MU lifts redshirt on Mbakwe; will play tonight
In a surprising and somewhat unexpected move, the Marquette Golden Eagles have lifted the redshirt on freshman forward Trevor Mbakwe, and plan to make him available tonight for their game against the Pittsburgh Panthers.
Mbakwe, a 6-foot-7, 240-pound forward, had been out since injuring his left knee on Nov. 1 and subsequently undergoing what was believed to be season-ending surgery.
Mbakwe's rehabilitation had been ahead of schedule, however, and he had working out extensively with the team in recent weeks since receiving medical clearance to do so.
"It got to the point that my rehab workouts were harder than actually practicing and playing," Mbakwe said in a release. "I'm glad I was finally allowed to test the knee and to be cleared. Waiting has been really hard but I knew all along that at some point I was going to be able to come back and help our team this season."
The move, which Mbakwe discussed extensively with coach Tom Crean, figures to provide an immediate boost to what has been a problem area for the Golden Eagles for much of the season. Although his conditioning will probably be an issue early on, Mbakwe should be able to make an impact with his ability to both rebound and defend in the paint.
"Trevor made it clear to us early in the rehabilitation process his desire to return this season and we told him that the possibility to return would be a decision made by our medical staff," said Crean. "He worked extremely hard throughout his rehabilitation and our team is excited to have him back."
By lifting the redshirt, Mbakwe will only have the remainder of the season for freshman eligibility purposes. He'll begin next season as a sophomore.
(http://blogs.jsonline.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=98718)
http://blogs.jsonline.com/muhoops/archive/2008/02/15/mu-lifts-redshirt-on-mbakwe-will-play-tonight.aspx
Holy crap, really?? It just seems at this point given how Hayward struggled last season missing the first month that this would be throwing away a season. Guess we get to see what having Mbakwe playing all season would have done for us.
I was just about to post that article. That's great news because we need someone to slow down Blair. That guy's a tank.
Quote from: mu03eng on February 15, 2008, 03:32:37 PM
Holy crap, really?? It just seems at this point given how Hayward struggled last season missing the first month that this would be throwing away a season. Guess we get to see what having Mbakwe playing all season would have done for us.
I guess it will better prepare him for next season. But overall, unless we get a huge return this season, I don't like his move. Especially with the decison to not redshirt Christopherson, which semed to be party influenced on having bodies since Mbakwe had already taken up a redshirt.
I think it's tremendous. Gives us a fresh set of legs and a big body for the final month. Plus, Pitt's gameplan didn't involve him; maybe it's another body for Blair and Young to worry about.
Wow... I'm not one to question Coach Crean but wow!! Let's hope that Trevor has a BIG impact (pun intended) on the team for the remainder of the season.
I don't know about the rest of you but i'm very excited to see Trevor play tonight!!
FIRE UP MARQUETTE!!
Basketball Jesus.
National Title hear we come!
(ok, not really, but man it's fun to say)
per Homer.
Sorry missed the post below.
Good Lord -- I hope we're not putting our possible status as a bubble team ahead of a young man's health/future.
This is a real head-scratcher. We've got 7 games left!
I had a feeling this may happen at some point. I love the move. Obviously he has been practicing, and Crean and staff feel he can come in and contribute. Probably going to make him a whole lot better next year as well.
Also, the line "will play tonight". That sends a message to Burke to have a freshman stealing away the reduced minutes he's been getting, and to Patrick Hazel to be passed right up on the depth chart.
The article makes it pretty clear that Mbakwe wanted to play now though, and was insistent on it since the beginning of the season. It's not wasting a year of eligibility if it was his choice.
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on February 15, 2008, 03:40:49 PM
Good Lord -- I hope we're not putting our possible status as a bubble team ahead of a young man's health/future.
This is a real head-scratcher. We've got 7 games left!
I agree... the only thing I can figure is that he is playing so well in practice that coach can't justify keeping him out.
Also, let's face it, redshirting is a player decision as well, so maybe Trevor really wants to play this year.
I agree with 2002alum that it may have been Trevor's decision, but I really think it's extremely questionable. He's sacrificing about 30 games as a senior for 7+ as a freshman? Why!?
I seriously think Crean goes practically mental when ESPN comes to town.
Trevor Mbakwe cleared to play
OK, I guess it's rip the redshirt off of this talented kid and play for keeps the rest of the way......
For Immediate Release
Freshman Trevor Mbakwe Cleared To Play (http://gomarquette.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/021508aaa.html)
Forward Could Make Golden Eagle Debut Friday Night Against Pittsburgh
Milwaukee â€" Freshman forward Trevor Mbakwe has received medical clearance for game competition and is available for this evening’s contest with Pittsburgh. Mbakwe had been sidelined since November following surgery to repair an isolated fibular collateral ligament sprain to his left knee.
“Trevor has made excellent progress in rehabilitation of his knee injury and he has passed all of the necessary orthopedic and functional tests,†said team physician Dr. Ted Gertel.
He received clearance to resume basketball activities several weeks ago by the team’s medical staff.
“It got to the point that my rehab workouts were harder than actually practicing and playing. I’m glad I was finally allowed to test the knee and to be cleared. Waiting has been really hard but I knew all along that at some point I was going to be able to come back and help our team this season,†said Mbakwe.
Mbakwe (M-bahk-we), a native of St. Paul, Minn., averaged 21.6 points, 12.7 rebounds and 4.5 blocks during his senior season at St. Bernard’s High School in 2007.
