1. WCU is well coached and played fearlessly.
2. Kam was a man amongst boys.
3. The young guys were better in the second half. The first, there was no flow. Second, they occasionally ran the offense.
4. Stevie's defense against the cupcakes has been off. Weird.
5. Ben leading the fast break (yes, he stepped out of bounds) and rolling to the basket to get easy lay ups.
6. These two games were exactly what the was needed for bench development. I doubt, other than Seton Hall, that 6-10 are all going to be on the floor at the same very often. But it is good to get them run, good to see them bang, good to see them grow and develop. It is going be OK.
7. I am going to predict Gold, Chase, Royce, Owens, and either Tre or Sean for the 25-26 starting line up. And that the team will continue to be more than competitive.
8. The breather was nice. Back to the grind. Next.
I would like to see a special jersey designed around the T-shirts the team was wearing this game.
9. Walkon scored. Wish they had been in 30 seconds earlier.
All of the joy extinguished by the injury to Zaide.
Quote from: tower912 on November 30, 2024, 03:01:38 PMAll of the joy extinguished by the injury to Zaide.
Yep that was an unwelcome sight. Hope he is alright but looked awful.
Prayers up for Zaide
If it was as bad as we all fear (prayers up for Zaide), Sean Jones recovery now is seen in a whole different light.
Paraphrasing Shaka on the radio, "Trainer is optimistic on Zaide. Nothing like Sean last season"
Quote from: TAMU, Knower of Ball on November 30, 2024, 03:37:06 PMParaphrasing Shaka on the radio, "Trainer is optimistic on Zaide. Nothing like Sean last season"
Well, there's obviously quite the vast middle ground between playing Wednesday and Seans injury.
But very good to hear that seems to be off the table.
If its more of a banged Knee scenario that's encouraging. Could still result in missing some key games the next month but far from worst case
Quote from: TAMU, Knower of Ball on November 30, 2024, 03:37:06 PMParaphrasing Shaka on the radio, "Trainer is optimistic on Zaide. Nothing like Sean last season"
This is great news. Thanks for posting it.
Quote from: tower912 on November 30, 2024, 02:56:16 PM1. WCU is well coached and played fearlessly.
2. Kam was a man amongst boys.
3. The young guys were better in the second half. The first, there was no flow. Second, they occasionally ran the offense.
4. Stevie's defense against the cupcakes has been off. Weird.
5. Ben leading the fast break (yes, he stepped out of bounds) and rolling to the basket to get easy lay ups.
6. These two games were exactly what the was needed for bench development. I doubt, other than Seton Hall, that 6-10 are all going to be on the floor at the same very often. But it is good to get them run, good to see them bang, good to see them grow and develop. It is going be OK.
7. I am going to predict Gold, Chase, Royce, Owens, and either Tre or Sean for the 25-26 starting line up. And that the team will continue to be more than competitive.
8. The breather was nice. Back to the grind. Next.
1- fearlessly, sure. Didn't see the well coached part though.
4- he's spent 3+ years working his arse off on that defensive end. He still does, against good teams when he has to. It's easy to see why he would just take it a bit easier versus the soft.
5- Ben did this against the bounty soft. I'd love to see him get more comfortable dribbling where he will have the opportunity- at the 3P line when he doesn't shoot it against good competition. He still seems weak and uncomfortable dribbling out of pressure in these scenarios and creating. Oso was better at it, Ben has time.
Agree with all others.
Thanks for the write-ups, they are great.
With regards to 7- Royce and Damarius are definitely not shy, kids never saw a shot they didn't like to take. Confidence is good, and they will learn the more selective Marquette way in time. I also agree that they both start next season.
As for position, it seems like Damarius is playing more point than Tre at this point.
Not sure if it'll come to fruition, but Shaka sees something so I believe in it.
IMO Tre has been passed up and won't start, Sean is obvi a question mark.
Shaka had good things to say about Tre last season so we will see, I just don't see it.
Zaide was in line to start imo, so fingers crossed.
Pre Zaide injury I woulda went with
Damarius, Tre, Chase, Parham and Benny to start the season, with SJ22 or Nigel sliding in deeper into the season.
Enjoying this season though, let's go in Ames!!
As I watched Owens today, I thought back to Kam's freshman year. He played very similarly. Moving too fast. Wanting to create every play. Dribbling too much.
Kam is now in complete control on the floor. Here's hoping Owens progresses in the same way cuz the talent is obvious.
The freshmen subbed in the game before the sophs.
I thought Tre and Zaide stepped it up today. Tre with some good defensive plays and Zaide overall game.
