MUScoop

• Two decisive losses to teams made up entirely of transfers and new players. That's not a good result for the RGV plan.
• Given the circumstances, this is a game you simply cannot lose. They were down two starters, three when Payne got injured.
• Marquette won offensive rebounds 20-4. Second chance points 25-6. Took 76 FGA to 55 for Maryland. Won the turnover battle and fast break points. None of that mattered.
• Career night from Chase. Flashes of brilliance from Nigel and Zaide. Ben was good in spurts.
• So why'd we lose? Not good enough shooting, 27.5% from three. So many missed layups. Combined 12/34 (6/19 from 3) from Zaide and Ben wasn't enough.
• Fetch isn't happening. Feels like the staff evaluation of Hamilton, Owens, and Sean are just way off.
• Really thought we'd have a solid defense, but 1.16 ppp for Maryland with THAT roster is embarrassing. They are not good, but we were clearly worse.
• It feels like it has to be hyperbolic, but the season feels over before Thanksgiving. This is a bad loss, Purdue and Bucky look like unscalable mountains, and the Big East won't offer many resume building opportunities.
• I'm at a bit of a loss. Expected a lot more. This feels like a total expectation reset on the season, the retention model, and maybe even the staff.

Year 5 should have been the culmination of the RGV approach - not a reset - your roster is full of your guys who have done your system. As always, I'd rather see us win in March in November, but at this rate we won't be playing for much in March.

Quote from: brewcity77 on November 15, 2025, 03:59:49 PM

• Two decisive losses to teams made up entirely of transfers and new players. That's not a good result for the RGV plan.
• Given the circumstances, this is a game you simply cannot lose. They were down two starters, three when Payne got injured.
• Marquette won offensive rebounds 20-4. Second chance points 25-6. Took 76 FGA to 55 for Maryland. Won the turnover battle and fast break points. None of that mattered.
• Career night from Chase. Flashes of brilliance from Nigel and Zaide. Ben was good in spurts.
• So why'd we lose? Not good enough shooting, 27.5% from three. So many missed layups. Combined 12/34 (6/19 from 3) from Zaide and Ben wasn't enough.
• Fetch isn't happening. Feels like the staff evaluation of Hamilton, Owens, and Sean are just way off.
• Really thought we'd have a solid defense, but 1.16 ppp for Maryland with THAT roster is embarrassing. They are not good, but we were clearly worse.
• It feels like it has to be hyperbolic, but the season feels over before Thanksgiving. This is a bad loss, Purdue and Bucky look like unscalable mountains, and the Big East won't offer many resume building opportunities.
• I'm at a bit of a loss. Expected a lot more. This feels like a total expectation reset on the season, the retention model, and maybe even the staff.

We could cover a lot up if we bring back the Warriors nickname

Brew hit it. Season is over. They should be burning the redshirts and seeing what's there. You're not getting anything new out of guys like Tre. See if anything here is worth salvaging

Career night from Chase offensively, but his defense (which was either "lazy" or "tired"), was a problem at times.

Quote from: brewcity77 on November 15, 2025, 03:59:49 PM

• Two decisive losses to teams made up entirely of transfers and new players. That's not a good result for the RGV plan.
• Given the circumstances, this is a game you simply cannot lose. They were down two starters, three when Payne got injured.
• Marquette won offensive rebounds 20-4. Second chance points 25-6. Took 76 FGA to 55 for Maryland. Won the turnover battle and fast break points. None of that mattered.
• Career night from Chase. Flashes of brilliance from Nigel and Zaide. Ben was good in spurts.
• So why'd we lose? Not good enough shooting, 27.5% from three. So many missed layups. Combined 12/34 (6/19 from 3) from Zaide and Ben wasn't enough.
• Fetch isn't happening. Feels like the staff evaluation of Hamilton, Owens, and Sean are just way off.
• Really thought we'd have a solid defense, but 1.16 ppp for Maryland with THAT roster is embarrassing. They are not good, but we were clearly worse.
• It feels like it has to be hyperbolic, but the season feels over before Thanksgiving. This is a bad loss, Purdue and Bucky look like unscalable mountains, and the Big East won't offer many resume building opportunities.
• I'm at a bit of a loss. Expected a lot more. This feels like a total expectation reset on the season, the retention model, and maybe even the staff.

Agree. VRG may be better than RGV.
The College game is unfortunately getting more like the Pro game and Marquette RGV is getting more like the high school game.

Quote from: The Sultan on November 15, 2025, 04:04:55 PMCareer night from Chase offensively, but his defense (which was either "lazy" or "tired"), was a problem at times.

Defense everywhere was a problem. Didn't pressure a team without many ball-handlers. Royce and Ben couldn't stay in front of guys. They gashed us at the rim. I didn't see any way they would be able to score enough to win. Giving up 1.16 is atrocious.

Quote from: GB Warrior on November 15, 2025, 04:04:23 PMBrew hit it. Season is over. They should be burning the redshirts and seeing what's there. You're not getting anything new out of guys like Tre. See if anything here is worth salvaging

Burning redshirts in what may be a down season is pure idiocy.

Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on November 15, 2025, 04:13:03 PMBurning redshirts in what may be a down season is pure idiocy.

Burn it all down

Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on November 15, 2025, 04:13:03 PMBurning redshirts in what may be a down season is pure idiocy.

Yeah the idea that Sheek is going to come in here and it's going to turn us into a tournament team is questionable.

Anybody else ever notice how funny this spambot is?

Quote from: Uncle Rico on November 15, 2025, 04:14:09 PMBurn it all down

Always love hearing from the Spam Father.

Quote from: Small Orange Soda on November 15, 2025, 04:21:13 PMAlways love hearing from the Spam Father.

Always love hearing from people that only show up after losses

Eh, fair.

Quote from: Small Orange Soda on November 15, 2025, 04:23:06 PMEh, fair.

I get it.  Venting after losses is fine.  This team probably isn't that good this year and it's frustrating as hell.  Especially when you're playing a system that requires being better than 30% from 3.  It's up to the staff to adjust the plan or face the criticism

This is an instance where I'm going to try to make myself feel better by reminding this board that I was right all along last season. This team is thoroughly mediocre and this was easy to see coming last year. 

Quote from: brewcity77 on November 15, 2025, 03:59:49 PM

• Two decisive losses to teams made up entirely of transfers and new players. That's not a good result for the RGV plan.

Can't have an RGV plan with clearly BAD relationships.


Letting players fail upwards has let to bad relationships across the team.

Only Ross and Gold have a clue[/list]

There isn't much G and V to go with the R.  I don't give a @#$& whether we have transfers or guys that stay in the system.  We need good players, period.  This team isn't competitive.  The fact this staff thought it was is crazy.  For example, I don't care how many managers, asst coaches or walk ons Hamilton beats up on in the summer. That dude is not a high major player. 

Burn redshirts? MU's problem is the opposite. They're playing too many guys. Owens played 10 minutes and had only 2 fouls on the stat line. Norman has contributed more, but not enough to get meaningful minutes. Clark is not ready. Shorten the bench and pull back the press. A bad half court D is only going to be worse if you extend it. Why is Clark picking up Payne outside the 3 pt line? MU is not forcing enough TOs against good teams to justify pressing.

It also might be time to reevaluate the Nevada Smith offense. If you want to launch that many 3s, MU needs to change its recruiting focus.

Quote from: TFlegend on November 15, 2025, 04:46:16 PMThere isn't much G and V to go with the R.  I don't give a @#$& whether we have transfers or guys that stay in the system.  We need good players, period.  This team isn't competitive.  The fact this staff thought it was is crazy.  For example, I don't care how many managers, asst coaches or walk ons Hamilton beats up on in the summer. That dude is not a high major player.

This is where I'm at. It's great to commit to the Relationships and the Growth, and when it works, I think it will lead to Victory. But we have guys who've been here for 2-3 years that simply haven't grown. When you're in year 3 with the program and aren't a positive contributor, it isn't disloyal to help that player find a new landing spot and replace them with someone who will be able to deliver more productive minutes in meaningful moments.

