit deserving of getting his starting job back. Luke will likely pick up a quick foul, and sit anyways. May as well let him start. Last time he played Creighton he got Patton to pick up 2 quick fouls.
I like the tradition of starting your Seniors on Senior Day, as long as its reasonable.
Katin is the only one I'm unsure of. He's a grad transfer. He's already gone through the Senior Day at another school. He wouldn't lose any sleep if he doesn't get that here. So I'm fine with him coming off the bench. But it wouldn't shock me to see him inserted in the lineup to start for Hauser.
Quote from: amen426 on March 03, 2017, 12:04:36 AM
There's zero credence to this.
In 2015, Carlino, Juan and Derrick Wilson started. These were the only seniors.
In 2016, we had no seniors. Therefore no one started.
I'm all for starting Jajuan and Luke. They've been with the program 4 years. Wojo will absolutely start them on Saturday. I would put money on it.
Starting the game doesn't mean we're rolling with this lineup all game, or trying to mess with our fast-starts. It's a 4-minute situation that can easily be substituted out. But JJJ outplayed Duane the last few games, and has been every bit deserving of getting his starting job back. Luke will likely pick up a quick foul, and sit anyways. May as well let him start. Last time he played Creighton he got Patton to pick up 2 quick fouls.
I like the tradition of starting your Seniors on Senior Day, as long as its reasonable.
Katin is the only one I'm unsure of. He's a grad transfer. He's already gone through the Senior Day at another school. He wouldn't lose any sleep if he doesn't get that here. So I'm fine with him coming off the bench. But it wouldn't shock me to see him inserted in the lineup to start for Hauser.
Thanks for the correction. For some reason I felt like Wojo, didn't go out of his normal lineup for seniors, but the memory must be going a bit.
Quote from: cheebs09 on March 03, 2017, 07:23:55 AM
Thanks for the correction. For some reason I felt like Wojo, didn't go out of his normal lineup for seniors, but the memory must be going a bit.
What you probably remember is Mache not starting last season. Buzz started walk ons for senior night IIRC. But that is a rarity
What to say about Creighton. We went from making our first S16 ever being an after thought with aspirations for a F4 to the realization that we'll be a 7-8 seed getting crushed in the second round by the Dukes and the UNCs of the world for the umpteenth time after one torn ACL. Since it happened I've likened the injury to the Packers losing Rodgers. Sure you have the fire power with Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Marcus Foster, Cole Huff, but the ball just doesn't get there the same when its Scott Tolzein or Matt Flynn or Davian Mintz and Isaiah Zierden.
We're now 10 games into the post Watson era and there's much to show for it, nor have we found a reliable solution. Outside of a road win at Butler and a blowout of Georgetown at home it hasn't been inspiring. Mac couldn't get Mintz into the game during non-conference season to get him any experience, instead relying more on IZ and walk-on Clement to relieve Watson for short breathers, stunting any progress Mintz could make as a true freshman PG. Now, we'd love to hand Mintz the keys and let him go but he's not ready. Its been a disaster.
I've read enough and watched enough to understand the way to beat Marquette is to take them off the 3 point line. Physical guards and forwards can do that, I don't think Creighton has anyone like that besides Khyri Thomas. Watching our PGs try to guard Howard or Rowsey (he's fun to watch) will be humorous.
Patton has seem to hit a wall the past few games and can still get worked pretty easily inside. He's only real strength is secondary defense on drives. Maybe our bigger bodied Hanson can neutralize Fischer inside one on one so that our guards can focus on the 3 but I don't think he's fully healthy, 10 MPG has seem to be his cap since coming back from injury.
Guarding Reinhardt will be our biggest obstacle, in my opinion. Cole Huff has had knee issues since he's been at Creighton and is maybe our worst defender and Hegner just doesn't have the foot speed to keep up with him.
These are two teams that are headed in different directions. Sucks to see a record finish destroyed by injury. I'd bet the house on anything less than -6 Marquette. Good luck
Quote from: TAMU Eagle on March 03, 2017, 08:03:01 AM
What you probably remember is Mache not starting last season. Buzz started walk ons for senior night IIRC. But that is a rarity
I don't think anyone has ever started walk-ons for senior night. Here's Frozena's: http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=310610269 (http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=310610269)
Quote from: TAMU Eagle on March 03, 2017, 08:03:01 AM
What you probably remember is Mache not starting last season. Buzz started walk ons for senior night IIRC. But that is a rarity
Frozena was announced in the intros but didn't actually start.
Quote from: MerrittsMustache on March 03, 2017, 10:16:02 AM
Frozena was announced in the intros but didn't actually start.
Huh, I coulda sworn there was one where he was subbed out instantly. Musta been thinking of this
Quote from: mu_hilltopper on March 02, 2017, 10:49:23 AM
Win Saturday, solidify bid, 10 wins, 3rd place in BE .. and .. would Wojo be the BE Coach of the Year?
It's almost gotta be Cooley this year. After losing Dunn and Bentil and being in the position he's got PC in. Wojo is a close second though for sure.
Quote from: awilhelmscream on March 03, 2017, 10:33:10 AM
It's almost gotta be Cooley this year. After losing Dunn and Bentil and being in the position he's got PC in. Wojo is a close second though for sure.
Really? Chris Holtman all day for me.
Thought this post was "Creighton."'
Jay Wright. Chris Holtmann. Nobody else should be under consideration.
Cooley I GUESS I could see, but it's a stretch.
Quote from: CreightonWarrior on March 03, 2017, 10:00:23 AM
We're now 10 games into the post Watson era and there's much to show for it, nor have we found a reliable solution. Outside of a road win at Butler and a blowout of Georgetown at home it hasn't been inspiring.
