1. Get well soon, Kam
2. Addae-Wusu coming off an 0-13 game. Of course he regresses to the mean.
3. Rebounding. But we already knew that.
4. That Oso to Joplin pass is a set. Justin threw that pass to Greg.
5. Imagine if Oso made his bunnies. Imagine if TKo made anything.
6. Gold gets extended minutes. Huh. Still no post game, so haters can hate.
7. Joplin, despite not dunking, did ok. Good defense, lots of deflections.
8. The freshmen didn't hurt anything. They will be fine.
9. MU just missed a whole bunch more plays they JUST missed.
10. MU goes to 15-5 despite getting little from Kam, little scoring from TKO, getting out rebounded. A team effort. Thank you, Stevie, Joplin, and Ben.
Nothing to complain about here. Started slow but dominated the second half. If we get this Jop and Ben, and this offense from Stevie, and Chase and Kam can get healthy and break out of slumps, we'll be where we hope to be.
Rebounding is an issue. Other than that, winning by 18 with such an altered rotation is really good.
That second half was an absolute clinic. And Ben getting his shot back is huge.
Only lost rebounding battle 32-29. I'd say that's a victory
Quote from: tower912 on January 27, 2024, 01:56:14 PM
Rebounding is an issue. Other than that, winning by 18 with such an altered rotation is really good.
True. Rebounding, particularly to start, wasn't great. Thanks for finding me something to complain about.
Great game today. Gold, Stevie, Joplin all played really well. Oso was ridiculous, human highlight reel. Lots of fun, go Marq
Quote from: MUEng92 on January 27, 2024, 01:57:00 PM
Only lost rebounding battle 32-29. I'd say that's a victory
Wow. Now that I think about it, yeah, Ben and Oso rebounded well in the second half.
Rebounding is a net negative for the year. Offense is spotty at time. But the defense, oh that glorious defense.
Kadary Richmond absence notwithstanding, that was one of the very best defensive performances of the Shaka era. Pair that caliber effort with an average or better offensive performance and MU will not lose. In general, the (semi-justified) panic about team offensive regression has overshadowed an unexpectedly big leap forward defensively. Once fully healthy, it seems like we might get an opportunity to see the monster squad we were hoping for in the offseason.
Things appear to be slowing down for Ben. Fingers crossed we're seeing the tip of the iceberg with regards to him.
Stevie is a dude and one of my favorite guys to come through the program
Gold and Jop were huge on both ends. Could be a turning point for Gold which would be massive. TK punishing their D the last 10 was awesome.
As frustrating as the 1st half, tons of positives from this game.
-Oso continues to be amazing.
-Stevie continues to be aggressive offensively (6-10 from the field) and his defense and effort continues to be insane
-Ben hitting another 3 from 3
-Jop scoring big and getting some deflections
-Kolek impacted the game a ton in the 2nd half without scoring
I said in the game thread I sit Kam the next two weeks unless he's 100%. We can beat Nova without him but I "sacrifice" that game if it means getting him healthy. After Nova we have Georgetown on the road and a week off until NMD at home. Get him healthy.
Kam being hurt now and Ross being out could make us stronger in March.
Quote from: tower912 on January 27, 2024, 01:56:14 PM
Rebounding is an issue. Other than that, winning by 18 with such an altered rotation is really good.
Rebounding fine today Vs that team. And second half gr8. Not an issue today
Quote from: tower912 on January 27, 2024, 01:58:26 PM
Wow. Now that I think about it, yeah, Ben and Oso rebounded well in the second half.
Don't get me wrong. The first half rebounding was nauseating
Ben was very good defensively in the second half. That was great to see. We are a much more effective offense when we are letting Oso run the half court sets for stretches. Hoping we get this Jop the rest of the year.
Great 2d half after a frustrating first half.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on January 27, 2024, 02:00:52 PM
Things appear to be slowing down for Ben. Fingers crossed we're seeing the tip of the iceberg with regards to him.
