Another one out of the blue
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ey8PhGLWUAEoXRq?format=jpg&name=large)
The scouting report is Pogo stick. So...MUScoop rejoice!
So 3 commits in like 20 hours? Nice.
What a day! Getting that fire down below!
Value has been rising.
https://247sports.com/PlayerSport/Keeyan-Itejere-at-Grace-Christian-School-262920/RecruitRankHistory/ (https://247sports.com/PlayerSport/Keeyan-Itejere-at-Grace-Christian-School-262920/RecruitRankHistory/)
Another 3*?
Did a double take. Thought it was Osa in the picture.
Quote from: mileskishnish72 on April 14, 2021, 09:40:48 AM
What a day! Getting that fire down below!
May want to get in touch with a doctor.
Skinny, like Osa. Consolation prize for not keeping Aidoo. But a good one. These guys were committed to Shaka, not Texas.
I love pogo stick players!!! Things are looking up for next season.
Quote from: 2012 Warrior on April 14, 2021, 09:42:23 AM
Did a double take. Thought it was Oso in the picture.
Honestly, given the recruitment of Oso by Shaka at UT it seems he does have a type.
Jake
He definitely has a system and type of player that fits it. Excitement level is rising big time. Cannot wait until opening night.
Welcome, Keeyan!
Quote from: Goose on April 14, 2021, 09:49:21 AM
Jake
He definitely has a system and type of player that fits it. Excitement level is rising big time. Cannot wait until opening night.
This team feels like everyone is over 6'3. And the overwhelming group is over 6'5". This team is gonna play big and fast. Feels like a Leonard Hamilton FL State team all of a sudden. Let's hope the defensive effort reaches that.
https://twitter.com/KItejere/status/1382340674520023043?s=20
Christmas in April. Absolutely incredible.
The trajectory and optimism regarding MUBB has been completely flipped in the past few weeks.
Wish there was a summer league.
Welcome to Marquette, Keeyan!
Things are looking up, MU fans....
Quote from: Uncle Rico on April 14, 2021, 09:41:26 AM
Another 3*?
I'm pretty sure you're joking, and it
is pretty funny.
When Wojo signed a low 4-star, he was criticized. When he signed a McDonald's AA, it was, "well, he isn't even a 5-star." When he went after 5-stars, it was he was overreaching. When he went after 3-stars or low-4s, he wasn't aiming high enough. And no matter who he signed, it was, "He's such a bad coach it doesn't matter."
That's the price a coach pays for not winning enough -- he gets ripped for everything, real or perceived.
And Shaka is the exciting new kid on the block, so we automatically love everything he does.
Having said all that ...
Put me among the long list of Scoopers thrilled by all of this recruiting action. Shaka has a long history of identifying athletes who can play and who improve over time, and I look forward to seeing our program again become a major factor in the Big East race and in the NCAA tournament.
Welcome to MU, Keeyan.
We Are Marquette!
So...found this blog about Keeyan.
https://www.burntorangenation.com/2021/3/12/22322210/keeyan-itejere-shaka-smart-texas-longhorns-signee-2021 (https://www.burntorangenation.com/2021/3/12/22322210/keeyan-itejere-shaka-smart-texas-longhorns-signee-2021)
Nice snippet:
QuoteThe key thing to remember about Keeyan (sorry I couldn't pass up the opportunity) is that he's only been playing basketball for a few years —like Jaxson Hayes when he arrived at Texas, Itejere is still early in his development because he grew up playing soccer and then switched to playing basketball, but didn't see heavy minutes in competitive games until he got to high school.
"His upside is tremendous," Coach Morris told me in a phone interview. "He's just scratching the surface and it wouldn't surprise me if he can become a lottery pick at Texas."
Itejere possesses the explosiveness and handles that you would typically see from a guard, using it to his advantage against bigger and/or slower post players. He's able to take it coast-to-coast and finish above the rim in transition in a fashion that is reminiscent of Kai Jones (more on that later).
Jake
I like the sound of it, even sounds like he might be able to dunk the ball.
Quote from: Goose on April 14, 2021, 10:07:13 AM
Jake
I like the sound of it, even sounds like he might be able to dunk the ball.
Even better:
https://twitter.com/PhenomMixtapes/status/1300813932651782156?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1300813932651782156%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.burntorangenation.com%2F2021%2F3%2F12%2F22322210%2Fkeeyan-itejere-shaka-smart-texas-longhorns-signee-2021 (https://twitter.com/PhenomMixtapes/status/1300813932651782156?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1300813932651782156%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.burntorangenation.com%2F2021%2F3%2F12%2F22322210%2Fkeeyan-itejere-shaka-smart-texas-longhorns-signee-2021)
Quote from: JakeBarnes on April 14, 2021, 10:11:04 AM
Even better:
https://twitter.com/PhenomMixtapes/status/1300813932651782156?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1300813932651782156%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.burntorangenation.com%2F2021%2F3%2F12%2F22322210%2Fkeeyan-itejere-shaka-smart-texas-longhorns-signee-2021 (https://twitter.com/PhenomMixtapes/status/1300813932651782156?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1300813932651782156%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.burntorangenation.com%2F2021%2F3%2F12%2F22322210%2Fkeeyan-itejere-shaka-smart-texas-longhorns-signee-2021)
Love that kind of end-to-end commitment and hustle.
