Great defense to close the game out. Team is way further along than I ever expected them to be this season. What a battle.
If only Marquette could win close games on the road.
Oh and also if Shaka could make in game adjustments. Oh well.
Quote from: Hoops92 on December 31, 2022, 03:11:27 PM
If only Marquette could win close games on the road.
In tough environmentsIn the Big EastAgainst good teams
Such a fun team. Make you want to pull your hair out at times, but they will always fight.
Win in a close game? Check.
Road win? Check.
11-4
Nice win.
For all the kvetching on here about poor defense, the boys played lights out D the final four minutes.
Quote from: Ellenson Guerrero on December 31, 2022, 03:16:14 PM
For all the kvetching on here about poor defense, the boys played lights out D the final four minutes.
Especially the last 4 minutes. But really the last 19.
Quote from: Ellenson Guerrero on December 31, 2022, 03:16:14 PM
For all the kvetching on here about poor defense, the boys played lights out D the final four minutes.
The rotations were excellent.
Shaka Smart at the Finn: 2-0
All other non-Nova Big East coaches at the Finn: 1-47
It's official, they have to change the name to the Smart Pavilion. We own that building now.
Quote from: TSmith34 on December 31, 2022, 03:13:17 PM
In tough environments
In the Big East
Against good teams
Wearing those uniforms!
Quote from: brewcity77 on December 31, 2022, 03:18:49 PM
Shaka Smart at the Finn: 2-0
All other non-Nova Big East coaches at the Finn: 1-47
It's official, they have to change the name to the Smart Pavilion. We own that building now.
Now THAT is a stat!
Quote from: wadesworld on December 31, 2022, 03:10:45 PM
Great defense to close the game out. Team is way further along than I ever expected them to be this season. What a battle.
Honestly not trying to bust your balls, but I think this team has more talent than you thought.
Quote from: brewcity77 on December 31, 2022, 03:18:49 PM
Shaka Smart at the Finn: 2-0
All other non-Nova Big East coaches at the Finn: 1-47
It's official, they have to change the name to the Smart Pavilion. We own that building now.
That is incredible!
Quote from: Ellenson Guerrero on December 31, 2022, 03:16:14 PM
For all the kvetching on here about poor defense, the boys played lights out D the final four minutes.
Truth.
Quote from: Lennys Tap on December 31, 2022, 03:23:48 PM
Honestly not trying to bust your balls, but I think this team has more talent than you thought.
A sign of a good coach is player development.
Quote from: Lennys Tap on December 31, 2022, 03:23:48 PM
Honestly not trying to bust your balls, but I think this team has more talent than you thought.
True.
Quote from: Small Orange Soda on December 31, 2022, 03:36:14 PM
A sign of a good coach is player development.
And true.
We had talent, but Shaka and staff have done a fantastic job of developing the talent and getting the team to play great team basketball, and have instilled a winning culture.
Another awesome win. Player development is nearly a best case scenario returning players this season. Only possible exceptions are Joplin (still has improved) and Keeyan (we knew he was a major project). Extraordinary improvement.
Quote from: Ellenson Guerrero on December 31, 2022, 03:16:14 PM
For all the kvetching on here about poor defense, the boys played lights out D the final four minutes.
Impressive, especially for a young team. Going to be really fun to see them continue to grow.
Even more than that, it's clear the guys have bought into what Shaka is selling. This is a fun team. I think the lack of a big body puts a ceiling on what we can accomplish, but I'll be disappointed if we don't end that NCAAT W drought this year
Quote from: brewcity77 on December 31, 2022, 03:18:49 PM
Shaka Smart at the Finn: 2-0
All other non-Nova Big East coaches at the Finn: 1-47
It's official, they have to change the name to the Smart Pavilion. We own that building now.
So who is the other coach?
This team has true grit.
This team is a team first, made up of a very good mix of talent. When all is said and done, there may be multiple NBA players on this squad.
Quote from: 1SE on December 31, 2022, 03:45:14 PM
Even more than that, it's clear the guys have bought into what Shaka is selling. This is a fun team. I think the lack of a big body puts a ceiling on what we can accomplish, but I'll be disappointed if we don't end that NCAAT W drought this year
You've gotta love it. Even look at Al Amadou's interview this week. How many 16-17 year olds are gushing about how they can't wait to D it up at the college level? Shaka is zigging while the rest of D1 is zagging. His focus on long-term player development and defense could end up creating a major competitive advantage for this program.
Quote from: muwarrior69 on December 31, 2022, 03:46:00 PM
So who is the other coach?
