Purdue and Wisconsin will be ugly unless we find a way to defend for starters.
Parham can't be a non-factor moving forward.
We're getting zero from Owens/Tre and our 5's.
The missed chippies are more than one bad game. Poor balance and we rarely play off of two feet.
The inability of our bigs to switch is killing us.
Shaka had a bad day imo this afternoon. Didn't get the rotation at the 14 min mark.
Lastly, I have at least another 25 or so concerns.
I hope I'm wrong.
We just aren't that good. Hopefully we will improve. But when your seniors don't play well down the stretch, getting old doesn't matter much.
I just remembered I forgot to schedule something for 12/6 that will keep me far away from my TV and phone for the afternoon
We hebben een serieus probleem.
Quote from: The Sultan on November 15, 2025, 03:28:45 PMWe just aren't that good. Hopefully we will improve. But when your seniors don't play well down the stretch, getting old doesn't matter much.
We're not good fundamentally from what I've seen, and our bigs have a myriad of issues.
You cannot lecture people about how you're doing things the right way, when you're the only one doing it this way, and then put this out there.
At some point, you're just telling us to not believe our eyes and ears. It becomes insulting.
Instead of "Stud of the Game" tally on the site, we may need an "Embarrassing Loss" counter.
Dabo and Shaka are Exhibit A in the NIL era of why to not avoid the portal. It is arrogant and idealistic.
To compete at the highest levels, you need proven talent, period. Wish it wasn't the case, but it is the truth.
Marquette Basketball is operating in fantasy world. And we are living in it.
"may be in serious trouble"? More like "are in serious trouble".
Thankfully most of the Big East teams look like total crap too so we'll be able to hide how bad this season is in the middle of the pack.
Quote from: dpucane on November 15, 2025, 03:32:54 PMYou cannot lecture people about how you're doing things the right way, when you're the only one doing it this way, and then put this out there.
At some point, you're just telling us to not believe our eyes and ears. It becomes insulting.
Who has lectured people? When has anyone claimed that they're doing it the right way?
I think we do these young men a disservice to suggest that they won't be replaced if they suck at their job.
You left out Dayton and Oklahoma. MU beat three cupcakes and has been beat by two portal laden teams. Maryland had three players not starting and lost their best player to an injury with twelve minutes to go. MU gave up 89 points to them and 100 to Indiana. Oklahoma at neutral site, Wisconsin and Purdue away. Should be interesting to say the least.
MU lost game at 13 minute mark, when for the next 4 minutes, outscored by 15, with MU jacking up threes and missing. Took 39 today. Too many for a team that supposedly has no real shooters, but that's a Shaka philosophy and he has no problem with it. Not a good look for MU losing at home to an injury plagued Maryland squad.
I don't even want think what will happen if Ross gets in any type of foul trouble early and has to sit.
Shaka needs to recruit over Sean and Tre for next season. We need a much higher level of guard play to go alongside Nigel and Stevens.
I'm hoping this is the low point of the Shaka era, at least for awhile. Tough to have your tournament hopes dashed in November.
Quote from: The Sultan on November 15, 2025, 03:36:38 PMWho has lectured people? When has anyone claimed that they're doing it the right way?
There's a reason every pre-game and halftime show talks about Marquette's no transfer philosophy. That's being pushed by the school.
Kimo also directly contrasted MU and St John's teambuilding last week, saying we were lucky to have this strategy because it builds relationships instead of needing a new rosters every year.
Shaka's philosophy isn't 3 pt shots, it is 2 in the paint or open 3's
Maryland isn't good.
Absolute fail by Shaka and staff. If you don't want to get transfers, fine. But you need to recruit better. Collectively, you need a better junior and sophomore class. That's squarely on him.
This team sucks, you could see it coming from a mile away way. In order for shakas approach to work he need to hit a high percent of recruits. Ross is decent but not a star, lead guy. The junior and sophomore classes are total busts. Freshman look alright but they ain't James and McNeal
Ben gold is our second best player... this is not good
I don't really understand why we cannot use the portal n occasion. We are continuously recruiting players hopefully better than the ones we have already. That is a form of recruiting over. If we recruit a better point than the ones we have already are we committed to playing the lesser player? So, I don't see why it is not ok to use the portal when needed.
The recruit, develop and keep is a great way of doing thing . . . But you can also use the portal within that same system.
Quote from: dpucane on November 15, 2025, 03:42:08 PMThere's a reason every pre-game and halftime show talks about Marquette's no transfer philosophy. That's being pushed by the school.
Kimo also directly contrasted MU and St John's teambuilding last week, saying we were lucky to have this strategy because it builds relationships instead of needing a new rosters every year.
It doesn't take long to build team chemistry. Amount of time played together is also a much smaller factor than just simply having talented and unselfish players. If anything, I think complacency sets in when a unit is together too long. You see that sometimes in the real world workplace as well. New faces that challenge the status quo is sometimes not a bad thing.
So, yes, I'm pretty frustrated by the game. However, we were in control in the "third quarter" rolling pretty well, their stud goes down, we fall apart. So while we got out worked early, we came back and took control. I'm not selling the team, but I am "worried" that it will take too long to gel, we lose too many OOC games, and we are on the outside of the tourney looking in. What really makes me unhappy is that we had the game.
Maryland is not very talented but they are well coached. We are not very talented and we were not well coached.
Quote from: 21Jumpstreet on November 15, 2025, 03:46:25 PMSo, yes, I'm pretty frustrated by the game. However, we were in control in the "third quarter" rolling pretty well, their stud goes down, we fall apart. So while we got out worked early, we came back and took control. I'm not selling the team, but I am "worried" that it will take too long to gel, we lose too many OOC games, and we are on the outside of the tourney looking in. What really makes me unhappy is that we had the game.
There cannot be 'gelling' in this approach to roster-building. There just can't. This is a .500 team.
It's not uncommon for a team to fall apart when a team's best player leaves with a gruesome injury. It's just usually the team of that player.
Quote from: dpucane on November 15, 2025, 03:42:08 PMThere's a reason every pre-game and halftime show talks about Marquette's no transfer philosophy. That's being pushed by the school.
Kimo also directly contrasted MU and St John's teambuilding last week, saying we were lucky to have this strategy because it builds relationships instead of needing a new rosters every year.
LOL. The best you can do is some off hand comments by the president? Fail.