Quote from: NickelDimer on January 27, 2024, 02:00:52 PMGold and Jop were huge on both ends. Could be a turning point for Gold which would be massive.
Agree with these sentiments about Gold. It's worth remembering he didn't get much of a preseason with his shin splints. Really hope we're seeing a decisive breakout.
I'm actually hopeful that we could be seeing that with Joplin too. Shaka talks about this a lot, but it feels like confidence is the x-factor for his game. Today was a completely different level for him in that respect. I think it was easily his best overall game at Marquette.
Both he and Gold have had to use a lot of practice reps and focus on defensive development these past couple years. Maybe as they settle in on that end, their offense is clicking into place too.
Quote from: JustinLewisFanClubPres on January 27, 2024, 02:06:21 PM
Ben was very good defensively in the second half. That was great to see. We are a much more effective offense when we are letting Oso run the half court sets for stretches. Hoping we get this Jop the rest of the year.
Great 2d half after a frustrating first half.
I thought they battled hard in the first half. muwarrior69 pointed out how they scored over half their points in the first 7 minutes and then started to clamp down to close the half. Slow start but had the momentum
And for anyone who doesn't think Ben is a BE center, pay attention to who he guards vs. who Oso guards when they're on the floor together. Hint: Ben is always guarding the opponent's C.
Dont get me wrong. If we lose TK for a lot of games, thats bad news.
We need a healthy Kam
But Oso is our guy. If he plays, we always have a chance against any team not named Uconn or Creighton and in most we are still heavy favs
Joplin did ok? He was great
Quote from: PGsHeroes32 on January 27, 2024, 02:17:42 PM
Dont get me wrong. If we lose TK for a lot of games, thats bad news.
We need a healthy Kam
But Oso is our guy. If he plays, we always have a chance against any team not named Uconn or Creighton and in most we are still heavy favs
They're both equally indispensable. We won't have them much longer so appreciate them while they're here, even if they have some rough moments.
Quote from: wadesworld on January 27, 2024, 01:54:36 PM
Nothing to complain about here. Started slow but dominated the second half. If we get this Jop and Ben, and this offense from Stevie, and Chase and Kam can get healthy and break out of slumps, we'll be where we hope to be.
This is one of those situations where you post a lot of "ifs" but its also not unrealistic at all
I think the injuries are also a big boost to Stevie. He knows he needs to add a bit more on the O end and he has been.
A great team performance and plenty of individual play to applaud. There were multiple times, on both ends of the court, that I could argue MU looked the part of a serious NC contender.
We don't have a chance against UConn or Creighton? What?
Stevie played 37 minutes.......that has to be a career high.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on January 27, 2024, 02:23:14 PM
They're both equally indispensable. We won't have them much longer so appreciate them while they're here, even if they have some rough moments.
Dont get me wrong if TK is gone long periods, screwed.
Love that guy.
But Oso for even 20 minutes vs most teams is a mountain to climb. Does so much all over the floor.
Quote from: PGsHeroes32 on January 27, 2024, 02:24:56 PM
This is one of those situations where you post a lot of "ifs" but its also not unrealistic at all
I think the injuries are also a big boost to Stevie. He knows he needs to add a bit more on the O end and he has been.
Stevie last 6 games:
10.8 PPG
4.7 RPG
3 SPG(!!!!) And that's with 0 vs DePaul
FG%: 55.8%
3%: 41.7% (5/12)
He's been elite in regards to what this team needs from him (not dung).
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on January 27, 2024, 02:35:19 PM
Stevie last 6 games:
10.8 PPG
4.7 RPG
3 SPG(!!!!) And that's with 0 vs DePaul
FG%: 55.8%
3%: 41.7% (5/12)
He's been elite in regards to what this team needs from him (not dung).
Heckuva player
Quote from: Johnny B on January 27, 2024, 02:20:04 PM
Joplin did ok? He was great
Yes, he did. Understated sarcasm for the haters.
