This season felt like empty calories. Started off great, then nothing the last six weeks.
I'm not sure where this program Is going. I don't mean that in an uber negative way, but I don't know if Shaka sticks with his philosophy around recruiting/transfers, how well is that going to work out in the short term.
MU is never going to be a program that is a top 2 seed every year. That's just the reality.
Thanks to the seniors for a lot of great memories!
Quote from: wadesworld on March 21, 2025, 08:39:44 PMMU is never going to be a program that is a top 2 seed every year. That's just the reality.
Could we at least be a program that plays to its seed once in a while? That would nice.
Quote from: Dish on March 21, 2025, 08:38:39 PMThis season felt like empty calories. Started off great, then nothing the last six weeks.
I'm not sure where this program Is going. I don't mean that in an uber negative way, but I don't know if Shaka sticks with his philosophy around recruiting/transfers, how well is that going to work out in the short term.
Easily the worst of the 4 years.
year 1 had no expectations and got super hot and got into the dance to get blasted.
This team had a few program legends. Won big games early and absolutely FLAT LINED in a meh league for months. Then lost to a mid major.
Shaka has to wear a lot of it. Having Kam just sit and watch as Jop dribbles 1 on 1 off a guys foot in a 1 score game is comical.
And we constantly had Kam off the ball.
Quote from: Dish on March 21, 2025, 08:38:39 PMThis season felt like empty calories. Started off great, then nothing the last six weeks.
I'm not sure where this program Is going. I don't mean that in an uber negative way, but I don't know if Shaka sticks with his philosophy around recruiting/transfers, how well is that going to work out in the short term.
Perfectly said. Might as well will pretend this season never happened
awesome 5 - 8 record to finish the season!
Quote from: Dish on March 21, 2025, 08:38:39 PMThis season felt like empty calories. Started off great, then nothing the last six weeks.
I'm not sure where this program Is going. I don't mean that in an uber negative way, but I don't know if Shaka sticks with his philosophy around recruiting/transfers, how well is that going to work out in the short term.
This sums it up, thanks Dish.
This is a semi-damning:
In his last 9 NCAA appearances, Shaka has been eliminated by a team at least 3 seed lines worse 7 times.
5 of those season ending losses were to seed lines five higher than his team.
Quote from: PGsHeroes32 on March 21, 2025, 08:44:42 PMEasily the worst of the 4 years.
year 1 had no expectations and got super hot and got into the dance to get blasted.
This team had a few program legends. Won big games early and absolutely FLAT LINED in a meh league for months. Then lost to a mid major.
Shaka has to wear a lot of it. Having Kam just sit and watch as Jop dribbles 1 on 1 off a guys foot in a 1 score game is comical.
And we constantly had Kam off the ball.
Get some help for your Jop Derangement Syndrome, 🤡.
Shaka is lost post season...
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on March 21, 2025, 08:51:47 PMGet some help for your Jop Derangement Syndrome, 🤡.
What in the world did any of that have to do with blaming jop?
If your way of coping with a horrible end is to be a fu cking moron. Admit it. All good.
The reason the season is painful is we were ranked as high as 5 in the nation.
and we went out with a terrible 2025, and the tournament was another predictable ending.
Quote from: PGsHeroes32 on March 21, 2025, 08:56:36 PMWhat in the world did any of that have to do with blaming jop?
If your way of coping with a horrible end is to be a fu cking moron. Admit it. All good.
You could read your post again, dummy. You're absolutely one of the worst on this board. A complete child during game threads.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on March 21, 2025, 08:58:50 PMThe reason the season is painful is we were ranked as high as 5 in the nation.
and we went out with a terrible 2025, and the tournament was another predictable ending.
You're not wrong. That #5 rank felt like it was years ago.
Quote from: PGsHeroes32 on March 21, 2025, 08:44:42 PMEasily the worst of the 4 years.
year 1 had no expectations and got super hot and got into the dance to get blasted.
This team had a few program legends. Won big games early and absolutely FLAT LINED in a meh league for months. Then lost to a mid major.
Shaka has to wear a lot of it. Having Kam just sit and watch as Jop dribbles 1 on 1 off a guys foot in a 1 score game is comical.
And we constantly had Kam off the ball.
I would say the loss to MSU was a bigger disappointment. That team had a huge upside.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on March 21, 2025, 09:00:18 PMYou could read your post again, dummy. You're absolutely one of the worst on this board. A complete child during game threads.
Oh I've read the post too many times dipsh it. Again, I ask where did I blame Jop.
I think I literally said who I blame. Seriously, at least try to be smart. Not asking a lot.'
A complete idiot, in all threads. See, I can play too.
Quote from: muhoops1 on March 21, 2025, 09:03:19 PMI would say the loss to MSU was a bigger disappointment. That team had a huge upside.
Yes, but that was disappointing from a 1 game stand point. Fantastic season with zero expectations and 2 titles.
Sh it ending. But not like this.
Quote from: muhoops1 on March 21, 2025, 09:03:19 PMI would say the loss to MSU was a bigger disappointment. That team had a huge upside.
Each of the last two years were more disappointing. This felt inevitable - we've been in a death spiral for months. Doesn't make it suck less, but the world was a different place when we were sitting at 5. Quite literally.
Ncaa tourny is as much about matchups as it is about playing well.
We have not played well for a long time and were really over seeded this year.
Shaka has had lots of success in conference tournaments.
This offense was broken much of the year and we had roster weakness that was not addressed.
Quote from: Dish on March 21, 2025, 08:49:54 PMThis is a semi-damning:
In his last 9 NCAA appearances, Shaka has been eliminated by a team at least 3 seed lines worse 7 times.
