This is a new era of NCAA basketball.
Coaches like Pitino, Sampson, Pearl, Miller, Will Wade and Calipari always knew what the kids liked ($$$, girls, booze, weed, jewelry, parties, cars, etc.) and are now free to openly offer them whatever they want via NIL.
They were once vilified as cheaters and scumbags by opposing schools who didn't play in the gray areas but they were simply men who were ahead of their time and saw where things were going.
Marquette and Shaka seem to be staying away from the "Buy and build a team" approach. If they continue this expect a rinse and repeat. They're gonna get many quality early wins against teams that are really good at the end of the year. The reason? These "Buy and build teams" are gonna be susceptible to early season losses due to a lack of chemistry, figuring each other out and clicking on all cylinders. Whereas the Marquette team is composed of a close knit team that's been playing together as a team for a number of years.
Would we beat Maryland, Creighton, Wisconsin, Purdue or even Georgia in late January or February? Maybe. But those are different teams in the 2nd half of the season once they start to click.
Expect a lot of early season wins over these types of teams in the future and a flame out in February, a decent seed and maybe a win or 2 if we're lucky. That's simply the trajectory of this type of plan. If the school and fanbase is fine with this respectable plan, then all good. The fanbase and people on this board won't like it.
If I were Chase Ross I'd be looking at my potential future NFL career. I wouldn't be upset at him if he left the program and pursued that path. Why chance an injury in another year of basketball or transfer? There's always moments of greatness with him but we haven't seen the consistency.
If I were Ben Gold I'd test the transfer portal waters. He seems to have peaked at MU. A year at a school who features and develops him could lead to renewed NBA talk.
I expected more from Owens. Mostly more playing time. I don't know if a recruit like him sticks around if he's not getting the $$$ or minutes he thinks he deserves in this day and age.
Sean Jones next year has a chance to breakout. Hoping he is as fast and courageous previously seen but an injury rehabilitation like he sustained could render him too cautious.
Joplin played his way into a decent chance to get to the NBA the last few games of the season and the All Star game @ the Final Four. He was frustrating at times but a pleasure to watch at the end. He looks like an NBA player.
Kam's gonna get a shot in the NBA and that's great! But teams seemed to figure out his moves a lot better later in the season. I'm not sure all those around the rim moves will work in the NBA.
Program future looks good and seems like Shaka is the guy but this new era is all about wins and $$$$. It's a semi-pro NCAA league now. Who changes first Shaka or do schools and NCAA reclaim power? Interesting times ahead.
Quote from: jimmybutlerfanatic on April 07, 2025, 11:45:24 PMCoaches like Pitino, Sampson, Pearl, Miller, Will Wade and Calipari always knew what the kids liked ($$$, girls, booze, weed, jewelry, parties, cars, etc.) and are now free to openly offer them whatever they want via NIL.
#FakeNews #Lies
Great season. Look forward to next year.
Quote from: jimmybutlerfanatic on April 07, 2025, 11:45:24 PMJoplin played his way into a decent chance to get to the NBA the last few games of the season and the All Star game @ the Final Four. He was frustrating at times but a pleasure to watch at the end. He looks like an NBA player.
No he doesn't - at least at this point. He shot 32.3% from 3, can't really drive with authority, and has less than average NBA athleticism. He will clearly get his shot because he does have the size and can be streaky. But his game needs a lot of work to get to that level.
Quote from: jimmybutlerfanatic on April 07, 2025, 11:45:24 PMThis is a new era of NCAA basketball.
Coaches like Pitino, Sampson, Pearl, Miller, Will Wade and Calipari always knew what the kids liked ($$$, girls, booze, weed, jewelry, parties, cars, etc.) and are now free to openly offer them whatever they want via NIL.
They were once vilified as cheaters and scumbags by opposing schools who didn't play in the gray areas but they were simply men who were ahead of their time and saw where things were going.
Marquette and Shaka seem to be staying away from the "Buy and build a team" approach. If they continue this expect a rinse and repeat. They're gonna get many quality early wins against teams that are really good at the end of the year. The reason? These "Buy and build teams" are gonna be susceptible to early season losses due to a lack of chemistry, figuring each other out and clicking on all cylinders. Whereas the Marquette team is composed of a close knit team that's been playing together as a team for a number of years.
Would we beat Maryland, Creighton, Wisconsin, Purdue or even Georgia in late January or February? Maybe. But those are different teams in the 2nd half of the season once they start to click.
Expect a lot of early season wins over these types of teams in the future and a flame out in February, a decent seed and maybe a win or 2 if we're lucky. That's simply the trajectory of this type of plan. If the school and fanbase is fine with this respectable plan, then all good. The fanbase and people on this board won't like it.
If I were Chase Ross I'd be looking at my potential future NFL career. I wouldn't be upset at him if he left the program and pursued that path. Why chance an injury in another year of basketball or transfer? There's always moments of greatness with him but we haven't seen the consistency.
If I were Ben Gold I'd test the transfer portal waters. He seems to have peaked at MU. A year at a school who features and develops him could lead to renewed NBA talk.
I expected more from Owens. Mostly more playing time. I don't know if a recruit like him sticks around if he's not getting the $$$ or minutes he thinks he deserves in this day and age.
Sean Jones next year has a chance to breakout. Hoping he is as fast and courageous previously seen but an injury rehabilitation like he sustained could render him too cautious.
Joplin played his way into a decent chance to get to the NBA the last few games of the season and the All Star game @ the Final Four. He was frustrating at times but a pleasure to watch at the end. He looks like an NBA player.
Kam's gonna get a shot in the NBA and that's great! But teams seemed to figure out his moves a lot better later in the season. I'm not sure all those around the rim moves will work in the NBA.
Program future looks good and seems like Shaka is the guy but this new era is all about wins and $$$$. It's a semi-pro NCAA league now. Who changes first Shaka or do schools and NCAA reclaim power? Interesting times ahead.
Quote from: jimmybutlerfanatic on April 07, 2025, 11:45:24 PMThis is a new era of NCAA basketball.
Coaches like Pitino, Sampson, Pearl, Miller, Will Wade and Calipari always knew what the kids liked ($$$, girls, booze, weed, jewelry, parties, cars, etc.) and are now free to openly offer them whatever they want via NIL.
They were once vilified as cheaters and scumbags by opposing schools who didn't play in the gray areas but they were simply men who were ahead of their time and saw where things were going.