Appreciate your input. At least I'm happy Creighton hasn't fallen apart like Xavier after losing their PG (although MU probably wouldn't be tourney worthy without those two X wins, hah). Hey, a win @ Butler is impressive. Nonetheless, I still expect a fun game, Creighton can still score, and MU doesn't play much D.
Quote from: CreightonWarrior on March 03, 2017, 10:00:23 AM
What to say about Creighton. We went from making our first S16 ever being an after thought with aspirations for a F4 to the realization that we'll be a 7-8 seed getting crushed in the second round by the Dukes and the UNCs of the world for the umpteenth time after one torn ACL. Since it happened I've likened the injury to the Packers losing Rodgers. Sure you have the fire power with Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Marcus Foster, Cole Huff, but the ball just doesn't get there the same when its Scott Tolzein or Matt Flynn or Davian Mintz and Isaiah Zierden.
We're now 10 games into the post Watson era and there's much to show for it, nor have we found a reliable solution. Outside of a road win at Butler and a blowout of Georgetown at home it hasn't been inspiring. Mac couldn't get Mintz into the game during non-conference season to get him any experience, instead relying more on IZ and walk-on Clement to relieve Watson for short breathers, stunting any progress Mintz could make as a true freshman PG. Now, we'd love to hand Mintz the keys and let him go but he's not ready. Its been a disaster.
I've read enough and watched enough to understand the way to beat Marquette is to take them off the 3 point line. Physical guards and forwards can do that, I don't think Creighton has anyone like that besides Khyri Thomas. Watching our PGs try to guard Howard or Rowsey (he's fun to watch) will be humorous.
Patton has seem to hit a wall the past few games and can still get worked pretty easily inside. He's only real strength is secondary defense on drives. Maybe our bigger bodied Hanson can neutralize Fischer inside one on one so that our guards can focus on the 3 but I don't think he's fully healthy, 10 MPG has seem to be his cap since coming back from injury.
Guarding Reinhardt will be our biggest obstacle, in my opinion. Cole Huff has had knee issues since he's been at Creighton and is maybe our worst defender and Hegner just doesn't have the foot speed to keep up with him.
These are two teams that are headed in different directions. Sucks to see a record finish destroyed by injury. I'd bet the house on anything less than -6 Marquette. Good luck
Thanks for the post. I feel ya, man. But you guys are definitely pointed in the right direction long term, even if this year isn't going to turn out how you want it to. And I think can speak for nearly everyone here in saying that we'll be pulling for you in the NCAAs.
As for your PG situation, I hadn't looked at Mintz game log since we last played. Yikes. The kid looked like a legit option for you guys against us - I was pretty impressed. I see he hasn't come anywhere near matching that game since. Hate to see it.
Quote from: MerrittsMustache on March 02, 2017, 11:01:46 AM
No reason to start the seniors, but it's a nice gesture to announce them at the opening intros. I believe Frozena even got that treatment his senior year (albeit under Buzz).
Agree 100%. If we had 5 wins and this meant nothing, then change what has been working. But there is ZERO reason to change the way we have been starting games. Even on Senior Day.
They get it.
Quote from: cheebs09 on March 03, 2017, 07:23:55 AM
Thanks for the correction. For some reason I felt like Wojo, didn't go out of his normal lineup for seniors, but the memory must be going a bit.
You guys may all be right in stating you think Coach will start seniors tomorrow. I just strongly disagree with the philosophy. I really do.
CW, we sincerely appreciate your contribution to our board. We wish your Jays (along with everyone else of our BEast brethren) success in this year's Dance.
Quote from: CreightonWarrior on March 03, 2017, 10:00:23 AM
What to say about Creighton....
Thanks, nice post...wish all the BE boards had knowledge sharing...full on forums would devolve I fear...but stuff like this is great.
I agree with JJJJJJJJ you are headed in the right direction...did I hear you mention two great freshmen? Yes I did...if Patton will stay a couple more years, you guys will be at the top of the BE.
Note: We have a couple of freshmen too...we also have hopes.
I also like your coach...not sure why :o ...but he seems like a quality guy. :)
See you in the F4 (as long as you're not in our region ;) )
This ain't high school ball. This is a multimillion dollar business. You're playing to lock yourself into the NCAA Tournament for the first time in four years. You don't change what is working just to make a few guys feel warm and fuzzy about themselves. Winning and getting to the Tournament will be a much better feeling for the seniors than losing but having been on the floor for the tipoff. They'll get their little ceremony regardless of whether they start or not.
Quote from: wadesworld on March 03, 2017, 12:11:47 PM
This ain't high school ball. This is a multimillion dollar business. You're playing to lock yourself into the NCAA Tournament for the first time in four years. You don't change what is working just to make a few guys feel warm and fuzzy about themselves. Winning and getting to the Tournament will be a much better feeling for the seniors than losing but having been on the floor for the tipoff. They'll get their little ceremony regardless of whether they start or not.
Funny, I thought we are a University that cares about student athletes and honoring them with a start on their final home game is the correct thing to do. Maybe I'm wrong.
Quote from: 79Warrior on March 03, 2017, 12:25:14 PM
Funny, I thought we are a University that cares about student athletes and honoring them with a start on their final home game is the correct thing to do. Maybe I'm wrong.
You are.
Quote from: 79Warrior on March 03, 2017, 12:25:14 PM
Funny, I thought we are a University that cares about student athletes and honoring them with a start on their final home game is the correct thing to do. Maybe I'm wrong.
"Correct" is a matter of opinion. Too much at stake, in my opinion, to risk the goals of the team for a symbolic gesture to 3 individuals. Besides, starting no matta.