Wow....quite a 24 hrs!
This young man could have a MASSIVE upside. It's been a very good 24 hrs for MU hoops. There is tremendous excitement in the air! No pun intended.
Quote from: MU82 on April 14, 2021, 10:05:00 AM
I'm pretty sure you're joking, and it is pretty funny.
When Wojo signed a low 4-star, he was criticized. When he signed a McDonald's AA, it was, "well, he isn't even a 5-star." When he went after 5-stars, it was he was overreaching. When he went after 3-stars or low-4s, he wasn't aiming high enough. And no matter who he signed, it was, "He's such a bad coach it doesn't matter."
That's the price a coach pays for not winning enough -- he gets ripped for everything, real or perceived.
And Shaka is the exciting new kid on the block, so we automatically love everything he does.
Having said all that ...
Put me among the long list of Scoopers thrilled by all of this recruiting action. Shaka has a long history of identifying athletes who can play and who improve over time, and I look forward to seeing our program again become a major factor in the Big East race and in the NCAA tournament.
Welcome to MU, Keeyan.
We Are Marquette!
So true, and very well said.
More stuff on Keeyan:
https://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/news/shaw-s-takeaways-big-shots-tip-off-classic (https://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/news/shaw-s-takeaways-big-shots-tip-off-classic)
QuoteKeeyan is a next-level type of athlete that does things throughout the course of a game that may be natural to him, but just are not routine for other people. Whether it be hitting his head on the backboard when dunking a ball or blocking a floater at its peak (both of which he did this weekend) his physical gifts can be truly tantalizing.
Itejere committed to Texas after a quick recruiting process last June, but this recruitment was different for the three-star prospect.
"People said this was a quick process, but really when you know what school you want to go to, you know what school you want to go to," Itejere said. "I got a phone call after practice one day and it was coach (Shaka) Smart. We just connected immediately, really unlike any other coach I had ever talked to. That really set things off."
If Itejere is going to make his mark early at Texas, it will be on the defensive end of the floor. Leading up to his final game Itejere averaged 12 rebounds and he added 5.5 blocks to go along with some truly breathtaking displays of athleticism.
Reminds me a little bit of an old MU player, Larry McNeil, total jumping jack. It seems Keeyan is more of a modern day player, probably better than Larry, time will
tell.
Quote from: BCHoopster on April 14, 2021, 11:01:10 AM
Reminds me a little bit of an old MU player, Larry McNeil, total jumping jack. It seems Keeyan is more of a modern day player, probably better than Larry, time will
tell.
Better than McNeil? That is a tall order
Scholarship table updated -- again:
https://www.muscoop.com/index.php?page=page4655
Quote from: GoldenWarrior11 on April 14, 2021, 09:59:06 AM
Christmas in April. Absolutely incredible.
The trajectory and optimism regarding MUBB has been completely flipped in the past few weeks.
No kidding. The amount of traction Shaka is getting is huge.
Gotta love the energy and excitement. The future is extremely promising.
Welcome Keeyan!
Quote from: Goose on April 14, 2021, 09:49:21 AM
Jake
He definitely has a system and type of player that fits it. Excitement level is rising big time. Cannot wait until opening night.
Thank you for this post. After the last seven years, I had forgotten coaches have something called a "system".
Quote from: Goose on April 14, 2021, 09:49:21 AM
Cannot wait until opening night.
Meat Summit. November. I'm in.
Wow. What an exciting 24 hours! I can't wait to watch this team play!
Quote from: BCHoopster on April 14, 2021, 11:01:10 AM
probably better than Larry
Whoa whoa whoa. McNeill was a Top 5 stud.
If Itejere is half the player McNeill was we will have an All Big East player.
keefe
#donedeal
Quote from: JakeBarnes on April 14, 2021, 10:05:05 AM
So...found this blog about Keeyan.
https://www.burntorangenation.com/2021/3/12/22322210/keeyan-itejere-shaka-smart-texas-longhorns-signee-2021 (https://www.burntorangenation.com/2021/3/12/22322210/keeyan-itejere-shaka-smart-texas-longhorns-signee-2021)
Nice snippet:
So Mo Bamba 2.0? I'm in.
Welcome aboard Keeyan
You are the Pogo Stick we have been waiting for at MU .
Since my last name is one letter off from Keeyan's first name, I look forward to several years of mispronouncing his name.
Quote from: Herman Cain on April 14, 2021, 12:29:40 PM
Welcome aboard Keeyan
You are the Pogo Stick we have been waiting for at MU .
I thought Cain and Oso were the pogo sticks we had been waiting for at MU, nu?