And honestly, if you aren't doing that, are you keeping up the Relationships end to the players that did stick around and demonstrate Growth?

Quote from: TFlegend on November 15, 2025, 04:46:16 PMThere isn't much G and V to go with the R.  I don't give a @#$& whether we have transfers or guys that stay in the system.  We need good players, period.  This team isn't competitive.  The fact this staff thought it was is crazy.  For example, I don't care how many managers, asst coaches or walk ons Hamilton beats up on in the summer. That dude is not a high major player.

Agreed. Hamilton has made a lot of progress and obviously put a lot of work in on his body, but his talent level and ceiling looks like it's below the high major level to me. Pulling Sheek's redshirt won't happen, but sure hope he's in a position to start next year. Royce's skill level is that of an undersized 5. He struggles on both ends on the perimeter but has a decent motor down low. Clark was worth the flyer. He moves ok and is a legit 7 feet tall.

"I'm at a bit of a loss. Expected a lot more. This feels like a total expectation reset on the season, the retention model, and maybe even the staff."

 - In current Shaka system, do we appear competitive again when this year's freshman get to be juniors?

Quote from: PointWarrior on November 15, 2025, 05:08:16 PM"I'm at a bit of a loss. Expected a lot more. This feels like a total expectation reset on the season, the retention model, and maybe even the staff."

 - In current Shaka system, do we appear competitive again when this year's freshman get to be juniors?

Maybe, but you can't just excuse two straight bad years in this hypothetical. If they're bad this year and next year, Shaka ain't it.

Quote from: PointWarrior on November 15, 2025, 05:08:16 PM"I'm at a bit of a loss. Expected a lot more. This feels like a total expectation reset on the season, the retention model, and maybe even the staff."

 - In current Shaka system, do we appear competitive again when this year's freshman get to be juniors?

Depends on recruits - gotta start hitting a higher percentage than the soph/junior class.

It is painful to see this board of hardcore college basketball fans not understand college basketball. Teams like Marquette will always ebb and flow in their quality. We are not a team filled with McDonald's AA. In the last 2 years we lost Kam, Tyler, and Oso to the NBA. Those guys were unnatural carnal knowledgeing studs. We also lost Jop, and Stevie, two important starters.

The team is currently made up of guys who have very little experience playing college ball, and even less playing meaningful minutes. This is a growth year. It doesn't matter if it's unnatural carnal knowledgeing year 5, year 15, or year 30. Programs and coaches have down years when they graduate that kind of usage rate.

I'm also not interested in watching a college basketball team filled with transfers. I'd rather watch the Marquette teams of the last 2 years, with their disappointing finishes, than a team filled with one year guys who don't give a crap about the program. The same was true with one and done's. I will have absolutely no connection to that team. In that case I'd rather just watch the NBA, which somehow has landed with more continuity than college ball.

Maybe I'm old fashioned, but this seemed like the proud sentiment from the fanbase for the last 3 years. One down year while young, talented kids try to figure it out and you're ready to abandon it all?

Sometimes in the summer we were posting about maintaining and developing, or recruiting transfers.

Then I posted about how I hope shaka was correct in the way he went, but I was very weary of it.


Through two reals games, it seems the portal.

Quote from: jeffreyweee on November 15, 2025, 05:28:44 PMThe team is currently made up of guys who have very little experience playing college ball,  and even less playing meaningful minutes

Up until this week, this team started two seniors, a junior, a red-shirt junior and a red-shirt sophomore. It has four players who played double-digit minutes last year.

This team has plenty of experience. They just aren't very good.

This team is a below .500 Big East team and about a 16-17 win total based solely on the roster. Best case scenario is that some players step up and build a case for a decent 2026-27 season. I suspect the coaches knew this team would suck relative to the recent teams.

Quote from: jeffreyweee on November 15, 2025, 05:28:44 PMIt is painful to see this board of hardcore college basketball fans not understand college basketball. Teams like Marquette will always ebb and flow in their quality.

I don't think you understand the complaints. The board understands there are ebbs and flows. But for a program with our aspirations, down years should look like last year. Something in the 7-10 range but good enough to make the tournament and maybe give a good team a scare the first weekend.

If we extrapolate these first four games to a full season, this team will likely have a losing record, and if that happens, it basically puts Shaka on the hot seat. The last time a Marquette coach stayed employed after two losing seasons was Jack Nagle in 1957 (and he was fired after going .500 in 1958). Dukiet and Wojo were both fired after their second losing seasons. Eddie Hickey and Deane were fired after their first losing seasons.

We live in an era of not just win-now, but win every year. I don't think Shaka would be at risk after this season no matter how bad it goes, but if this year doesn't improve and it happens again next year? We're probably in the market for a new coach.

Quote from: jeffreyweee on November 15, 2025, 05:28:44 PMIt is painful to see this board of hardcore college basketball fans not understand college basketball. Teams like Marquette will always ebb and flow in their quality. We are not a team filled with McDonald's AA. In the last 2 years we lost Kam, Tyler, and Oso to the NBA. Those guys were unnatural carnal knowledgeing studs. We also lost Jop, and Stevie, two important starters.

The team is currently made up of guys who have very little experience playing college ball, and even less playing meaningful minutes. This is a growth year. It doesn't matter if it's unnatural carnal knowledgeing year 5, year 15, or year 30. Programs and coaches have down years when they graduate that kind of usage rate.

I'm also not interested in watching a college basketball team filled with transfers. I'd rather watch the Marquette teams of the last 2 years, with their disappointing finishes, than a team filled with one year guys who don't give a crap about the program. The same was true with one and done's. I will have absolutely no connection to that team. In that case I'd rather just watch the NBA, which somehow has landed with more continuity than college ball.

Maybe I'm old fashioned, but this seemed like the proud sentiment from the fanbase for the last 3 years. One down year while young, talented kids try to figure it out and you're ready to abandon it all?

You should watch the Bulls you'd love them. They want to get the 8 seed every year and pat themselves on the back for doing it the right way, which is exactly where the Shaka era appears to be headed.

Quote from: brewcity77 on November 15, 2025, 05:51:32 PMI don't think you understand the complaints. The board understands there are ebbs and flows. But for a program with our aspirations, down years should look like last year. Something in the 7-10 range but good enough to make the tournament and maybe give a good team a scare the first weekend.

If we extrapolate these first four games to a full season, this team will likely have a losing record, and if that happens, it basically puts Shaka on the hot seat. The last time a Marquette coach stayed employed after two losing seasons was Jack Nagle in 1957 (and he was fired after going .500 in 1958). Dukiet and Wojo were both fired after their second losing seasons. Eddie Hickey and Deane were fired after their first losing seasons.

We live in an era of not just win-now, but win every year. I don't think Shaka would be at risk after this season no matter how bad it goes, but if this year doesn't improve and it happens again next year? We're probably in the market for a new coach.

100%

Quote from: brewcity77 on November 15, 2025, 05:51:32 PMI don't think you understand the complaints. The board understands there are ebbs and flows. But for a program with our aspirations, down years should look like last year. Something in the 7-10 range but good enough to make the tournament and maybe give a good team a scare the first weekend.

If we extrapolate these first four games to a full season, this team will likely have a losing record, and if that happens, it basically puts Shaka on the hot seat. The last time a Marquette coach stayed employed after two losing seasons was Jack Nagle in 1957 (and he was fired after going .500 in 1958). Dukiet and Wojo were both fired after their second losing seasons. Eddie Hickey and Deane were fired after their first losing seasons.

We live in an era of not just win-now, but win every year. I don't think Shaka would be at risk after this season no matter how bad it goes, but if this year doesn't improve and it happens again next year? We're probably in the market for a new coach.

Bingo.

