I often like to break down the season into segments, but this one ought to stand on its own.
Marquette's next three games are
V current top 5 UConn
@ current top 20 Xavier
V next week top 25 Providence
UConn is 4-2 in conference.
Providence 6-0.
X currently 4-0.
There isn't much more to be said on this stretch beyond it being a stretch where this team can insert itself into the national spotlight and Coach Shaka Smart can re-assert himself as a big time star in NCAA hoops.
There is a lot at stake, but in all honesty this team is already playing above and beyond its expectations for this season.
Some may argue otherwise, but up to this point this years Marquette is definitely over-achieving.
In that light, even an 0-3 stretch would not be disastrous for the season and future as a whole. It would seem that way, but it wouldn't be.
What it really is, IMO, and how Shaka should present it to his guys, is an opportunity for them to really show everyone how good they all really are, and how good they knew they were before the season began.
It's a no pressure stretch, a stretch where a big win in front of the Marquette faithful on Wednesday, or even next Sunday, or even the following Wednesday, would make not only the entire team, but also the entire fan base proud.
Beyond that, what it is is a no pressure stretch for Coach Shaka to draw up a couple of huge wins and insert himself as a frontrunner as BE CoY and into the convo for National CoY.
Yea I know, wild.
Also, yea I know he doesn't care about personal accolades, it's all about the team.
However, the reason a 3-0 or even 2-1 stretch in the next 3 should put him in the conversation for both is that Coach Smart believed in his guys, in all of his guys. He didn't over recruit a single one of them.
In an era where no one has to sit out a year, I would imagine that's not very common.
No one believed in his guys the way he did, but he was the only one that mattered, and they are proving him right.
Every single one of those guys has improved tremendously, and it shows on the court.
Let's see if they can show it on the court over the next week and a half.
One things for certain, we are all eager to find out, and if they can you will see an entire rabid fanbase eager to run through a wall for its new head man.
unnatural carnal knowledge Em.
2-1. Win home games. Lose at X.
Doctor
I do think the fanbase is dying to be all in, even the fringe folks. IMO, the next three games are as big as you get in January. They have put themselves in position to make noise nationally and stay there as long as they take care of business.
I jumped in with both feet with Shaka from day one and I realize my excitement could be somewhat biased, but this is a big fxxkin stretch of ball for the program. The program has flirted with success over the past three decades and they might be poised to start a long run of success.
1-2. Beat PC.
Disagree that the next 3 are a "no-pressure stretch". Would love to get 2 but absolutely need 1 of them.
Vander
I think these are pressure games as well. Get the first one and the pressure level reduced quickly.
I went to buy tickets via Seat Geek at 10am. Get in price was $20. By Noon it was $43. Stupid me for not pulling the trigger but it's really cool to see demand back.
Quote from: Goose on January 07, 2023, 05:17:31 PM
Vander
I think these are pressure games as well. Get the first one and the pressure level reduced quickly.
Yeah, if we get UConn you're playing with a little bit of house money. I want payback for that Providence loss as well.
Enormous 3 games for the Warriors. Take care of business Wednesday and pile up more confidence for the next two.
3 trap games in a row....
Let do it! I know it's a cliche, but they just have to take it one game at a time. Forget about what's next and just focus on each one as they come.
This is the 3 biggest games stretch in Shaka's coaching career. With Brian Wardle's success at Bradley this season, one wonders if Shaka will start feeling the heat if Marquette goes 1-2 or 0-3 in this stretch.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on January 07, 2023, 05:53:38 PM
This is the 3 biggest games stretch in Shaka's coaching career. With Brian Wardle's success at Bradley this season, one wonders if Shaka will start feeling the heat if Marquette goes 1-2 or 0-3 in this stretch.
I was all ready to respond to this, then saw it was Rico and recognized the implied teal.
I think 1-2 is the most likely outcome. I worry about UConn, think it could be our first loss that isn't close. At X is absolutely winnable but I think we fall just short. I expect to pound the snot out of Providence. Hope they are still undefeated in conference play when they come to town.
