Jake @jakeweingarten
Marquette has landed former Texas pledge Emarion Ellis, a source told @stockrisers. Was formerly committed to Shaka Smart prior to his transition to the Golden Eagles. This was expected, but, now official.
Excellent.
Quote from: Pakuni on April 13, 2021, 12:49:23 PM
Jake @jakeweingarten
Marquette has landed former Texas pledge Emarion Ellis, a source told @stockrisers. Was formerly committed to Shaka Smart prior to his transition to the Golden Eagles. This was expected, but, now official.
Whoa. Well I guess that's a loud reply to my "it's been quiet with Ellis"
Also, WELCOME TO MARQUETTE EMARION!!
Excited as hell to have you here
Wow that's out of nowhere. Very excited to watch this kid play from the little I've seen of him. I like the fact that he played football as well. I think we'll see a lot of 3 guard lineups.
Love to see it
Nice! Anyone know if he played against Carton in HS? Seems like they're close in distance
Bates is the higher ranked player but I've heard that Ellis may have been more coveted by Shaka. A lot of upside here. Very excited he's on the team.
Last Ellis got us a natty.
Table updated:
https://www.muscoop.com/index.php?page=page4655
Welcome to Marquette, Emarion!
Quote from: Galway Eagle on April 13, 2021, 12:54:45 PM
Nice! Anyone know if he played against Carton in HS? Seems like they're close in distance
They did. Two years apart but rival schools.
Quote from: Fluffy Blue Monster on April 13, 2021, 12:58:03 PM
They did. Two years apart but rival schools.
Just found the stat lines for at least one game
https://ia.varsitybound.com/boysbasketball/2018-19/games/h201811120733444771a4c6f8b1d6849/Stats
Jerry Meyer Scouting Report:
National Rank: 105
Projection: Power 5 Starter
Up and coming prospect with tremendous upside. Great length for a point guard. Has thin frame and needs added strength and mass. Has a burst of speed, can wiggle through traffic and is a good finisher off one foot. Has a low release on jumper and not known as a shooter but projects as an at least keep the defense honest shooter. Sees the court and is developing as a playmaker for others. Has a knack for rebounding. One on one defense has room for improvement but has good hands and is an opportunistic defender.
Hasn't updated his tweeter yet:
https://twitter.com/EmarionEllis23
Wondering if DJ Carton played a role in recruiting?
Awesome news
This is great. Welcome to MU Emarion!
Only a 3*, huh?
Quote from: CountryRoads on April 13, 2021, 12:52:52 PM
Wow that's out of nowhere. Very excited to watch this kid play from the little I've seen of him. I like the fact that he played football as well. I think we'll see a lot of 3 guard lineups.
For sure. I don't know if you know this, but Jalen Suggs played football. I don't know why the announcers never mentioned that during the tourney.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on April 13, 2021, 01:04:51 PM
Only a 3*, huh?
I'm guessing this was implied teal...but 247 lists him as a 4-star.
https://247sports.com/player/emarion-ellis-46097931/
Quote from: Uncle Rico on April 13, 2021, 01:04:51 PM
Only a 3*, huh?
Yup, Shaka not off to the start that some here had expected. Half the roster was to be gone and replaced with 5* already.
A little intro to Emarion Ellis via the Rock Island Dispatch:
QuoteIowa player of the year: Emarion Ellis, sr., Assumption
After earning all-state honors as a junior at Davenport Central, Ellis transferred to Assumption for his final year and flourished. Despite missing time with injury, he had his fingerprints all over the Knights' success. The athletic guard led coach Matt Fitzpatrick's team in scoring, rebounding, assists, steals and blocks per game as Assumption won 19 games and reached the Class 3A state semifinals. Signed to play at Texas and listed as a four-star recruit by Rivals, Ellis poured in a career-high 33 points versus Ballard and was named all-tournament at state
Given our recent history, a 6'5 guard at the point is very exciting
https://247sports.com/college/marquette/Season/2021-Basketball/Commits/
ZagsBlog has thoughts
https://www.zagsblog.com/2021/04/13/emarion-ellis-decommitts-from-texas-signs-with-marquette/
Quote from: Pakuni on April 13, 2021, 01:17:55 PM
Even worse, he's not from Milwaukee.
Would've preferred the green wienie, aina?
https://twitter.com/WisBBYearbook/status/1382035429449424903 (https://twitter.com/WisBBYearbook/status/1382035429449424903)
Mark Miller
@WisBBYearbook
Marquette is getting a player who is just beginning to scratch the surface of how good he will become in Davenport, Iowa, Assumption's Emarion Ellis. Look for big things from him in the future as a backcourt player for the Golden Eagles.
They both (Carton and Ellis) were in the same basketball conference -- I think the Mississippi Valley -- along with a couple other regional high schools in eastern Iowa. Davenport Central and Bettendorf probably played each other twice a year.
One of America's cultural gems is the Amana Colonies.
I have to wonder if Carton and Ellis availed themselves of some good eatin' there
Quote from: Uncle Rico on April 13, 2021, 01:19:23 PM
Would've preferred the green wienie, aina?
