What will be the starting lineup without Oso or Tyler next year and who will be the scoring leaders?
Stevie Mitchell
Kam Jones
Chase Ross
David Joplin
Ben Gold
Transfer PG
Stevie
Kam
Jop
Gold
Quote from: Don_Kojis on February 18, 2024, 12:53:21 PM
What will be the starting lineup without Oso or Tyler next year and who will be the scoring leaders?
Dung / Cam will lead from bench
Don't really want to worry about next year right now. We have all summer and fall to do that.
Quote from: wadesworld on February 18, 2024, 12:58:25 PM
Transfer PG
Stevie
Kam
Jop
Gold
Bruce Thornton would be an awesome Kolek replacement but Shaka won't go after the big transfers.
I'd bet that if Chase Ross isn't starting, it'll be Tre Norman. Shaka has said time and time again he won't recruit the portal to overtake guys he already has. He also mentioned Tre Norman will be an All Big East player. In his mind, he already has his guys.
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on February 18, 2024, 12:57:20 PM
Stevie Mitchell
Kam Jones
Chase Ross
David Joplin
Ben Gold
This. Stevie primary ball handler.
Quote from: tower912 on February 18, 2024, 01:03:09 PM
This. Stevie primary ball handler.
That would be awful. He's shown zero ability to run the offense or make plays for his teammates. Plus he's asked to spend an absurd amount of energy hounding the opponent's best perimeter offensive player. Asking him to do that and then handle the ball handling duties would be bad.
Stevie will be fine as primary ball handler. He has been showing flashes all season. Ross will take on the role of all purpose stopper.
I'm getting Mike Deane role player vibes from next year's projected starters.
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on February 18, 2024, 01:02:20 PM
Bruce Thornton would be an awesome Kolek replacement but Shaka won't go after the big transfers.
I'd bet that if Chase Ross isn't starting, it'll be Tre Norman. Shaka has said time and time again he won't recruit the portal to overtake guys he already has. He also mentioned Tre Norman will be an All Big East player. In his mind, he already has his guys.
Don't know whether he will be ready for that role next year, but it was nice to see some glimpses of a more assertive Tre while playing out the clock yesterday. It was good to see there seems to be a lot more there than what he has been able to show as a few minutes a game role player.
Quote from: warriorfred on February 18, 2024, 01:35:44 PM
I'm getting Mike Deane role player vibes from next year's projected starters.
Why?
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on February 18, 2024, 12:57:20 PM
Stevie Mitchell
Kam Jones
Chase Ross
David Joplin
Ben Gold
That's a good lineup. All players will be in their 3rd or 4th year in this program. Think the two freshman kids coming in will provide some additional offense. Would expect another season in the Top25 and a 6/7 seed. Still a lot of fun to be had.
Also think we add a young transfer guard with some upside who is currently averaging less than 5ppg and less than 20mpg who will be in the mix.
Quote from: warriorfred on February 18, 2024, 01:35:44 PM
I'm getting Mike Deane role player vibes from next year's projected starters.
Maybe you have diarrhea
Quote from: CountryRoads on February 18, 2024, 01:49:23 PM
That's a good lineup. All players will be in their 3rd or 4th year in this program. Think the two freshman kids coming in will provide some additional offense. Would expect another season in the Top25 and a 6/7 seed. Still a lot of fun to be had.
No one has blinked when that has been the line up this year.
Quote from: warriorfred on February 18, 2024, 01:35:44 PM
I'm getting Mike Deane role player vibes from next year's projected starters.
You're exactly right, MU would be lucky to go .500 at best. Gold at center would be a joke and Stevie is not a point guard. Now add a solid portal transfer like Spencer you might be pretty good.
That's a good lineup for 3-4 minutes a half when the starters need rest or there is foul trouble. But I don't see that as a Big East winning starting lineup next year.
Gold
Joplin
Mithcell
K. Jones
Owen
Team will not finish in top 5 of Big East.
Who is returning, leaving, etc. from the other 10 teams? Will Shaka be able to run back continuity and development?
Quote from: tower912 on February 18, 2024, 01:51:10 PM
No one has blinked when that has been the line up this year.
