...and I don't mean Shaka using it. Is this the point in the season when "transfer portal" teams can eclipse Shaka's "home grown" teams?
No doubt we started on a tear and looked like one of the best teams in the country. All credit to Shaka. We've also had a few injuries (Kam, Stevie, Chase, Zaide) that held us back.
Legit, the first few games where we fell behind in the first half but ended up winning I was hoping Shaka was instructing his guys to take it easy in the first half. I don't believe that's the case.
Can Shaka overcome very talented rosters that eventually gel, with his home grown (also talented) rosters?
Let's also talk about Shaka the "sports psychologist". Early in the first half, I think at the under 16 TO, he yelled (reading lips) to Kam "That's not you" when Kam threw the ball out of bounds.
Kam has never not been himself, he's surprised us all by being such a good passer. Not sure why Shaka would knock him down there. We need Kam the fearless, not Kam questioning if he's being himself.
Quote from: rocky_warrior on February 04, 2025, 11:14:22 PMLet's also talk about Shaka the "sports psychologist". Early in the first half, I think at the under 16 TO, he yelled (reading lips) to Kam "That's not you" when Kam threw the ball out of bounds.
Kam has never not been himself, he's surprised us all by being such a good passer. Not sure why Shaka would knock him down there. We need Kam the fearless, not Kam questioning if he's being himself.
I'm pretty sure Shaka said 'he can't guard you'
Quote from: PistolPete on February 05, 2025, 12:10:36 AMI'm pretty sure Shaka said 'he can't guard you'
Ok, I'm just an amateur lip reader.
Edit: Just rewatched, it's at 16:56 in the first half. "He can't guard you." "C'mon man" ?
Quote from: rocky_warrior on February 04, 2025, 10:44:49 PM...and I don't mean Shaka using it. Is this the point in the season when "transfer portal" teams can eclipse Shaka's "home grown" teams?
No doubt we started on a tear and looked like one of the best teams in the country. All credit to Shaka. We've also had a few injuries (Kam, Stevie, Chase, Zaide) that held us back.
Legit, the first few games where we fell behind in the first half but ended up winning I was hoping Shaka was instructing his guys to take it easy in the first half. I don't believe that's the case.
Can Shaka overcome very talented rosters that eventually gel, with his home grown (also talented) rosters?
Hmmmm....How many transfers does Pitino have in his rotation? Two or three? How many does Shaka? Zip. Who won and is in first place? Let the name calling begin.
I think in retrospect this was an imperfect team that played over its head to start the year, and now its imperfections have been exposed.
And yes, I think a lot of the "playing over its head" was because they didn't have to integrate transfers into the mix.
Rocky, your initial question is an interesting one. MU's continuity certainly appeared to be an advantage early. Other teams have found their rhythm. And, conference opponents know what MU is going to run and have plans to stop it. UConn knows they aren't going to help. SJU crashes the boards with even more intention.
So, now that everyone knows who they are and what they want to do to MU, what adjustments can MU make? Last season, MU had the January slump and the late season injury slump. The January slump ended when TKo started dominating the ball again. The equivalent this season would be for Jones and Joplin to start making shots.
Quote from: willie warrior on February 05, 2025, 03:37:27 AMHmmmm....How many transfers does Pitino have in his rotation? Two or three? How many does Shaka? Zip. Who won and is in first place? Let the name calling begin.
How many transfers does DePaul have?
Quote from: tower912 on February 05, 2025, 06:38:10 AMRocky, your initial question is an interesting one. MU's continuity certainly appeared to be an advantage early. Other teams have found their rhythm. And, conference opponents know what MU is going to run and have plans to stop it. UConn knows they aren't going to help. SJU crashes the boards with even more intention.
So, now that everyone knows who they are and what they want to do to MU, what adjustments can MU make? Last season, MU had the January slump and the late season injury slump. The January slump ended when TKo started dominating the ball again. The equivalent this season would be for Jones and Joplin to start making shots.
