We all know OMax has had a rough stretch so I don't want this thread to become something where we're piling on his struggles (probably wishful thinking). We've seen him play really well and we need him to have the kind of success this team is capable of.
With that being said, I can't recall a player hitting the floor and losing his balance as much as he does. Not trying to make light of it but it can have a impact if he's getting back late on defense or turning the ball over.
Assuming he's back next year, is there anything that can be done to reduce the frequency of this happening and improve balance? Exercises? Repetition? Shoes? It feels kind or ridiculous asking the question but I'm legitimately curious about it.
I've been hoping he pursues dance or ballet. Something to keep more in control of his body
Its hard to tell if he is really that off balance or if he is doing a little performance for a foul. It definitely helped last night on that rebound towards the end of the game.
He might just have poor balance. My balance is bad too....I put a juke on someone in soccer over the weekend and wound up on the ground, looking like O-max in the first half last night.
Karate is the answer. I know a former coach who has some time on his hands who wants to reengage with Marquette.
Quote from: Dr. Blackheart on February 22, 2023, 11:07:12 AM
Karate is the answer. I know a former coach who has some time on his hands who wants to reengage with Marquette.
Hot Yoga is the obvious answer.
I know he's one of the 5 in MU's highest rated offense, but I honestly think anyone could be 5th in that group and the rating wouldn't change. MU's comeback yesterday mostly occurred with him on the bench. He cannot be trusted with the ball, and if you watch him on defense, he's never in position and often guarding no-one.
He's becoming a liability. The rest of the team is improving and he is not.
Some pretty harsh comments about a guy who's been talked about as a pro prospect, leaving early, etc.
I think it's gotten to be a habit, albeit one that needs to be broken. He was clearly late getting back on D a couple of times.
I am as a big of an Omax backer as there out here and I cannot argue some points made about him. That said, there is a reason why he played 35 minutes last night and similar minutes against X. Shaka is not playing him to frustrate the fanbase. Unlike many on here, I 1000% hope Omax is back playing at MU next year. Hopefully, with better balance.
Quote from: Goose on February 22, 2023, 11:22:02 AM
I am as a big of an Omax backer as there out here and I cannot argue some points made about him. That said, there is a reason why he played 35 minutes last night and similar minutes against X. Shaka is not playing him to frustrate the fanbase. Unlike many on here, I 1000% hope Omax is back playing at MU next year. Hopefully, with better balance.
Anyone that doesn't want every guy on this squad back (I know we have to lose one) is nuts.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on February 22, 2023, 11:24:49 AM
Anyone that doesn't want every guy on this squad back (I know we have to lose one) is nuts.
Yeah I mean seriously.
His flalling drives me nuts. But we are not having a better option at the 4 next year.
Gonna be real interesting if the starters all run it back, how much of the bench is ok with that.
Quote from: WarriorFan on February 22, 2023, 11:09:41 AM
I know he's one of the 5 in MU's highest rated offense, but I honestly think anyone could be 5th in that group and the rating wouldn't change. MU's comeback yesterday mostly occurred with him on the bench. He cannot be trusted with the ball, and if you watch him on defense, he's never in position and often guarding no-one.
He's becoming a liability. The rest of the team is improving and he is not.
His offense has been a challenge as of late, but come on, he's one of the best defenders on the team.
Yeah, this week's "OMax is a liability" is the same as "Stevie is a liability" a couple weeks ago. And particularly funny since his tip in is why we beat Xavier.
There is zero reason for Shaka to change up what he is doing now.
On offense, I think he is trying to force things too much. However, it seems quite common for him to lose a rebound he has gotten or should have gotten.
The way to solve this problem is to recruit over him.
Hard to fault a guy who is struggling due to ultimately trying too hard. That's all this is. Omax is pressing, trying too hard, and playing too sped up. He's trying to play with the recommended "violence," but it seems Omax has gone to the extreme and it is causing balance issues. I do think that the continually falling down comes from an expectation of thinking he will get knocked to the ground - when in reality 25-35% of the time his action would not result in falling to the ground.
Omax is a high character, wonderful kid, who has contributed some huge moments for this team. He has been frustrating as can be the past month or so, but lets focus on all of his positives versus piling on during this time of struggle.