That lineup hasn't played a single possession together this year, per hoop-explorer.
I think that lineup would have to have Kam as the primary ballhandler, not Stevie. Stevie doesn't have the offensive gravity that Kam does and isn't as good a creator for others. Stevie is better when he's able to make cuts, draw defenders, and get catch and shoot opportunities. Ideally, though, I think another PG would help significantly. Especially if Sean isn't ready. That probably has the makings of a fringe tourney team, but not a Big East contender.
Quote from: tower912 on February 18, 2024, 03:13:56 PM
Who is returning, leaving, etc. from the other 10 teams? Will Shaka be able to run back continuity and development?
All good questions, but irrespective of the other teams, I cannot see that lineup winning the Big East.
Quote from: warriorfred on February 18, 2024, 01:35:44 PM
I'm getting Mike Deane role player vibes from next year's projected starters.
If you mean first year top 20 in the country. Then sure.
Quote from: brewcity77 on February 18, 2024, 03:16:12 PM
That lineup hasn't played a single possession together this year, per hoop-explorer.
Wow. My thing to learn for the day.
lol
Quote from: bilsu on February 18, 2024, 03:10:49 PM
Gold
Joplin
Mithcell
K. Jones
Owen
Team will not finish in top 5 of Big East.
Yes.....I think Owens will be starting at some point next year.
Quote from: StillWarriors on February 18, 2024, 01:47:27 PM
Don't know whether he will be ready for that role next year, but it was nice to see some glimpses of a more assertive Tre while playing out the clock yesterday. It was good to see there seems to be a lot more there than what he has been able to show as a few minutes a game role player.
I agree he looked good, so yes, encouraging. But it was garbage time.
Quote from: tower912 on February 18, 2024, 01:51:10 PM
No one has blinked when that has been the line up this year.
Given the minutes Kolek and Oso play one doesn't have time to blink when that lineup is on the floor.
Quote from: jfp61 on February 18, 2024, 03:20:20 PM
If you mean first year top 20 in the country. Then sure.
Let me drop the snark and clarify. After Kevin O'Neill left and his recruits started to graduate, Mike Deanne couldn't recruit at that level. The team became role players because he was more of a "system" coach. There were no All American candidates. Deanne was a pretty good X's and O's Coach, but not a good recruiter. The drop-off in talent was noticeable.
Shaka is a much better coach and recruiter, and he has, and will get better results than Deane, but that projected lineup is not a top 20 team, and will not win the Big East. Maybe an 8 or 9 seed?
Quote from: tower912 on February 18, 2024, 01:49:03 PM
Why?
there isn't a take-the-team-on my-shoulders all-BE stud in that five. I have no idea if Tre and Zaide make big strides year 1 to year 2, but the incoming freshmen are probably not impact players in their first season. Does Gold suddenly flourish? I see no sign of that. Al Amadou? Who knows. This seasons RS, Hamilton? Again, who knows. Unless Shaka gets a portal guy of significance...and most on Scoop insinuate Shaka won't go portal recruiting, MU probably slides more toward mid-pack imo. And that would be frustrating, especially as UConn maintains and Pitino gets it rolling in NYC as I think he will.
Quote from: Viper on February 18, 2024, 03:35:15 PM
there isn't a take-the-team-on my-shoulders all-BE stud in that five. I have no idea if Tre and Zaide make big strides year 1 to year 2, but the incoming freshmen are probably not impact players in their first season. Does Gold suddenly flourish? I see no sign of that. Al Amadou? Who knows. This seasons RS, Hamilton? Again, who knows. Unless Shaka gets a portal guy of significance...and most on Scoop insinuate Shaka won't go portal recruiting, MU probably slides more toward mid-pack imo. And that would be frustrating, especially as UConn maintains and Pitino gets it rolling in NYC as I think he will.
Excellent response.
To me, this is cinema
Do people really think next year's team, assuming no impact transfer, would have less talent than Shaka's 1st team at Marquette?
I don't. Remember, our 3rd leading scorer that season was Kam at 7.4.