Crean sucks
One weird motherf#cker
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qM5caf2J3sE/UthmYYGp46I/AAAAAAAAC-Q/mNiSfZ3MJwA/s1600/CREANENHANCE.jpg)
Wow...6'5?? Does this mean we're no longer targeting Bates? What should we know about Ellis' game?
Quote from: keefe on April 13, 2021, 01:41:16 PM
One weird motherf#cker
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qM5caf2J3sE/UthmYYGp46I/AAAAAAAAC-Q/mNiSfZ3MJwA/s1600/CREANENHANCE.jpg)
And you're an effing child.
Apparently his only other offers prior to committing to Texas were Louisiana Tech, Bryant, and UWM. It does sound like he blew up this year, though.
Quote from: Skip Intro on April 13, 2021, 01:51:08 PM
Apparently his only other offers prior to committing to Texas were Louisiana Tech, Bryant, and UWM. It does sound like he blew up this year, though.
He did blow up this year. From not super heralded to 3A player of the year. Shifting focus from two sports to just basketball should also help.
Quote from: JakeBarnes on April 13, 2021, 01:52:52 PM
He did blow up this year. From not super heralded to 3A player of the year. Shifting focus from two sports to just basketball should also help.
Also, I think there will be a lot more diamonds in the rough based on coaches not being able to see players in person.
Quote from: MuggsyB on April 13, 2021, 01:42:26 PM
Wow...6'5?? Does this mean we're no longer targeting Bates? What should we know about Ellis' game?
More slasher than shooter where I get the impression Bates is the opposite.
Quote from: MuggsyB on April 13, 2021, 01:42:26 PM
Wow...6'5?? Does this mean we're no longer targeting Bates? What should we know about Ellis' game?
Possible that Bates is still in the mix. Shaka does like 3 guards on the court
Quote from: JakeBarnes on April 13, 2021, 01:26:35 PM
https://twitter.com/WisBBYearbook/status/1382035429449424903 (https://twitter.com/WisBBYearbook/status/1382035429449424903)
Mark Miller
@WisBBYearbook
Marquette is getting a player who is just beginning to scratch the surface of how good he will become in Davenport, Iowa, Assumption's Emarion Ellis. Look for big things from him in the future as a backcourt player for the Golden Eagles.
So Ja Morant v2.0? I'm in.
Quote from: TSmith34 on April 13, 2021, 02:05:52 PM
So Ja Morant v2.0? I'm in.
Wow, starting the way-too-high expectations already!
Does it feel to you guys that quality players are beating a path to Shaka's door? Feels that way to me. Every day it seems like we've taken a step forward. I'm fully expecting Joplin committing tomorrow and think we have a great shot at Bates. Plus Garcia seems to be headed one of only two directions; either to a paycheck or back to the Al with his teammates. All good.
Quote from: rocky_warrior on April 13, 2021, 02:08:01 PM
Wow, starting the way-too-high expectations already!
Haven't even seen his summer mixtape player pickup games yet
Quote from: TSmith34 on April 13, 2021, 02:05:52 PM
So Ja Morant v2.0? I'm in.
So....can we schedule Michigan State sometime soon?
Quote from: rocky_warrior on April 13, 2021, 02:08:01 PM
Wow, starting the way-too-high expectations already!
Already?? The guy's been signed for at least an hour-and-a half!
Quote from: Fluffy Blue Monster on April 13, 2021, 02:09:22 PM
So....can we schedule Michigan State sometime soon?
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_pg06KNv2HE/VeAX0oJHvHI/AAAAAAAATc8/eIj0Jp273AY/s1600/Jake-Gyllenhaal.gif)
Quote from: jsglow on April 13, 2021, 02:08:19 PM
Does it feel to you guys that quality players are beating a path to Shaka's door? Feels that way to me. Every day it seems like we've taken a step forward. I'm fully expecting Joplin committing tomorrow and think we have a great shot at Bates. Plus Garcia seems to be headed one of only two directions; either to a paycheck or back to the Al with his teammates. All good.
Yes. It's still going to be a process but these initial steps are very positive.
Quote from: jsglow on April 13, 2021, 02:08:19 PM
Does it feel to you guys that quality players are beating a path to Shaka's door? Feels that way to me. Every day it seems like we've taken a step forward. I'm fully expecting Joplin committing tomorrow and think we have a great shot at Bates. Plus Garcia seems to be headed one of only two directions; either to a paycheck or back to the Al with his teammates. All good.
Yep. It's refreshing. He definitely gives off that "leader of men" type vibe. And with the staff and roster he is hypothetically putting together, I am getting a feeling that this could be a fun team to watch next year.
Quote from: Fluffy Blue Monster on April 13, 2021, 02:02:42 PM
More slasher than shooter where I get the impression Bates is the opposite.
Bates is currently a more complete player. Good shot, ability to slash and use his length to the hoop.