“Trevor made it clear to us early in the rehabilitation process his desire to return this season and we told him that the possibility to return would be a decision made by our medical staff,†said head coach Tom Crean. “He worked extremely hard throughout his rehabilitation and our team is excited to have him back.â€
http://www.crackedsidewalks.com/2008/02/trevor-mbakwe-cleared-to-play.html
Freshman Trevor Mbakwe Cleared To Play
Freshman forward Trevor Mbakwe has received medical clearance for game competition and is available for this evening's contest with Pittsburgh. Mbakwe had been sidelined since November following surgery to repair an isolated fibular collateral ligament sprain to his left knee.
http://onlyfans.cstv.com/schools/marq/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/021508aaa.html
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on February 15, 2008, 03:40:49 PM
Good Lord -- I hope we're not putting our possible status as a bubble team ahead of a young man's health/future.
This is a real head-scratcher. We've got 7 games left!
Bubble? We are in right now, we might play into a bubble. but anyways, Mbakwe really wants to play so you want TC to tell him no?
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on February 15, 2008, 03:40:49 PM
Good Lord -- I hope we're not putting our possible status as a bubble team ahead of a young man's health/future.
This is a real head-scratcher. We've got 7 games left!
If Trevor has future problems with the knee, this decision will be questioned forever.
Outdoing the Levance Fields return for Pittsburgh?
What?! Is this serious? I thought (mistakenly I suppose) that he was redshirting.
If he plays, that would be a huge addition for MU from here on out. Wow.
Edit: Didn't see the other thread on this. My bad.
Quote from: mufanatic on February 15, 2008, 03:46:12 PM
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on February 15, 2008, 03:40:49 PM
Good Lord -- I hope we're not putting our possible status as a bubble team ahead of a young man's health/future.
This is a real head-scratcher. We've got 7 games left!
Mbakwe really wants to play so you want TC to tell him no?
Hell YES!!! Crean is an adult, Mbakwe is a teenager.
Holy S#1T!!!! That's awesome.
And my sources say MU is planning on only starting Mbakwe, and he'll be playing the entire 40 minutes alone. Pitt is doomed!
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: RJax55 on February 15, 2008, 03:46:30 PM
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on February 15, 2008, 03:40:49 PM
Good Lord -- I hope we're not putting our possible status as a bubble team ahead of a young man's health/future.
This is a real head-scratcher. We've got 7 games left!
If Trevor has future problems with the knee, this decision will be questioned forever.
Only by people with an agenda. The only way he is cleared to play is if the doctors say he is cleared to play. It's quite simple.
Doctors and the university are not going to clear him if the knee isn't ready. The knee is ready, the doctors have cleared him. They've decided to let him play. That's a MEDICAL clearance, not a coaching clearance. Yes, Crean could say no, he's still not going to play. But the point is if he were to get hurt, then that injury is not a result of "rushing him back" or whatever some are suggesting....he's either cleared to play or he isn't...by qualified medical staff.
Good luck to Trevor, glad to see he has healed to the point the doctors are good to go with him playing.
Quote from: RJax55 on February 15, 2008, 03:46:30 PM
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on February 15, 2008, 03:40:49 PM
Good Lord -- I hope we're not putting our possible status as a bubble team ahead of a young man's health/future.
This is a real head-scratcher. We've got 7 games left!
If Trevor has future problems with the knee, this decision will be questioned forever.
I see valid points on both sides, but a benefit in the long term is that it balances out the classes scholarship wise. That could be big.
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on February 15, 2008, 03:47:59 PM
Quote from: mufanatic on February 15, 2008, 03:46:12 PM
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on February 15, 2008, 03:40:49 PM
Good Lord -- I hope we're not putting our possible status as a bubble team ahead of a young man's health/future.
This is a real head-scratcher. We've got 7 games left!
Mbakwe really wants to play so you want TC to tell him no?
Hell YES!!! Crean is an adult, Mbakwe is a teenager.
remember the doctors cleared him.
Chicos -- it doesn't take an "agenda" to question this decision and it's got nothing to do with the strength of his knee. It's about him losing an entire year of eligibility in exchange for less than 10 games. And you know that!
I f*cking love this move.
If the guy has been cleared to play, then he's been cleared to play. I trust that the team doctors are looking out for the player.
All season, the gripe has been that this team needs more size. Now, in a surprise move, we get the unparalleled force that is Mbakwe.
The window for the team is THIS YEAR. It's not next year. It's not when Mbakwe is a senior.
The team has 9+ games left. That's a lot of basketball to play.
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on February 15, 2008, 03:47:59 PM
Quote from: mufanatic on February 15, 2008, 03:46:12 PM
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on February 15, 2008, 03:40:49 PM
Good Lord -- I hope we're not putting our possible status as a bubble team ahead of a young man's health/future.
This is a real head-scratcher. We've got 7 games left!
Mbakwe really wants to play so you want TC to tell him no?
Hell YES!!! Crean is an adult, Mbakwe is a teenager.
Ahhh he was cleared to play by the medical staff not Crean. What if TC says no and Mbakwe decides to transfer elsewhere? This is a two way street. I don't know how much he helps us this year but this will help for next year.
Quote from: Henry Sugar on February 15, 2008, 03:52:16 PM
I f*cking love this move.
If the guy has been cleared to play, then he's been cleared to play. I trust that the team doctors are looking out for the player.
All season, the gripe has been that this team needs more size. Now, in a surprise move, we get the unparalleled force that is Mbakwe.
The window for the team is THIS YEAR. It's not next year.
The team has 9+ games left. That's a lot of basketball to play.
A. Why is the "window" this year?
B. You realize that what the doctors are saying about his knee and what is best for him as a student-athlete are two different subjects?