Quote from: 79Warrior on March 03, 2017, 12:25:14 PM
Funny, I thought we are a University that cares about student athletes and honoring them with a start on their final home game is the correct thing to do. Maybe I'm wrong.
The University cares about the student athletes and honoring them with a pregame ceremony. The basketball program is in the business of winning basketball games. The correct thing to do is honor them by getting a win that puts them into their first NCAA Tournament together.
Quote from: Lazar's Headband on March 03, 2017, 12:56:50 PM
"Correct" is a matter of opinion. Too much at stake, in my opinion, to risk the goals of the team for a symbolic gesture to 3 individuals. Besides, starting no matta.
This. If we were 12-5 in conference, or if we were 5-12, then I'd be advocating for Wojo to start the seniors.
That's not the case. We're not in position to experiment to make sure nobody's feelings get hurt.
Quote from: wadesworld on March 03, 2017, 12:58:56 PM
The University cares about the student athletes and honoring them with a pregame ceremony. The basketball program is in the business of winning basketball games. The correct thing to do is honor them by getting a win that puts them into their first NCAA Tournament together.
The basketball program also cares about honoring their seniors. To think otherwise is silly.
The question becomes do they think the the risk of a potential negative effect of changing the starting lineup is worth the definite appreciation the seniors will receive for getting to start on senior night.
Starting no matta. Motivating playas mattas. I could see an argument where it would actually be more beneficial to our chances of winning to start the seniors. But I could also see the opposite argument.
In the end, I think whatever decision is made will ultimately have maybe 1 iota of an effect on the outcome of the game but that won't stop us from blaming it if we lose!
Quote from: TAMU Eagle on March 03, 2017, 01:13:23 PM
The basketball program also cares about honoring their seniors. To think otherwise is silly.
The question becomes do they think the the risk of a potential negative effect of changing the starting lineup is worth the definite appreciation the seniors will receive for getting to start on senior night.
Starting no matta. Motivating playas mattas. I could see an argument where it would actually be more beneficial to our chances of winning to start the seniors. But I could also see the opposite argument.
In the end, I think whatever decision is made will ultimately have maybe 1 iota of an effect on the outcome of the game but that won't stop us from blaming it if we lose!
Yes, they care about honoring their seniors with a little ceremony, just like every other D1 basketball program in the country.
Starting can definitely matter. Some players are better coming off the bench (Katin), some players struggle off the bench (it appears Luke might be a guy that does), some lineups work better together (it seems like Wojo has found a lineup that works well together to start the game, and has the luxury of having 3 seniors and a lot of scoring ability still on his bench), etc. If you start the game down 12-2 in the first 4 minutes before your first sub is made that can be the difference in a game, no matter who gets the most minutes throughout the rest of the game.
Quote from: wadesworld on March 03, 2017, 01:22:31 PM
Yes, they care about honoring their seniors with a little ceremony, just like every other D1 basketball program in the country.
Starting can definitely matter. Some players are better coming off the bench (Katin), some players struggle off the bench (it appears Luke might be a guy that does), some lineups work better together (it seems like Wojo has found a lineup that works well together to start the game, and has the luxury of having 3 seniors and a lot of scoring ability still on his bench), etc. If you start the game down 12-2 in the first 4 minutes before your first sub is made that can be the difference in a game, no matter who gets the most minutes throughout the rest of the game.
There is no logical argument that supports a player being better or worse when coming off the bench. A player entering the game at the tip or entering the game at the 16 minute mark has no logical effect on ability as a basketball player. What might happen is that some players are motivated differently than others. Some need the recognition of being the starter. Some have to feel the need to prove themselves by not being a starter. Being a coach is about figuring out what buttons your players have and pushing them at the right time. I agree that this change to the starting lineup has pushed the right buttons for most of our players and we are playing our best basketball.
Lineups do matter as well. But as long as you aren't marching out a lineup that you would never put on the floor in a normal situation, why does it matter if that lineup plays the first two minutes together or two random minutes together early in the second half? All minutes have an equal impact on the game. We as fans just tend to overemphasize the beginning and the end of games.
Bottom line, if the seniors don't start. Great. Decided to stick with what's been working the last few games. If the seniors start. Great. Coach decided that the rewarding the seniors button was the better one to press for this game. No matter which he goes with, I don't think it affects are chances of winning that drastically.
Quote from: TAMU Eagle on March 03, 2017, 01:49:03 PM
There is no logical argument that supports a player being better or worse when coming off the bench. A player entering the game at the tip or entering the game at the 16 minute mark has no logical effect on ability as a basketball player. What might happen is that some players are motivated differently than others. Some need the recognition of being the starter. Some have to feel the need to prove themselves by not being a starter. Being a coach is about figuring out what buttons your players have and pushing them at the right time. I agree that this change to the starting lineup has pushed the right buttons for most of our players and we are playing our best basketball.
Lineups do matter as well. But as long as you aren't marching out a lineup that you would never put on the floor in a normal situation, why does it matter if that lineup plays the first two minutes together or two random minutes together early in the second half? All minutes have an equal impact on the game. We as fans just tend to overemphasize the beginning and the end of games.
Bottom line, if the seniors don't start. Great. Decided to stick with what's been working the last few games. If the seniors start. Great. Coach decided that the rewarding the seniors button was the better one to press for this game. No matter which he goes with, I don't think it affects are chances of winning that drastically.
Or someone struggles to transition from working up a sweat in warmups to the sitting on the bench to then having to get back into the swing of things coming off the bench. It doesn't affect every player, but some players certainly are better in a certain role (off the bench, starter, etc.) It's the same as a baseball player who kills it as a number 7 hitter but can't make contact as a number 2 hitter. The ball is still the same size, the mound the same height, the mound the same distance from the plate, etc. But some players are better in certain roles/situations than others.