Ellis has some work to do on his shot and has been able to rely on his athleticism to dominate at the hoop. That said, lots of foundation to be a nice shooter (not elite, but nice enough that he can make defenders pay if they try to pack the paint and sag off of him).
Quote from: jsglow on April 13, 2021, 02:08:19 PM
Does it feel to you guys that quality players are beating a path to Shaka's door? Feels that way to me. Every day it seems like we've taken a step forward. I'm fully expecting Joplin committing tomorrow and think we have a great shot at Bates. Plus Garcia seems to be headed one of only two directions; either to a paycheck or back to the Al with his teammates. All good.
Not yet. Players who committed to Coach Smart at Texas are following him. Hasn't had a diaspora of MU players yet. Positive, though. Just not 'players beating a path to the door' yet.
LFG.
Quote from: tower912 on April 13, 2021, 02:17:23 PM
Not yet. Players who committed to Coach Smart at Texas are following him. Hasn't had a diaspora of MU players yet. Positive, though. Just not 'players beating a path to the door' yet.
There are a couple transfers worth watching and I think the real question will be the 2022 class. Keeping Mitchell and Jones was solid, bringing Ellis and other Texas recruits would be quality, but how he does in the coming years and in this year's transfer market with guys not expected to come either to Marquette or to Smart's program will be better indicators, I agree.
Quote from: CountryRoads on April 13, 2021, 12:52:52 PM
Wow that's out of nowhere. Very excited to watch this kid play from the little I've seen of him. I like the fact that he played football as well. I think we'll see a lot of 3 guard lineups.
No kidding! With Joplin announcing tomorrow, I wasn't expecting any recruiting news today.
Shades of Jerel McNeal committing out of the blue on the same day as the Dominic James press conference. I remember logging on to wait for the James announcement and BAM! McNeal commitment news broke moments before.
Still three spots left? Joplin, Bates and a grad transfer? Or Joplin, Bates and stash the schollie?
Quote from: brewcity77 on April 13, 2021, 02:30:41 PM
There are a couple transfers worth watching and I think the real question will be the 2022 class. Keeping Mitchell and Jones was solid, bringing Ellis and other Texas recruits would be quality, but how he does in the coming years and in this year's transfer market with guys not expected to come either to Marquette or to Smart's program will be better indicators, I agree.
I would very much like Shaka and staff to land Vincent Iwuchukwu for 2022.
This means 3 combo guards with size in the 21 class. I like three guard offenses and big guards.
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on April 13, 2021, 01:05:36 PM
For sure. I don't know if you know this, but Jalen Suggs played football. I don't know why the announcers never mentioned that during the tourney.
I heard it during the final.
Quote from: Dr. Blackheart on April 13, 2021, 12:56:07 PM
Last Ellis got us a natty.
But didn't Dale drop like 20 on us in the 83 NCAA tourney?
Quote from: Fluffy Blue Monster on April 13, 2021, 03:21:21 PM
But didn't Dale drop like 20 on us in the 83 NCAA tourney?
Ugh. I was at that game. Evansville, I think.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on April 13, 2021, 01:04:51 PM
Only a 3*, huh?
He did score 33 points in a loss in Iowa state High School semifinals for 3A, but also had 8 Turnovers. Averaged about 17 ppg and 5 assists his senior year but missed 11 games due to a broken hand. He did make the state first team for Iowa High Schools.
Quote from: rocky_warrior on April 13, 2021, 01:07:03 PM
Yup, Shaka not off to the start that some here had expected. Half the roster was to be gone and replaced with 5* already.
Just wondering. Has Shaka recruited any 5 star kids in the past? Anybody know?
Quote from: keefe on April 13, 2021, 01:29:05 PM
One of America's cultural gems is the Amana Colonies.
I have to wonder if Carton and Ellis availed themselves of some good eatin' there
Just to keep you grounded Keefe. After all your world travels are broad so the Amana Colonies may not be on your travel list. The Amana colonies are about 90-100 miles from quad cities where Ellis is from. Closer to the Big Hawkeye complex in Iowa City. The colonies are equally known for their wines. Not world class but not Bad.
Dont know if the Hawkeyes tried to recruit him. Likely not.
Quote from: willie warrior on April 13, 2021, 03:53:05 PM
Just wondering. Has Shaka recruited any 5 star kids in the past? Anybody know?
Greg Brown. Mo bamba. Jarrett Allen.
Quote from: keefe on April 13, 2021, 01:41:16 PM
One weird motherf#cker
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qM5caf2J3sE/UthmYYGp46I/AAAAAAAAC-Q/mNiSfZ3MJwA/s1600/CREANENHANCE.jpg)
What about the guy trying to suck the boogers out of Creans nose?
rocky
I am not certain there will not be more guys leaving and fully confident the new roster will be a major step up. The transfer/recruiting season has a way to go and I like what I have seen thus far.
Quote from: brewcity77 on April 13, 2021, 02:30:41 PM
There are a couple transfers worth watching and I think the real question will be the 2022 class. Keeping Mitchell and Jones was solid, bringing Ellis and other Texas recruits would be quality, but how he does in the coming years and in this year's transfer market with guys not expected to come either to Marquette or to Smart's program will be better indicators, I agree.