Quote from: nyg on November 15, 2025, 03:38:31 PMYou left out Dayton and Oklahoma. MU beat three cupcakes and has been beat by two portal laden teams. Maryland had three players not starting and lost their best player to an injury with twelve minutes to go. MU gave up 89 points to them and 100 to Indiana. Oklahoma at neutral site, Wisconsin and Purdue away. Should be interesting to say the least.
MU lost game at 13 minute mark, when for the next 4 minutes, outscored by 15, with MU jacking up threes and missing. Took 39 today. Too many for a team that supposedly has no real shooters, but that's a Shaka philosophy and he has no problem with it. Not a good look for MU losing at home to an injury plagued Maryland squad.
I don't even want think what will happen if Ross gets in any type of foul trouble early and has to sit.
We will struggle to beat Dayton or Oklahoma as well.
Quote from: GB Warrior on November 15, 2025, 03:48:56 PMThere cannot be 'gelling' in this approach to roster-building. There just can't. This is a .500 team.
right that was supposed to be the whole point
Quote from: 21Jumpstreet on November 15, 2025, 03:46:25 PMSo, yes, I'm pretty frustrated by the game. However, we were in control in the "third quarter" rolling pretty well, their stud goes down, we fall apart. So while we got out worked early, we came back and took control. I'm not selling the team, but I am "worried" that it will take too long to gel, we lose too many OOC games, and we are on the outside of the tourney looking in. What really makes me unhappy is that we had the game.
We started to fall apart before that. We had a couple of empty possessions prior to the injury, and Payne had already started to show his stuff as well.
If we aren't going to defend worth a damn anyway, might as well throw some shooters in there.Phillips and Miletic can't do worse. I realize Miletic is redshirting, but this
team cannot shoot consistently or defend. Tough combo.
Quote from: cheebs09 on November 15, 2025, 03:41:12 PMI'm hoping this is the low point of the Shaka era, at least for awhile. Tough to have your tournament hopes dashed in November.
Let's do the limbo. How low can you go?
Assuming this is Defcon 2, what would you do moving forward? What tinkering would you consider? Ty.
I still think it's early in the season so there is a smidgen of hope.
Quote from: MuggsyB on November 15, 2025, 03:55:41 PMAssuming this is Defcon 2, what would you do moving forward? What tinkering would you consider? Ty.
I still think it's early in the season so there is a smidgen of hope.
The problem is that we have a bunch of players who can't hit shots consistently. That doesn't change. They just have to hope they can have an outlier shooting night, or out hustle some other teams, but that's not really a recipe for long term success.
Why doesn't Ben in particular ever play off of 2 feet once he punches the paint? I get he had wide open bunnies, but he misses them often because he's off balanced.
Quote from: Newsdreams on November 15, 2025, 03:42:15 PMShaka's philosophy isn't 3 pt shots, it is 2 in the paint or open 3's
Oh, must have missed that. MU took 76 shots today, 40 of which were threes. 53%
Not too many NCAA teams take 53% of their shots from three. But Shaka does say, if you are open for a three, take it, he has no problem with it. Been like that for past four years.
Quote from: The Sultan on November 15, 2025, 03:57:49 PMThe problem is that we have a bunch of players who can't hit shots consistently. That doesn't change. They just have to hope they can have an outlier shooting night, or out hustle some other teams, but that's not really a recipe for long term success.
Ya....this is certainly a major reason for our issues.
Quote from: nyg on November 15, 2025, 03:59:35 PMOh, must have missed that. MU took 76 shots today, 40 of which were threes. 53%
Not too many NCAA teams take 53% of their shots from three. But Shaka does say, if you are open for a three, take it, he has no problem with it. Been like that for past four years.
Other teams realize we can't shoot. So they pack it in. We missed A TON of wide open threes. Just like last year. I'm not sure there is a fix besides "recruit better shooters."
Quote from: MuggsyB on November 15, 2025, 03:55:41 PMAssuming this is Defcon 2, what would you do moving forward? What tinkering would you consider? Ty.
I still think it's early in the season so there is a smidgen of hope.
Go smaller and slow the game down. "Havoc" is a joke against high major teams. We don't have the fire power or skill to play in high possession games.
Quote from: CountryRoads on November 15, 2025, 04:05:01 PMGo smaller and slow the game down. "Havoc" is a joke against high major teams. We don't have the fire power or skill to play in high possession games.
Makes more sense when you consider we aspire to be SLU
Quote from: The Sultan on November 15, 2025, 03:36:38 PMWho has lectured people? When has anyone claimed that they're doing it the right way?
the majority sentiment is Shaka knows what he's doing.
Quote from: Viper on November 15, 2025, 04:06:06 PMthe majority sentiment is Shaka knows what he's doing.
Right. But Shaka certainly isn't lecturing anyone.
Quote from: The Sultan on November 15, 2025, 04:02:02 PMI'm not sure there is a fix besides "recruit better shooters."
If this is the gameplan, then Nevada Smith doesn't have the cache he thinks he does.
I personally still don't find the offense to be the issue. Of course, if your philosophy is 3s and at the rim, you need guys who can hit 3s and finish at the rim. But with a Shaka team, if you score 82 and 77 against Maryland and Indiana, you need to be at least very much in it in the last minute. And we have been very much not in it.
Need to defend. In my opinion, stop the chaotic full court press. High major players are too good to play into that, and you're turning their offense into layup lines and wide open 3 kick outs on a collapsing, rotating, unsettled defense. Stop desperately hedging on screens 40 feet from the hoop. Same result as the insane press. Everyone goes into rotation, which we aren't good at, and their offense turns into what Shaka wants our offense to be, just actually making the open attempts.
Shorten the rotation. Stop recruiting guys that even UWGB hasn't heard of. Show talented bigs the NBA guys you've coached, and up the talent level.
Quote from: GB Warrior on November 15, 2025, 03:48:56 PMThere cannot be 'gelling' in this approach to roster-building. There just can't. This is a .500 team.
Disagree, but I understand your point as it relates to portal vs retention. We have new players starting in new, expanded roles, and our defense is very selfish at the moment. They need to gel on defense.
Quote from: nyg on November 15, 2025, 03:59:35 PMOh, must have missed that. MU took 76 shots today, 40 of which were threes. 53%
Not too many NCAA teams take 53% of their shots from three. But Shaka does say, if you are open for a three, take it, he has no problem with it. Been like that for past four years.
You think that perhaps the opponent knows we'll shoot between 25 percent and 35 percent from 3-land. If I was playing MU, I'd tell my guys, "let 'em shoot away!"