C. Do you understand that this is a kid on a college team?
Believe me, I hope it works out. But it is one of the most questionable decisions I've ever seen Crean make.
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on February 15, 2008, 03:49:03 PM
Quote from: RJax55 on February 15, 2008, 03:46:30 PM
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on February 15, 2008, 03:40:49 PM
Good Lord -- I hope we're not putting our possible status as a bubble team ahead of a young man's health/future.
This is a real head-scratcher. We've got 7 games left!
If Trevor has future problems with the knee, this decision will be questioned forever.
Only by people with an agenda. The only way he is cleared to play is if the doctors say he is cleared to play. It's quite simple.
Doctors and the university are not going to clear him if the knee isn't ready.
Ding! Ding! Ding!
We have a winner.
Before this was Trevor's decision and before it was Crean's decision, this was the doctor's decision. The doctor(s) obviously feel the knee is healed fully, so if things go awry in the future, the blame should be placed on him or her first, not the coach or player relying on his or her medical opinion.
Also, I think it's safe to say Trevor and Tom are aware fully of the tradeoff being made here. Is it debatable? Sure.
Though somehow I suspect that if MU failed to make the tourney and/or suffered another early exit while Trevor was cleared to play, the same people questioning the decision to play him now would be questioning the decision not the play him when this team so sorely needs some inside help. Either way, Crean loses in the minds of some here.
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on February 15, 2008, 03:50:48 PM
Chicos -- it doesn't take an "agenda" to question this decision and it's got nothing to do with the strength of his knee. It's about him losing an entire year of eligibility in exchange for less than 10 games. And you know that!
It's ultimately the kid's decision, that has been clear to all the kids from day one. If he is cleared and he wants to play, then go for it.
It's hard for me to not think some here have an agenda on this because 99% of their posts are dripping in it. Will the 10 games be worth playing? I don't know....do you expect Trevor to be here all 5 years? I'm not so sure, which is another reason I think the move is great. He gets 10 games under his belt, gets him that much closer to being ready next year (look at the Hayward progression from one year to the next), helps us this year as well.
If the doctors weren't certain, I'd totally agree with you. The doctors are certain, this is a great lift for the team and for this kid who has had to deal with all the nonsense from the Summer school situation...I'm happy for him most. He gets to play. That's terrific.
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on February 15, 2008, 03:40:49 PM
This is a real head-scratcher. We've got 7 games left!
Well add 3-4 games for the Big East tourney and then another 6 games for the NCAA tourney, that adds up to 16-17 more games this season.
FIRE UP MARQUETTE!!
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on February 15, 2008, 03:55:30 PM
Believe me, I hope it works out. But it is one of the most questionable decisions I've ever seen Crean make.
I assume you're basing this on your numerous discussions with team doctors, your personal examination of Trevor's knee and your in-depth conversations with Trevor about his wishes.
Sheesh ... give me a break. Stop now, because you really have no clue what you're talking about and your anti-Crean bias is showing worse than ever.
Part of me wishes this wasn't announced, and Trevor pulled a Willis Reed and walked out of the tunnel in uniform, got a pat on the back from Crean, and went and checked into the game.
This has to give the team a morale boost, I'd expect an extra bit of juice out of the players and fans tonight.
Quote from: Pakuni on February 15, 2008, 03:58:38 PM
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on February 15, 2008, 03:55:30 PM
Believe me, I hope it works out. But it is one of the most questionable decisions I've ever seen Crean make.
I assume you're basing this on your numerous discussions with team doctors, your personal examination of Trevor's knee and your in-depth conversations with Trevor about his wishes.
Sheesh ... give me a break. Stop now, because you really have no clue what you're talking about and your anti-Crean bias is showing worse than ever.
I think some of this is based on PRN's dislike for TC.
What's next - is Wade coming back to use up his remaining years of eligibility?
This is gonna be very interesting. I don't know what to expect. I must say I thought when his injury happened(it's beens 3.5 months now) that missing the entire season seemed somehwat of an exaggeration. At least for his type of injury. Obviously, though everybody heals differently so time frames for recovery can be hard to make accurately.
Quote from: Pakuni on February 15, 2008, 03:58:38 PM
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on February 15, 2008, 03:55:30 PM
Believe me, I hope it works out. But it is one of the most questionable decisions I've ever seen Crean make.
I assume you're basing this on your numerous discussions with team doctors, your personal examination of Trevor's knee and your in-depth conversations with Trevor about his wishes.
Sheesh ... give me a break. Stop now, because you really have no clue what you're talking about and your anti-Crean bias is showing worse than ever.
Pakuni -- yours is an absolutely brainless response. I am not questioning the doctors. If you can find where I did, I'd be interested in seeing it.
I am questioning having him give up a year of eligibility because Crean is afraid of missing the tournament.
Get it? Are you sure? Do you need me to write more clearly?
Quote from: AlumKCof93 on February 15, 2008, 04:02:49 PM
What's next - is Wade coming back to use up his remaining years of eligibility?
Didn't you hear that the FInal FOur team will be in attendance tonight? Not only is Wade playing tonight but they determined that Diener had some eligibility left as well from his injury his senior year.
By the way, this REEKS of desperation.
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on February 15, 2008, 03:50:48 PM
Chicos -- it doesn't take an "agenda" to question this decision and it's got nothing to do with the strength of his knee. It's about him losing an entire year of eligibility in exchange for less than 10 games. And you know that!