5 of those season ending losses were to seed lines five higher than his team.
"I trust Shaka" (The Scoop thing. Say it isn't so then the old "write him a letter" response)
"Culture"
"Growth,Development,Retain"
Mottos for success.....maybe for seasons, but hasn't shown in NCAAT. Just hoping his philosophy works out.
Quote from: PGsHeroes32 on March 21, 2025, 09:03:37 PMOh I've read the post too many times dipsh it. Again, I ask where did I blame Jop.
I think I literally said who I blame. Seriously, at least try to be smart. Not asking a lot.'
A complete idiot, in all threads. See, I can play too.
The difference is you're incapable of self-reflection. I'm not the one getting constantly called out for his drivel on this board. You are.
Looking forward to your continued idiocy next season.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on March 21, 2025, 09:07:56 PMThe difference is you're incapable of self-reflection. I'm not the one getting constantly called out for his drivel on this board. You are.
Looking forward to your continued idiocy next season.
Wait,
So your deflection to calling me out for insulting Jop....which I didn't do....which I proved I didn't do
Was to tell me to self reflect??
Again, if this is all your odd way of coping. Just say it and save us the trouble. You quoted me and now completely shifted gears you unstable jackass.
Look forward to your next attempt to reply
Quote from: Dish on March 21, 2025, 08:38:39 PMThis season felt like empty calories. Started off great, then nothing the last six weeks.
I'm not sure where this program Is going. I don't mean that in an uber negative way, but I don't know if Shaka sticks with his philosophy around recruiting/transfers, how well is that going to work out in the short term.
Well stated. I am not sure what to say after four (4) years of the Shaka experience?
I should be thrilled with four (4) straight tournament rankings and consistently in the top 25, but it feels like the program left a lot on the table every, single March.
Quote from: PGsHeroes32 on March 21, 2025, 09:10:13 PMWait,
So your deflection to calling me out for insulting Jop....which I didn't do....which I proved I didn't do
Was to tell me to self reflect??
Again, if this is all your odd way of coping. Just say it and save us the trouble. You quoted me and now completely shifted gears you unstable jackass.
Look forward to your next attempt to reply
"While jop dribbles the ball of his foot".
Calling me unstable is priceless. Someone should make you read each and every one of your gamethread posts.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on March 21, 2025, 09:14:33 PM"While jop dribbles the ball of his foot".
Calling me unstable is priceless. Someone should make you read each and every one of your gamethread posts.
So the goal post shifting is to cherry pick the quote and cut out "this is on Shaka". Its not Jops fault that we kept having Kam stand in the corner off the ball as he was breaking down the D(among other guys).
I am so in your head you are back tracking worse than anyone as ever seen.
Quote from: Pakuni on March 21, 2025, 08:41:34 PMCould we at least be a program that plays to its seed once in a while? That would nice.
Playing to your seed is tough when you're a 2 seed. Making an Elite 8 is always tough, 1 seed, 2 seed, whoever. And we've otherwise had an 8 and 10 seed. Those games aren't quite tossups, but they're close.
I'll take getting the best seed in program history in back to back years with disappointing results in years 2 and 3 and then a bit of a step back in year 4. A step back was always coming.
Questioning the identity of our program after going 8 seed, 2 seed, 2 seed, 7 seed in Shaka's first 4 years is a choice. But hey, it's Scoop.
Quote from: PGsHeroes32 on March 21, 2025, 09:17:28 PMSo the goal post shifting is to cherry pick the quote and cut out "this is on Shaka". Its not Jops fault that we kept having Kam stand in the corner off the ball as he was breaking down the D(among other guys).
I am so in your head you are back tracking worse than anyone as ever seen.
You're far too stupid to be in anyone's head.
Quote from: wadesworld on March 21, 2025, 09:19:41 PMPlaying to your seed is tough when you're a 2 seed. Making an Elite 8 is always tough, 1 seed, 2 seed, whoever. And we've otherwise had an 8 and 10 seed. Those games aren't quite tossups, but they're close.
I'll take getting the best seed in program history in back to back years with disappointing results in years 2 and 3 and then a bit of a step back in year 4. A step back was always coming.
Questioning the identity of our program after going 8 seed, 2 seed, 2 seed, 7 seed in Shaka's first 4 years is a choice. But hey, it's Scoop.
Conceding that underperforming as a high seed is statistically easier, where does a step forward come from? Or should we be content that what we've just watched is as good as it gets?
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on March 21, 2025, 09:22:03 PMYou're far too stupid to be in anyone's head.
And yet you quote me continually. And abort your original point to fold and go to standard "you are just too stupid" insults
Yup, I'm dealing with a real Macgyver here.
Quote from: PGsHeroes32 on March 21, 2025, 09:24:23 PMAnd yet you quote me continually. And abort your original point to fold and go to standard "you are just too stupid" insults
Yup, I'm dealing with a real Macgyver here.
Not sure you understand what "continually" means. If I commented on every idiotic post of yours I wouldn't have much time left for anything else.
You're a moron. Have a nice off-season.
Quote from: GB Warrior on March 21, 2025, 09:23:57 PMConceding that underperforming as a high seed is statistically easier, where does a step forward come from? Or should we be content that what we've just watched is as good as it gets?
I mean, it hasn't been as good as it gets.
Last time I felt the roster lacked talent to compete at a high level going into an offseason we ended up winning the BE title and BET. So until Shaka isn't giving us bites at the Apple I'll just trust we'll continue to get them and hope we break through. What else is there to do?
Quote from: wadesworld on March 21, 2025, 09:19:41 PMPlaying to your seed is tough when you're a 2 seed. Making an Elite 8 is always tough, 1 seed, 2 seed, whoever. And we've otherwise had an 8 and 10 seed. Those games aren't quite tossups, but they're close.