Quote from: MU82 on April 14, 2021, 12:49:34 PM
I thought Cain and Oso were the pogo sticks we had been waiting for at MU, nu?
Need good necks too.
Kind of sounds like what we were hoping Ike Eke would end up being prior to the injury. Former soccer player turned basketball player with elite athleticism that just needed more experience playing the game.
Welcome Mr. Itejere, looking forward to seeing you in blue and gold!
Quote from: JakeBarnes on April 14, 2021, 09:55:06 AM
This team feels like everyone is over 6'3. And the overwhelming group is over 6'5". This team is gonna play big and fast. Feels like a Leonard Hamilton FL State team all of a sudden. Let's hope the defensive effort reaches that.
Good call.
I also love the way he uses the backboard on his shots (a la Timme).
He's the kind of player many here would have gone "eh" at if Wojo had signed him.
But since it's Smart, the reaction is "OMG I can't believe we got him! He can dunk!"
Quote from: MU82 on April 14, 2021, 10:25:00 AM
Love that kind of end-to-end commitment and hustle.
Look how high he is above the rim on that dunk
Quote from: keefe on April 14, 2021, 11:47:33 AM
Meat Summit. November. I'm in.
I'm down with that, hey?
Quote from: MUEng92 on April 14, 2021, 12:32:00 PM
Since my last name is one letter off from Keeyan's first name, I look forward to several years of mispronouncing his name.
Sew ur Keezan, aina?
Quote from: NolongerWarriors on April 14, 2021, 01:55:26 PM
He's the kind of player many here would have gone "eh" at if Wojo had signed him.
But since it's Smart, the reaction is "OMG I can't believe we got him! He can dunk!"
Wojo STUNK. Please move past this. He was fired, you lost.
Quote from: TwoWords on April 14, 2021, 02:10:17 PM
Wojo STUNK. Please move past this. He was fired, you lost.
"You lost" 😂
Quote from: NolongerWarriors on April 14, 2021, 01:55:26 PM
He's the kind of player many here would have gone "eh" at if Wojo had signed him.
But since it's Smart, the reaction is "OMG I can't believe we got him! He can dunk!"
For me, it's that this kind of guy would have been lost/misused under Wojo. But his skill set seems to be a good fit for a Shaka type team. I very much like that he seems to be starting off the recruiting with "style fit" guys.
Quote from: Silkk the Shaka on April 14, 2021, 02:12:22 PM
For me, it's that this kind of guy would have been lost/misused under Wojo. But his skill set seems to be a good fit for a Shaka type team. I very much like that he seems to be starting off the recruiting with "style fit" guys.
He's also the type of player that Shaka seemed to develop well at UT. Excited about his potential and here for some HUGE dunks and blocks this season.
Quote from: NolongerWarriors on April 14, 2021, 01:55:26 PM
He's the kind of player many here would have gone "eh" at if Wojo had signed him.
But since it's Smart, the reaction is "OMG I can't believe we got him! He can dunk!"
Good coach vs bad coach. Simple concept. How are you confused?
I was excited when Wojo signed Ike Eke. Same kind of player. I hope Keeyan's back holds up and he is able to reach his potential.
Quote from: TAMU Eagle on April 14, 2021, 01:08:37 PM
Kind of sounds like what we were hoping Ike Eke would end up being prior to the injury. Former soccer player turned basketball player with elite athleticism that just needed more experience playing the game.
Welcome Mr. Itejere, looking forward to seeing you in blue and gold!
I agree with this analysis.
Quote from: tower912 on April 14, 2021, 03:27:37 PM
I was excited when Wojo signed Ike Eke. Same kind of player. I hope Keeyan's back holds up and he is able to reach his potential.
If we played an even fast style back then and if Ike didn't break his back, that's a good basketball player
Quote from: tower912 on April 14, 2021, 03:27:37 PM
I was excited when Wojo signed Ike Eke.
Sorry, but that was against the rules.
Quote from: NickelDimer on April 14, 2021, 03:26:07 PM
Good coach vs bad coach. Simple concept. How are you confused?
Wojo was not a bad coach....he had some unfortunate 'bail-out' players who left early and would not be coached like he was doing. Lets make that clear...
Wrong, hey?
Quote from: MUHoopsFan2 on April 15, 2021, 12:47:27 AM
Wojo was not a bad coach....he had some unfortunate 'bail-out' players who left early and would not be coached like he was doing. Lets make that clear...
Well that also falls on the coach. Not sure what you were watching, but yes Wojo was a guy in over his head. Doesn't matter he gone.
Quote from: MUHoopsFan2 on April 15, 2021, 12:47:27 AM
Wojo was not a bad coach....he had some unfortunate 'bail-out' players who left early and would not be coached like he was doing. Lets make that clear...
You're wrong. Let's make that clear...
Quote from: MUHoopsFan2 on April 15, 2021, 12:47:27 AM
Wojo was not a bad coach....he had some unfortunate 'bail-out' players who left early and would not be coached like he was doing. Lets make that clear...