And did anyone expect Kam, Jop, TKO, and Omax to take the leaps they took the following year?
Of course, it's also fair to say we haven't seen some of the leaps we were expecting from a couple of guys this season.
Kam, Jop and Stevie can still continue to get better and more consistent. And it wouldn't surprise me in the least to see a big jump from one or more of Chase, Ben and Zaide.
Obviously I could be very wrong but I could see the bones of a top 25 team there.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on February 18, 2024, 03:54:35 PM
Do people really think next year's team, assuming no impact transfer, would have less talent than Shaka's 1st team at Marquette?
I don't. Remember, our 3rd leading scorer that season was Kam at 7.4.
And did anyone expect Kam, Jop, TKO, and Omax to take the leaps they took the following year?
Of course, it's also fair to say we haven't seen some of the leaps we were expecting from a couple of guys this season.
Kam, Jop and Stevie can still continue to get better and more consistent. And it wouldn't surprise me in the least to see a big jump from one or more of Chase, Ben and Zaide.
Obviously I could be very wrong but I could see the bones of a top 25 team there.
Sorry, the Eeyores have spoken. We probably won't even bother fielding a team next season. Why bother when we'd just go 0-31 anyway?
Quote from: Viper on February 18, 2024, 03:35:15 PM
there isn't a take-the-team-on my-shoulders all-BE stud in that five.
It's rare that we'll have that type of player on our team who will also be on the team the following season. We have 2 of them on our team now who are at that level who have eligibility to come back next year. Instead, they will likely be off to the pros as would usually be the case.
And I don't mean to single you out as many people (maybe even including myself) had similar thoughts after year 1, but you said this on 03/19/22:
"Kolek is back-up talent forced to start, imo."
He turned into an all big east stud over the offseason. Maybe someone else can do the same this year.
Quote from: brewcity77 on February 18, 2024, 03:16:12 PM
That lineup hasn't played a single possession together this year, per hoop-explorer.
I think that lineup would have to have Kam as the primary ballhandler, not Stevie. Stevie doesn't have the offensive gravity that Kam does and isn't as good a creator for others. Stevie is better when he's able to make cuts, draw defenders, and get catch and shoot opportunities. Ideally, though, I think another PG would help significantly. Especially if Sean isn't ready. That probably has the makings of a fringe tourney team, but not a Big East contender.
Honestly I can't see either Kam OR Stevie as a primary ball handler. But that could simply be because I can't see either one of them playing the same role as Tyler.
There is no doubt that there will be an adjustment and it is unlikely that any guard on the roster or who could theoretically come through the portal will run the pick and roll or rest of the offense as well as TKo. That whole 'first team All-American' thing.
Watching SHU v SJU, it is clear to me that Stevie/Kam/Chase would be the best backcourt in this game.
Quote from: brewcity77 on February 18, 2024, 03:16:12 PM
That lineup hasn't played a single possession together this year, per hoop-explorer.
I think that lineup would have to have Kam as the primary ballhandler, not Stevie. Stevie doesn't have the offensive gravity that Kam does and isn't as good a creator for others. Stevie is better when he's able to make cuts, draw defenders, and get catch and shoot opportunities. Ideally, though, I think another PG would help significantly. Especially if Sean isn't ready. That probably has the makings of a fringe tourney team, but not a Big East contender.
But who really knows...Creighton, Butler, Seton Hall, St. John's, Villanova lose almost everyone. There is still DePaul and Georgetown.
Quote from: StillWarriors on February 18, 2024, 01:47:27 PM
Don't know whether he will be ready for that role next year, but it was nice to see some glimpses of a more assertive Tre while playing out the clock yesterday. It was good to see there seems to be a lot more there than what he has been able to show as a few minutes a game role player.
I thought the same thing. Tre showed some flashes we hadn't yet seen this year. Hopefully he gets some more run this season while we have a big lead rather than what happened yesterday.
Quote from: tower912 on February 18, 2024, 04:36:05 PM
There is no doubt that there will be an adjustment and it is unlikely that any guard on the roster or who could theoretically come through the portal will run the pick and roll or rest of the offense as well as TKo. That whole 'first team All-American' thing.