Think you are right that next years class will be a better indicator. Ellis is a question mark at the high major level. Bates is rated higher. Where are we at with him? Shaka did get into this late for this next class, however, how is he doing with the portal? We treally do not know.
Quote from: Goose on April 13, 2021, 04:01:54 PM
I am not certain there will not be more guys leaving and fully confident the new roster will be a major step up. The transfer/recruiting season has a way to go and I like what I have seen thus far.
So far, we've lost Aidoo, and gained Ellis - not a trade I'd really want to make, but not bad.
Unless Garcia goes, seems everyone else may stay. Shaka will pick up a couple more *hopefully* talented recruits.
seemingly its pronounced E-Mar-E-On js
Quote from: rocky_warrior on April 13, 2021, 05:10:21 PM
So far, we've lost Aidoo, and gained Ellis - not a trade I'd really want to make, but not bad.
Unless Garcia goes, seems everyone else may stay. Shaka will pick up a couple more *hopefully* talented recruits.
No one is happy about loing Aidoo but I wouldn't characterize this as a Ellis/Aidoo swap. Hopefully we have more good news tomorrow. Keeping Garcia is paramount but as Tower stated we now have three guards with size that can eventually play multiple spots on the floor. Mitchell may be a real steal for us. The bottom line is MU is on a solid path with Shaka. It won't happen immediately but we are accumulating a number of intriguing pieces.
A whole bunch of big guards. Dexter, DJ, Greg, Perez, Mitchell, Jones, Ellis.
Quote from: Johnny B on April 13, 2021, 05:12:02 PM
seemingly its pronounced E-Mar-E-On js
Listening to some news reports on him, it's basically sounds like Marion with an "Uh" added to the front.
Dynomite!
The MU all-hair team just got a new member!
Quote from: JakeBarnes on April 13, 2021, 01:52:52 PM
He did blow up this year. From not super heralded to 3A player of the year. Shifting focus from two sports to just basketball should also help.
This is exactly the type of guy MU should be targeting frequently. A great way to build a program like ours. Well done Shaka!
The excitement builds quickly under Shaka. So different than before. I get the feeling we all have to buckle up to get ready for exciting Marquette basketball. Can't wait.
Will be excited to see EE play, as well as Joplin. Things are looking up!
Quote from: dgies9156 on April 13, 2021, 01:27:31 PM
They both (Carton and Ellis) were in the same basketball conference -- I think the Mississippi Valley -- along with a couple other regional high schools in eastern Iowa. Davenport Central and Bettendorf probably played each other twice a year.
Close - Bettendorf and Davenport Assumption are in the Mississippi Athletic Conference with school in the Quad Cities area - Bettendorf, Davenport, Muscatine (Wieskamp), etc.
Mississippi Valley Conference is further north with schools from Cedar Rapids (Utoff), Iowa City (McCaffery brothers), Cedar Falls, Linn-Mar (Marcus Paige), Dubuque, etc.
Both are excellent athletic conferences with 3A and 4A schools - just terribly similar naming, both in eastern IA.
Quote from: mileskishnish72 on April 13, 2021, 05:41:27 PM
Dynomite!
The MU all-hair team just got a new member!
Actually viewing one video I got the Terry Reason vibe
Not only the hair; his build;bounce/athleticism; even his shot as I recall
Other "mature" members see it?
Goose?
When Emarion goes up for the 360* dunk....then he will be this generation's TR!
Quote from: We R Final Four on April 13, 2021, 07:27:00 PM
When Emarion goes up for the 360* dunk....then he will be this generation's TR!
There is a Reason!
I can still hear Bob Voight yelling defensive instructions to Reason at the Milwaukee Arena, hey?
Quote from: mileskishnish72 on April 13, 2021, 05:41:27 PM
Dynomite!
The MU all-hair team just got a new member!
Got a bit of work to do to get to Terry Reason level hair.
Ugh. daJudge beat me to it.
I think Terry Reason had the best hair in MU basketball history.
Quote from: Jockey on April 13, 2021, 07:51:41 PM
Got a bit of work to do to get to Terry Reason level hair.
Ugh. daJudge beat me to it.
Terry had Faux Rasta hair
Can he shoot?
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on April 13, 2021, 01:05:36 PM
For sure. I don't know if you know this, but Jalen Suggs played football. I don't know why the announcers never mentioned that during the tourney.
It was mentioned more than once during the tourney.
Quote from: JakeBarnes on April 13, 2021, 02:17:15 PM
Bates is currently a more complete player. Good shot, ability to slash and use his length to the hoop.
Ellis has some work to do on his shot and has been able to rely on his athleticism to dominate at the hoop. That said, lots of foundation to be a nice shooter (not elite, but nice enough that he can make defenders pay if they try to pack the paint and sag off of him).
based on 247, would appear to have a low release point on the shot... similar to Kam Jones, but an athletic 6'5"!
