Shaka lands his first in-state recruit as Brookfield Central forward David Joplin joins the Golden Eagles. Cracked Sidewalks has the story:
http://www.crackedsidewalks.com/2021/04/joplin-comes-home-to-marquette.html?m=1
Quote from: brewcity77 on April 14, 2021, 09:41:17 AM
Shaka lands his first in-state recruit as Brookfield Central forward David Joplin joins the Golden Eagles. Cracked Sidewalks has the story:
http://www.crackedsidewalks.com/2021/04/joplin-comes-home-to-marquette.html?m=1
First Marquette in-state commit since 2017
Which state he lives in doesn't matter as much to me as it does to some Scoopers. Just want to get potentially outstanding players who can put Marquette back among the elite, and David Joplin certainly seems to qualify there.
Great job, Shaka ... and welcome to Marquette, David!
We Are Marquette!
Quote from: JakeBarnes on April 14, 2021, 10:03:36 AM
First Marquette in-state commit since 2017
As long as he doesn't have a younger brother that everyone thinks is better.
Quote from: tower912 on April 14, 2021, 10:12:23 AM
As long as he doesn't have a younger brother that everyone thinks is better.
And new stationery and fancy pens they got for Xmas!
Seriously, like the DJ who arrived last year, this DJ looks like a baller. Can't wait for the season!!
Bam.
So we have two more spots if Garcia is back?
Muggsy
If I were a couple of guys on the current roster, I would be more than looking over my shoulder. I think I would be calling Kent State and seeing if any roster spots were available.
Quote from: MuggsyB on April 14, 2021, 10:25:49 AM
Bam.
So we have two more spots if Garcia is back?
1 at this point.
Quote from: Goose on April 14, 2021, 10:33:20 AM
Muggsy
If I were a couple of guys on the current roster, I would be more than looking over my shoulder. I think I would be calling Kent State and seeing if any roster spots were available.
+1 Dexter and Perez seem like nice guys but unsure how they get time.
I like Greg too but he may want to really look at the likelihood he can play in the new system with bad ankles.
Quote from: Galway Eagle on April 14, 2021, 10:35:48 AM
+1 Dexter and Perez seem like nice guys but unsure how they get time.
I like Greg too but he may want to really look at the likelihood he can play in the new system with bad ankles.
This has crossed my mind. There's only one ball. I really would like to add a knock down shooter.
Muggsy, you always used to want guys who could get to the rim.
Anyway, the Shaka practice video warmed my heard with the loose ball drill. Yes, there is only one ball. If you want it, and you want more time on the floor, go get it when nobody else has it. Rebound and dive for loose balls. If a big wants to score more, go get offensive rebounds.
In limited time, Jose was really good at shooting the three.
Making them is a different story.
In all seriousness, I see a little bit of Wesley Matthews (NBA version) game in Jose. I think he could be pretty good this year.
Quote from: lawdog77 on April 14, 2021, 10:45:33 AM
In limited time, Jose was really good at shooting the three.
Making them is a different story.
In all seriousness, I see a little bit of Wesley Matthews (NBA version) game in Jose. I think he could be pretty good this year.
Jose is too slow IMO to get on the court especially based on what Shaka seems to want to play. when he runs up the court it either looks like he's got some type of knee issues or flat feet.
Quote from: Galway Eagle on April 14, 2021, 10:35:48 AM
+1 Dexter and Perez seem like nice guys but unsure how they get time.
I like Greg too but he may want to really look at the likelihood he can play in the new system with bad ankles.
There's always a need for a reliable shooter to at least have a slot as a role player. Greg showed that ability this year. Love his attitude and hope he sticks around. Really want to see him do well wherever he decides is best for him. Would love for that to be at MU.
Quote from: tower912 on April 14, 2021, 10:45:04 AM
Muggsy, you always used to want guys who could get to the rim.