This and teams / coaches have figured out Jones drives and spin moves, they're forcing him to spin at harder angles plus has been getting blocked recently. They're allowing him to take the 3 point shot and his shooting has become very inconsistent. Some of his shots are way off, very unlike Kam. I wonder if it is injury or mental, caused by all the pressure he is getting.
Quote from: tower912 on February 05, 2025, 06:38:10 AMLast season, MU had the January slump and the late season injury slump. The January slump ended when TKo started dominating the ball again.
This is good to remember. Though I'm not certain there's any similar adjustment for Kam & Jop. Obviously, best case is it's just a slump, and the starters will start making 3s at a higher clip again. That makes everything look better, and the offense work better.
I don't buy it. I just think our level of play has dropped offensively because guys aren't making shots, it's snowballed, and has led to great frustration.
Quote from: The Sultan on February 05, 2025, 04:15:15 AMI think in retrospect this was an imperfect team that played over its head to start the year, and now its imperfections have been exposed.
And yes, I think a lot of the "playing over its head" was because they didn't have to integrate transfers into the mix.
I would agree. Ben has really struggled. Disappeared the last few games.Tough to have a big man starting that struggles to contribute anything. Reminds me a bit of Craig Butrym.
Ben was at almost 50% from 3 in league and had back to back games of 13 and 9 rebounds within the last two weeks, as well as scaring Matta into changing his lineup and keeping Screen away from him. He has struggled the last couple if games. He isn't alone. Ebbs and flows.
Quote from: tower912 on February 05, 2025, 08:15:44 AMBen was at almost 50% from 3 in league and had back to back games of 13 and 9 rebounds within the last two weeks, as well as scaring Matta into changing his lineup and keeping Screen away from him. He has struggled the last couple if games. He isn't alone. Ebbs and flows.
He sucks and I hope he transfers
Quote from: tower912 on February 05, 2025, 08:15:44 AMBen was at almost 50% from 3 in league and had back to back games of 13 and 9 rebounds within the last two weeks, as well as scaring Matta into changing his lineup and keeping Screen away from him. He has struggled the last couple if games. He isn't alone. Ebbs and flows.
Are you saying that college players are inconsistent? That must only be an MU thing and not effect any other team in the country.
Quote from: 79Warrior on February 05, 2025, 08:11:57 AMReminds me a bit of Craig Butrym.
OUCH!!!!!
I'll leave the coaching to Shaka and how to turn this team in the direction it needs to go.
That said, I agree with Brother Sultan that this is a somewhat flawed team. After the pre-conference season, our expectations became sky-high. The team probably is good enough to win one, maybe two NCAA tournament games but will struggle mightily beyond that point. We can't compete yet with the Auburns, Dukes or, as we saw, Iowa States of the world. Not yet, anyway.
Our guys are playing their heart out but you can see fatigue setting in, mentally and physically.
The good news in all of this is our younger players are stepping up. Our recruiting is focusing on a more complete team and as time moves on, we'll become less finesse and more physical.
Kam playing at an all American level is the answer. MU is not the same team as they were early in the season because he is not currently. Fair or not, he is the major factor that will define this year's ceiling.
Joplin is Joplin. He will never be consistent on offense and even more importantly as an offensive decision maker/ball handler. He wouldn't even be on the floor playing like he did last night on offense if not for his defense. Shaka simply doesn't have the proper depth at his position. Owens is not productive enough on offense at this stage of his career and is a turnstone on defense currently. This is the only position a portal player could/should have been taken IMO. But maybe Owens doesn't come then. I believe in Shaka's system. But it will lower the ceiling's of some teams while he is here. I accept this. I want Shaka here a long time.
On the bright side. These offensive slumps are causing the team to need the bench to step up. Parnham and Zaide last night looked good. Really liked their takes to the hoop as well as making the threes (obviously). This Kam slump is forcing others to be better. If and only if Kam comes out of this our ceiling will be a little higher for it.
Let's hope it happens soon.
KState will be an interesting team to keep an eye on with regards to this topic. Bunch of (highly paid) transfers and finally starting to win.