I'll take getting the best seed in program history in back to back years with disappointing results in years 2 and 3 and then a bit of a step back in year 4. A step back was always coming.
Questioning the identity of our program after going 8 seed, 2 seed, 2 seed, 7 seed in Shaka's first 4 years is a choice. But hey, it's Scoop.
Yup, you definitely described the empty calories feeling. Year 5 isn't ascending, and it should be when you get back to back years of being a 2 seed. Marquette, I don't think, will be terrible next year, but also have no idea what this team is going to be. I guess trust Shaka, and wait to see. For the amount MU spends on Men's basketball though, it all feels mid right now.
nm
Quote from: muhoops1 on March 21, 2025, 09:03:19 PMI would say the loss to MSU was a bigger disappointment. That team had a huge upside.
That team could've won it all. Massive disappointment. That one should haunt everybody.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on March 21, 2025, 09:27:45 PMNot sure you understand what "continually" means. If I commented on every idiotic post of yours I wouldn't have much time left for anything else.
You're a moron. Have a nice off-season.
"repeated frequently in the same way; regularly."
"in a constantly repeated manner : over and over"
You cannot actually be this stupid. Again, just admit you are lashing out and we will move on.
Quote from: Dish on March 21, 2025, 09:30:16 PMYup, you definitely described the empty calories feeling. Year 5 isn't ascending, and it should be when you get back to back years of being a 2 seed. Marquette, I don't think, will be terrible next year, but also have no idea what this team is going to be. I guess trust Shaka, and wait to see. For the amount MU spends on Men's basketball though, it all feels mid right now.
Since Al was our head coach 50 years ago, when has a run of 8, 2, 2, and 7 seeds been "mid?" I get it, losing early in the Tournament sucks. But acting like Shaka is lost is crazy.
Quote from: Dish on March 21, 2025, 09:30:16 PMFor the amount MU spends on Men's basketball though, it all feels mid right now.
There is always that in the back of my head when I evaluate a season. This past year I heard a number of commentators (more than I recall) mention the amount Marquette spends on basketball . . . and yet it never quite seems to produce FinaL Fours.
Yes, yes, I understand the tourney is a flunky thing, and Marquette has had an amazing four-year regular season run. But I am only human when I say to myself, coulda, woulda, shoulda . . .
Quote from: wadesworld on March 21, 2025, 09:34:10 PMSince Al was our head coach 50 years ago, when has a run of 8, 2, 2, and 7 seeds been "mid?" I get it, losing early in the Tournament sucks. But acting like Shaka is lost is crazy.
Again, the problem is, what did you gain off of 2 and 2? Things should be pointed clearly upwards. I don't think anyone here thinks that they clearly are.
Kind of feel like the years after the 2003 Final Four run when Marquette could not build on that success.
Hopefully it feels better in a few days.
Quote from: wadesworld on March 21, 2025, 09:34:10 PMSince Al was our head coach 50 years ago, when has a run of 8, 2, 2, and 7 seeds been "mid?" I get it, losing early in the Tournament sucks. But acting like Shaka is lost is crazy.
When it comes to the tourney, I don't think it's crazy to say he seems lost. His underperformance is a long term pattern at this point. And while regular season performance is important, the tournament kind of trumps all.
Quote from: warriorfred on March 21, 2025, 09:44:42 PMKind of feel like the years after the 2003 Final Four run when Marquette could not build on that success.
Maybe my expectations are just different, but I don't expect linear growth. I expect a program like Marquette to trend upwards, but have occasional set backs. I think most programs are that way.
Quote from: PuertoRicanNightmare on March 21, 2025, 09:32:49 PMThat team could've won it all. Massive disappointment. That one should haunt everybody.
Awesome - we blew it two years ago. And we should not feel bad cause this years team had no chance.
But we are heading in the right direction ?
Whatever else there is to say about Shaka, at least he doesn't make excuses. During the Wojo years, it was always "We're the youngest team in the oldest league" or "It's really hard to win in college basketball" or whatever other crap he would say through gritted teeth. I've never heard Shaka say something similar. A bite at the apple, with an occasionally *really* good bite at it, is the standard for this program. He's delivered that his first four years, and it's what I expect next year, regardless of roster.
Quote from: The Sultan on March 21, 2025, 09:46:59 PMMaybe my expectations are just different, but I don't expect linear growth. I expect a program like Marquette to trend upwards, but have occasional set backs. I think most programs are that way.
You are probably correct, but I don't like the idea of Marquette being like "most programs."
Quote from: The Sultan on March 21, 2025, 09:46:59 PMMaybe my expectations are just different, but I don't expect linear growth. I expect a program like Marquette to trend upwards, but have occasional set backs. I think most programs are that way.
Roster construction and building year to year is much different now than it was even four years ago. The portal allows teams to stay competitive every year.
Quote from: panda2.0 on March 21, 2025, 09:51:53 PMRoster construction and building year to year is much different now than it was even four years ago. The portal allows teams to stay competitive every year.
Do you think the portal is a guarantee?
How'd that go for IU and Kansas this season?
Quote from: warriorfred on March 21, 2025, 09:50:21 PMYou are probably correct, but I don't like the idea of Marquette being like "most programs."
Marquette is a smallish, private university with decent but not great resources. Our top end is probably Jay Wright, Villanova type success. Nova's growth under Wright was hardly linear - he had plenty of ups and downs.
Quote from: panda2.0 on March 21, 2025, 09:51:53 PMRoster construction and building year to year is much different now than it was even four years ago. The portal allows teams to stay competitive every year.