Unless what we're seeing is an aberration, it's going to be a rough year. I feel for Chase, because he's coming into his own. But, as it stands now, I don't think we're even .500 unless the defense picks up and the turnovers slow.
Quote from: The Sultan on November 15, 2025, 03:53:22 PMWe started to fall apart before that. We had a couple of empty possessions prior to the injury, and Payne had already started to show his stuff as well.
But, that stuff happens in a game. We were still in control even with a couple empty possessions and Payne playing like the player he is. Probably just a case of missing a ton of layups and open threes. Until we gel on D, we need to make a ton of shots, which we didn't.
Quote from: Small Orange Soda on November 15, 2025, 03:42:41 PMMaryland isn't good.
Agree Maryland lost at home to Georgetown by 10
Quote from: The Sultan on November 15, 2025, 04:02:02 PMOther teams realize we can't shoot. So they pack it in. We missed A TON of wide open threes. Just like last year. I'm not sure there is a fix besides "recruit better shooters."
And the prior years. Think back two years ago to NC State as I believe a two seed NCAA game, 4 for 31, with some pretty good shooters on MU. This is now all Shaka recruits, so he should have recruited them already. Some current players go on nice three point runs, but then the others don't. One guy goes 4 for 10, then others go 2 for 14. Not consistent enough and the offense is based upon it.
Gtown will make tg
Quote from: MarquetteMike1977 on November 15, 2025, 04:15:17 PMAgree Maryland lost at home to Georgetown by 10
Gtown will make the ncaa tournament
Quote from: MuggsyB on November 15, 2025, 03:25:33 PMPurdue and Wisconsin will be ugly unless we find a way to defend for starters.
Parham can't be a non-factor moving forward.
We're getting zero from Owens/Tre and our 5's.
The missed chippies are more than one bad game. Poor balance and we rarely play off of two feet.
The inability of our bigs to switch is killing us.
Shaka had a bad day imo this afternoon. Didn't get the rotation at the 14 min mark.
Lastly, I have at least another 25 or so concerns.
I hope I'm wrong.
you mention the bench, and rotation. 2fgs from the bench. That's it. Two. Factor in Hamilton and you have three guys taking not a single shot! Parnham made just 1. Rotation? It's Parnham and maybe Stevens. Owens is a head scratcher. Athletic as heck. A backslide was foreshadowed as late last season unfolded. But, not sure I see much turnaround with this roster, this season.
Quote from: MarquetteMike1977 on November 15, 2025, 04:15:17 PMAgree Maryland lost at home to Georgetown by 10
They're aren't and will lose a lot of games. Especially with Payne out.
Quote from: Viper on November 15, 2025, 04:27:32 PMyou mention the bench, and rotation. 2fgs from the bench. That's it. Two. Factor in Hamilton and you have three guys taking not a single shot! Parnham made just 1. Rotation? It's Parnham and maybe Stevens. Owens is a head scratcher. Athletic as heck. A backslide was foreshadowed as late last season unfolded. But, not sure I see much turnaround with this roster, this season.
Owens has been extremely disappointing to put it mildly. And I have no idea why he played 10 mins today, and in critical stretches. I'm less concerned about the FGA's than the anemic defense.
Quote from: CountryRoads on November 15, 2025, 04:05:01 PMGo smaller and slow the game down. "Havoc" is a joke against high major teams. We don't have the fire power or skill to play in high possession games.
This is totally antithetical to Shaka's philosophy. If we don't have the skill to play in a high possession game, what makes you think we would in a low possession game? It seems to me that we don't run very effective h-c sets and struggle executing in general other than Chase going solo.
Applying pressure to high quality teams just seems to result in extra fatigue for Marquette. Fools good thinking what pressure did to Little Rock works against Big Ten teams or any other decent team.
Quote from: MuggsyB on November 15, 2025, 04:36:14 PMThis is totally antithetical to Shaka's philosophy. If we don't have the skill to play in a high possession game, what makes you think we would in a low possession game? It seems to me that we don't run very effective h-c sets and struggle executing in general other than Chase going solo.
Quote from: Small Orange Soda on November 15, 2025, 04:09:28 PMIf this is the gameplan, then Nevada Smith doesn't have the cache he thinks he does.
Someone took his hiding place?
Quote from: Viper on November 15, 2025, 04:17:33 PMGtown will make tgGtown will make the ncaa tournament
Agree and hopefully Georgetown does make it. But Maryland losing by double digits to an unranked teams at home is not the best thing. That is why I agree with the poster Maryland is not very good and Marquette was favored today by 8.5 points
Quote from: MuggsyB on November 15, 2025, 04:31:14 PMOwens has been extremely disappointing to put it mildly. And I have no idea why he played 10 mins today, and in critical stretches. I'm less concerned about the FGA's than the anemic defense.
Few days ago I went to below site just to read on 2026 draft. Read somewhere 2026 is best draft prospects in ages. I have gone to this site before and enjoyed it, they have been extremely accurate in the past.
NBA bound Ben Gold not listed in like 200 players evaluated, but please look at numbers 85 and 87. This was their updated list as of 11/8/25. I will not spoil it for you.
https://nbadraftroom.com/2026-2nd-round/
Quote from: nyg on November 15, 2025, 04:51:50 PMFew days ago I went to below site just to read on 2026 draft. Read somewhere 2026 is best draft prospects in ages. I have gone to this site before and enjoyed it, they have been extremely accurate in the past.
NBA bound Ben Gold not listed in like 200 players evaluated, but please look at numbers 85 and 87. This was their updated list as of 11/8/25. I will not spoil it for you.
https://nbadraftroom.com/2026-2nd-round/
That makes the whole thing even more upsetting. We know DO has talent.
Quote from: Viper on November 15, 2025, 04:17:33 PMGtown will make tgGtown will make the ncaa tournament
But will we?
Instead of practicing free throws the team needs to practice layups.
Quote from: MU Fan in Connecticut on November 15, 2025, 05:08:56 PMInstead of practicing free throws the team needs to practice layups.
There are no FGs in RGV
Quote from: MuggsyB on November 15, 2025, 04:56:47 PMThat makes the whole thing even more upsetting. We know DO has talent.
DO's problem is primarily a lack of confidence now. Looked like he played not to make a mistake today. Thought he got hammered on his first drive to the basket today with no call which set a bad tone for him.
Quote from: CountryRoads on November 15, 2025, 05:38:16 PMDO's problem is primarily a lack of confidence now
How do you know this?