Indiana's transfers seem to be coming together.
Quote from: MuggsyB on February 05, 2025, 08:47:54 AMIndiana's transfers seem to be coming together.
Along with their aircraft carrier and midrange shooting.
Quote from: MuggsyB on February 05, 2025, 08:47:54 AMIndiana's transfers seem to be coming together.
Is that a transfer problem, or a Mike Woodson problem?
For a team with the "recruit and develop" model, I'm disappointed with the maturity level of this group. The slow starts, swings in their focus and effort level, particularly on the defensive end, are what I'd expect of a younger team. Also, the adventures they have hanging on to a late lead are not what I'd want to see from a group that has 3/4 of their minutes come from upperclassmen.
Too many mental errors coming from guys who have played in a ton of big games. Jop looked like a freshman last night getting backcut over and over. Kam's dumb fouls and sloppy-ass high dribble that led to a few turnovers. Stevie flying into guys like Ronnie Lott and getting in foul trouble. The less said about Ben the better.
I should trust this group a lot more than I do, given what they've accomplished. But they just can't seem to get out of their own way lately.
Quote from: rocky_warrior on February 05, 2025, 08:52:56 AMIs that a transfer problem, or a Mike Woodson problem?
Yes.
Woodson was a mediocre NBA coach. The only reason he got that job was he played for Knight. Nepotism hire. IU should have canned him last offseason and snagged May.
However, IU got the exact kind of transfers MU fans are clamoring for. And they run the old school sets MU fans are clamoring for. The only thing left now is to figure out why it didn't work. Player combinations? Coaching? System? Some of everything?
Quote from: rocky_warrior on February 04, 2025, 10:44:49 PM...and I don't mean Shaka using it. Is this the point in the season when "transfer portal" teams can eclipse Shaka's "home grown" teams?
No doubt we started on a tear and looked like one of the best teams in the country. All credit to Shaka. We've also had a few injuries (Kam, Stevie, Chase, Zaide) that held us back.
Legit, the first few games where we fell behind in the first half but ended up winning I was hoping Shaka was instructing his guys to take it easy in the first half. I don't believe that's the case.
Can Shaka overcome very talented rosters that eventually gel, with his home grown (also talented) rosters?
I think this thought was started in another thread last week, but it makes logical sense that MU is going to have less upside during the season than a team built with a number of transfers in key roles.
The benefit to continuity is that a team has been playing together for years--Kam and Mitchell and Joplin have been together 3+ years. "Newcomers" Ross and Gold are now 2+ years on the team.
Honestly, after 3 years how much more are Stevie and Kam going to learn about playing together? They already instinctively know just about everything about each other's skills, instincts, capabilities, etc. Every player can get better, but MU's continuity has probably means that as a team, they're at or near maximum team capability.
Compare that to St. Johns with 4 transfers--3 in starting roles. Assuming practices start in October, by the first nonconference games they have been playing together for only about a month. No matter how individually talented those players are, they're going to learn a lot about each other over their first few months working together. They have a ton of upside that will evolve over the course of the season.
A team with continuity is going to look great in non-conference, but has less upside for improvement.
A team incorporating transfers is going to look suspect in non-conference, but has a lot of room for improvement.
Quote from: rocky_warrior on February 04, 2025, 10:44:49 PMLegit, the first few games where we fell behind in the first half but ended up winning I was hoping Shaka was instructing his guys to take it easy in the first half. I don't believe that's the case.
?
You honestly believed that Shaka Smart would instruct any player at any time ever to "take it easy"??
I hope you came to the right conclusion that Shaka would never ever do that.
Relationships. Regression. Defeats.
Quote from: We R Final Four on February 05, 2025, 09:45:38 AM?
You honestly believed that Shaka Smart would instruct any player at any time ever to "take it easy"??
I hope you came to the right conclusion that Shaka would never ever do that.
Honestly believed? Not really. Honestly questioned? Yes. It was crazy how little energy the guys were playing with to start the games. And then how much energy they would put into defense to start the second half. The adjustment seemed 100% to be "Play Harder!", lol.
