So much hate towards the game thread. WTH? The game thread is akin to a bunch of fans getting together and enjoying the ups and downs of their favorite team. It's ok to express frustration over a turnover, a missed layup, or questionable calls from the refs. Perfectly normal stuff. Take it easy folks.
Haven't went into a game thread in the last couple years. It's the worst of the internet.
Obi Won said it best: "You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy."
Quote from: wadesworld on January 20, 2024, 04:26:08 PM
Haven't went into a game thread in the last couple years. It's the worst of the internet.
You're missing some incredible analysis
Quote from: wadesworld on January 20, 2024, 04:26:08 PM
Haven't went into a game thread in the last couple years. It's the worst of the internet.
There's always Truth Social
Quote from: wadesworld on January 20, 2024, 04:26:08 PM
Haven't went into a game thread in the last couple years. It's the worst of the internet.
That should be, "haven't gone." At Marquette, we are better than this.
Tuition dollars wasted, aina?
Quote from: Judge Smails on January 20, 2024, 04:21:01 PM
So much hate towards the game thread. WTH? The game thread is akin to a bunch of fans getting together and enjoying the ups and downs of their favorite team. It's ok to express frustration over a turnover, a missed layup, or questionable calls from the refs. Perfectly normal stuff. Take it easy folks.
Game thread suxs
Judge
I do not care what is said on the game thread at all. I do think some folks are missing one very big thing, the offense the last two years has created more open shots than any stretch of MU basketball that I can remember. IMO, even with missed shots, it is very fun to watch and we might never see this beautiful of an offense again for a very long time.
One other note, I know how MU can narrow the rebounding numbers, shoot better. I did not look at the stats but my guess is that rebounding margin was closer in the second half. Miss 10 or 11 straight threes and you likely will be out rebounded.
I'm guilty of saying very dumb things during game threads and shortly after losses. Unlike some here, I love to be wrong if it's good for MU.
Quote from: bradforster on January 20, 2024, 04:41:57 PM
That should be, "haven't gone." At Marquette, we are better than this.
Lighten up. He done did his best.
Quote from: Goose on January 20, 2024, 05:24:59 PM
One other note, I know how MU can narrow the rebounding numbers, shoot better. I did not look at the stats but my guess is that rebounding margin was closer in the second half. Miss 10 or 11 straight threes and you likely will be out rebounded.
They were +11 for offensive rebounds today, 16-5, according to ESPN's box score. That obviously has nothing to do with how we're shooting it. We regularly get pounded on the glass. We were a lousy rebounding team last year and big surprise, we add no size that's ready to play this year and we stink at it again.
Our flaws run deeper than a mostly season long team shooting slump.
Who sits on MU Scoop during an MU game?
Yeah, but if MU was shooting high 30's as a team it would paper over a lot of them.
Hutch
So, I am guessing you are not buying FF tickets.
Quote from: avid1010 on January 20, 2024, 05:46:02 PM
Who sits on MU Scoop during an MU game?
A number of people obviously.
Sharing our frustrations with each other is way to let off steam and an enjoyable part of watching the game
Very few take the comments as being too serious
Sultan
Overall, are you optimistic that this team can make a run? FYI, I am curious because I think you are a credible basketball poster on scoop.
Quote from: Goose on January 20, 2024, 05:53:36 PM
Sultan
Overall, are you optimistic that this team can make a run? FYI, I am curious because I think you are a credible basketball poster on scoop.
They can beat anyone if they shoot like the second half. They're gonna wear down if a bench guy doesn't step up though. Might not be a bad year to be a four seed in the BET and lose in the first round.
Goose, I still believe the ceiling for this team is high. That does not mean that it will be reached. I believe that everything went right last year and to expect back to back seasons of magic is unrealistic. I believe this team can and will shoot better from 3. And I believe if MU actually gets hot from 3, MU doesn't need to fear anyone.
However, I do not believe any of that is a given. The margin between good and great is thin. MU isn't good enough to phone anything in.
Quote from: WellsstreetWanderer on January 20, 2024, 05:51:59 PM
Sharing our frustrations with each other is way to let off steam and an enjoyable part of watching the game
Very few take the comments as being too serious
Oh, I bet one in particular does. ;D
Gonna kneed more than 5 points outta da bench, 'pecially in tournament play, aina?
Quote from: tower912 on January 20, 2024, 05:59:08 PM
Goose, I still believe the ceiling for this team is high. That does not mean that it will be reached. I believe that everything went right last year and to expect back to back seasons of magic is unrealistic. I believe this team can and will shoot better from 3. And I believe if MU actually gets hot from 3, MU doesn't need to fear anyone.