Watching SHU v SJU, it is clear to me that Stevie/Kam/Chase would be the best backcourt in this game.
Agree with that.
Quote from: CountryRoads on February 18, 2024, 04:11:25 PM
It's rare that we'll have that type of player on our team who will also be on the team the following season. We have 2 of them on our team now who are at that level who have eligibility to come back next year. Instead, they will likely be off to the pros as would usually be the case.
And I don't mean to single you out as many people (maybe even including myself) had similar thoughts after year 1, but you said this on 03/19/22:
"Kolek is back-up talent forced to start, imo."
He turned into an all big east stud over the offseason. Maybe someone else can do the same this year.
I gotta say, doing 'research' on someone is...creepy. You were compelled to review past posts? ok...at least I post something worth the effort of a re-look. btw, did you see an all-BE player in TK during his first year here? Of course you didn't. I'll bet no one did. Glad it worked out as it has!! I'll go out on a limb and wager that we dont have a TK-type transformation with anyone in the 5 players mentioned.
Quote from: MU82 on February 18, 2024, 04:00:15 PM
Sorry, the Eeyores have spoken. We probably won't even bother fielding a team next season. Why bother when we'd just go 0-31 anyway?
Tower claims you bring 'logic' to your posts. When will we read it? Cpt Obvious? Of course. Logic? Still waiting.
Quote from: Viper on February 18, 2024, 04:52:37 PM
I gotta say, doing 'research' on someone is...creepy. You were compelled to review past posts? But, ok...at least I post something worth the effort of a re-look. btw, did you see an all BE player in TK during his first year here? Of course you didn't. I'll bet no one did. Glad it worked out as it has!! I'll go out on a limb and wager that we dont have a TK-type transformation with anyone in the 5 players mentioned.
So, you've been wrong about Tyler since the beginning.
And tower and goose we're all over Tyler early in the '21-'22 season.
It is way too early to dismiss any of the young guys. We have not seen nearly enough playing time from the freshmen to make any prediction. In addition, comparing a young Tre vs a 23y TK is not a fair comparison. If I had to make a bet, I would say that both freshmen guards will be legit contributors in the future. How good is difficult to say at this point.
Quote from: Viper on February 18, 2024, 04:52:37 PM
I gotta say, doing 'research' on someone is...creepy. You were compelled to review past posts? ok...at least I post something worth the effort of a re-look. btw, did you see an all-BE player in TK during his first year here? Of course you didbuyn't. I'll bet no one did. Glad it worked out as it has!! I'll go out on a limb and wager that we dont have a TK-type transformation with anyone in the 5 players mentioned.
Type in Kolek Brunson in the search box. I had a thread pop up from 2021 comparing Kolek to other point guards. 2021. There were plenty of people on the Kolek bandwagon shortly after his first season started. But that is a search and that is creepy.
tower
You definitely were on the TK bandwagon very early and were spot on.
Quote from: tower912 on February 18, 2024, 01:12:21 PM
Stevie will be fine as primary ball handler. He has been showing flashes all season. Ross will take on the role of all purpose stopper.
Stevie is probably my favorite current player...and this would be an awful idea. Prepare to lose a lot of games next year if Stewie is the primary PG.
Just can't see it. Kam is clearly a better ball-handler and initiator of the offense, and he shouldn't be the primary PG either.
Neither are suited for the role, IMO, and it takes away from what each is best at.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on February 18, 2024, 04:56:48 PM
So, you've been wrong about Tyler since the beginning.
And tower and goose we're all over Tyler early in the '21-'22 season.
you got me Uncle Rico, SJ. Im lost and I don't know ball...but at least I put it out there. Sometimes right, sometimes wrong. Regardless, all good. (And, we'll see about your boy TK)
btw, you deserve a standing O for your good work of cherry picking off other posters. We won't hold our collective breath waiting for anything more. But...maybe I'll be wrong here too.
Quote from: Goose on February 18, 2024, 05:06:13 PM
tower
You definitely were on the TK bandwagon very early and were spot on.