In light of knowing that 3 pt shooting was a weakness coming into this year, did Shaka even look into the portal. If yes and no good fits found than OK. However if he didn't even look, than pretty myopic. Just hoping he has some strategy in place. Note, we likely have the same 3 pt problem next year.
Miletic and Phillips can both really shoot it. But who knows how ready they'll be.
I'd love a Morsell-type bridge player to score the ball, but I'm not holding my breath.
Quote from: Captain Quette on February 05, 2025, 11:30:49 AMIn light of knowing that 3 pt shooting was a weakness coming into this year, did Shaka even look into the portal. If yes and no good fits found than OK. However if he didn't even look, than pretty myopic. Just hoping he has some strategy in place. Note, we likely have the same 3 pt problem next year.
Why assume that was a weakness? Kam, Jop, & Ben were all over 35% last year. Stevie and Chase were both over 38% in conference play last year. From a data perspective, that should've been a strength. It hasn't played out that way, but I feel confident the staff planned on shooting more threes and connecting at a higher rate.
Quote from: Captain Quette on February 05, 2025, 11:30:49 AMIn light of knowing that 3 pt shooting was a weakness coming into this year, did Shaka even look into the portal. If yes and no good fits found than OK. However if he didn't even look, than pretty myopic. Just hoping he has some strategy in place. Note, we likely have the same 3 pt problem next year.
Given Ben's conference shooting, and Kam and Jop's percentages I doubt Shaka thought it'd be an issue. Anyone who knew it'd be an issue was actually just overly focused on NC State and happened to be right after a few conference games.
From early August... I thought we had a chance to improve slightly in 3fg%, with Jop being key. Obviously not how it's been turning out, but to think the staff knew 3fg% was going to be this down I don't think is fair.
Quote from: Jay Bee on August 07, 2024, 11:54:38 AMWe finished #45 in raw offensive efficiency and #21 in KenPom offensive AE. I expect a drop in OE this season and perhaps the only reasonable path to improve would be insane (top 10 nationally) 3-point shooting.
.........
eFG% - We're down to the most important factor as our only hope. We were great last season – 55.0%, good for #21 in the nation.. So, the problem is there isn't a ton of room to move up. A bigger problem is our 2FG% of 56.6% (#13).
Gone is Oso and his 58.0% 2FG%. Sure, Ben was at 75.8%, but those were limited attempts and a lot of dunks. Can he be a 60% guy? Certainly.
Stevie Mitchell's 63.1% would be tough to repeat. Kam's 59.6% 2FG% was great, and it's certainly possible he could wind up with something similar this year... but can't project dramatic improvement. Chase (47.6%) and the frosh may find a way to get it done... and Jop can be quite a bit better than his 50.0%.. but overall I'm not banking on improvement in 2FG% and expect it to be down a bit.
So, now we're onto 3FG%. We finished at a solid 35.2% for the season, including the NC State debacle caused by fraudulently-filled basketballs and crap rims. That was good for #106 in the country.
Once you're into the 37.2% range (a 2.0% improvement), you're sitting at about #20 nationally. If we dropped our 2FG% by 2.0% and improved 3FG% by 2.0% with last year's attempt mix, our eFG% would decline by 0.1%.
We're losing Tyler's 38.8% on 121 attempts. Not breathtaking, but very good. Kam sat at 40.6%, a career high. Could we see an uptick? I'm certainly hoping so.. but I think we're talking about 42-43%.. nothing shocking, like Markus' freshman year 54.7%.
Jop is capable of much better than 35.5%. He will be key.
Some good news is most of the rest of the group (excluding Chase and Ben) were flat out terrible shooting the ball from distance. The 'others' should improve in a group, including the sophs and frosh. Can Damarius and Royce step up and knock down high-30%? Sure.
But, it's asking a lot.. I do think it's possible to improve our 3FG%.. but at the end of the day, we're probably just offsetting declines in 2FG%, and it's going to be volatile.