Quote from: Newsdreams on April 13, 2021, 08:36:26 PM
TR oh yeah
TR had better hair than game. Highly touted outta Cali...game and hair. Only the hair was legit.
If Joplin announced for MU in the morning, I was wondering if there had ever been a better 24 hours for MU recruiting.
Then Headband blew my thought out of the water. I did not remember that.
Two 1K scorers would trump 2 top 100 recruits.
Quote from: mileskishnish72 on April 13, 2021, 08:53:34 PM
If Joplin announced for MU in the morning, I was wondering if there had ever been a better 24 hours for MU recruiting.
Then Headband blew my thought out of the water. I did not remember that.
Two 1K scorers would trump 2 top 100 recruits.
I guess it would depend on how we're looking back at Ellis and Joplin 5 years from now. And what else might happen before tomorrow is done.
If Shaka can get more out of the players than Wojo we'll be alright.
Quote from: bilsu on April 13, 2021, 08:43:00 PM
It was mentioned more than once during the tourney.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CtjN0dPWEAEnX-3?format=jpg&name=medium)
Quote from: mileskishnish72 on April 13, 2021, 08:53:34 PM
If Joplin announced for MU in the morning, I was wondering if there had ever been a better 24 hours for MU recruiting.
Then Headband blew my thought out of the water. I did not remember that.
Two 1K scorers would trump 2 top 100 recruits.
I believe Wade and Odartey Blankson called Crean together to commit at the same time. Too bad Blankson transferred after 2 years.
Quote from: muwarrior69 on April 13, 2021, 09:04:43 PM
If Shaka can get more out of the players than Wojo we'll be alright.
Exactly right. It's key that our returning guys take that next step so to speak.
Quote from: mileskishnish72 on April 13, 2021, 08:53:34 PM
If Joplin announced for MU in the morning, I was wondering if there had ever been a better 24 hours for MU recruiting.
Then Headband blew my thought out of the water. I did not remember that.
Two 1K scorers would trump 2 top 100 recruits.
I believe Jerel and Dom were on the same day.
Quote from: rocky_warrior on April 13, 2021, 05:10:21 PM
So far, we've lost Aidoo, and gained Ellis - not a trade I'd really want to make, but not bad.
Unless Garcia goes, seems everyone else may stay. Shaka will pick up a couple more *hopefully* talented recruits.
Rocky
You projos just won't give up. You know Aidoo never signed a NIL with us, right? He blew up AFTER his verbal - I never expected to see him in Milwaukee, Wojo or no Wojo. Snide (and false) remarks about MU fans expecting a slew of 5 stars won't get it either.
Nobody expects miracles. Everybody (other than a few of you holdouts) expects a greatly improved product. The bar for that is pretty low, IMO. But I'm not surprised that the projos are skeptical. They've been wrong for 7 years - why quit now?
Quote from: Lennys Tap on April 13, 2021, 09:47:51 PM
Rocky
You projos just won't give up. You know Aidoo never signed a NIL with us, right? He blew up AFTER his verbal - I never expected to see him in Milwaukee, Wojo or no Wojo. Snide (and false) remarks about MU fans expecting a slew of 5 stars won't get it either.
Nobody expects miracles. Everybody (other than a few of you holdouts) expects a greatly improved product. The bar for that is pretty low, IMO. But I'm not surprised that the projos are skeptical. They've been wrong for 7 years - why quit now?
This seems like an overreaction to what Rocky said. I read it as maybe we arent the immediate tournament team without a rebuild that people expect.
Quote from: Marq3332 on April 13, 2021, 08:49:16 PM
TR had better hair than game. Highly touted outta Cali...game and hair. Only the hair was legit.
I disagree watching him play 10th row from court side to his Sophomore year he seemed legit. After that he had trouble and hair was a bonus.
Quote from: Galway Eagle on April 13, 2021, 09:49:42 PM
This seems like an overreaction to what Rocky said. I read it as maybe we arent the immediate tournament team without a rebuild that people expect.
If I misinterpreted Rocky's remarks I apologize but it seems to me that he often tried to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear (Wojo) and that he's thrown a bit of shade Wojo's way.
Quote from: Lennys Tap on April 13, 2021, 09:47:51 PM
Rocky
You projos just won't give up. You know Aidoo never signed a NIL with us, right? He blew up AFTER his verbal - I never expected to see him in Milwaukee, Wojo or no Wojo. Snide (and false) remarks about MU fans expecting a slew of 5 stars won't get it either.
Nobody expects miracles. Everybody (other than a few of you holdouts) expects a greatly improved product. The bar for that is pretty low, IMO. But I'm not surprised that the projos are skeptical. They've been wrong for 7 years - why quit now?
Lighten up, Francis.
Quote from: jsglow on April 13, 2021, 02:08:19 PM
Does it feel to you guys that quality players are beating a path to Shaka's door? Feels that way to me. Every day it seems like we've taken a step forward. I'm fully expecting Joplin committing tomorrow and think we have a great shot at Bates. Plus Garcia seems to be headed one of only two directions; either to a paycheck or back to the Al with his teammates. All good.