Anyway, the Shaka practice video warmed my heard with the loose ball drill. Yes, there is only one ball. If you want it, and you want more time on the floor, go get it when nobody else has it. Rebound and dive for loose balls. If a big wants to score more, go get offensive rebounds.
Yes Tower. That is always my first wish but we now have multiple guys that can downhill. I was just thinking of additional weapons we can add to our roster. What's your overall take on our shooting from the perimeter? I'd like to have the drive and kick game in the playbook, that's all I'm saying.
Quote from: StillWarriors on April 14, 2021, 10:49:45 AM
There's always a need for a reliable shooter to at least have a slot as a role player. Greg showed that ability this year. Love his attitude and hope he sticks around. Really want to see him do well wherever he decides is best for him. Would love for that to be at MU.
I agree I love his attitude and wish we got to see him develop without so many injuries. I guess if it were me I'd see that I was the last hold out from an old era, have too weak of ankles to play the way Shaka wants to, and could probably do great at a slow temp mid major.
You have a point about reliable outside shooting though!
Quote from: MuggsyB on April 14, 2021, 10:49:58 AM
Yes Tower. That is always my first wish but we now have multiple guys that can downhill. I was just thinking of additional weapons we can add to our roster. What's your overall take on our shooting from the perimeter? I'd like to have the drive and kick game in the playbook, that's all I'm saying.
You're gonna really like the Shaka offense then if it matches the one at UT last year.
Quote from: MuggsyB on April 14, 2021, 10:49:58 AM
Yes Tower. That is always my first wish but we now have multiple guys that can downhill. I was just thinking of additional weapons we can add to our roster. What's your overall take on our shooting from the perimeter? I'd like to have the drive and kick game in the playbook, that's all I'm saying.
My take is I have no idea. So many young guys. Going to be playing an entirely different style. Coach Smart likes drive and kick. If the guys buy in and the ball movement improves, I think the perimeter shooting could be adequate because there will be more open looks. But if it takes time for all of the young guys to adjust to the system, the perimeter shooting may not be improved.
I think there is little chance of Perez seeing playing time on a Shaka led program.
In looking through all the articles on Joplin's commitment, I was encouraged to hear that Neill Berry played a big role in Joplin wanting to come to Marquette. I had no idea Berry was the lead recruiter for Tyrese Halliburton at Iowa State, and got him signed there before Berry left ISU to join Shaka at Texas.
Quote from: StillWarriors on April 14, 2021, 10:49:45 AM
There's always a need for a reliable shooter to at least have a slot as a role player. Greg showed that ability this year. Love his attitude and hope he sticks around. Really want to see him do well wherever he decides is best for him. Would love for that to be at MU.
This.
There is not a program in America that believes it has enough shooting. Greg proved this season that he can hit open 3s. He also looked like a leader, and he's been a great teammate during his time at Marquette.
Shaka is bringing in some nice prospects, but they are 3-4 stars, 18-19 years old. And the returning core will be two sophomores and a junior who has played only one full season.
Based on what we know right now, we absolutely have room on the roster for a 5th-year senior role player/leader who can knock down open 3s.
I could see Greg getting 20-25 minutes in some games, 0-5 minutes in others, depending on the opponent and what we need at the time.
Until I see proof that we have a bunch of guys who can make 3s at a 40% clip, I absolutely want to keep a career .423 distance shooter who has improved every season and who shot .455 last year.
82
I do not think Greg will be getting 20-25 minutes in games next season at MU. If he transfers, that is a different story.
Quote from: Galway Eagle on April 14, 2021, 10:35:48 AM
+1 Dexter and Perez seem like nice guys but unsure how they get time.
I like Greg too but he may want to really look at the likelihood he can play in the new system with bad ankles.
I bet they play more than they did last year, but that is not saying much.
Quote from: Goose on April 14, 2021, 01:07:17 PM
82
I do not think Greg will be getting 20-25 minutes in games next season at MU. If he transfers, that is a different story.
