Xavier at home looks like a mountain to climb.
They are experienced, have 5 guys averaging in double figures, and 5 guys shooting over 40% on 3's. That sounds like a nightmare.
Strategists, theorists, how will Shaka attack/defend to pull out a W in Cincy?
Quote from: mileskishnish72 on January 12, 2023, 11:58:42 AM
Xavier at home looks like a mountain to climb.
They are experienced, have 5 guys averaging in double figures, and 5 guys shooting over 40% on 3's. That sounds like a nightmare.
Strategists, theorists, how will Shaka attack/defend to pull out a W in Cincy?
Turn them over is the best defense. They're one of the best shooting teams in the nation. Have to be disruptive on defense. They're ok on the offensive glass but not great. Need to eliminate second chances because they'll kill you if you don't
Time to run the Picket Fence!
But seriously, if I were a Xavier fan, I'd be saying ...
Marquette looks like a mountain to climb. They are tough, have 6 guys averaging between 7 and 16 points, two of the best passers in the country, and 3 freshmen who can come off the bench and instantly shift momentum in their favor. That sounds like a nightmare.
Quote from: mileskishnish72 on January 12, 2023, 11:58:42 AM
Strategists, theorists, how will Shaka attack/defend to pull out a W in Cincy?
Send the Musketeers some complimentary Skyline for the pre-game meal.
There is not a single road win in the games among Providence, UConn, Marquette, Creighton and Xavier. Road wins among the top tier BE teams are worth their weight in gold, and underscores the importance of taking care of business at home
Quote from: Carl on January 12, 2023, 12:10:57 PM
There is not a single road win in the games among Providence, UConn, Marquette, Creighton and Xavier. Road wins among the top tier BE teams are worth their weight in gold, and underscores the importance of taking care of business at home
Too bad for Xavier that they won't be able to do that on Sunday!
Its going to be very tough.
But X is not exactly a defensive juggernaut. So this is a game where there is going to be points unless one team is just way off.
All our concerns of stopping them. They will have similar ones on the other end.
Not expecting to get it on the road. But this one absolutely can be had. And who knows, I feel like Kam might be due for like a 6/10 clinic from deep.
Quote from: mileskishnish72 on January 12, 2023, 11:58:42 AM
Xavier at home looks like a mountain to climb.
They are experienced, have 5 guys averaging in double figures, and 5 guys shooting over 40% on 3's. That sounds like a nightmare.
Last year Marquette went to Xavier early in the year with Xavier on a 7 game winning streak. This year we catch them on a 10 game win streak. It should be close. Teams are eerily similar metrics-wise. Who executes better late?
Strategists, theorists, how will Shaka attack/defend to pull out a W in Cincy?
I think this will be the toughest road environment since Mackey.
Play the whole game like it is the second half.
Quote from: PGsHeroes32 on January 12, 2023, 12:17:09 PM
Its going to be very tough.
But X is not exactly a defensive juggernaut. So this is a game where there is going to be points unless one team is just way off.
All our concerns of stopping them. They will have similar ones on the other end.
Not expecting to get it on the road. But this one absolutely can be had. And who knows, I feel like Kam might be due for like a 6/10 clinic from deep.
That's a good point, too, about the X defense. It's ok, but hardly great. Should be able to generate offense
Glad this game is on Sunday and not Saturday.
That gives Shaka two prep days, tomorrow and Saturday.
I'll take Shakas guys with enough prep time.
Besides, Freemantle and Nunge are big but stiff. Their assignments, OMax and Oso are big and mobile.
Souley Boum and Colby Jones could be a problem, but Stevie/TyKo/Kam/Sean/Chase got that covered.
Kunkel is just Kunkel, hope he doesn't get hot and make 6 threes because he will attempt several if they start falling.
On top of that we've got Jop and Ben off the bench to help with Freemantle and Nunge.
On the road in a tough spot against a great coach and team that is very good offensively and rebounds well, so that's always going to be a challenge.
Personnel wise though, Marquette is the better team.
Marquette is also the much deeper team.
Quote from: tower912 on January 12, 2023, 12:39:03 PM
I think this will be the toughest road environment since Mackey.
Play the whole game like it is the second half.
Let's forfeit the 1st half spotting X 5pts. Then Shaka does his magic and we win the second half by 20.
Quote from: muwarrior69 on January 12, 2023, 12:55:08 PM
Let's forfeit the 1st half spotting X 5pts. Then Shaka does his magic and we win the second half by 20.
That's the way Ali's teams played, don't show what you've got until the second half, then crush them.
MU has proven to be pretty tough as well. It should be a heavyweight fight Sunday morning in Cincy.
Quote from: mileskishnish72 on January 12, 2023, 11:58:42 AM
Xavier at home looks like a mountain to climb.
They are experienced, have 5 guys averaging in double figures, and 5 guys shooting over 40% on 3's. That sounds like a nightmare.
Strategists, theorists, how will Shaka attack/defend to pull out a W in Cincy?
Give me a break. This is the Big East! You can say that about many teams!
Look, early in the season with a somewhat inexperienced team, we led Number 1 Purdue until the very end. We beat Baylor convincingly and they were rated sixth in the nation. We just finished beating the now sixth rated team in the nation. We beat Villanova in what is probably the toughest place in the country for opposing teams to win. We beat Creighton, barely lost to a rodent team we'd probably kill now and took a very good Providence team to double overtime. Only Mississippi State stands out as a loss we should have, in retrospect, won. But, again, that was early in the season and I think we would beat them today!
Nattering nabobs of negativism!
WE ARE MARQUETE!!!! As Tyler Kolek would say, F**K 'em!!!!!!!!
X is on a roll. At some point they will be derailed, Why not by MU? Gooo Marquette!
Quote from: Daniel on January 12, 2023, 01:25:26 PM
X is on a roll. At some point they will be derailed, Why not by MU? Gooo Marquette!
That's right. They aren't going undefeated in the BE. Why not Sunday to get that out of the way for them?
I think the fact Xavier is in the 300s on kenpom in the country at preventing steals might be a problem for them in this game. Marquette tends to get a lot of steals.
I have great respect for Xavier and the success they've had to date.
But 18 games into the season I think we all have a pretty good read on this Marquette team and my read is that under Shaka's direction, we are as good or better than any team in the BE. I didn't say as talented----I said as good. Meaning if we continue to defend with the same tenacity; execute the offense with the same crispness ( sharp cuts, smart passes, making shots) ; and continue to get big time contributions from the 4 guys off the bench, we pretty much control our own destiny. Play to capabilities=win. Easier said than done.
Guess what I'm trying to say is MU is the best team in the BE, and if we lose a game, it won't be because the other team is "better", it'll be because we didn't perform to par that day.
Quote from: mileskishnish72 on January 12, 2023, 11:58:42 AM
Xavier at home looks like a mountain to climb.
They are experienced, have 5 guys averaging in double figures, and 5 guys shooting over 40% on 3's. That sounds like a nightmare.
Strategists, theorists, how will Shaka attack/defend to pull out a W in Cincy?
Confirmed, X will be a tough game.
Quote from: muwarrior69 on January 12, 2023, 12:55:08 PM
Let's forfeit the 1st half spotting X 5pts. Then Shaka does his magic and we win the second half by 20.
I like the way you think.