Quote from: CountryRoads on November 15, 2025, 05:38:16 PMDO's problem is primarily a lack of confidence now. Looked like he played not to make a mistake today. Thought he got hammered on his first drive to the basket today with no call which set a bad tone for him.
9 minutes...no points, no rebounds, no assists, no blocks, no steals.
Next year - with Shaka's philosophy, unlikely we take a transfer. So Chase leaving and we have to depend on the class of lowery, Jones, Norman plus player development. Marquette = Butler.
Is our soccer or lacrosse team any good?
Quote from: Captain Quette on November 15, 2025, 06:04:13 PMNext year - with Shaka's philosophy, unlikely we take a transfer. So Chase leaving and we have to depend on the class of lowery, Jones, Norman plus player development. Marquette = Butler.
Is our soccer or lacrosse team any good?
I'd think Captain Quette would know
What?
Quote from: Small Orange Soda on November 15, 2025, 03:42:41 PMMaryland isn't good.
Absolute fail by Shaka and staff. If you don't want to get transfers, fine. But you need to recruit better. Collectively, you need a better junior and sophomore class. That's squarely on him.
Really, they looked pretty good to me.
Quote from: The Sultan on November 15, 2025, 05:54:35 PMHow do you know this?
Guess I should have prefaced that with "I think". Still somewhat optimistic he shows improvement by midseason, but judgement could be thrown off due to how low of optimism I have for at least 3 other upperclassmen to be next year.
Quote from: 79Warrior on November 15, 2025, 06:18:20 PMReally, they looked pretty good to me.
They are ranked 50 in KenPom. They are mediocre at best.
We might lose by 40 at UConn
I think we will be the new bottom feeder of the Big East. Connecticut and St John's will destroy us
We could have severe issues vs UCONN.
:(
Quote from: drbob on November 15, 2025, 06:44:28 PMI think we will be the new bottom feeder of the Big East. Connecticut and St John's will destroy us
Agreed
Quote from: ATL MU Warrior on November 15, 2025, 06:41:17 PMWe might lose by 40 at UConn
If we still even remotely have a chance at an NCAA bid on Jan 4th when we play them, I'd sign up right now for a 40 point beating to them. Decent chance we're so buried by that point it'll just be another one to chalk up and forget.
Quote from: CountryRoads on November 15, 2025, 06:50:05 PMIf we still even remotely have a chance at an NCAA bid on Jan 4th when we play them, I'd sign up right now for a 40 point beating to them. Decent chance we're so buried by that point it'll just be another one to chalk up and forget.
Is there any hope? I'm sifting through a lot of stuff in my brain. It's been a very upsetting day.
Quote from: MuggsyB on November 15, 2025, 07:10:08 PMIs there any hope? I'm sitting through a lot of stuff in my brain. It's been a very upsetting day.
Not sure, but I'll be watching Wednesday.
Quote from: CountryRoads on November 15, 2025, 07:14:27 PMNot sure, but I'll be watching Wednesday.
What about going small? I don't like Hamilton and Gold together.
NJ
Chase
ZL
Benny
Stevens
Not seeing a scintilla of growth from Owens or Norman is a bit perplexing.
Quote from: MuggsyB on November 15, 2025, 07:10:08 PMIs there any hope? I'm sitting through a lot of stuff in my brain. It's been a very upsetting day.
Yes.
Remember Shaka's first year when they lost 4 straight heading into the new year? Or his second year when they were sitting 67 in KenPom after losing to Mississippi State? Or when they lost 3 of their first 5 to open Big East play in '24, including at home against Butler?
This team is flawed but the idea the season is over after 5 games is fan doomerism. Will they turn it around? Maybe, maybe not.
With Buzz in the arena, thought of the 09-10 team that started 1-5 in Big East play and was sitting 11-7 overall and earned a 6-seed.
Adversity creates opportunity. It's up to them overcome it.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on November 15, 2025, 07:20:46 PMYes.
Remember Shaka's first year when they lost 4 straight heading into the new year? Or his second year when they were sitting 67 in KenPom after losing to Mississippi State? Or when they lost 3 of their first 5 to open Big East play in '24, including at home against Butler?
This team is flawed but the idea the season is over after 5 games is fan doomerism. Will they turn it around? Maybe, maybe not.
With Buzz in the arena, thought of the 09-10 team that started 1-5 in Big East play and was sitting 11-7 overall and earned a 6-seed.
Adversity creates opportunity. It's up to them overcome it.
Good points. But we really need Parham & Hamilton to wake up. And starting Wednesday.
Quote from: MuggsyB on November 15, 2025, 07:19:59 PMWhat about going small? I don't like Hamilton and Gold together.
NJ
Chase
ZL
Benny
Stevens
Not seeing a scintilla of growth from Owens or Norman is a bit perplexing.
Let's find our best 5 and get them on the floor as much as possible and go from there. The coach we went against today found ways to win here in different ways. Prolonged stubbornness will lead to many more days like this.
Quote from: MuggsyB on November 15, 2025, 07:23:20 PMGood points. But we really need Parham & Hamilton to wake up. And starting Wednesday.
Parham and Owens are a problem. Their lack of improvement after flashing early last year is bewildering.
Hamilton has moments but isn't nearly tough enough against the big boys. I'd go smaller but you'll need some minutes from Hamilton regardless.
Quote from: CountryRoads on November 15, 2025, 07:26:18 PMLet's find our best 5 and get them on the floor as much as possible and go from there. The coach we went against today found ways to win here in different ways. Prolonged stubbornness will lead to many more days like this.
I thought Royce had a pretty bad game, but he's capable. My issue with 2 bigs on the floor is more on the defensive end. That said, I'll admit I don't have clear answers.
Shaka's challenge will be to keep the team believing that his system can work. If they stop believing, easy to see how this spirals.
College basketball is a cruel cruel sport when you don't win the games you gotta have. I wish I didn't know how bracketology worked so I could enjoy the rest of the season how I should be able to. Knowing that we probably needed today to make the NCAA tournament is brutal!
Quote from: Uncle Rico on November 15, 2025, 07:28:03 PMParham and Owens are a problem. Their lack of improvement after flashing early last year is bewildering.
Hamilton has moments but isn't nearly tough enough against the big boys. I'd go smaller but you'll need some minutes from Hamilton regardless.
Well said. And you can add Norman to that mix. I'm lost ×3 with this returning trio.
Perspective in Panic
https://www.google.com/gasearch?q=giannis%20speech%20about%20failure&source=sh/x/gs/m2/5#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:fdffba71,vid:9mXGSjnUvSM,st:0
Quote from: Uncle Rico on November 15, 2025, 07:20:46 PMYes.