Quote from: brewcity77 on November 15, 2025, 05:51:32 PMI don't think you understand the complaints. The board understands there are ebbs and flows. But for a program with our aspirations, down years should look like last year. Something in the 7-10 range but good enough to make the tournament and maybe give a good team a scare the first weekend.

If we extrapolate these first four games to a full season, this team will likely have a losing record, and if that happens, it basically puts Shaka on the hot seat. The last time a Marquette coach stayed employed after two losing seasons was Jack Nagle in 1957 (and he was fired after going .500 in 1958). Dukiet and Wojo were both fired after their second losing seasons. Eddie Hickey and Deane were fired after their first losing seasons.

We live in an era of not just win-now, but win every year. I don't think Shaka would be at risk after this season no matter how bad it goes, but if this year doesn't improve and it happens again next year? We're probably in the market for a new coach.

And that's why I'm watching Bradley and Oklahoma closely

Though, Chris Beard would be my first choice if he's available

"Fetch isn't happening. Feels like the staff evaluation of Hamilton, Owens, and Sean are just way off".

This!! Some serious misses on talent evaluations by the staff. Neither Hamilton or Owens are BE capable right now, add Norman to that list imo. Clark, no where near ready.

Sean gets a pass because of his injury..

Quote from: brewcity77 on November 15, 2025, 05:51:32 PMI don't think you understand the complaints. The board understands there are ebbs and flows. But for a program with our aspirations, down years should look like last year. Something in the 7-10 range but good enough to make the tournament and maybe give a good team a scare the first weekend.

If we extrapolate these first four games to a full season, this team will likely have a losing record, and if that happens, it basically puts Shaka on the hot seat. The last time a Marquette coach stayed employed after two losing seasons was Jack Nagle in 1957 (and he was fired after going .500 in 1958). Dukiet and Wojo were both fired after their second losing seasons. Eddie Hickey and Deane were fired after their first losing seasons.

We live in an era of not just win-now, but win every year. I don't think Shaka would be at risk after this season no matter how bad it goes, but if this year doesn't improve and it happens again next year? We're probably in the market for a new coach.

Crean missed the tournament two years ina row after the Final Four.  Yes, he bought himself plenty of goodwill with a FF but had two mediocre seasons to follow.  Then we join a loaded Big East and he makes three straight tourneys before leaving for "It's Indiana." 

Perhaps this team will figure it out and learn from these early-season mistakes. 

The problem, IMO, lies in a few areas.

1. From a recruiting standpoint, MU is not getting nearly enough from the junior and senior classes. Lowery is the only player that is playing on the right trajectory out of those classes. Neither Norman nor Jones can shoot. They aren't fits for the offense MU is trying to run. Owens has not progressed and plays too soft. Parham hasn't played at anywhere near the level that I expected. Hamilton hasn't been particularly good but he's exceeded my expectations.

2. I have a hard time understanding why MU is so bad defensively. James and Stevens are already better defenders than a number or returning players. That's great for them but says something about the guys returning.

3. I understand the analysis supporting lots of threes. That said, the MU personnel does not match that emphasis. For this year, MU needs to attack the hoop on the drive and in the post. Going forward, they need to change the offense or stay away from recruits who can't shoot.

Nobody wants with a down year, but I think a majority of Scoopers would accept that it can happen sometimes.


What's troublesome here is that:
a) Shaka's teams haven't played well since 2024 ended ... they're 5-10 vs non-cupcakes since Feb. 1, with four of those wins coming against Georgetown, DePaul, Providence and Seton Hall. MU has beaten one quality opponent - Xavier in the BE tourney, by the slimmest of margins - since the Jan. 7 win over Creighton. This isn't a couple of bad games to start a season, it's steep downward trend over nearly 25 games.

b) There doesn't seem to be much in the pipeline to engender faith that a quick turnaround is on the horizon. Lowery can be really good at times, but is he an all-BE type player? Does a lineup of Hamilton, Parham, Lowery, Stevens and James inspire confidence that MU can compete for a conference title and make a tourney run in 26-27? Maybe there are some big developmental leaps on the horizon, but hope isn't a strategy.

Shaka's seat shouldn't be at all hot even if this season continues to play out as it has. But it should start to warm without a big step forward the year after.

I'll beat the dead horse here...

I've never truly understood Shaka's reasoning, as he loaded up in the portal his first year here. Kolek/OMax/whoever else I'm forgetting.

And it worked! Tremendously well!

If you're going to be different for different's sake, then you better recruit REALLY well. Like Knueppel has to be here for a year. If you have a poor year in recruiting under this philosophy, you're going to be in mild trouble. Two years of poor recruiting? You're toast.

I don't think the toast is cooking just yet, but the toaster is definitely plugged in.

Quote from: Dish on November 15, 2025, 07:44:34 PMI'll beat the dead horse here...

I've never truly understood Shaka's reasoning, as he loaded up in the portal his first year here. Kolek/OMax/whoever else I'm forgetting.

And it worked! Tremendously well!

If you're going to be different for different's sake, then you better recruit REALLY well. Like Knueppel has to be here for a year. If you have a poor year in recruiting under this philosophy, you're going to be in mild trouble. Two years of poor recruiting? You're toast.

I don't think the toast is cooking just yet, but the toaster is definitely plugged in.

My problem with his philosophy is that even in the old days before the portal, teams routinely took transfers when it fit. It should be totally normal to recognize your weaknesses and quick fix them through the portal while also finding time for your long-term option that's already in the program.

Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on November 15, 2025, 07:55:04 PMMy problem with his philosophy is that even in the old days before the portal, teams routinely took transfers when it fit. It should be totally normal to recognize your weaknesses and quick fix them through the portal while also finding time for your long-term option that's already in the program.

I gat annoyed with the all or nothing mindset about transfers some have and it seems Shaka may have. I'm certainly not advocating a St John's like annual roster overhaul, but it sure would have been nice to have brought in a three point shooter if it was known Militic was going to redshirt since he was sold as a shooter. RGV isn't destroyed by bringing in one of two transfer to shore up weak spots.

Quote from: Billy Hoyle on November 15, 2025, 08:04:21 PMI gat annoyed with the all or nothing mindset about transfers some have and it seems Shaka may have. I'm certainly not advocating a St John's like annual roster overhaul, but it sure would have been nice to have brought in a three point shooter if it was known Militic was going to redshirt since he was sold as a shooter. RGV isn't destroyed by bringing in one of two transfer to shore up weak spots.

I'm not as concerned about the shooters as I am with the 5 spot.

I think a lot of the shooting issues would be fixed with a true center. Ben would be able to play his natural 4 spot and focus a bit more on his shot. Shooters would have an actual threat to play off of with screens. Our 5 spot is our hole. And it's a very large hole.

Quote from: brewcity77 on November 15, 2025, 05:51:32 PMI don't think you understand the complaints. The board understands there are ebbs and flows. But for a program with our aspirations, down years should look like last year. Something in the 7-10 range but good enough to make the tournament and maybe give a good team a scare the first weekend.

If we extrapolate these first four games to a full season, this team will likely have a losing record, and if that happens, it basically puts Shaka on the hot seat. The last time a Marquette coach stayed employed after two losing seasons was Jack Nagle in 1957 (and he was fired after going .500 in 1958). Dukiet and Wojo were both fired after their second losing seasons. Eddie Hickey and Deane were fired after their first losing seasons.

We live in an era of not just win-now, but win every year. I don't think Shaka would be at risk after this season no matter how bad it goes, but if this year doesn't improve and it happens again next year? We're probably in the market for a new coach.

JFC and you gave Wojo 5.5 years before bailing, when his best accomplishment was getting beat by 20 in Round 1 of the NCAA?

Shaka has two unnatural carnal knowledgeing 2 seeds, a Big East Regular Season and Big East Conference Tournament title, and 1 or 2 down years and you think his seat should be hot?

I'm embarassed to be a MU fan today after reading Scoop...bunch of spoiled brats from the last 4 years. 