Omax has to develop more ways to finish his drives, he gets stuck in the lane because he does not have a mid range game. Once he develops that he will be much improved. Some on this board think he is going pro, Justin Lewis was not drafted and I would take him everyday over Omax. Omax drafted? No chance.
Quote from: BCHoopster on February 22, 2023, 11:48:22 AM
Omax has to develop more ways to finish his drives, he gets stuck in the lane because he does not have a mid range game. Once he develops that he will be much improved. Some on this board think he is going pro, Justin Lewis was not drafted and I would take him everyday over Omax. Omax drafted? No chance.
The potential is there which is why there's discussion. But at this point, there are many, many draft eligible guys with his current skill set. Dime a dozen if you will
Quote from: BCHoopster on February 22, 2023, 11:48:22 AM
Omax has to develop more ways to finish his drives, he gets stuck in the lane because he does not have a mid range game. Once he develops that he will be much improved. Some on this board think he is going pro, Justin Lewis was not drafted and I would take him everyday over Omax. Omax drafted? No chance.
https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/insider/story/_/id/35707557/2024-nba-mock-draft-why-bronny-james-projected-top-10-pick
not according to ESPN.
Quote from: BCHoopster on February 22, 2023, 11:48:22 AM
Omax has to develop more ways to finish his drives, he gets stuck in the lane because he does not have a mid range game. Once he develops that he will be much improved. Some on this board think he is going pro, Justin Lewis was not drafted and I would take him everyday over Omax. Omax drafted? No chance.
Oh for the love of God...
How many times do we need to say this? Shaka doesn't want mid-range shots. He's not developing a mid-range game anytime soon.
Quote from: The Sultan of Semantics on February 22, 2023, 11:51:51 AM
Oh for the love of God...
How many times do we need to say this? Shaka doesn't want mid-range shots. He's not developing a mid-range game anytime soon.
Don't tell Oso that
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on February 22, 2023, 11:24:49 AM
Anyone that doesn't want every guy on this squad back (I know we have to lose one) is nuts.
Completely agree. We would really miss his size and strength. His energy level and effort also shouldn't be taken for granted at his size. Yes, the balance is frustrating. In a podcast interview, Nevada Smith mentioned footwork and balance as focal points of OMax's offseason work. I thought he had improved quite a bit at times earlier in the season, but lately it seems to be a struggle again. Even with that, he is a key component and I definitely want to see him continue to play a big role on the team. I'm sure it is frustrating for him at times too, but he keeps hustling his ass off.
Quote from: Elonsmusk on February 22, 2023, 11:46:49 AM
Hard to fault a guy who is struggling due to ultimately trying too hard. That's all this is. Omax is pressing, trying too hard, and playing too sped up.
Agree 100%.
The game still appears to be moving too quickly for him. His over aggressiveness causes him to over pursue the play a lot and is left flailing, stumbling and scrambling to get back into position as a result. When he finds himself in position to make a play he almost seems surprised doesn't know quite what to do.
I really do believe the game will slow down for him though and when it does, he has the potential to be a monster. It may not happen this season, but I think it's just a matter of time.
Quote from: panda on February 22, 2023, 11:52:48 AM
Don't tell Oso that
He doesn't have a mid-range game. He's taking a push shot from at the FT line and in.
There is no doubt he is pressing and likely causing him to play even faster. At the X game the coaching staff and players spent a lot of time talking with him at halftime. Let's hope he slows down over the next six weeks.
Quote from: The Sultan of Semantics on February 22, 2023, 11:59:04 AM
He doesn't have a mid-range game. He's taking a push shot from at the FT line and in.
I won't speak for BChoopster but that's what I imagine he meant by Omax adding a "midrange" game.
My recollection is that Nevada Smith commented on The Golden Break podcast that they had worked quite a lot with OMax on his balance. I think he has regressed a bit the last 6-8 games. At this point, i feel like "it is what it is" for the remainder of the season. I just hope he doesn't hurt himself and that he gets back to his feet quick enough to be in position on defense (which he generally does).
This season, he is what he is. Teams are going to dare him to shoot the 3, they're going to cut off the straight line drives, and they're going to chest him up when he picks the ball up. He's still one of the best defenders on the team, and if he hits the 3 he can be a game changer.