Thanks. I wasn't alone. No one can actually project BEPOY or first team All-American. But it is simply false to say no one thought he would be a good point guard.
Quote from: Viper on February 18, 2024, 05:09:32 PM
you got me Uncle Rico, SJ. Im lost and I don't know ball...but at least I put it out there. Sometimes right, sometimes wrong. Regardless, all good. (And, we'll see about your boy TK)
btw, you deserve a standing O for your good work of cherry picking off other posters. We won't hold our collective breath waiting for anything more. But...maybe I'll be wrong here too.
My boy TK? I'd think Marquette fans would call him their boy TK.
Quote from: Goose on February 18, 2024, 05:02:58 PM
It is way too early to dismiss any of the young guys. We have not seen nearly enough playing time from the freshmen to make any prediction. In addition, comparing a young Tre vs a 23y TK is not a fair comparison. If I had to make a bet, I would say that both freshmen guards will be legit contributors in the future. How good is difficult to say at this point.
Goose, I'm ready to dismiss Gold. Too soon?
Viper
I am not selling Ben Gold.
Yes. I don't think he will be in the NBA like Goose does, but he has improved steadily since he has been here. Looking forward to see what he looks like as the primary post next year.
Quote from: The Sultan of Semantics on February 18, 2024, 05:14:30 PM
Yes. I don't think he will be in the NBA like Goose does, but he has improved steadily since he has been here. Looking forward to see what he looks like as the primary post next year.
Especially having a full off-season of strength and conditioning
Yes. Especially according to Shaka who tells Ben he is more advanced than Oso was at the same stage of his career.
Oh and BTW, I have changed my opinion on Ben as this year has gone along. He has improved more than I thought he would when he looked lost at the beginning of the year.
Quote from: Goose on February 18, 2024, 05:13:28 PM
Viper
I am not selling Ben Gold.
ok Goose, i'll hang in there...stock down, but we NEED him.
tower
While a very small snapshot, I liked when Ben brought the ball up the court yesterday. He looked very comfortable to me.
Viper
Not being a homer, I'm not selling this team. I think they lose 2-3 more before the tournament and then it is go time.
Quote from: tower912 on February 18, 2024, 05:15:37 PM
Yes. Especially according to Shaka who tells Ben he is more advanced than Oso was at the same stage of his career.
For some reason, people on here don't choose to listen to what Shaka says and they chalk it up to coach speak.
It is a fascinating phenomenon. I think because he is relentlessly positive with a patient, big picture perspective that some tune him out.
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on February 18, 2024, 04:41:52 PM
But who really knows...Creighton, Butler, Seton Hall, St. John's, Villanova lose almost everyone. There is still DePaul and Georgetown.
You are correct, left out Uconn. Here is a quick example of two teams, not going to list each BE team because teams like St. Johns have so many transfers, no idea as to eligibility. But huge roster turnovers for each.
As far as MU is concerned, Kolek and Oso probably gone, Kam who knows and as in every year, someone else will leave for what they believe are greener pastures subsequent to year end interviews with coaches. Speculation talk now is fine. Not going to make a comment on any players because as usual on this board if you mention one bad thing about any MU player, you get bombarded as being anti MU. Portal opens on March 18 thru May 1, 2024. Can't wait to see the comings and goings.
UCONN:
Clingan to NBA
Castle, most mocks him as lottery pick, to NBA
Newton, probably drafted, played five years
Spencer, played five years.
Caraban, now in mock drafts, low end first round. Probably gone.
That's entire starting five.
Creighton:
Kalkbrenner, probably to NBA
Schiermann, played five years
Alexander, to NBA
Ashworth, played five years
Farabello, played five years
Quote from: nyg on February 18, 2024, 06:09:03 PM
You are correct, left out Uconn. Here is a quick example of two teams, not going to list each BE team because teams like St. Johns have so many transfers, no idea as to eligibility. But huge roster turnovers for each.
As far as MU is concerned, Kolek and Oso probably gone, Kam who knows and as in every year, someone else will leave for what they believe are greener pastures subsequent to year end interviews with coaches. Speculation talk now is fine. Not going to make a comment on any players because as usual on this board if you mention one bad thing about any MU player, you get bombarded as being anti MU. Portal opens on March 18 thru May 1, 2024. Can't wait to see the comings and goings.