I didn't say you had an agenda...but you are getting a bit defensive on this one. ;)
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on February 15, 2008, 03:49:03 PM
Quote from: RJax55 on February 15, 2008, 03:46:30 PM
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on February 15, 2008, 03:40:49 PM
Good Lord -- I hope we're not putting our possible status as a bubble team ahead of a young man's health/future.
This is a real head-scratcher. We've got 7 games left!
If Trevor has future problems with the knee, this decision will be questioned forever.
Only by people with an agenda. The only way he is cleared to play is if the doctors say he is cleared to play. It's quite simple.
Doctors and the university are not going to clear him if the knee isn't ready. The knee is ready, the doctors have cleared him. They've decided to let him play. That's a MEDICAL clearance, not a coaching clearance. Yes, Crean could say no, he's still not going to play. But the point is if he were to get hurt, then that injury is not a result of "rushing him back" or whatever some are suggesting....he's either cleared to play or he isn't...by qualified medical staff.
Good luck to Trevor, glad to see he has healed to the point the doctors are good to go with him playing.
Chicos,
I have a no agenda on this board ... But, I don't agree with this decision. Does that make me a Crean hater???
Even though he was medically cleared, any future problems with his knee, whether or not caused by action this season, will IMO be blamed on this decision ... Right or wrong.
I believe Trevor will help, but how much?? Remember we are talking about a true freshman, who has yet to play one minute of college basketball. I understand he wanted to play, but was this decision in his best interest (health reasons aside). You only get four years to play.
While I don't like losing a year of eligibility for a freshman this late, I will say that I for all for letting McNeal play against Michigan State last year when he was shooting left-handed trying to get into the lineup. One of my arguments then was it's pretty hard to tell a kid he has to wait 8 months to play again. For Mbakwe it's 9 months, and he's also healthy. Much harder to tell him not to play when he never conceded the season.
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on February 15, 2008, 03:55:30 PM
Quote from: Henry Sugar on February 15, 2008, 03:52:16 PM
I f*cking love this move.
If the guy has been cleared to play, then he's been cleared to play. I trust that the team doctors are looking out for the player.
All season, the gripe has been that this team needs more size. Now, in a surprise move, we get the unparalleled force that is Mbakwe.
The window for the team is THIS YEAR. It's not next year.
The team has 9+ games left. That's a lot of basketball to play.
A. Why is the "window" this year?
B. You realize that what the doctors are saying about his knee and what is best for him as a student-athlete are two different subjects?
C. Do you understand that this is a kid on a college team?
Believe me, I hope it works out. But it is one of the most questionable decisions I've ever seen Crean make.
hmmm...
If:- the Doctors cleared him to play
- he wants to play
- he's good enough to merit minutes
Then: - Crean can still stop him from playing
But:- Then MU risks the chance of an unhappy camper and possible transfer (ie the coaching staff isn't listening to the kid, so why would he want to stay)
Then:- People would rip Crean for not playing the kid and making him transfer
I'm just saying... no matter how you look at it, some people are going to blame Crean.
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on February 15, 2008, 04:04:27 PM
Quote from: Pakuni on February 15, 2008, 03:58:38 PM
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on February 15, 2008, 03:55:30 PM
Believe me, I hope it works out. But it is one of the most questionable decisions I've ever seen Crean make.
I assume you're basing this on your numerous discussions with team doctors, your personal examination of Trevor's knee and your in-depth conversations with Trevor about his wishes.
Sheesh ... give me a break. Stop now, because you really have no clue what you're talking about and your anti-Crean bias is showing worse than ever.
Pakuni -- yours is an absolutely brainless response. I am not questioning the doctors. If you can find where I did, I'd be interested in seeing it.
I am questioning having him give up a year of eligibility because Crean is afraid of missing the tournament.
Get it? Are you sure? Do you need me to write more clearly?
No this is you always trying to put a negative spin on everything. TC is not afraid of missing the tourny. It looks like you are the only one who feels MU is on the bubble. This has to do with the fact that the medical team cleared Mbakwe and that Mbakwe wants to play this year. I don't know how much he helps us this year if any but I guess we are going to find out.
Quote from: 2002mualum on February 15, 2008, 04:06:03 PM
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on February 15, 2008, 03:55:30 PM
Quote from: Henry Sugar on February 15, 2008, 03:52:16 PM
I f*cking love this move.
If the guy has been cleared to play, then he's been cleared to play. I trust that the team doctors are looking out for the player.
All season, the gripe has been that this team needs more size. Now, in a surprise move, we get the unparalleled force that is Mbakwe.
The window for the team is THIS YEAR. It's not next year.
The team has 9+ games left. That's a lot of basketball to play.
A. Why is the "window" this year?
B. You realize that what the doctors are saying about his knee and what is best for him as a student-athlete are two different subjects?
C. Do you understand that this is a kid on a college team?
Believe me, I hope it works out. But it is one of the most questionable decisions I've ever seen Crean make.
hmmm...
If:
- the Doctors cleared him to play
- he wants to play
- he's good enough to merit minutes
Then:
- Crean can still stop him from playing
But:
- Then MU risks the chance of an unhappy camper and possible transfer (ie the coaching staff isn't listening to the kid, so why would he want to stay)
Then:
- People would rip Crean for not playing the kid and making him transfer
I'm just saying... no matter how you look at it, some people are going to blame Crean.
Actually, now that you mention it, the ONLY reason this decision would make a lick of sense would be if the coaching staff was sensing Trevor is unhappy and was a candidate to transfer. That is the ONLY justification I can think of.
This kid is going to get like 10 minutes a game for the rest of the year.
I'm with PRN on this one.