Over the course of the season, I think our offense is down. It won't be bad – it'll be good. But, not flirting with elite. I'd probably be happy with something in the mid-30's, but would project more in the ballpark of the mid-40's.
Pray.
It seems to me that, while portal teams needed time for transfers to assimilate, Shaka knew his team's ceiling depended upon getting bench contributions. He went to the bench early and often this season and we are starting to see that pay dividends. More experienced transfers might have been able to take the step up more quickly. That said, there is still hoops left to play and the bench still has time to close any gap. Obviously, getting Kam back on track is the key, but getting offense from the bench could take off some of the pressure. Ross's improving offensive play will help as well. We'll see.
Quote from: tower912 on February 05, 2025, 08:15:44 AMBen was at almost 50% from 3 in league and had back to back games of 13 and 9 rebounds within the last two weeks, as well as scaring Matta into changing his lineup and keeping Screen away from him. He has struggled the last couple if games. He isn't alone. Ebbs and flows.
Shin splint issues again, why he is limited.
It would not surprise me. Is that official or internet chat?
As others have said this was an over achieving team for the first 3 months due to the fact that they were upperclassmen laden and didn't have to integrate transfers. They are arriving back at where they would have been expected to be losing Tyler and Oso. And it probably doesn't bode well for a deep run in March.
I fear that Shaka has become so committed being the poster child for abstaining from the portal that he is doing it to the detriment of team performance. You can take a transfer here or there to upgrade talent and still rely primarily on in house development. If a kid has a chance to be a star you'll typically see flashes as a freshman. That certainly was the case with Kam and Chase. If you don't see it you need to bring in some portal help despite what it might do to "relationships". Can the Sophs reach at least Stevie level as upper classmen (despite Zaide's performance last night Im not certain) Will Sean be star material coming off that injury? Are any of the guys slotted as a 5 going to pan out? (Ben was certainly overmatched last night)
I assume expectations under Shaka have risen to the point that it is not longer good enough have a middle tier BE team that can knock off one of the big boys on occasion. We expect to be one of the big boys and that means high performance out of all 5 starters and a couple of bench players. Pretty tough to hit home runs on most of your High School recruits but that is what you need. Seems pretty clear at least limited use of the portal will be required.
Quote from: rocky_warrior on February 04, 2025, 10:44:49 PM...and I don't mean Shaka using it. Is this the point in the season when "transfer portal" teams can eclipse Shaka's "home grown" teams?
No doubt we started on a tear and looked like one of the best teams in the country. All credit to Shaka. We've also had a few injuries (Kam, Stevie, Chase, Zaide) that held us back.
Legit, the first few games where we fell behind in the first half but ended up winning I was hoping Shaka was instructing his guys to take it easy in the first half. I don't believe that's the case.
Can Shaka overcome very talented rosters that eventually gel, with his home grown (also talented) rosters?
No. st. Johns proved it. Ande they played poorly but still won.
Quote from: tower912 on February 05, 2025, 01:55:10 PMIt would not surprise me. Is that official or internet chat?
Raftery mentioned last night, but only once. But in the UCONN game I was wondering why he was being platooned and limited, told Doc (sitting by me) he must have issues. Had both shin splints and ankle tendinitis (Stevie) while a sprinter in HS. I don't even know how they can play. The pain from both is like a torn muscle injury, like a knife is cutting into you.
I have had shin splints. Agreed.
I had the sound down a fair amount of the game listening to my wife. Surprised more people didn't hear and comment on that.
Regarding shooting last year, it had been a weakness most of the year. First is the nc state game and second, no one on our team was or is a knock down 3 pt shooter a la Steve Novak despite the shooting percentages listed above (which over the course of the entire season were at best pedestrian).
I still have high hopes and will support this team just wish Shaka would have done more in off season.
The shooting definitely isn't where it needs to be. Not making excuses, but last night I noticed Kam, Stevie, and Chase all nursing injured shooting hands/wrists at one time or another. Chase has his shooting thumb wrapped. Don't tell me that's not affecting their shooting.