We're struggling. Can't hit a shot. Trailing 16-6 midway through the first half. Shaka says, "Greg, you're in." Elliott goes 4-for-5 on 3s the rest of the half, helps Marquette take the lead. Second half, another slow start. Tied 32-32 at the first TV timeout. Shaka says, "Greg, I believe in you. Make some shots." Elliott hits another two 3s as we pull away.
You seriously can't see that kind of scenario happening a few times next season? And did you seriously not see the part where I also said he'd play 0-5 minutes in games? I actually said in another thread that one sign we are a much better team is if Elliott averages only 10-15 mpg.
He's a role player who happens to be darn good at his role, as well as a great kid.
Not sure if this describes you, but we have folks here who complain we can't get older, but they want to discard a useful 5th-year senior ... we have folks here who praised Matt Heldt every time he clapped, but they don't think Elliott could fill a role next season ... we have folks here who practically had orgasms when Jake Thomas made one shot, but they want to dump a guy who has proven he can do that regularly.
Yes, I love that Shaka is bringing in some potentially fine 18-year-olds, but let's not kid ourselves. This isn't one of Cal's or K's 1-and-done freshmen classes or the Fab Five.
Akanno and Perez are entirely different situations. They haven't proven themselves at this level.
Quote from: MU82 on April 14, 2021, 01:20:53 PM
We're struggling. Can't hit a shot. Trailing 16-6 midway through the first half. Shaka says, "Greg, you're in." Elliott goes 4-for-5 on 3s the rest of the half, helps Marquette take the lead. Second half, another slow start. Tied 32-32 at the first TV timeout. Shaka says, "Greg, I believe in you. Make some shots." Elliott hits another two 3s as we pull away.
You seriously can't see that kind of scenario happening a few times next season? And did you seriously not see the part where I also said he'd play 0-5 minutes in games?
He's a role player who happens to be darn good at his role, as well as a great kid.
Not sure if this describes you, but we have folks here who complain we can't get older, but they want to discard a useful 5th-year senior ... we have folks here who praised Matt Heldt every time he clapped, but they don't think Elliott could fill a role next season ... we have folks here who practically had orgasms when Jake Thomas made one shot, but they want to dump a guy who has proven he can do that regularly.
Yes, I love that Shaka is bringing in some potentially fine 18-year-olds, but let's not kid ourselves. This isn't one of Cal's or K's 1-and-done freshmen classes or the Fab Five.
Akanno and Perez are entirely different situations. They haven't proven themselves at this level.
Need shooters in today's game
Quote from: Uncle Rico on April 14, 2021, 01:21:47 PM
Need shooters in today's game
Apparently not, Unk. Apparently, Shaka is bringing in a whole slew of guys who have proven at the Big East level that they can make 45% of their 3s.
Quote from: MU82 on April 14, 2021, 01:23:09 PM
Apparently not, Unk. Apparently, Shaka is bringing in a whole slew of guys who have proven at the Big East level that they can make 45% of their 3s.
Toughness and defense don't win titles. Elite shooting and offense wins titles
82
IMO, Greg is not capable of playing at high, high level. Seeing where Koby and Cain ended up convinced me of the lack of talent on the team last year. Based on your fifth year thought, if they could play at higher level, a top program would have loved having them around. Plus, those two guys were better basketball players than Greg.
Quote from: MU82 on April 14, 2021, 01:20:53 PM
We're struggling. Can't hit a shot. Trailing 16-6 midway through the first half. Shaka says, "Greg, you're in." Elliott goes 4-for-5 on 3s the rest of the half, helps Marquette take the lead. Second half, another slow start. Tied 32-32 at the first TV timeout. Shaka says, "Greg, I believe in you. Make some shots." Elliott hits another two 3s as we pull away.
You seriously can't see that kind of scenario happening a few times next season? And did you seriously not see the part where I also said he'd play 0-5 minutes in games? I actually said in another thread that one sign we are a much better team is if Elliott averages only 10-15 mpg.