Except when it doesn't of course.
Look, I am hardly against the portal. However I am for trusting the coach who has been hired to lead the program until he proves he shouldn't be.
And he hasn't.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on March 21, 2025, 09:53:46 PMDo you think the portal is a guarantee?
How'd that go for IU and Kansas this season?
There are no guarantees in recruiting but bringing in players who fit your programs profile who are 20/21/22 gives you a much better opportunity to win right away bringing in a 17 year old.
Quote from: panda2.0 on March 21, 2025, 09:56:40 PMThere are no guarantees in recruiting but bringing in players who fit your programs profile who are 20/21/22 gives you a much better opportunity to win right away bringing in a 17 year old.
Like IU and Kansas?
That's also a dumb comparison considering Shaka is not counting on 17 year olds.
Try again.
Team was great in the first half of the year. Terrible in the second half just bad basketball idk what happened
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on March 21, 2025, 09:59:34 PMLike IU and Kansas?
That's also a dumb comparison considering Shaka is not counting on 17 year olds.
Try again.
Parham was looked on to play major minutes at the 5, not his position, because the portal was ignored.
Plenty of teams in the tournament utilize the portal effectively to enhance their roster. Don't be naive.
Quote from: panda2.0 on March 21, 2025, 10:03:48 PMParham was looked on to play major minutes at the 5, not his position, because the portal was ignored.
Plenty of teams in the tournament utilize the portal effectively to enhance their roster. Don't be naive.
Who was the back-up 4/5 that would have made a big difference, genius?
You have so much tunnel vision it's comical.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on March 21, 2025, 10:06:30 PMWho was the back-up 4/5 that would have made a big difference, genius?
You have so much tunnel vision it's comical.
In a previous thread, I listed eight transfer bigs who could have fit in and contribute. Feel free to go back through my posts.
Look at Wisconsin this year. The majority of their roster is retained high school recruits but they needed a veteran scorer in the offseason. That is how you utilize the portal to take a young team and make them a major threat immediately.
Quote from: panda2.0 on March 21, 2025, 10:09:37 PMIn a previous thread, I listed eight transfer bigs who could have fit in and contribute. Feel free to go back through my posts.
Look at Wisconsin this year. The majority of their roster is retained high school recruits but they needed a veteran scorer in the offseason. That is how you utilize the portal to take a young team and make them a major threat immediately.
They did the same last year and it blew up on them.
Quote from: wadesworld on March 21, 2025, 09:19:41 PMPlaying to your seed is tough when you're a 2 seed. Making an Elite 8 is always tough, 1 seed, 2 seed, whoever. And we've otherwise had an 8 and 10 seed. Those games aren't quite tossups, but they're close.
I'll take getting the best seed in program history in back to back years with disappointing results in years 2 and 3 and then a bit of a step back in year 4. A step back was always coming.
Questioning the identity of our program after going 8 seed, 2 seed, 2 seed, 7 seed in Shaka's first 4 years is a choice. But hey, it's Scoop.
Where did I question the identity of the program?
And no, playing to seed isn't that tough. Most teams do it, especially in the first two rounds. And it definitely isn that tough when you're matched up against 7, 10 and 11 seeds.
Quote from: The Sultan on March 21, 2025, 10:10:35 PMThey did the same last year and it blew up on them.
In hindsight, aj storr probably not the greatest locker room guy to bring into that situation lol
But still - same point, storr elevated them from what would've been a lower level b10 team to a tournament squad.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on March 21, 2025, 10:06:30 PMWho was the back-up 4/5 that would have made a big difference, genius?
You have so much tunnel vision it's comical.
Well hell I would take that guy from New Mexico and start him for us in a heartbeat. I mean if a mountain west team can improve with the portal...
Quote from: The Sultan on March 21, 2025, 10:10:35 PMThey did the same last year and it blew up on them.
Who was the veteran scorer?
Quote from: panda2.0 on March 21, 2025, 10:12:10 PMIn hindsight, aj storr probably not the greatest locker room guy to bring into that situation lol
But still - same point, storr elevated them from what would've been a lower level b10 team to a tournament squad.
Look, as I have said, I'm not against it by any means. But I will trust Shaka until I have reason not to.
Quote from: The Sultan on March 21, 2025, 10:14:05 PMLook, as I have said, I'm not against it by any means. But I will trust Shaka until I have reason not to.
Fair enough
Quote from: Pakuni on March 21, 2025, 10:11:32 PMWhere did I question the identity of the program?
And no, playing to seed isn't that tough. Most teams do it, especially in the first two rounds. And it definitely isn that tough when you're matched up against 7, 10 and 11 seeds.
In 2 of the 3 Tournaments that are completed so far the team we have lost to made it to the Final Four. And the third was to a Tom Izzo coached team, who notoriously overperforms in March.
After 7 years of no Tourney wins you'd think our fanbase would appreciate having legitimate shots to make runs. But instead we just cry. Sure it's frustrating losing in the Tournament. But much like Texas, careful what you wish for.
And "most teams play to seed" is just wildly inaccurate. When do we ever have Elite 8s of 1s and 2s?
Quote from: nyg on March 21, 2025, 09:06:56 PM"I trust Shaka" (The Scoop thing. Say it isn't so then the old "write him a letter" response)
"Culture"
"Growth,Development,Retain"
Mottos for success.....maybe for seasons, but hasn't shown in NCAAT. Just hoping his philosophy works out.
Those are clichés
Quote from: Dish on March 21, 2025, 09:30:16 PMYup, you definitely described the empty calories feeling. Year 5 isn't ascending, and it should be when you get back to back years of being a 2 seed. Marquette, I don't think, will be terrible next year, but also have no idea what this team is going to be. I guess trust Shaka, and wait to see. For the amount MU spends on Men's basketball though, it all feels mid right now.