First off, how effective do you think he is really going to be after not having played for a year and never having played college ball? There's a reason besides money that we play those powder puffs early.
Second, I don't think he is going to see a ton of minutes. Unless he is NBA-bound, we are giving up 30+ games when he is 22 or 23 for 8-12 reduced minute games when he is 18 or 19. (I don't know how old he is). That's a bad trade for MU unless we are pretty certain he wouldn't play in the 2011-12 season.
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on February 15, 2008, 04:11:32 PM
Quote from: 2002mualum on February 15, 2008, 04:06:03 PM
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on February 15, 2008, 03:55:30 PM
Quote from: Henry Sugar on February 15, 2008, 03:52:16 PM
I f*cking love this move.
If the guy has been cleared to play, then he's been cleared to play. I trust that the team doctors are looking out for the player.
All season, the gripe has been that this team needs more size. Now, in a surprise move, we get the unparalleled force that is Mbakwe.
The window for the team is THIS YEAR. It's not next year.
The team has 9+ games left. That's a lot of basketball to play.
A. Why is the "window" this year?
B. You realize that what the doctors are saying about his knee and what is best for him as a student-athlete are two different subjects?
C. Do you understand that this is a kid on a college team?
Believe me, I hope it works out. But it is one of the most questionable decisions I've ever seen Crean make.
hmmm...
If:
- the Doctors cleared him to play
- he wants to play
- he's good enough to merit minutes
Then:
- Crean can still stop him from playing
But:
- Then MU risks the chance of an unhappy camper and possible transfer (ie the coaching staff isn't listening to the kid, so why would he want to stay)
Then:
- People would rip Crean for not playing the kid and making him transfer
I'm just saying... no matter how you look at it, some people are going to blame Crean.
Actually, now that you mention it, the ONLY reason this decision would make a lick of sense would be if the coaching staff was sensing Trevor is unhappy and was a candidate to transfer. That is the ONLY justification I can think of.
This kid is going to get like 10 minutes a game for the rest of the year.
Or Trevor set a goal of coming back this season as he wanted to play. He met the goal. So he decided not to redshirt as he wants to play. What, Crean is supposed to say since a kid met his goal and wants to play this year?
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on February 15, 2008, 04:11:32 PM
Actually, now that you mention it, the ONLY reason this decision would make a lick of sense would be if the coaching staff was sensing Trevor is unhappy and was a candidate to transfer. That is the ONLY justification I can think of.
This kid is going to get like 10 minutes a game for the rest of the year.
I can see it both ways. On one hand, if Trevor really wants to play, is he going to be upset enough to sacrifice another year of sitting, this time without an injury, because he couldn't play for the last month of the season? On the other hand, he is from Minnesota and was recruited by Minnesota. If Tubby Smith was the coach at that time I really think our chances of having him are slim. If he was upset enough to transfer, wherever he would end up, it would have been very unfortunate.
Remember, chances are James won't be with MU after this year. So Crean and Co. realize they need every quality big body they can get up front to help maximize the talents of our guards this year and make a deep run in March. Plus, I think Mbakwe has been doing a lot more than many us here were lead to believe. I trust that the coaches and doctors wouldn't be making this decision without heavily weighing Mbakwe's future down the road. They must feel a good deal of confidence that he can really help the team this year and that he's not jepordizing his future in any way.
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on February 15, 2008, 04:04:27 PM
Pakuni -- yours is an absolutely brainless response. I am not questioning the doctors. If you can find where I did, I'd be interested in seeing it.
I am questioning having him give up a year of eligibility because Crean is afraid of missing the tournament.
Get it? Are you sure? Do you need me to write more clearly?
Do you have the world's shortest memory or do you simply choose to ignore your own words?
Since you apparently forgot, your post at 3:40 p.m. said:
"Good Lord -- I hope we're not putting our possible status as a bubble team ahead of a young man's health/future."Seems to me that you're questioning the decision based on more than just the eligibility issue.
Or were suggesting that losing a partial year of eligibility was risky to Trevor's health?
Yeah ... that's the ticket.
Again, whether it's the smart move from an eligibility standpoint is debatable. But you quite clearly have raised the health issue as well and intimated through your earlier post that playing him now could jeopardize his health.
Don't blame me for words you wrote.
There will be two occasions when this decision can truly be judged upon:
Late March/Early April 2008
Late March/Early April 2011
Let's enjoy it for now, big game tonight, even if Trevor wasn't suiting up. Still have to find a way to take down Pitt.
Great "Willis Reed walks out of the tunnel," moment for the team. If this kid can fight his way back from injury, the least his mates can do is give him their very best effort until the final whistle!
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on February 15, 2008, 04:05:29 PM
By the way, this REEKS of desperation.
Really....you're the only one that has us on the bubble....no one else does. What's so desperate about it.
We are favored to win tonight without Mbakwe. He's not going to be a difference maker tonight most likely. I don't see how this is desperate move. We will be favored in every remaining game this season sans 1 or 2, without Mbakwe...so what exactly is "desperate" about it?
Quote from: RJax55 on February 15, 2008, 04:05:43 PM
Only by people with an agenda. The only way he is cleared to play is if the doctors say he is cleared to play. It's quite simple.
Doctors and the university are not going to clear him if the knee isn't ready. The knee is ready, the doctors have cleared him. They've decided to let him play. That's a MEDICAL clearance, not a coaching clearance. Yes, Crean could say no, he's still not going to play. But the point is if he were to get hurt, then that injury is not a result of "rushing him back" or whatever some are suggesting....he's either cleared to play or he isn't...by qualified medical staff.