Quote from: Elonsmusk on November 15, 2025, 09:30:40 PMJFC and you gave Wojo 5.5 years before bailing, when his best accomplishment was getting beat by 20 in Round 1 of the NCAA?

Shaka has two unnatural carnal knowledgeing 2 seeds, a Big East Regular Season and Big East Conference Tournament title, and 1 or 2 down years and you think his seat should be hot?

I'm embarassed to be a MU fan today after reading Scoop...bunch of spoiled brats from the last 4 years. 

Ya I don't get it either. We all want them to be better, including them! Shaka's winning 70% of his games at Marquette, if that's not good enough for us, who or what exactly would be?

We all want more tournament success, but you have to let a coach that is winning games figure out how to get that done. I'm interested to see how they respond. You can learn a lot about a group based on how they respond. Hopefully we see some fire.

Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on November 15, 2025, 07:55:04 PMMy problem with his philosophy is that even in the old days before the portal, teams routinely took transfers when it fit. It should be totally normal to recognize your weaknesses and quick fix them through the portal while also finding time for your long-term option that's already in the program.

Portal is different now, mostly $$$ driven.

Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on November 15, 2025, 09:35:18 PMYa I don't get it either. We all want them to be better, including them! Shaka's winning 70% of his games at Marquette, if that's not good enough for us, who or what exactly would be?

We all want more tournament success, but you have to let a coach that is winning games figure out how to get that done. I'm interested to see how they respond. You can learn a lot about a group based on how they respond. Hopefully we see some fire.

He's not winning games anymore. They have fallen off a cliff since January of this year. He was winning with a strategy he said he doesn't want to do anymore.

And it's something you could see from a mile away because of how many obvious deficiencies this team would have and their refusal to do anything about it. And that goes for last year too. This is not new even though it's gotten so exacerbated this week.

The doomers on this board are making entirely logical deductions and predictions based on what they're seeing with their own eyes and what the coaches and the school keep telling you they're going to do.

Quote from: Elonsmusk on November 15, 2025, 09:30:40 PMJFC and you gave Wojo 5.5 years before bailing, when his best accomplishment was getting beat by 20 in Round 1 of the NCAA?

Shaka has two unnatural carnal knowledgeing 2 seeds, a Big East Regular Season and Big East Conference Tournament title, and 1 or 2 down years and you think his seat should be hot?

I'm embarassed to be a MU fan today after reading Scoop...bunch of spoiled brats from the last 4 years. 

Your reading comprehension, as usual, is lacking. I said that if what we've seen continues for a season, he will be on the hot seat.

That won't get him fired. I think that would be virtually impossible this year. But two losing seasons would. So if he has a losing season this year, he'll be on the hot seat next year.

This isn't me putting anyone anywhere. I'm laying out the reality of where things will stand if the next 27 games look the same as the first five have.

No Marquette coach in 67 years has survived more than one losing season in their tenure. That's the standard at Marquette, whether you like it or not.

We all knew offensively we would have some challenges this year.   But our defense is what I think has been the biggest let down.    373 points in 5 games and the two cupcakes is the only thing bringing the average down to like 73+ points a game giving up.   Our defense is not good.   

Chase today was tired... he carried the whole team so he was not great on D either today.   But wow.  With all the athletes we have, the havoc is back.... Ugh.    We give up way too many points a game,    Major problem moving forward.  We should never have lost today. 

One more note...at the end of the game, some of the student section started chanting "use the portal." While I'm sure that was meant to be aimed at Shaka, that seems like the kind of thing that could start tearing this model apart.

The players heard it and took notice. The message to them is essentially that the students wished some of them weren't there and had been recruited over. It really undermines the RGV approach that Shaka is selling when the fanbase is kneecapping it by calling for the same portal additions the staff has avoided.

One of the dangers to doing things differently than anybody else is when it doesn't work, everyone is going to ask why you didn't do what other successful people/programs are doing. I desperately want Shaka's model to succeed, largely because I think it's better for college basketball than a mercenary model, but if it doesn't, I think things could go south here faster than they would at other programs with similar levels of recent success because it's easy to point at what we're doing differently and focus all the blame there.

I don't see the portal talk as constructive. MU can't compete financially in the portal at the level needed to keep fans happy. Unless some billionaire takes this on as a project, MU is small potatoes as far as resources. Just count MU's alums relative to state schools. I have no problem with Shaka's approach.  It's the only way MU might not be relegated to sloppy seconds. The key is identifying talent and hitting on a high percentage.

Quote from: Zog from Margo on November 15, 2025, 11:45:28 PMI don't see the portal talk as constructive. MU can't compete financially in the portal at the level needed to keep fans happy. Unless some billionaire takes this on as a project, MU is small potatoes as far as resources. Just count MU's alums relative to state schools. I have no problem with Shaka's approach.  It's the only way MU might not be relegated to sloppy seconds. The key is identifying talent and hitting on a high percentage.

I agree, but an occasional portal piece is still necessary. When some of your pieces don't develop as planned or some leave you need to fill those holes with older veteran talent.

This would have been a great year to add a Senior 1 year Center to put this year's team where it needs to be. I don't think we are far off but we have a position that has no answer until next November at the earliest because we failed to add experienced talent to the position group. So we are stuck with a RS Sophomore and RS Freshman as our only options for an entire season.

This thread is the best thing I've read on Scoop in a long time.  Bravo to all you geniuses finally realizing the talent on this team is subpar and this team was always going to be bad.  Next year won't be better unless Shaka is fired or changes his approach to team building.

Quote from: jeffreyweee on November 15, 2025, 05:28:44 PMI'm also not interested in watching a college basketball team filled with transfers. I'd rather watch the Marquette teams of the last 2 years, with their disappointing finishes, than a team filled with one year guys who don't give a crap about the program. The same was true with one and done's. I will have absolutely no connection to that team. In that case I'd rather just watch the NBA, which somehow has landed with more continuity than college ball.

This is where I land, too.

Quote from: brewcity77 on November 15, 2025, 03:59:49 PM

• Two decisive losses to teams made up entirely of transfers and new players. That's not a good result for the RGV plan.

Thus far under Shaka's tenure the players who have been our best players are either
a) Wojo recruits (Oso, Stevie, Cam, Justin Lewis) or
b) transfers (Kolek, O-Max, Morsell, Jop-I know Jop is a weird case since Shaka recruited him to Texas)

I think only Ross fits in well with that group, though Nigel James looks like he may be the real deal.  That's what worries me about RGV.  If we're not going outside for help, we need better players in the first place.  It's early yet, of course, but our continuity is supposed to put us ahead of other teams at this point in the season.[/list]

Quote from: Richie on November 16, 2025, 05:43:15 AMThis is where I land, too.

Probably get annoyed with the names on the jerseys too.

Yes it is earl

Quote from: CTWarrior on November 16, 2025, 06:19:39 AMThus far under Shaka's tenure the players who have been our best players are either
a) Wojo recruits (Oso, Stevie, Cam, Justin Lewis) or
b) transfers (Kolek, O-Max, Morsell, Jop-I know Jop is a weird case since Shaka recruited him to Texas)

I think only Ross fits in well with that group, though Nigel James looks like he may be the real deal.  That's what worries me about RGV.  If we're not going outside for help, we need better players in the first place.  It's early yet, of course, but our continuity is supposed to put us ahead of other teams at this point in the season.[/list]

Yes it is early. It has only been 5 years.

Reek

Quote from: brewcity77 on November 15, 2025, 05:51:32 PMI don't think you understand the complaints. The board understands there are ebbs and flows. But for a program with our aspirations, down years should look like last year. Something in the 7-10 range but good enough to make the tournament and maybe give a good team a scare the first weekend.

If we extrapolate these first four games to a full season, this team will likely have a losing record, and if that happens, it basically puts Shaka on the hot seat. The last time a Marquette coach stayed employed after two losing seasons was Jack Nagle in 1957 (and he was fired after going .500 in 1958). Dukiet and Wojo were both fired after their second losing seasons. Eddie Hickey and Deane were fired after their first losing seasons.