That might end up being the case, but we're not there yet. So far the only player who has come to MU that wasn't going to is Ellis. I fully expect that by the end of this offseason we will be there.
When Shaka was hired my hopes for this offseason were:
1. Retain Carton
2. Retain Garcia
3. Retain Lewis
4. Retain Aidoo
5. Retain Mitchell
6. Retain Oso
7. Build the rest of the roster with the best combination possible of: other MU players, other MU recruits, Texas recruits, and/or transfers
So far he's don't well but not perfect. Seems to have locked down priorities 1, 3, 5, and 6. Missed on priority 4. TBD on priority 2. We'll see how #7 shakes out. If it ends up being Ellis, Joplin, Dexter, Jose, and Greg, personally I'd be underwhelmed, especially if Garcia goes pro. I expect that we'll get at least 2 more additions.
Quote from: TAMU Eagle on April 13, 2021, 10:29:37 PM
That might end up being the case, but we're not there yet. So far the only player who has come to MU that wasn't going to is Ellis. I fully expect that by the end of this offseason we will be there.
When Shaka was hired my hopes for this offseason were:
1. Retain Carton
2. Retain Garcia
3. Retain Lewis
4. Retain Aidoo
5. Retain Mitchell
6. Retain Oso
7. Build the rest of the roster with the best combination possible of: other MU players, other MU recruits, Texas recruits, and/or transfers
So far he's don't well but not perfect. Seems to have locked down priorities 1, 3, 5, and 6. Missed on priority 4. TBD on priority 2. We'll see how #7 shakes out. If it ends up being Ellis, Joplin, Dexter, Jose, and Greg, personally I'd be underwhelmed, especially if Garcia goes pro. I expect that we'll get at least 2 more additions.
How come underwhelmed?
In a bubble, if you told me MU would fire Wojo without knowing the replacement, I would have expected to lose at least 2/3 of Carton, Lewis, Garcia if not all 3. I would have also expected to lose one or two of Aidoo, Mitchell, Cam.
I would have expected new coach to then patch up and fill the roster with some good players, some being incoming freshmen and others transfers/jucos, and begin building for the future. That would have made this upcoming season a rebuilding year.
I adjusted my expectations when Shaka came aboard, but I find it hard pressed to feel underwhelmed.
-Keeping Carton, Lewis, Oso, and Greg (yes you need upperclassmen that can shoot and lead by example) along with the others is great. I know we were fooled last season but Perez and Dex will contribute as well.
-Adding a top 75 6'7 forward along with a borderline top 100 6'5 guard within weeks is very nice.
-He's likely not done yet, hopefully another impact rotation player will join.
Dawson's return to MU will likely make or break the quality of next years squad- imo Shaka needs DG33 to dance next year.
That said, it's looking like next season definitely won't be a "rebuilding" year- which I would have fully expected in most cases- it'll be a tournament contending squad in year 1 for Shaka.
Quote from: Lennys Tap on April 13, 2021, 09:47:51 PM
Rocky
You projos just won't give up. You know Aidoo never signed a NIL with us, right? He blew up AFTER his verbal - I never expected to see him in Milwaukee, Wojo or no Wojo. Snide (and false) remarks about MU fans expecting a slew of 5 stars won't get it either.
Nobody expects miracles. Everybody (other than a few of you holdouts) expects a greatly improved product. The bar for that is pretty low, IMO. But I'm not surprised that the projos are skeptical. They've been wrong for 7 years - why quit now?
OK. But none of that debates the facts of my post.
I'm impressed with the staff Shaka has put together. Based on what we expected, and what we now have we've lost Aidoo and gained Ellis. (Ignoring that by the time I catch up here again tomorrow AM Joplin will probably have joined).
I'm also happy that people are optimistic. I'll surely jump on that train once MU starts winning more basketball games. I'll also defend Shaka to get a fair chance for the next few years. Since he's retaining guys (which I'm happy about from a University standpoint), it looks like it'll be a few years before he'll have a full slate of "his guys".
But hey - go ahead and create arguments ;D
Quote from: DoctorV on April 13, 2021, 11:20:39 PM
How come underwhelmed?
Because I don't think a 10-man roster of Carton, Lewis, Elliott, Perez, Akanno, Ighodaro, Mitchell, Joplin, Ellis, and Jones is good enough to make the tournament....If they do, it would be a huge testament to Smart's coaching ability. Also because looking at the transfer portal there are many better options than the players on our roster. But like I said, I don't Shaka will stop with Joplin and Ellis, meaning I have good chance of being overwhelmed or at least whelmed.
Quote from: TAMU Eagle on April 14, 2021, 12:46:16 AM
10-man roster of Carton, Lewis, Elliott, Perez, Akanno, Ighodaro, Mitchell, Joplin, Ellis, and Jones
I notice you left off Garcia
Quote from: rocky_warrior on April 14, 2021, 12:50:23 AM
I notice you left off Garcia
I won't count him as back until he is back. All it takes is listening to the advice of one wrong person for a disappointing draft day for all parties
There's a pretty substantial amount of evidence that playing multiple sports & even taking significant breaks from your primary sport, is actually beneficial & not harmful.