However, I do not believe any of that is a given. The margin between good and great is thin. MU isn't good enough to phone anything in.
All very good points. Last year was as magical as it was unexpected. Well, unexpected by me at least.
Sultan
I hope it is one and done in BET. The non conference was brutal and BE schedule is equally as tough. I believe that they will not have the same emphasis on BE of BET titles this year. It is all about the big tournament.
tower
I agree. I have said many times that I believe this year is being run like a NBA team/season. The focus has been getting ready for March. The hiccups in BE did not bother me one bit. Their good is really good and BE means far less this year.
Quote from: 4everwarriors on January 20, 2024, 06:03:23 PM
Gonna kneed more than 5 points outta da bench, 'pecially in tournament play, aina?
I don't mind only 5 points. Need more than 30 minutes so that the starters still have legs down the stretch.
Quote from: tower912 on January 20, 2024, 06:06:12 PM
I don't mind only 5 points. Need more than 30 minutes so that the starters still have legs down the stretch.
He don't know ball
So if we're hot from distance, look out everyone. Ok, how many other teams can say the same thing looking towards their postseason outlook?
Dey don't teach ball in dental school, hey?
Quote from: Uncle Rico on January 20, 2024, 04:36:39 PM
You're missing some incredible analysis
wee willie is worth the price of admission
Quote from: TSmith34, Inc. on January 20, 2024, 06:08:33 PM
wee willie is worth the price of admission
Yeah, he called Stevie Mitchell "dung"
Quote from: Goose on January 20, 2024, 06:04:35 PM
Sultan
I hope it is one and done in BET. The non conference was brutal and BE schedule is equally as tough. I believe that they will not have the same emphasis on BE of BET titles this year. It is all about the big tournament.
tower
I agree. I have said many times that I believe this year is being run like a NBA team/season. The focus has been getting ready for March. The hiccups in BE did not bother me one bit. Their good is really good and BE means far less this year.
There is a bit of a problem with this though-
1- We aren't Kansas or Duke.
2- Seed really matters for March success.
3- Single elimination tournament.
One poor shooting game, which we have seen is quite possible if not likely, and the season is over in a flash and a huge disappointment.
This is the most anticipated Marquette season in a long time, one of the most anticipated in the last 40 years.
Do we really want a 4th/5th place finish, first rd exit in the BE tourney, and possible 1st or 2nd rd exit in the NCAA tournament?
Win Any Way and let the chips fall how they may.
Doctor
If they are a 1 or 2 seed a bad shooting night likely knocks them out. There is zero need to play every game like it is the last NC game.
They have already entertained me enough in the regular season and I am ready for the big games. For the record, they better win in March because that has been the goal for day one.
They won't be a 1 or 2 seed if they finish 4th/5th in conference and lose their first game at the Garden.
We all hope that they better win in March, but it's never a guarantee.
The upper class leadership and experience makes it much more likely to make a deep run if they are in a groove at the right time, but as we all know it's a crapshoot.
Shaka and Marquette haven't had the best decade long hx in those big games either, so there's a King Kong on the back come March, which won't help matters.
Every seed line higher gives a slight edge with regards to quality of opponent if the seeds fall as planned.
Every edge counts, especially when the bad shooting night comes and it's a matter of survive and advance.
Doctor
It is time for Shaka and his veteran team to play big when it matters most. Shaka has a lot on the line this post season and I like that.
Yes, ncaa is a crapshoot and anything can happen. All you can is ask for them to be ready and up to the challenge. Talent, experience and poise is what I am betting on.
Quote from: Goose on January 20, 2024, 07:30:47 PM
Doctor
It is time for Shaka and his veteran team to play big when it matters most. Shaka has a lot on the line this post season and I like that.
Yes, ncaa is a crapshoot and anything can happen. All you can is ask for them to be ready and up to the challenge. Talent, experience and poise is what I am betting on.
I'd like to see them win the Big East yearly. Also understand conference play is a grind and hope each game is a learning experience to help ready them for March.
Big East is a good league. 2nd in metrics right now and if not for the bottom 2, it'd be even better. Each game will be a battle
Quote from: Uncle Rico on January 20, 2024, 07:40:05 PM
I'd like to see them win the Big East yearly. Also understand conference play is a grind and hope each game is a learning experience to help ready them for March.