I think the 4th game is big too. Would really like to avoid the #dl2d pitfall this season
Quote from: TAMU, the Wizard of MU Basketball on January 07, 2023, 06:09:36 PM
I think 1-2 is the most likely outcome. I worry about UConn, think it could be our first loss that isn't close. At X is absolutely winnable but I think we fall just short. I expect to pound the snot out of Providence. Hope they are still undefeated in conference play when they come to town.
I think the 4th game is big too. Would really like to avoid the #dl2d pitfall this season
^^
Worrying about UConn is completely logical.
I completely agree with you that it could be Marquette's first loss that isn't close- they are just an absolute nightmare for the way this Marquette team is constructed.
Xavier is the second worst matchup in conference for MU. Freemantle and Nunge have been on and they will be a big challenge for Marquette, and that's on the road.
Providence is likely the third worst matchup for Marquette, and if that one comes off of two previous losses the pressure will be on, so that won't be easy.
That said, Marquette is at home on Wednesday so I'm hoping that Shaka magic and home crowd can will the team to a great/memorable performance.
Win that, and then X definitely becomes more beatable riding on that high.
Also, as MU82 pointed out a few times, UConn hasn't looked elite, and they seem quite slow compared to Marquette.
I haven't seen Xavier enough but they play a fast pace, which also suits Marquette more since most/all losses this season have been against absurdly slow paced teams.
So, the opportunity is there, let's grab it.
Quote from: DoctorV on January 07, 2023, 06:48:54 PM
^^
Worrying about UConn is completely logical.
I completely agree with you that it could be Marquette's first loss that isn't close- they are just an absolute nightmare for the way this Marquette team is constructed.
Xavier is the second worst matchup in conference for MU. Freemantle and Nunge have been on and they will be a nightmare for Marquette, and that's on the road.
Providence is likely the third worst matchup for Marquette, and if that one comes off of two previous losses the pressure will be on, so that won't be easy.
That said, Marquette is at home on Wednesday so I'm hoping that Shaka magic and home crowd can will the team to a great/memorable performance.
Win that, and then X definitely becomes more beatable riding on that high.
Also, as MU82 pointed out a few times, UConn hasn't looked elite, and they are quite slow compared to Marquette.
I haven't seen Xavier enough but they play a fast pace, which also suits Marquette more since most/all losses this season have been against absurdly slow paced teams.
So, the opportunity is there, let's grab it.
I think X and MU are equally bad matchups for each other. Fremantle or Nunge is going to have to try to cover OMax. Split with them seems likely.
If it's an evenly officiated game, we'll beat Providence by double digits. The Xavier game is a toss up. UConn worries me because of their size.
Quote from: DoctorV on January 07, 2023, 06:48:54 PM
^^
Worrying about UConn is completely logical.
I completely agree with you that it could be Marquette's first loss that isn't close- they are just an absolute nightmare for the way this Marquette team is constructed.
Xavier is the second worst matchup in conference for MU. Freemantle and Nunge have been on and they will be a big challenge for Marquette, and that's on the road.
Providence is likely the third worst matchup for Marquette, and if that one comes off of two previous losses the pressure will be on, so that won't be easy.
That said, Marquette is at home on Wednesday so I'm hoping that Shaka magic and home crowd can will the team to a great/memorable performance.
Win that, and then X definitely becomes more beatable riding on that high.
Also, as MU82 pointed out a few times, UConn hasn't looked elite, and they seem quite slow compared to Marquette.
I haven't seen Xavier enough but they play a fast pace, which also suits Marquette more since most/all losses this season have been against absurdly slow paced teams.
So, the opportunity is there, let's grab it.
Kolek UConn
Quote from: DoctorV on January 07, 2023, 06:48:54 PM
^^
Worrying about UConn is completely logical.
I completely agree with you that it could be Marquette's first loss that isn't close- they are just an absolute nightmare for the way this Marquette team is constructed.
Xavier is the second worst matchup in conference for MU. Freemantle and Nunge have been on and they will be a nightmare for Marquette, and that's on the road.