UCONN:
Clingan to NBA
Castle, most mocks him as lottery pick, to NBA
Newton, probably drafted, played five years
Spencer, played five years.
Caraban, now in mock drafts, low end first round. Probably gone.
That's entire starting five.
Creighton:
Kalkbrenner, probably to NBA
Schiermann, played five years
Alexander, to NBA
Ashworth, played five years
Farabello, played five years
There's no reason to think Kam isn't back next season.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on February 18, 2024, 06:17:29 PM
There's no reason to think Kam isn't back next season.
Figured someone would make a comment like that. I said "who knows"
Look at #52.
https://www.nbadraft.net/nba-mock-drafts/
Stevie
Kam
Chase
Ben
Jop
Quote from: Goose on February 18, 2024, 05:19:57 PM
Viper
Not being a homer, I'm not selling this team. I think they lose 2-3 more before the tournament and then it is go time.
Goose, I agree. The only loss I foresee on the remaining reg season is home vs UConn. I think we get the W at Creighton and X. BE Tournament will be interesting. Hurley claims they own MSG. I think they lose. Someone gets them. In the ncaa, if we have a 2-seed, it would be a major league disappointment to not at least go Sweet 16.
Quote from: nyg on February 18, 2024, 06:09:03 PM
You are correct, left out Uconn. Here is a quick example of two teams, not going to list each BE team because teams like St. Johns have so many transfers, no idea as to eligibility. But huge roster turnovers for each.
As far as MU is concerned, Kolek and Oso probably gone, Kam who knows and as in every year, someone else will leave for what they believe are greener pastures subsequent to year end interviews with coaches. Speculation talk now is fine. Not going to make a comment on any players because as usual on this board if you mention one bad thing about any MU player, you get bombarded as being anti MU. Portal opens on March 18 thru May 1, 2024. Can't wait to see the comings and goings.
UCONN:
Clingan to NBA
Castle, most mocks him as lottery pick, to NBA
Newton, probably drafted, played five years
Spencer, played five years.
Caraban, now in mock drafts, low end first round. Probably gone.
That's entire starting five.
Creighton:
Kalkbrenner, probably to NBA
Schiermann, played five years
Alexander, to NBA
Ashworth, played five years
Farabello, played five years
...take the in-coming!! Bleed a little! The dentists on Scoop will stitch you up.
Transfer PG
Mitchell
Jones
Joplin
Gold
Ross 25 mpg swiss army knife off the bench
Love Stevie, Kam, and Chase but not sold on them as a unit, unless we go 4 guards for a stint. Need a true floor general to setup Kam, Jop, and Gold.
I expect Gold to make a big jump next year. His advanced stats indicate breakout potential. The Butler game showed what he can do. The next step is doing it for 30 mpg, every game.
Quote from: Juan Anderson's Mixtape on February 18, 2024, 06:53:50 PM
Transfer PG
Mitchell
Jones
Joplin
Gold
Ross 25 mpg swiss army knife off the bench
Love Stevie, Kam, and Chase but not sold on them as a unit, unless we go 4 guards for a stint. Need a true floor general to setup Kam, Jop, and Gold.
I expect Gold to make a big jump next year. His advanced stats indicate breakout potential. The Butler game showed what he can do. The next step is doing it for 30 mpg, every game.
and Gold being 100% healthy
Quote from: nyg on February 18, 2024, 06:29:59 PM
Figured someone would make a comment like that. I said "who knows"
Look at #52.
https://www.nbadraft.net/nba-mock-drafts/
7 Kentucky players going in top 40.......
Quote from: tower912 on February 18, 2024, 05:54:06 PM
It is a fascinating phenomenon. I think because he is relentlessly positive with a patient, big picture perspective that some tune him out.
To be real......I think he is patient and positive......I also think some of the stuff he says is a little coach speak and will not turn out to be true.