We live in an era of not just win-now, but win every year. I don't think Shaka would be at risk after this season no matter how bad it goes, but if this year doesn't improve and it happens again next year? We're probably in the market for a new coach.

Reekers obsession, Wardle?

Quote from: willie warrior on November 16, 2025, 06:55:25 AMReekReekers obsession, Wardle?

No, he's 1-3.  My top choice is Chris Beard

Quote from: brewcity77 on November 15, 2025, 11:28:10 PMOne more note...at the end of the game, some of the student section started chanting "use the portal." While I'm sure that was meant to be aimed at Shaka, that seems like the kind of thing that could start tearing this model apart.

The players heard it and took notice. The message to them is essentially that the students wished some of them weren't there and had been recruited over. It really undermines the RGV approach that Shaka is selling when the fanbase is kneecapping it by calling for the same portal additions the staff has avoided.

One of the dangers to doing things differently than anybody else is when it doesn't work, everyone is going to ask why you didn't do what other successful people/programs are doing. I desperately want Shaka's model to succeed, largely because I think it's better for college basketball than a mercenary model, but if it doesn't, I think things could go south here faster than they would at other programs with similar levels of recent success because it's easy to point at what we're doing differently and focus all the blame there.

Marquette students channeling their Badger football brethren.  Insert Spider-Man pointing meme

Chase looks like a star; 4 kenpom game MVPs leads the country. Zaide and Ben are good enough to be supporting starters on a tourney team.

The problems are the 1 and the 5, or whatever the big man complement to Ben is. I love NJ, but you need a second PG even if your first is Kam Jones, and NJ isn't Kam yet. Maybe Sean could be that, but we need to see more G.

Up front, whether it's Parham, Owens, Hamilton, or Clark, someone needs to be able to give productive positive starter minutes. My expectation was that it would be Parham because typically the freshman to sophomore leap is the biggest that players make in their careers and he has the aggressiveness to be a secondary scorer. So far, that hasn't panned out. Owens still looks lost defensively and he's more likely to turn it over than he is to grab a rebound or make a shot. Hamilton's body has transformed but so far his game has not significantly enough to warrant those minutes. And Clark looks like a baby deer freshman big.

Individually, any one of those 4/5 candidates playing like they are would be fine, but when all of them have 2-3 years in the system, you hope that at least 1-2 of them would break through and be more of a net positive in year two than they've shown thus far.

I've defended the model as much as I possibly can. I've looked at the roster for the next few years and can see the potential if these guys pop. But if Zaide is the only star candidate as a senior next year, if Owens and Parham don't leap the way we are hoping, that's suddenly putting a lot on these current freshmen.

Couple that with the reality that other teams will be older and more experienced because they'll buy that experience and it makes this model harder to defend.

It's like Al McGuire said: "When I was losing, they called me nuts. When I was winning, they called me eccentric." Shaka can only cut against the grain of D1 basketball as long as he's winning.

Quote from: Uncle Rico on November 16, 2025, 07:17:29 AMMarquette students channeling their Badger football brethren.  Insert Spider-Man pointing meme

Beard, now this...alignment? Who woulda thunk it!

Quote from: jeffreyweee on November 15, 2025, 05:28:44 PMIt is painful to see this board of hardcore college basketball fans not understand college basketball. Teams like Marquette will always ebb and flow in their quality. We are not a team filled with McDonald's AA. In the last 2 years we lost Kam, Tyler, and Oso to the NBA. Those guys were unnatural carnal knowledgeing studs. We also lost Jop, and Stevie, two important starters.

The team is currently made up of guys who have very little experience playing college ball, and even less playing meaningful minutes. This is a growth year. It doesn't matter if it's unnatural carnal knowledgeing year 5, year 15, or year 30. Programs and coaches have down years when they graduate that kind of usage rate.

I'm also not interested in watching a college basketball team filled with transfers. I'd rather watch the Marquette teams of the last 2 years, with their disappointing finishes, than a team filled with one year guys who don't give a crap about the program. The same was true with one and done's. I will have absolutely no connection to that team. In that case I'd rather just watch the NBA, which somehow has landed with more continuity than college ball.

Maybe I'm old fashioned, but this seemed like the proud sentiment from the fanbase for the last 3 years. One down year while young, talented kids try to figure it out and you're ready to abandon it all?

Great post. 

Quote from: Zog from Margo on November 15, 2025, 11:45:28 PMI don't see the portal talk as constructive. MU can't compete financially in the portal at the level needed to keep fans happy. Unless some billionaire takes this on as a project, MU is small potatoes as far as resources. Just count MU's alums relative to state schools. I have no problem with Shaka's approach.  It's the only way MU might not be relegated to sloppy seconds. The key is identifying talent and hitting on a high percentage.

the truth hurts.

Quote from: Zog from Margo on November 15, 2025, 04:51:04 PMBurn redshirts? MU's problem is the opposite. They're playing too many guys. Owens played 10 minutes and had only 2 fouls on the stat line. Norman has contributed more, but not enough to get meaningful minutes. Clark is not ready. Shorten the bench and pull back the press. A bad half court D is only going to be worse if you extend it. Why is Clark picking up Payne outside the 3 pt line? MU is not forcing enough TOs against good teams to justify pressing.

It also might be time to reevaluate the Nevada Smith offense. If you want to launch that many 3s, MU needs to change its recruiting focus.

That's an action plan.
Most of the rest of this conversation is blah, blah, blah,

Quote from: Viper on November 16, 2025, 07:50:01 AMBeard, now this...alignment? Who woulda thunk it!

Marquette fans are no different than Badger fans.  That's always been true.

If Beard isn't available, I'd see if we can pry Will Wade out of NC State but they're supposedly infusing a ton of money into his program.  We'll probably have to settle for Wardle or an assistant but it's nice to think big and dump Shaka.

Quote from: Zog from Margo on November 15, 2025, 11:45:28 PMI don't see the portal talk as constructive. MU can't compete financially in the portal at the level needed to keep fans happy. Unless some billionaire takes this on as a project, MU is small potatoes as far as resources. Just count MU's alums relative to state schools. I have no problem with Shaka's approach.  It's the only way MU might not be relegated to sloppy seconds. The key is identifying talent and hitting on a high percentage.

Oh please. This is a load of malarkey. If Providence can get the best player on an SEC tourney team and starters from two other high majors with Kim English's track record, I think Shaka with Marquette's resources could do just fine in the portal. Especially with rev share coming.

Does anyone really think we couldn't outbid Providence for Jason Edwards, or Butler for Michael Ajayi, or Seton Hall for Budd Clark? We're not goddamn paupers here begging for scraps. We're a high major team with high major investment and a coach that has a Final Four, NCOY award, and numerous NBA alumni. We aren't in the portal because we make that CHOICE.

It wouldn't be a guarantee to work if we took transfers, but it's not like we can't compete for players if we choose to.

What do they teach these days in college?
Is it only philosophy and long term strategy?

Zog, whoever you are, my man, you have a solution in the here and now. All the rest is history and prophesy.  No wonder I have taken a sabbatical from muscoop.

I notice that some of the real nasty folks have left, thank God.

Quote from: Newsdreams on November 15, 2025, 09:38:32 PMPortal is different now, mostly $$$ driven.

And you don't think HS recruiting is?

Quote from: dpucane on November 15, 2025, 10:14:01 PMHe's not winning games anymore. They have fallen off a cliff since January of this year.

Wow, I didn't notice that -- although it's since February.

MU games vs. teams under t-rank < 100:

Feb 1 - UConn -  loss
Feb 4 - StJ -  loss
Feb 8 - Creighton -  loss
Feb 21 - Nova -  loss
Mar 1 - Gtown -  WIN
Mar 5 - UConn -  loss
Mar 8 - StJ - loss
BET 1 - Xavier - WIN
BET 2 - StJ - Loss
NCAA - New Mexico - loss
Nov 9 - Indiana - loss
Nov 15 - Maryland - loss

2-10 record.  And one of those wins was Gtown, #96.