Big East is a good league. 2nd in metrics right now and if not for the bottom 2, it'd be even better. Each game will be a battle
This is correct. Over 40% of Final Four teams ever have been 1 seeds. Another 21% have been 2 seeds, and another 11% have been 3s. 8% have been 4s. 17% have been below a 4 seed. So teams can try to take the season like an NBA season, but you need to win a lot of games to give yourself a real chance at the 3rd week of the Tournament.
Quote from: withoutbias on January 20, 2024, 07:49:40 PM
This is correct. Over 40% of Final Four teams ever have been 1 seeds. Another 21% have been 2 seeds, and another 11% have been 3s. 8% have been 4s. 17% have been below a 4 seed. So teams can try to take the season like an NBA season, but you need to win a lot of games to give yourself a real chance at the 3rd week of the Tournament.
Realistically thought 14-6 in league would be fine this year. That's more challenging because of the bad loss to Butler but still there for them.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on January 20, 2024, 07:53:11 PM
Realistically thought 14-6 in league would be fine this year. That's more challenging because of the bad loss to Butler but still there for them.
Seems spot on. I see 3 more losses on the schedule if Marquette plays up to its potential and Chase is able to return, Stevie keeps up his improved offense, or the bench continues to provide a necessary lift.
A lot of ifs, but it's still attainable.
That would be at worst a 3 seed, and I'd be good with that.
Don't want a 4 seed or lower.
Quote from: Goose on January 20, 2024, 05:47:17 PM
Hutch
So, I am guessing you are not buying FF tickets.
Don't get me wrong, but watching a basketball game in a football stadium is not my cup of tea. I just as soon watch the game just a few feet from my fridge on a soft couch in front of my 77" flat screen. I guess I'm showing my age.
Quote from: muwarrior69 on January 20, 2024, 09:40:54 PM
Don't get me wrong, but watching a basketball game in a football stadium is not my cup of tea. I just as soon watch the game just a few feet from my fridge on a soft couch in front of my 77" flat screen. I guess I'm showing my age.
Agree 💯
So many bad seats in that setup. Even decent views of floor you must feel in the next county.
Quote from: Goose on January 20, 2024, 06:04:35 PM
Sultan
I hope it is one and done in BET. The non conference was brutal and BE schedule is equally as tough. I believe that they will not have the same emphasis on BE of BET titles this year. It is all about the big tournament.
tower
I agree. I have said many times that I believe this year is being run like a NBA team/season. The focus has been getting ready for March. The hiccups in BE did not bother me one bit. Their good is really good and BE means far less this year.
...might be all about the big tournament, but this teams flaws will be very difficult to overcome, i.e. shooting, physicality, bench scoring. Last season I anticipated a Sweet 16 at minimum. This year? Maybe one win, maybe.
Quote from: Viper on January 20, 2024, 10:45:40 PM
...might be all about the big tournament, but this teams flaws will be very difficult to overcome, i.e. shooting, physicality, bench scoring. Last season I anticipated a Sweet 16 at minimum. This year? Maybe one win, maybe.
Team suxs bigly
Quote from: HutchwasClutch on January 20, 2024, 06:07:36 PM
So if we're hot from distance, look out everyone. Ok, how many other teams can say the same thing looking towards their postseason outlook?
Probably 25 or so.
But very few can say "if we can hit 33% from distance, look out everyone". We really don't need to be good from three, just being able to be slight below average would do wonders for this team.
Viper
What flaws do you see this year that they did not have last year, aside from the month long shooting slump?
I think this team is far more dangerous than last season and it starts with the defense. There is no doubt in my mind that this team is better than last year.
Last year I mentioned what a wildly special team and season we were experiencing and that it might not happen again for a long time.
I am not going to let that I had more fun or enjoyed the run last season jade my evaluation of this team.
Truthfully, I have enjoyed this season as much as last season. I like being a fan of a team with high expectations rather than being picked 9th.
I did not think going into the season about a BE title, but FF was the goal. That is still my expectation.
Quote from: HutchwasClutch on January 20, 2024, 10:37:50 PM
Agree 💯
So many bad seats in that setup. Even decent views of floor you must feel in the next county.
Loosen the pockets and buy good seats. YOLO
Quote from: Goose on January 21, 2024, 06:30:04 AM
Viper
What flaws do you see this year that they did not have last year, aside from the month long shooting slump?
I think this team is far more dangerous than last season and it starts with the defense. There is no doubt in my mind that this team is better than last year.