Quote from: Pepe Sylvia on January 12, 2023, 01:46:23 PM
I think the fact Xavier is in the 300s on kenpom in the country at preventing steals might be a problem for them in this game. Marquette tends to get a lot of steals.
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Quote from: Goose on January 12, 2023, 01:14:56 PM
MU has proven to be pretty tough as well. It should be a heavyweight fight Sunday morning in Cincy.
Take Marquette and the NY Giants on Sunday.
Quote from: cheebs09 on January 12, 2023, 02:37:49 PM
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Very well-played!
Miller gonna be singing Y'all Gon Make Me Lose My Mind...up in Heeya, up in Heeya 🎶
Quote from: Goose on January 12, 2023, 01:14:56 PM
MU has proven to be pretty tough as well. It should be a heavyweight fight Sunday morning in Cincy.
Goose, I'm hoping our gut wrenching loss to Providence will give us the confidence that we can beat XU or anyone else in their building. They will be a difficult challenge but I think we absolutely have the roster to take them out. I don't think they're a particularly good defensive team but they are very capable of going off from multiple spots on the offensive end. Can we turn these guys over and win the transition game in Cincy? Who would you target Goose as a guy we need to eliminate/limit? I would think Sunday will be a high scoring game.
Quote from: cheebs09 on January 12, 2023, 02:37:49 PM
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Well done.
Muggs
X has a lot of firepower, and their guards can fill up a box score. The guy that has stood out to me offensively has been Boum. He has been a scorer for a half decade in college ball and his tough player. The big kid in the middle will likely be a challenge and think they have better shot at shutting down a couple of guards vs. the big kid.
MU is a strange team, in a good way, and think they cause more challenges to the opponent. Having 8-9 guys that can play minutes, plus score is a tough ask for an opponent to stop. I am amazed at how many points they can score, and my guess is first team to 80 probably will win.
Score 100 before they do. Gonna be one of those 102 to 99 type games. Only mildly exaggerating.
Their weak point is turnovers. They don't force them and they give them up too much. Miller has shortened the rotation to 7 and is maxing minutes for his starting 5. Since Big East play started, here's what their bench has been doing:
Jerome Hunter: 6 appearances, 16.7mpg
Desmond Claude: 6 appearances, 16.5 mpg
KyKy Tandy: 3 appearances, 2.7 mpg
Cesare Edwards: 3 appearances, 2mpg
Kam Craft: 1 appearance, 2 mpg
Dieonte Miles: 0 appearances
Run em, force turnovers, capitalize on the other end.
Age/experience is also vastly different in this one
Boum, Nunge, Kunkel are all 5th year seniors.
Freemantle, Hunter, Tandy are 4th year guys.
Jones is a 3rd year guy.
Claude is their only frosh at 18mpg.
That's a whole lotta 22+ year olds on the same team. Miller is going to really have to reload in the next two years when those guys skip town.
Shaka is in a better position for the next few years, but as we all know Miller can really recruit.
"I made a G today, but I made it in a sleazy way" might be a good mantra of his recruiting tactics
Quote from: MuggsyB on January 12, 2023, 03:12:40 PM
Goose, I'm hoping our gut wrenching loss to Providence will give us the confidence that we can beat XU or anyone else in their building. They will be a difficult challenge but I think we absolutely have the roster to take them out. I don't think they're a particularly good defensive team but they are very capable of going off from multiple spots on the offensive end. Can we turn these guys over and win the transition game in Cincy? Who would you target Goose as a guy we need to eliminate/limit? I would think Sunday will be a high scoring game.
I went to school with some Mafiosos' kids. If they stayed in the family business, I'm sure I can have it arranged. PM me with a name.
We lost four games by a total of 15 points all to teams that have ranked at some point this season. One in OT, one in double OT. Average margin in those four games is 3.75 points.
We shouldn't fear anyone.
Kolby Jones! MU has a mismatch there
I think X actually plays into what we want to do.
On defense, turn up the pace and pressure, especially when Boum isn't out there. That will let us take advantage of a turnover prone team. They also play fast, so it shouldn't take much to bait them into running with us. In the half-court, Xavier is a great shooting team, but they don't like taking threes. Despite being 3rd in 3PFG%, they are 292nd in the percent of points earned beyond the arc. Chase them off the line and they'll drive into our active hands defense.
After last night, the offensive end should seem easy. Nunge is no Clingan and I just don't think they have the players to be a great defensive team. Too slow-footed inside. The key is to be patient and get the good shot when we don't have the fast break.
All that said, I was pessimistic last night and it went well, so maybe my optimism is misplaced.
Quote from: brewcity77 on January 12, 2023, 05:39:04 PM
I think X actually plays into what we want to do.
On defense, turn up the pace and pressure, especially when Boum isn't out there. That will let us take advantage of a turnover prone team. They also play fast, so it shouldn't take much to bait them into running with us. In the half-court, Xavier is a great shooting team, but they don't like taking threes. Despite being 3rd in 3PFG%, they are 292nd in the percent of points earned beyond the arc. Chase them off the line and they'll drive into our active hands defense.
After last night, the offensive end should seem easy. Nunge is no Clingan and I just don't think they have the players to be a great defensive team. Too slow-footed inside. The key is to be patient and get the good shot when we don't have the fast break.
All that said, I was pessimistic last night and it went well, so maybe my optimism is misplaced.
Maybe you don't know ball
Quote from: brewcity77 on January 12, 2023, 05:39:04 PM
I think X actually plays into what we want to do.
On defense, turn up the pace and pressure, especially when Boum isn't out there. That will let us take advantage of a turnover prone team. They also play fast, so it shouldn't take much to bait them into running with us. In the half-court, Xavier is a great shooting team, but they don't like taking threes. Despite being 3rd in 3PFG%, they are 292nd in the percent of points earned beyond the arc. Chase them off the line and they'll drive into our active hands defense.
After last night, the offensive end should seem easy. Nunge is no Clingan and I just don't think they have the players to be a great defensive team. Too slow-footed inside. The key is to be patient and get the good shot when we don't have the fast break.
All that said, I was pessimistic last night and it went well, so maybe my optimism is misplaced.
On the Scrambled Eggs podcast, our advanced stats rankings were shockingly close going into our games yesterday. Two really similar teams.
Quote from: Stretchdeltsig on January 12, 2023, 01:01:47 PM
That's the way Ali's teams played, don't show what you've got until the second half, then crush them.
So, rope a dope?
It took 2 overtimes and friendly home whistle for Providence to beat us in their house. Hoping for a less skewed whistle in Cincinnati, and I like our chances. Force turnovers and convert them into easy points.
Quote from: cheebs09 on January 12, 2023, 05:50:03 PM
On the Scrambled Eggs podcast, our advanced stats rankings were shockingly close going into our games yesterday. Two really similar teams.
Raw rankings are, how we get there is a bit different.
Quote from: Stretchdeltsig on January 12, 2023, 01:01:47 PM
That's the way Ali's teams played.
Quote from: Goose on January 12, 2023, 01:14:56 PM
It should be a heavyweight fight Sunday morning in Cincy.
I look forward to some jabs, body blows and a final haymaker to put 'em away.
Quote from: brewcity77 on January 12, 2023, 05:39:04 PM
I think X actually plays into what we want to do.