And 10 of those games were with an NBA player Kam, Stevie and Jop.

Quote from: Viper on November 16, 2025, 07:50:01 AMBeard, now this...alignment? Who woulda thunk it!

Joe Chapman, come on down. Or bring on the three Ws, Wade, wardle or Wojo

So if Coit from MD doesn't shoot lights out taking off-balance threes and couple of shots by MU rim in instead of out everyone here would be happy as hell and thinking MU was ready to compete for the BE title.


My point.  Message boards have zero sense of perspective and people out do each other trying to make the sky fall.

Quote from: willie warrior on November 16, 2025, 08:40:57 AMJoe Chapman, come on down. Or bring on the three Ws, Wade, wardle or Wojo

My top 3 choices in order:

1. Chris Beard
2. Will Wade
3. Chris Jans

2nd Tier:

1. Chris Gerlufsen
2. Brian Wardle
3. Porter Moser

3rd Tier:

1. Travis Diener
2. Brian Barone
3. Any white guy

In a game where we had wide open three-point attempts as Maryland was packing it in, I don't know why Shaka didn't give Phillips a chance.

It was obvious this team was going to take a step backwards after the last few years.  No real star power and too young as a group.  Perfect year to take on a portal player.  Why Shaka wants to die on that hill of not wanting to take a portal player here or there is mind boggling.  Now he has a huge job of not losing this team and a fan base that can be fickle. 

Everything is great when you are winning, but things can unravel quickly when you lose. If this season falls apart, it will be interesting to see who might leave and what Shaka does.  I hope we turn it around and don't get there.

Quote from: Badgerhater on November 16, 2025, 08:46:34 AMSo if Coit from MD doesn't shoot lights out taking off-balance threes and couple of shots by MU rim in instead of out everyone here would be happy as hell and thinking MU was ready to compete for the BE title.


My point.  Message boards have zero sense of perspective and people out do each other trying to make the sky fall.

If wishes were baskets everyone would go 31-0. But they aren't and we won't. Results matter. This result makes it very difficult for Marquette to get to the NCAA tournament without getting a win at Purdue or Wisconsin, along with every other remaining non-con game.

The Big East is 3-11 against top-100 opponents. All those wins are from UConn & Georgetown. There just aren't many resume opportunities in the league, and collectively we're worse off than last year. At this point, to feel safe we probably need to go 8-3 in non-con & 13-7 in league. I'm an optimist, but it's hard to find those results on the schedule barring significant in-season improvement from guys who haven't shown it yet.

Quote from: Big Papi on November 16, 2025, 08:56:36 AMIf this season falls apart, it will be interesting to see who might leave and what Shaka does.  I hope we turn it around and don't get there.

One would think that if the G doesn't happen for a couple of guys it would be time for a frank discussion of minutes available going forward. And certainly if players depart you couldn't blame a staff for patching holes with a transfer or two.

If

Quote from: brewcity77 on November 16, 2025, 08:57:07 AMIf wishes were baskets everyone would go 31-0. But they aren't and we won't. Results matter. This result makes it very difficult for Marquette to get to the NCAA tournament without getting a win at Purdue or Wisconsin, along with every other remaining non-con game.

The Big East is 3-11 against top-100 opponents. All those wins are from UConn & Georgetown. There just aren't many resume opportunities in the league, and collectively we're worse off than last year. At this point, to feel safe we probably need to go 8-3 in non-con & 13-7 in league. I'm an optimist, but it's hard to find those results on the schedule barring significant in-season improvement from guys who haven't shown it yet.

If message board commenters ran the team MU would have the top five players in America every year and a final four appearance would be a down year, thus resulting in the need to change a coach.

Quote from: Badgerhater on November 16, 2025, 09:47:25 AMIf

If message board commenters ran the team MU would have the top five players in America every year and a final four appearance would be a down year, thus resulting in the need to change a coach.

And? What is your point?

Quote from: Badgerhater on November 16, 2025, 09:47:25 AMIf message board commenters ran the team MU would have the top five players in America every year and a final four appearance would be a down year, thus resulting in the need to change a coach.

Sure, and you can make straw men all day but none of those scarecrows can hit a three.

Generally speaking, the baseline for success here is a NCAA tournament bid. That's the floor. Lower than that is a failure. Where we're at after five games makes that unlikely. Not impossible, but unlikely. Failed seasons lead to coaching changes. None of this is revelatory, but it is the reality we are in.

Quote from: brewcity77 on November 16, 2025, 10:11:01 AMSure, and you can make straw men all day but none of those scarecrows can hit a three.

Generally speaking, the baseline for success here is a NCAA tournament bid. That's the floor. Lower than that is a failure. Where we're at after five games makes that unlikely. Not impossible, but unlikely. Failed seasons lead to coaching changes. None of this is revelatory, but it is the reality we are in.

I would argue making a reactionary coaching change because of one bad season, is how you destroy a program. The guy wins a high percentage of basketball games. I think moving on from him would be worse for the program than Shaka's stubborn approach to roster construction. A good coach can adjust as needed. Getting rid of a good coach in hopes you hit on a better one is a risky decision.

Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on November 16, 2025, 10:14:24 AMI would argue making a reactionary coaching change because of one bad season, is how you destroy a program. The guy wins a high percentage of basketball games. I think moving on from him would be worse for the program than Shaka's stubborn approach to roster construction. A good coach can adjust as needed. Getting rid of a good coach in hopes you hit on a better one is a risky decision.

No one is saying he should be fired. A failure this year, ignoring the portal next off season and another lackluster season puts him squarely on the hot seat.

Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on November 16, 2025, 10:14:24 AMI would argue making a reactionary coaching change because of one bad season, is how you destroy a program. The guy wins a high percentage of basketball games. I think moving on from him would be worse for the program than Shaka's stubborn approach to roster construction. A good coach can adjust as needed. Getting rid of a good coach in hopes you hit on a better one is a risky decision.

Outside of perhaps the usual trolls, no one here is suggesting a "reactionary coaching change because of one bad season." That's a straw man.
The reality we're facing is a bad season on top of a second-half collapse last year. As has been mentioned, this program has two quality wins in 2025, three if we want to be generous enough to consider Georgetown a quality win. If that happens AND Marquette underachieves again in 2026-27, then Shaka's seat is going to get warm. It's not just about one bad season.

Quote from: Pakuni on November 16, 2025, 10:43:11 AMOutside of perhaps the usual trolls, no one here is suggesting a "reactionary coaching change because of one bad season." That's a straw man.
The reality we're facing is a bad season on top of a second-half collapse last year. As has been mentioned, this program has two quality wins in 2025, three if we want to be generous enough to consider Georgetown a quality win. If that happens AND Marquette underachieves again in 2026-27, then Shaka's seat is going to get warm. It's not just about one bad season.

I will say I have my doubts Shaka can evolve. But he'll get another year to prove it

Quote from: Pakuni on November 16, 2025, 10:43:11 AMOutside of perhaps the usual trolls, no one here is suggesting a "reactionary coaching change because of one bad season." That's a straw man.
The reality we're facing is a bad season on top of a second-half collapse last year. As has been mentioned, this program has two quality wins in 2025, three if we want to be generous enough to consider Georgetown a quality win. If that happens AND Marquette underachieves again in 2026-27, then Shaka's seat is going to get warm. It's not just about one bad season.

Are we sure this is going to be a bad season?  There is so much time for improvement.  Yesterday's game was highly disappointing, but to already declare this a lost year is a ridiculous proclamation to make in mid-November.

Agree with

Quote from: bradforster on November 16, 2025, 10:58:12 AMAre we sure this is going to be a bad season?  There is so much time for improvement.  Yesterday's game was highly disappointing, but to already declare this a lost year is a ridiculous proclamation to make in mid-November.