Huge collective team win today. The second half defense was great. Jop, Ben, and Stevie were all huge on both ends of the floor. Let's take it to Nova on Tuesday.
Notice that UConn, Creighton, and MU have sorted to the top of the BE standings.
1. Cleaned up the defensive rebounding in the second half.
2. Much better outside shooting. Amazing how good you look when you hit some threes.
3. Great defensive effort throughout the game.
4. Jop being more composed in the paint. 2 pull up stops and makes in the paint. Like to see it.
5. Oso is an All-American stud. He needs to be more aggressive at times. His multi-faceted ability makes him one of if not the best player on the court most games.
6. Stevie stepping up offensively is huge.
7. Ben stepping up offensively is huge.
8. Jop & Ben stepping up defensively is huge.
9. Zaide flashes incredible ability. These minutes are important minutes for him.
10. Most exciting play on a day of many exciting plays: Ben's help defense block and back tap save of the ball and Jop's finish and 1.
Interesting stats:
Stevie 37 minutes led the team
Gold 26 minutes
MU 8-18 from 3-point land
SH 3-16 from 3-point land
Oso 5 offensive boards and 4 assists
Jop 20 points. 3-8 from 3-point land. 3-4 inside the arc.
Defense! Best defensive game of Joplin's career. We know Gold isn't great on the perimeter but he battles inside and affects shots; maybe his best defensive game, too. Stevie is too effen good. Oso just a wonderful defender (though I wish he would have avoided 2 silly fouls today). Kolek sneaky good on D. Zaide a plus defender. Capped off the D by rebounding quite well in the 2nd half.
Torturous to watch early on but we dominated after halftime and really were in control most of the last 30 minutes of the game.
Satisfying win.
And I agree with VBMG that Kam should sit out Nova unless he's 100% or damn close to it. Big picture. We've got a national title to win, baby!
Tyler had 11 assists.....he didn't need to score.
Quote from: Big Papi on January 27, 2024, 03:19:16 PM
1. Cleaned up the defensive rebounding in the second half.
2. Much better outside shooting. Amazing how good you look when you hit some threes.
3. Great defensive effort throughout the game.
4. Jop being more composed in the paint. 2 pull up stops and makes in the paint. Like to see it.
5. Oso is an All-American stud. He needs to be more aggressive at times. His multi-faceted ability makes him one of if not the best player on the court most games.
6. Stevie stepping up offensively is huge.
7. Ben stepping up offensively is huge.
8. Jop & Ben stepping up defensively is huge.
9. Zaide flashes incredible ability. These minutes are important minutes for him.
10. Most exciting play on a day of many exciting plays: Ben's help defense block and back tap save of the ball and Jop's finish and 1.
Interesting stats:
Stevie 37 minutes led the team
Gold 26 minutes
MU 8-18 from 3-point land
SH 3-16 from 3-point land
Oso 5 offensive boards and 4 assists
Jop 20 points. 3-8 from 3-point land. 3-4 inside the arc.
Great post, thanks
Quote from: Johnny B on January 27, 2024, 02:20:04 PM
Joplin did ok? He was great
This was my same response. that was maybe the best I've ever seen him play on both ends of the floor
Loved how MU had so many contributors to the victory . This will pay dividends down the road in some of our upcoming tough games
Quote from: Uncle Rico on January 27, 2024, 02:10:01 PM
I thought they battled hard in the first half. muwarrior69 pointed out how they scored over half their points in the first 7 minutes and then started to clamp down to close the half. Slow start but had the momentum
Agreed. My frustration was that it felt like we outplayed them but could t turn the corner and establish a lead. I was hoping the second half performance would have come sooner. But I'm very happy with the overall effort today.
82, I am going to disagree about Ben's perimeter defense. He is very good at trapping and turning the PG and then retreating/recovering to the lane. Think Otule. What he can't do is stay with a speedy guard who drives right at him. Few 6'11 guys can. Oso is an exception. Ben is also good at getting his 6'11 hand in the air at the right time against a jump shooter.