On defense, turn up the pace and pressure, especially when Boum isn't out there. That will let us take advantage of a turnover prone team. They also play fast, so it shouldn't take much to bait them into running with us. In the half-court, Xavier is a great shooting team, but they don't like taking threes. Despite being 3rd in 3PFG%, they are 292nd in the percent of points earned beyond the arc. Chase them off the line and they'll drive into our active hands defense.
After last night, the offensive end should seem easy. Nunge is no Clingan and I just don't think they have the players to be a great defensive team. Too slow-footed inside. The key is to be patient and get the good shot when we don't have the fast break.
All that said, I was pessimistic last night and it went well, so maybe my optimism is misplaced.
Well that was the pep talk I needed. Ready to run through the wall for this one.
Quote from: Goose on January 12, 2023, 03:22:37 PM
Muggs
X has a lot of firepower, and their guards can fill up a box score. The guy that has stood out to me offensively has been Boum. He has been a scorer for a half decade in college ball and his tough player. The big kid in the middle will likely be a challenge and think they have better shot at shutting down a couple of guards vs. the big kid.
MU is a strange team, in a good way, and think they cause more challenges to the opponent. Having 8-9 guys that can play minutes, plus score is a tough ask for an opponent to stop. I am amazed at how many points they can score, and my guess is first team to 80 probably will win.
...with no time on the clock.
Quote from: Goose on January 12, 2023, 03:22:37 PM
Muggs
X has a lot of firepower, and their guards can fill up a box score. The guy that has stood out to me offensively has been Boum. He has been a scorer for a half decade in college ball and his tough player. The big kid in the middle will likely be a challenge and think they have better shot at shutting down a couple of guards vs. the big kid.
MU is a strange team, in a good way, and think they cause more challenges to the opponent. Having 8-9 guys that can play minutes, plus score is a tough ask for an opponent to stop. I am amazed at how many points they can score, and my guess is first team to 80 probably will win.
Good point on our depth Goose. Maybe we can wear these guys down? I must say the top guys on X are shooting incredibly high percentages. Slowing them down is a concern I suppose but I think we'll be ready to go.
Quote from: brewcity77 on January 12, 2023, 05:39:04 PM
I think X actually plays into what we want to do.
On defense, turn up the pace and pressure, especially when Boum isn't out there. That will let us take advantage of a turnover prone team. They also play fast, so it shouldn't take much to bait them into running with us. In the half-court, Xavier is a great shooting team, but they don't like taking threes. Despite being 3rd in 3PFG%, they are 292nd in the percent of points earned beyond the arc. Chase them off the line and they'll drive into our active hands defense.
After last night, the offensive end should seem easy. Nunge is no Clingan and I just don't think they have the players to be a great defensive team. Too slow-footed inside. The key is to be patient and get the good shot when we don't have the fast break.
All that said, I was pessimistic last night and it went well, so maybe my optimism is misplaced.
Brew, X has shot the ball off the charts. I'm a little concerned they could go ballistic from distance and put us on our heels. As a side note I can't stand Kunkel. Perhaps there's a wrinkle or two Shaka can come up with for this one? It seems to me this is one of those games where we need to shoot the triple closer to 40% and keep them off the FT line. On offense what is our best match-up to exploit? I was really happy with the way Oso took it to UCONN's bigs despite some early struggles. Also, I don't think people have given Jones the Elder enough credit for his 2H vs UCONN. Not to mention his cold blooded triple at 73-70. This kid can score in bunches Brew, hopefully he has a big game Sunday.
Quote from: MuggsyB on January 13, 2023, 07:48:13 AM
Brew, X has shot the ball off the chsrts. I'm a little concerned they could go ballistic from distance and put us on our heels. As a side note I can't stand Kunkel. Perhaps there's a wrinkle or two Shake can come up with for this one? It seems to me this is one of those games where we need to shoot the triple closer to 40% and keep them off the FT line. On offense what is our best match-up to exploit? I was really happy with the way Oso took it to UCONN's bigs despite some early struggles. Also, I don't think people have given Jones the Elder enough credit for his 2H vs UCONN. Not to mention his cold blooded triple at 73-70. This kid can score in bunches Brew, hopefully he has a big game Sunday.
Kam has gotten plenty of credit. Lots of votes for SOTG, and plenty of runner-up nods.
I think we'll have to not double-down on the post very much, let Oso, O-Max, Gold and Joplin do their best 1-on-1 defending Freemantle and Nunge down there. Because we don't want to leave them wide open for 3 too often. But they will get open 3s, and if they hit 50%+, it will make X all the more difficult to beat. Our perimeter defenders also will need to keep Boum in front of them most of the night; he has been very impressive, as impactful a transfer as there is in the Big East.
It's real easy to see this being a real high-scoring game, so hopefully our guys are hitting 3s and making layups. We might simply have to outscore them ... and we certainly can.
We Are Marquette!
Quote from: MuggsyB on January 13, 2023, 07:48:13 AM
Brew, X has shot the ball off the chsrts. I'm a little concerned they could go ballistic from distance and put us on our heels. As a side note I can't stand Kunkel. Perhaps there's a wrinkle or two Shake can come up with for this one? It seems to me this is one of those games where we need to shoot the triple closer to 40% and keep them off the FT line. On offense what is our best match-up to exploit? I was really happy with the way Oso took it to UCONN's bigs despite some early struggles. Also, I don't think people have given Jones the Elder enough credit for his 2H vs UCONN. Not to mention his cold blooded triple at 73-70. This kid can score in bunches Brew, hopefully he has a big game Sunday.
Shooting near 40%? That would be great, but unlikely. I think the blazing speed of our passing inside the arc before one of our guys put the ball up is what took UCONN's defense out. UCONN could not figure out who was going to shoot and therefore could not position to block, shoving the ball into our shooters' faces like they did in the first half. Perhaps this strategy would work as well for X.
Yeah, Kam was the hero. I admit I had "Deja vu all over again" as Yogi Berra famously said. After the PC game, I cannot relax when we have a 9 point lead late in the game.
Haslam has it 85-82 Xavier, basically the home court advantage. These previews are AI generated but are generally a thorough analysis. The Muskies shoot the trey well. MU scores more in the paint. The clear MU advantage on both O and D are turnovers.
https://haslametrics.com/preview.php?yr=&tid1=561&tid2=5527&neut=0
Quote from: Scoop Snoop on January 13, 2023, 08:25:57 AM
Shooting near 40%? That would be great, but unlikely. I think the blazing speed of our passing inside the arc before one of our guys put the ball up is what took UCONN's defense out. UCONN could not figure out who was going to shoot and therefore could not position to block, shoving the ball into our shooters' faces like they did in the first half. Perhaps this strategy would work as well for X.
Yeah, Kam was the hero. I admit I had "Deja vu all over again" as Yogi Berra famously said. After the PC game, I cannot relax when we have a 9 point lead late in the game.
That right handed pseudo-bank finger roll by TyKo late was freaking sweet Scoop Snoop. I think he's worked on that one since last season. Does X really have a shot blocker? Can we go medieval Sunday? Meaning drop 95 or so?
Quote from: MuggsyB on January 13, 2023, 07:48:13 AM
Brew, X has shot the ball off the charts. I'm a little concerned they could go ballistic from distance and put us on our heels. As a side note I can't stand Kunkel. Perhaps there's a wrinkle or two Shaka can come up with for this one?