It us did right now.
Quote from: wadesworld on March 22, 2025, 04:52:31 AMAfter 7 years of no Tourney wins you'd think our fanbase would appreciate having legitimate shots to make runs. But instead we just cry. Sure it's frustrating losing in the Tournament. But much like Texas, careful what you wish for.
What am I wishing for?
Quote from: Pakuni on March 21, 2025, 08:41:34 PMCould we at least be a program that plays to its seed once in a while? That would nice.
Man, this all day long. Captures the disappointment of MU perfectly in the tournament. Four years and all we have to show is the win over Colorado. All you're doing beating a 15 is avoiding colossal failure. 15's have won 11 times, 6.9% all time after this year.
Seasons that result in 2 seeds are nice, but if you underperform then in the tournament, you have nothing to show for getting there. And our seed crashed from a prospective 2 to a 7 and then bounced by a clearly deserving 10 this time. This is a Shaka problem and goes back to Texas and is the reason he's at MU. It is not setting the bar too high for this program to expect better than what's been delivered 4 years in.
Quote from: HutchwasClutch on March 22, 2025, 07:19:41 AMMan, this all day long. Captures the disappointment of MU perfectly in the tournament. Four years and all we have to show is the win over Colorado. All you're doing beating a 15 is avoiding colossal failure. 15's have won 11 times, 6.9% all time after this year.
Seasons that result in 2 seeds are nice, but if you underperform then in the tournament, you have nothing to show for getting there. And our seed crashed from a perspective 2 to a 7 and then bounced by a clearly deserving 10 this time. This is a Shaka problem and goes back to Texas and is the reason he's at MU. It is not setting the bar too high for this program to expect better than what's been delivered 4 years in.
Each of our tournament exits have been very poor offensive performances. You need to be able to score in different ways during the tournament and we simply can't do it. You saw yesterday New Mexico
had 3 guys in the lane at almost all times. We are so easy to defend when a team knows there is zero percent chance we will ever take a shot in the midrange.
Quote from: panda2.0 on March 22, 2025, 07:28:19 AMEach of our tournament exits have been very poor offensive performances. You need to be able to score in different ways during the tournament and we simply can't do it. You saw yesterday New Mexico
had 3 guys in the lane at almost all times. We are so easy to defend when a team knows there is zero percent chance we will ever take a shot in the midrange.
Yes, but it goes beyond this panda. Our paint defense was so weak last night, and had a huge impact on the deciding run. And then no options of any big to throw down into when you just need a score. Rebounding better this year, but still lacking. So many weak areas.
Quote from: HutchwasClutch on March 22, 2025, 07:37:15 AMYes, but it goes beyond this panda. Our paint defense was so weak last night, and had a huge impact on the deciding run. And then no options of any big to throw down into when you just need a score. Rebounding better this year, but still lacking. So many weak areas.
Roster construction this year was malpractice, but that (hopefully) isn't an on going issue. rigidity in the offensive system is the one big Shaka concern I have.
Quote from: panda2.0 on March 22, 2025, 07:38:55 AMRoster construction this year was malpractice, but that (hopefully) isn't an on going issue. rigidity in the offensive system is the one big Shaka concern I have.
I don't know if it's a system issue. It's talent and versatility badly lacking.
Quote from: wadesworld on March 22, 2025, 04:52:31 AMIn 2 of the 3 Tournaments that are completed so far the team we have lost to made it to the Final Four. And the third was to a Tom Izzo coached team, who notoriously overperforms in March.
After 7 years of no Tourney wins you'd think our fanbase would appreciate having legitimate shots to make runs. But instead we just cry. Sure it's frustrating losing in the Tournament. But much like Texas, careful what you wish for.
And "most teams play to seed" is just wildly inaccurate. When do we ever have Elite 8s of 1s and 2s?
Texas since Shaka left Texas for Marquette:
2022: 6-seed, beat 11, lost to 3.
2023: 2-seed, beat 15, beat 10, beat 3, lost to 5.
2024: 7-seed, beat 10, lost to 2.
2025: 11-seed, lost to 11.
So that's 5 wins for Texas vs 3 wins for Shaka.
Texas has advanced farther in the tournament than Shaka (E8 vs S16)
Texas has beaten a 3. Shaka's best win is a 10.
So what's your point?
Quote from: Dish on March 21, 2025, 08:38:39 PMThis season felt like empty calories. Started off great, then nothing the last six weeks.
I'm not sure where this program Is going. I don't mean that in an uber negative way, but I don't know if Shaka sticks with his philosophy around recruiting/transfers, how well is that going to work out in the short term.
I'm somewhere between low expectations and no expectations going into the 25-26 season. Will guys like Gold improve YOY, or is it same ol? Will there be a breakout star? Will a 'big' seize minutes with some attitude on the boards and D? I do, however, need to get my request in to Shaka early for a W in Madison.
Quote from: Big Papi on March 21, 2025, 09:06:05 PMNcaa tourny is as much about matchups as it is about playing well.
We have not played well for a long time and were really over seeded this year.
Shaka has had lots of success in conference tournaments.
This offense was broken much of the year and we had roster weakness that was not addressed.
conf tournaments are fun. And the BE at MSG is numero uno! Regular season success, however...doing it over the long haul, is what I look at. Shaka has had that. Perplexed at his ncaat results. Consistently mediocre to less than mediocre, regardless of matchups.