Providence is likely the third worst matchup for Marquette, and if that one comes off of two previous losses the pressure will be on, so that won't be easy.
That said, Marquette is at home on Wednesday so I'm hoping that Shaka magic and home crowd can will the team to a great/memorable performance.
Win that, and then X definitely becomes more beatable riding on that high.
Also, as MU82 pointed out a few times, UConn hasn't looked elite, and they are quite slow compared to Marquette.
I haven't seen Xavier enough but they play a fast pace, which also suits Marquette more since most/all losses this season have been against absurdly slow paced teams.
So, the opportunity is there, let's grab it.
Marquette will be ready to play Wed night Dr.V and the crowd will be ultra-electric. I think UCONN is one of the most talented teams in the country but are streaky from the perimeter and they don't have a pure PG. Their bigs can be a significant problem for sure but as a team they have looked mediocre on the road. I'd like to see us jump on them early and inflict relentless damage to their psyche. My guess is we will be 3pt favorites. This is a difficult match-up but nothing we can't handle.
Going to have to deal with Sanogo. If 3's are falling UConn can be had. Don't see a win at XAV, but really want to pound the sh-, er, stuffing out of PC, those slime balls.
UConn will sweep MU unfortunately, imo. We'll get the Prov rematch. Lose at X but revenge is ours later at FF. I thought 11-9 BE record back in November. I'm now at 13-7.
Quote from: DoctorV on January 07, 2023, 04:58:29 PM
I often like to break down the season into segments, but this one ought to stand on its own.
Marquette's next three games are
V current top 5 UConn
@ current top 20 Xavier
V next week top 25 Providence
UConn is 4-2 in conference.
Providence 6-0.
X currently 4-0.
There isn't much more to be said on this stretch beyond it being a stretch where this team can insert itself into the national spotlight and Coach Shaka Smart can re-assert himself as a big time star in NCAA hoops.
There is a lot at stake, but in all honesty this team is already playing above and beyond its expectations for this season.
Some may argue otherwise, but up to this point this years Marquette is definitely over-achieving.
In that light, even an 0-3 stretch would not be disastrous for the season and future as a whole. It would seem that way, but it wouldn't be.
What it really is, IMO, and how Shaka should present it to his guys, is an opportunity for them to really show everyone how good they all really are, and how good they knew they were before the season began.
It's a no pressure stretch, a stretch where a big win in front of the Marquette faithful on Wednesday, or even next Sunday, or even the following Wednesday, would make not only the entire team, but also the entire fan base proud.
Beyond that, what it is is a no pressure stretch for Coach Shaka to draw up a couple of huge wins and insert himself as a frontrunner as BE CoY and into the convo for National CoY.
Yea I know, wild.
Also, yea I know he doesn't care about personal accolades, it's all about the team.
However, the reason a 3-0 or even 2-1 stretch in the next 3 should put him in the conversation for both is that Coach Smart believed in his guys, in all of his guys. He didn't over recruit a single one of them.
In an era where no one has to sit out a year, I would imagine that's not very common.
No one believed in his guys the way he did, but he was the only one that mattered, and they are proving him right.
Every single one of those guys has improved tremendously, and it shows on the court.
Let's see if they can show it on the court over the next week and a half.
One things for certain, we are all eager to find out, and if they can you will see an entire rabid fanbase eager to run through a wall for its new head man.
unnatural carnal knowledge Em.
DoctorV‐-----I always enjoy your posts because I think you are a knowledgeable fan and poster. But I am going to respectfully disagree with a couple of points you made regarding "overachieving".
I have always thought that to say someone is "overachieving" is a pejorative and not a compliment. At 17 games into the season (13-=4), I think the sample size is large enough to quote football coach Dennis Green ( I think??) " we are who are record says we are". To say, a really good team.
Just because we're outperforming what guys like Lunardi, DeCourcey, Parrish, Katz and 50 other guys predicted 3 months ago, doesn't mean we're overachieving. It means these so called experts didn't know their asses from a hole in the ground when it came to evaluating the talents of our roster and our coaching staff.