He's a role player who happens to be darn good at his role, as well as a great kid.
Not sure if this describes you, but we have folks here who complain we can't get older, but they want to discard a useful 5th-year senior ... we have folks here who praised Matt Heldt every time he clapped, but they don't think Elliott could fill a role next season ... we have folks here who practically had orgasms when Jake Thomas made one shot, but they want to dump a guy who has proven he can do that regularly.
Yes, I love that Shaka is bringing in some potentially fine 18-year-olds, but let's not kid ourselves. This isn't one of Cal's or K's 1-and-done freshmen classes or the Fab Five.
Akanno and Perez are entirely different situations. They haven't proven themselves at this level.
Well let's not pretend that Greg is an experienced 5th year in Shaka's system.
He's great and proven Big East player. And I could see a similar scenario to what you're saying.
Personally I just want to turn the page on Wojo and he's the last aged Wojo holdover. Dexter and Perez are different stories, Lewis has proven himself but hasn't spent 4 years adopting another system. Osa, DJ and Garcia were all attempted Shaka recruits so at least they fit his vision.
Quote from: Goose on April 14, 2021, 11:35:46 AM
I think there is little chance of Perez seeing playing time on a Shaka led program.
I agree. I also think there are a lot of players that are smart enough to know the situation. Perez and Elliot could go into the portal and go to a mid-major where they would play a lot more. But I think they know they are not going to have a career playing for money. Maybe they like it here and just want to be part of a high major team. We forget that every team has numerous guys who aren't going to play a lot. They don't all transfer.
There are a lot of successful people in this country who sat on the bench in college. A lot of them still credit their experiences on the team as a big reason for their success.
Quote from: Goose on April 14, 2021, 01:31:51 PM
82
IMO, Greg is not capable of playing at high, high level. Seeing where Koby and Cain ended up convinced me of the lack of talent on the team last year. Based on your fifth year thought, if they could play at higher level, a top program would have loved having them around. Plus, those two guys were better basketball players than Greg.
Neither of those guys was better than Greg at one skill that is valued very highly in today's basketball.
82
If you think Greg is an elite shooter based off of last season, you are easily swayed.
Quote from: Galway Eagle on April 14, 2021, 01:41:34 PM
Well let's not pretend that Greg is an experienced 5th year in Shaka's system.
He's great and proven Big East player. And I could see a similar scenario to what you're saying.
Personally I just want to turn the page on Wojo and he's the last aged Wojo holdover. Dexter and Perez are different stories, Lewis has proven himself but hasn't spent 4 years adopting another system. Osa, DJ and Garcia were all attempted Shaka recruits so at least they fit his vision.
Any system can find room for a spot-up shooter who hits 3s at a .455 clip. Indeed, many top programs have "designated shooters" on the bench for the exact kind of scenario I described.
I am not romanticizing Elliott. I am not claiming he is a great player, or even a good one. I am saying he is a career .423 distance shooter coming off a .455 season (.468 in Big East play) in a sport that values great 3-point shooters. That's not an opinion, it's a fact.
If Shaka dumps Elliott (or merely strongly encourages him to go elsewhere), I hope he has players who are ready to fill the role of a departed .468 Big East shooter. Not sure they grow on trees, but some here seem to think so (not saying you do).
I understand what you're saying about Wojo's guys, but if he can help us next season, getting rid of him just because he's Wojo's longest-tenured player would be the very definition of cutting off one's nose to spite one's face.
Quote from: Goose on April 14, 2021, 02:04:55 PM
82
If you think Greg is an elite shooter based off of last season, you are easily swayed.
If you think that guys who shoot .468 over the course of a full Big East season have zero value, you are easily swayed.
Quote from: MU82 on April 14, 2021, 02:09:53 PM
If you think that guys who shoot .468 over the course of a full Big East season have zero value, you are easily swayed.