1. Lower risk of overuse injuries
2. Happier/lower risk of burnout, anxiety, depression
3. 2-3x lower risk of major injuries in the long-term, such as ACL
4. Vast majority of NCAA athletes & an even greater proportion of pro athletes played at least 2 sports growing up
The motor skills, neural processes, etc developed in other sports are often directly transferable & beneficial... Same reason that working out math problems in childhood develops your ability to work out non-math problems later on.
Shaka & many many other coaches place value in athletes that play other sports.
Quote from: rocky_warrior on April 14, 2021, 12:42:00 AM
OK. But none of that debates the facts of my post.
I'm impressed with the staff Shaka has put together. Based on what we expected, and what we now have we've lost Aidoo and gained Ellis. (Ignoring that by the time I catch up here again tomorrow AM Joplin will probably have joined).
I'm also happy that people are optimistic. I'll surely jump on that train once MU starts winning more basketball games. I'll also defend Shaka to get a fair chance for the next few years. Since he's retaining guys (which I'm happy about from a University standpoint), it looks like it'll be a few years before he'll have a full slate of "his guys".
But hey - go ahead and create arguments ;D
I think Rocky has a good perspective here. Retaining players is a plus, but they were already here, and are Wojo recruits so giving Shaka full juice credit for those guys is not totally fair. Ellis looks like he has great upside but we just don't know. Somebody here said it looks like recruits are beating a path to Shaka. Who? So far it has been only one or two guys that were his recruits at Tx
We still must wait and see. He has not picked up anybody from the Portal. Hopefully his recruiting prowess will shine for next years class.
"Recruits are beating a path to Shaka's door" is the new "Wojo always gets his man."
Quote from: TAMU Eagle on April 14, 2021, 12:46:16 AM
Because I don't think a 10-man roster of Carton, Lewis, Elliott, Perez, Akanno, Ighodaro, Mitchell, Joplin, Ellis, and Jones is good enough to make the tournament....If they do, it would be a huge testament to Smart's coaching ability. Also because looking at the transfer portal there are many better options than the players on our roster. But like I said, I don't Shaka will stop with Joplin and Ellis, meaning I have good chance of being overwhelmed or at least whelmed.
Fair enough.
2 counterpoints:
1) just because there is someone better in the portal doesn't necessarily mean it would be better for Shaka to chase off one of our guys to bring in someone else. It could be that the current guys are much better than they showed, or were able to show, under wojo. It could also be that continuity and team unity would be rattled making it harder to find success.
2) By my count with the current 10 players (counting the Joplin egg before it hatches and excluding Dawson) there are 6 top 100, or very near top 100 ranked recruit on the team
Carton, Lewis, Oso, Mitchell, Joplin, Ellis.
6'3 6'7 6'9 6'2 6'7 6'5
If you add Garcia that's a 7th at 6'11.
All of them outside of Carton and Garcia are back end top 100 or just outside the top 100 guys but that's still a nice crop to have in your first year.
That said, how many top 100s did Crean have in year 1? How about wojo and Buzz?
I would be willing to bet that Shaka is going to have a lot more to work with next season than any of the previous 3 did.
Also, if I'm not mistaken 7 top 100s was the most either Buzz (who was hard to quantify because of the Juco angle) or wojo had at one time?
Let's get Joplin and bring back Dawson!
Quote from: DoctorV on April 14, 2021, 07:00:12 AM1) just because there is someone better in the portal doesn't necessarily mean it would be better for Shaka to chase off one of our guys to bring in someone else.
Even if Joplin commits today, there are still two open scholarships and a number of high-level players in the portal that could be immediate impact players. Marquette could add players without chasing anyone off.
Quote from: DoctorV on April 14, 2021, 07:00:12 AM2) By my count with the current 10 players (counting the Joplin egg before it hatches and excluding Dawson) there are 6 top 100, or very near top 100 ranked recruit on the team
**Cringes in advance**Quote from: DoctorV on April 14, 2021, 07:00:12 AMThat said, how many top 100s did Crean have in year 1? How about wojo and Buzz?
...And there it is. As we belabored repeatedly, Wojo had Juan Anderson, Steve Taylor, Luke Fischer, Jajuan Johnson, Deonte Burton, Duane Wilson, and Sandy Cohen, not to mention a fringe top-100 in proven scorer Matt Carlino.
I look at this team and see promise. I think there are a lot of great building blocks. But I do believe that adding one or two proven pieces could put them in contention for a NCAA bid next year. Otherwise, it's hoping for a team of largely underclassmen to come together quickly.
One if the problems last season was no upper classman or "proven" leader on the team to take over games. Yes, there were moments when a player stepped up in a given game but not on a consistent basis. I would feel much better with 1 or 2 proven xfers for next year.