And if a game gets out of hand early then the last few minutes are certainly less important than the first few minutes. If a home team gets momentum early and puts the game out of reach by halftime then no, the 2nd TV timeout in the second half is not nearly as meaningful as the 2nd TV timeout in the first half, because none of the minutes in the second half matter. Some games every second is just as important as the other. But some games the first 5 minutes can be the difference in a game.
Quote from: wadesworld on March 03, 2017, 01:22:31 PM
Yes, they care about honoring their seniors with a little ceremony, just like every other D1 basketball program in the country.
Starting can definitely matter. Some players are better coming off the bench (Katin), some players struggle off the bench (it appears Luke might be a guy that does), some lineups work better together (it seems like Wojo has found a lineup that works well together to start the game, and has the luxury of having 3 seniors and a lot of scoring ability still on his bench), etc. If you start the game down 12-2 in the first 4 minutes before your first sub is made that can be the difference in a game, no matter who gets the most minutes throughout the rest of the game.
So if our seniors have us down 12-2, I am sure Wojo will call a time out, most likely before it gets out of hand, and substitute accordingly.
Quote from: muwarrior69 on March 03, 2017, 05:34:40 PM
So if our seniors have us down 12-2, I am sure Wojo will call a time out, most likely before it gets out of hand, and substitute accordingly.
I would certainly hope so.
I also would certainly hope that Wojo understands that a win against Creighton puts us into the NCAA Tournament and there's no need to risk changing what has worked better than when we were starting our 3 seniors.
This would literally be the first time I had a question about whether Wojo had "it" if he started guys in a must-win game simply so the fans can give them a cheer.
These guys are all contributors. They've all played before. They've all heard their names announced in the starting lineups at Marquette before. They'll all have their families walk onto the court with them to receive their framed jerseys. And at the end of the game if the game is already decided within the last minute one way or the other, they'll all get to exit the court one last time, one at a time, to a standing ovation.
A win locks us into the NCAA Tournament, somewhere we haven't been in 4 seasons. A loss puts us squarely on the bubble. This isn't a team that has its fate decided already. I don't even care if you start the 3 seniors with Deon and Cam and tell Deon or Cam to foul 1 second into the game to sub all 5 out, you don't do it. You treat this like it is any other game. Because at the end of the day that is what it is. Except that it's the biggest game of the year, and the biggest game of Wojo's coaching career.
Quote from: wadesworld on March 03, 2017, 05:55:46 PM
I would certainly hope so.
I also would certainly hope that Wojo understands that a win against Creighton puts us into the NCAA Tournament and there's no need to risk changing what has worked better than when we were starting our 3 seniors.
This would literally be the first time I had a question about whether Wojo had "it" if he started guys in a must-win game simply so the fans can give them a cheer.
These guys are all contributors. They've all played before. They've all heard their names announced in the starting lineups at Marquette before. They'll all have their families walk onto the court with them to receive their framed jerseys. And at the end of the game if the game is already decided within the last minute one way or the other, they'll all get to exit the court one last time, one at a time, to a standing ovation.
A win locks us into the NCAA Tournament, somewhere we haven't been in 4 seasons. A loss puts us squarely on the bubble. This isn't a team that has its fate decided already. I don't even care if you start the 3 seniors with Deon and Cam and tell Deon or Cam to foul 1 second into the game to sub all 5 out, you don't do it. You treat this like it is any other game. Because at the end of the day that is what it is. Except that it's the biggest game of the year, and the biggest game of Wojo's coaching career.
Since when did JJJ and Luke become such great liabilities that they cannot even get on the floor for 2 minutes without automatically causing the team to lose the game.
JJJ's play vs. Xavier showed that he is fully deserving of starting over Duane Wilson. Senior night or not.
Many would argue that Luke is still the better player than Heldt, and should be starting. With that being said, the only issue that you should have with Luke starting is that he'll get his 1st foul 5 minutes earlier than he would if he was sitting on the pine.
That won't really swing the game, because Luke had been averaging a Foul per every 2.9 minutes since he moved to the bench. He's going to foul out no matter where his 15 minutes come from.
This is a stupid argument. We aren't talking about starting a walk-on. We're talking about starting 2 guys who have started many games for the program this season, and during their 4 year career - and are actually BETTER than the players that they would be replacing in the starting lineup.
GTFOH
Quote from: amen426 on March 03, 2017, 06:02:35 PM
Since when did JJJ and Luke become such great liabilities that they cannot even get on the floor for 2 minutes without automatically causing the team to lose the game.
JJJ's play vs. Xavier showed that he is fully deserving of starting over Duane Wilson. Senior night or not.
Many would argue that Luke is still the better player than Heldt, and should be starting. With that being said, the only issue that you should have with Luke starting is that he'll get his 1st foul 5 minutes earlier than he would if he was sitting on the pine.
That won't really swing the game, because Luke had been averaging a Foul per every 2.9 minutes since he moved to the bench. He's going to foul out no matter where his 15 minutes come from.
This is a stupid argument. We aren't talking about starting a walk-on. We're talking about starting 2 guys who have started many games for the program this season, and during their 4 year career - and are actually BETTER than the players that they would be replacing in the starting lineup.
GTFOH
We are talking about a win and in game and changing up what has worked just to make a couple guys feel good. But yeah, I'm the one that needs to "GTFOH."
Quote from: wadesworld on March 03, 2017, 06:05:07 PM
We are talking about a win and in game and changing up what has worked just to make a couple guys feel good. But yeah, I'm the one that needs to "GTFOH."
It has nothing to do with "making a couple of guys feel good".
JJJ played 27 minutes last game vs. Duane's 13. You think the only reason we won that game was because Duane was on the floor to start?