Greg had an offensive rating of 114.8, best on the team. He had a steal rate of 2.8% (256th in the nation) and was good at defending without fouling. You put that together with his 45% 3-pt shooting, you have a kid that could thrive for a season under Shaka Smart letting him be a more agrressive defender. Of all the guys coming back, he's the one who could benefit the most with a coaching change
Greg and DJ are the only returnees I trust to shoot a 3. The new guards all have reps as slashers, none as a long range sniper. Joplin does, but he is a forward. If Greg returns and is healthy, he starts at the 2.
82
I bet he took about 3-4 times more shots over the season than Howard took in a game. The body of work/stats is meaningless.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on April 14, 2021, 02:16:17 PM
Greg had an offensive rating of 114.8, best on the team. He had a steal rate of 2.8% (256th in the nation) and was good at defending without fouling. You put that together with his 45% 3-pt shooting, you have a kid that could thrive for a season under Shaka Smart letting him be a more agrressive defender. Of all the guys coming back, he's the one who could benefit the most with a coaching change
!!!!!!
Quote from: Goose on April 14, 2021, 02:25:44 PM
82
I bet he took about 3-4 times more shots over the season than Howard took in a game. The body of work/stats is meaningless.
Greg has nice form and shoots it confidently with some length for the position. Not sure where the skepticism comes from to be quite honest... he's not going to be a #1 option but he's a quality shooter with a good nose for the ball on defense. If he can stay healthy it's exactly the type of veteran I want getting solid minutes in year 1 of a new era, kind of like Joe Chapman in year 1 of the Three Amigos' reign.
Silkk
If Greg is on the roster next season it will not disappoint me. All I am saying is there likely are much better options out there. Nothing against Greg, but I do not give extra points because he seems like a great guy.
Quote from: Goose on April 14, 2021, 02:25:44 PM
82
I bet he took about 3-4 times more shots over the season than Howard took in a game. The body of work/stats is meaningless.
He went 30 for 66 last season. He's 60 for 142 (42.3%) for his career. It's not a small sample size. He's proven himself to be a very good three point shooter.
That's about all he's proven himself to be.
Whose Joplin?
Quote from: TAMU Eagle on April 14, 2021, 02:54:27 PM
He went 30 for 66 last season. He's 60 for 142 (42.3%) for his career. It's not a small sample size. He's proven himself to be a very good three point shooter.
That's about all he's proven himself to be.
Wow he's also proven himself to be Injury prone and a great media personality!
TAMU
I am way too lazy to look but last season I would bet he 2-3 games that skewed the three point %. Having a guy that gets hot 3-4 years a year does not make someone a shooter/scorer. He just happened to be the best of a bad bunch last year. Again, I think some give him extra credit because they like him, similar to Theo in that regard.
Goose, among EE, Mitchell, Jones, perez, Akanno, which two do you think will start in front of him?
Quote from: Goose on April 14, 2021, 03:01:15 PM
TAMU
I am way too lazy to look but last season I would bet he 2-3 games that skewed the three point %.
Not really, he had 10 games with multiple three pointers. If anything, he had 2-3 games that skewed the three point % negatively. In the final 6 games of the season (when Wojo inserted him into the starting lineup) he had multiple threes in every game and went 14/27 (51.9%).
The kid can shoot three. That's unquestionable. But given his narrow skillset, I hope we can find better players to pass him on the depth chart.
tower
First, I do not think the roster is set and I am not certain all of the guys you noted will be returning. I 100% do not believe Greg is quick enough to play meaningful minutes on a Shaka and his minutes will be limited. That said, I would have no problem being proven wrong.
You may be right about roster composition. A 6'3 fifth year senior who shot 45% from 3 starts in a 3-guard set. Until two others prove themselves better.
Quote from: Goose on April 14, 2021, 03:01:15 PM
I am way too lazy to look but last season I would bet he 2-3 games that skewed the three point %.
You'd lose the bet.