Remember Shaka's first year when they lost 4 straight heading into the new year? Or his second year when they were sitting 67 in KenPom after losing to Mississippi State? Or when they lost 3 of their first 5 to open Big East play in '24, including at home against Butler?
This team is flawed but the idea the season is over after 5 games is fan doomerism. Will they turn it around? Maybe, maybe not.
With Buzz in the arena, thought of the 09-10 team that started 1-5 in Big East play and was sitting 11-7 overall and earned a 6-seed.
Adversity creates opportunity. It's up to them overcome it.
Is that really you, Ric? It's so unsardonic!
Quote from: MuggsyB on November 15, 2025, 07:19:59 PMWhat about going small? I don't like Hamilton and Gold together.
NJ
Chase
ZL
Benny
Stevens
Not seeing a scintilla of growth from Owens or Norman is a bit perplexing.
Enough of your Norman concern/perlex.
Tre Norman's role is to come in one to two minutes each half to give a player a rest. It usually coincides with an upcoming TV timeout to extend the rest. He has been at MU for three years and averages four minutes a game, that's with extended play against cupcakes with blowouts. He hardly played at all at the end of last year in BE play. He shoots 18% from three and shoots 50% from the free throw line. Even with Jones not playing today, he played four minutes, Stevens has the minutes now. Retention and development has not worked in his favor for BE playing time.
Like others stated, with the exception of Lowery, the class of Norman, Hamilton, Lowery and Amadou has not really worked out.
Truly a catastrophic loss. All the problems discussed leading into the season manifest in one game.
Horrific performances from Hamilton. He is unplayable and has no business being on a high major roster. Clark not much better.
Owens and parham on milk cartons. I at least have hope for growth from these two.
Defensive efforts are abysmal. Losing to a depleted Maryland team at home and then blown out by IU. Haven't looked great in long stretches in our buy games either.
We have zero talent depth but a full roster this year and next. Horrible roster makeup and frankly it's malpractice to have a team like this in the current era.
Exciting offensive play from James, Lowry and Ross. Gold working his tail off. Lowry the only two way player on this roster. We're lucky the BE is hot garbage so our record won't be as bad as our talent reflects.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on November 15, 2025, 07:20:46 PMThis team is flawed but the idea the season is over after 5 games is fan doomerism.
Fan doomerism? Do you mean just another day on Scoop.
Quote from: mileskishnish72 on November 15, 2025, 07:44:33 PMIs that really you, Ric? It's so unsardonic!
Everyone's on edge!
Quote from: panda on November 15, 2025, 07:45:29 PMTruly a catastrophic loss. All the problems discussed leading into the season manifest in one game.
Horrific performances from Hamilton. He is unplayable and has no business being on a high major roster. Clark not much better.
Owens and parham on milk cartons. I at least have hope for growth from these two.
Defensive efforts are abysmal. Losing to a depleted Maryland team at home and then blown out by IU. Haven't looked great in long stretches in our buy games either.
We have zero talent depth but a full roster this year and next. Horrible roster makeup and frankly it's malpractice to have a team like this in the current era.
Exciting offensive play from James, Lowry and Ross. Gold working his tail off. Lowry the only two way player on this roster. We're lucky the BE is hot garbage so our record won't be as bad as our talent reflects.
The worst part is that I truly think Nigel, Adrien, Zaide, Chase, Ben are winning players.
I still hold out hope for Royce. This would have been the perfect year to use the transfer portal in this system. To replenish the talent that left, ahead of underclassmen. Caedin maybe could be serviceable in a backup role but we will never know because he has been forced to start before ever having a real backup role. Now we may have a wasted season of really good Chase and really good Ben.
I still think Nigel, Adrien, and Zaide are a good trio to build on but they need outside help for next season IMO. It should be ok for everyone to admit that within the program. Nobodies feelings will be hurt.
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on November 15, 2025, 07:51:53 PMThe worst part is that I truly think Nigel, Adrien, Zaide, Chase, Ben are winning players.
I still hold out hope for Royce. This would have been the perfect year to use the transfer portal in this system. To replenish the talent that left, ahead of underclassmen. Caedin maybe could be serviceable in a backup role but we will never know because he has been forced to start before ever having a real backup role. Now we may have a wasted season of really good Chase and really good Ben.
I still think Nigel, Adrien, and Zaide are a good trio to build on but they need outside help for next season IMO. It should be ok for everyone to admit that within the program. Nobodies feelings will be hurt.
Transfer vet big last year coupled with the seniors would help. Transfer this year would help the core of talent.
Caedin Hamilton and Josh Clark do not help this roster or last years. Malpractice
Quote from: nyg on November 15, 2025, 07:45:09 PMEnough of your Norman concern/perlex.
Tre Norman's role is to come in one to two minutes each half to give a player a rest. It usually coincides with an upcoming TV timeout to extend the rest. He has been at MU for three years and averages four minutes a game, that's with extended play against cupcakes with blowouts. He hardly played at all at the end of last year in BE play. He shoots 18% from three and shoots 50% from the free throw line. Even with Jones not playing today, he played four minutes, Stevens has the minutes now. Retention and development has not worked in his favor for BE playing time.
Like others stated, with the exception of Lowery, the class of Norman, Hamilton, Lowery and Amadou has not really worked out.
I don't disagree with your synopsis at all. I just thought we'd see growth from Tre and Caedin by now.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on November 15, 2025, 07:20:46 PMWith Buzz in the arena, thought of the 09-10 team that started 1-5 in Big East play and was sitting 11-7 overall and earned a 6-seed.
Adversity creates opportunity. It's up to them overcome it.
Sure, but four of those Big East losses were to top 10 teams by a combined 10 points. The other was by a point on the road against DePaul. Five losses by a total of 11 points.
They were losing, but competitive against the top teams in the country.
This team is getting curb stomped by unranked opponents.
I also think the Dayton team we play on Wednesday is better than the group Maryland beat us with in the last 10 minutes of the game today.
We have to beat Dayton or Oklahoma to avoid a sub .500 NonCon.
Quote from: Pakuni on November 15, 2025, 07:59:59 PMSure, but four of those Big East losses were to top 10 teams by a combined 10 points. The other was by a point on the road against DePaul. Five losses by a total of 11 points.
They were losing, but competitive against the top teams in the country.
This team is getting curb stomped by unranked opponents.
Fair, but they were also 74th in KenPom after falling to 1-5 in BE play that year.