Marquette and Shaka seem to be staying away from the "Buy and build a team" approach. If they continue this expect a rinse and repeat. They're gonna get many quality early wins against teams that are really good at the end of the year. The reason? These "Buy and build teams" are gonna be susceptible to early season losses due to a lack of chemistry, figuring each other out and clicking on all cylinders. Whereas the Marquette team is composed of a close knit team that's been playing together as a team for a number of years.
Would we beat Maryland, Creighton, Wisconsin, Purdue or even Georgia in late January or February? Maybe. But those are different teams in the 2nd half of the season once they start to click.
Expect a lot of early season wins over these types of teams in the future and a flame out in February, a decent seed and maybe a win or 2 if we're lucky. That's simply the trajectory of this type of plan. If the school and fanbase is fine with this respectable plan, then all good. The fanbase and people on this board won't like it.
If I were Chase Ross I'd be looking at my potential future NFL career. I wouldn't be upset at him if he left the program and pursued that path. Why chance an injury in another year of basketball or transfer? There's always moments of greatness with him but we haven't seen the consistency.
If I were Ben Gold I'd test the transfer portal waters. He seems to have peaked at MU. A year at a school who features and develops him could lead to renewed NBA talk.
I expected more from Owens. Mostly more playing time. I don't know if a recruit like him sticks around if he's not getting the $$$ or minutes he thinks he deserves in this day and age.
Sean Jones next year has a chance to breakout. Hoping he is as fast and courageous previously seen but an injury rehabilitation like he sustained could render him too cautious.
Joplin played his way into a decent chance to get to the NBA the last few games of the season and the All Star game @ the Final Four. He was frustrating at times but a pleasure to watch at the end. He looks like an NBA player.
Kam's gonna get a shot in the NBA and that's great! But teams seemed to figure out his moves a lot better later in the season. I'm not sure all those around the rim moves will work in the NBA.
Program future looks good and seems like Shaka is the guy but this new era is all about wins and $$$$. It's a semi-pro NCAA league now. Who changes first Shaka or do schools and NCAA reclaim power? Interesting times ahead.
Cannot agree future looks good unless Shaka starts to selectively use portal. Wat too early rankings for next year rank UConn 4, St. John's 9, Wisc 14, and Creighton 30 with MU nowhere to be found. Landscape has changed. Adapt or die.
You quoted him twice to say the same thing you've been saying for two weeks now?
Chase's NFL career?
Joplin looks like an NBA player?
Lmao.
Chase tells that story of the owner of a football franchise (cowboys?) offering him a tryout after his career is done but you think the guy that had to stop playing football because he broke the growth plate in one of his arms is suddenly going to transfer to a high major football school and put up numbers to get a legit look rather than try to take his moment in the spotlight that he's been building to for 3 years?
Joplin can barely dunk, can't drive with authority, and is shockingly weak at post up moves for his size. He does not look like an NBA player.
Quote from: Galway Eagle on April 08, 2025, 09:02:17 AMJoplin can barely dunk, can't drive with authority, and is shockingly weak at post up moves for his size.
But he made a few shots in an all-star game!
I did the newsdream breakfast today, and got about half way before my brain said stop reading.
There is a lot to unpack in the lead post in this thread. You can argue about whether David Joplin, Ben Gold or Chase Ross area world class (hint: they're not), but there is a bigger question looming that cuts to the heart of the place basketball has at Marquette: How far is Marquette willing to go to be a contender for a national title?
Clearly they weren't in 2024-2025. Mistaken 6th ranking notwithstanding, this was a flawed team with holes that became increasingly apparent over time. Those holes can be fixed, but it will take something Marquette isn't comfortable doling out: big sums of money.
Until just a few short years ago, the table was badly tilted in the university's favor. Every university was equal and a student chose among institutions based on "merit", not on what the university can financially do for the student (UCLA, Louisville and Illinois notwithstanding). Now, universities will have to deal with assorted hangers-oners, from unscrupulous coaches to agents, friends and family and just about anyone else who is able to get a financial piece of the so-called student athlete. Those folks will have to be paid, one way or the other.
I admire the fact that Coach Shaka recruits young men of character. Our guys do well in school and reasonably well so far on the basketball court. I hope his development plan is successful. But, while I'm always optimistic, I have some doubts that our way will get us to where Florida was last night. What's going to happen if Royce Parham and Damarius Owens have break-out years next year and the University of North Carolina, having failed to make the tournament, does a huge bag drop on one or both?
Alternatively, is the Marquette of the future willing to do what it takes to bring the McGuiresque talent necessary to ensure we're a consistent Natty contender?
Marquette has many, many conflicting priorities. Basketball net income helps fund them. My fear is that the cost of being a national basketball powerhouse will be so high that Marquette's Board says, "the heck with it." They'll be content with an occasional Big East title, an NCAA invite and maybe a couple wins that get us to the Sweet 16. In other words: we become Drake.
The next time, there might not be a Father Wild or a Kevin O'Neill to save us!
Quote from: dgies9156 on April 08, 2025, 02:13:04 PMMarquette has many, many conflicting priorities. Basketball net income helps fund them. My fear is that the cost of being a national basketball powerhouse will be so high that Marquette's Board says, "the heck with it." They'll be content with an occasional Big East title, an NCAA invite and maybe a couple wins that get us to the Sweet 16. In other words: we become Drake.
Simply insane nonsense.
Quote from: The Sultan on April 08, 2025, 02:14:46 PMSimply insane nonsense.
I love you too, Brother Sultan!
Quote from: dgies9156 on April 08, 2025, 02:13:04 PMWhat's going to happen if Royce Parham and Damarius Owens have break-out years next year and the University of North Carolina, having failed to make the tournament, does a huge bag drop on one or both?
Yeah nobody tried to snag Kolek or Oso or Jones during their tenures I'm sure. Owens and Royce will be the first time this could happen. /s. Look, there's a good to fair chance eventually someone isn't "bought in" and leaves but let's not act like these two will be some unprecedented litmus test for the first possible time we might lose guys. And when the time comes that someone does leave it isn't an indictment that the sky is falling and Shakas plan doesn't work, it means that someone wasn't as bought in and that's about it.
Quote from: dgies9156 on April 08, 2025, 02:13:04 PMAlternatively, is the Marquette of the future willing to do what it takes to bring the McGuiresque talent necessary to ensure we're a consistent Natty contender?