You're a clown
Quote from: CreightonWarrior on March 03, 2017, 10:00:23 AMThese are two teams that are headed in different directions. Sucks to see a record finish destroyed by injury. I'd bet the house on anything less than -6 Marquette. Good luck
Thanks for the input, CW. Interestingly, my prediction would've been Marquette by 6, so I guess we're on the same page. Watching Watson go down reminded me so much of when we lost Dominic James in 2009. From top-10, Final Four aspirations to afterthought overnight.
Your program has still been a credit to the league, and I'm optimistic going forward with the step up in McDermott's recruiting. Mintz reminds me a ton of when Maurice Acker took over for James, actually. Whip quick and has some ability, but just wasn't ready for that much, that fast. He'll be okay in the long run.
I think senior night is the one time you can replace a starter with a senior and not have the replaced player be upset. Given how well JJJ and Reinhardt played the last game, I would let them start. I would also tell them they be to the bench quickly, if they start shooting without passing the ball.
Quote from: amen426 on March 03, 2017, 06:14:28 PM
It has nothing to do with "making a couple of guys feel good".
JJJ played 27 minutes last game vs. Duane's 13. You think the only reason we won that game was because Duane was on the floor to start?
You're a clown
I think it has everything to do with finding a rotation that has worked after losing 4 of 5 games and the only win being against DePaul. So no I don't want to see the rotation changed just to make a few guys feel good that they heard their name over the PA system 1 extra time.
Going with what has worked is absolutely legit....though it didn't work two games ago against Providence
But I also think it is legit if a coach thinks "rewarding my seniors by starting them might give them a mental boost and they might play better. It shouldn't affect my other players because they recognize it is senior night."
Starting is about pushing the right buttons. I can see an argument where starting the seniors is the right one.
Plus, just because something has worked doesn't mean it will always work. We thought the starting lineup was pretty damn good after Nova and then we started to tank. Good coaching is knowing when to a press new button, not waiting for the old one to stop working
In the end, I think the new starting lineup has helped in three of the last four. But I think there are dozens of reasons why we've played better...including the fact that our competition hasn't been the best in the three we won.
Quote from: TAMU Eagle on March 03, 2017, 08:48:03 PM
Going with what has worked is absolutely legit....though it didn't work two games ago against Providence
But I also think it is legit if a coach thinks "rewarding my seniors by starting them might give them a mental boost and they might play better. It shouldn't affect my other players because they recognize it is senior night."
Starting is about pushing the right buttons. I can see an argument where starting the seniors is the right one.
Plus, just because something has worked doesn't mean it will always work. We thought the starting lineup was pretty damn good after Nova and then we started to tank. Good coaching is knowing when to a press new button, not waiting for the old one to stop working
In the end, I think the new starting lineup has helped in three of the last four. But I think there are dozens of reasons why we've played better...including the fact that our competition hasn't been the best in the three we won.
I don't disagree with much of this other than that it didn't work against Providence. We were up 12 when Markus picked up his 4th foul, sending him to the bench. All 3 of JJJ, Luke, and Katin were then in until Luke's foul trouble forced him to the bench. The starting lineup wasn't the issue, the foul trouble was.
And was our competition really any worse than Providence at home, St. John's on the road, DePaul on the road, Butler at home, and Georgetown on the road? Because that was our schedule when we went 1-4 with our old starting lineup.
It's totally Wojo's call who starts. The bottom line is that we win. Nothing else matters.
Turning back to the actual opponent. Gotta chance to watch the Creighton, St. John's game. They seemed to have moved away from Mintz and Clement at the point. They seem to run point by committee. Foster brought the ball up most of the time, Thomas, Mintz, Zierden, and even Harrell all took goes at it. Their half court offense looked pretty inept honestly. They seemed to score a vast majority of their points from live ball stops, free throws, and 2nd chance points. I wouldn't be surprised if they scored less than 20 points in the half court. It didn't matter, because St. John's was so bad on offense that it gave Creighton plenty of transition opportunities.
My personal keys to this game:
1. GET BACK ON DEFENSE. Can't be emphasized enough. When Creighton rebounds, they are immediately looking to push. Foster and Thomas are deadly in transition. Fortunately, if Marquette's offense is humming, it will limit their opportunities.
2. Keep them off the offensive boards. Creighton scored a lot on unchallenged put backs. This one is easier said the done with a monster like Patton and big guards like Thomas.
3. When they get in the paint, everyone else needs to stay home with their man. I think I saw a Creighton post player score off an entry pass once. They are not very good at scoring with their back to the basket. However, they do hit open shooters when they get doubled. Similarly, their slashers don't finish well one on one. What they do do to perfection is dump off to the bigs when the opponent's big rotates to help. When they get in the paint, stay at home and then crash the boards.
4. The only one who can consistently create his own shot is Foster. He hits lots of threes, but is more deadly off the bounce. Sag off him and turn him into a jumpshooter.
5. I don't think I saw Creighton run a pick and roll once. I don't know if that was a matchup thing with St. John's or if its just not part of McDermott's system. Given the PT article, that is very good news for us.
6. Patton is very prone to foul trouble. Luke did a good job on him last time out. I wouldn't mind feeding him a couple of times early to try and get a couple on Patton. He bites on shot fakes most of the time. Get him out so they lose their rebounding edge and then run the offense we've been running for the last 4.
7. Pressure the ball handlers, as long as you can do it without fouling. Foster, Thomas and Zierden are not point guards. Foster/Thomas panic against pressure and Zierden simply doesn't have the agility to get around it.
8. Our best defense against Creighton is our offense. They need transition to score. If we are making most of our buckets like we have been in the last 4 games, we limit their opportunities. We can handle their half court offense.