In addition to the stats provided by TAMU, Elliott is a .423 career shooter on 142 attempts. That's a more than respectable sample size. Only 3 players in college basketball shot the 3 better than he did last season.
Again, if Shaka dumps Elliott or if he decides to move on, I hope Shaka has others ready to hit 3s at a 40% or better clip. Because exactly one player on the roster as it now stands has proven capable of doing that, and you gotta have 3-point threats in today's college hoops.
I hope Greg is back. He has a skill set we need so it's not just about the fact that he's well-liked and good representative of the university, although those hold value as well. Maybe he's even more productive with some additional development in Shaka's system. I agree that he's more suited as a role player/sniper....depends on what else Shaka brings in. If he's starting that's not a huge red flag for me and it certainly doesn't guarantee him 20-25 MPG.
His 3 point shot is legit and that's a clear deficiency on this team right now.
82
Well, then I hope he gets about 28.6 shots a game next season. I did not realize what three point threat he was, not just for MU, but also nationally. Seriously, if you want to say he is top level three pointer shooting threat, go for it. I have zero against the kid and hope he has a great final year at MU or elsewhere if he decides to leave.
Besides three point shooting, I also like Greg's ability to finish a layup through contact. He had a knack for using his long wing span and angling his body to get the "and one". None of our other guards besides Carton had that ability.
I'd keep him if I were Shaka. Good leader as well.
Quote from: Shooter McGavin on April 14, 2021, 03:31:47 PM
Besides three point shooting, I also like Greg's ability to finish a layup through contact. He had a knack for using his long wing span and angling his body to get the "and one". None of our other guards besides Carton had that ability.
I'd keep him if I were Shaka. Good leader as well.
My only criticisms of Greg is that he plays a little out of control and tries to do the Rowsey "Thing". If he can fix these two things, he is a solid player.
He has an absolute nose for the ball.
If he.actually has a healthy summer...
Quote from: Goose on April 14, 2021, 03:10:22 PM
tower
First, I do not think the roster is set and I am not certain all of the guys you noted will be returning. I 100% do not believe Greg is quick enough to play meaningful minutes on a Shaka and his minutes will be limited. That said, I would have no problem being proven wrong.
Do you think Garcia is quick enough?
Quote from: tower912 on April 14, 2021, 02:20:38 PM
Greg and DJ are the only returnees I trust to shoot a 3. The new guards all have reps as slashers, none as a long range sniper. Joplin does, but he is a forward. If Greg returns and is healthy, he starts at the 2.
DJ's 3pt shooting was pretty awful. Hoping and expecting him to revert to the mean but 28% on 117 attempts is pretty rough.
Thank You for posting awesome article. Would want to add I was at that Championship Game in 2019 that was mentioned in the article. But it was not mentioned in the article that Brookfield Central Won that Championship Game and D1 Championship.
Quote from: MU82 on April 14, 2021, 01:20:53 PM
We're struggling. Can't hit a shot. Trailing 16-6 midway through the first half. Shaka says, "Greg, you're in." Elliott goes 4-for-5 on 3s the rest of the half, helps Marquette take the lead. Second half, another slow start. Tied 32-32 at the first TV timeout. Shaka says, "Greg, I believe in you. Make some shots." Elliott hits another two 3s as we pull away.
You seriously can't see that kind of scenario happening a few times next season? And did you seriously not see the part where I also said he'd play 0-5 minutes in games? I actually said in another thread that one sign we are a much better team is if Elliott averages only 10-15 mpg.
He's a role player who happens to be darn good at his role, as well as a great kid.
Not sure if this describes you, but we have folks here who complain we can't get older, but they want to discard a useful 5th-year senior ... we have folks here who praised Matt Heldt every time he clapped, but they don't think Elliott could fill a role next season ... we have folks here who practically had orgasms when Jake Thomas made one shot, but they want to dump a guy who has proven he can do that regularly.