Fun fact, last nights Florida team had zero former top 100 recruits. I'm confident that everyone on here me and you included would be screaming the sky is falling with those recruiting results. Talent develops, Shakas trying to develop and retain.
Quote from: dgies9156 on April 08, 2025, 02:13:04 PMMarquette has many, many conflicting priorities. Basketball net income helps fund them. My fear is that the cost of being a national basketball powerhouse will be so high that Marquette's Board says, "the heck with it." They'll be content with an occasional Big East title, an NCAA invite and maybe a couple wins that get us to the Sweet 16. In other words: we become Drake.
The next time, there might not be a Father Wild or a Kevin O'Neill to save us!
This is flat out idiotic, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you're just trying to be absurd but 1) Marquette doesn't have the proof in modern history to expect anything more than about a sweet 16 to every 4 bids. 2) Drake has had a great 4 seasons but capped this program peak with a single round of 32, the comparison is insane.
"They'll be content with an occasional Big East title, an NCAA invite and maybe a couple wins that get us to the Sweet 16."
Isn't that what we have now under current spending?
Quote from: dgies9156 on April 08, 2025, 02:13:04 PMAlternatively, is the Marquette of the future willing to do what it takes to bring the McGuiresque talent necessary to ensure we're a consistent Natty contender?
We're two years short of five decades since this was the case. Do you think this is still a reasonable expectation?
Quote from: MDMU04 on April 09, 2025, 08:41:04 AMWe're two years short of five decades since this was the case. Do you think this is still a reasonable expectation?
Comparing that era to today is laughable. What happened in the 70's is irrelevant.
Quote from: MDMU04 on April 09, 2025, 08:41:04 AMWe're two years short of five decades since this was the case. Do you think this is still a reasonable expectation?
Based on his posting history, I think he still lives in 1981, so yeah.
Quote from: Galway Eagle on April 08, 2025, 03:09:34 PMFun fact, last nights Florida team had zero former top 100 recruits. I'm confident that everyone on here me and you included would be screaming the sky is falling with those recruiting results. Talent develops, Shakas trying to develop and retain.
However, their top 3 scorers accounting for nearly 50 ppg were transfers.
I think that college basketball is evolving to the point where a transfer of an all-freshman or all-conference player at a single-bid league is probably equivalent to landing a top 100 HS player. Just look at what Tyler Kolek did in the Big East.
For coaches (at least those who take transfers) it reduces the stress of landing exactly the right player out of HS, because there seems to be no shortage of late bloomers at lower-level teams that are seeking a transfer to a high-major.
Perhaps, but for every Kolek there is a Mahaney.
You can hit or miss with either, but with lower level college kids you've got some more actionable film that you can digest
There's also a lot of selective memory about TKO. He did not have a very good Sophomore season, especially shooting the ball. Every time he gets brought up as a portal success story, it should be equally known that he's just as much a stay and develop success story. A lot of hopeful things that are currently being said about James were said about Sean because it was questionable whether TKO could step up.
Quote from: Its DJOver on April 09, 2025, 04:29:19 PMThere's also a lot of selective memory about TKO. He did not have a very good Sophomore season, especially shooting the ball. Every time he gets brought up as a portal success story, it should be equally known that he's just as much a stay and develop success story. A lot of hopeful things that are currently being said about James were said about Sean because it was questionable whether TKO could step up.
Bingo.
Shocked so many are responding to an obvious troll so seriously? Has Scoop lost its troll radar?
Quote from: Elonsmusk on April 09, 2025, 09:32:11 PMShocked so many are responding to an obvious troll so seriously? Has Scoop lost its troll radar?
I didn't respond to the trolling OP. I responded to DJO.
Arby's
Quote from: Its DJOver on April 09, 2025, 04:29:19 PMThere's also a lot of selective memory about TKO. He did not have a very good Sophomore season, especially shooting the ball. Every time he gets brought up as a portal success story, it should be equally known that he's just as much a stay and develop success story. A lot of hopeful things that are currently being said about James were said about Sean because it was questionable whether TKO could step up.
There's data out there that suggests that transfers tend to take big leaps in production in their second year at their new school.
Quote from: Elonsmusk on April 09, 2025, 09:32:11 PMShocked so many are responding to an obvious troll so seriously? Has Scoop lost its troll radar?
Haven't you bitten on Derrick or Wojo or Dawson trolling more than anyone on scoop? Come on pot meet kettle
Quote from: TAMU, Knower of Ball on April 10, 2025, 08:43:41 AMThere's data out there that suggests that transfers tend to take big leaps in production in their second year at their new school.
I don't doubt it. That being said, I don't think anyone anticipated the size of the leap that TKO took.
Quote from: Elonsmusk on April 09, 2025, 09:32:11 PMShocked so many are responding to an obvious troll so seriously? Has Scoop lost its troll radar?
You disagree with the OP and you call him a troll. The OP has SOME valid points. Time will tell if Shaka's approach is successful and by successful, I mean competing for National Championships not settling for S16, E8 or F4 though those would be demonstrating the program going in the right direction.
NIL, transfer portal are all good for the players. Not so sure it is good for Marquette.
Every team in the Elite Eight had a couple of common threads.
1. They all had an abundance of very, very athletic players. Chase Ross, MU's most athletic player, was just average in this group.
2. They all had a couple of transfer players. In the case of Alabama, I think they had ten.
3. They all had at least one fifth year senior. In a couple of cases, I think teams had two or three.
What team had none of these three things this past season? - MU.
I don't blame Shaka for trying to avoid the portal. Everyone is entitled to a perspective. But, I think it has become clear that not using the portal really limits your chances of late-season success at a high level. But, I also suspect that MU will never be competitive for top players. I saw a report this morning that Texas Tech's best player is passing on the NBA draft and coming back to play another college season - reportedly for $4 million. I have trouble believing that number, but there are some crazy things going on out there.
I suspect it is true that MU will continue to have good teams but not teams that are truly outstanding.
Quote from: rgoode57 on April 10, 2025, 08:56:29 AMEvery team in the Elite Eight had a couple of common threads.
1. They all had an abundance of very, very athletic players. Chase Ross, MU's most athletic player, was just average in this group.
2. They all had a couple of transfer players. In the case of Alabama, I think they had ten.
3. They all had at least one fifth year senior. In a couple of cases, I think teams had two or three.
What team had none of these three things this past season? - MU.