This team probably doesn't replicate that year. That said, a lot of season left.
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on November 15, 2025, 08:01:51 PMI also think the Dayton team we play on Wednesday is better than the group Maryland beat us with in the last 10 minutes of the game today.
We have to beat Dayton or Oklahoma to avoid a sub .500 NonCon.
It never even entered my mind that your last sentence was possible.
Quote from: MuggsyB on November 15, 2025, 08:05:54 PMIt never even entered my mind that your last sentence was possible.
Ya. It's a scary thought. Of course, we still play UW and Purdue both on the road so winning one of those would drastically change things. Unfortunately that's not happening unless we somehow pull out a strong performance in Madison.
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on November 15, 2025, 08:09:07 PMYa. It's a scary thought. Of course, we still play UW and Purdue both on the road so winning one of those would drastically change things. Unfortunately that's not happening unless we somehow pull out a strong performance in Madison.
Beating Purdue at Mackey seems like a pipe dream. As for the Weasels? You never know.
Quote from: panda on November 15, 2025, 07:53:50 PMCaedin Hamilton and Josh Clark do not help this roster or last years.
And next year's? I wouldn't bet on it.
Quote from: MuggsyB on November 15, 2025, 08:16:20 PMBeating Purdue at Mackey seems like a pipe dream. As for the Weasels? You never know.
Yup. At UW might be the only realistic shot at a Q1 win in the NonCon and we will probably be 8+ point underdogs. This season got ugly really fast.
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on November 15, 2025, 08:28:20 PMYup. At UW might be the only realistic shot at a Q1 win in the NonCon and we will probably be 8+ point underdogs. This season got ugly really fast.
OU losing tonight didn't help.
Shaka's team through & through. If he's as good as most think, let's see if Shaka can get this fixed starting next game. His recipe, right?
Purdue, UConn and StJ games ain't happening. BUT, the rest of the schedule, both in-conf and non-cons Dayton, RED and OU, isn't a gauntlet. Many Scoopers proclaim Shaka to be their forever guy. These next 3 months should be interesting.
Quote from: Viper on November 15, 2025, 09:14:28 PMShaka's team through & through. If he's as good as most think, let's see if Shaka can get this fixed starting next game. His recipe, right?
Purdue, UConn and StJ games ain't happening. BUT, the rest of the schedule, both in-conf and non-cons Dayton, RED and OU, isn't a gauntlet. Many Scoopers proclaim Shaka to be their forever guy. These next 3 months should be interesting.
At this point, MU is not exactly the favorite in that game coming up at Madison.
Quote from: Viper on November 15, 2025, 09:14:28 PMShaka's team through & through. If he's as good as most think, let's see if Shaka can get this fixed starting next game. His recipe, right?
Purdue, UConn and StJ games ain't happening. BUT, the rest of the schedule, both in-conf and non-cons Dayton, RED and OU, isn't a gauntlet. Many Scoopers proclaim Shaka to be their forever guy. These next 3 months should be interesting.
Gard would never have a down year or miss a tournament
Quote from: Uncle Rico on November 15, 2025, 07:20:46 PMYes.
Remember Shaka's first year when they lost 4 straight heading into the new year? Or his second year when they were sitting 67 in KenPom after losing to Mississippi State? Or when they lost 3 of their first 5 to open Big East play in '24, including at home against Butler?
This team is flawed but the idea the season is over after 5 games is fan doomerism. Will they turn it around? Maybe, maybe not.
With Buzz in the arena, thought of the 09-10 team that started 1-5 in Big East play and was sitting 11-7 overall and earned a 6-seed.
Adversity creates opportunity. It's up to them overcome it.
These are apples to banana stand comparisons. The 2022 Big East had 6 tourney teams and 2 that missed in the top-75. In our 8-1 stretch we notched 4 Q1 & 2 Q2 wins. Outside UConn and maybe Georgetown & St John's, there's just not many opportunities to build a resume. Beating Nova, Seton Hall, & Xavier ain't worth what it used to be.
In 2010 it was an 8-bid league with 5 more NIT teams. Before our 9-1 stretch, we had banked wins over Xavier, Michigan, & Georgetown.
Indiana will probably age okay, but when you take a bad loss like today, you need 2 good wins to really offset it. At the moment, at Purdue, Wisconsin, St John's, Georgetown, & both UConn games are the opportunities. Can we go 3-3 in those games? Will that be enough if we drop a few more unexpected ones?
My own feelings that the season is teetering on the precipice of doom are not just because Marquette has sucked so far, but because the Big East also sucks.
Quote from: BM1090 on November 15, 2025, 09:32:26 PMGard would never have a down year or miss a tournament
...except he did. He retooled. Adjusted. Probably finishes top 5 in the Big Ten this year.
Quote from: BM1090 on November 15, 2025, 09:32:26 PMGard would never have a down year or miss a tournament
Gard would never tarnish the Badger brand by using the portal.
Quote from: brewcity77 on November 15, 2025, 10:51:06 PMThese are apples to banana stand comparisons. The 2022 Big East had 6 tourney teams and 2 that missed in the top-75. In our 8-1 stretch we notched 4 Q1 & 2 Q2 wins. Outside UConn and maybe Georgetown & St John's, there's just not many opportunities to build a resume. Beating Nova, Seton Hall, & Xavier ain't worth what it used to be.
In 2010 it was an 8-bid league with 5 more NIT teams. Before our 9-1 stretch, we had banked wins over Xavier, Michigan, & Georgetown.
Indiana will probably age okay, but when you take a bad loss like today, you need 2 good wins to really offset it. At the moment, at Purdue, Wisconsin, St John's, Georgetown, & both UConn games are the opportunities. Can we go 3-3 in those games? Will that be enough if we drop a few more unexpected ones?
My own feelings that the season is teetering on the precipice of doom are not just because Marquette has sucked so far, but because the Big East also sucks.
Fair points Brew. The opportunities are just not there.
From your perspective, what would you do line-up wise? I'm wondering if it makes sense to give the frosh the 🔑 🔑? Meaning should we play Nigel and Adrien heavy mins with Zaide & Chase? I know those 4 with Ben or Royce is dependent on our opponent of course. It seems to me our roster construction puts us in a Catch-22. And I never anticipated DO would not contribute....or Tre for that matter.
If we have minimal depth I don't think we can play with full throttle pressure or run teams to death. This seemingly was the plan. If we have to axe that strategy, what exactly do we have? It's going to be tough sledding unless certain guys awaken. We have seen flashes from DO and Tre, and certainly Royce. I'm just hoping something clicks with them ASAP.