Chris Holtmann led Butler to a win at the Smart on February 22, 2017 (incidentally my 40th birthday).
Quote from: TwoWords on December 31, 2022, 03:55:50 PM
You've gotta love it. Even look at Al Amadou's interview this week. How many 16-17 year olds are gushing about how they can't wait to D it up at the college level? Shaka is zigging while the rest of D1 is zagging. His focus on long-term player development and defense could end up creating a major competitive advantage for this program.
Yep. If he can get the NCAAT success to come he'll be the guy MU has been searching for for 40 years.
Took a nice step towards the tourney today .
This will end up a Q1 win. I think Nova runs the table in January and wins their next 7. We will catch them red hot on feb 1.
This is a seriously fun team to watch play. The lack of rebounding is frustrating, as are the droughts, but this is a fun team.
Quote from: Ellenson Guerrero on December 31, 2022, 03:16:14 PM
For all the kvetching on here about poor defense, the boys played lights out D the final four minutes.
But Fts
Per Fanta, Nova was lost three times in the Pavilion since '13-14. Twice to Shaka.
(http://www.gifntext.com/temp_generations/biDkuD73.gif)
On CBS highlights (with one of my least favorites, Pete Gillen) the take, as they showed the last play, was that "the Eagles got lucky and flew away with a win."
Quote from: mileskishnish72 on December 31, 2022, 05:34:48 PM
On CBS highlights (with one of my least favorites, Pete Gillen) the take, as they showed the last play, was that "the Eagles got lucky and flew away with a win."
Pete should focus less of college basketball and more on protecting his Lucky Charms.
Quote from: mileskishnish72 on December 31, 2022, 05:34:48 PM
On CBS highlights (with one of my least favorites, Pete Gillen) the take, as they showed the last play, was that "the Eagles got lucky and flew away with a win."
Dumb comment by Gillen.
1SE
I said when Shaka was hired that it was the single greatest hire in MU history. Being the HC of the men's basketball program is big, but he will end up being the face of the university. Right guy at the right time.
Quote from: cheebs09 on December 31, 2022, 03:13:42 PM
Such a fun team. Make you want to pull your hair out at times, but they will always fight.
Effort has never been a question, that's for sure. They always are trying hard. Maybe the execution is just slow to follow because of experience.
Either way I can always have fun watching effort. Have to get tougher in some spots but there is a lot to like.
Knowing what we know about this team, if you'd have said Oso had a combined 12 points, rebounds, and assists I'd have thought like a 5% chance to win. Defense to start was horrible, but equally as good on the flipside to close.
Effort and fun has been established. Now winning needs to established. Winning with this style of play will have money falling out of the guy's pockets. The bar has been raised and today was a nice step in the right direction.
Quote from: Goose on December 31, 2022, 06:16:42 PM
1SE
I said when Shaka was hired that it was the single greatest hire in MU history. Being the HC of the men's basketball program is big, but he will end up being the face of the university. Right guy at the right time.
He had the best resume of any Coach they've ever hired. Al was an unknown when MU hired him. Shaka is the only guy to have high-level head coaching success prior to arriving at MU. He's our guy! Plus he has to love being at a school that puts all of its athletic resources behind the basketball program, playing in a beautiful NBA arena, etc.
BL
Al changed MU as an institution and I believe Shaka will do the same. I have no idea if he has Al's success, but his character will be the selling tool the university can use to recruit students. That being said, I think he is going to win a helluva lot of basketball games and create a new generation of sweater vests.
Quote from: Goose on December 31, 2022, 06:36:05 PM
BL
Al changed MU as an institution and I believe Shaka will do the same. I have no idea if he has Al's success, but his character will be the selling tool the university can use to recruit students. That being said, I think he is going to win a helluva lot of basketball games and create a new generation of sweater vests.
Well said, Goose. Perhaps it's for the best that Shaka turned us down the first time. Marquette is no longer a stepping stone for him but a destination. Plus he gained more experience in the interim.
Quote from: mileskishnish72 on December 31, 2022, 05:34:48 PM
On CBS highlights (with one of my least favorites, Pete Gillen) the take, as they showed the last play, was that "the Eagles got lucky and flew away with a win."
Get Nova again on Feb 1, one month from now.
Sweep?
Shaka has won (not one) alot of do or die games. This impresses me the most. He has put numerous teams in a position to make a run.....and it has happened.
Play in game to the FF.......NIT championship....CBI and CAA Tournament champs....Big 12 and A10 conf Tournament champs. That is very impressive.