I don't blame Shaka for trying to avoid the portal. Everyone is entitled to a perspective. But, I think it has become clear that not using the portal really limits your chances of late-season success at a high level. But, I also suspect that MU will never be competitive for top players. I saw a report this morning that Texas Tech's best player is passing on the NBA draft and coming back to play another college season - reportedly for $4 million. I have trouble believing that number, but there are some crazy things going on out there.
I suspect it is true that MU will continue to have good teams but not teams that are truly outstanding.
What teams would you have considered outstanding since Al? It sounds like just 2.
Quote from: Galway Eagle on April 10, 2025, 09:10:21 AMWhat teams would you have considered outstanding since Al? It sounds like just 2.
That's 2 more than muwarrior69 has in his post. Sucess = being in the championship game. SS, EE, FF are only evidence that Marquette is heading in the right direction.
Quote from: rgoode57 on April 10, 2025, 08:56:29 AMEvery team in the Elite Eight had a couple of common threads.
1. They all had an abundance of very, very athletic players. Chase Ross, MU's most athletic player, was just average in this group.
2. They all had a couple of transfer players. In the case of Alabama, I think they had ten.
3. They all had at least one fifth year senior. In a couple of cases, I think teams had two or three.
What team had none of these three things this past season? - MU.
I don't blame Shaka for trying to avoid the portal. Everyone is entitled to a perspective. But, I think it has become clear that not using the portal really limits your chances of late-season success at a high level. But, I also suspect that MU will never be competitive for top players. I saw a report this morning that Texas Tech's best player is passing on the NBA draft and coming back to play another college season - reportedly for $4 million. I have trouble believing that number, but there are some crazy things going on out there.
I suspect it is true that MU will continue to have good teams but not teams that are truly outstanding.
1. You don't need the portal to get athletic players.
2. MSU and Purdue lost to the #1 seeds (by 6 and 2 respectfully) without much portal action.
3. COVID years are all spent after this year.
Too many folks around here see the portal as some sort of panacea, or guarantee of success. For every team like Alabama or St. Johns, there are teams like Kansas and Indiana. Or that we can just create a player that fits the team who can make a difference without upsetting the balance on the team out of thin air. But when asked to point to this person, nothing.
If Shaka finds someone that fits what he needs and fits the culture I'm sure he won't hesitate to brings someone in. Unfortunately, for a lot of scooper's mental health, that pool of players is pretty small or non existent.
During a performance of Prairie Home Companion on NPR, Garrison Keillor once described some people who say that "you have only one problem"....and they know what it is. I think that describes scoopers who are completely confident that Shaka has only one problem, and they know what it is.
kudos to Hards for shredding the lopsided portal arguments in his post above.
Quote from: dgies9156 on April 08, 2025, 02:13:04 PMThere is a lot to unpack in the lead post in this thread. You can argue about whether David Joplin, Ben Gold or Chase Ross area world class (hint: they're not), but there is a bigger question looming that cuts to the heart of the place basketball has at Marquette: How far is Marquette willing to go to be a contender for a national title?
Clearly they weren't in 2024-2025. Mistaken 6th ranking notwithstanding, this was a flawed team with holes that became increasingly apparent over time. Those holes can be fixed, but it will take something Marquette isn't comfortable doling out: big sums of money.
Until just a few short years ago, the table was badly tilted in the university's favor. Every university was equal and a student chose among institutions based on "merit", not on what the university can financially do for the student (UCLA, Louisville and Illinois notwithstanding). Now, universities will have to deal with assorted hangers-oners, from unscrupulous coaches to agents, friends and family and just about anyone else who is able to get a financial piece of the so-called student athlete. Those folks will have to be paid, one way or the other.
I admire the fact that Coach Shaka recruits young men of character. Our guys do well in school and reasonably well so far on the basketball court. I hope his development plan is successful. But, while I'm always optimistic, I have some doubts that our way will get us to where Florida was last night. What's going to happen if Royce Parham and Damarius Owens have break-out years next year and the University of North Carolina, having failed to make the tournament, does a huge bag drop on one or both?
Alternatively, is the Marquette of the future willing to do what it takes to bring the McGuiresque talent necessary to ensure we're a consistent Natty contender?
Marquette has many, many conflicting priorities. Basketball net income helps fund them. My fear is that the cost of being a national basketball powerhouse will be so high that Marquette's Board says, "the heck with it." They'll be content with an occasional Big East title, an NCAA invite and maybe a couple wins that get us to the Sweet 16. In other words: we become Drake.
The next time, there might not be a Father Wild or a Kevin O'Neill to save us!
Must be us old Marquette warriors think alike . Despite all the criticism your post received I agree with you. Must be you had to have lived thru the Mc Guire years to have some perspective.
Quote from: drbob on April 10, 2025, 10:41:40 AMMust be us old Marquette warriors think alike . Despite all the criticism your post received I agree with you. Must be you had to have lived thru the Mc Guire years to have some perspective.
The McGuire years are meaningless to the modern college landscape.
Quote from: drbob on April 10, 2025, 10:41:40 AMMust be us old Marquette warriors think alike . Despite all the criticism your post received I agree with you. Must be you had to have lived thru the Mc Guire years to have some perspective.
I'm a '70 alumnus, so I definitely lived through the Al Era. There's no question Al put Marquette on the basketball map. I absolutely loved living through the Al Era. I like to reminisce about it sometimes in the privacy of my mind, but I do not live there.
I love dgies' enthusiasm, but we need to let Al RIP. The present landscape of college basketball with the major changes in the way the game is played since Al's day and the current rules, NIL, and the portal is reality. That's my perspective. We do not all think alike.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on April 10, 2025, 09:36:24 AM1. You don't need the portal to get athletic players.
2. MSU and Purdue lost to the #1 seeds (by 6 and 2 respectfully) without much portal action.
3. COVID years are all spent after this year.
Too many folks around here see the portal as some sort of panacea, or guarantee of success. For every team like Alabama or St. Johns, there are teams like Kansas and Indiana. Or that we can just create a player that fits the team who can make a difference without upsetting the balance on the team out of thin air. But when asked to point to this person, nothing.
If Shaka finds someone that fits what he needs and fits the culture I'm sure he won't hesitate to brings someone in. Unfortunately, for a lot of scooper's mental health, that pool of players is pretty small or non existent.
Yep yep.
And even St. John's ... flamed out in the second round, losing to a 10-seed, with the HoF coach benching his star (a transfer) for the final 5 minutes of a close game. If the main characters of that drama had been Marquette/Shaka/Kam, lotsa Scoopers would not have called it a "success."