Quote from: MuggsyB on November 16, 2025, 09:22:33 AMFrom your perspective, what would you do line-up wise? I'm wondering if it makes sense to give the frosh the 🔑 🔑? Meaning should we play Nigel and Adrien heavy mins with Zaide & Chase? I know those 4 with Ben or Royce is dependent on our opponent of course.
I would start NJ, Zaide, Chase, Royce, & Ben. It's a little light up front but it's our best perimeter defense and should rebound well.
Bench, I'd have SJ & Stevens as the first two. You need a big body to mix in, so I'd probably go Caedin but aiming for 10-15 mpg.
I'd severely shorten the rotation after that. Clark, Tre, Owens, Phillips would all be as needed, and only when the result feels somewhat decided.
I think we're giving too many minutes to defensive liabilities. Those guys aren't giving enough on the offensive end to offset their defense, so shorten the rotation. I get there might be some developmental delay by shrinking the rotation, but we need meaningful wins now. If we don't get those, you can always feed developmental minutes in January/February when March is truly out of reach.
Quote from: brewcity77 on November 16, 2025, 11:53:41 AMI would start NJ, Zaide, Chase, Royce, & Ben. It's a little light up front but it's our best perimeter defense and should rebound well.
Bench, I'd have SJ & Stevens as the first two. You need a big body to mix in, so I'd probably go Caedin but aiming for 10-15 mpg.
I'd severely shorten the rotation after that. Clark, Tre, Owens, Phillips would all be as needed, and only when the result feels somewhat decided.
I think we're giving too many minutes to defensive liabilities. Those guys aren't giving enough on the offensive end to offset their defense, so shorten the rotation. I get there might be some developmental delay by shrinking the rotation, but we need meaningful wins now. If we don't get those, you can always feed developmental minutes in January/February when March is truly out of reach.
That sounds sensible. I suppose I should try to be more patient but I'm astounded by the lack of development of some of our guys. One other thing Brew and I've hammered this a bit: Why do we rarely have guys playing off of two feet in the paint? It's super rare we see then plant and either pivot to pass or go up with two feet to score. Nova and Wright were the gold standard, it gives players more options. I've always wondered why we struggle with this basic skill-set? Thx.
The way things are going MU will suck this year, Shaka will ignore the portal again, MU will suck next year, Shaka will get fired, and they'll bring Crean back as coach.
Quote from: MuggsyB on November 16, 2025, 12:23:50 PMThat sounds sensible. I suppose I should try to be more patient but I'm astounded by the lack of development of some of our guys. One other thing Brew and I've hammered this a bit: Why do we rarely have guys playing off of two feet in the paint? It's super rare we see then plant and either pivot to pass or go up with two feet to score. Nova and Wright were the gold standard, it gives players more options. I've always wondered why we struggle with this basic skill-set? Thx.
Lower coffee consumption
My coffee consumption is not a problem whatsoever.
Quote from: MuggsyB on November 16, 2025, 07:13:17 PMMy coffee consumption is not a problem whatsoever.
It is a drug
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on November 15, 2025, 07:33:31 PMCollege basketball is a cruel cruel sport when you don't win the games you gotta have. I wish I didn't know how bracketology worked so I could enjoy the rest of the season how I should be able to. Knowing that we probably needed today to make the NCAA tournament is brutal!
Definitely not an elimination game 5 games into the season when you play in a Power 5 conference. That's insane, obviously.
Quote from: brewcity77 on November 15, 2025, 10:51:06 PMThese are apples to banana stand comparisons. The 2022 Big East had 6 tourney teams and 2 that missed in the top-75. In our 8-1 stretch we notched 4 Q1 & 2 Q2 wins. Outside UConn and maybe Georgetown & St John's, there's just not many opportunities to build a resume. Beating Nova, Seton Hall, & Xavier ain't worth what it used to be.
In 2010 it was an 8-bid league with 5 more NIT teams. Before our 9-1 stretch, we had banked wins over Xavier, Michigan, & Georgetown.
Indiana will probably age okay, but when you take a bad loss like today, you need 2 good wins to really offset it. At the moment, at Purdue, Wisconsin, St John's, Georgetown, & both UConn games are the opportunities. Can we go 3-3 in those games? Will that be enough if we drop a few more unexpected ones?
My own feelings that the season is teetering on the precipice of doom are not just because Marquette has sucked so far, but because the Big East also sucks.
Xavier made the Tournament last season after going 2-10 in Q1. UNC went 1-13 in Q1 games last year and made the Tournament. You don't need as many quality wins to make the Tournament as you're suggesting here. We have plenty of opportunities. We just don't look good both win a couple of them, get enough total wins, and avoid bad losses.
Quote from: wadesworld on November 16, 2025, 08:32:50 PMXavier made the Tournament last season after going 2-10 in Q1. UNC went 1-13 in Q1 games last year and made the Tournament. You don't need as many quality wins to make the Tournament as you're suggesting here. We have plenty of opportunities. We just don't look good both win a couple of them, get enough total wins, and avoid bad losses.
Xavier was 21-10 (13-7) going into the Big East tourney. Unless we steal one from Purdue or Wisconsin, that means winning our next 4 & going 14-6 in league. While at the same time recognizing it will probably be a weaker overall resume as the ACC likely earns more bids. And Xavier was in Dayton, so if you're looking for safety, that's probably not the model you want to follow.
Quote from: brewcity77 on November 16, 2025, 08:47:21 PMXavier was 21-10 (13-7) going into the Big East tourney. Unless we steal one from Purdue or Wisconsin, that means winning our next 4 & going 14-6 in league. While at the same time recognizing it will probably be a weaker overall resume as the ACC likely earns more bids. And Xavier was in Dayton, so if you're looking for safety, that's probably not the model you want to follow.
Yea at this point, with the way the OOC has gone for both Marquette and the BE, anything worse than 13-7 or maybe even 14-6 in conference won't do it.
That includes winning the next 4.
Slim margins, but as KG once said anything's possibleeeee
The losses so far sucked but if the NCAA outlook is already as bleak as some are saying, then we were probably cooked anyway. It's not the worst thing that this program got hit with their current reality so early on. Gives them a chance to course correct and make the needed changes. None of these pages of posts exist if MU squeaked out a one point win, yet all of the underlying problems would still be there.