Parham hasn't seen a shot he doesn't like. 10 shots are a lot of shots in the amount of time he played.
I have been hard on Jop but he is man out there and when he is stroking, look out.
Kam is so good.
I would like to see Gold drive more and decrease his 3-point shooting unless he has time.
Loved it when the second team was out there in the second half, and they scramble defended WC into a shot clock violation.
Owens is silky smooth. Once he figures out how to defend consistently, he will be really, really good. I hate to compare but he could have a DWade ascent to stardom next year. He has the "it" factor.
Prayers for Zaide. Get and stay healthy.
Big big week next week.
Quote from: tower912 on November 30, 2024, 02:56:16 PM1. WCU is well coached and played fearlessly.
2. Kam was a man amongst boys.
3. The young guys were better in the second half. The first, there was no flow. Second, they occasionally ran the offense.
4. Stevie's defense against the cupcakes has been off. Weird.
5. Ben leading the fast break (yes, he stepped out of bounds) and rolling to the basket to get easy lay ups.
6. These two games were exactly what the was needed for bench development. I doubt, other than Seton Hall, that 6-10 are all going to be on the floor at the same very often. But it is good to get them run, good to see them bang, good to see them grow and develop. It is going be OK.
7. I am going to predict Gold, Chase, Royce, Owens, and either Tre or Sean for the 25-26 starting line up. And that the team will continue to be more than competitive.
8. The breather was nice. Back to the grind. Next.
More than competitive is nice, does it mean deep run in the dance?
Quote from: willie warrior on November 30, 2024, 04:27:54 PMMore than competitive is nice, does it mean deep run in the dance?
I look forward to enjoying the journey and finding out.
Quote from: Jockey on November 30, 2024, 04:08:41 PMAs I watched Owens today, I thought back to Kam's freshman year. He played very similarly. Moving too fast. Wanting to create every play. Dribbling too much.
Kam is now in complete control on the floor. Here's hoping Owens progresses in the same way cuz the talent is obvious.
Owens can already downshift, and he's a big-looking dude. He's got a very high ceiling and Shaka is the guy to develop him.
Quote from: DoctorV on November 30, 2024, 04:01:26 PMWith regards to 7- Royce and Damarius are definitely not shy, kids never saw a shot they didn't like to take. Confidence is good, and they will learn the more selective Marquette way in time. I also agree that they both start next season.
As for position, it seems like Damarius is playing more point than Tre at this point.
Not sure if it'll come to fruition, but Shaka sees something so I believe in it.
IMO Tre has been passed up and won't start, Sean is obvi a question mark.
Shaka had good things to say about Tre last season so we will see, I just don't see it.
DO seems more complete and mostly plays within himself so far—Parham at some point is going to need to be reined in, as he has forced a number of shots. Fine in most of the contexts it has happened so far, but won't get that sort of leash in most remaining games. Love his energy though.
As for thinking too far ahead, have we seen Shaka start an underclassman over an upperclassman yet? Until we do, I'm not ready to anoint any of the frosh over Tre, Sean, Zaide, etc. That seems to be a big part of the culture he is creating—if you commit to us, we'll commit to you.
I was thinking the same about Stevie's D not being quite up to his high standards, but then he really turned it up a notch in the second half and was quite impressive IMHO.
Owens had a couple of sloppy turnovers, but he is very smooth and sure, and he also played much better in the second half. It's already obvious he's going to be a heck of a player.
These two games would have been perfect preparation for the rigors ahead except for the late injury to Zaide. Glad to hear Shaka's comments, and we'll all be thinking positive thoughts.
Owens has a swagger to his game and he clearly is going to be a great player. Pathan isn't any either. These guys played together last year and now have a chance to be two our best players over the next few years. Both will contribute significantly this year as well.
Quote from: BLWarrior91 on November 30, 2024, 05:22:02 PMOwens has a swagger to his game and he clearly is going to be a great player. Pathan isn't any either. These guys played together last year and now have a chance to be two our best players over the next few years. Both will contribute significantly this year as well.
Pathan and Ramsey are gonna be quite the dynamic duo.
Quote from: tower912 on November 30, 2024, 02:56:16 PM1. WCU is well coached and played fearlessly.
2. Kam was a man amongst boys.
3. The young guys were better in the second half. The first, there was no flow. Second, they occasionally ran the offense.
4. Stevie's defense against the cupcakes has been off. Weird.
5. Ben leading the fast break (yes, he stepped out of bounds) and rolling to the basket to get easy lay ups.
6. These two games were exactly what the was needed for bench development. I doubt, other than Seton Hall, that 6-10 are all going to be on the floor at the same very often. But it is good to get them run, good to see them bang, good to see them grow and develop. It is going be OK.