This offseason, he'll need to develop some secondary moves to play off of the straight line drive. A simple spin back the opposite direction would do wonders for him. He'll need to get better at being decisive once he picks up the ball in the lane. Too often he looks to score, his man is in his space with high hands, and then he tries to pivot around with nowhere really to go, and guys are covered up for the pass. He needs to either go up or immediately pass out of it.
Defensively the one thing I'd change, he's constantly waiving around. Just stay solid while the man you're guarding has his dribble, and once he picks it up then you get high hands waiving around. Seems like he spends a lot of energy when he doesn't always need to there.
Quote from: panda on February 22, 2023, 12:03:53 PM
I won't speak for BChoopster but that's what I imagine he meant by Omax adding a "midrange" game.
That's not a mid-range shot. A mid range shot is outside the key, inside the three point line.
I want to see him have enough confidence and strength to go up with it on his first attempt/initial drive. His constant jump stops/pump fake combo aren't fooling anyone anymore
He's super important to the success of the team. I hope he steps it up and get out of this slump
Omax would benefit from comfort with a pull up/jump stop game (inside or directly outside of the paint for those seeking deeper clarity) which would then open up passes for backside cutters or give him the option for a short pull up. This perfectly compliments his straight line drive game.
Not going to happen this year, but would love to see it next year.
Quote from: The Sultan of Semantics on February 22, 2023, 11:40:16 AM
Yeah, this week's "OMax is a liability" is the same as "Stevie is a liability" a couple weeks ago. And particularly funny since his tip in is why we beat Xavier.
There is zero reason for Shaka to change up what he is doing now.
And both he and Stevie are playing smothering defense. It's a great luxury to worry about one of our top defenders that pads the stat sheet and has a PPRG that's 4th on the team. He improves modestly on the offensive end and keeps defense metrics steady and that's a first-team big east player. This team is in really good shape. I expect that O-Max will have some games like the Baylor in the coming weeks as he gains that "slowing down" feeling over the next 3.
Omax is a good on-ball defender and good in the press. Off the ball, just watch him. He's almost immediately lost. Those of you who are impressed with his close outs (and I do appreciate his hustle) are missing the fact that if he was anywhere near his man, he wouldn't have had to close out, he could have deflected the pass, or prevented the pass. The fact is, OMAX's guy is almost always wide open and OMAX has a long recovery to find him. Watch the replays of the last two games.
To me it seems like the problem is mental, not physical. He has the look of a player who's being sped up in-game, like his mind is moving way too quickly for his body. He needs to slow down and trust his talent and physical attributes.
Quote from: TwoWords on February 22, 2023, 01:29:27 PM
To me it seems like the problem is mental, not physical. He has the look of a player who's being sped up in-game, like his mind is moving way too quickly for his body. He needs to slow down and trust his talent and physical attributes.
Couldn't agree more, I think he has created a bad habit, that's all mental. I also think he works so hard on unproductive movements, flailing, getting back up from the ground that it wears him out. He busted his ass last night, and he was absolutely gassed. And, he kept up the energy level.
My family was laughing at me last night saying things like, hey OMax didn't fall shooting that free throw, hey great offensive set OMax and Jop didn't touch the ball, stupid stuff like that. But he worked, he has heart.
I really think he needs to prioritize staying on his feet and simply playing a half where he works to stay in front his his guy rather than flailing all about. Of course, as I also said last night, it's super easy from my couch. Great win by the boys, great heart, warts and all.
Quote from: TwoWords on February 22, 2023, 01:29:27 PM
To me it seems like the problem is mental, not physical. He has the look of a player who's being sped up in-game, like his mind is moving way too quickly for his body. He needs to slow down and trust his talent and physical attributes.
100% spot on
Quote from: WarriorFan on February 22, 2023, 01:18:05 PM
Omax is a good on-ball defender and good in the press. Off the ball, just watch him. He's almost immediately lost. Those of you who are impressed with his close outs (and I do appreciate his hustle) are missing the fact that if he was anywhere near his man, he wouldn't have had to close out, he could have deflected the pass, or prevented the pass. The fact is, OMAX's guy is almost always wide open and OMAX has a long recovery to find him. Watch the replays of the last two games.