Good luck to Trevor, glad to see he has healed to the point the doctors are good to go with him playing.
Chicos,
I have a no agenda on this board ... But, I don't agree with this decision. Does that make me a Crean hater???
Even though he was medically cleared, any future problems with his knee, whether or not caused by action this season, will IMO be blamed on this decision ... Right or wrong.
I believe Trevor will help, but how much?? Remember we are talking about a true freshman, who has yet to play one minute of college basketball. I understand he wanted to play, but was this decision in his best interest (health reasons aside). You only get four years to play.
[/quote]
I don't think you have an agenda, it was more of a statement for others. If a doctor says he's cleared to play, he's cleared to play. The blame would come down on the medical professional, which is also why the medical professional is going to make DAMN SURE he's ready to play.
I agree, you only have 4 years to play...I also get the feeling Trevor would like to get it done in 4 years or less, not 5 which is what would be required if he redshirted.
Quote from: AlumKCof93 on February 15, 2008, 04:02:49 PM
What's next - is Wade coming back to use up his remaining years of eligibility?
No...they're saving Wade for Georgetown.
Chicos, I agree that if problems do occur because of this decision that the medical staff has to take the blame. Unfortunately, in the court of public opinion TC will take the fall.
I don't think TC cares too much about public opinion, but if something happens people (specially other college coaches) will definitely use this against him. I can see the spin now "Crean rushes players back from injuries" "Cares more about winning than players health", etc.
I see this as a very risky decision, one that could come back to haunt the program. I pray that it doesn't happen.
Quote from: RJax55 on February 15, 2008, 04:42:31 PM
I don't think TC cares too much about public opinion...
I do. And I think the "no NCAA wins with out Wade" label is hanging over his head like a Wisconsin snow cloud.
Quote from: RJax55 on February 15, 2008, 04:05:43 PM
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on February 15, 2008, 03:49:03 PM
Quote from: RJax55 on February 15, 2008, 03:46:30 PM
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on February 15, 2008, 03:40:49 PM
Good Lord -- I hope we're not putting our possible status as a bubble team ahead of a young man's health/future.
This is a real head-scratcher. We've got 7 games left!
If Trevor has future problems with the knee, this decision will be questioned forever.
Only by people with an agenda. The only way he is cleared to play is if the doctors say he is cleared to play. It's quite simple.
Doctors and the university are not going to clear him if the knee isn't ready. The knee is ready, the doctors have cleared him. They've decided to let him play. That's a MEDICAL clearance, not a coaching clearance. Yes, Crean could say no, he's still not going to play. But the point is if he were to get hurt, then that injury is not a result of "rushing him back" or whatever some are suggesting....he's either cleared to play or he isn't...by qualified medical staff.
Good luck to Trevor, glad to see he has healed to the point the doctors are good to go with him playing.
Chicos,
I have a no agenda on this board ... But, I don't agree with this decision. Does that make me a Crean hater???
Even though he was medically cleared, any future problems with his knee, whether or not caused by action this season, will IMO be blamed on this decision ... Right or wrong.
I believe Trevor will help, but how much?? Remember we are talking about a true freshman, who has yet to play one minute of college basketball. I understand he wanted to play, but was this decision in his best interest (health reasons aside). You only get four years to play.
A healthly Mbakwe hopefully means Burke and Blackledge don't have to step foot on the court. That's enough help for my liking.
Today is the greatest day of my life!
I agree that it's TMB's decision. Maybe he's not interested in staying at MU for a full 5 years.
I am, however, very excited to see this kid play.
Quote from: Ready2Fly on February 15, 2008, 04:51:28 PM
Quote from: RJax55 on February 15, 2008, 04:05:43 PM
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on February 15, 2008, 03:49:03 PM
Quote from: RJax55 on February 15, 2008, 03:46:30 PM
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on February 15, 2008, 03:40:49 PM
Good Lord -- I hope we're not putting our possible status as a bubble team ahead of a young man's health/future.
This is a real head-scratcher. We've got 7 games left!
If Trevor has future problems with the knee, this decision will be questioned forever.
Only by people with an agenda. The only way he is cleared to play is if the doctors say he is cleared to play. It's quite simple.
Doctors and the university are not going to clear him if the knee isn't ready. The knee is ready, the doctors have cleared him. They've decided to let him play. That's a MEDICAL clearance, not a coaching clearance. Yes, Crean could say no, he's still not going to play. But the point is if he were to get hurt, then that injury is not a result of "rushing him back" or whatever some are suggesting....he's either cleared to play or he isn't...by qualified medical staff.
Good luck to Trevor, glad to see he has healed to the point the doctors are good to go with him playing.
Chicos,
I have a no agenda on this board ... But, I don't agree with this decision. Does that make me a Crean hater???
Even though he was medically cleared, any future problems with his knee, whether or not caused by action this season, will IMO be blamed on this decision ... Right or wrong.
I believe Trevor will help, but how much?? Remember we are talking about a true freshman, who has yet to play one minute of college basketball. I understand he wanted to play, but was this decision in his best interest (health reasons aside). You only get four years to play.
A healthly Mbakwe hopefully means Burke and Blackledge don't have to step foot on the court. That's enough help for my liking.
Solid point.
This is a great, great move. While I honestly did enjoy the fact that he didn't lose a year of eligibility, the fact that he's coming in and can get minutes and help the team now is huge.
For all the people slamming on MU's lack of downlow presence, this is welcome news.
Finally, someone that can (supposedly) score with his back to the basket.
Uhh, Dwight? Yeah, that open seat down at the end of the bench...uhhh, why don't you take that for a while.