And if Ben has shin splints, that's gotta be affecting his shooting too.
Quote from: Captain Quette on February 05, 2025, 04:24:14 PMRegarding shooting last year, it had been a weakness most of the year. First is the nc state game and second, no one on our team was or is a knock down 3 pt shooter a la Steve Novak despite the shooting percentages listed above (which over the course of the entire season were at best pedestrian).
I still have high hopes and will support this team just wish Shaka would have done more in off season.
That's a lie. We were a solid 35.2% for the season and 36.6% in Big East play, showing we were good and got better as the year went on. Did we have outlier performances like Butler at home & NC State along the way? Sure, but you're ignoring the facts that in addition to 36.6% in conference, we shot 39.3% in our three games at MSG in the BET and 38.6% in the NCAA opening weekend to get to the Sweet 16.
Last year we had an excellent shooting team that shot better every step of the way until a crazy outlier against NC State. Most of those players returned which is why this team was expected to be much better from three than they've been.
Brew - very good stats. At overall 35% on 3s, which put us at about the 110th best 3 pt shooting team in country and losing Kolek (who I believe shot 38%), it may have been something to address. Was not lying just hoping that shaka improved upon what you yourself called "solid."
Also, Parham and Owens were considered good 3 pt shooters.
Quote from: tower912 on February 05, 2025, 05:20:47 PMAlso, Parham and Owens were considered good 3 pt shooters.
Owens is almost at 50% from 3. If he could impact the game more defensively he'd definitely help in that area. Maybe Shaka needs to let him make mistakes now so he can help impact them later. Maybe he needs more run.
Quote from: dgies9156 on February 05, 2025, 08:24:00 AMOUCH!!!!!
I'll leave the coaching to Shaka and how to turn this team in the direction it needs to go.
That said, I agree with Brother Sultan that this is a somewhat flawed team. After the pre-conference season, our expectations became sky-high. The team probably is good enough to win one, maybe two NCAA tournament games but will struggle mightily beyond that point. We can't compete yet with the Auburns, Dukes or, as we saw, Iowa States of the world. Not yet, anyway.
Our guys are playing their heart out but you can see fatigue setting in, mentally and physically.
The good news in all of this is our younger players are stepping up. Our recruiting is focusing on a more complete team and as time moves on, we'll become less finesse and more physical.
Beat:
Purdue 7th ranked currently
Maryland 18th ranked currently
Wisconsin 21st ranked currently
Lost
Iowa State 8th ranked currently
UConn 19th ranked currently
St Johns 12th ranked currently
Guys. I get it, we lost a couple of winnable games and they didn't feel that close, but we have also beaten some really good teams, and will get another shot at UConn and St Johns. Relax.
This argument goes back to scoop's inception. A coach doesn't give a freshman time based on defense, practice habits, understanding of role. Scoop thinks he is wrong.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on February 05, 2025, 05:41:32 PMBeat:
Purdue 7th ranked currently
Maryland 18th ranked currently
Wisconsin 21st ranked currently
Lost
Iowa State 8th ranked currently
UConn 19th ranked currently
St Johns 12th ranked currently
Guys. I get it, we lost a couple of winnable games and they didn't feel that close, but we have also beaten some really good teams, and will get another shot at UConn and St Johns. Relax.
There's nothing wrong with losing to the teams they are losing to. How they are losing is the issue.
If they want to build towards making a Final Four or winning a Championship they have to start playing better. That's the goal right?
At the end of the day, a critical fan isn't going to change any outcome on the court. I think many fans criticisms come from us seeing that this team is capable of being a good team and doing something special.
Quote from: tower912 on February 05, 2025, 05:44:14 PMThis argument goes back to scoop's inception. A coach doesn't give a freshman time based on defense, practice habits, understanding of role. Scoop thinks he is wrong.
We also have a recency bias problem that will never be solved.
Don't forget the aircraft carrier argument. MU has not had one in the 18 years scoop has been around.