I am watching. Through the first half he hasn't missed an assignment. Including rotating to front Kalkbrenner.
Creighton made their run with Stevie on the bench. And TKo got beat a couple of times ball watching.
The one time OMax got beat in the first half was the step back three by Scheierman.
Yeah I don't see that OMax loses himself on defense very often. No one really does though.
The one i noticed was Joplin against Xavier. When Boum was wide open for a 3, it was usually because Joplin was the one who should have rotated to him but didn't.
Quote from: tower912 on February 22, 2023, 02:36:16 PM
I am watching. Through the first half he hasn't missed an assignment. Including rotating to front Kalkbrenner.
Creighton made their run with Stevie on the bench. And TKo got beat a couple of times ball watching.
Thanks for taking one for the team here. I thought maybe I was just off on remembering. But seems you're seeing similar things
Anyone that does respect the role Omax plays on defense really is watching another game. Want to complain about his offense, you will get little debate from me at the moment.
Quote from: Goose on February 22, 2023, 02:52:19 PM
Anyone that does respect the role Omax plays on defense really is watching another game. Want to complain about his offense, you will get little debate from me at the moment.
And then there's the minor issue that our coach has decided to keep him in the starting lineup.
Snoop
He played almost the entire second half against X and 35 minutes last night, yet there is a nice number of scoopers that don't want him back next season. I feel fairly confident that Shaka has a high level of confidence in Omax leading the D efforts.
Yeah, there was a guy on the game thread who said it would be best if OMax moved on next season. I mean...WTF? Our second leading scorer, second best shooter (EFG%) and one of our top defenders?
I think Omax has a really bright future. I'm excited for next season for him. I hope he's back. I hope each guy that played last night is back. Add the incomings, and next season could be bad ass!
Quote from: Goose on February 22, 2023, 02:58:39 PM
Snoop
He played almost the entire second half against X and 35 minutes last night, yet there is a nice number of scoopers that don't want him back next season. I feel fairly confident that Shaka has a high level of confidence in Omax leading the D efforts.
To all, he has showed improvement this year but I can see a better Omax next year, hope he is back.
Second half of OMax defense. He should not have fouled Scheierman on the fast break after Kolek's pass was stolen.
He gave up a 3 to Scheierman from 26 feet after taking a step over to help Kolek and then not recovering quite fast enough.
He got caught in the zone. Ball handler had beaten Kolek up near the foul line, OMax moved up, the pass was thrown behind him to a cutter from the wing into the space Omax had just left, Omax turned to recover, lay up, foul.
The running around that was referenced came out of double teams and switches. MU would switch and double with Omax. The ball would get passed out of the double, and he would be running to get to the open shooter, regardless of where he was. So, if you weren't paying attention to context, it could be interpreted as he was running around lost. In reality, it was the exact opposite.
So, one dumb play. Two plays where he got caught in no man's land on a help. A few times recovering out of double teams and switches where he was running across the floor. His defense is stellar.
It would be nice if he fell less.
tower
Yes, it would be nice if he fell less. I would think he would get tired of falling all of the time.
Quote from: tower912 on February 22, 2023, 03:31:37 PM
Second half of OMax defense. He should not have fouled Scheierman on the fast break after Kolek's pass was stolen.
He gave up a 3 to Scheierman from 26 feet after taking a step over to help Kolek and then not recovering quite fast enough.
He got caught in the zone. Ball handler had beaten Kolek up near the foul line, OMax moved up, the pass was thrown behind him to a cutter from the wing into the space Omax had just left, Omax turned to recover, lay up, foul.
The running around that was referenced came out of double teams and switches. MU would switch and double with Omax. The ball would get passed out of the double, and he would be running to get to the open shooter, regardless of where he was. So, if you weren't paying attention to context, it could be interpreted as he was running around lost. In reality, it was the exact opposite.
So, one dumb play. Two plays where he got caught in no man's land on a help. A few times recovering out of double teams and switches where he was running across the floor. His defense is stellar.
It would be nice if he fell less.
Thanks again, Tower. Appreciate the review. So you're saying...he's pretty good at being where he should be overall and that he has the ability to recover moderately well. But sometimes makes a few silly plays (fouls). Seems right.