7. I am going to predict Gold, Chase, Royce, Owens, and either Tre or Sean for the 25-26 starting line up. And that the team will continue to be more than competitive.
8. The breather was nice. Back to the grind. Next.
Was a solid win. The youngsters got minutes but unfortunately Zaide got a severe injury. Hopefully, Zaide can be back by conference play
Quote from: Herman Cain on November 30, 2024, 08:34:56 PMWas a solid win. The youngsters got minutes but unfortunately Zaide got a severe injury. Hopefully, Zaide can be back by conference play
Lolwut
I've noticed that Owens and Hamilton have same great chemistry. Three times, including once today, Owens has dropped a perfect picket pass for Hamilton that hes been able to score on. I'm not sure I've seen him cleanly catch any pocket passes from any other players
Quote from: TAMU, Knower of Ball on November 30, 2024, 08:45:54 PMI've noticed that Owens and Hamilton have same great chemistry. Three times, including once today, Owens has dropped a perfect picket pass for Hamilton that hes been able to score on. I'm not sure I've seen him cleanly catch any pocket passes from any other players
That dime Kam dropped him in the 1st half was a TKO approved work of art.
Quote from: TAMU, Knower of Ball on November 30, 2024, 08:45:54 PMI've noticed that Owens and Hamilton have same great chemistry. Three times, including once today, Owens has dropped a perfect picket pass for Hamilton that hes been able to score on. I'm not sure I've seen him cleanly catch any pocket passes from any other players
That's actually a really good point now that you mention it. Everytime DO has fed Hamilton I've found myself pleasantly surprised at the nice catch and finish and I think that's why.
Kam had one to him today where it looked like he had never been passed a ball before.
DO to Caedin would be a fun long term option tho
Quote from: MUMountin on November 30, 2024, 04:35:19 PMDO seems more complete and mostly plays within himself so far—Parham at some point is going to need to be reined in, as he has forced a number of shots. Fine in most of the contexts it has happened so far, but won't get that sort of leash in most remaining games. Love his energy though.
As for thinking too far ahead, have we seen Shaka start an underclassman over an upperclassman yet? Until we do, I'm not ready to anoint any of the frosh over Tre, Sean, Zaide, etc. That seems to be a big part of the culture he is creating—if you commit to us, we'll commit to you.
While I agree and am inclined to say Tre will start simply by way of having more experience, Shaka has also stated (in the recent MUBB Insider video, if I'm remembering right) that winning is always his first priority, and he'd never do something that benefits culture/development/etc. at the expense of a win.
This makes me think that if someone else like Damarius is performing at a higher level than Tre next year, Shaka won't hesitate to start them over him. Consequently, I could see Tre being the 6th man. But that's also assuming Zaide is healthy and starting too.
one of the announcers - during Kam's freshman year - said something like "he plays with aggression, and he only shoots when he has the ball"... I think that's true of Parham this year. Can't wait for his skills to catch up with his attitude... he's going to be a good one.
Quote from: MUMountin on November 30, 2024, 04:35:19 PMAs for thinking too far ahead, have we seen Shaka start an underclassman over an upperclassman yet? Until we do, I'm not ready to anoint any of the frosh over Tre, Sean, Zaide, etc. That seems to be a big part of the culture he is creating—if you commit to us, we'll commit to you.
Shaka hasn't really had many underclassmen worth starting over the upperclassmen.
The only example is Kolek and O-Max both starting as sophomores over RS-Jr Greg Elliott.
I also think we'll have a better idea by the end of the season. If the freshmen pass the sophomores in the rotation, that'll be a pretty big clue as to which players have the inside track to start next year.
In the past the young guys were not better than the upperclassmen, with exception of TK. This freshmen class is an upgrade in talent and I suspect they will continue to get more playing time and likely start next season.
Quote from: Goose on December 01, 2024, 09:47:59 AMIn the past the young guys were not better than the upperclassmen, with exception of TK. This freshmen class is an upgrade in talent and I suspect they will continue to get more playing time and likely start next season.
The only time TK was a "young guy"
He started with 2 other underclassmen haha
Quote from: Goose on December 01, 2024, 09:47:59 AMIn the past the young guys were not better than the upperclassmen, with exception of TK. This freshmen class is an upgrade in talent and I suspect they will continue to get more playing time and likely start next season.
Yep. I don't think Shaka will hesitate to start the soph Owens - and the soph Parham, for that matter - over juniors if he believes it helps the team more.