Quote from: wadesworld on March 21, 2025, 09:19:41 PMPlaying to your seed is tough when you're a 2 seed. Making an Elite 8 is always tough, 1 seed, 2 seed, whoever. And we've otherwise had an 8 and 10 seed. Those games aren't quite tossups, but they're close.
I'll take getting the best seed in program history in back to back years with disappointing results in years 2 and 3 and then a bit of a step back in year 4. A step back was always coming.
Questioning the identity of our program after going 8 seed, 2 seed, 2 seed, 7 seed in Shaka's first 4 years is a choice. But hey, it's Scoop.
it's about wins in March. Folks have expectations. Nothing wrong with that. Marquette is an exceptional basketball program. Seeds? Ok. But it's about wins, in March. Ncaat wins. I loved that regular season conf title. Seems long ago at this point. Things change quickly. Taking a step back, already? You see the team, the roster. You know as well as anyone that if nothing changes YOY, nothing changes YOY.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on March 21, 2025, 09:53:46 PMDo you think the portal is a guarantee?
How'd that go for IU and Kansas this season?
maybe so, but let's try it
Quote from: panda2.0 on March 21, 2025, 09:51:53 PMRoster construction and building year to year is much different now than it was even four years ago. The portal allows teams to stay competitive every year.
The CoS believes no portal player could ever be better than one of Shaka's recruits.
Quote from: wadesworld on March 22, 2025, 04:52:31 AMIn 2 of the 3 Tournaments that are completed so far the team we have lost to made it to the Final Four. And the third was to a Tom Izzo coached team, who notoriously overperforms in March.
After 7 years of no Tourney wins you'd think our fanbase would appreciate having legitimate shots to make runs. But instead we just cry. Sure it's frustrating losing in the Tournament. But much like Texas, careful what you wish for.
And "most teams play to seed" is just wildly inaccurate. When do we ever have Elite 8s of 1s and 2s?
Last year was a frustrating lost opportunity. People seem to be forgetting Kolek's thumb injury likely played a huge part in the poor performance against MSU. He had been playing at such a high level consistently prior to that.
Quote from: The Sultan on March 21, 2025, 09:55:05 PMExcept when it doesn't of course.
Look, I am hardly against the portal. However I am for trusting the coach who has been hired to lead the program until he proves he shouldn't be.
And he hasn't.
Sultan, this team went 3-7 vs StJ, UConn, CU and X and is once again a quick ncaat out. I know you know what returns. You know the incoming recruits. Trusting Shaka to make the changes necessary to go next level, i.e. consistent ncaat 2nd weekend? Not sure I do at this point. I'm not convinced Shaka will adapt and adjust. I feel like MU is stuck in 'he's better than Wojo'.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on March 21, 2025, 10:06:30 PMWho was the back-up 4/5 that would have made a big difference, genius?
You have so much tunnel vision it's comical.
why can't you make points and counter points without being so argumentative all the time? Plus, the name calling. What's up with that? Seriously? Are you like this in your home life? At the office? You call a sales guy a 'Bif' if he falls short of goal? IT guy idea gets met with 'dork'? Come on, man!
Quote from: PointWarrior on March 22, 2025, 09:03:11 AMThe CoS believes no portal player could ever be better than one one Shaka recruits.
[/quoteQuote from: PointWarrior on March 22, 2025, 09:03:11 AMThe CoS believes no portal player could ever be better than one one Shaka recruits.
It is very odd, because some of our best players in the Shaka era are portal guys.
I do believe Shaka is much smarter than the mopes on this board and will utilize the portal this off season to make this team competive next year.
Early season wins against Wisconsin and Maryland was fools gold. Team lost Kolek and Oso and replaced them with sophomores and freshman who contributed little. The idea that we were going to make a tournament run without any inside game was suspect at best. Not enough weapons to compete in the tournament. Ok results in a somewhat down Big East. Probably what we should have expected.
Quote from: Viper on March 22, 2025, 09:06:24 AMSultan, this team went 3-7 vs StJ, UConn, CU and X and is once again a quick ncaat out. I know you know what returns. You know the incoming recruits. Trusting Shaka to make the changes necessary to go next level, i.e. consistent ncaat 2nd weekend? Not sure I do at this point. I'm not convinced Shaka will adapt and adjust. I feel like MU is stuck in 'he's better than Wojo'.
Being better than Wojo is a low bar. Shaka is MUCH, MUCH better than Wojo.
It's fair to have concerns about next year's roster - there are a lot of questions. That's also part of the intrigue to me.
It's fair to question the tourney performance. I'm much less disappointed in last night's loss than what happened the previous two seasons, where we had our best player hurt and then the following season go 4-31 from 3. I personally have a hard time putting those losses entirely on Shaka.
I also think some lack perspective and patience and don't take into account how a perceived quick fix could either backfire or have negative ramifications.
Maybe staying the course next season results in a step back but then leads to a huge step forward the following season. Why is this never a consideration?
I expect a tourney berth every season but I think people expecting top 4 seeds year in and year out are delusional. People that don't realize that progress isn't linear are delusional.
Quote from: IL Warrior on March 22, 2025, 07:45:25 AMTexas since Shaka left Texas for Marquette:
2022: 6-seed, beat 11, lost to 3.
2023: 2-seed, beat 15, beat 10, beat 3, lost to 5.
2024: 7-seed, beat 10, lost to 2.
2025: 11-seed, lost to 11.
So that's 5 wins for Texas vs 3 wins for Shaka.
Texas has advanced farther in the tournament than Shaka (E8 vs S16)
Texas has beaten a 3. Shaka's best win is a 10.
So what's your point?
They made one run with a coach they're about to fire. 3rd coach coming since Shaka left 4 years ago.
