I really think Shaka and his staff need major praise for seeing what Oso was capable of and making it reality. I was high on Oso starting with the UW game his sophomore year, but never in million years would envision this version of him. That might be some of the greatest insight and execution of coaching a player I have ever seem at MU.
In addition, this version of Oso has NBA written all over him. Imo, Shaka's vision likely helped make Oso generational wealth.
Will add, anyone concerned about Caiden, the young guys or Gold moving forward should remember the transformation of Oso. I have no doubt that Shaka will continue to pump out NBA players on a yearly basis.
Quote from: Goose on January 27, 2024, 02:47:00 PM
I really think Shaka and his staff need major praise for seeing what Oso was capable of and making it reality. I was high on Oso starting with the UW game his sophomore year, but never in million years would envision this version of him. That might be some of the greatest insight and execution of coaching a player I have ever seem at MU.
In addition, this version of Oso has NBA written all over him. Imo, Shaka's vision likely helped make Oso generational wealth.
Will add, anyone concerned about Caiden, the young guys or Gold moving forward should remember the transformation of Oso. I have no doubt that Shaka will continue to pump out NBA players on a yearly basis.
The concern next year is PG with TKO leaving and Sean's injury.
With Shaka's track record of developing bigs, I'm comfortable with a frontcourt next year of Jop, Ben, Caiden, and Al (and anything Royce can provide).
Vander
I, like many, absolutely loved TK from the first time I saw him in an MU uniform. I thought he was the George Thompson recruit of the Shaka era but I never envisioned that he would be anywhere near as spectacular as he has been.
Shaka found the right guy and they built the offense around that guy and that was as impressive as Oso.
I have zero concern on PG, with or without Sean for the start of next season. If he turned TK into a first team AA I trust that the PG will be covered post TK.
Quote from: Goose on January 27, 2024, 02:56:37 PM
Vander
I, like many, absolutely loved TK from the first time I saw him in an MU uniform. I thought he was the George Thompson recruit of the Shaka era but I never envisioned that he would be anywhere near as spectacular as he has been.
Shaka found the right guy and they built the offense around that guy and that was as impressive as Oso.
I have zero concern on PG, with or without Sean for the start of next season. If he turned TK into a first team AA I trust that the PG will be covered post TK.
Completely understand having confidence but with Sean and Tre (who it would be silly to give up on) being big question marks, a PG transfer with one year of eligibility could make a ton of sense.
I feel pretty good about the wing and bigs but not so much about PG right now.
Spot on observations, Goose. Oso is a special talent. Some of the passes today were just insane. He makes everyone better around him. Kolek as well...even without scoring he was huge today with 11 assists.
oso' vision is incredible. he sees things before they happen as does TK. TK recognized today that he wasn't going to help the team with his shot so he resorted to the next best things-assists, defense, ball control. he did have a few more turnovers than usual however. i wished he would have taken a few shots in the last few minutes when we had a safe lead just to get his confidence back
Vander
We are not going to see another TK for a very long time but few on here were banking last year being a good year based off TK being the starting PG going into the season. Shaka, like Rick Pitino, will never not have great PG options.
I have said many times, the future of PG is going to look a lot different post Shaka, but I believe it will be equally impressive for different reasons. I still do not believe that we have seen the defense that Shaka will play long term. The next PG's will be in your face defenders that can push the ball, imo.
Quote from: Goose on January 27, 2024, 02:47:00 PM
I really think Shaka and his staff need major praise for seeing what Oso was capable of and making it reality. I was high on Oso starting with the UW game his sophomore year, but never in million years would envision this version of him. That might be some of the greatest insight and execution of coaching a player I have ever seem at MU.
In addition, this version of Oso has NBA written all over him. Imo, Shaka's vision likely helped make Oso generational wealth.
Will add, anyone concerned about Caiden, the young guys or Gold moving forward should remember the transformation of Oso. I have no doubt that Shaka will continue to pump out NBA players on a yearly basis.