Quote from: We R Final Four on December 31, 2022, 07:31:58 PM
Shaka has won (not one) alot of do or die games. This impresses me the most. He has put numerous teams in a position to make a run.....and it has happened.
Play in game to the FF.......NIT championship....CBI and CAA Tournament champs....Big 12 and A10 conf Tournament champs. That is very impressive.
He's a good coach. Marquette is lucky to have him. Credit to everyone who bought out Wojo and helped bring him to Milwaukee. Great story is waiting to be written. This is the perfect spot for him
Quote from: Uncle Rico on December 31, 2022, 07:50:59 PM
He's a good coach. Marquette is lucky to have him. Credit to everyone who bought out Wojo and helped bring him to Milwaukee. Great story is waiting to be written. This is the perfect spot for him
💯
Quote from: BLWarrior91 on December 31, 2022, 07:12:02 PM
Well said, Goose. Perhaps it's for the best that Shaka turned us down the first time. Marquette is no longer a stepping stone for him but a destination. Plus he gained more experience in the interim.
Exactly, BL - if Shaka comes to MU directly from VCU, maybe he's still tempted to move on to the big state school with unlimited assets. Now that he's been there he knows it's not all that, which (hopefully) means he'll be here for the long run.
Quote from: Goose on December 31, 2022, 06:24:46 PM
Effort and fun has been established. Now winning needs to established. Winning with this style of play will have money falling out of the guy's pockets. The bar has been raised and today was a nice step in the right direction.
Right. And really just watch them play. They play like a well coached team. I know that's just the ole "eye test" talking, but they rarely make mental mistakes.
Quote from: BLWarrior91 on December 31, 2022, 07:12:02 PM
Well said, Goose. Perhaps it's for the best that Shaka turned us down the first time. Marquette is no longer a stepping stone for him but a destination. Plus he gained more experience in the interim.
And well said BLWarrior91. The fit
is just perfect. We are lucky to have him, and he is lucky to have found a home where he is free to be the kind of coach he wants to be, all with the enthusiastic support of Marquette fans.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on December 31, 2022, 07:50:59 PM
He's a good coach. Marquette is lucky to have him. Credit to everyone who bought out Wojo and helped bring him to Milwaukee. Great story is waiting to be written. This is the perfect spot for him
Yep. The exposition is in place - now the easy part - winning a few hundred games in the blue and gold and cutting down some nets along the way.
Quote from: Goose on December 31, 2022, 03:49:56 PM
This team is a team first, made up of a very good mix of talent. When all is said and done, there may be multiple NBA players on this squad.
Agreed...not sure about NBA talent...but this team can kill you in a million ways. Shaka has to be loving the opportunity to coach 4 year guys again.
Quote from: Lennys Tap on December 31, 2022, 09:02:08 PM
Exactly, BL - if Shaka comes to MU directly from VCU, maybe he's still tempted to move on to the big state school with unlimited assets. Now that he's been there he knows it's not all that, which (hopefully) means he'll be here for the long run.
This analogy is spot on. In a related sorta way, O'Neil and Mr Coppertone left for big $ state schools. Both have publicly stated they realized after those experiences, how good they had it here. Per Lenny and Goose, Shaka has learned this lesson.
Shaka seems to be learning and developing too as a coach. We've seen a couple of blunders from him. Yesterday, some nice adjustments. Shaka too is listening and learning.
If Oso continues to develop his game. If Omax continues to develop his game. Infusion of talent into the current mix. How 'bout a MU/UConn Big East battle royale over the next few seasons? Let's get it on!
Watching UConn yesterday, they can be had.
9th place you say?
Quote from: Lennys Tap on December 31, 2022, 09:02:08 PM
Exactly, BL - if Shaka comes to MU directly from VCU, maybe he's still tempted to move on to the big state school with unlimited assets. Now that he's been there he knows it's not all that, which (hopefully) means he'll be here for the long run.
The fact that Shaka had been to the other side and seen that the grass isn't always greener was a big factor in his candidacy. The goal has always been to find the right young coach who will be at MU for 20+ years.
Wojo refused to listen and learn....that's direct from admin and BOT connected people.
Shaka listens and learns. He also a darned good teacher.
It doesn't take much basketball knowledge to just see how much better Shaka's teams are from Wojo's. The defensive rotations are, sometimes late, but usually spot on. Rarely are there breakdowns. And the offense is efficient AF even though they don't have an over abundance of natural scorers.
Speaking of player development...