But, he continues to improve. He has stepped up the last two games playing extended minutes and has made a difference.
Press Conferences:
Shaka:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lffdFE6RvAA
Stevie/Gold:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Cz1esJ1hsfs
Quote from: tower912 on January 27, 2024, 03:42:52 PM
82, I am going to disagree about Ben's perimeter defense. He is very good at trapping and turning the PG and then retreating/recovering to the lane. Think Otule. What he can't do is stay with a speedy guard who drives right at him. Few 6'11 guys can. Oso is an exception. Ben is also good at getting his 6'11 hand in the air at the right time against a jump shooter.
But, he continues to improve. He has stepped up the last two games playing extended minutes and has made a difference.
Ben showing hard on the perimeter and recovering has been really noticeable lately.
Quote from: tower912 on January 27, 2024, 03:42:52 PM
82, I am going to disagree about Ben's perimeter defense. He is very good at trapping and turning the PG and then retreating/recovering to the lane. Think Otule. What he can't do is stay with a speedy guard who drives right at him. Few 6'11 guys can. Oso is an exception. Ben is also good at getting his 6'11 hand in the air at the right time against a jump shooter.
But, he continues to improve. He has stepped up the last two games playing extended minutes and has made a difference.
Reasonable post as usual, tower.
The defensive situations you describe here ... Ben did superbly at them today and he has been improving.
Not just guards beat him off 1-on-1 off the dribble, lots of players do, but that's not really his "fault." He uses the ability he has as best he can, and that was darn good today.
Quote from: Johnny B on January 27, 2024, 02:20:04 PM
Joplin did ok? He was great
Yea... had a great spin move to the rim as well, and didn't get trapped inside much. So he had a great great game!
Quote from: tower912 on January 27, 2024, 03:42:52 PM
82, I am going to disagree about Ben's perimeter defense. He is very good at trapping and turning the PG and then retreating/recovering to the lane. Think Otule. What he can't do is stay with a speedy guard who drives right at him. Few 6'11 guys can. Oso is an exception. Ben is also good at getting his 6'11 hand in the air at the right time against a jump shooter.
But, he continues to improve. He has stepped up the last two games playing extended minutes and has made a difference.
I thought Ben showed some muscle down low today He was banging there
Glad we beat the Hall out of the Pirates
Quote from: tower912 on January 27, 2024, 03:42:52 PM
82, I am going to disagree about Ben's perimeter defense. He is very good at trapping and turning the PG and then retreating/recovering to the lane. Think Otule. What he can't do is stay with a speedy guard who drives right at him. Few 6'11 guys can. Oso is an exception. Ben is also good at getting his 6'11 hand in the air at the right time against a jump shooter.
But, he continues to improve. He has stepped up the last two games playing extended minutes and has made a difference.
I agree with this.
Loved Jops defense and mid range game today. He cannot get all the way to the basket because he is not athletic enough. But he can back down and make a turn around fade away mid lane or baseline jumper (I apologize if this is jot the appropriate definition of midrange). But he is the only guy on the team that should be allowed to do this. That and catch and shoot threes are his game.
Enjoyed Kim Adams on color today. Was researched and provided astute analysis in-game.
Quote from: PGsHeroes32 on January 27, 2024, 02:24:56 PM
This is one of those situations where you post a lot of "ifs" but its also not unrealistic at all
I think the injuries are also a big boost to Stevie. He knows he needs to add a bit more on the O end and he has been.
I agree 100% that the silver lining to the injuries piling up is the emergence of assertive Stevie on the offensive end. Doesn't have the choice to defer to others any longer and I think that's freed him up and given him more confidence. It makes us a much more dangerous team.
Quote from: ATL MU Warrior on January 27, 2024, 05:10:15 PM
I agree 100% that the silver lining to the injuries piling up is the emergence of assertive Stevie on the offensive end. Doesn't have the choice to defer to others any longer and I think that's freed him up and given him more confidence. It makes us a much more dangerous team.