Can't agree more, Goose.
Shaka's ability to re-recruit Oso, to let him share time with Kuath as a sophomore, and then to steer him toward becoming what he's become - awesome.
And of course, let's not forget Oso's role in all of this (and I know you weren't intentionally leaving him out). He obviously worked his keister off to become the player he is. Very impressed with his ability, his work ethic and his "want-to."
We fans love to "anoint" and to rank, but it doesn't have to be Oso
or Kolek. They are a package deal -- roommates, friends and incredible teammates. They make each other better, and they make those around them better.
Shaka will bring in other great players, but we won't see the likes of Kolek and Oso again. I've so enjoyed them being in our program, and I hope they go out as champions - not just for the obvious reason that I want Marquette to win it all, but because they deserve it.
82
I truthfully want to win the NC for the legacy of the two guys that were the foundation of the second great era in MU basketball. They have done enough for me, but there are a lot that of tough critics out there. Their place in MU basketball history could not be argued if they win a NC.
Like you, I have followed this program for quite some time and I also believe we will never see another duo like them. My idea of beautiful basketball may be completely wrong, but they make the game beautiful to watch for me.
Also, Oso and TK put the work in and I was not dismissing that. I was hoping all of the scoop faithful knew that.
As I said elsewhere, that baseball pass from Oso at the foul line extended to Joplin in the corner is a set play. Justin would pass it to Greg during season 1. It was good to see it used again.
And I said that when Omax was drafted that Oso would be next.
tower
You are pretty good judge of talent and the game. Keep up the good work!!!
Quote from: Goose on January 27, 2024, 03:44:28 PM
82
I truthfully want to win the NC for the legacy of the two guys that were the foundation of the second great era in MU basketball. They have done enough for me, but there are a lot that of tough critics out there. Their place in MU basketball history could not be argued if they win a NC.
Like you, I have followed this program for quite some time and I also believe we will never see another duo like them. My idea of beautiful basketball may be completely wrong, but they make the game beautiful to watch for me.
Also, Oso and TK put the work in and I was not dismissing that. I was hoping all of the scoop faithful knew that.
Definitely knew you weren't dismissing Oso's (and TK's) work ethic. And you certainly weren't wrong with what you said about Shaka's role.
Just special. Man, I want a deep NCAA run this year!
Yes, I saw it all from the beginning with all of these players, though I also never envisioned that Shaka and staff would do with all of these players, though I also knew how amazing Shaka would be. I am amazing at predicting how amazing our players will be, but actually still even more amazing in predicting how much more amazing they will be with the coach who I alone predicted would be amazing! (Just in case you all forgot how amazing I am)
Amazing post, Legs!
Quote from: LloydsLegs on January 27, 2024, 03:50:11 PM
Yes, I saw it all from the beginning with all of these players, though I also never envisioned that Shaka and staff would do with all of these players, though I also knew how amazing Shaka would be. I am amazing at predicting how amazing our players will be, but actually still even more amazing in predicting how much more amazing they will be with the coach who I alone predicted would be amazing! (Just in case you all forgot how amazing I am)
Outstanding
Quote from: LloydsLegs on January 27, 2024, 03:50:11 PM
Yes, I saw it all from the beginning with all of these players, though I also never envisioned that Shaka and staff would do with all of these players, though I also knew how amazing Shaka would be. I am amazing at predicting how amazing our players will be, but actually still even more amazing in predicting how much more amazing they will be with the coach who I alone predicted would be amazing! (Just in case you all forgot how amazing I am)
Someone in your house is rumored to have said Stevie is amazing.