Maybe if they were newcomers he'd go with older guys, but Owens and Parham will be "veterans" next season, too.
Quote from: MU82 on December 01, 2024, 01:06:56 PMYep. I don't think Shaka will hesitate to start the soph Owens - and the soph Parham, for that matter - over juniors if he believes it helps the team more.
Maybe if they were newcomers he'd go with older guys, but Owens and Parham will be "veterans" next season, too.
Agreed. Shaka is going to put the team out on the floor that gives MU the best chance of winning. Emphasizing "veterans" over newcomers is more a product of the system, that emphasizes defensive intensity, than it is a "rule".
Our defensive system is intense, and complex, which takes players a while to get up to speed on. If a Frosh came in, and immediately could contribute better on both ends of the floor over a Senior, Shaka would start the Frosh.
That's just highly unlikely given the system.
Shaka already said in his post game that DO is the guy he trusts with the ball as a PG most behind Kam(without Sean)
I find it hard to believe hes just gonna be on the bench next year so Norman an undersized 2 guard who cant shoot can start strictly cause hes a junior.
Owens will definitely start next year, he'll be one of our top two or three players.
I'm less certain about Parham. I could see Tre or hopefully a healthy Zaide starting for defense and then Parham coming off the bench to stagger the scorers and be a BE 6th Man of the Year contender like Jop did as a Soph.
Quote from: JTJ3 on December 01, 2024, 01:37:58 PMOwens will definitely start next year, he'll be one of our top two or three players.
I'm less certain about Parham. I could see Tre or hopefully a healthy Zaide starting for defense and then Parham coming off the bench to stagger the scorers and be a BE 6th Man of the Year contender like Jop did as a Soph.
I think playing Owens or Zaide at the 4 to start games would be asking for alots of trouble. Of the foul and bad start variety
Gold, Parham, Owens, Ross, TBD. If those 4 are here, they will start. My instinct says the fifth will be Sean, but that is contingent upon his full recovery.
That will be a starting lineup with length and versatility. The length will be nice.
Quote from: JTJ3 on December 01, 2024, 01:37:58 PMOwens will definitely start next year, he'll be one of our top two or three players.
I'm less certain about Parham. I could see Tre or hopefully a healthy Zaide starting for defense and then Parham coming off the bench to stagger the scorers and be a BE 6th Man of the Year contender like Jop did as a Soph.
I said it in the game chat. Owens will be the next MU player with a triple double. Wouldn't be surprised if it happens next year. Really depends on how much he will handle the ball.
Quote from: tower912 on December 01, 2024, 01:46:30 PMGold, Parham, Owens, Ross, TBD. If those 4 are here, they will start. My instinct says the fifth will be Sean, but that is contingent upon his full recovery.
That will be a starting lineup with length and versatility. The length will be nice.
This, exactly.
Quote from: MU82 on December 01, 2024, 03:12:55 PMThis, exactly.
I would think it is pretty obviously Sean.
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on December 01, 2024, 04:48:45 PMI would think it is pretty obviously Sean.
I don't think it is obvious. We have no idea what Sean will look like post injury.
Quote from: TAMU, Knower of Ball on December 01, 2024, 09:14:47 PMI don't think it is obvious. We have no idea what Sean will look like post injury.
Shaka has said multiple times that Sean is one of his favorite players. He's already back to doing this...he will be Sean.
https://x.com/Aries_Sherrie/status/1856778536083755234?t=Ax1V5cYC-E-s2x23nWjR5g&s=19
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on December 01, 2024, 09:51:59 PMShaka has said multiple times that Sean is one of his favorite players. He's already back to doing this...he will be Sean.
https://x.com/Aries_Sherrie/status/1856778536083755234?t=Ax1V5cYC-E-s2x23nWjR5g&s=19
This does not refute TAMU's post. We will not
know until we see Sean on the court in a game.
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on December 01, 2024, 09:51:59 PMShaka has said multiple times that Sean is one of his favorite players. He's already back to doing this...he will be Sean.
https://x.com/Aries_Sherrie/status/1856778536083755234?t=Ax1V5cYC-E-s2x23nWjR5g&s=19
Shaka has also said multiple times that Tre is one of his favorite players and will be an All Big East player eventually.
A little secret, all of the players are one of Shakas favorite players.
ACLs are tricky. From what I've heard, Seans was particularly severe. He is a player built in speed and explosiveness. Let's give him some time back before crowning him an obvious starter.
Quote from: TAMU, Knower of Ball on December 01, 2024, 11:33:02 PMShaka has also said multiple times that Tre is one of his favorite players and will be an All Big East player eventually.