Quote from: Uncle Rico on April 10, 2025, 11:25:31 AMThe McGuire years are meaningless to the modern college landscape.
I agree but is Marquette willing to travel that landscape by putting a team together that could win a Natty. Will see if spending NIL money to retain players rather than acquire players is the key to winning. I suspect spending NIL money on both is the logical/reasonable option. Is Marquette willing to pay for play which at the moment is the modern college landscape?
Quote from: rgoode57 on April 10, 2025, 08:56:29 AMEvery team in the Elite Eight had a couple of common threads.
1. They all had an abundance of very, very athletic players. Chase Ross, MU's most athletic player, was just average in this group.
2. They all had a couple of transfer players. In the case of Alabama, I think they had ten.
3. They all had at least one fifth year senior. In a couple of cases, I think teams had two or three.
What team had none of these three things this past season? - MU.
I don't blame Shaka for trying to avoid the portal. Everyone is entitled to a perspective. But, I think it has become clear that not using the portal really limits your chances of late-season success at a high level. But, I also suspect that MU will never be competitive for top players. I saw a report this morning that Texas Tech's best player is passing on the NBA draft and coming back to play another college season - reportedly for $4 million. I have trouble believing that number, but there are some crazy things going on out there.
I suspect it is true that MU will continue to have good teams but not teams that are truly outstanding.
Agree with most of this. Cannot believe these NIL numbers that are sometimes reported. There is no reason why MU cannot compete for top players if the administration gets their head out of the sand.
Quote from: willie warrior on April 10, 2025, 01:01:02 PMAgree with most of this. Cannot believe these NIL numbers that are sometimes reported. There is no reason why MU cannot compete for top players if the administration gets their head out of the sand.
I'll get them your number, and have em put it on speed dial for all important decisions.
Every time I see the title of this thread, I think of Deep Thoughts, by Jack Handey.
https://www.google.com/search?q=jack+handy&rlz=1CAVMHK_enUS1060US1060&oq=jack+handy&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIMCAEQLhgKGLEDGIAEMgkIAhAuGAoYgAQyCQgDEAAYChiABDIJCAQQABgKGIAEMgkIBRAAGAoYgAQyCQgGEAAYChiABDIJCAcQABgKGIAEMgkICBAAGAoYgATSAQgxNzQyajBqN6gCCLACAfEFg9t9hslAZQI&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:e5c31562,vid:EigfHLZHQkE,st:0
Quote from: MU82 on April 10, 2025, 12:44:10 PMYep yep.
And even St. John's ... flamed out in the second round, losing to a 10-seed, with the HoF coach benching his star (a transfer) for the final 5 minutes of a close game. If the main characters of that drama had been Marquette/Shaka/Kam, lotsa Scoopers would not have called it a "success."
They won a Big East season title, the Big East conference tournament title, beat us all 3 times we played them and advanced to the second round of the NCAA. Yes, they got upset in the second round. Shooting woes happen to really good teams in a 1 off game, cue NC State. St. Johns had issues, 3-point shooting in general and it reared its ugly head when they couldn't overcome it. Got a feeling Rick is going to address that issue for next year.
Overall, I would call their season a huge success no matter what and it's something that is achievable for us, 2022-23 and should be the goal every year(Winning BE conference season and Big East title and getting high seeds) As we start trending away from that, you need to start looking at what are you doing right, what went wrong and what do you need to do to get back to that level. Our team has a lot of growing to do over the off-season to get back to where we were at just the last few seasons.
Quote from: Big Papi on April 10, 2025, 01:30:25 PMThey won a Big East season title, the Big East conference tournament title, beat us all 3 times we played them and advanced to the second round of the NCAA. Yes, they got upset in the second round. Shooting woes happen to really good teams in a 1 off game, cue NC State. St. Johns had issues, 3-point shooting in general and it reared its ugly head when they couldn't overcome it.
They also learned that tournament games are not called the same way BE games are.
Quote from: Big Papi on April 10, 2025, 01:30:25 PMAs we start trending away from that, you need to start looking at what are you doing right, what went wrong and what do you need to do to get back to that level.
Is a single year a trend when looking at 4 years? No.
Next year we can argue about trends but thus far we took no key transfers and lost no key returnees, to improve to a 2 seed, did the same to stay at a 2 seed, did the same and fell off to a 7 seed (which I think we could make a damn good argument had more to do with sudden shooting woes from proven shooters than tripling down on the system given how the non con and early conference records looked)
Quote from: mileskishnish72 on April 10, 2025, 01:51:47 PMThey also learned that tournament games are not called the same way BE games are.
They got away with so much physicality in the Big East. Not a fan of Big East refereeing .
Quote from: Big Papi on April 10, 2025, 01:30:25 PMThey won a Big East season title, the Big East conference tournament title, beat us all 3 times we played them and advanced to the second round of the NCAA. Yes, they got upset in the second round. Shooting woes happen to really good teams in a 1 off game, cue NC State. St. Johns had issues, 3-point shooting in general and it reared its ugly head when they couldn't overcome it. Got a feeling Rick is going to address that issue for next year.
Overall, I would call their season a huge success no matter what and it's something that is achievable for us, 2022-23 and should be the goal every year(Winning BE conference season and Big East title and getting high seeds) As we start trending away from that, you need to start looking at what are you doing right, what went wrong and what do you need to do to get back to that level. Our team has a lot of growing to do over the off-season to get back to where we were at just the last few seasons.
Boy imagine if Shaka had a season like St. John's. Win the double BE title, get a 2 seed, lose in the 2nd round. If only he could have that type of success.
Oh wait. He had that exact same season 2 years ago. And followed it up with another 2 seed. But he hasn't had a Final Four run so Scoopers think he needs to hit the portal because he had a "down" year. One in which we finished 4th in the BE and got a 7 seed. When has that ever been a "down" year for Marquette basketball? The mid to late 70s is about it. Yet...
Quote from: Scoop Snoop on April 10, 2025, 11:43:52 AMI'm a '70 alumnus, so I definitely lived through the Al Era. There's no question Al put Marquette on the basketball map. I absolutely loved living through the Al Era. I like to reminisce about it sometimes in the privacy of my mind, but I do not live there.
I love dgies' enthusiasm, but we need to let Al RIP. The present landscape of college basketball with the major changes in the way the game is played since Al's day and the current rules, NIL, and the portal is reality. That's my perspective. We do not all think alike.