Well that's an improvement
Quote from: MuggsyB on January 13, 2023, 07:48:13 AM
Brew, X has shot the ball off the chsrts. I'm a little concerned they could go ballistic from distance and put us on our heels. As a side note I can't stand Kunkel. Perhaps there's a wrinkle or two Shake can come up with for this one? It seems to me this is one of those games where we need to shoot the triple closer to 40% and keep them off the FT line. On offense what is our best match-up to exploit? I was really happy with the way Oso took it to UCONN's bigs despite some early struggles. Also, I don't think people have given Jones the Elder enough credit for his 2H vs UCONN. Not to mention his cold blooded triple at 73-70. This kid can score in bunches Brew, hopefully he has a big game Sunday.
The biggest difference with X under Sean Miller is that they are much more disciplined in the past about shot selection. Under Steele, X seemed to often under-achieve because guys like Goodin, Scruggs at times, and Freemantle were taking far more threes than they should have. The right guys are taking volume shots this year, and bad/mediocre shooters are taking less than in the past. They also go inside to Freemantle and Nunge a fair amount. As a result of the better shot selection, they're shooting much better. Even Colby Jones has added efficient 3 pt shooting to his game. They are also unselfish and have very high assist numbers. They will score, but we should be able to turn them over a fair amount.
In terms of guarding their bigs inside, they don't pose the same challenges as Sanogo and Clingan in terms of size or style. Freemantle makes a lot of 5-8 footers rather than right at the basket, back you down type post moves. Nunge's inside baskets are often from sealing you off and a lob over the top. They shouldn't out muscle us too much, though Colby Jones has great instincts and has a knack for finding the ball on the boards.
Truly should be a great match-up of similar teams offensively in many respects. Yes, it would help if X is off from 3 so we aren't in a 2s versus 3s situation, but they typically don't just bomb away from outside like they used to and shoot themselves out of games. They run offense and take them when they generate good looks. Can't wait for this game.
Quote from: MuggsyB on January 13, 2023, 08:50:16 AM
Does X really have a shot blocker?
Nunge is 9th in the Big East with 1.35 blocks per game. (By comparison, Oso is 6th at 1.72; Clingan is 1st at 2.17.) Freemantle is 15th at 0.82.
Fun stat: Gold averages only 7.7 mpg, so he doesn't have the high total of the leaders. But he ranks 4th in blocks per 40 minutes at 3.74. Trails only UConn's Clingan (6.09), Creighton's King (4.38) and Providence's Moore (3.75).
Quote from: MuggsyB on January 13, 2023, 07:48:13 AM
Brew, X has shot the ball off the charts. I'm a little concerned they could go ballistic from distance and put us on our heels. As a side note I can't stand Kunkel. Perhaps there's a wrinkle or two Shaka can come up with for this one? It seems to me this is one of those games where we need to shoot the triple closer to 40% and keep them off the FT line. On offense what is our best match-up to exploit? I was really happy with the way Oso took it to UCONN's bigs despite some early struggles. Also, I don't think people have given Jones the Elder enough credit for his 2H vs UCONN. Not to mention his cold blooded triple at 73-70. This kid can score in bunches Brew, hopefully he has a big game Sunday.
They are a great shooting team, but Miller's offense doesn't want shots at the arc. 7 of the last 9 years they've been sub-300 in three-point attempt percentage, meaning they are far less likely to take a three than a two given the choice. Can they go ballistic from deep? Yes. Will they? Not if we chase them off the line, because going ballistic from deep isn't what they are coached to do.
In the majority of their games, Xavier takes 13-17 threes. If they "go ballistic" you end up with them going 8/16 or something similar, which is perfectly fine. Those threes vs twos isn't going to kill you. Where it becomes a problem is if you don't chase them off the line and they go 14/26 like they did against Georgetown. Chase them off the line, make them go inside and take less efficient shots that have a lower value if they hit.
Here's the other thing...our main lineup is good defensively. I know we aren't good as a team, but our starting five allows a respectable 92.5 points per 100 possessions. For Xavier, their starters are at 109.2 every 100 possessions. Kunkel is a poor defender. Nunge and Freemantle are not quick inside. First off, do what we did with Karaban. Every time Kunkel is out there, get him on an island like we did with Karaban and go at him. Second, get Oso and O-Max moving and attacking their bigs. Our big men are quicker and can beat them one-on-one.
The UConn game to me showed the key to success the rest of the year. Heavy dose of the starting lineup. I'd like to see 20 minutes of Oso/O-Max/Kam/Stevie/TK. That is the best lineup in the country and will lead us to wins most nights. And I don't mean that to be hyperbole. I would take that five man unit against any five man unit from any team in Division I. Keep them together, add in doses of Jop and Chase (hopefully together, Chase is Jop's defensive security blanket), then just sprinkle Sean and Gold as necessary.
Quote from: MU82 on January 13, 2023, 09:52:15 AM
Nunge is 9th in the Big East with 1.35 blocks per game. (By comparison, Oso is 6th at 1.72; Clingan is 1st at 2.17.) Freemantle is 15th at 0.82.
Fun stat: Gold averages only 7.7 mpg, so he doesn't have the high total of the leaders. But he ranks 4th in blocks per 40 minutes at 3.74. Trails only UConn's Clingan (6.09), Creighton's King (4.38) and Providence's Moore (3.75).
Nunge's blocks are deceptive. 10 of his 23 blocks came in three buy games against sub-250 competition (SELA, Fairfield, Morgan State). His block rate is 4.6% for the season, but just 3.3% in Big East play. He's a decent shot-blocker, but nothing like Clingan.
Eliminate second chance points
Quote from: brewcity77 on January 13, 2023, 10:25:19 AM
Nunge's blocks are deceptive. 10 of his 23 blocks came in three buy games against sub-250 competition (SELA, Fairfield, Morgan State). His block rate is 4.6% for the season, but just 3.3% in Big East play. He's a decent shot-blocker, but nothing like Clingan.
Good catch, brew.
And I agree with your previous post about strategy. I'm really excited to see how Shaka goes at it and how our guys execute. I hope Marquette plays as well as we all know is possible. If so, Scoop will be a damn happy place Sunday afternoon!
Quote from: brewcity77 on January 13, 2023, 10:25:19 AM
Nunge's blocks are deceptive. 10 of his 23 blocks came in three buy games against sub-250 competition (SELA, Fairfield, Morgan State). His block rate is 4.6% for the season, but just 3.3% in Big East play. He's a decent shot-blocker, but nothing like Clingan.
For comparison, the nation's leader in block rate is Ja'Vier Francis from Houston at 19.3%.
The dude is only 6'8", which is unreal to me.
Clingan is fourth at 14.9%.
Quote from: brewcity77 on January 13, 2023, 10:21:48 AM
They are a great shooting team, but Miller's offense doesn't want shots at the arc. 7 of the last 9 years they've been sub-300 in three-point attempt percentage, meaning they are far less likely to take a three than a two given the choice. Can they go ballistic from deep? Yes. Will they? Not if we chase them off the line, because going ballistic from deep isn't what they are coached to do.
In the majority of their games, Xavier takes 13-17 threes. If they "go ballistic" you end up with them going 8/16 or something similar, which is perfectly fine. Those threes vs twos isn't going to kill you. Where it becomes a problem is if you don't chase them off the line and they go 14/26 like they did against Georgetown. Chase them off the line, make them go inside and take less efficient shots that have a lower value if they hit.