One thing is for sure in these next three ... we can't be taking a half off the way we have been. This needs to be 40 min. every damn time.
Quote from: mileskishnish72 on January 07, 2023, 07:23:43 PM
One thing is for sure in these next three ... we can't be taking a half off the way we have been. This needs to be 40 min. every damn time.
Correct. But I fully expect the focus to be there from the tip in all three games.
Just win the next three and we're in the driver's seat for the league title.
We can beat anyone...including UCONN. Pressure the wings to make feeding the post difficult...double the post when they do get it in there...get up and down the court at a fast pace...team rebound...and do what we do on offense. If UCONN hits their 3's it's a tough game to win...but we played Purdue tough...and kicked the sh1t out of Baylor. This team isn't backing down to anyone.
Quote from: MuggsyB on January 07, 2023, 06:59:47 PM
Marquette will be ready to play Wed night Dr.V and the crowd will be ultra-electric. I think UCONN is one of the most talented teams in the country but are streaky from the perimeter and they don't have a pure PG. Their bigs can be a significant problem for sure but as a team they have looked mediocre on the road. I'd like to see us jump on them early and inflict relentless damage to their psyche. My guess is we will be 3pt favorites. This is a difficult match-up but nothing we can't handle.
We will not be 3 point favorites. More likely we will be 3 point underdogs
Quote from: TAMU, the Wizard of MU Basketball on January 07, 2023, 07:39:11 PM
We will not be 3 point favorites. More likely we will be 3 point underdogs
At worst I'm guessing 1pt underdogs.
Quote from: Dickthedribbler on January 07, 2023, 07:14:25 PM
Just because we're outperforming what guys like Lunardi, DeCourcey, Parrish, Katz and 50 other guys predicted 3 months ago, doesn't mean we're overachieving. It means these so called experts didn't know their asses from a hole in the ground when it came to evaluating the talents of our roster and our coaching staff.
I thought it was obvious MU would take a step forward this year. Many were just lazy and thought losing Lewis meant MU would automatically be a bottom feeder.
I don't think MU is overachieving this year and we are definitely not playing with house money in these games. Anything worse than 2-1 would be disappointing.
Y'all don't know ball. We beat UCONN, hey?
Fire Budenholzer.
Quote from: MuggsyB on January 07, 2023, 07:46:28 PM
At worst I'm guessing 1pt underdogs.
Maybe. Vegas uses Kenpom to inform their lines. Currently a 3 point underdog.
13-4, 5-1 and I bet just about no one who gets paid to talk about basketball thinks Marquette is going to win either of the next 2.
I like it that way as a fan and I think Shaka embraces that too. He seems motivated to continue to win games "they aren't supposed to."
He mentioned postgame that Marquette was picked 9th. He said something along the lines of :
"That's all of us, myself included picked 9th. Players, Program, Coaches, WE were picked 9th."
Seems to be taking it personal and I think this team should have motivation all year. Monster games ahead, wouldn't have it any other way!
Quote from: Dickthedribbler on January 07, 2023, 07:14:25 PM
DoctorV‐-----I always enjoy your posts because I think you are a knowledgeable fan and poster. But I am going to respectfully disagree with a couple of points you made regarding "overachieving".
I have always thought that to say someone is "overachieving" is a pejorative and not a compliment. At 17 games into the season (13-=4), I think the sample size is large enough to quote football coach Dennis Green ( I think??) " we are who are record says we are". To say, a really good team.
Just because we're outperforming what guys like Lunardi, DeCourcey, Parrish, Katz and 50 other guys predicted 3 months ago, doesn't mean we're overachieving. It means these so called experts didn't know their asses from a hole in the ground when it came to evaluating the talents of our roster and our coaching staff.
Pejorative, good diction.
Dennis Green with the "they are who we thought they were, and we let 'em off the hook!" is definitely an all-timer.
Good points made, and you are right that the evaluations were way off for this years Marquette squad.
I more-so meant our expectations as a fanbase, or perhaps just my expectations as a fan.