You're welcome. 😂
Quote from: LloydsLegs on January 27, 2024, 03:50:11 PM
Yes, I saw it all from the beginning with all of these players, though I also never envisioned that Shaka and staff would do with all of these players, though I also knew how amazing Shaka would be. I am amazing at predicting how amazing our players will be, but actually still even more amazing in predicting how much more amazing they will be with the coach who I alone predicted would be amazing! (Just in case you all forgot how amazing I am)
Just send the amazing invoice
I don't think we will have anything more than an average point guard next year if we don't utilize the portal. If the portal isn't used...I think he'll do it by committee to a certain extent, we'll live with growing pains, and MU will compete for a bid.
1st World Problem, worrying about next year.
Goose,
Agreed on Shaka's vision of Oso. He was all over it that summer after his first year. Told us what would happen before it did. Couldn't have been more right. After last year hard to imagine people not sold on Oso and his pro (NBA) prospects. But this year is just cementing it even for the non believers. Look forward to his remaining games in an MU uniform.
Oso is a great leader by example.
Kolek is a very important element in Oso's success.
Someone who drives and draws the defense and then has the ability to get the ball to the open person, i.e., Oso.
Shooter
I am going to enjoy every second of his and TK's time at MU. They have blown away any expectation that any fan could have had for them. Plus, it is a lot of fun to watch. Let's hope we have ten more weeks to watch them.
Stockton and Malone.
tower
I hate to admit I did not watch a great deal of Stockton and Malone. I was a crazy MJ fan and watched every Bulls game, but seldom watched the Jazz. I know they were unreal and am going to hit YouTube videos to watch them.
Pitino's words, not mine. They should really put together a greatest hits package on how to run the pick and roll. Truly a masterclass. The subtlety, the pocket passes, the creativity through just a little eye contact, the trust.
Shaka laid into Oso after a poor effort play. By the end of the game, Oso was showing more emotion, mean muggin' to the bench multiple times, than I have ever seen out of him. Kid is special.
loved the chest bump between jop and shaka
showed the special relationship shaka has with his players=priceless
Quote from: rocket surgeon on January 27, 2024, 07:43:13 PM
loved the chest bump between jop and shaka
showed the special relationship shaka has with his players=priceless
That was awesome
Watching Oso the past couple of games, I see a young Scottie Pippen. Oso has the length and athleticism but Pip was a better shooter. In today's NBA, Oso's skills will translate quite well.
BL
I see some Tim Duncan. That observation is more off of body language and demeanor.
I see that, too. Although we saw some emotion from Oso today which is out of character from his typical stoic demeanor. As you said, if we get 80% of what he's done lately in March, we are in great shape for a deep run. Especially when teams have never faced us before.
Quote from: avid1010 on January 27, 2024, 04:38:55 PM
I don't think we will have anything more than an average point guard next year if we don't utilize the portal. If the portal isn't used...I think he'll do it by committee to a certain extent, we'll live with growing pains, and MU will compete for a bid.
I beg to differ. Along the same lines of player development, the next step for Stevie is PG skills and vision. If he can develop those for next year, his ceiling is Jrue Holiday.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on January 27, 2024, 02:49:54 PM
The concern next year is PG with TKO leaving and Sean's injury.
With Shaka's track record of developing bigs, I'm comfortable with a frontcourt next year of Jop, Ben, Caiden, and Al (and anything Royce can provide).
what are you aware of that speaks to Caiden, Al and current HS players being any good next season?
Quote from: LloydsLegs on January 27, 2024, 03:50:11 PM
Yes, I saw it all from the beginning with all of these players, though I also never envisioned that Shaka and staff would do with all of these players, though I also knew how amazing Shaka would be. I am amazing at predicting how amazing our players will be, but actually still even more amazing in predicting how much more amazing they will be with the coach who I alone predicted would be amazing! (Just in case you all forgot how amazing I am)
I amazed that Shaka can't beat the BIG.
Quote from: Goose on January 27, 2024, 02:56:37 PM
Vander
I, like many, absolutely loved TK from the first time I saw him in an MU uniform. I thought he was the George Thompson recruit of the Shaka era but I never envisioned that he would be anywhere near as spectacular as he has been.