A little secret, all of the players are one of Shakas favorite players.
ACLs are tricky. From what I've heard, Seans was particularly severe. He is a player built in speed and explosiveness. Let's give him some time back before crowning him an obvious starter.
IMO, he is an obvious starter in the '25-'26 season.
He's played in Big games and will be a Senior in a system that rewards retention. He is already back doing 5 on 5 less than a year later...give him another 11 months and he is that obvious starter.
Sean
Chase
Damarius
Ben
Seems like the most likely 4.
1. Zaide (pending injury diagnosis)
2. Royce
3. Tre
Would be my order for most likely to take that 5th spot.
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on December 02, 2024, 12:20:39 AMIMO, he is an obvious starter in the '25-'26 season.
He's played in Big games and will be a Senior in a system that rewards retention. He is already back doing 5 on 5 less than a year later...give him another 11 months and he is that obvious starter.
Sean
Chase
Damarius
Ben
Seems like the most likely 4.
1. Zaide (pending injury diagnosis)
2. Royce
3. Tre
Would be my order for most likely to take that 5th spot.
You are speculating that Sean will be what he was, except only more experienced. A few of us are saying we hope so ... but we don't know. And neither do you.
Quote from: MU82 on December 02, 2024, 12:52:36 AMYou are speculating that Sean will be what he was, except only more experienced. A few of us are saying we hope so ... but we don't know. And neither do you.
How many times do scoopers need to repeat this before Golden Eagles understands it?
Sean's game is about quickness and explosiveness. It has to be. He is 5'10 and isn't a shooter like Markus or Rowsey. If he isn't as quick, strong, or explosive, he also isn't taller.
I believe he will make a full recovery. It would be good for the team and even better for him. But it takes time and there are no guarantees. I tip my hat to the young man's work and determination.
I can actually see a scenario where, if healthy, both Sean and Tre start. Tre isn't a great offensive player, but the guy can defend. I think he could play the Stevie role, albiet not as well as we are seeing from Stevie now.
So...
Jones, Tre, Chase, Ben, DO (or Zaide)
Royce, Zaide (or DO), Hamilton are the first off the bench. And then you have the five freshmen so who knows.
"You're too small"
"You're too slow"
"Seabiscuit is a stupid name"
You guys sound just like the enemies of Seabiscuit.
If Caedin develops a bit, I could see Benny playing a lot of 4 next year. Would move Damarius to the 3. Caedin and Clark at the 5.
Benny will start at the 5 but could get shifted to the 4 in-game if Clark and/or Caedin are the real deal.
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on December 02, 2024, 09:48:22 AMIf Caedin develops a bit, I could see Benny playing a lot of 4 next year. Would move Damarius to the 3. Caedin and Clark at the 5.
Benny will start at the 5 but could get shifted to the 4 in-game if Clark and/or Caedin are the real deal.
Nah. Maybe a few mins per game, but he's the starting 5.
Parham and Owens next to each other at the 3-4. If both are at MU, book it.
Quote from: The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole on December 02, 2024, 08:37:01 AMI can actually see a scenario where, if healthy, both Sean and Tre start. Tre isn't a great offensive player, but the guy can defend. I think he could play the Stevie role, albiet not as well as we are seeing from Stevie now.
So...
Jones, Tre, Chase, Ben, DO (or Zaide)
Royce, Zaide (or DO), Hamilton are the first off the bench. And then you have the five freshmen so who knows.
Don't see Tre and Sean as a starting backcourt at MU ever. Just not enough offense.
Quote from: BM1090 on December 02, 2024, 06:24:18 PMNah. Maybe a few mins per game, but he's the starting 5.
Isn't that what I said?
Quote from: tower912 on December 02, 2024, 06:38:46 PMParham and Owens next to each other at the 3-4. If both are at MU, book it.
If so, what's the likelihood of the first significant contributor under Shaka transferring out next summer? Have to imagine that Zaide/Tre would not stick around if that is the writing on the wall.
Why?
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on December 02, 2024, 07:20:35 PMIsn't that what I said?
Hasn't Shaka already played Hamilton and Gold together for a couple/few minutes? Unless I'm misremembering ...
Quote from: MU82 on December 02, 2024, 07:57:46 PMHasn't Shaka already played Hamilton and Gold together for a couple/few minutes? Unless I'm misremembering ...
Probably.
I think he's starting there moreso out of experience rather than fit.
I think BG will slot nicely next to Hamilton or Clark at the 4, but expect him to continue to start at the 5 next year.