He says things for all kinds of reasons...to give confidence.....show belief .....Joplin has one more season to fulfill Shaka's prophecy of being the BE leading scorer at some point in his career........he also said recently that Norman would be an all Big East player by the time he's done at MU.........he certainly might be.......but Shaka predicting it doesn't make me feel it is preordained........
I like Ben.....I think he has improved......has shown more flashes.....I'm still not sure he is going to be able to defend as a center in the BE......we will see......can he make a big jump like Oso did between Soph and Junior year?
In summary........I don't think everything Shaka says is coach speak......I also don't think we should take everything Shaka says about a player and believe that's how it's going to be.
Growth is not linear and it's not guaranteed.
I am willing to acknowledge that a lot of what Shaka says is coach speak. And that is done with a purpose. He has his own shorthand, his own way of expressing universal coaching truths. And he nearly always approaches with positivity. You can tell who he is mad at and why if you listen. He has been ticked at David, Kam, and Tyler this season after losses.
In regards to Ben, he wants Ben to believe in himself. Because all the tools
are there. In Shaka speak, he needs to Ben to believe himself because that is how the team will maximize success.
Trying to guess at next year's starting line-up now is like trying to project the gender of your second child while your wife is still pregnant with the first.
There's a lot of things that have to happen before we even think about who is in line to start next year.
Please keep in mind a couple of things:
-- Don't underestimate summer training, conditioning and work-outs. Each player after the season is given a critique and opportunity to work on his game off-season. Look, for example, at how Oso developed.
-- Don't underestimate Caedin Hamilton either. He's already enrolled and probably getting huge coaching and development. Will he be good enough? Who knows?
-- Finally, I'm a fan of Al Amadou. Assuming he stays and his defense improves, he will be a contributor next year. If it doesn't, hello portal!
Ultimately, I believe in Coach Shaka. He used the portal his first year and managed to get into the NCAA -- against the odds. While I suspect the Portal is not the way Coach Shaka wants to go, he knows as well as every Brother and Sister Scooper that his first job is to win -- and win big. That means the Portal will be if necessary to maintain Marquette excellence.
Quote from: Viper on February 18, 2024, 04:52:37 PM
I gotta say, doing 'research' on someone is...creepy. You were compelled to review past posts? ok...at least I post something worth the effort of a re-look. btw, did you see an all-BE player in TK during his first year here? Of course you didn't. I'll bet no one did. Glad it worked out as it has!! I'll go out on a limb and wager that we dont have a TK-type transformation with anyone in the 5 players mentioned.
My point was I think it's too early to tell who will be a stud next year given that if they were already a stud they wouldn't be returning. Apologies for attacking a past post of yours to make it. I'm high on the guys returning. It's ok if others aren't as high on them.
No worries, CountryRoads. I enjoy the dialogue, analysis, opinion and overall banter. Especially after a Marquette beat-down where therapy is required.
Quote from: dgies9156 on February 18, 2024, 09:39:23 PM
Trying to guess at next year's starting line-up now is like trying to project the gender of your second child while your wife is still pregnant with the first.
There's a lot of things that have to happen before we even think about who is in line to start next year.
Please keep in mind a couple of things:
-- Don't underestimate summer training, conditioning and work-outs. Each player after the season is given a critique and opportunity to work on his game off-season. Look, for example, at how Oso developed.
-- Don't underestimate Caedin Hamilton either. He's already enrolled and probably getting huge coaching and development. Will he be good enough? Who knows?
-- Finally, I'm a fan of Al Amadou. Assuming he stays and his defense improves, he will be a contributor next year. If it doesn't, hello portal!
Ultimately, I believe in Coach Shaka. He used the portal his first year and managed to get into the NCAA -- against the odds. While I suspect the Portal is not the way Coach Shaka wants to go, he knows as well as every Brother and Sister Scooper that his first job is to win -- and win big. That means the Portal will be if necessary to maintain Marquette excellence.
Amadou forever jinxed
I believe that Shaka will field a competitive team next year. One thing to keep in mind is that UConn will be losing 4 of 5 starters (maybe all 5 if Karaban goes pro) and Creighton will probably lose 2 of their big 3 if not all of them. The top teams in the BE are going to look drastically different next year.