Imagine Stevie under Wojo. No defensive fire & frustrating offense. What a gift he, Oso & Kam have been.
Quote from: Goose on December 31, 2022, 06:36:05 PM
BL
Al changed MU as an institution and I believe Shaka will do the same. I have no idea if he has Al's success, but his character will be the selling tool the university can use to recruit students. That being said, I think he is going to win a helluva lot of basketball games and create a new generation of sweater vests.
I agree with this analysis.
I don't mean to speak ill of the departed staff. But what we have experienced over the last season and a half is why I hammered on identity and culture, and the lack of it under Wojo.
If we're being totally honest, the talent level is still probably in the middle third of the league. They're playing above it due to this staff's ability to clearly communicate, and build incredible connectivity amongst the players. A culture is in place and the guys are accountable to it. They play with the toughness that made MU's brand.
Y knot hammer anyway? Woj under performed and overstayed his welcome, hey?
Quote from: MUfan12 on January 01, 2023, 11:11:16 AM
I don't mean to speak ill of the departed staff. But what we have experienced over the last season and a half is why I hammered on identity and culture, and the lack of it under Wojo.
If we're being totally honest, the talent level is still probably in the middle third of the league. They're playing above it due to this staff's ability to clearly communicate, and build incredible connectivity amongst the players. A culture is in place and the guys are accountable to it. They play with the toughness that made MU's brand.
I would also add connectivity amongst the students, staff, alumni and fans.
Quote from: real chili 83 on January 01, 2023, 09:36:30 AM
Watching UConn yesterday, they can be had.
9th place you say?
They look awfully good to me. That was a tough gym to play in @ X. Crowd was super. UCONN is for real. We will have our hands full.
Quote from: 79Warrior on January 01, 2023, 11:21:38 AM
They look awfully good to me. That was a tough gym to play in @ X. Crowd was super. UCONN is for real. We will have our hands full.
I year ha, 79. But let's spin this bad boy. UConn gonna have their hands full with what Marquette is cookin'!
Quote from: MuggsyB on December 31, 2022, 05:54:28 PM
Dumb comment by Gillen.
To be fair, Muggs, that particular line was not delivered by Gillen (he's not the sole dummy on that show).
Quote from: The Lens on January 01, 2023, 10:49:15 AM
Speaking of player development...
Imagine Stevie under Wojo. No defensive fire & frustrating offense. What a gift he, Oso & Kam have been.
I was actually thinking yesterday of Chase Ross Year 1 vs. Dexter Akanno Year 2...
Quote from: MUfan12 on January 01, 2023, 11:11:16 AM
I don't mean to speak ill of the departed staff. But what we have experienced over the last season and a half is why I hammered on identity and culture, and the lack of it under Wojo.
If we're being totally honest, the talent level is still probably in the middle third of the league. They're playing above it due to this staff's ability to clearly communicate, and build incredible connectivity amongst the players. A culture is in place and the guys are accountable to it. They play with the toughness that made MU's brand.
This x1000. The last coach never had a clear vision beyond the next season.
This x1000. The last coach never had a clear vision beyond the next season.
[/quote]
Beyond the next pay check.
Quote from: 1SE on December 31, 2022, 04:06:40 PM
Yep. If he can get the NCAAT success to come he'll be the guy MU has been searching for for 40 years.
Took a nice step towards the tourney today .
I could not agree with you more!
This team is like Al's old teams — defense first and tough as nails. We are building and while there will be up and down years, we are returning to what we once were.
I'm confident if we treat Shaka well, he will treat us very well. He recruits and develops talent. His teams have character and his players are team oriented!
I'm not yet ready to shout "we're back" as we have had too many false starts since 1978. But, we are growing and getting there!
Quote from: mileskishnish72 on January 01, 2023, 01:43:36 PM
This x1000. The last coach never had a clear vision beyond the next season.
Beyond the next pay check.
Clear as Grey Goose
Quote from: mileskishnish72 on January 01, 2023, 01:43:36 PM
This x1000. The last coach never had a clear vision beyond the next season. game
Beyond the next pay check.
FIFY
Quote from: mileskishnish72 on January 01, 2023, 01:43:36 PM
This x1000. The last coach never had a clear vision beyond the next season.
Beyond the next pay check.
A bit harsh. How'd you come to that conclusion?
Quote from: wiscwarrior on January 01, 2023, 02:28:38 PM
A bit harsh. How'd you come to that conclusion?