I don't see a lot of evidence that Wojo was a good coach.
Quote from: Fluffy Blue Monster on April 15, 2021, 08:31:30 AM
I don't see a lot of evidence that Wojo was a good coach.
He's such a good coach that he has schools blowing up his phone to hire him!
How about we just stop talking about Wojo completely? He did not succeed. He's gone. A lot of exciting stuff to talk about moving forward.
+1,000,000 8-)
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on April 15, 2021, 08:48:14 AM
How about we just stop talking about Wojo completely? He did not succeed. He's gone. A lot of exciting stuff to talk about moving forward.
Ha, people still constantly fight over Crean, Buzz, Deane...
Quote from: TSmith34 on April 15, 2021, 09:03:03 AM
Ha, people still constantly fight over Crean, Buzz, Deane...
I know. Wojo will continue to haunt this place.
Quote from: MUHoopsFan2 on April 15, 2021, 12:47:27 AM
Wojo was not a bad coach....he had some unfortunate 'bail-out' players who left early and would not be coached like he was doing. Lets make that clear...
Wave a white flag and be done with it.
Quote from: MUHoopsFan2 on April 15, 2021, 12:47:27 AM
Wojo was not a bad coach....he had some unfortunate 'bail-out' players who left early and would not be coached like he was doing. Lets make that clear...
Quote from: MUHoopsFan2 on March 20, 2021, 02:55:56 AM
Get outta here....that is all you cried about.
You got what you wanted...unreal. He did a great job under the circumstances.
Now I laugh when half the team transfers....AND NOW YOU STILL WONT WIN!!!
Surprised you are able to defend Wojo with all that laughter as the whole team transfers due to the bleak Wojo-less future.
Quote from: JWags85 on April 15, 2021, 09:13:17 AM
Surprised you are able to defend Wojo with all that laughter as the whole team transfers due to the bleak Wojo-less future.
I'm laughing right now because I was just about to post something very similar about 30 minutes ago -- quoting the exact same post.
But now it looks like maybe a couple more of Wojo's players might transfer...just not for the reason that MUHoopsFan2 thought.
Quote from: TSmith34 on April 15, 2021, 09:03:03 AM
Ha, people still constantly fight over Crean, Buzz, Deane...
Cord Lipe sucks!
Quote from: MUHoopsFan2 on April 15, 2021, 12:47:27 AM
Wojo was not a bad coach....he had some unfortunate 'bail-out' players who left early and would not be coached like he was doing. Lets make that clear...
Oh you've made something clear alright 🤣
Quote from: MUHoopsFan2 on April 15, 2021, 12:47:27 AM
Wojo was not a bad coach....he had some unfortunate 'bail-out' players who left early and would not be coached like he was doing. Lets make that clear...
...even the players that stayed could not be coached like he was doing.
Quote from: Hards_Alumni on April 15, 2021, 08:35:38 AM
He's such a good coach that he has schools blowing up his phone to hire him!
...the only calls he is getting is family/friends asking if they can get a personal loan.
Quote from: NolongerWarriors on April 14, 2021, 01:55:26 PM
He's the kind of player many here would have gone "eh" at if Wojo had signed him.
But since it's Smart, the reaction is "OMG I can't believe we got him! He can dunk!"
We get it. You were one of the few people that did not like the hiring of Shaka Smart. I find it interesting that the national media, local media, current players, players who originally signed with Texas, most of the players that already signed with Marquette, excellent additional recruits, outstanding assistant coaches and nearly everyone on MUScoop all think this is a good hire, but yet you are still not on board. Have you been paying attention at all the past 2 1/2 weeks? Do you watch his press conferences? Do you listen to what his philosophy is? Do you not see what an outstanding reputation he has? Your main argument against him was you seem to think he failed at Texas, which is not true, but he didn't have success there in the NCAA tournament. However, he did have more success than anyone would have expected at a school like VCU and the fact that Marquette is nothing like a school like Texas and Shaka seems much more suited to a program like Marquette. He is still young and I am confident that he will take the things that he learned at VCU and Texas, both good and bad, and use those experiences to achieve greater success than he had at either of his two previous schools.
OK gang, Wojo's gone. Right or wrong, he's going to be coaching somewhere else. I hope he learns and is successful as I like him as a person. He just didn't get it done at Marquette.
MOVE ON!!!!!
As to Shaka, if he is successful, I think we have that elusive "here for the count" Coach. He's tasted life at a high-pressure, win-at-all-costs program. Not saying he won't someday get the itch again, but we're not dealing with Kevin O'Neill or the Buzzard here. I can see him coaching our Warriors to the final four 20 years from now.
Could any of us legitimately say that about the Buzzard, The Tanned One or O'Neill? Didn't think so.
Quote from: dgies9156 on April 16, 2021, 10:53:54 AM
OK gang, Wojo's gone. Right or wrong, he's going to be coaching somewhere else. I hope he learns and is successful as I like him as a person. He just didn't get it done at Marquette.
MOVE ON!!!!!
