This thread should be started now and not after the season ends. Let's take a moment to appreciate these guys. If you don't appreciate Stevie, Kam and Jop, take a hike.
And I'm going to start the same topic for the juniors next year
These seniors will be as beloved as Diener, Novak and Wade. I expect the same success this year as well.
That's a fact.
3-0 to start BE play with wins at X and Prov in the mix? Eff yeah.
Absolutely.
Quote from: Shooter McGavin on December 31, 2024, 06:44:07 PMThese seniors will be as beloved as Diener, Novak and Wade. I expect the same success this year as well.
As long as they don't get their heads up their rectum again, Willard voice.
Shaka should sit them and start freshmen, as they just don't mesh.
Special group with a relentless winning drive. A joy to watch.
And credit to Wojo; he recruited Kam and Stevie. Even more credit to Shaka for his remarkable system of player development.
Quote from: GoldenWarrior11 on December 31, 2024, 07:30:54 PMSpecial group with a relentless winning drive. A joy to watch.
And credit to Wojo; he recruited Kam and Stevie. Even more credit to Shaka for his remarkable system of player development.
Shaka re-recruited them (Stevie and Kam) and brought Jop. Don't want this to digress into a coaching argument. Thrilled for these 3.
But glad they went after Stevie over Tyrese Hunter
It has been a genuine joy and pleasure to watch them grow and become.
Stevie o-rating as of tonight is 132.2
62.5 efg%, 65.4 TS%, 10.1 TORate, 5.9% steal rate (9th in the nation)
Kam number 3 in KenPom POY
Dudes
They were part of a group that bought into Shaka and changed the trajectory of MU basketball. As a fan, I give this group an A+ for their time at MU. Hopefully they can be rewarded with a deep run in the tournament.
It's an awesome class. I'm guilty of throwing an occasional irrational dig in an online game thread, but when given time to reflect and zoom out I couldn't be happier with how these 3 have carried themselves throughout their careers on and off the court. Even though the future is so bright with this program, it will suck a bit when these guys aren't on next year's team.
Quote from: Goose on December 31, 2024, 07:39:32 PMThey were part of a group that bought into Shaka and changed the trajectory of MU basketball. As a fan, I give this group an A+ for their time at MU. Hopefully they can be rewarded with a deep run in the tournament.
I agree Goose. Special class, lead by a special coach. And tip of the cap to Rico for contributing a good thread, instead of the usual lame, sarcasm.
Rico can't change
Mostly lurk and read. But every few years I'll log in and post. This is one of those occasions.
These seniors deserve a ton of credit! Each one has improved each of the past few years and are great representatives of MU. Love this thread and appreciate these young men for their contributions!
Quote from: DoctorV on December 31, 2024, 10:11:39 PMRico can't change
Why change excellence unlike dumb a$$ meat crap
Quote from: DoctorV on December 31, 2024, 10:11:39 PMRico can't change
Started a participation award thread smh
These guys are fun to watch, a joy to have on the team and will be direly missed. Look at their development - unreal! Stevie with his offense this year is remarkable! D he had and has improved that tremendously. Kam amd Jop are all in ..... giving it their all.
Such a great trio.......
Quote from: Uncle Rico on December 31, 2024, 06:32:00 PMThis thread should be started now and not after the season ends. Let's take a moment to appreciate these guys. If you don't appreciate Stevie, Kam and Jop, take a hike.
And I'm going to start the same topic for the juniors next year
Don't forget Cam Brown (or Cheese, as the players call him)!
They push it to the max of there abilities,we will not see the likes of them again
Quote from: MattyWarrior on January 01, 2025, 07:48:34 AMThey push it to the max of there abilities,we will not see the likes of them again
High praise, indeed.
Funny part about this group, it is three guys that can barely dunk a basketball. As a whole they delivered the goods above and beyond any expectations.
Quote from: Goose on January 01, 2025, 09:09:34 AMFunny part about this group, it is three guys that can barely dunk a basketball. As a whole they delivered the goods above and beyond any expectations.
I know what you're saying...but remember the Jop dunk a couple games ago ;D
Will be interesting to see their NBA run. Stevie and Jop are stout and Kam smaller but so smooth. Anyway enough of that, let's keep em for 3 more months ( + 7 days ;) )
Quote from: Daniel on December 31, 2024, 11:08:26 PMThese guys are fun to watch, a joy to have on the team and will be direly missed. Look at their development - unreal! Stevie with his offense this year is remarkable! D he had and has improved that tremendously. Kam amd Jop are all in ..... giving it their all.
Such a great trio.......
absolutely dan-shaka has taken a group, sold them on his stuff, they all buy in and WINNING!! rebounding? hell. we'll just steal the ball before they can get a shot off. our D is driving teams crazy. just when they think they can turn the corner or make a pass...whooop!
Shaka has figured out how to out do NIL/portal with relationships/culture
Seniors showing senior leadership. Warrior mentality.
They are a great example for the underclassmen.
These 3 have embraced the culture, the relationships, the growth, the victory. They are walking, breathing examples of the program and ethos Shaka wants. In a perfect world, however, they will not be seen as exceptional, merely the first of many seniors who do what they did. So, embrace them for who they are. And be optimistic for what they represent.
Loved that every time it went to commercial Kam was encouraging the guys to stay locked in as they came to the huddle, even up so big.
There were several times during the game where I wondered if Kim English looked across at Shaka and a Marquette huddle and thought to himself that he's got one heckuva Olympus sized mountain to climb to get his program anywhere close to where Shaka has gotten the Marquette program...
What Coach Smart has done to Marquette in these 4 years is transformational, and no small feat.
This years senior class, just like the one that has already graduated and the one that will follow its footsteps, is an embodiment of that transformation.
Now the program just needs one big breakthrough and the sky is the limit.
I've recently shifted my goalposts on what I would consider success for this season, and the expectations aren't fair, but I'm sure Shaka would secretly, if not openly, agree.
That's a testament to what he's done in Milwaukee.
A few years ago I said a single NCAA win would suffice, then I wanted two wins and a trip to the sweet 16, and now I want a BE Championship and a trip to the Final 4.
Realistic? Sure, I think so. I've said a few times that this is the best defensive Marquette team in the Shaka era, and probably one of the best rebounding teams as well.
Health will be the key. Yesterday showed me what a healthier Stevie and Zaide look like, and it really elevates the team.
It's MUCH easier to win games when you hold the opponent in the 60s and low 70s.
Let's see how it all plays out, but it's an incredible feeling as a Marquette fan to have a BE title and possible trip to the FF as attainable goals to start a year