I understand the game has changed. That is not the point. Al's tenure was the obvious pinnacle of MU's basketball success. I see no reason to not want to strive to that level of success again. I don't care if Shaka uses the portal or is able to achieve this with high school recruits. { which seems to be the harder route} If you are a Marquette fan why not yearn for better. I don't think Duke fans think that coach K's past success is not still the program goal. I think Shaka is a class act. Hopefully his project bigs will provide some level of frontcourt toughness and rebounding that has been missing.
Do people really think Shaka or Marquette basketball or the athletic department are NOT striving for the success Al had? It's not like the issue is a lack of investment or interest in the men's basketball program at Marquette. It's hard to have that kind of success.
Quote from: wadesworld on April 10, 2025, 03:38:17 PMDo people really think Shaka or Marquette basketball or the athletic department are NOT striving for the success Al had? It's not like the issue is a lack of investment or interest in the men's basketball program at Marquette. It's hard to have that kind of success.
Counterpoint: It's Easy
Be like one of the 290 teams that hit the portal and didn't make the NCAA tournament. The portal is an easy panacea.
Quote from: Big Papi on April 10, 2025, 01:30:25 PMThey won a Big East season title, the Big East conference tournament title, beat us all 3 times we played them and advanced to the second round of the NCAA. Yes, they got upset in the second round. Shooting woes happen to really good teams in a 1 off game, cue NC State. St. Johns had issues, 3-point shooting in general and it reared its ugly head when they couldn't overcome it. Got a feeling Rick is going to address that issue for next year.
Overall, I would call their season a huge success no matter what and it's something that is achievable for us, 2022-23 and should be the goal every year(Winning BE conference season and Big East title and getting high seeds) As we start trending away from that, you need to start looking at what are you doing right, what went wrong and what do you need to do to get back to that level. Our team has a lot of growing to do over the off-season to get back to where we were at just the last few seasons.
I also would call St. John's season a huge success; some might disagree with us.
A one-season "trend"? Hmm. UConn's one-season trend is so bad they should just shutter the program!
I agree we need several of our players to improve for next season to continue Shaka's run of success at Marquette.
Quote from: drbob on April 10, 2025, 03:25:48 PMI understand the game has changed. That is not the point. Al's tenure was the obvious pinnacle of MU's basketball success. I see no reason to not want to strive to that level of success again. I don't care if Shaka uses the portal or is able to achieve this with high school recruits. { which seems to be the harder route} If you are a Marquette fan why not yearn for better. I don't think Duke fans think that coach K's past success is not still the program goal. I think Shaka is a class act. Hopefully his project bigs will provide some level of frontcourt toughness and rebounding that has been missing.
Have people from your era forgot Al didn't wake up and make the title game?
He had a couple rough years, lost the NIT final, lost to Purdue, skipped the tournament, lost to Ohio state, lost to Kentucky, etc. all without Final Fours to show for it. Any you think Shakas not striving to build to that? I know hindsight is 20/20 but the love for Al is wild it's like everyone forgot how long he was here before they got to that "peak". Do you think Shaka got the 2 seed and set a program record in wins swept the conference titles then just thought, "cool we don't have to win anything now"
Difference is Duke had proved with two other coaches that they could make multiple final fours/title games before K came around, K proved they could make it, and win it, multiple times and now another coach has proved he can do it.
What in MU's history suggests our best years are easily replicable and that level of success in our program is sustainable year in and year out? Everyone talks about trends recently because of last year. We have ample data suggest that after Al our best years occur in pairs and doesn't consistently stay that level: 78/79, 02/03, 12/13, 23/24. I personally am thrilled the step back wasn't like 04 or 14.
"Shaka doesn't use the portal ergo Marquette doesn't want to win like the days of Al"
Just bizarre takes these days around here.
Quote from: The Sultan on April 10, 2025, 04:08:25 PM"Shaka doesn't use the portal ergo Marquette doesn't want to win like the days of Al"
Just bizarre takes these days around here.
Shaka needs to get Don Kojis 2.0
And a John Glaser. Every modern team needs a 6'4 power forward.
Quote from: The Sultan on April 10, 2025, 04:08:25 PM"Shaka doesn't use the portal ergo Marquette doesn't want to win like the days of Al"
Just bizarre takes these days around here.
I have great
memories of the Al Era.
Shaka should not be saddled with comparisons nearly a half century old.
Quote from: Galway Eagle on April 10, 2025, 04:05:13 PMHave people from your era forgot Al didn't wake up and make the title game?
He had a couple rough years, lost the NIT final, lost to Purdue, skipped the tournament, lost to Ohio state, lost to Kentucky, etc. all without Final Fours to show for it. Any you think Shakas not striving to build to that? I know hindsight is 20/20 but the love for Al is wild it's like everyone forgot how long he was here before they got to that "peak". Do you think Shaka got the 2 seed and set a program record in wins swept the conference titles then just thought, "cool we don't have to win anything now"
Difference is Duke had proved with two other coaches that they could make multiple final fours/title games before K came around, K proved they could make it, and win it, multiple times and now another coach has proved he can do it.
What in MU's history suggests our best years are easily replicable and that level of success in our program is sustainable year in and year out? Everyone talks about trends recently because of last year. We have ample data suggest that after Al our best years occur in pairs and doesn't consistently stay that level: 78/79, 02/03, 12/13, 23/24. I personally am thrilled the step back wasn't like 04 or 14.
I'm pretty annoyed by you applying common sense and keeping things in perspective.
You clearly hate winning.
Quote from: tower912 on April 10, 2025, 03:56:27 PMBe like one of the 290 teams that hit the portal and didn't make the NCAA tournament. The portal is an easy panacea.
...and the only team to make the NCAA tournament that did not hit the portal got bumped out by a lower seed that hit the portal in the first round. I guess not hitting the portal is an easy panacea for making the tournament.
In fairness how many transfers went to mid major or low major D1 schools from high major programs and did not make the tournament?
The portal is a synonym for "free agent" and with NIL Marquette is facing the new college landscape and with the court ruling how much of the Athletic department's budget is the University going to allocate compensating the "scholarship" athletes will be an indication of how competitive we want to be in all sports.
Quote from: muwarrior69 on April 10, 2025, 05:20:41 PM...and the only team to make the NCAA tournament that did not hit the portal got bumped out by a lower seed that hit the portal in the first round. I guess not hitting the portal is an easy panacea for making the tournament.