Here's the other thing...our main lineup is good defensively. I know we aren't good as a team, but our starting five allows a respectable 92.5 points per 100 possessions. For Xavier, their starters are at 109.2 every 100 possessions. Kunkel is a poor defender. Nunge and Freemantle are not quick inside. First off, do what we did with Karaban. Every time Kunkel is out there, get him on an island like we did with Karaban and go at him. Second, get Oso and O-Max moving and attacking their bigs. Our big men are quicker and can beat them one-on-one.
The UConn game to me showed the key to success the rest of the year. Heavy dose of the starting lineup. I'd like to see 20 minutes of Oso/O-Max/Kam/Stevie/TK. That is the best lineup in the country and will lead us to wins most nights. And I don't mean that to be hyperbole. I would take that five man unit against any five man unit from any team in Division I. Keep them together, add in doses of Jop and Chase (hopefully together, Chase is Jop's defensive security blanket), then just sprinkle Sean and Gold as necessary.
Agree on the chasing off the line. I was really impressed how well the team overall chased Uconn off the line on Wednesday. The rotations were CRISP out there (as a side note TKO was really great on his speed of recovery). Keep that up, and I expect good things.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on January 13, 2023, 10:34:03 AM
Eliminate second chance points
No, need to keep it close and finally win a close game.
How times have changed. Oh how we hated playing Huggy at UC. Now X has taken center stage in Cincinnati.
You can't leave X open for three, but I would be more focused about taking away the 2 than the 3. They shoot as well as they do because they are selective with their 3s. They only like to take them when they are basically a warmup shot before a game. What they want you to do is overcommit to the three so they have space to operate. Key to this game is crisp closeouts. I would try to clog the lane but whoever is on the ball needs to be in that person's grill. A pass to another shooter on the perimeter happens, his defender needs to close out hard and the passer's defender needs to help clog the lane. A lot easier said than done. I hate Zone, but this may be the game to break out a matchup zone.
I have no concerns about scoring on X.
The answer to the 1st question is something that I'm sure everyone on here will get excited about.
https://youtu.be/45rkNtAD7qE
Thanks GE, great listen. Makes me like Sean Miller, very complimentary of this Marquette team
Quote from: Carl on January 13, 2023, 03:10:28 PM
Thanks GE, great listen. Makes me like Sean Miller, very complimentary of this Marquette team
Should make for one heck of a contest. Two high powered offenses, hard working teams, great coaching. Can't wait!
F it. X has a cheater coach. Cheaters never prosper! Drop the hammer!
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on January 13, 2023, 02:50:47 PM
The answer to the 1st question is something that I'm sure everyone on here will get excited about.
https://youtu.be/45rkNtAD7qE
So did Miller pick us ninth?
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on January 13, 2023, 04:03:35 PM
Should make for one heck of a contest. Two high powered offenses, hard working teams, great coaching. Can't wait!
Road tripped to Cintas for MU/X game in 2019. MU won by 5. Nice smaller sized arena ( about 10, 000). Has kind of a band box feel to it, which is great if you're the home team. Should be a madhouse in there Sunday.
F this thread. X should be saying Marquette is tough. Go out and kick their ass
Quote from: Dickthedribbler on January 13, 2023, 05:26:48 PM
Road tripped to Cintas for MU/X game in 2019. MU won by 5. Nice smaller sized arena ( about 10, 000). Has kind of a band box feel to it, which is great if you're the home team. Should be a madhouse in there Sunday.
Like the MECCA?
hairy
Love it.
Quote from: muwarrior69 on January 13, 2023, 05:34:07 PM
Like the MECCA?
Yes, exactly, but with modern features. A little claustrophobic, but nice.
MU ticket allotment sold out. MU pregame event inside the Cintas Center. Musky Scoop fans already protesting with torches and pitchforks.
Quote from: muwarrior69 on January 13, 2023, 05:13:00 PM
So did Miller pick us ninth?
He meant 9th best offense in the country
Quote from: Dickthedribbler on January 13, 2023, 05:26:48 PM
Road tripped to Cintas for MU/X game in 2019. MU won by 5. Nice smaller sized arena ( about 10, 000). Has kind of a band box feel to it, which is great if you're the home team. Should be a madhouse in there Sunday.
I am guessing students will be back for it?
Quote from: JakeBarnes on January 13, 2023, 06:05:38 PM
I am guessing students will be back for it?
Most universities start class the Tuesday after MLK day. My guess is plenty of students will be in the house
My guess is the ref crew working VCU/Dayton tonight might be working MU/Xavier. It's early, but they're letting them play so far fwiw.
Quote from: Dr. Blackheart on January 13, 2023, 06:04:07 PM
MU ticket allotment sold out. MU pregame event inside the Cintas Center. Musky Scoop fans already protesting with torches and pitchforks.
The Cincinnati Gardens Bar and Grill is hosting a UC event
Quote from: TAMU, the Wizard of MU Basketball on January 13, 2023, 08:11:25 PM
Most universities start class the Tuesday after MLK day. My guess is plenty of students will be in the house
XU's classes started on the 9th.
Not sure if this has been shared elsewhere but Sean Miller couldn't have been more complementary towards MU in his pre game media session:
https://youtu.be/45rkNtAD7qE
Quote from: JamilJaeJamailJrJuan on January 13, 2023, 09:00:10 PM
Not sure if this has been shared elsewhere but Sean Miller couldn't have been more complementary towards MU in his pre game media session:
https://youtu.be/45rkNtAD7qE
Feels good
Quote from: JakeBarnes on January 13, 2023, 06:05:38 PM
I am guessing students will be back for it?
Xavier started this past week. All the X Students are already back.
In the words of Tyler Kolek: F**k Em.
Quote from: JamilJaeJamailJrJuan on January 13, 2023, 09:00:10 PM
Not sure if this has been shared elsewhere but Sean Miller couldn't have been more complementary towards MU in his pre game media session:
https://youtu.be/45rkNtAD7qE
Miller employing reverse psychology. He saw that Hurley called them a mid-major and paid the price. Miller is wisely trying to kiss up to them in order to make them play soft. Fact.
Quote from: TSmith34 on January 14, 2023, 07:33:51 AM
Miller employing reverse psychology. He saw that Hurley called them a mid-major and paid the price. Miller is wisely trying to kiss up to them in order to make them play soft. Fact.
That's quite possible. Both Hurley's are clowns.
Muggsy, shortish, hard-nosed PGs. You should be a fan.
Not particularly proud of it, but I had a pair of Bobby Hurley basketball shoes a long time ago. I was poor and they were on sale. Probably paid $25 for them and then played in them for about a year before I killed them.
The Big East couldn't ask for a better prime time slot tomorrow. 2 hot programs on national television immediately preceding a playoff game involving the NYC market.
Quote from: tower912 on January 14, 2023, 10:09:54 AM
Muggsy, shortish, hard-nosed PGs. You should be a fan.
Not particularly proud of it, but I had a pair of Bobby Hurley basketball shoes a long time ago. I was poor and they were on sale. Probably paid $25 for them and then played in them for about a year before I killed them.
I didn't say they couldn't play but their coaching antics are not particularly likeable.
If they were coaching at MU, how would you find their coaching styles?
Quote from: tower912 on January 14, 2023, 11:26:32 AM
If they were coaching at MU, how would you find their coaching styles?
Horrid.