Yes, I love that Shaka is bringing in some potentially fine 18-year-olds, but let's not kid ourselves. This isn't one of Cal's or K's 1-and-done freshmen classes or the Fab Five.
Akanno and Perez are entirely different situations. They haven't proven themselves at this level.
I agree with this analysis.
Quote from: Goose on April 14, 2021, 03:28:16 PM
82
Well, then I hope he gets about 28.6 shots a game next season. I did not realize what three point threat he was, not just for MU, but also nationally. Seriously, if you want to say he is top level three pointer shooting threat, go for it. I have zero against the kid and hope he has a great final year at MU or elsewhere if he decides to leave.
Goose
It's actually pretty funny that I am suddenly an Elliott cheerleader given that I have said this on several occasions: One sign that we're a better team next season will be if Elliott doesn't play very much.
I also have said the kid can shoot. You doubted that, so his stats were presented. You then said his stats probably were skewed by a few good games, so TAMU presented stats to prove that was wrong. You said "we found our shooter" in transfer Tyler Kolek, even though he shot a much lower 3-point percentage than Elliott while playing in a lesser league. And now, here, you decide to get all facetious and hyperbolic (something I've done a time or 3 over the years, too).
Look, I don't know if Elliott will even be on the team next season. He is not Steph Curry, and our program won't collapse without him. However, he IS a career .423 shooter from distance who DID just shoot .468 over the course of an entire Big East season, and shooting is at a premium.
If Elliott still is on our team next season, I disagree with tower about him likely being a starter. I certainly hope he doesn't start, because I hope we will have several better all-around players.
FWIW, I love what Shaka is doing, bringing in a lot of long, athletic kids. This program has needed that for years. I actually think we can be sneaky good next season. Ultimately, I trust Shaka's judgment regarding Elliott and the rest of the roster.
That's all I've got about Elliott. If you want the last word, you can have it. Have a nice night.
I really like the idea of an MU team in which our 7-8-9 slots are Greg/Dex/Perez. Greg could be an offense oriented 6th man at best but more likely a bit lower in the rotation.
Back to the subject... who has seen Joplin play? Is he an instant starter? How would you compare him to Lewis?
Quote from: MU82 on April 14, 2021, 11:34:08 PM
Goose
It's actually pretty funny that I am suddenly an Elliott cheerleader given that I have said this on several occasions: One sign that we're a better team next season will be if Elliott doesn't play very much.
I also have said the kid can shoot. You doubted that, so his stats were presented. You then said his stats probably were skewed by a few good games, so TAMU presented stats to prove that was wrong. You said "we found our shooter" in transfer Tyler Kolek, even though he shot a much lower 3-point percentage than Elliott while playing in a lesser league. And now, here, you decide to get all facetious and hyperbolic (something I've done a time or 3 over the years, too).
Look, I don't know if Elliott will even be on the team next season. He is not Steph Curry, and our program won't collapse without him. However, he IS a career .423 shooter from distance who DID just shoot .468 over the course of an entire Big East season, and shooting is at a premium.
If Elliott still is on our team next season, I disagree with tower about him likely being a starter. I certainly hope he doesn't start, because I hope we will have several better all-around players.
FWIW, I love what Shaka is doing, bringing in a lot of long, athletic kids. This program has needed that for years. I actually think we can be sneaky good next season. Ultimately, I trust Shaka's judgment regarding Elliott and the rest of the roster.
That's all I've got about Elliott. If you want the last word, you can have it. Have a nice night.
Well said.
I'll add a point here-
Jamal entered the portal a few weeks ago and I thought to myself well that's strange that Jamal entered but Greg didn't...
We didn't hear a peep for weeks and then Shakashima drops on 4/14.
Something tells me Shaka knew who was joining him along the way and informed Jamal to be completely honest. If he knew that Joplin and Itejere were coming, along with Justin Lewis and Oso staying, that alone puts 4 guys battling with Jamal for minutes.