As of this point in the season I'm extremely pleasantly surprised, and I definitely think Marquette has over-achieved what I would have expected.
Sometimes we get caught up mid season and that's all good, it's what being a sports fan is all about, but it's important to always keep the big picture in mind.
Like if the next 3 don't go our way, this season still isn't a disappointment, far from it.
If they do go our way, it'll be hard to not get crazy.
Then we can all agree on over achieving!
Just f'ing win. That's it.
Quote from: avid1010 on January 07, 2023, 07:37:29 PM
We can beat anyone...including UCONN. Pressure the wings to make feeding the post difficult...double the post when they do get it in there...get up and down the court at a fast pace...team rebound...and do what we do on offense. If UCONN hits their 3's it's a tough game to win...but we played Purdue tough...and kicked the sh1t out of Baylor. This team isn't backing down to anyone.
This. This. This.
Creighton and Baylor are barely hanging on as Q1 wins.
We might have to go .500 against PC, UConn, and Xavier to have a respectable resume because both of our ACC opponents are sitting at Q3's, Georgetown and DePaul are Q4's.
Not many Q1 opportunities available compared to years past. Hopefully the home crowd is raucous against the Huskies and Friars!
Quote from: Uncle Rico on January 07, 2023, 05:53:38 PM
This is the 3 biggest games stretch in Shaka's coaching career. With Brian Wardle's success at Bradley this season, one wonders if Shaka will start feeling the heat if Marquette goes 1-2 or 0-3 in this stretch.
Plus Crean is waiting in the wings... itching for a comeback. "New Man" and all...
Quote from: Dickthedribbler on January 07, 2023, 07:14:25 PM
Just because we're outperforming what guys like Lunardi, DeCourcey, Parrish, Katz and 50 other guys predicted 3 months ago, doesn't mean we're overachieving. It means these so called experts didn't know their asses from a hole in the ground when it came to evaluating the talents of our roster and our coaching staff.
The so-called experts who coach in the Big East apparently didn't know their asses from a hole in the ground for the second straight year.
Anyhoo ... shoot 3s at a decent clip at all and keep Oso out of foul trouble, and we beat UConn.
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on January 07, 2023, 11:08:06 PM
Creighton and Baylor are barely hanging on as Q1 wins.
We might have to go .500 against PC, UConn, and Xavier to have a respectable resume because both of our ACC opponents are sitting at Q3's, Georgetown and DePaul are Q4's.
Not many Q1 opportunities available compared to years past. Hopefully the home crowd is raucous against the Huskies and Friars!
We're boarderline top 20 in both NET and KenPom. Our resume is just fine.
Quote from: wadesworld on January 07, 2023, 11:40:05 PM
We're boarderline top 20 in both NET and KenPom. Our resume is just fine.
Our metrics as it stands right now are great, that much is for sure.
Quote from: MuggsyB on January 07, 2023, 07:46:28 PM
At worst I'm guessing 1pt underdogs.
You'll be incorrect, unless heavy money comes in on MU. We'll open as 2 or 3 point underdogs.
Doesn't mean we can't win.
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on January 07, 2023, 11:08:06 PM
Creighton and Baylor are barely hanging on as Q1 wins.
We might have to go .500 against PC, UConn, and Xavier to have a respectable resume because both of our ACC opponents are sitting at Q3's, Georgetown and DePaul are Q4's.
Not many Q1 opportunities available compared to years past. Hopefully the home crowd is raucous against the Huskies and Friars!
How do you get to .500 in three games?
Quote from: Newsdreams on January 08, 2023, 08:36:02 AM
How do you get to .500 in three games?
Ties or mutual forfeit. Duh
500 what?
Cool.
What I see as MU's weakness is stopping a strong inside player. UConn, Xavier and Providence will be taking it inside on Marquette.
Soriano dominated MU, but he was not enough, because St. John's is not a good team.
Quote from: bilsu on January 08, 2023, 10:47:27 AM
What I see as MU's weakness is stopping a strong inside player. UConn, Xavier and Providence will be taking it inside on Marquette.