Quote from: TSmith34 on January 14, 2023, 07:33:51 AM
Miller employing reverse psychology. He saw that Hurley called them a mid-major and paid the price. Miller is wisely trying to kiss up to them in order to make them play soft. Fact.
Not sure how I missed this, do you have a link to Hurley calling MU a mid-major? I couldn't find anything.
Quote from: MU2007 on January 14, 2023, 02:30:05 PM
Not sure how I missed this, do you have a link to Hurley calling MU a mid-major? I couldn't find anything.
I think MUScoop made it up, to fire up the fanbase and give the guys a competitive edge
Quote from: JamilJaeJamailJrJuan on January 13, 2023, 09:00:10 PM
Not sure if this has been shared elsewhere but Sean Miller couldn't have been more complementary towards MU in his pre game media session:
https://youtu.be/45rkNtAD7qE
Complimentary as well!
Quote from: DoctorV on January 14, 2023, 03:41:16 PM
I think MUScoop made it up, to fire up the fanbase and give the guys a competitive edge
He said it before the game on air I believe. I recall hearing it as well.
I interpreted it as MU runs a disciplined system like a mid major but with high level talent.
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on January 14, 2023, 03:43:19 PM
He said it before the game on air I believe. I recall hearing it as well.
I believe he said preparing for Marquette was like preparing for a low major team with a ton of talent. I took it as a reference to us playing up tempo and not having one star, but rather a good collection of players.
Quote from: tower912 on January 14, 2023, 03:51:58 PM
I interpreted it as MU runs a disciplined system like a mid major but with high level talent.
That's exactly what he meant. He wasn't calling Marquette mid-major or insulting the players.
Quote from: The Sultan of Semantics on January 14, 2023, 03:54:05 PM
That's exactly what he meant. He wasn't calling Marquette mid-major or insulting the players.
I think he was moreso saying like a mid-major constructed roster, not relating to talent, but for size. He knows Marquette is talented and wasn't saying they were mid-major caliber.
It was a poorly worded, bad analogy of a compliment.
Quote from: DoctorV on January 14, 2023, 03:41:16 PM
I think MUScoop made it up, to fire up the fanbase and give the guys a competitive edge
No I heard him say it in a pre-game 2 minute interview. I was just watching. So I don't have a clip. Wish I did - I don't think I was hearing things lol
Quote from: MU82 on January 14, 2023, 04:05:54 PM
It was a poorly worded, bad analogy of a compliment.
Very poorly worded and low major mid major. There are better ways to say what he was trying to say then, if he was trying to say anything nice. But he said what he said! But Marquette won and that's all that counts!
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on January 14, 2023, 03:43:19 PM
He said it before the game on air I believe. I recall hearing it as well.
TY - thought I was going crazy only one hearing it! And for the record he said low major, not mid major. I'm sure deep down he loves us and respects us. Now.
Man so much of this fanbase is so sensitive. Podcasts hate us because they don't have podcasts about us every time we win a big game, and when they do talk about us their compliments fall short. ESPN hates us when they open their show with us but don't write a big article after every win. Other coaches disrespect us because their compliments aren't worded how we want. Announcers look at rosters and realize players looking for more minutes probably won't find it at MU so they don't suggest MU is where a player would want to transfer and it's a slight at us, even though we also say Shaka doesn't want to play the transfer game anyway.
Quote from: wadesworld on January 14, 2023, 09:11:43 PM
Man so much of this fanbase is so sensitive. Podcasts hate us because they don't have podcasts about us every time we win a big game, and when they do talk about us their compliments fall short. ESPN hates us when they open their show with us but don't write a big article after every win. Other coaches disrespect us because their compliments aren't worded how we want. Announcers look at rosters and realize players looking for more minutes probably won't find it at MU so they don't suggest MU is where a player would want to transfer and it's a slight at us, even though we also say Shaka doesn't want to play the transfer game anyway.
Nothing wrong with admitting when you're wrong. I undersold this team too.
Quote from: brewcity77 on January 14, 2023, 09:31:57 PM
Nothing wrong with admitting when you're wrong. I undersold this team too.
As did I, by a ton. These people aren't going to do deep dives on the team. They see a team that has 0 projected 2023 NBA Draft picks doing well, so they're looking at a plucky team that plays hard and punches above its weight.
Edited to include: they also saw a team that finished 6th in the Big East and lost 3 starters, including their 2 leading scorers, and replaced them with an NAIA transfer, an international prospect who wasn't viewed as a top recruit, and two 3 star, sub 150 ranked recruits. Their leading returning scorer averaged 7.4 points per game. They also were a terrible rebounding team and lost 3 of its top 4 rebounders.
All in all, it's completely fair to say this team is punching above its weight. It's a testament to Shaka's coaching ability.
Quote from: wadesworld on January 14, 2023, 09:37:02 PM
As did I, by a ton. These people aren't going to do deep dives on the team. They see a team that has 0 projected 2023 NBA Draft picks doing well, so they're looking at a plucky team that plays hard and punches above its weight.
Everyone hates us, I like...
Quote from: wadesworld on January 14, 2023, 09:37:02 PM
As did I, by a ton. These people aren't going to do deep dives on the team. They see a team that has 0 projected 2023 NBA Draft picks doing well, so they're looking at a plucky team that plays hard and punches above its weight.
Edited to include: they also saw a team that finished 6th in the Big East and lost 3 starters, including their 2 leading scorers, and replaced them with an NAIA transfer, an international prospect who wasn't viewed as a top recruit, and two 3 star, sub 150 ranked recruits. Their leading returning scorer averaged 7.4 points per game. They also were a terrible rebounding team and lost 3 of its top 4 rebounders.
All in all, it's completely fair to say this team is punching above its weight. It's a testament to Shaka's coaching ability.
Yup^
It's no slight to the guys that are on the team to say the above either.
They have gotten leaps and bounds improvements from 4+ returning players this season, improvements that are better than I think most of the fan base would have admitted, as well as better than expected production from at least 1 frosh.
Listed out-
Returnees with better than expected improvements:
TyKo, Kam, Oso, Stevie.
Improved by leaps and bounds, but arguable if expected: Omax.
Improved, but arguable on if by leaps and bounds: Jop.
Frosh:
Chase much better than expected.
Gold and Sean par for the course.
So, at the very least 5 of the guys are performing above what even the most rabid MU fans would have expected imo.
A few more are performing way better than last year or to their expectations, whether lofty or not.
I'd argue not a single "lost" guy or underachiever outside of Keeyan, but we've never seen him play enough to even know and there's the shadow of Oso.
I'm not sure I've seen that in ANY Marquette team that I've followed
Quote from: tower912 on January 14, 2023, 03:51:58 PM
I interpreted it as MU runs a disciplined system like a mid major but with high level talent.
I agree with this. It was definitely meant as a compliment and said with admiration. The great equalizer when mid majors play high majors is the mid major usually has to play smart basketball. Good shots, not many turnovers. On defense create turnovers and force bad shots. He was merely saying they play like that only with high major talent.
How's everybody feeling,??? I was up a little earlier than normal today. This game is obviously MASSIVE. Hopefully we find a way.
Quote from: MuggsyB on January 15, 2023, 06:58:48 AM
How's everybody feeling,??? I was up a little earlier than normal today. This game is obviously MASSIVE. Hopefully we find a way.
Were this the Wojo era, I'd be racing to the window to bet X -3.5. His teams almost always got blown out in big games we needed or on network TV. With Shaka at the helm I'll stick to the over/under and side under 163. I don't expect MU to win because it's almost impossible to beat a good Big East team on the road, but they'll keep it close at a minimum.