Agree with this but I've seen nothing that gives me optimism. 

Quote from: Pakuni on November 16, 2025, 10:43:11 AMOutside of perhaps the usual trolls, no one here is suggesting a "reactionary coaching change because of one bad season." That's a straw man.
The reality we're facing is a bad season on top of a second-half collapse last year. As has been mentioned, this program has two quality wins in 2025, three if we want to be generous enough to consider Georgetown a quality win. If that happens AND Marquette underachieves again in 2026-27, then Shaka's seat is going to get warm. It's not just about one bad season.

If MU will keep zero-accomplishment Wojo for as long as it did, Smart is just fine.

Quote from: brewcity77 on November 16, 2025, 08:03:48 AMOh please. This is a load of malarkey. If Providence can get the best player on an SEC tourney team and starters from two other high majors with Kim English's track record, I think Shaka with Marquette's resources could do just fine in the portal. Especially with rev share coming.

Does anyone really think we couldn't outbid Providence for Jason Edwards, or Butler for Michael Ajayi, or Seton Hall for Budd Clark? We're not goddamn paupers here begging for scraps. We're a high major team with high major investment and a coach that has a Final Four, NCOY award, and numerous NBA alumni. We aren't in the portal because we make that CHOICE.

It wouldn't be a guarantee to work if we took transfers, but it's not like we can't compete for players if we choose to.

You really think MU can compete with UConn financially if UConn really wants a player? How about UNC or Duke or Kentucky or Alabama or Michigan or St. John's? So odds are you start out in the portal below the first tier players.

People act like MU is some financial juggernaut in college basketball. That's not reality. Look at their coaching hires. They've never hired a top HC at his peak. Shaka fell into their laps only because he struggled at Texas.

I have no problem with MU using the portal but it won't be a cure all. Top programs will almost always have first dibs in the top players in the portal and you can miss on transfers just like you can miss on HS players.

Quote from: Badgerhater on November 16, 2025, 11:04:40 AMIf MU will keep zero-accomplishment Wojo for as long as it did, Smart is just fine.

Why do people keep going back to Wojo as the baseline? Being better than Wojo should not be the measure of success for a Marquette basketball coach. That's literally COLE talk.

Quote from: Badgerhater on November 16, 2025, 11:04:40 AMIf MU will keep zero-accomplishment Wojo for as long as it did, Smart is just fine.

Without Covid messing things up, Wojo would have made the NCAA tournament the year before he was fired.

Quote from: Zog from Margo on November 16, 2025, 11:07:02 AMYou really think MU can compete with UConn financially if UConn really wants a player? How about UNC or Duke or Kentucky or Alabama or Michigan or St. John's? So odds are you start out in the portal below the first tier players.

This is a straw man. I never said anything like this. I specifically mentioned programs and players below us in the league & financial pecking order.

Quote from: Zog from Margo on November 16, 2025, 11:07:02 AMPeople act like MU is some financial juggernaut in college basketball. That's not reality. Look at their coaching hires. They've never hired a top HC at his peak. Shaka fell into their laps only because he struggled at Texas.

Another straw man. I didn't say any of this. I said we have the finances to be competitive with peer and lower programs.

Quote from: Zog from Margo on November 16, 2025, 11:07:02 AMI have no problem with MU using the portal but it won't be a cure all.

I didn't say it was. I specifically said otherwise: It wouldn't be a guarantee to work if we took transfers

Quote from: Zog from Margo on November 16, 2025, 11:07:02 AMTop programs will almost always have first dibs in the top players in the portal and you can miss on transfers just like you can miss on HS players.

And another straw man. Might be a Scoop record for one post.

The reality is we could use the portal to augment the roster, fill holes, & provide options when the R & G don't lead to V. Not doing so is a choice that limits us compared to other programs.

Quote from: Zog from Margo on November 16, 2025, 11:07:02 AMYou really think MU can compete with UConn financially if UConn really wants a player? How about UNC or Duke or Kentucky or Alabama or Michigan or St. John's? So odds are you start out in the portal below the first tier players.

People act like MU is some financial juggernaut in college basketball. That's not reality. Look at their coaching hires. They've never hired a top HC at his peak. Shaka fell into their laps only because he struggled at Texas.

I have no problem with MU using the portal but it won't be a cure all. Top programs will almost always have first dibs in the top players in the portal and you can miss on transfers just like you can miss on HS players.

"We're not goddamn paupers here begging for scraps. We're a high major team with high major investment and a coach that has a Final Four, NCOY award, and numerous NBA alumni."

So MU's "high major investment" can't compete with the investment of "really" high majors and schools with billionaire backers. You were just pointing out that MU could be like Providence. Got it.

Quote from: Zog from Margo on November 16, 2025, 11:51:31 AM"We're not goddamn paupers here begging for scraps. We're a high major team with high major investment and a coach that has a Final Four, NCOY award, and numerous NBA alumni."

So MU's "high major investment" can't compete with the investment of "really" high majors and schools with billionaire backers. You were just pointing out that MU could be like Providence. Got it.

Marquette has the resources to compete with other P5 teams for a transfer or two to cover recruiting misses. They aren't going to need four or five guys each season.

Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on November 16, 2025, 10:14:24 AMI would argue making a reactionary coaching change because of one bad season, is how you destroy a program. The guy wins a high percentage of basketball games. I think moving on from him would be worse for the program than Shaka's stubborn approach to roster construction. A good coach can adjust as needed. Getting rid of a good coach in hopes you hit on a better one is a risky decision.

I would argue that too! Why bring that up though, who mentioned such a crazy thing? Certainly not me.

Quote from: The Sultan on November 16, 2025, 12:09:14 PMMarquette has the resources to compete with other P5 teams for a transfer or two to cover recruiting misses. They aren't going to need four or five guys each season.

I don't disagree. My point was simply to note that MU's basketball resources tend to be overstated when compared to the top programs. As a result, HS recruiting will need to remain the primary focus.

Quote from: Zog from Margo on November 16, 2025, 12:17:07 PMI don't disagree. My point was simply to note that MU's basketball resources tend to be overstated when compared to the top programs. As a result, HS recruiting will need to remain the primary focus.

I don't think anyone is suggesting otherwise.

Quote from: Pakuni on November 16, 2025, 11:10:39 AMWhy do people keep going back to Wojo as the baseline? Being better than Wojo should not be the measure of success for a Marquette basketball coach. That's literally COLE talk.

Our current coach has two, 2 seeds in the NCAA tournament, a Seeet 16, a regular Big East and conference tournament championship, coming off a program drought of approximately 10 years from winning a tournament game...

And the same clowns who supported Wojo for nearly 5 years are the ones sounding the alarm on Shaka and even bringing up the "hot seat" because of two unnatural carnal knowledgeing early season losses to IU and MD?

It's pure comedy and idiocy. And guess what, this season isn't over...and I suspect we will make the NCAA tournament.

Quote from: brewcity77 on November 16, 2025, 12:15:17 PMI would argue that too! Why bring that up though, who mentioned such a crazy thing? Certainly not me.

Seemed like that was what you were hinting at by saying "failed seasons lead to coaching changes."

My mistake.

Quote from: Elonsmusk on November 16, 2025, 12:30:19 PMOur current coach has two, 2 seeds in the NCAA tournament, a Seeet 16, a regular Big East and conference tournament championship, coming off a program drought of approximately 10 years from winning a tournament game...

And the same clowns who supported Wojo for nearly 5 years are the ones sounding the alarm on Shaka and even bringing up the "hot seat" because of two unnatural carnal knowledgeing early season losses to IU and MD?

It's pure comedy and idiocy. And guess what, this season isn't over...and I suspect we will make the NCAA tournament.

Shaka set his standard. So far this season as well as second half of last season are well below his standard.

Quote from: ATL MU Warrior on November 16, 2025, 11:04:22 AMAgree with this but I've seen nothing that gives me optimism. 