Shaka found the right guy and they built the offense around that guy and that was as impressive as Oso.
I have zero concern on PG, with or without Sean for the start of next season. If he turned TK into a first team AA I trust that the PG will be covered post TK.
Goose, come clean. You loved TK from the start? TK wasn't very good that first season at MU. A George Thompson -type recruit? You're saying TK is Brute Force? Come on, man!!!! Shame on you! In year two, obviously, a big time step-up. BE POY step-up. This season opponents in conference play are adjusting to TK. But when his floor game is solid like yesterday, MU should win most of the time. But comparing Kolek to Brute Force George Thompson?
Viper
Yes, I loved TK for day one, but never expected this type of success. Blew away any expectations that anyone could have had. I believe that I made the George Thompson comparison, as an important recruit for the program, during his first year at MU. But, if you feel that my statement is false, I'm fine with that.
Quote from: Viper on January 28, 2024, 08:43:22 AM
Goose, come clean. You loved TK from the start? TK wasn't very good that first season at MU. A George Thompson -type recruit? You're saying TK is Brute Force? Come on, man!!!! Shame on you! In year two, obviously, a big time step-up. BE POY step-up. This season opponents in conference play are adjusting to TK. But when his floor game is solid like yesterday, MU should win most of the time. But comparing Kolek to Brute Force George Thompson?
The day Tyler committed Shaka was tweeting out Travis highlights. You could see it his first year, you had to look for it but you could see it.
Shaka knew.
Watching Oso and Tyler play together is so enjoyable. What a special combo - the likes of which we are not likely to see again. Goose is absolutely right - enjoy it while you can.
Viper, I compared Kolek to Brunson after the Illinois game his first year at MU. First team all American? Please. A point guard who could facilitate for others, score double digits and be an overall pain to opponents? Abso-frickin-lutely.
Quote from: Viper on January 28, 2024, 08:43:22 AM
Goose, come clean. You loved TK from the start? TK wasn't very good that first season at MU. A George Thompson -type recruit? You're saying TK is Brute Force? Come on, man!!!! Shame on you! In year two, obviously, a big time step-up. BE POY step-up. This season opponents in conference play are adjusting to TK. But when his floor game is solid like yesterday, MU should win most of the time. But comparing Kolek to Brute Force George Thompson?
Goose and Tower were the first two who
bought in on TK and it was from day one. Tower compared him to Jalen Brunson and that comp was spot on
love the brunson and diener comparisons! i can also see a little bit of jrue in him as well. note how jrue changed his game from milwaukee to boston-yes, he had to, but the willingness and the wherewithal to do whatever a team needs.
that's what TK did yesterday. the nonverbal communication with the players, specifically his roomie oso is going to continue to be a force.
other teams can scout, but they cannot scout the mind of TK except his F'em play 'tude
Quote from: Goose on January 28, 2024, 08:49:47 AM
Viper
Yes, I loved TK for day one, but never expected this type of success. Blew away any expectations that anyone could have had. I believe that I made the George Thompson comparison, as an important recruit for the program, during his first year at MU. But, if you feel that my statement is false, I'm fine with that.
You were spot on. Different games but same impact.
Quote from: WarriorFan on January 28, 2024, 08:20:58 AM
I beg to differ. Along the same lines of player development, the next step for Stevie is PG skills and vision. If he can develop those for next year, his ceiling is Jrue Holiday.
Jrue Holiday was the number 1 recruit in his class, a 1 and done lottery pick, and an NBA All Star by year 4. He was averaging 14 ppg by year 2 in the NBA. I love Stevie. But his ceiling is a lot lower than Jrue Holiday.
Quote from: withoutbias on January 28, 2024, 10:17:35 AM
Jrue Holiday was the number 1 recruit in his class, a 1 and done lottery pick, and an NBA All Star by year 4. He was averaging 14 ppg by year 2 in the NBA. I love Stevie. But his ceiling is a lot lower than Jrue Holiday.