Hurley said LOW major, not mid major.
Quote from: We R Final Four on January 15, 2023, 07:21:39 AM
Hurley said LOW major, not mid major.
Not sure that makes a difference in the context of the statement.
Quote from: MuggsyB on January 15, 2023, 06:58:48 AM
How's everybody feeling,??? I was up a little earlier than normal today. This game is obviously MASSIVE. Hopefully we find a way.
Come on mugs, we've got this man! But yes, this is a bigun!! A real barometer...win this and the buzzin( no pun) really picks up and the expectations rise to a new level. Shakas been here before. He lives, eats and sleeps with his players, figuratively of course
Quote from: We R Final Four on January 15, 2023, 07:21:39 AM
Hurley said LOW major, not mid major.
Whatever he said he was referring to style of play not talent level. The words high major talent came out of his mouth. Every coach in basketball is trying to get their team to play as smart and as unselfishly as they can. It's harder to do with high major talent and high major egos. It was a compliment.
Quote from: MuggsyB on January 15, 2023, 06:58:48 AM
How's everybody feeling,??? I was up a little earlier than normal today. This game is obviously MASSIVE. Hopefully we find a way.
Pretty good. Cautiously optimistic (sounds like a political phrase, doesn't it?) but free from any worry that we are at a crossroad in the conference play and that a loss would be crippling.
Quote from: wadesworld on January 14, 2023, 09:37:02 PM
As did I, by a ton. These people aren't going to do deep dives on the team. They see a team that has 0 projected 2023 NBA Draft picks doing well, so they're looking at a plucky team that plays hard and punches above its weight.
Edited to include: they also saw a team that finished 6th in the Big East and lost 3 starters, including their 2 leading scorers, and replaced them with an NAIA transfer, an international prospect who wasn't viewed as a top recruit, and two 3 star, sub 150 ranked recruits. Their leading returning scorer averaged 7.4 points per game. They also were a terrible rebounding team and lost 3 of its top 4 rebounders.
All in all, it's completely fair to say this team is punching above its weight. It's a testament to Shaka's coaching ability.
I have made the same argument. BTW, 3 starters and Greg left.
Quote from: MuggsyB on January 15, 2023, 06:58:48 AM
How's everybody feeling,??? I was up a little earlier than normal today. This game is obviously MASSIVE. Hopefully we find a way.
I feel good, but its a road game in the Big East. They're difficult. If they lose, it won't change my overall outlook for this team.
Quote from: rocket surgeon on January 15, 2023, 07:27:16 AM
Come on mugs, we've got this man! But yes, this is a bigun!! A real barometer...win this and the buzzin( no pun) really picks up and the expectations rise to a new level. Shakas been here before. He lives, eats and sleeps with his players, figuratively of course
I don't care for Nunge. He just bothers me. Hopefully he has an abysmal performance.
It is nice going into a game like this knowing that we don't "need" it. We have money in the bank here. I hope MU plays hard and scraps out a victory but I will not be overly disappointed with a close loss. I would be discouraged with a blowout though.
Not worried. And, just because I know it will trigger so many,
house money.
Quote from: Scoop Snoop on January 15, 2023, 07:31:35 AM
Pretty good. Cautiously optimistic (sounds like a political phrase, doesn't it?) but free from any worry that we are at a crossroad in the conference play and that a loss would be crippling.
I agree with your overall point Scoop Snoop but a win today would be inordinately consequential. It could really propel this program into the tier 1....a.k a. look the hell out position. And the scariest thought for others is MU is just beginning its resurgence, these boys will continue to get better. All I'm saying is this puts us in formidable position to do further damage and pad our resume to a top seed moving forward.
Today's game might be the difference between a 2 and 4 seed in the NCAA tournament.
Who guards Souley Boum...OMax or Stevie? If MU can disrupt him like we did Hawkins (and to a lesser degree, Jackson) of UConn, that could go a long way towards controlling the game.
It will be interesting with X's Jones being a versatile 6'7. OMax will be tied up with a Nunge or Freemantle at the start. So the question is who will Stevie guard, Boum or Jones?
Quote from: MuggsyB on January 15, 2023, 07:52:50 AM
I agree with your overall point Scoop Snoop but a win today would be inordinately consequential. It could really propel this program into the tier 1....a.k a. look the hell out position. And the scariest thought for others is MU is just beginning its resurgence, these boys will continue to get better. All I'm saying is this puts us in formidable position to do further damage and pad our resume to a top seed moving forward.
No argument with you Muggs. I did not imply that a win today would not be "inordinately consequential" and of course we all have high hopes. My point was if the game does not, ummm.. end well for us, we are still in a strong position. Contrast this with Wojo blowing our chances by his alleged coaching. He left Ws on the table when we had a chance to move up in the BE.
Quote from: MuggsyB on January 15, 2023, 06:58:48 AM
How's everybody feeling,??? I was up a little earlier than normal today. This game is obviously MASSIVE. Hopefully we find a way.
Fine. I hope both teams play hard and with sportsmanship and have fun
As long as we show up, we're kind of playing with house money as Tower said. As Uconn has shown, it's hard to win on the road against the top of this league. A loss won't hurt, but a win would hurl us into a much different conversation.
These two teams match up really well on paper - can't wait
Quote from: GB Warrior on January 15, 2023, 08:17:20 AM
As long as we show up, we're kind of playing with house money as Tower said. As Uconn has shown, it's hard to win on the road against the top of this league. A loss won't hurt, but a win would hurl us into a much different conversation.
These two teams match up really well on paper - can't wait
All losses hurt, but I get your point and agree with the rest of your post.
I'd really like to see Jop have a breakout game today and rain down some shots from behind the arc.
Quote from: wadesworld on January 14, 2023, 09:37:02 PM
As did I, by a ton. These people aren't going to do deep dives on the team. They see a team that has 0 projected 2023 NBA Draft picks doing well, so they're looking at a plucky team that plays hard and punches above its weight.
Edited to include: they also saw a team that finished 6th in the Big East and lost 3 starters, including their 2 leading scorers, and replaced them with an NAIA transfer, an international prospect who wasn't viewed as a top recruit, and two 3 star, sub 150 ranked recruits. Their leading returning scorer averaged 7.4 points per game. They also were a terrible rebounding team and lost 3 of its top 4 rebounders.
All in all, it's completely fair to say this team is punching above its weight. It's a testament to Shaka's coaching ability.
Perfectly right wades. Add they are led by a PG that shot poorly from distance and had trouble finishing drives and their only returning big is 6'9" and wiry.
Maybe it's semantics, but I don't view it as a case of analysts refusing to admit they are wrong. Instead, they are looking at the parts and are amazed at the greater-than-the-sum results. Having at least five guys playing well above reasonable expectations of their improvement is what I think leads to the comment "has them thinking they are better than they are." Not a slight, instead a compliment about "Shaka's superpower".
Quote from: TSmith34 on January 15, 2023, 08:34:05 AM
Perfectly right wades. Add they are led by a PG that shot poorly from distance and had trouble finishing drives and their only returning big is 6'9" and wiry.