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare link
I seriously think Crean goes practically mental when ESPN comes to town.
/quote]
Sooooooo true!
The thing that cracks me up is that all these people that say Crean should not let him do this would be ALL over Crean if it came out Mbakwe could have played and Crean said no.
I can see it now....what? Crean had an opportunity to win with this squad and he passed up his chance? You only get so many opportunities, etc...
Can't you just hear the crowd already???? I am so fired up for this. I hope when they introduce him, the noise is deafening. I know I'll be screaming my lungs out. Enjoy the game everyone.
WE ARE MARQUETTE!!!!!!!!!!!
Great call MU Dish.
Let's enjoy this for now and not arm-chair QB it. For God's sake, nobody said any of this crap about potentially hurting his future when James or McNeal ever played with an injury. What about Cube's ankle? Nobody said anything about that.
Stuff happens. Let's enjoy tonight's game and hope for the best.
Guys, let's stop the ripping on Burke and others....these guys are student athetes busting their asses. Burke was a monster against Wisconsin, and quite frankly he earned his scholarship this year on that performance alone for me. Barro has been up and down, but at times terrific. Trend is raw, but a spark.
Mbakwe is going to take a few minutes from these guys, but not all....we will need each of the bigs to help us down the stretch.
Quote from: mosarsour on February 15, 2008, 04:52:35 PM
Today is the greatest day of my life!
Oh man.. after a tough day at work... this news is awesome.
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on February 15, 2008, 05:12:36 PM
Guys, let's stop the ripping on Burke and others....these guys are student athetes busting their asses. Burke was a monster against Wisconsin, and quite frankly he earned his scholarship this year on that performance alone for me. Barro has been up and down, but at times terrific. Trend is raw, but a spark.
Agreed entirely.
As far as the move with Trevor, it seems like a definite "go for it" thing. My initial response was negative, in terms of wasting a year of eligibility. Then again, I felt that Christopherson should have been redshirted as well.
When Mbwake has a monster game in the big dance, I will feel very good about this.
If anyone thinks this wasn't well thought out, and discussed to death with all concerned parties, you're nuts. Tom Crean is not exactly the "Oh what the hell" type.
Point to ponder. 11 months ago, Jerel was begging and pleading to be allowed to play in the NCAA tournament. The doctors did not sign off on it, so TC would not allow it. For Trevor to be playing now, the doctors must have given a clean bill of health, and Trevor must have shown TC that he realllllllly wants it. Then TC signed off.
Quote from: NavinRJohnson on February 15, 2008, 06:00:50 PM
Tom Crean is not exactly the "Oh what the hell" type.
But many fans are :)
PRN you are hopeless.
This decision made ultimately by Crean is one of the ballsiest moves Ive seen when it comes to personell decisions. This can come back to haunt crean and make him look like the biggest idiot, esp in the eyes of haters like you
YET, Crean decides to go for it. How can you not appreciate that. The only way this pays off is if the team makes it to atleast the Elite 8. Crean loses a yr of eligibility on one of his inside 'studs' and risks many things, but he does it anyway.
Whether its smart or not I cant say, we will see in March. It is a decision that only a risk-taking coach would make, and I love it.
PS- lets see if this guys is 1/8 of what we already annointed him to be
PSS- I am SHOCKED
There are two issues in this matter.
1. Health- TM has been cleared to practice and obviously play in a game. What's the difference if he were to get hurt in practice as opposed to a game? We obviously hope he doesn't get hurt!
2. Eligibility- I think this issue comes down to the player if it wasn't strictly a developmental issue from the start. I think it's awesome that the guy wants to play this bad.
Adding TM gives us the ability to let Hayward hang outside and bust the zones. The line ups we can put out there will be great if TM can contribute.
Let's go Warriors!
The wife asks why I visit the site just prior to a game and I say because there might be some news/information worth reading about.
5 seconds later.....
HOLY S%^T!!!! like Trevor Mbakwe playing tonight!!!
Wow. I'm excited to see him play and hope it ends up being a great decision but can certainly see why it is a VERY debatable decision.
Question. Does he start?
No, save the energy for later. The place is going to explode!
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on February 15, 2008, 03:50:48 PM
Chicos -- it doesn't take an "agenda" to question this decision and it's got nothing to do with the strength of his knee. It's about him losing an entire year of eligibility in exchange for less than 10 games. And you know that!
It
does, however, take an agenda to disingenuously imply that Crean is putting Mbakwe at risk.
Your Quote: "I hope we're not putting our possible status as a bubble team ahead of a young man's
health/future."
How would putting a player into the game who has BEEN CLEARED BY THE DOCTORS have anything at all to do with his health? Yet, that is what you immediately zeroed in on.
And I'm not sure why you, of all people, would worry about only playing in 10 games--according to you none of the non-conference games were worth playing anyway!
NOW you're trying to suggest that Mbwakwe is losing some great one-in-a-lifetime opportunity because he missed this year's pre-season?
Ouse had a hell of a game offensively and defensively. Mbakwe didn't get the quadruple double a lot of us would have liked to see, ;D but for a freshman playing his first Big East game coming off a supposedly season-ending injury against a team like Pitt, Mbakwe did an alright job. He wasn't pushed around on defense...sure he was scored on a couple times, but he contested the shots well.
St. John's should be a nice tune-up game for Mbakwe.
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on February 15, 2008, 04:23:40 PM
Really....you're the only one that has us on the bubble....no one else does. What's so desperate about it.
i'm not taking away from this win. i really did expect mu to win this game, not by as much, but i did expect a 'w'. before this game how were they not on the bubble? that's all they were. with a loss they would've been up you know what creek w/o a paddle... they would've had to run the tables practically it seems.