I absolutely love Stevie, but I don't think he's a NBA player. Too small to disrupt the perimeter like he does now.
We need a blender for Oso
Quote from: Newsdreams on January 28, 2024, 10:22:54 AM
We need a blender for Oso
Scott Merritt and Tony Smith??
Sultan
Yes, no doubt different players across the board. My comment, like you know, was based off of a single recruit changing the trajectory of a program, for the long haul. TK changed MU basketball and how it is viewed nationally.
DWade is the greatest recruit but it did not change the trajectory for the long haul. My comment on TK is 100% based off my assumption that Shaka is here another 7-8+ years. If not, that changes things on the significance of TK's arrival.
Quote from: Viper on January 28, 2024, 08:25:20 AM
what are you aware of that speaks to Caiden, Al and current HS players being any good next season?
I literally wrote it in my post.
Quote from: Viper on January 28, 2024, 08:25:20 AM
what are you aware of that speaks to Caiden, Al and current HS players being any good next season?
On Jan. 28, 2021, what were you aware of that spoke to Oso being a good rotation player as a sophomore and being a likely first-round draft pick as a senior?
I am
not saying any of the players you mentioned will come close to replicating Oso's success. I'm saying
we don't know ... and some of us choose to be optimistic that Shaka and his assistants will be able to develop them into being good college basketball players.
Quote from: The Lens on January 28, 2024, 08:51:15 AM
The day Tyler committed Shaka was tweeting out Travis highlights. You could see it his first year, you had to look for it but you could see it.
Shaka knew.
Bottom line is we all should trust Shaka's evaluations. He knows talent. He sees these guys ceilings with such clarity. It allows him recruiting flexibility and to land prospects others may not be as high on. Truly impressive.
Quote from: rocket surgeon on January 27, 2024, 07:43:13 PM
loved the chest bump between jop and shaka
showed the special relationship shaka has with his players=priceless
Agreed, Rocket. In fact, my UW-Madison undergrad/med school graduate wife said of the Shaka/Jop bump...'that is incredible, and something vanilla pudding Greg Gard would never do.'
Translation? It's taken years, but she's coming around to our side...and she knows ball!
Quote from: Shooter McGavin on January 28, 2024, 01:42:06 PM
Bottom line is we all should trust Shaka's evaluations. He knows talent. He sees these guys ceilings with such clarity. It allows him recruiting flexibility and to land prospects others may not be as high on. Truly impressive.
...but can we trust Shaka's game plan to beat the Badgers? (asking on behalf of my wife. As I alluded to, she's crossed over)
Viper
Now I know why the UW game is to you. What took you so long to convert your ball knowing bride?
By the way, I might be in the minority but I am praying we play Bucky in March. I want that matchup badly.
Quote from: withoutbias on January 28, 2024, 10:17:35 AM
Jrue Holiday was the number 1 recruit in his class, a 1 and done lottery pick, and an NBA All Star by year 4. He was averaging 14 ppg by year 2 in the NBA. I love Stevie. But his ceiling is a lot lower than Jrue Holiday.
Stevie and Jrue have nothing to do with each other...
Quote from: avid1010 on January 28, 2024, 02:10:25 PM
Stevie and Jrue have nothing to do with each other...
I agreed. The post I responded to said Stevie's ceiling is Jrue Holiday. I'd say if absolutely everything in possible went perfectly for Stevie his ceiling is Khris Dunn. And Dunn was a FAR better offensive player than Stevie. BEPOY I believe.
Quote from: Goose on January 28, 2024, 01:50:35 PM
I might be in the minority but I am praying we play Bucky in March. I want that matchup badly.
Given each team's trajectory, if we were to play Madison, it probably would be in the Elite Eight or later. So I'd be happy with Marquette playing anybody there, because it would mean we got that far.