To be clear, I'm not calling for Shaka to be fired. The below tweet takes into account his run to the Final Four with VCU, and he's still dead last in March seed expectations. I don't know if it's coaching to a marathon and not a sprint, stubbornness to roster build, or just plain bad luck.
https://x.com/wezekowitz/status/1903261765867028538?s=46&t=nX9__T6F5tmMsEFTze2ANQ
Quote from: wadesworld on March 22, 2025, 09:24:58 AMThey made one run with a coach they're about to fire. 3rd coach coming since Shaka left 4 years ago.
Little misleading, don't you think?
Quote from: Pakuni on March 22, 2025, 09:45:29 AMLittle misleading, don't you think?
What's misleading about it?
Quote from: wadesworld on March 22, 2025, 10:16:54 AMWhat's misleading about it?
We both know that if not for an off-court incident, the guy who replaced Shaka would still be there, and probably thriving there.
And you're implying that Texas is somehow flailing/struggling/regressing in the post-Shaka era. That's not true.
In reality, they've won 5 tournament games in four years post-Shaka vs 0 in five years with Shaka (excluding the COVID tournament).
They've finished the season ranked twice, vs once with Shaka.
They've averaged 22.8 wins per season post Shaka; averaged 17.8 in the four full seasons (i.e. not COVID-impacted) with him.
Go do a poll on a Texas board about whether they regret letting Shaka go.
Quote from: Pakuni on March 22, 2025, 11:54:50 AMWe both know that if not for an off-court incident, the guy who replaced Shaka would still be there, and probably thriving there.
And you're implying that Texas is somehow flailing/struggling/regressing in the post-Shaka era. That's not true.
In reality, they've won 5 tournament games in four years post-Shaka vs 0 in five years with Shaka (excluding the COVID tournament).
They've finished the season ranked twice, vs once with Shaka.
They've averaged 22.8 wins per season post Shaka; averaged 17.8 in the four full seasons (i.e. not COVID-impacted) with him.
Go do a poll on a Texas board about whether they regret letting Shaka go.
Which changes, what, exactly? Will they not be looking for their 3rd coach since Shaka left? I'm confused about what was misleading here.
The coach they replaced Shaka with beat his girlfriend and got fired. The guy that took over his roster in the interim went on one Tournament run. They're now about to fire him. It'll be the...third coach since he left.
Empty calories make Scoopers cranky..
Quote from: manny31 on March 22, 2025, 12:19:33 PMEmpty calories make Scoopers cranky..
Sort of like a really empty season. Disappointing season. Frustrating season.
Quote from: wadesworld on March 22, 2025, 12:07:55 PMWhich changes, what, exactly? Will they not be looking for their 3rd coach since Shaka left? I'm confused about what was misleading here.
The coach they replaced Shaka with beat his girlfriend and got fired. The guy that took over his roster in the interim went on one Tournament run. They're now about to fire him. It'll be the...third coach since he left.
To quote you, "much like Texas, careful what you wish for."
Texas fans aren't regretting what they wished for.
Love Shaka as much as any coach since I've been alive but...not great
https://x.com/jonathanwieser/status/1903259151884529878?s=46
Quote from: NickelDimer on March 22, 2025, 12:57:04 PMLove Shaka as much as any coach since I've been alive but...not great
https://x.com/jonathanwieser/status/1903259151884529878?s=46
None of that matters at all to Marquette
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on March 22, 2025, 01:31:35 PMNone of that matters at all to Marquette
Maybe you didn't actually read the tweet. This is a pattern that he needs to break
https://x.com/jonathanwieser/status/1903259152958304720?s=46
Quote from: NickelDimer on March 22, 2025, 01:42:28 PMMaybe you didn't actually read the tweet. This is a pattern that he needs to break
https://x.com/jonathanwieser/status/1903259152958304720?s=46
Again. Doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is what he does here, and he's done well in just 4 seasons.
4 tournaments.
A second weekend appearance.
1 Big East Regular Season Title.
1 Big East Tournament Title.
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on March 22, 2025, 01:45:39 PMAgain. Doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is what he does here, and he's done well in just 4 seasons.
4 tournaments.
A second weekend appearance.
1 Big East Regular Season Title.
1 Big East Tournament Title.
Not sure who you think you speak for but it's not "Marquette" nor anyone else. So if you'd said it doesn't matter to you that's cool but I think his history of early exits to lower seeds matters a lot to many
Quote from: NickelDimer on March 22, 2025, 01:53:32 PMNot sure who you think you speak for but it's not "Marquette" nor anyone else. So if you'd said it doesn't matter to you that's cool but I think his history of early exits to lower seeds matters a lot to many
Your 1st message showed results from VCU and Texas lmao
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on March 22, 2025, 01:55:19 PMYour 1st message showed results from VCU and Texas lmao
Do you know how to operate tweets? Also you didn't answer my question.
Quote from: NickelDimer on March 22, 2025, 01:56:22 PMDo you know how to operate tweets? Also you didn't answer my question.
You didn't ask a question lol
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on March 22, 2025, 02:05:45 PMYou didn't ask a question lol
Good lord man lol.
Quote from: NickelDimer on March 22, 2025, 01:53:32 PMNot sure who you think you speak for
Let me put it into clear question form for you; why do you claim to speak for Marquette?
Quote from: Viper on March 22, 2025, 08:39:04 AMconf tournaments are fun. And the BE at MSG is numero uno! Regular season success, however...doing it over the long haul, is what I look at. Shaka has had that. Perplexed at his ncaat results. Consistently mediocre to less than mediocre, regardless of matchups.
Correct. He knows how to win. Had done it during the season and conference tournament.
I'm going to give him a pass on ncaa these past 4 years.