Suggested Matchups:
Foster- JJJ/Duane
Thomas/Harrell- Haanif/Katin
Zierden/Mintz- Markus/Rowsey
Huff/Hegner- Hauser
Patton/Hanson/Krampelj- Fischer/Heldt
Start them
What he said. ^^^^^^^^^^
Quote from: amen426 on March 03, 2017, 12:04:36 AM
There's zero credence to this.
I'm all for starting Jajuan and Luke. They've been with the program 4 years. Wojo will absolutely start them on Saturday. I would put money on it.
As expected - JJJ & Fischer back in the starting lineup, along with Howard, Rowsey and Howard.
Reinhardt coming off the bench.
wadesworld losing all respect for Wojo. If we lose, this starting lineup will be the cause.
Quote from: amen426 on March 04, 2017, 01:07:54 PM
As expected - JJJ & Fischer back in the starting lineup, along with Howard, Rowsey and Howard.
Reinhardt coming off the bench.
wadesworld losing all respect for Wojo. If we lose, this starting lineup will be the cause.
Who said losing all respect for Wojo? Odd.
Horrible decision. Let's hope the boys show up ready to play.
Katin gets it. Went to Wojo and told him he's comfortable and playing well off the bench. Didn't want to start.
Quote from: wadesworld on March 03, 2017, 05:55:46 PM
This would literally be the first time I had a question about whether Wojo had "it" if he started guys in a must-win game simply so the fans can give them a cheer.
This would be what I was referring to.
What was Wojo thinking. Hopefully he sits JJJ in the 2nd half.
Quote from: amen426 on March 04, 2017, 02:20:06 PM
This would be what I was referring to.
What was Wojo thinking. Hopefully he sits JJJ in the 2nd half.
I'm still struggling to find where I ever said I was losing all respect for Wojo. Don't see it in the quote you provided.
Glad the entire team has played a great first half. Let's put together 20 more minutes of Warriors basketball and go dancing!
Quote from: wadesworld on March 04, 2017, 01:29:27 PM
Horrible decision. Let's hope the boys show up ready to play.
So in hindsight, was it still a horrible decision? Looks like the right buttons were pressed!
Quote from: TAMU Eagle on March 04, 2017, 03:48:49 PM
So in hindsight, was it still a horrible decision? Looks like the right buttons were pressed!
Yes, still a terrible decision.
Quote from: wadesworld on March 04, 2017, 03:53:01 PM
Yes, still a terrible decision.
.....
Quote from: wadesworld on March 04, 2017, 01:42:05 PM
Glad to be wrong. Wojo pushing the right buttons.
Let's give them 40 minutes of Warriors basketball.
Huh?
Quote from: TAMU Eagle on March 04, 2017, 04:08:23 PM
Why? Coach felt starting two of the seniors was the right buttons to push. He even took your advice and took Katin off the bench. We won. Not only did we win, but we played our basketball early in the game. So what proof do you have that it was a terrible decision?
That's like saying a well contested 26 foot 3 pointer up by 6 with a minute to go and 27 seconds left on the shot clock that rims in is a good shot.
Glad everyone came to play. Terrible decision to mix a starting lineup that has worked in a must win game.
Quote from: wadesworld on March 04, 2017, 04:10:16 PM
That's like saying a well contested 26 foot 3 pointer up by 6 with a minute to go and 27 seconds left on the shot clock that rims in is a good shot.
Glad everyone came to play. Terrible decision to mix a starting lineup that has worked in a must win game.
Quote from: wadesworld on March 04, 2017, 01:42:05 PM
Glad to be wrong. Wojo pushing the right buttons.
Let's give them 40 minutes of Warriors basketball.
?-(
I've seen people own up to mistakes and admit they were wrong, but this may be there first time someone has admitted to being wrong, then said "no, I wasn't wrong!"
I mean...you said you were wrong... :o
Quote from: brewcity77 on March 04, 2017, 04:26:09 PM
I've seen people own up to mistakes and admit they were wrong, but this may be there first time someone has admitted to being wrong, then said "no, I wasn't wrong!"
I mean...you said you were wrong... :o
Yeah. I'm glad I was wrong that JJ and Luke played well in a different role.
It was still a bad decision.
Quote from: wadesworld on March 04, 2017, 04:32:43 PM
Yeah. I'm glad I was wrong that JJ and Luke played well in a different role.
It was still a bad decision.
So....if he had made your suggested decision we would have won by more? I wish I had your ability to see alternate realities!
Quote from: wadesworld on March 04, 2017, 04:32:43 PM
Yeah. I'm glad I was wrong that JJ and Luke played well in a different role.
It was still a bad decision.
No. it wasn't.
No...NO.....NOOOOOH Yeah!
Quote from: TAMU Eagle on March 04, 2017, 05:40:08 PM
So....if he had made your suggested decision we would have won by more? I wish I had your ability to see alternate realities!
Who said that?
Again, results don't justify decisions. "Well, hunny, had you not cheated on me I would've never realized something was missing and our relationship would've never been this strong now. I'm so glad you slept with your secretary, what a great decision!"
Quote from: wadesworld on March 03, 2017, 05:55:46 PM
I would certainly hope so.
I also would certainly hope that Wojo understands that a win against Creighton puts us into the NCAA Tournament and there's no need to risk changing what has worked better than when we were starting our 3 seniors.
This would literally be the first time I had a question about whether Wojo had "it" if he started guys in a must-win game simply so the fans can give them a cheer.
These guys are all contributors. They've all played before. They've all heard their names announced in the starting lineups at Marquette before. They'll all have their families walk onto the court with them to receive their framed jerseys. And at the end of the game if the game is already decided within the last minute one way or the other, they'll all get to exit the court one last time, one at a time, to a standing ovation.