And I certainly wouldn't fear playing Madison. It would be fun beating them in a game with the Final Four on the line.
Quote from: Viper on January 28, 2024, 01:43:53 PM
Agreed, Rocket. In fact, my UW-Madison undergrad/med school graduate wife said of the Shaka/Jop bump...'that is incredible, and something vanilla pudding Greg Gard would never do.'
Translation? It's taken years, but she's coming around to our side...and she knows ball!
now that's the sign of a solid relationship right there
I want nothing to do with the Badgers. An early December loss is one thing, a late March loss would be completely different.
Quote from: We R Final Four on January 28, 2024, 04:51:37 PM
I want nothing to do with the Badgers. An early December loss is one thing, a late March loss would be completely different.
A late March win - one that puts us in the Final Four and puts their fans in a funk - would be wonderful. Think positively!
Quote from: Juan Anderson's Mixtape on January 28, 2024, 04:32:39 PM
Joakim Noah and Scottie Pippen??
Don't really see Pippen at all because he could shoot from deep, but Noah's a pretty darn good comp.
I think there's a good chance Marquette and Wisconsin both end up on the 2 line, meaning no potential rematch until the FF.
Two vs Three seed scenarios:
If MU ends up in the Midwest with Purdue, Wisconsin has to be in a different region no matter what. If Wisconsin ends up in the East with Uconn, MU has to be in a different region.
So that leaves the South and West. Probably unlikely both of us get shipped West, especially if Arizona ends up a 2 or 3 seed. So that leaves the South, if anything.
I think it's unlikely both end up in the same regional.
Quote from: MU82 on January 28, 2024, 05:02:49 PM
A late March win - one that puts us in the Final Four and puts their fans in a funk - would be wonderful. Think positively!
Don't really see Pippen at all because he could shoot from deep, but Noah's a pretty darn good comp.
Noah with Pippen's athleticism.
Quote from: Goose on January 28, 2024, 08:49:47 AM
Viper
Yes, I loved TK for day one, but never expected this type of success. Blew away any expectations that anyone could have had. I believe that I made the George Thompson comparison, as an important recruit for the program, during his first year at MU. But, if you feel that my statement is false, I'm fine with that.
all good. No negativity meant.
Quote from: MU82 on January 28, 2024, 01:11:57 PM
On Jan. 28, 2021, what were you aware of that spoke to Oso being a good rotation player as a sophomore and being a likely first-round draft pick as a senior?
I am not saying any of the players you mentioned will come close to replicating Oso's success. I'm saying we don't know ... and some of us choose to be optimistic that Shaka and his assistants will be able to develop them into being good college basketball players.
thx 82
Quote from: Goose on January 28, 2024, 01:50:35 PM
Viper
Now I know why the UW game is to you. What took you so long to convert your ball knowing bride?
By the way, I might be in the minority but I am praying we play Bucky in March. I want that matchup badly.
unlike myself, she's stubborn 🙄. And yes, I welcome a rematch!
Love the way TK and Oso by together, love the way this team passes in general. IMO defense and selfless passing is what set them apart.
As teams figure out how to defend MU, I think Oso with the ball on the perimeter is MU's ace in the hole. I don't see many 4-5's that he can't take off the dribble. If only Oso could pass..
Quote from: manny31 on January 28, 2024, 08:23:01 PM
Love the way TK and Oso by together, love the way this team passes in general. IMO defense and selfless passing is what set them apart.
As teams figure out how to defend MU, I think Oso with the ball on the perimeter is MU's ace in the hole. I don't see many 4-5's that he can't take off the dribble. If only Oso could pass..
I think we saw many MANY instances of his ability to pass on Saturday alone.
Quote from: JakeBarnes on January 28, 2024, 09:18:19 PM
I think we saw many MANY instances of his ability to pass on Saturday alone.
I'm gonna go out on a limb and say manny31 meant to say "shoot" instead of "pass," because he spent most of his comment complimenting the team's passing.