In fairness how many transfers went to mid major or low major D1 schools from high major programs and did not make the tournament?
The portal is a synonym for "free agent" and with NIL Marquette is facing the new college landscape and with the court ruling how much of the Athletic department's budget is the University going to allocate compensating the "scholarship" athletes will be an indication of how competitive we want to be in all sports.
Like in Al's day, what really matters is the education these student athletes will receive
Quote from: muwarrior69 on April 10, 2025, 05:20:41 PM...and the only team to make the NCAA tournament that did not hit the portal got bumped out by a lower seed that hit the portal in the first round. I guess not hitting the portal is an easy panacea for making the tournament.
In fairness how many transfers went to mid major or low major D1 schools from high major programs and did not make the tournament?
The portal is a synonym for "free agent" and with NIL Marquette is facing the new college landscape and with the court ruling how much of the Athletic department's budget is the University going to allocate compensating the "scholarship" athletes will be an indication of how competitive we want to be in all sports.
With transfers on the team, we might have won the NM game. With transfers on the team, we might have been a 10 seed. I guess there is no easy panacea for making the tournament.
Quote from: Galway Eagle on April 10, 2025, 01:52:23 PMIs a single year a trend when looking at 4 years? No.
Next year we can argue about trends but thus far we took no key transfers and lost no key returnees, to improve to a 2 seed, did the same to stay at a 2 seed, did the same and fell off to a 7 seed (which I think we could make a damn good argument had more to do with sudden shooting woes from proven shooters than tripling down on the system given how the non con and early conference records looked)
No the damn good argument is that this was Shakas weakest team since year 1 without any bangers AND 3 POINT SHOOTERS.
Quote from: willie warrior on April 10, 2025, 07:05:31 PMNo the damn good argument is that this was Shakas weakest team since year 1 without any bangers AND 3 POINT SHOOTERS.
Thanks
Quote from: willie warrior on April 10, 2025, 07:05:31 PMNo the damn good argument is that this was Shakas weakest team since year 1 without any bangers AND 3 POINT SHOOTERS.
And this coming season, we will not have the 4 bangers Muggsy ordered. We're
so screwed.
Quote from: willie warrior on April 10, 2025, 07:05:31 PMNo the damn good argument is that this was Shakas weakest team since year 1 without any bangers AND 3 POINT SHOOTERS.
What would you personally call two returning players who shoot 40% from 3?
Quote from: Galway Eagle on April 10, 2025, 07:31:26 PMWhat would you personally call two returning players who shoot 40% from 3?
Shaka should have known Kam and Joplin wouldn't shoot well.
If Shaka's not clairvoyant, joyless willie says he's gotta go so we can bring in a coach who is.
Perhaps Shaka could try something old school like the triangle offense!
Shaka is great and convincing young men to learn his scheme and could be a great opportunity to modernize the "old school cool"!
Quote from: MarquetteBasketballfan69 on April 10, 2025, 09:30:49 PMPerhaps Shaka could try something old school like the triangle offense!
Shaka is great and convincing young men to learn his scheme and could be a great opportunity to modernize the "old school cool"!
Hmmmmmm
Chase needed surgery.
Owens needed surgery.
Sean was recovering from major surgery.
Stevie had achilles tendinitis.
Ben (reportedly) had shin splints and a broken finger.
Kam and Joplin shot 3s had a much lower percentage than previously.
Quote from: tower912 on April 11, 2025, 07:15:12 AMChase needed surgery.
Owens needed surgery.
Sean was recovering from major surgery.
Stevie had achilles tendinitis.
Ben (reportedly) had shin splints and a broken finger.
Kam and Joplin shot 3s had a much lower percentage than previously.
I don't think anyone disputes this even thiugh we're hearing more of the severity.
The learning for me is that if Shaka wants to play the style he deployed at the beginning of the year, we need more depth. Clearly you can't maintain it with a seven to eight man rotation with the starting five playing over 70% of the total mins.
Quote from: Frenns Liquor Depot on April 11, 2025, 07:24:59 AMI don't think anyone disputes this even thiugh we're hearing more of the severity.
The learning for me is that if Shaka wants to play the style he deployed at the beginning of the year, we need more depth. Clearly you can't maintain it with a seven to eight man rotation with the starting five playing over 70% of the total mins.
In my preseason prediction, I had DO as the 6th man, playing nearly starter minutes by the end of the year. Oops.
My mantra for the season was get healthy, stay healthy, make 3s, develop the bench. Double oops.
I agree about depth and loathe when coaches in general shorten their rotations from 9 to 7. Shaka is guilty of this.
Next season, the question for me is whether any of the freshmen end up forcing their way in front of the returning 9.
Quote from: tower912 on April 11, 2025, 07:34:54 AMIn my preseason prediction, I had DO as the 6th man, playing nearly starter minutes by the end of the year. Oops.
My mantra for the season was get healthy, stay healthy, make 3s, develop the bench. Double oops.
I agree about depth and loathe when coaches in general shorten their rotations from 9 to 7. Shaka is guilty of this.
Next season, the question for me is whether any of the freshmen end up forcing their way in front of the returning 9.
I dont think Shaka 'shortened the rotation'. We didnt have the players in a position to TAKE mins....the injuries and falloff of team performance just shine a brighter light on that.
NCAA CBB gets younger next year. I am cool with a develop and pay to retain mantra/culture. In this environment though it puts more pressure on ready now freshman and we've yet to see that work. Hopefully next year is the exception.
I would argue the opposite. Going forward with 15 man rosters, assuming Shaka stays, continues with his current philosophy, and continues to get buy in, I see less pressure on freshmen to be immediate impact. There will always be 9-12 sophomores, juniors, and seniors. The occasional freshman will play so well he forces himself into big minutes. But by and large, the big minutes will go to those who have already been through an offseason or more of growth.
Quote from: tower912 on April 11, 2025, 08:02:45 AMI would argue the opposite. Going forward with 15 man rosters, assuming Shaka stays, continues with his current philosophy, and continues to get buy in, I see less pressure on freshmen to be immediate impact. There will always be 9-12 sophomores, juniors, and seniors. The occasional freshman will play so well he forces himself into big minutes. But by and large, the big minutes will go to those who have already been through an offseason or more of growth.
Counter point - we were not a young team.
It's year 3? of Shaka deploying the strategy. 2024 we didnt have enough players to take the mins to play our style. Next year will likely be stressed and need frosh to step up.