Last year I mentioned what a wildly special team and season we were experiencing and that it might not happen again for a long time.
I am not going to let that I had more fun or enjoyed the run last season jade my evaluation of this team.
Truthfully, I have enjoyed this season as much as last season. I like being a fan of a team with high expectations rather than being picked 9th.
I did not think going into the season about a BE title, but FF was the goal. That is still my expectation.
Goose,
I think Oso should get more touches in the mid and low paint, and not just from the 2 man game with Tyko. When we are in a half-court situation and must execute Kam, Stevie, Jop, and others simply have to get him the ball. That does not mean he has to shoot those possessions but I feel we're more dangerous when he is operating closer to the rim. I see no reason why he can't be fed more and I think it's important during closing stretches.
The problem is that Oso doesn't have much of a post up game, so it's going to be hard to get him the ball unless its off penetration. And Kolek, and to a lesser degree Kam, are the best at that.
Quote from: TAMU, Knower of Ball on January 21, 2024, 01:40:57 AM
But very few can say "if we can hit 33% from distance, look out everyone". We really don't need to be good from three, just being able to be slight below average would do wonders for this team.
Yep.
Quote from: Goose on January 21, 2024, 06:30:04 AM
Truthfully, I have enjoyed this season as much as last season. I like being a fan of a team with high expectations rather than being picked 9th.
I did not think going into the season about a BE title, but FF was the goal. That is still my expectation.
And yep.
The current #1 team in the country has the same in conference efficiency margin as 2022-23 MU. Some can look at numbers this year and see MU is playing as well as UConn in conference this season too.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on January 20, 2024, 07:53:11 PM
Realistically thought 14-6 in league would be fine this year. That's more challenging because of the bad loss to Butler but still there for them.
Yes, still in reach but very challenging because there's UConn twice and road against Creighton. So with those three, have to probably go 9-1 or 8-2 against everyone else.
Quote from: The Sultan of Semantics on January 21, 2024, 07:29:19 AM
The problem is that Oso doesn't have much of a post up game, so it's going to be hard to get him the ball unless its off penetration. And Kolek, and to a lesser degree Kam, are the best at that.
Oso has been good with that little push 8 footer. I still think if he's patient he can collapse the D and we can move the rock with more fluidity. I like when the young man gets touches and believe he's more capable of scoring in the post than we've seen.
Quote from: MuggsyB on January 21, 2024, 08:20:38 AM
Oso has been good with that little push 8 footer. I still think if he's patient he can collapse the D and we can move the rock with more fluidity. I like when the young man gets touches and believe he's more capable of scoring in the post than we've seen.
But that push 8 footer almost always comes off of penetration.
hoping kam, tk and jop shooting slumps are perfect timing to work their way out of now as opposed to slumping at end of season.
nothing worse than a slump when it's time for the money shots, eyn'a?
Quote from: TAMU, Knower of Ball on January 21, 2024, 01:40:57 AM
Probably 25 or so.
But very few can say "if we can hit 33% from distance, look out everyone". We really don't need to be good from three, just being able to be slight below average would do wonders for this team.
I think it has to be higher than 33% for this team to be really dangerous. We have no post up players, don't get to the line much unless the opponent has to foul, and don't offensive rebound much. If we're not turning the other team over, raising our team 3P% up 1.5% from current won't cut it to strike fear.
Quote from: MuggsyB on January 21, 2024, 08:20:38 AM
Oso has been good with that little push 8 footer. I still think if he's patient he can collapse the D and we can move the rock with more fluidity. I like when the young man gets touches and believe he's more capable of scoring in the post than we've seen.
I agree Muggsy I like when Oso gets touches. Good things usually happen since he's an excellent passer and has a high basketball IQ, and has quickness and touch.
But this is 2nd semester of his 4th year. If he hasn't shown a consistent postup/ post scoring game by now, it's very unlikely to suddenly appear.
I'd like Osa to start using the skyhook
Quote from: lawdog77 on January 21, 2024, 06:46:08 AM
Loosen the pockets and buy good seats. YOLO
Family budgets are real things for many working slobs like me.
Quote from: HutchwasClutch on January 21, 2024, 09:03:41 AM
I agree Muggsy I like when Oso gets touches. Good things usually happen since he's an excellent passer and has a high basketball IQ, and has quickness and touch.
But this is 2nd semester of his 4th year. If he hasn't shown a consistent postup/ post scoring game by now, it's very unlikely to suddenly appear.