Couldn't find "Teal"....
I think Oso's passing is what makes him some considerable personal wealth..If he develops a jumper he might be looking at the old multi generational wealth???
Quote from: manny31 on January 28, 2024, 09:54:10 PM
Couldn't find "Teal"....
I think Oso's passing is what makes him some considerable personal wealth..If he develops a jumper he might be looking at the old multi generational wealth???
Ah ... meaning to have used teal makes even more sense.
Quote from: manny31 on January 28, 2024, 09:54:10 PM
Couldn't find "Teal"....
I think Oso's passing is what makes him some considerable personal wealth..If he develops a jumper he might be looking at the old multi generational wealth???
I retract my statement then! Glad we're all on the same page ;D And agree on the jumper.
Without looking TOO forward, I feel like Parham is the Oso replacement "with a jumper." Long way to go to get to anywhere near Oso's handling and awareness, but can see him being used similarly down the road.
Quote from: Goose on January 27, 2024, 02:47:00 PM
In addition, this version of Oso has NBA written all over him. Imo, Shaka's vision likely helped make Oso generational wealth.
Goose, as you are a man who knows things about money, I'm curious as to your threshold for generational wealth in 2024?
Quote from: JakeBarnes on January 28, 2024, 10:36:55 PM
I retract my statement then! Glad we're all on the same page ;D And agree on the jumper.
Without looking TOO forward, I feel like Parham is the Oso replacement "with a jumper." Long way to go to get to anywhere near Oso's handling and awareness, but can see him being used similarly down the road.
I'll be curious to see how Amadou develops. Was at the game Saturday and watched Amadou in pre-game and some of his ball handling and moves (albeit unguarded) to the basket were fluid as can be and really struck me as high ceiling guy. Also has pretty good form on his jumper.
Parham looks like a very good prospect too, though I don't see a very bouncy athlete - D1 athleticism yes, but not the elite kind of athleticism Oso, and IMO Amadou has.
Quote from: Elonsmusk on January 29, 2024, 09:41:40 AM
I'll be curious to see how Amadou develops. Was at the game Saturday and watched Amadou in pre-game and some of his ball handling and moves (albeit unguarded) to the basket were fluid as can be and really struck me as high ceiling guy. Also has pretty good form on his jumper.
Parham looks like a very good prospect too, though I don't see a very bouncy athlete - D1 athleticism yes, but not the elite kind of athleticism Oso, and IMO Amadou has.
The best things I've seen from Al are his ability to catch a pass and use some footwork around the rim. Granted it's against low majors and/or in garbage time, but he's caught a few passes, done a little show and go to finish with a dunk. I don't expect the playmaking of Oso, but I think he could turn into the rim runner and the diver that Oso is.
https://www.foxsports.com/watch/fmc-dp95iplwa51ku0dp
In the very limited playing time I have seen from Al, he looks to me that he could turn into an Omax type style of play. He looks extremely athletic, similar type build and looks to have a good motor. If ends being an Omax-Lite type player that would be a good addition to the team in the next couple of seasons.
Quote from: Juan Anderson's Mixtape on January 28, 2024, 05:07:08 PM
I think there's a good chance Marquette and Wisconsin both end up on the 2 line, meaning no potential rematch until the FF.
Two vs Three seed scenarios:
If MU ends up in the Midwest with Purdue, Wisconsin has to be in a different region no matter what. If Wisconsin ends up in the East with Uconn, MU has to be in a different region.
So that leaves the South and West. Probably unlikely both of us get shipped West, especially if Arizona ends up a 2 or 3 seed. So that leaves the South, if anything.
I think it's unlikely both end up in the same regional.
Agreed. Maybe if one of them gets to the 1 line, but then it's most likely in the West and it still seems unlikely both are sent out there with Arizona in the mix. Would need two of the current four 1s to stumble significantly, and not have Tennessee pick up the slack.