A win locks us into the NCAA Tournament, somewhere we haven't been in 4 seasons. A loss puts us squarely on the bubble. This isn't a team that has its fate decided already. I don't even care if you start the 3 seniors with Deon and Cam and tell Deon or Cam to foul 1 second into the game to sub all 5 out, you don't do it. You treat this like it is any other game. Because at the end of the day that is what it is. Except that it's the biggest game of the year, and the biggest game of Wojo's coaching career.
Haahahaha wojo doesn't have it
Quote from: wadesworld on March 04, 2017, 04:32:43 PM
Yeah. I'm glad I was wrong that JJ and Luke played well in a different role.
It was still a bad decision.
This fucking pretty boy^
Quote from: wadesworld on March 04, 2017, 06:30:19 PM
Who said that?
Again, results don't justify decisions. "Well, hunny, had you not cheated on me I would've never realized something was missing and our relationship would've never been this strong now. I'm so glad you slept with your secretary, what a great decision!"
I'm just trying to discern what makes you so sure it was a terrible decision. You thought Wojo should use a different starting lineup. Wojo, who I assume knows more about basketball and about how to get the best out of his players than you or I ever will, disagreed. If it hadn't worked, I could see an argument for it being a terrible decision. I would still say the coach knows his players best but could understand the reasoning. But it did work. So I'm just curious what makes you so sure that it was such a bad decision. I'm not faulting you for having a different opinion, but to say it with such finality "Yes, still a terrible decision." I just assumed there was some reasoning behind it.
Quote from: TAMU Eagle on March 04, 2017, 09:28:33 PM
I'm just trying to discern what makes you so sure it was a terrible decision. You thought Wojo should use a different starting lineup. Wojo, who I assume knows more about basketball and about how to get the best out of his players than you or I ever will, disagreed. If it hadn't worked, I could see an argument for it being a terrible decision. I would still say the coach knows his players best but could understand the reasoning. But it did work. So I'm just curious what makes you so sure that it was such a bad decision. I'm not faulting you for having a different opinion, but to say it with such finality "Yes, still a terrible decision." I just assumed there was some reasoning behind it.
My thoughts on why it is a bad decision has not changed since when I said it was prior to the game. The result of something being positive doesn't automatically justify something. Just like people continue to use Cuse still not having deserved to be in the NCAA Tournament field last year even if they did make the Final Four run. Just because the result is good doesn't mean it was the correct decision. I am of the opinion that in a must win situation you don't change what has been working for you just so a few guys feel good about themselves. You don't change what has been working.
This is one of the most scoop threads ever.......and that is saying something....lol
We won.....he started the seniors.....I wouldn't have but who the F cares?
WE WON!
Quote from: wadesworld on March 04, 2017, 09:35:17 PM
My thoughts on why it is a bad decision has not changed since when I said it was prior to the game. The result of something being positive doesn't automatically justify something. Just like people continue to use Cuse still not having deserved to be in the NCAA Tournament field last year even if they did make the Final Four run. Just because the result is good doesn't mean it was the correct decision. I am of the opinion that in a must win situation you don't change what has been working for you just so a few guys feel good about themselves. You don't change what has been working.
Thank you. You admitted it was an opinion. All I was looking for.
Quote from: wadesworld on March 04, 2017, 04:32:43 PM
Yeah. I'm glad I was wrong that JJ and Luke played well in a different role.
It was still a bad decision.
Disagree. The right move. You are wrong.
Not that long ago I spoke with one of the coaches who mentioned that the biggest issue in the program was that there was not a hierarchy. He feels that great programs have seniors that show the younger guys how the program is run and lead by example. I was not in the slightest surprised to see Jjj or Luke in the starting lineup today. Wojo is a believer in rewarding his seniors and the younger guys will most certainly take notice of this.
Quote from: wadesworld on March 04, 2017, 06:30:19 PM
Who said that?
Again, results don't justify decisions. "Well, hunny, had you not cheated on me I would've never realized something was missing and our relationship would've never been this strong now. I'm so glad you slept with your secretary, what a great decision!"
This is horrible logic.
Cheating on your spouse is clearly a moral wrong because of the harm it causes to your partner as well as to those affected by the relationship. It is never the right thing to do, even though some good can come of it.
Deciding who to start in a basketball game isn't a "right" or "wrong" in that regard because no one is really harmed by the choice. IMO, the results of decisions like these most definitely justify the decision itself. Just like when Wojo changed the line up a few games ago.
Quote from: wadesworld on March 04, 2017, 09:35:17 PM
My thoughts on why it is a bad decision has not changed since when I said it was prior to the game. The result of something being positive doesn't automatically justify something. Just like people continue to use Cuse still not having deserved to be in the NCAA Tournament field last year even if they did make the Final Four run. Just because the result is good doesn't mean it was the correct decision. I am of the opinion that in a must win situation you don't change what has been working for you just so a few guys feel good about themselves. You don't change what has been working.
I think you might have an argument if we had a stock starting five for the past 20-25 games. But we haven't. We've mixed and matched starters all year. Maybe part of the starting lineup was trying to replicate what worked in Omaha.
If you look at the SOTG thread from that game, it is almost 100% for either Luke or Katin. Katin declined the start, but JJ had 18/5 that day. Maybe part of pushing the right buttons was using a lineup that was effective against Creighton before. Here's what you said about that game:
Quote from: wadesworld on January 21, 2017, 04:05:42 PM
Sorry Katin, but this was Luke all the way. Great for 40 minutes. And most importantly made Patton his biotch.