It wasn't a promo/mojo argument, I honestly didn't know that Steve had so much to start. The narrative around here was that Buzz left the cupboard bare, but I always thought that didn't make sense because I remembered otherwise.
Sounds like he had 8 top 100 type kids on that first year roster. Wojo was classic at making the sum of the parts worse than the parts themselves on paper so I guess I shouldn't be surprised.
Looking at this list of names I'd rather have this years crop but we shall see. Also, yes I do realize that hs rankings aren't an end all but it's interesting to see the type of talent available based on recruiting service rankings.
How many highly ranked kids did Buzz and Crean start with?
There's an infamous Luke Winn tweet out there (he deleted his account when he left SI) where he was realized MU had more Top 100 RSCI players than the rest of the Big East combined (or something to that effect). I believe he tweeted that in the preseason of Henry's freshman year.
Quote from: DoctorV on April 14, 2021, 08:31:11 AM
It wasn't a promo/mojo argument, I honestly didn't know that Steve had so much to start. The narrative around here was that Buzz left the cupboard bare, but I always thought that didn't make sense because I remembered otherwise.
Sounds like he had 8 top 100 type kids on that first year roster. Wojo was classic at making the sum of the parts worse than the parts themselves on paper so I guess I shouldn't be surprised.
Looking at this list of names I'd rather have this years crop but we shall see. Also, yes I do realize that hs rankings aren't an end all but it's interesting to see the type of talent available based on recruiting service rankings.
How many highly ranked kids did Buzz and Crean start with?
Well you sort of are making both sides of the argument here. On recruiting rankings Wojo had a crap ton to work with. But the fact is those players were extremely inexperienced (Juan), overrated (Steve, JJJ), coming off a year not playing (Duane, Fischer), didn't want to be here (Burton). If we match up those top 100s with similar players at their rankings each year I'd wager almost every one of them underperformed in their collegiate career.
Buzz had the three amigos and Lazar as seniors and after coaching them a year. Regardless of any young top 100 recruits or bench talent that team was making the tournament.
Quote from: DoctorV on April 14, 2021, 08:31:11 AM
It wasn't a promo/mojo argument, I honestly didn't know that Steve had so much to start. The narrative around here was that Buzz left the cupboard bare, but I always thought that didn't make sense because I remembered otherwise.
Sounds like he had 8 top 100 type kids on that first year roster. Wojo was classic at making the sum of the parts worse than the parts themselves on paper so I guess I shouldn't be surprised.
Looking at this list of names I'd rather have this years crop but we shall see. Also, yes I do realize that hs rankings aren't an end all but it's interesting to see the type of talent available based on recruiting service rankings.
How many highly ranked kids did Buzz and Crean start with?
Crean: 0
Buzz: 3 (#36 James, #57 McNeal, #61 Matthews)
Quote from: The Equalizer on April 14, 2021, 09:30:34 AM
Crean: 0
Buzz: 3 (#36 James, #57 McNeal, #61 Matthews)
Hayward was #75 on 247 idk about RSCI or anything.
Quote from: Ruby on April 14, 2021, 08:20:24 AM
One if the problems last season was no upper classman or "proven" leader on the team to take over games. Yes, there were moments when a player stepped up in a given game but not on a consistent basis. I would feel much better with 1 or 2 proven xfers for next year.
DJ already has shown some ability to take over games. He will be a junior. He will be well-coached. So right there, that's 1. We'll see who else emerges.
Quote from: D'Lo Brown on April 14, 2021, 03:10:24 AM
There's a pretty substantial amount of evidence that playing multiple sports & even taking significant breaks from your primary sport, is actually beneficial & not harmful.
1. Lower risk of overuse injuries
2. Happier/lower risk of burnout, anxiety, depression
3. 2-3x lower risk of major injuries in the long-term, such as ACL
4. Vast majority of NCAA athletes & an even greater proportion of pro athletes played at least 2 sports growing up
The motor skills, neural processes, etc developed in other sports are often directly transferable & beneficial... Same reason that working out math problems in childhood develops your ability to work out non-math problems later on.
Shaka & many many other coaches place value in athletes that play other sports.
All outstanding points ... though you did take more than 5 paragraphs to make it! 8-)
Quote from: Newsdreams on April 13, 2021, 08:00:18 PM
Terry had Faux Rasta hair
Terry Reason didn't have a Rasta Do. He sported 100% Jheri Curl.
Quote from: keefe on April 14, 2021, 12:23:07 PM
Terry Reason didn't have a Rasta Do. He sported 100% Jheri Curl.
Yep.
Had him in speech class. He was "interesting".
real
We were likely in the same speech class. If so, I did not attend on regular basis.
Quote from: keefe on April 14, 2021, 12:23:07 PM
Terry Reason didn't have a Rasta Do. He sported 100% Jheri Curl.
Thought no teal was needed with the Faux
Quote from: Galway Eagle on April 14, 2021, 10:06:03 AM
Hayward was #75 on 247 idk about RSCI or anything.
I went with whoever was listed as RSCI top 100 here:
https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/marquette/2009.html (https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/marquette/2009.html)