Quote from: MUbiz on February 19, 2024, 10:50:24 AM
I believe that Shaka will field a competitive team next year. One thing to keep in mind is that UConn will be losing 4 of 5 starters (maybe all 5 if Karaban goes pro) and Creighton will probably lose 2 of their big 3 if not all of them. The top teams in the BE are going to look drastically different next year.
If I'm in the ticket office, I'm not even trying to sell tickets this summer. Doomed
Quote from: Uncle Rico on February 19, 2024, 10:53:17 AM
If I'm in the ticket office, I'm not even trying to sell tickets this summer. Doomed
So you are saying I should not pay my $100 deposit for my season ticket renewal Uncle Rico? :)
Quote from: MUbiz on February 19, 2024, 10:54:42 AM
So you are saying I should not pay my $100 deposit for my season ticket renewal Uncle Rico? :)
No, the team is going to stink and Shaka will be coaching Louisville
Quote from: Uncle Rico on February 19, 2024, 10:56:35 AM
No, the team is going to stink and Shaka will be coaching Louisville
That would be a tough scene for Marquette - I will have to take this into consideration before placing my deposit. 8-)
Shaka on the Jon Rothstein pod this morning mentioned that there have been conversations about Kolek/Ighodaro and their 5th year options...but all before the season.
He noted that it is in-season now and that's where their focus is. They'll pick up the conversations after the year but also noted that they are continuing to put themselves in a good position to fulfill some dreams beyond College.
Quote from: MUbiz on February 19, 2024, 11:01:56 AM
That would be a tough scene for Marquette - I will have to take this into consideration before placing my deposit. 8-)
Using the $100 to get drunk is a better investment IMO
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on February 19, 2024, 12:05:28 PM
Shaka on the Jon Rothstein pod this morning mentioned that there have been conversations about Kolek/Ighodaro and their 5th year options...but all before the season.
He noted that it is in-season now and that's where their focus is. They'll pick up the conversations after the year but also noted that they are continuing to put themselves in a good position to fulfill some dreams beyond College.
I caught a few minutes of the weekly Big East Conference show on FOX. The host, Rob Stone, leading in to a Oso feature, introduced Oso as 'projected lottery pick'. Has that been the talk? Oso a lotto?
Lottery may be optimistic. Consistently mid to late first round.
HoopEx has them 37th, that would be 4th in the big East this year, Shaka has exceeded expectations or meet every year.
https://hoop-explorer.com/TeamEditor?gender=Men&showOnlyTransfers=false&team=Marquette&transferMode=%3Apredictions&year=2024%2F25&
NVM, I see its been converted already
Quote from: We R Final Four on February 18, 2024, 05:50:53 PM
For some reason, people on here don't choose to listen to what Shaka says and they chalk it up to coach speak.
Sometimes it is coach speak. He said similar things about Emarion Ellis. But, he's right about the Kiwimobile
Kolek coming back would be ideal. Not expecting it but don't believe the door is closed.
Shaka will definitely kick the tires on a transfer PG if Kolek goes. It will have to be a player that buys into Shakas culture/expectations. I don't know if such a transfer will be available/gettable.
If Kolek is gone ans we roll with the guys we have, I think it will be a competition between Kam and Tre for the gig. Kam won't be near the Wizard that Kolek is but he's got some passing chops and can breakdown defenses pretty well. Tre, I've consistently heard the dreaded "hes a different guy in practice" line about him. It seems like most of those guys never pan out, but if he does, he's probably the closest we have to a true PG.
We won't be this good next season, but I think we stay in the top 25.
Thanks for weighing in TAMU. Someone mentioned in another thread, if Izzo retires then maybe Tre Holloman would enter the portal. That might be the kind of guy Shaka pursues: past relationship, solid high major player, but maybe not a crazy NIL bidding war.
If Shaka fails/chooses not to add a transfer PG, it might be PG by committee. Kam and Stevie starting, with Chase on the wing. Tre Norman in the mix off the bench. Glad to hear Tre is showing something in practice. Hopefully it eventually translates to games.