As to Shaka, if he is successful, I think we have that elusive "here for the count" Coach. He's tasted life at a high-pressure, win-at-all-costs program. Not saying he won't someday get the itch again, but we're not dealing with Kevin O'Neill or the Buzzard here. I can see him coaching our Warriors to the final four 20 years from now.
Could any of us legitimately say that about the Buzzard, The Tanned One or O'Neill? Didn't think so.
Nope. But if 2/3 of Duane doesn't get injured, Vander doesn't declare or McKay stays at MU I think Buzz is looking at a final four in 2014.
So essentially I'd prefer us not to wait 20 years
Quote from: MU1980 on April 16, 2021, 10:38:19 AM
We get it. You were one of the few people that did not like the hiring of Shaka Smart. I find it interesting that the national media, local media, current players, players who originally signed with Texas, most of the players that already signed with Marquette, excellent additional recruits, outstanding assistant coaches and nearly everyone on MUScoop all think this is a good hire, but yet you are still not on board. Have you been paying attention at all the past 2 1/2 weeks? Do you watch his press conferences? Do you listen to what his philosophy is? Do you not see what an outstanding reputation he has? Your main argument against him was you seem to think he failed at Texas, which is not true, but he didn't have success there in the NCAA tournament. However, he did have more success than anyone would have expected at a school like VCU and the fact that Marquette is nothing like a school like Texas and Shaka seems much more suited to a program like Marquette. He is still young and I am confident that he will take the things that he learned at VCU and Texas, both good and bad, and use those experiences to achieve greater success than he had at either of his two previous schools.
The reason he doesn't like Shaka has nothing to do with Smart's basketball pedigree or accomplishments.
Quote from: TSmith34 on April 16, 2021, 01:21:13 PM
The reason he doesn't like Shaka has nothing to do with Smart's basketball pedigree or accomplishments.
If I am understanding what you are getting at, I hadn't thought of that, but in looking at his past history, that does make sense. Right from the start he had an irrational and intense dislike for Shaka.
Quote from: Galway Eagle on April 16, 2021, 10:57:13 AM
Nope. But if 2/3 of Duane doesn't get injured, Vander doesn't declare or McKay stays at MU I think Buzz is looking at a final four in 2014.
So essentially I'd prefer us not to wait 20 years
Vander + McKay is one of the all-time MU what-ifs... coulda been a legendary squad
Quote from: dgies9156 on April 16, 2021, 10:53:54 AM
OK gang, Wojo's gone. Right or wrong, he's going to be coaching somewhere else. I hope he learns and is successful as I like him as a person. He just didn't get it done at Marquette.
MOVE ON!!!!!
As to Shaka, if he is successful, I think we have that elusive "here for the count" Coach. He's tasted life at a high-pressure, win-at-all-costs program. Not saying he won't someday get the itch again, but we're not dealing with Kevin O'Neill or the Buzzard here. I can see him coaching our Warriors to the final four 20 years from now.
Could any of us legitimately say that about the Buzzard, The Tanned One or O'Neill? Didn't think so.
That's definitely the major upside to the hire... the 20+ year tenure possibility a.k.a. the holy grail. If that can fall into place the university will be in a great spot as a whole for a long, long time
Quote from: Galway Eagle on April 16, 2021, 10:57:13 AM
Nope. But if 2/3 of Duane doesn't get injured, Vander doesn't declare or McKay stays at MU I think Buzz is looking at a final four in 2014.
So essentially I'd prefer us not to wait 20 years
I DONT THINK IT WILL TAKE 20 YEARS!!!!!!!!! Damn, I hope not.
Quote from: dgies9156 on April 16, 2021, 02:09:55 PM
I DONT THINK IT WILL TAKE 20 YEARS!!!!!!!!!
Damn, I hope not.
A score to judge, hey?
Quote from: dgies9156 on April 16, 2021, 02:09:55 PM
I DONT THINK IT WILL TAKE 20 YEARS!!!!!!!!!
Damn, I hope not.
...me too; I would be 94!
Quote from: Galway Eagle on April 16, 2021, 10:57:13 AM
Nope. But if 2/3 of Duane doesn't get injured, Vander doesn't declare or McKay stays at MU I think Buzz is looking at a final four in 2014.
So essentially I'd prefer us not to wait 20 years
People aren't saying it takes 20 years for a final four but it takes 20 years to build a sustained high level program that gives you multiple runs to a NC. Prime examples include NoVa, Gonzaga. We want the coach to have sustained success for a long period of time to build the brand into a blue blood. We don't want to be in the continued rebuild and coaching searches.
Crean was here 9 years and Buzz was here 6yrs and we carried continued success. I believe had Buzz stayed we would be competing for top talent and have multiple runs at FF and not the flash that happened in 2003.
Think what would have happened if Crean jumped after the FF year.
We see this happen other places. Texas Tech had a good run and because of Beard they were seen as a destination which would have allowed him multiple chances at runs. Since 2001, TT has had 6 coaches of which 3 were retread has beens and one was the son of a retread.