Maybe it's semantics, but I don't view it as a case of analysts refusing to admit they are wrong. Instead, they are looking at the parts and are amazed at the greater-than-the-sum results. Having at least five guys playing well above reasonable expectations of their improvement is what I think leads to the comment "has them thinking they are better than they are." Not a slight, instead a compliment about "Shaka's superpower".
Bingo - we're significantly out performing national pre season expectations. National broadcasters giving us kudos for changing their personal perception and expectations of us is a good thing.
It's Shaka as an underdog. I'm not worried
I just hope Shaka keeps it close & does not win by more than 3 so we can improve our close game winning % (CGW %). I'm worried about seeding when committee looks at that statistic.
I saw so much gone and some incomplete pieces returning. The player development and improvement of known flaws has been sensational. This is two straight years (out of two) that Shaka has gotten a team to punch above it's weight, and I am loving it.
We may have something in this guy.
Quote from: mileskishnish72 on January 15, 2023, 08:59:12 AM
I saw so much gone and some incomplete pieces returning. The player development and improvement of known flaws has been sensational. This is two straight years (out of two) that Shaka has gotten a team to punch above it's weight, and I am loving it.
We may have something in this guy.
Yep - it's really incredible. This team shouldn't be performing at this level. Heck we watched Wojo teams flounder year after year getting worse as the season went on.
Quote from: panda on January 15, 2023, 09:01:21 AM
Yep - it's really incredible. This team shouldn't be performing at this level. Heck we watched Wojo teams flounder year after year getting worse as the season went on.
Just watching kam's shot selection improvement. Omax's control in the lane improvement, Stevie's patience and intelligence not to force shots, Tyler's scoring improvement and everything about oso. Wow - no one could've predicted this is where we're at with a good chunk of conference still to play.
Quote from: panda on January 15, 2023, 09:01:21 AM
Yep - it's really incredible. This team shouldn't be performing at this level. Heck we watched Wojo teams flounder year after year getting worse as the season went on.
/Mope warning
That actually happened last year too.
Quote from: rocky_warrior on January 15, 2023, 09:04:25 AM
/Mope warning
That actually happened last year too.
I expected better outcomes last year though with proven cbb pieces.
*this level being #2 Kenpom offense. I'm not sure anyone in the right mind would've predicted that pre season.
Quote from: Scoop Snoop on January 15, 2023, 08:16:13 AM
No argument with you Muggs. I did not imply that a win today would not be "inordinately consequential" and of course we all have high hopes. My point was if the game does not, ummm.. end well for us, we are still in a strong position. Contrast this with Wojo blowing our chances by his alleged coaching. He left Ws on the table when we had a chance to move up in the BE.
Touche Scoop Snoop. I'm starting to gear-up for the game!
Quote from: MuggsyB on January 15, 2023, 06:58:48 AM
How's everybody feeling,??? I was up a little earlier than normal today. This game is obviously MASSIVE. Hopefully we find a way.
Of all the top teams, I like this matchup the best. UConn and Providence provide problems with physicality, while Creighton with a healthy Kalkbrenner has the players and scheme to best take away what we want to do. Xavier is a similar version of us (up-tempo, offense first) but not quite as good on the offensive end and without any defensive attribute to hang their hat on. I think we have a back and forth affair and pull away a bit at the end. Also like the over, I think we get into the 90s today.
Quote from: brewcity77 on January 15, 2023, 09:11:22 AM
Of all the top teams, I like this matchup the best. UConn and Providence provide problems with physicality, while Creighton with a healthy Kalkbrenner has the players and scheme to best take away what we want to do. Xavier is a similar version of us (up-tempo, offense first) but not quite as good on the offensive end and without any defensive attribute to hang their hat on. I think we have a back and forth affair and pull away a bit at the end. Also like the over, I think we get into the 90s today.
That'll hurt our defensive numbers
Quote from: mileskishnish72 on January 12, 2023, 11:58:42 AM
Xavier at home looks like a mountain to climb.
They are experienced, have 5 guys averaging in double figures, and 5 guys shooting over 40% on 3's. That sounds like a nightmare.
Strategists, theorists, how will Shaka attack/defend to pull out a W in Cincy?
let's spin this bad boy. X is thinking...Marquette? Oh sheeet! Warriors are gonna be a hill to climb. They have speed, quickness, guys that can shoot it, and floor slapper D. Sounds like a scary movie for a Sunday matinee.
Quote from: brewcity77 on January 15, 2023, 09:11:22 AM
Of all the top teams, I like this matchup the best. UConn and Providence provide problems with physicality, while Creighton with a healthy Kalkbrenner has the players and scheme to best take away what we want to do. Xavier is a similar version of us (up-tempo, offense first) but not quite as good on the offensive end and without any defensive attribute to hang their hat on. I think we have a back and forth affair and pull away a bit at the end. Also like the over, I think we get into the 90s today.
I'm feeling similarly, brew. Something like 92-85, Marquette.
As for expectations re what we were returning ... obviously it was impossible to project that Oso would be THIS good, but based on the stuff Shaka was saying as well as reports from observers, I expected significant improvement from everybody in our starting 5, a lot of improvement from Joplin, and a pretty big contribution from Sean Jones. (Had no idea what to expect from Ross or Gold.) I thought we'd be better this season than last, and by definition that meant an NCAAT team with a very good chance to win a couple of tourney games. Then throw in the Big East being relatively "down," especially Nova.
So no, I didn't think we'd be kicking butt and taking prisoners like we have been, but I expected major improvement and progress, and I'd have been disappointed if we had taken a step backward.
Great work by Shaka, his assistants and especially the players.
Quote from: GB Warrior on January 15, 2023, 08:17:20 AM
As long as we show up, we're kind of playing with house money as Tower said. As Uconn has shown, it's hard to win on the road against the top of this league. A loss won't hurt, but a win would hurl us into a much different conversation.
These two teams match up really well on paper - can't wait
Not just UConn....none of the top 5 in the league has won on the other's home court.
Its not just hard.....to this point it hasn't happened.
Quote from: brewcity77 on January 15, 2023, 09:11:22 AM
Of all the top teams, I like this matchup the best. UConn and Providence provide problems with physicality, while Creighton with a healthy Kalkbrenner has the players and scheme to best take away what we want to do. Xavier is a similar version of us (up-tempo, offense first) but not quite as good on the offensive end and without any defensive attribute to hang their hat on. I think we have a back and forth affair and pull away a bit at the end. Also like the over, I think we get into the 90s today.
I hear ya Brew, Again, this may be the game we unleash our full arsenal and play with 40 mins of prime-time precision and fury.
Quote from: We R Final Four on January 15, 2023, 09:29:35 AM
Not just UConn....none of the top 5 in the league has won on the other's home court.
Its not just hard.....to this point it hasn't happened.
The top Big East team that gets 1-2 road wins out of that group is going to be the one that wins the league. If we win today, I really like our chances to snag the 1-seed at MSG.
Quote from: brewcity77 on January 15, 2023, 09:46:12 AM
The top Big East team that gets 1-2 road wins out of that group is going to be the one that wins the league. If we win today, I really like our chances to snag the 1-seed at MSG.
That would be a Big East Title.
That would be amazing.
Quote from: DoctorV on January 15, 2023, 10:17:24 AM
That would be a Big East Title.
That would be amazing.
Are you ready Dr. V???!!!!
Quote from: DoctorV on January 15, 2023, 10:32:54 AM
Yes Muggsy, LETS GO
Damn straight! Let's Freaking Go!!!!