And it won't as MU plays a 5 and 4 man out offense.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on January 21, 2024, 09:07:04 AM
I'd like Osa to start using the skyhook
I wonder why no one has that shot in their arsenal?
Quote from: MuggsyB on January 21, 2024, 09:09:35 AM
I wonder why no one has that shot in their arsenal?
Politics
Quote from: The Sultan of Semantics on January 21, 2024, 08:27:59 AM
But that push 8 footer almost always comes off of penetration.
nice!! i've heard he's a real lady's man lol...but 8 footer?? yowsa!!
Quote from: HutchwasClutch on January 21, 2024, 08:58:03 AM
I think it has to be higher than 33% for this team to be really dangerous. We have no post up players, don't get to the line much unless the opponent has to foul, and don't offensive rebound much. If we're not turning the other team over, raising our team 3P% up 1.5% from current won't cut it to strike fear.
We don't have the classic post-up bigs, but both Kam and TK are very good at posting their men as long as every defender isn't in the lane clogging things up. If our best 3-point shooters are back to being serious threats, it opens things up more for Kam, TK and Oso.
I won't put a number on it, but the percentage to be "threats" isn't super-high IMHO because the lesser-proficient shooters bring down the team average. If Joplin, Kam, TK shoot like they did last season and the first 6-8 weeks of this season - which doesn't seem preposterous - it would help loosen up opposing defenses a ton. And if the likes of Gold, Zaide, Ross or Stevie just knock down the occasional open look, it would help even more.
Our offense is already doing pretty well by most metrics. Shoot even a little better from 3 and the ceiling is quite high IMHO. Yesterday's game confirmed how we're all but unstoppable for long stretches if some 3s go in.
Quote from: wadesworld on January 20, 2024, 04:26:08 PM
Haven't went into a game thread in the last couple years. It's the worst of the internet.
This
Quote from: MuggsyB on January 21, 2024, 09:09:35 AM
I wonder why no one has that shot in their arsenal?
Because it's very difficult. Baby hooks not as much, which aren't used much either.
Quote from: MU82 on January 21, 2024, 09:12:40 AM
We don't have the classic post-up bigs, but both Kam and TK are very good at posting their men as long as every defender isn't in the lane clogging things up. If our best 3-point shooters are back to being serious threats, it opens things up more for Kam, TK and Oso.
I won't put a number on it, but the percentage to be "threats" isn't super-high IMHO because the lesser-proficient shooters bring down the team average. If Joplin, Kam, TK shoot like they did last season and the first 6-8 weeks of this season - which doesn't seem preposterous - it would help loosen up opposing defenses a ton. And if the likes of Gold, Zaide, Ross or Stevie just knock down the occasional open look, it would help even more.
Our offense is already doing pretty well by most metrics. Shoot even a little better from 3 and the ceiling is quite high IMHO. Yesterday's game confirmed how we're all but unstoppable for long stretches if some 3s go in.
Zaide's play last two games is highly encouraging.
Mitchell is a nice player. He definitely brings value doing the dirty work. But his shooting is awful and has been from the start this year and most of his MU career.
I won't go into the rest. But I agree, whatever the magic number should be is impossible to quantify. And agree too even some improvement would make a big difference. But this is a team that has to hit them at a pretty high level to cover up many flaws.
It isn't mission impossible, but so many guys have got to improve significantly and very difficult to turn around this far in. Season is a grind, even late teens/ early twenties get tired legs and bodies. We'll see.
"nothing worse than a slump when it's time for the money shots, eyn'a?"
Or a weak member, aina?
🤔
Quote from: rocket surgeon on January 21, 2024, 08:33:46 AM
hoping kam, tk and jop shooting slumps are perfect timing to work their way out of now as opposed to slumping at end of season.
nothing worse than a slump when it's time for the money shots, eyn'a?
Hoping it is Cam, TK & Jolp
Quote from: HutchwasClutch on January 21, 2024, 09:45:31 AM
Zaide'splay last two games is highly encouraging.
Mitchell is a nice player. He definitely brings value doing the dirty work. But his shooting is awful and has been from the start this year and most of his MU career.
I won't go into the rest. But I agree, whatever the magic number should be is impossible to quantify. And agree too even some improvement would make a big difference. But this is a team that has to hit them at a pretty high level to cover up many flaws.
It isn't mission impossible, but so many guys have got to improve significantly and very difficult to turn around this far in. Season is a grind, even late teens/ early twenties get tired legs and bodies. We'll see.
And Lowery don't forget him