I had the original quote. I think he was way too competitive, always looking for short term edges that was detrimental in the long term. The experience at Duke was unhelpful, never had to recruit on the edges or game plan against teams that had less talent. Always felt like he never wanted to get out of the "Duke system" of how things should work, to make it work at Marquette.
Some Nova fans not taking the loss very well.
https://twitter.com/NoEscalators/status/1609303806147284994
And I thought certain Scoopers were bad...
Quote from: MUDPT on January 01, 2023, 02:37:32 PM
I had the original quote. I think he was way too competitive, always looking for short term edges that was detrimental in the long term. The experience at Duke was unhelpful, never had to recruit on the edges or game plan against teams that had less talent. Always felt like he never wanted to get out of the "Duke system" of how things should work, to make it work at Marquette.
You're
good. Very good.
All I can add is that he had seven years to realize that it was not working and would never work. Although Einstein may never have said this, it was a classic example of his (alleged) definition of insanity- doing the same thing repeatably but expecting different results. The "Duke North" talk early in the Wojo era says it all.
I was only alluding to the "next paycheck" reference, the rest is fair game, but IMO that reference is a swipe at his character and especially without any evidence kind of unfair.
Why can't you let Wojo go? Get over it. It was a bad marriage, MU thought they were getting son of K and Wojo thought he was going to Duke of the midwest. both thoughts were wrong. No need to assault his character. whiney little bitches
Quote from: warriorchick on January 01, 2023, 02:53:19 PM
Some Nova fans not taking the loss very well.
https://twitter.com/NoEscalators/status/1609303806147284994
And I thought certain Scoopers were bad...
Personally, I think a lot of their frustration is valid. They have an elite program and gave the keys to a complete nobody for no reason.
Quote from: CountryRoads on January 02, 2023, 01:30:51 PM
Personally, I think a lot of their frustration is valid. They have an elite program and gave the keys to a complete nobody for no reason.
He was Wright's long time assistant. The reason was continuity.
Quote from: CountryRoads on January 02, 2023, 01:30:51 PM
Personally, I think a lot of their frustration is valid. They have an elite program and gave the keys to a complete nobody for no reason.
Agree - the job warrants a high level search. Continuity is overrated if the coach is under qualified to maintain the high level of excellence established.
Quote from: panda on January 02, 2023, 02:11:11 PM
Agree - the job warrants a high level search. Continuity is overrated if the coach is under qualified to maintain the high level of excellence established.
This is the cycle of replacing almost every legend though. It's too hard to do a complete new search when the outgoing coach has a strong perspective on who should be next up.
The alternative is pissing off the most popular ex-employee and for many reasons it's best to keep them happy.
Quote from: Frenns Liquor Depot on January 02, 2023, 02:14:20 PM
This is the cycle of replacing almost every legend though. It's too hard to do a complete new search when the outgoing coach has a strong perspective on who should be next up.
The alternative is pissing off the most popular ex-employee and for many reasons it's best to keep them happy.
Good points
Think its too early to judge Neptune.
Sure, hes not Wright and he wont ever be. But he needs time to be able to establish himself.
This Nova roster is very meh by their standards as is. Especially prior to Whitmore being available(and hes still a freshman) and without Moore.
I think they will get hot in january and make a push. If Moore can be even somewhat effective off the injury its a near certainty imo that they will get on a roll.
Every once in awhile - Few, Izzo leap to mind - it works out. Usually it seems not to.
Buzz
Gard (ducks). :'(
Quote from: wiscwarrior on January 01, 2023, 03:26:44 PM
I was only alluding to the "next paycheck" reference, the rest is fair game, but IMO that reference is a swipe at his character and especially without any evidence kind of unfair.
Wiscw, you're right - the point should have been phrased less indelicately. I was referring to the unwillingness of the individual to listen, to learn, to develop.
During all this time he was very handsomely paid, and he was perfectly willing to accept said compensation all while he was not fulfilling his responsibilities such as developing his players, nor in fact the program he led.
Quote from: mileskishnish72 on January 02, 2023, 03:55:55 PM
Wiscw, you're right - the point should have been phrased less indelicately. I was referring to the unwillingness of the individual to listen, to learn, to develop.
During all this time he was very handsomely paid, and he was perfectly willing to accept said compensation all while he was not fulfilling his responsibilities such as developing his players, nor in fact the program he led.
If I were a AD and felt I needed to 'coach' my million dollar coach, I would move on.
Quote from: 94Warrior on January 02, 2023, 03:49:04 PM
Gard (ducks). :'(
No need to duck. Gard certainly has worked out.