And with the continued intensity on defense. It's super impressive.
Great team win!
Per source: Chase Ross will be back on Tuesday
Shaka said he has been doing all basketball activities except contact. If he can handle contact, his team can definitely use him.
Quote from: onepost on January 27, 2024, 05:34:14 PM
Per source: Chase Ross will be back on Tuesday
I always like when the source posts. Source, where are you?
Chase will be back for the next game
Quote from: ski44 on January 27, 2024, 05:07:09 PM
Enjoyed Kim Adams on color today. Was researched and provided astute analysis in-game.
She was really good.
Quote from: Tha Hound on January 27, 2024, 06:13:09 PM
Chase will be back for the next game
If true there's more leeway to sit Kam and get him healthy.
If it takes two weeks from today, so be it.
Quote from: Bo Ryan's Massage Therapist on January 27, 2024, 03:30:13 PM
This was my same response. that was maybe the best I've ever seen him play on both ends of the floor
His chest bump with Shaka was awesome, too.
Joplin's intensity was the highest I can remember, especially his defensive intensity. Needs to keep that going - we need that!
LOVED the chest-bump. Great stuff.
Quote from: Miss Katie's on January 27, 2024, 06:34:46 PM
His chest bump with Shaka was awesome, too.
Frankly I was afraid he would hurt Shaka
Quote from: ski44 on January 27, 2024, 05:07:09 PM
Enjoyed Kim Adams on color today. Was researched and provided astute analysis in-game.
Agreed. She was very good.
I lucked into some really good seats near the SH bench yesterday. The differences in sideline demeanor was very striking. I'd say at least 80% of what was coming from Holloway was negative/getting on his players for mistakes. Whereas, I feel Shaka is overwhelmingly positive on the bench.
It's a super small sample size, but it makes me doubt Holloway is going to get them to the next level.
Quote from: cheebs09 on January 28, 2024, 02:01:58 PM
I lucked into some really good seats near the SH bench yesterday. The differences in sideline demeanor was very striking. I'd say at least 80% of what was coming from Holloway was negative/getting on his players for mistakes. Whereas, I feel Shaka is overwhelmingly positive on the bench.
It's a super small sample size, but it makes me doubt Holloway is going to get them to the next level.
Yep. Doesn't have the demeanor for it.
Shaheen.... there is one guy out there who can hurt us from 3 and you are leaving him open!
Didn't get a chance to see the game live yesterday, watched the replay today. First half kind of blah, but the second half we looked really connected at both ends. If Stevie, Jop and Ben continue to play like that look out!
Quote from: Uncle Rico on January 27, 2024, 02:00:52 PM
Things appear to be slowing down for Ben. Fingers crossed we're seeing the tip of the iceberg with regards to him.
Stevie is a dude and one of my favorite guys to come through the program
Ben calling for the ball in transition while running to the corner for a three and then drilling it was good to see. Confidence is high.
Quote from: tower912 on January 27, 2024, 01:56:14 PM
Rebounding is an issue. Other than that, winning by 18 with such an altered rotation is really good.
Third best defensive rebounding team in conference play behind Creighton and Nova. 7th best offensive.
It's not a strength, but it hasn't been a real issue for awhile now.
Quote from: onepost on January 27, 2024, 05:34:14 PM
Per source: Chase Ross will be back on Tuesday
COULD be the next home game, my source may have been inebriated when he passed along the info...
Quote from: onepost on January 30, 2024, 02:01:39 PM
COULD be the next home game, my source may have been inebriated when he passed along the info...
Oh great, nowwww you tell us
Quote from: onepost on January 30, 2024, 02:01:39 PM
COULD be the next home game, my source may have been inebriated when he passed along the info...
Quote from: onepost on January 30, 2024, 02:01:39 PM
COULD be the next home game, my source may have been inebriated when he passed along the info...
One post, three day bender?