If what you describe isnt already happening, I have a hard time seeing it change less a infusion of more players capable that can allow a bigger rotation.
2024 had a 13 scholarship limit and we had 3 players red-shirt. 2025-on is a 15 scholarship limit and there are no obvious red-shirt candidates (i.e. none of the true Freshman are "projects").
Marquette had 7 players play over 13 mpg. Florida just won a national title with 7 players playing over 13 mpg. Nova won two national titles with a tiny rotation. Etc. etc. Depth in college basketball is overrated. They're 18-22 (usually...25 these past couple years) year olds who are getting 2-6 nights off between games, outside of Conference Tournaments. What we lacked was shooting and talent. I don't blame Shaka for the shooting. Kam and Jop had always been much better shooters than they were this year.
Quote from: wadesworld on April 11, 2025, 10:22:42 AMMarquette had 7 players play over 13 mpg. Florida just won a national title with 7 players playing over 13 mpg. Nova won two national titles with a tiny rotation. Etc. etc. Depth in college basketball is overrated. They're 18-22 (usually...25 these past couple years) year olds who are getting 2-6 nights off between games, outside of Conference Tournaments. What we lacked was shooting and talent. I don't blame Shaka for the shooting. Kam and Jop had always been much better shooters than they were this year.
I agree with this, though I also acknowledge that lack of quality depth can bite a team if there are injuries.
Great point guards get you good looks from 3. MU didn't have any point guard last year. Kam just played it out of necessity.
And made second team all American doing it.
Quote from: Markusquette on April 11, 2025, 02:33:05 PMGreat point guards get you good looks from 3. MU didn't have any point guard last year. Kam just played it out of necessity.
We had plenty of good looks from 3. And Kam lead the BE in assist percentage.
He's no Tyler Kolek, but he was plenty good.
Quote from: Markusquette on April 11, 2025, 02:33:05 PMGreat point guards get you good looks from 3. MU didn't have any point guard last year. Kam just played it out of necessity.
That's just plain dopey.
Did you watch any Marquette basketball this past season?
I had hoped for more success last season but they didn't miss by much. I expected more from Gold. I didn't think it would be a stretch for him to be a 14 and 7 kind of guy but he was half that. I thought Stevie should have taken point and let Kam score 20+ per game. Playing the point hurt his shooting down the stretch. The bench was always going to be an issue even if Sean came back. I thought if one of them could get 10 a game MU would have been a sweet 16 team, but they didn't. It was a solid year considering all the crying in here. Next season could be a struggle but perhaps not. I think if everybody is just decent and Shaka can get 9 or 10 deep it could be a good year. It looks like he signed some shooters, I like Parham a lot and expect Owens to show up big. Gold might still be a wild card but Ross and Lowery could be dynamic. Regardless of next season the eagles will soar in the following year and prbably be solid for 3 or 4 more years.
Quote from: MU82 on April 11, 2025, 02:58:39 PMThat's just plain dopey.
Did you watch any Marquette basketball this past season?
Yeah and I watched his 3-point percentage dip by almost 10 percent as a result of having to play point. He racked up some assists but MU was still lacking a true point guard so he could continue to play off ball at times.
Quote from: Markusquette on April 12, 2025, 09:24:27 AMYeah and I watched his 3-point percentage dip by almost 10 percent as a result of having to play point. He racked up some assists but MU was still lacking a true point guard so he could continue to play off ball at times.
"Some assists." Head lead the BE in assist percentage. Honestly this desire to have a "true point guard" is thinking straight out of 1988.
Quote from: The Sultan on April 12, 2025, 10:33:17 AM"Some assists." Head lead the BE in assist percentage. Honestly this desire to have a "true point guard" is thinking straight out of 1988.
Right? All someone had to do was watch the final 4 to see none of those teams had a "true PG" on their roster. You need multiple guys who can handle and create, putting the ball just in the hands of a true PG completely limits what you can run offensively.
Anyone who uses the true PG term I automatically assume is stuck in pre-2010s basketball.
Quote from: Markusquette on April 12, 2025, 09:24:27 AMYeah and I watched his 3-point percentage dip by almost 10 percent as a result of having to play point. He racked up some assists but MU was still lacking a true point guard so he could continue to play off ball at times.
Kam was an outstanding PG, a second-team All-American for crissakes.
I agree that having to be on the ball for most of every game contributed to his decline in 3-point percentage, but that doesn't mean he was anything other than an outstanding PG.
Quote from: hawk on April 11, 2025, 05:36:03 PMI thought Stevie should have taken point and let Kam score 20+ per game.
I loved having Stevie on our team, one of my faves, but he was no PG. He lacked court vision, he never showed himself to be a particularly good passer, and he had a loose handle. The role Shaka had him play was perfect for Stevie.
Quote from: MU82 on April 12, 2025, 02:14:24 PMKam was an outstanding PG, a second-team All-American for crissakes.
I agree that having to be on the ball for most of every game contributed to his decline in 3-point percentage, but that doesn't mean he was anything other than an outstanding PG.
I loved having Stevie on our team, one of my faves, but he was no PG. He lacked court vision, he never showed himself to be a particularly good passer, and he had a loose handle. The role Shaka had him play was perfect for Stevie.
Totally agree with you. The issue was not having a backup in place to spell Kam and/or let him move off the ball for a break.
Quote from: Nukem2 on April 12, 2025, 03:18:43 PMTotally agree with you. The issue was not having a backup in place to spell Kam and/or let him move off the ball for a break.
That's more of what I'm speaking to. MU had to take their best scorer and shooter who was perfect off-ball and make him create for others. As a result, he ended up having to force too much when trying to get his own looks, especially as the season progressed. He did an excellent job all things considered.
I know it's been discussed ad nauseam at this point, but having Sean would have benefitted Kam and made the offense flow more naturally throughout the entire game. There really wasn't another guy who could step in and do anything remotely close.
Quote from: Markusquette on April 12, 2025, 03:30:33 PMThat's more of what I'm speaking to. MU had to take their best scorer and shooter who was perfect off-ball and make him create for others. As a result, he ended up having to force too much when trying to get his own looks, especially as the season progressed. He did an excellent job all things considered.
I know it's been discussed ad nauseam at this point, but having Sean would have benefitted Kam and made the offense flow more naturally throughout the entire game. There really wasn't another guy who could step in and do anything remotely close.
This I can agree with.