We have been a little unlucky.
Kolek injury against Izzo is a tough draw.
Sweet 16 game where we couldn't make a 3 and Jop misses 3 straight free throws. It was one of those games.
This year it was obvious we were over seeded here at the end. Any rationale fan would tell you we didn't deserve a 7 seed based on how we played the last 2 months. Obvious weaknesses that were exposed. Probably would have lost to any other 10 seed.
Quote from: NickelDimer on March 22, 2025, 02:16:32 PMGood lord man lol. Let me put it into clear question form for you; why do you claim to speak for Marquette?
Be real. Why would I answer a question that was never asked?
Now that you asked an actual question...I never claimed to speak for Marquette, but if you're posting results from a decade before Shaka was at Marquette, you're gonna get pushback.
Quote from: PGsHeroes32 on March 21, 2025, 08:56:36 PMWhat in the world did any of that have to do with blaming jop?
If your way of coping with a horrible end is to be a fu cking moron. Admit it. All good.
Where have you been? This dude constantly proves he is a child every year after they are bounced in humiliating fashion. He attacks people, calls people names, uses slurs. The guy is a toddler who can't handle negative emotions.
Quote from: Viper on March 22, 2025, 09:06:24 AMSultan, this team went 3-7 vs StJ, UConn, CU and X and is once again a quick ncaat out. I know you know what returns. You know the incoming recruits. Trusting Shaka to make the changes necessary to go next level, i.e. consistent ncaat 2nd weekend? Not sure I do at this point. I'm not convinced Shaka will adapt and adjust. I feel like MU is stuck in 'he's better than Wojo'.
Exactly.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on March 22, 2025, 09:20:56 AMBeing better than Wojo is a low bar. Shaka is MUCH, MUCH better than Wojo.
It's fair to have concerns about next year's roster - there are a lot of questions. That's also part of the intrigue to me.
It's fair to question the tourney performance. I'm much less disappointed in last night's loss than what happened the previous two seasons, where we had our best player hurt and then the following season go 4-31 from 3. I personally have a hard time putting those losses entirely on Shaka.
I also think some lack perspective and patience and don't take into account how a perceived quick fix could either backfire or have negative ramifications.
Maybe staying the course next season results in a step back but then leads to a huge step forward the following season. Why is this never a consideration?
I expect a tourney berth every season but I think people expecting top 4 seeds year in and year out are delusional. People that don't realize that progress isn't linear are delusional.
fair points 👍
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on March 22, 2025, 01:45:39 PMAgain. Doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is what he does here, and he's done well in just 4 seasons.
4 tournaments.
A second weekend appearance.
1 Big East Regular Season Title.
1 Big East Tournament Title.
March ncaat wins. That's it...ncaat wins. BE is fine, but you wouldn't trade it for ncaat wins? If you said we'll go 2nd weekend or better 3 out of 4 yrs but finish pretty much 5th in conference 3 out of those same 4 yrs while dancing as a 7-9 seed, I'd ask where do I sign. Conf wins and 2-seeds got us yellow snow.
Quote from: Viper on March 22, 2025, 03:44:25 PMMarch ncaat wins. That's it...ncaat wins. BE is fine, but you wouldn't trade it for ncaat wins? If you said we'll go 2nd weekend or better 3 out of 4 yrs but finish pretty much 5th in conference 3 out of those same 4 yrs while dancing as a 7-9 seed, I'd ask where do I sign. Conf wins and 2-seeds got us yellow snow.
I want a National Championship, but I also understand that doesn't just happen right away. It's a process. All of this has been accomplished in 4 seasons and people are at Shaka's neck already.
Give me 98 wins and and see what happens in the NCAA in the next 4 seasons and I will sign up right now.
Quote from: tower912 on March 22, 2025, 03:54:39 PMGive me 98 wins and and see what happens in the NCAA in the next 4 seasons and I will sign up right now.
I do not want 4 more of what we've just had. We can do much better. These first 4 yrs w/Shaka should be Marquette's floor. I'm very happy we got out of the pond scum Wojo had us swimming in. BUT...the 98 wins are a fart in the wind. At the end of the day, does anyone care about 98 wins or 92 wins or whatever? It's ncaat wins, my friend. That's what matters. Win games (plural)in the ncaat. Think big.
Quote from: Viper on March 22, 2025, 08:22:04 PMI do not want 4 more of what we've just had. We can do much better. These first 4 yrs w/Shaka should be Marquette's floor. I'm very happy we got out of the pond scum Wojo had us swimming in. BUT...the 98 wins are a fart in the wind. At the end of the day, does anyone care about 98 wins or 92 wins or whatever? It's ncaat wins, my friend. That's what matters. Win games (plural)in the ncaat. Think big.
Finally someone used "fart in the wind."
Quote from: PointWarrior on March 22, 2025, 08:23:58 PMFinally someone used "fart in the wind."
All time great quote from Ron Wolf
Quote from: Viper on March 22, 2025, 08:22:04 PMI do not want 4 more of what we've just had. We can do much better. These first 4 yrs w/Shaka should be Marquette's floor. I'm very happy we got out of the pond scum Wojo had us swimming in. BUT...the 98 wins are a fart in the wind. At the end of the day, does anyone care about 98 wins or 92 wins or whatever? It's ncaat wins, my friend. That's what matters. Win games (plural)in the ncaat. Think big.
It's almost like you completely didn't comprehend the point of his post.
If we have the same amount of wins over the next 4 years it would likely mean more protected seeds and more chances for tourney success.
I just destroyed some chicken parm. I'd like to think they weren't empty calories given my run tomorrow, but the tiramisu after was definitely empty cals.