So you say well Shaka has like 100 guards coming how does that make any sense that Greg stuck around?
Well I'm not sure, but my guess is that he wasn't sure on Bates and Emarion, he didn't have the Tyler Kolek commit, and the others are Carton, a bonafide starter, and a few more freshmen guards. Without Bates, Ellis, and Kolek there is an obvious upperclassman leadership spot for Greg.
I think the guard commits came later in the game. However, MU82 is right here- if we are to call Kolek our "shooter" and ignore Greg, a shooter that's better and that we already have in house, that's kind of foolish. Greg isn't the better player and long term Kolek makes sense, and he would likely start over Greg this season, but Greg is the better shooter in a high end conference because he's proven it.
In the same token, if Shaka decides we need a big bodied big just roll out the carpet for Theo- but it seems that's not his vision.
One last random point- I know the math says someone gets Shakaen off the squad, but watching the practices and knowing these commits were coming I find it hard to believe kids like Perez, Dex, Greg are out there working they ass off in a 6 kid practice only to be shown the Shaka shake. We will see how it develops
I think if Greg was a freshman that Shaka recruited we'd be drooling over him. Long, active hands on D, and a decent shooter! I think Greg is a lot better than Cain or Koby and was poorly used by/a bad fit for Wojo. Lots of uncertainty for sure, but I'm hoping for Shaka to unleash him this year! I think with the amount of variance in first year players, a senior rock could help even out the teams performances.
Quote from: THRILLHO on April 15, 2021, 06:49:37 AM
I think if Greg was a freshman that Shaka recruited we'd be drooling over him. Long, active hands on D, and a decent shooter! I think Greg is a lot better than Cain or Koby and was poorly used by/a bad fit for Wojo. Lots of uncertainty for sure, but I'm hoping for Shaka to unleash him this year! I think with the amount of variance in first year players, a senior rock could help even out the teams performances.
Agreed. Never sleep on senior leadership either. Freshmen are freshmen. Seniors are seniors.
My money is on a healthy Greg surprising a few people next year.
Quote from: MUCam on April 15, 2021, 06:58:24 AM
Agreed. Never sleep on senior leadership either. Freshmen are freshmen. Seniors are seniors.
My money is on a healthy Greg surprising a few people next year.
I think I'm probably higher on Greg than anyone on the board so odds are I'm wrong, but everyone gets to have a few quirky opinions, right?
Quote from: THRILLHO on April 15, 2021, 06:49:37 AM
I think Greg is a lot better than Cain or Koby and was poorly used by/a bad fit for Wojo.
I think injuries were a big factor for Greg's poor usage / bad fit.
I think if Greg had been healthy, the arc of a couple of seasons would have been different. Alas.
Quote from: tower912 on April 14, 2021, 03:05:36 PM
Goose, among EE, Mitchell, Jones, perez, Akanno, which two do you think will start in front of him?
Let's start with Tyler Kolek. Will we play a three guard offense? Don't know.
I like Greg back - good attitude, good shooter, experienced. Can he play enough D to get more than 10-15 minutes? And stay healthy? I have my doubts but would love to be wrong - seems like a great kid.
Quote from: Lennys Tap on April 15, 2021, 08:53:14 AM
Let's start with Tyler Kolek. Will we play a three guard offense? Don't know.
I like Greg back - good attitude, good shooter, experienced. Can he play enough D to get more than 10-15 minutes? And stay healthy? I have my doubts but would love to be wrong - seems like a great kid.
F it. No idea what comes next. Putting in an order for 10 lbs of popcorn.
Quote from: Goose on April 14, 2021, 01:31:51 PM
Seeing where Koby and Cain ended up convinced me of the lack of talent on the team last year.
Weber State and Oakland epitomize the Wojo Reign of Shame
Quote from: keefe on April 15, 2021, 10:49:28 AM
Weber State and Oakland epitomize the Wojo Reign of Shame
Fair point