And myopia. Thinking universal themes like losing streaks that happen to nearly every team every season are unique to MU and should lead to an existential crisis.
I just surprised there's not more b1tching about the lack of a "true point guard"
#M2N
Quote from: tower912 on February 05, 2025, 05:49:44 PMDon't forget the aircraft carrier argument. MU has not had one in the 18 years scoop has been around.
And myopia. Thinking universal themes like losing streaks that happen to nearly every team every season are unique to MU and should lead to an existential crisis.
Will you stop being rational? You're no fun!
Rational is very rude.
Quote from: tower912 on February 05, 2025, 06:49:28 PMRational is very rude.
Which synonym would you deem acceptable my friend?
Quote from: Jay Bee on February 05, 2025, 06:47:47 PMI just surprised there's not more b1tching about the lack of a "true point guard"
#M2N
We lack every position, Truly ;D
Well, since basketball has become positionless, I think we're right where we need to be.
Quote from: BrewCity83 on February 06, 2025, 09:54:00 AMWell, since basketball has become positionless, I think we're right where we need to be.
On our backs with our ankles in the air?
This is a team that will likely end up 3rd in the BE at best and, at worst, 5th. Yes, they beat Purdue, Maryland, and Wisc early on, but none of those teams were as good then as they are now. Truth is, the team's upside is limited, largely because of shooting woes but also because Ben Gold is too often overmatched and Joplin is simply Joplin - you never know what you are going to get. I think it true that Shaka expected more from the bench players, and it has taken a while for that to actually happen. But, now that the bench is playing better, the starters are levelling off. I think we all know that Shaka's developmental model has some risk and will create some inconsistencies - and may lead to some down years. Is he eventually going to use the portal to solve some roster issues? Probably. But, I suspect it will be very limited. I doubt that MU has the money available to play that game very aggressively. I have no choice but to believe that Shaka knows what he is doing.
We only get the easy wins. And even the hard wins were easy.
Quote from: wadesworld on February 06, 2025, 10:58:10 AMWe only get the easy wins. And even the hard wins were easy.
Tale as old as time.
Shaka just isn't trying at all to get an aircraft carrier that shoots 40% from 3 and plays pg.
I think there are several under reported lingering injuries. Stevie's achilles, wrists for Kam and Chase. Shin splints for Ben. I think that the bench is getting it earns. I think Shaka would love to be able to play the bench more. They have to produce. A tale as old as time. Play defense. Know the scout. Run the offense. Take the right shots.
Quote from: rgoode57 on February 06, 2025, 10:57:17 AMThis is a team that will likely end up 3rd in the BE at best and, at worst, 5th. Yes, they beat Purdue, Maryland, and Wisc early on, but none of those teams were as good then as they are now. Truth is, the team's upside is limited, largely because of shooting woes but also because Ben Gold is too often overmatched and Joplin is simply Joplin - you never know what you are going to get. I think it true that Shaka expected more from the bench players, and it has taken a while for that to actually happen. But, now that the bench is playing better, the starters are levelling off. I think we all know that Shaka's developmental model has some risk and will create some inconsistencies - and may lead to some down years. Is he eventually going to use the portal to solve some roster issues? Probably. But, I suspect it will be very limited. I doubt that MU has the money available to play that game very aggressively. I have no choice but to believe that Shaka knows what he is doing.
Purdue was 6th when we beat them, now 7th
Wisconsin was 11th when we beat them, now 21st
Maryland was unranked when we beat them now 18th
Making quite the dishonest argument here.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on February 06, 2025, 12:27:11 PMPurdue was 6th when we beat them, now 7th
Wisconsin was 11th when we beat them, now 21st
Maryland was unranked when we beat them now 18th
Making quite the dishonest argument here.
As we like to say... that guy was all about #FakeNews #Lies
Quote from: The Sultan on February 05, 2025, 04:15:15 AMI think in retrospect this was an imperfect team that played over its head to start the year, and now its imperfections have been exposed.
And yes, I think a lot of the "playing over its head" was because they didn't have to integrate transfers into the mix.
1000%