Luke was named SOTG and was huge at both defending Patton and getting him into foul trouble. Starting him may have been a plan to try doing that again. Similarly, using JJ early because he also had a nice game the first time around.
Part of good coaching is being able to make the right adjustment before something goes wrong. Isn't it possible that tinkering with the starters against an opponent you've already seen might be such a move?
Quote from: brewcity77 on March 05, 2017, 08:21:52 AM
I think you might have an argument if we had a stock starting five for the past 20-25 games. But we haven't. We've mixed and matched starters all year. Maybe part of the starting lineup was trying to replicate what worked in Omaha.
If you look at the SOTG thread from that game, it is almost 100% for either Luke or Katin. Katin declined the start, but JJ had 18/5 that day. Maybe part of pushing the right buttons was using a lineup that was effective against Creighton before. Here's what you said about that game:
Luke was named SOTG and was huge at both defending Patton and getting him into foul trouble. Starting him may have been a plan to try doing that again. Similarly, using JJ early because he also had a nice game the first time around.
Part of good coaching is being able to make the right adjustment before something goes wrong. Isn't it possible that tinkering with the starters against an opponent you've already seen might be such a move?
I think there's a 0% chance Duane and Heldt come off the bench yesterday if we have 1 or more home games left in the season.
Quote from: wadesworld on March 05, 2017, 09:42:04 AM
I think there's a 0% chance Duane and Heldt come off the bench yesterday if we have 1 or more home games left in the season.
Maybe so, and I'd think it's likely he'd have stuck with the same starting lineup, but if the argument is to stick with what works, look at the combined stat lines from Creighton in Omaha:
Luke/JJ: 54 minutes, 14/22 FGs, 70.5 eFG%, 36 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, 6 blocks
Heldt/Duane: 21 minutes, 1/2 FGs, 50.0 eFG%, 2 points, 2 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 blocks
You said stick with what works, and Luke and JJ worked in Omaha. That said, in the past 4 games with the new lineup, we played a Xavier team we hadn't previously faced, Providence and St John's teams that beat our old starting lineup, and a Xavier team again that already lost to the new lineup.
So Wojo used the new lineup against teams that beat the old lineup and one team that we hadn't yet faced, and went back to the old lineup against a team that had previously struggled with said old lineup. If he's sticking with what works, running Luke and JJ out against Creighton is the very definition of that.
Quote from: brewcity77 on March 05, 2017, 10:09:24 AM
Maybe so, and I'd think it's likely he'd have stuck with the same starting lineup, but if the argument is to stick with what works, look at the combined stat lines from Creighton in Omaha:
Luke/JJ: 54 minutes, 14/22 FGs, 70.5 eFG%, 36 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, 6 blocks
Heldt/Duane: 21 minutes, 1/2 FGs, 50.0 eFG%, 2 points, 2 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 blocks
You said stick with what works, and Luke and JJ worked in Omaha. That said, in the past 4 games with the new lineup, we played a Xavier team we hadn't previously faced, Providence and St John's teams that beat our old starting lineup, and a Xavier team again that already lost to the new lineup.
So Wojo used the new lineup against teams that beat the old lineup and one team that we hadn't yet faced, and went back to the old lineup against a team that had previously struggled with said old lineup. If he's sticking with what works, running Luke and JJ out against Creighton is the very definition of that.
Luke and JJ started because they were seniors. Nothing more and nothing less. You're thinking way too hard about this. Katin asked to come off the bench because he had a role and was comfortable in that role. If it was about matchups Wojo would've said heck no, you went off against them last time and they had no answer for you. You're starting and playing 40 today.
Just like the change in lineup going into Xavier had nothing to do with Wojo thinking Gaston couldn't hold Heldt as compared to Fischer or McCura couldn't touch Duane compared to JJ. It was about finding a group that was going to play hard and together.
Just got back to Erie from MKE after 17 hours back and forth in the car. Great weekend with journalism alums and met some great people. As for the game, McDermott had to be going nuts when JJJ started drilling threes. Creighton game plan looked like it was to let him fire away but guard the line in the better 3-point shooters. Barring injuries, Markus shoukld finish in the top 5 all-time MU players, and Sam will be Top 20. What a joy to watch them play. Felt bad for Haanif, who somehow played three minutes without ever being announced into the game. After starting first 50-odd games of his career he was a complete non-factor. PA announcer was pretty bad, neglecting Cheatham's entering the game and missing Duane's first appearance also. Crowd was great, especially when Sam drilled the 3 to make it 80-62. Hope any potential recruits liked the gameday experience. Fisch's proposal was really nice, especially the way the players whooped it up when she said yes. Great stuff. Campus looked great; that new dorm on Wells is going to be huge, takes up whole block.
Replay on Fox Sports go...RIGHT NOW.
Quote from: ecompt on March 05, 2017, 11:03:35 PM
Just got back to Erie from MKE after 17 hours back and forth in the car. Great weekend with journalism alums and met some great people. As for the game, McDermott had to be going nuts when JJJ started drilling threes. Creighton game plan looked like it was to let him fire away but guard the line in the better 3-point shooters. Barring injuries, Markus shoukld finish in the top 5 all-time MU players, and Sam will be Top 20. What a joy to watch them play. Felt bad for Haanif, who somehow played three minutes without ever being announced into the game. After starting first 50-odd games of his career he was a complete non-factor. PA announcer was pretty bad, neglecting Cheatham's entering the game and missing Duane's first appearance also. Crowd was great, especially when Sam drilled the 3 to make it 80-62. Hope any potential recruits liked the gameday experience. Fisch's proposal was really nice, especially the way the players whooped it up when she said yes. Great stuff. Campus looked great; that new dorm on Wells is going to be huge, takes up whole block.
thank you for your service!! that was going the EXTRA mile