Quote from: BallBoy on April 18, 2021, 10:12:56 AM
People aren't saying it takes 20 years for a final four but it takes 20 years to build a sustained high level program that gives you multiple runs to a NC. Prime examples include NoVa, Gonzaga. We want the coach to have sustained success for a long period of time to build the brand into a blue blood. We don't want to be in the continued rebuild and coaching searches.
Crean was here 9 years and Buzz was here 6yrs and we carried continued success. I believe had Buzz stayed we would be competing for top talent and have multiple runs at FF and not the flash that happened in 2003.
Think what would have happened if Crean jumped after the FF year.
We see this happen other places. Texas Tech had a good run and because of Beard they were seen as a destination which would have allowed him multiple chances at runs. Since 2001, TT has had 6 coaches of which 3 were retread has beens and one was the son of a retread.
Exactly.
Many Scoopers have said they want us to be the next Gonzaga or Nova.
Well, it took Few
18 years to get Gonzaga to the Final Four, and he had inherited a program that had made the Elite 8 the year before he took over.
Nova didn't reach the Final Four until Wright's 8th year and then didn't return until his 15th, when they finally won the national title. And that was Wright's 22nd season as a D1 head coach.
This does not mean I wouldn't take their success even before they got to the FF. Nor does it mean it will necessarily take Shaka that long to get us to a Final Four; heck, it only took Crean 4 years to get us to the FF.
But it takes time, effort and a decent amount of good fortune to be Gonzaga and Nova.
I'd love to see Shaka get us to the point where we make the second weekend almost routinely and we're kvetching about not making more Final Fours or not winning national titles.
We Are Marquette!
Quote from: Galway Eagle on April 16, 2021, 10:57:13 AM
Nope. But if 2/3 of Duane doesn't get injured, Vander doesn't declare or McKay stays at MU I think Buzz is looking at a final four in 2014.
So essentially I'd prefer us not to wait 20 years
That's really wishful thinking, especially re: McKay and Duane Wison.
Quote from: BallBoy on April 18, 2021, 10:12:56 AM
People aren't saying it takes 20 years for a final four but it takes 20 years to build a sustained high level program that gives you multiple runs to a NC. Prime examples include NoVa, Gonzaga. We want the coach to have sustained success for a long period of time to build the brand into a blue blood. We don't want to be in the continued rebuild and coaching searches.
Crean was here 9 years and Buzz was here 6yrs and we carried continued success. I believe had Buzz stayed we would be competing for top talent and have multiple runs at FF and not the flash that happened in 2003.
Think what would have happened if Crean jumped after the FF year.
We see this happen other places. Texas Tech had a good run and because of Beard they were seen as a destination which would have allowed him multiple chances at runs. Since 2001, TT has had 6 coaches of which 3 were retread has beens and one was the son of a retread.
Toward the end of the Crean/Buzz Era, MU could confidently go and make its regular recruiting pitch and then add on the additional pitch, you are part of a brand of success, if you come to MU your going to be in the tournament, making runs and heading to the Association. So yes I agree if Buzz stayed, or we had a successor who had similar success, we would be 20 plus years into being a high level program and all the associated success of being a consistent top 15 or better, Tournament run and NBA talent producing team
The longer we got away from the Crean Buzz level of performance, the recruiting pitch was all the normal MU stuff , however the addendum was come to MU , we will give you the keys and you can lead us back to the promised land. Then working the prospects mother as hard as possible to fall in love with MU and what a family place we are. At that point we are there next to the other top 35 type schools giving a similar opportunity; hence top 35 results over time.
Shaka can come in and make a slightly different pitch. He gives the MU recruiting pitch ( which includes among other things like playing in FiServ, NBA City and associated attention etc) and then his addendum is to say MU was attractive to me (Shaka) to leave Texas because of all of this. Then he can say I had my own level of final four success, I believe this is a great platform to get to another FF and if you come with me to MU , we can get to a special place together with hard work. Obviously this is paraphrasing a whole long set of discussions he would be having.
I believe ,with Shaka ,we don't have to rewind the 20 year clock. The MU basketball foundation is still strong, the growth was just stunted the last seven years. We just need to start getting back to tournament with regularity and the momentum will build quickly.
We now have 5 Promising freshman prospects, plus 2 new skilled transfers. Another two classes of prospects similar to this ( easier said than done) we will be in a good place. The Big East ecosystem is where we have to butter our bread and there still is no clear second team in our league to Nova. Xavier was there with Mack , but he left. Creighton looked like it was there, now no one wants to play on McDermotts plantation. I think MU is in a dog fight with U Conn and Georgetown as to who will be in that 2 spot.