But K
Quote from: DoctorV on November 16, 2025, 09:10:06 PMYea at this point, with the way the OOC has gone for both Marquette and the BE, anything worse than 13-7 or maybe even 14-6 in conference won't do it.
That includes winning the next 4.
Slim margins, but as KG once said anything's possibleeeee
I'd feel better if we had KG, Pierce, Allen, and Rondo in their primes. We need to get our act together Dr.V. Pronto. Perhaps Shaka will let a few Scoopers address the team before Wednesday?
Muggsy, what are you talking about man?
Quote from: MuggsyB on November 16, 2025, 09:34:18 PMBut K
I'd feel better if we had KG, Pierce, Allen, and Rondo in their primes. We need to get our act together Dr.V. Pronto. Perhaps Shaka will let a few Scoopers address the team before Wednesday?
We could start with a lengthy explanation of where the term fetch came from and slide Sheek and Miletic into the starting lineup
Quote from: BM1090 on November 16, 2025, 11:13:51 PMMuggsy, what are you talking about man?
Forgot to take his meds
Marquette, Bucks, Packers?
Please, let opening day get here soon.
Quote from: Jockey on November 17, 2025, 08:44:24 PMMarquette, Bucks, Packers?
Please, let opening day get here soon.
Dodger fan?
It is bad Marquette perimeter Defense soft defense and bad underneath defense but some of it is running into hot shooters unfortunately for Marquette.
Indiana shot 14/28 from 3 vs Marquette but against Incarnate Word Indiana shot 5/24 from 3.
Maryland Shot 4/21 from 3 against Georgetown but against Marquette Maryland started 4/4 from 3
Quote from: MarquetteMike1977 on November 18, 2025, 12:02:05 AMIt is bad Marquette perimeter Defense soft defense and bad underneath defense but some of it is running into hot shooters unfortunately for Marquette.
Indiana shot 14/28 from 3 vs Marquette but against Incarnate Word Indiana shot 5/24 from 3.
Maryland Shot 4/21 from 3 against Georgetown but against Marquette Maryland started 4/4 from 3
Seems like that happens a lot to MU.
Thank goodness we're not Southern Utah - teams are shooting over 51% against them from 3.
Quote from: MarquetteMike1977 on November 18, 2025, 12:02:05 AMIt is bad Marquette perimeter Defense soft defense and bad underneath defense but some of it is running into hot shooters unfortunately for Marquette.
Indiana shot 14/28 from 3 vs Marquette but against Incarnate Word Indiana shot 5/24 from 3.
Maryland Shot 4/21 from 3 against Georgetown but against Marquette Maryland started 4/4 from 3
Indiana went 14/28 not just because of some great challenged shots from Tucker, but because we didn't get over screens in the second half and gave Wilkerson wide open look after wide open look.
Maryland started 4/4, but went 4/18 the rest of the way and we built a 9-point lead in the middle of that. It was the layup line our defense allowed in the second half that was the problem, not first half threes that we overcame.
Quote from: brewcity77 on November 18, 2025, 06:53:58 AMIndiana went 14/28 not just because of some great challenged shots from Tucker, but because we didn't get over screens in the second half and gave Wilkerson wide open look after wide open look.
Maryland started 4/4, but went 4/18 the rest of the way and we built a 9-point lead in the middle of that. It was the layup line our defense allowed in the second half that was the problem, not first half threes that we overcame.
and also a layup line that they gave us and we failed to convert on. Our defense is terrible. Our offense has been ok but we miss so many open shots all over the court.
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on November 18, 2025, 09:42:55 AMand also a layup line that they gave us and we failed to convert on. Our defense is terrible. Our offense has been ok but we miss so many open shots all over the court.
That video from Paint Touches was painful to watch. So many missed bunnies rolling across the rim.
Problems:
1. Defense. For a team that uses defense as its cornerstone, Marquette is abysmal. They don't get deflections, they hedge too high, and they are slow to rotate. Have they been the victims of teams that get hot shooting? Sure, but they need to overcome that.
2. Shooting. Marquette can't shoot. I understand giving guys the green light when they're open to shoot, but my lord at some point they need to be making them at a clip better than 30%.
3. Development. If these are your guys, and they're not developing at the pace required, or there is significant regression (there is), then there needs to be some introspection. Luckily, we are only five games into the season, but I'm not sure what the excuse is. Some of the guys have had years with the coaches and they're just not ready. Will they ever be?
4. Coaching. This feels a bit like watching the coaches trying to force their offense and defense on a team that isn't built for it. I get VERY tired of watching the ball go into the lane, get three feet from the basket and not go up with it. Instead they pass to the outside, throw up a bad shot, or repeat the lane entry and exit again. Only a couple of guys try to finish (James and Ross), but there is too much differing or looking for the extra pass when it isn't needed.
5. Ball handling/communication. Turnovers. Dribbling. Fundamentals. Bad.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on November 19, 2025, 09:02:04 AMProblems:
1. Defense. For a team that uses defense as its cornerstone, Marquette is abysmal. They don't get deflections, they hedge too high, and they are slow to rotate. Have they been the victims of teams that get hot shooting? Sure, but they need to overcome that.
2. Shooting. Marquette can't shoot. I understand giving guys the green light when they're open to shoot, but my lord at some point they need to be making them at a clip better than 30%.
3. Development. If these are your guys, and they're not developing at the pace required, or there is significant regression (there is), then there needs to be some introspection. Luckily, we are only five games into the season, but I'm not sure what the excuse is. Some of the guys have had years with the coaches and they're just not ready. Will they ever be?
4. Coaching. This feels a bit like watching the coaches trying to force their offense and defense on a team that isn't built for it. I get VERY tired of watching the ball go into the lane, get three feet from the basket and not go up with it. Instead they pass to the outside, throw up a bad shot, or repeat the lane entry and exit again. Only a couple of guys try to finish (James and Ross), but there is too much differing or looking for the extra pass when it isn't needed.
5. Ball handling/communication. Turnovers. Dribbling. Fundamentals. Bad.
This sounds a bit like the restaurant my wife and I just went to. When she asked me what I thought, I said, "well, if the food, service, and music were better, it would be a great place."
I definitely fall into the category (even as a youth coach) of everyone dribbles, everyone shoots. It's the only way to get better. Now, of course, MU players should be well beyond that philosophy, but in the development mindset, perhaps it is the best, long-term solution. If we want to be a pressing team that shoots a ton of threes, well, the best time to work that out is in games. I'm holding out hope that this year, with all Shaka's guys, we steadily improve on the year and finish strong. I know, perhaps that is insanity.