Soriano dominated MU, but he was not enough, because St. John's is not a good team.
Because he didn't make the live chicken offerings to Jobu.
Nice
Quote from: pbiflyer on January 08, 2023, 11:11:28 AM
Because he didn't make the live chicken offerings to Jobu.
Cue Muggsy.
bilsu
Your points are valid and the upcoming three games are challenges for MU. One question, do these three teams struggle against teams that force a lot of turnovers, score a lot of points and play up tempo style of play? We often look at what other teams have that can issues but I seldom see what MU that does well that can cause issues for the opponent. At some point I am hoping what MU does well is of high concern for the opposing team vs. only our concern about their strengths.
Quote from: bilsu on January 08, 2023, 10:47:27 AM
What I see as MU's weakness is stopping a strong inside player. UConn, Xavier and Providence will be taking it inside on Marquette.
Soriano dominated MU, but he was not enough, because St. John's is not a good team.
Joel did very well against MU, he also shot 4/5 from midrange. That netted him 4 more points than he should have had.
He was terrible in the second half when marquette didn't play zone.
Soriano is probably the most empty calories player in the big east.
Quote from: Newsdreams on January 08, 2023, 08:36:02 AM
How do you get to .500 in three games?
You play each team twice so it is actually 6
Quote from: bilsu on January 08, 2023, 10:47:27 AM
What I see as MU's weakness is stopping a strong inside player. UConn, Xavier and Providence will be taking it inside on Marquette.
And yet Providence needed a late rally and then 2 OTs to beat us.
Quote from: Goose on January 08, 2023, 11:16:56 AM
Your points are valid and the upcoming three games are challenges for MU. One question, do these three teams struggle against teams that force a lot of turnovers, score a lot of points and play up tempo style of play? We often look at what other teams have that can issues but I seldom see what MU that does well that can cause issues for the opponent. At some point I am hoping what MU does well is of high concern for the opposing team vs. only our concern about their strengths.
Yessir. Our players create numerous matchup problems for opponents.
Quote from: bilsu on January 08, 2023, 10:47:27 AM
What I see as MU's weakness is stopping a strong inside player. UConn, Xavier and Providence will be taking it inside on Marquette.
Soriano dominated MU, but he was not enough, because St. John's is not a good team.
You just summed up the weakness of many teams. Most college BB squads are not well equipped to stop adept big men. Dominant bigs don't just produce against Marquette. They inflict punishment on everyone.
Quote from: Dickthedribbler on January 07, 2023, 07:14:25 PM
DoctorV‐-----I always enjoy your posts because I think you are a knowledgeable fan and poster. But I am going to respectfully disagree with a couple of points you made regarding "overachieving".
I have always thought that to say someone is "overachieving" is a pejorative and not a compliment. At 17 games into the season (13-=4), I think the sample size is large enough to quote football coach Dennis Green ( I think??) " we are who are record says we are". To say, a really good team.
Just because we're outperforming what guys like Lunardi, DeCourcey, Parrish, Katz and 50 other guys predicted 3 months ago, doesn't mean we're overachieving. It means these so called experts didn't know their asses from a hole in the ground when it came to evaluating the talents of our roster and our coaching staff.
Bill Parcells quote.
Quote from: brewcity77 on January 07, 2023, 06:08:41 PM
I was all ready to respond to this, then saw it was Rico and recognized the implied teal.
While I find it at times amusing, I do wonder if Uncle Rico realizes this is likely how 4ever's schtick started once upon a time ago. Repetitive, over played, and getting old.
What am I saying? 4ever's schtick was never amusing. Ignore this take.
No reasoning behind this besides a gut feeling, but I really do think Marquette goes 2-0 this week.
Quote from: ChitownSpaceForRent on January 10, 2023, 10:47:57 PM
No reasoning behind this besides a gut feeling, but I really do think Marquette goes 2-0 this week.
No game 3?
Quote from: Newsdreams on January 10, 2023, 10:54:19 PM
No game 3?
I never feel good about Providence or DePaul away