Quote from: Herman Cain on April 18, 2021, 05:06:23 PM
Toward the end of the Crean/Buzz Era, MU could confidently go and make its regular recruiting pitch and then add on the additional pitch, you are part of a brand of success, if you come to MU your going to be in the tournament, making runs and heading to the Association. So yes I agree if Buzz stayed, or we had a successor who had similar success, we would be 20 plus years into being a high level program and all the associated success of being a consistent top 15 or better, Tournament run and NBA talent producing team
The longer we got away from the Crean Buzz level of performance, the recruiting pitch was all the normal MU stuff , however the addendum was come to MU , we will give you the keys and you can lead us back to the promised land. Then working the prospects mother as hard as possible to fall in love with MU and what a family place we are. At that point we are there next to the other top 35 type schools giving a similar opportunity; hence top 35 results over time.
Shaka can come in and make a slightly different pitch. He gives the MU recruiting pitch ( which includes among other things like playing in FiServ, NBA City and associated attention etc) and then his addendum is to say MU was attractive to me (Shaka) to leave Texas because of all of this. Then he can say I had my own level of final four success, I believe this is a great platform to get to another FF and if you come with me to MU , we can get to a special place together with hard work. Obviously this is paraphrasing a whole long set of discussions he would be having.
I believe ,with Shaka ,we don't have to rewind the 20 year clock. The MU basketball foundation is still strong, the growth was just stunted the last seven years. We just need to start getting back to tournament with regularity and the momentum will build quickly.
We now have 5 Promising freshman prospects, plus 2 new skilled transfers. Another two classes of prospects similar to this ( easier said than done) we will be in a good place. The Big East ecosystem is where we have to butter our bread and there still is no clear second team in our league to Nova. Xavier was there with Mack , but he left. Creighton looked like it was there, now no one wants to play on McDermotts plantation. I think MU is in a dog fight with U Conn and Georgetown as to who will be in that 2 spot.
It will all depend on the momentum. Right now, we have great momentum with people leaving Texas and other places to come to Marquette.
We will have a young team next year. I think Carton, Elliot are the only two upper class man. A bad year will set us back a year or two.
Also if Shaka has some good runs, he will become a target. I am hopeful he has found his forever home and wants to win here.
The Crean-Buzz transition was the only coaching change I can remember at MU were we didn't lose momentum. Buzz had a lot of momentum coming into his first year. Hit the accelerator after year 2 but it took one bad season, one on the horizon and some new expectations and he bolted leaving no momentum. Wojo didn't have any and couldn't build any.
The excitement of Shaka is amazing and I feel like we are in a better place due to the fact he big name coach with a great history.
It's going to depend on if Shaka can coach. Wojo didn't have any issues in bringing in talent. We had a lot of top 100 talent coming here. He couldn't coach them.
Good article on Keeyan prior to his move to MU.
https://www.burntorangenation.com/2021/3/12/22322210/keeyan-itejere-shaka-smart-texas-longhorns-signee-2021
Thanks for the article Herman. This kid looks athletic as hell and I'm glad we have him. Should be fun to watch him develop. I really like the type of players Shaka is bringing in.
Jakebarnes posted the same thing on April 14. A good read then, too
Quote from: tower912 on April 19, 2021, 09:44:30 AM
Jakebarnes posted the same thing on April 14. A good read then, too
Ha! Fair enough.
Quote from: TSmith34 on April 16, 2021, 01:21:13 PM
The reason he doesn't like Shaka has nothing to do with Smart's basketball pedigree or accomplishments.
Tony, I have no idea why he may not like the Shaka hire, but I can tell you why I don't like it. I was super excited and hopeful when MU offered Shaka the first time. Then he accepted and I thought we were on our way..., until he backed out because his wife doesn't like Milwaukee.
This time, I felt we were chasing a 'lover who had spurned us'. Always a bad idea. Now, everytime I hear a rumor that his wife (same wife) doesn't like the culture or shopping or whatever, I get nervous. I wish I could share the joy of the "20 year coach" group, but I just don't think so.
Quote from: tower912 on April 19, 2021, 09:44:30 AM
Jakebarnes posted the same thing on April 14. A good read then, too
I didn't see the earlier post from Jake as the thread got away from the subject, which happens sometimes on this website.
Quote from: augoman on April 19, 2021, 01:11:33 PM
Tony, I have no idea why he may not like the Shaka hire, but I can tell you why I don't like it. I was super excited and hopeful when MU offered Shaka the first time. Then he accepted and I thought we were on our way..., until he backed out because his wife doesn't like Milwaukee.
This time, I felt we were chasing a 'lover who had spurned us'. Always a bad idea. Now, everytime I hear a rumor that his wife (same wife) doesn't like the culture or shopping or whatever, I get nervous. I wish I could share the joy of the "20 year coach" group, but I just don't think so.
The bolded is a myth, not reality
Quote from: augoman on April 19, 2021, 01:11:33 PM
Tony, I have no idea why he may not like the Shaka hire, but I can tell you why I don't like it. I was super excited and hopeful when MU offered Shaka the first time. Then he accepted and I thought we were on our way..., until he backed out because his wife doesn't like Milwaukee.
This time, I felt we were chasing a 'lover who had spurned us'. Always a bad idea. Now, everytime I hear a rumor that his wife (same wife) doesn't like the culture or shopping or whatever, I get nervous. I wish I could share the joy of the "20 year coach" group, but I just don't think so.