Confirmed from Trevor himself....he didn't want to be in college for 5 years. It was his decision, did not want to redshirt. That's why he's playing now.
Well, PRN, you were totally right. It's a questionable move and Crean should have kept him out even if he wanted to play.
errr....
"I knew I was going to come back, but we didn't predict it until the St. John's game next week," said Mbakwe. "This was earlier than we decided. I had worked out with the physical therapist and the doctor on Wednesday, Thursday I practiced with the team for the first time and then Thursday night (the doctor) told me he'd clear me to play, that everything was good and he didn't have a problem with me playing."
From there, he informed coach Tom Crean of his decision to play despite having already missed two-thirds of the season.
"Me and Coach had always talked about me coming back, so coach knew about it," he said. "He was happy. He knew the importance of the decision, me possibly losing a year, but he didn't give me a time table.
sure looks like it lit a fire under Ooze if nothing else! helluva game from Barro. Can't help but think the pressure that was going to be on him from the beginning of the year has come back the past few games and he has answered.
I don't see TM pressuring Ooze- one's a power forward used at center, and one's a power forward. If anything, their play could be complementary, not exclusionary...
Quote from: CTWarrior on February 15, 2008, 04:13:51 PM
Unless he is NBA-bound, we are giving up 30+ games when he is 22 or 23 for 8-12 reduced minute games when he is 18 or 19. (I don't know how old he is). That's a bad trade for MU unless we are pretty certain he wouldn't play in the 2011-12 season.
I've got to admit that this was my first reaction -- why is Crean giving up a year of TM just to let him play a few minutes a game for the rest of the year. But then I thought more about it, and I love the decision. Less focus on Marquette and more focus on TM. I really hope it works well. But I think many of the people who oppose this decision are thinking about what's best for the team -- four full years with TM, and maybe not so much what is best for TM -- achieving his goal to get back on the floor and rejoining the team. Good for him.
I really respect this decision by Crean (even though my first reaction was to criticize it). Once TM got clearance, if he really wants to play, then Crean should let him play and give him all the minutes he earns. If Crean told him "no" I think that would be an extremely selfish decision. Telling TM no would be kind of like saying, "I own you for four years, and I'm not going to let you cheat me out of 20 games." TM earned this, and he deserves it.
wow, I hate to say this, and sincerely hope I end up eating my words, but I think Mbakwe may be ready to return to practice, but doubt that he's suddenly able to contribute to the team's game. Acker practiced all last year w/ team and is just starting to meld w/the team's chemistry. How can a frosh, unable to practice until now, suddenly contribute?
Mbakwe knows most of the sets, according to TC. Anybody watching the game saw he was in the right spot most of the time. If his timing and wind were right, he has 4-5 rebounds. It was mentioned somewhere else and it appeared on tv that he is taller than Burke and nearly as tall as Fitz. He showed hops and heart. He brings a serviceable big man RIGHT NOW to a team that needs one. He may only play to the level of Burke for the next few games. Another big body that will only get better. If we go deep in the BEast tourney and get through the first weekend of the dance, by the second weekend, he will be very useful indeed as we get up against some teams with lots of bigs. The only downside is if he injures himself.
IDK, Tower, he's only 6'7"..., and from what I saw, he was in the wrong place offensively more often than not (frustration on Matthew's face as he pointed out where Trevor should have been for the pass that went o-o-bs underlines this). I too am eager to see some contribution from him, but am not willing to place undue expectations on his return to practice. In HS, he was a dominant force, in the BEast, he's a smallish 4 that will become a contributor.
He has all the potential of Lazar - so if he develops as well as Lazar has, we have two great forewards - but he is only 6 -7 so he is not a big BIG. lol - but he will be a major contributor I think
Quote from: Daniel on February 17, 2008, 09:54:44 PM
He has all the potential of Lazar - so if he develops as well as Lazar has, we have two great forewards - but he is only 6 -7 so he is not a big BIG. lol - but he will be a major contributor I think
A good comparison-not by the type of player, but in development. After not being allowed to work out with the team until about a month before the season started, Lazar averaged 6.6 points and 3.6 rebounds. He also scored 5 or less points in 16 games. So much of his slow start was blamed on not being able to workout with the team until a month before his first game.
Since it might have slipped our minds (credit to a Cracked Sidewalks search for the reminder) Mbakwe also had to wait to be cleared until just before official practices began. Then, three weeks later he had surgery. He started practicing again more than three months later, two days before his first game. So all in all, despite the well-known Clearinghouse issues, Hayward had more total practice experience with the team before his first game than Mbakwe did, Hayward had a month of practice before his first game versus two days, and Hayward never had surgery. Makes Mbakwe's first game look a lot better, and looking at Lazar now, it makes Mbakwe's future look a lot brighter.
Someone mentioned, and I agree, TM playing and getting experience in 9 plus games this year will make MU all that much better next year. We shouldn't worry about three years down the road.
We're just like a pro team trading for a player for the playoffs and it is what Trevor wants.
Props to him for working hard at his rehab and being ready to play games this year. Despite not seeing much from him in his first game, I won't read anything into it. I'll bet he'll be ahead of Burke on the depth chart by the end of the year.
Quote from: WashDCWarrior on February 18, 2008, 11:46:58 AM
Props to him for working hard at his rehab and being ready to play games this year. Despite not seeing much from him in his first game, I won't read anything into it. I'll bet he'll be ahead of Burke on the depth chart by the end of the year.
If so, let's hope he earns it.