As TAMU said above, Shaka said the thing about his wife was a myth. Now course you'd expect him to say that and not throw his wife under the bus, right? IIRC, at his introductory presser Shaka said he wasn't even in Milwaukee, contrary to those reports.
So I guess it depends on what you believe the story was 8 years ago.
Quote from: augoman on April 19, 2021, 01:11:33 PM
Tony, I have no idea why he may not like the Shaka hire, but I can tell you why I don't like it. I was super excited and hopeful when MU offered Shaka the first time. Then he accepted and I thought we were on our way..., until he backed out because his wife doesn't like Milwaukee.
This time, I felt we were chasing a 'lover who had spurned us'. Always a bad idea. Now, everytime I hear a rumor that his wife (same wife) doesn't like the culture or shopping or whatever, I get nervous. I wish I could share the joy of the "20 year coach" group, but I just don't think so.
What in the actual fu€k does this even mean?
Quote from: Big Papi on April 19, 2021, 07:56:44 AM
It's going to depend on if Shaka can coach. Wojo didn't have any issues in bringing in talent. We had a lot of top 100 talent coming here. He couldn't coach them.
I wanted a coach that could teach players to play solid team basketball. That is why I wanted Moser.
Shaka's team losing to Abilene Texas, because they turned the ball over 20+ times does not give me confidence in Shaka teaching solid team basketball. Shaka is Wojo with a better personality.
Quote from: Golden Avalanche on April 19, 2021, 04:46:00 PM
What in the actual fu€k does this even mean?
I think it means he doesn't realize that people shop for everything online nowadays.
Quote from: bilsu on April 19, 2021, 08:07:01 PM
I wanted a coach that could teach players to play solid team basketball. That is why I wanted Moser.
Shaka's team losing to Abilene Texas, because they turned the ball over 20+ times does not give me confidence in Shaka teaching solid team basketball. Shaka is Wojo with a better personality.
Good lord. Go root for OU then. Dude has hit the ground running and had an amazing first month as coach and people are already complaining. Whining that he's not Norman Dale cause they had a bad game
Quote from: bilsu on April 19, 2021, 08:07:01 PMShaka is Wojo with a better personality.
Scoop takes
Quote from: bilsu on April 19, 2021, 08:07:01 PM
I wanted a coach that could teach players to play solid team basketball. That is why I wanted Moser.
Shaka's team losing to Abilene Texas, because they turned the ball over 20+ times does not give me confidence in Shaka teaching solid team basketball. Shaka is Wojo with a better personality.
Shaka has 7 NCAA Tournament wins. I have no idea what comparison you are trying to make.
Quote from: bilsu on April 19, 2021, 08:07:01 PM
I wanted a coach that could teach players to play solid team basketball. That is why I wanted Moser.
Shaka's team losing to Abilene Texas, because they turned the ball over 20+ times does not give me confidence in Shaka teaching solid team basketball. Shaka is Wojo with a better personality.
Zero games played at Marquette and you're already complaining they aren't playing like a team. Quit being so damn petulant.
Wow, Shaka already has pissed in your Cheerios without even coaching a game for Marquette. Go root for OK - really. Or Bucky or any other fundamentally sound team you think had a better coach than Shaka.
Quote from: bilsu on April 19, 2021, 08:07:01 PM
I wanted a coach that could teach players to play solid team basketball. That is why I wanted Moser.
Shaka's team losing to Abilene Texas, because they turned the ball over 20+ times does not give me confidence in Shaka teaching solid team basketball. Shaka is Wojo with a better personality.
You kids are way off topic again.
Quote from: bilsu on April 19, 2021, 08:07:01 PM
I wanted a coach that could teach players to play solid team basketball. That is why I wanted Moser.
Shaka's team losing to Abilene Texas, because they turned the ball over 20+ times does not give me confidence in Shaka teaching solid team basketball. Shaka is Wojo with a better personality.
I wanted Moser very badly too. But check out DeAndre Haynes's history with high major PGs. It was a great hire that will hopefully turn a recent weakness of Shaka's into a strength. I would be somewhat surprised if DJ doesn't have a much more refined game and a major breakout this year.
Quote from: JakeBarnes on April 19, 2021, 11:34:20 PM
Zero games played at Marquette and you're already complaining they aren't playing like a team. Quit being so damn petulant.
5 weeks to judge?
Quote from: Silkk the Shaka on April 20, 2021, 06:50:46 AM
I wanted Moser very badly too. But check out DeAndre Haynes's history with high major PGs. It was a great hire that will hopefully turn a recent weakness of Shaka's into a strength. I would be somewhat surprised if DJ doesn't have a much more refined game and a major breakout this year.
+100
I'm very excited about what DJ Carton could be with DeAndre Haynes in the fold. His work with Zavier Simpson and Anthony Cowan, among other guards, is encouraging. Carton might be the best athlete he's had to work with.