I'm frustrated by the game, but I actually saw some optimism versus a decent team. Chase, great. Zaide, great. Nigel, great. Adrien, good. Ben, good except on O, and we needed it. Tre, Royce, and Damarius, not good.

I actually thought Caedin did some really nice things, especially on D a couple times. Granted, we will need more to win, but I found myself saying out loud a handful of times, atta boy Caedin. Would have loved to see MPIII, but, he wasn't going to handle Maryland on D or on the boards. Could have used a few pure threes, though. I'm optimistic.

I will say, I'm all for the relationships and growth way, and I think Shaka is the kind of guy I would want my kids to learn from. I really enjoy the continuity of the team, and I want to win. I think his way wins out in the long run as a program and university. Now, win!

Quote from: Pakuni on November 16, 2025, 10:43:11 AMOutside of perhaps the usual trolls, no one here is suggesting a "reactionary coaching change because of one bad season." That's a straw man.
The reality we're facing is a bad season on top of a second-half collapse last year. As has been mentioned, this program has two quality wins in 2025, three if we want to be generous enough to consider Georgetown a quality win. If that happens AND Marquette underachieves again in 2026-27, then Shaka's seat is going to get warm. It's not just about one bad season.

I'll just go ahead and say I'm 95% here, and I'll definitely be 100% there if they don't use the portal again. I think we know enough to predict the regression will continue with Shaka. I obviously don't expect them to do anything unless next year is another crash out.


I would also argue that RGV has failed for three seasons, not one. The past three teams have had their ceilings lowered by the refusal to hit the portal.

Quote from: panda on November 16, 2025, 12:35:45 PMShaka set his standard. So far this season as well as second half of last season are well below his standard.

Tom Izzo set his standard.  So did Coach K.  Did they never have down years that weren't as great as their peak years?  Of course they had some down years - while even being able to pretty much hand select their fair share of McDonald's All Americans.

I'm just annoyed with people taking issue with Shaka, when some of those same people:  A) Supported Wojo for 5+ years with far less accomplishment than Shaka, B) They also had issues with Buzz William winning big here, due to off court issues, C) Seem to think MU is a basketball blue blood, D) Shaka's recruiting has improved with this most recent class probably his best, E) Shaka is bright enough to know if he needs to change course, and if the non-portal approach "fails" two years in a row, I suspect you'll see him explore the portal.

Quote from: Elonsmusk on November 16, 2025, 12:30:19 PMOur current coach has two, 2 seeds in the NCAA tournament, a Seeet 16, a regular Big East and conference tournament championship, coming off a program drought of approximately 10 years from winning a tournament game...

And the same clowns who supported Wojo for nearly 5 years are the ones sounding the alarm on Shaka and even bringing up the "hot seat" because of two unnatural carnal knowledgeing early season losses to IU and MD?

It's pure comedy and idiocy. And guess what, this season isn't over...and I suspect we will make the NCAA tournament.

And the best win in the NCATT is a 10 seed. The other two over 15s. Not stellar.

Quote from: 21Jumpstreet on November 16, 2025, 12:46:55 PMI'm frustrated by the game, but I actually saw some optimism versus a decent team. Chase, great. Zaide, great. Nigel, great. Adrien, good. Ben, good except on O, and we needed it. Tre, Royce, and Damarius, not good.

Zaide and Nigel were "great?" Neither the stats nor the eye test show that.

Quote from: The Sultan on November 16, 2025, 01:04:21 PMZaide and Nigel were "great?" Neither the stats nor the eye test show that.

Great. They brought the energy, were active, made plays, give me optimism.

Quote from: The Sultan on November 16, 2025, 01:04:21 PMZaide and Nigel were "great?" Neither the stats nor the eye test show that.

Zaide looked great live.

I'll take 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists from him all day!

Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on November 16, 2025, 01:18:02 PMZaide looked great live.

I'll take 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists from him all day!

On 6/19 shooting???  Outside of his two alley-oops, he went 4/17.  That's not great.

Quote from: 21Jumpstreet on November 16, 2025, 01:17:03 PMGreat. They brought the energy, were active, made plays, give me optimism.

Your standards for greatness are far too low.

Quote from: The Sultan on November 16, 2025, 01:23:41 PMOn 6/19 shooting???  Outside of his two alley-oops, he went 4/17.  That's not great.

That'll happen. He was still taking the right shots and playing the game how we've wanted him to. Nothing was forced and he was productive.

Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on November 16, 2025, 01:31:27 PMThat'll happen. He was still taking the right shots and playing the game how we've wanted him to. Nothing was forced and he was productive.

Gah! What am I reading here? 4/19 is the opposite of productive!

Yes, he didn't let that take away from his game in other ways, which is to be applauded. But it's hardly "great."

Quote from: panda on November 16, 2025, 10:30:37 AMNo one is saying he should be fired. A failure this year, ignoring the portal next off season and another lackluster season puts him squarely on the hot seat.

Agree with this. I think two bad seasons and his seat is warm, a third and he's gone.

The last four years have been too good taking over a program that was really weak to panic after one season.

Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on November 16, 2025, 01:18:02 PMZaide looked great live.

I'll take 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists from him all day!

This is Scoop.  Only players with triple doubles of more than 20 rebounds and 30 points qualify as a great game.

Quote from: Badgerhater on November 16, 2025, 01:40:27 PMThis is Scoop.  Only players with triple doubles of more than 20 rebounds and 30 points qualify as a great game.

Ah. Hyperbole...

Zaide did not have a "great" game.

Quote from: The Sultan on November 16, 2025, 01:24:11 PMYour standards for greatness are far too low.

Your inability to recognize great potential is far too low.

Quote from: 21Jumpstreet on November 16, 2025, 01:17:03 PMGreat. They brought the energy, were active, made plays, give me optimism.

Zaide and Nigel will have very good seasons.  Some fans choose to nitpick a guy playing his 4th collegiate game, and the other in his 4th game as a starter, beginning his Junior year.

Why I am not on the "holy crap" we suck bus?  I feel Royce has played WAY below his ability.  Nigel will just get better and better.  Zaide too.  Adrien Stevens will make nice progress this season, as will Caedin. Chase has improved a lot.  Ben Gold will be solid.

I see some promise in Caedin.  He too is starting his 4th collegiate game, and has added a good deal of athleticism as compared to where he was a year ago.  As for Zaide - I see a him turning in a potential All Big East Third Team type of season.

Quote from: Elonsmusk on November 16, 2025, 12:47:43 PMTom Izzo set his standard.  So did Coach K.  Did they never have down years that weren't as great as their peak years?  Of course they had some down years - while even being able to pretty much hand select their fair share of McDonald's All Americans.

I'm just annoyed with people taking issue with Shaka, when some of those same people:  A) Supported Wojo for 5+ years with far less accomplishment than Shaka, B) They also had issues with Buzz William winning big here, due to off court issues, C) Seem to think MU is a basketball blue blood, D) Shaka's recruiting has improved with this most recent class probably his best, E) Shaka is bright enough to know if he needs to change course, and if the non-portal approach "fails" two years in a row, I suspect you'll see him explore the portal.

A down year st Marquette should be squarely on the bubble for the ncaa tournament. We'll be lucky to sniff that level this year.

Quote from: panda on November 16, 2025, 10:30:37 AMNo one is saying he should be fired. A failure this year, ignoring the portal next off season and another lackluster season puts him squarely on the hot seat.

Shaka could have a lackluster season this year, and next - and he won't be on the hot seat.  You know why?  Because Mike Broeker isn't a dipcrap.

Quote from: Elonsmusk on November 16, 2025, 01:46:02 PMYour inability to recognize great potential is far too low.
Zaide and Nigel will have very good seasons.  Some fans choose to nitpick a guy playing his 4th collegiate game, and the other in his 4th game as a starter, beginning his Junior year.

Why I am not on the "holy crap" we suck bus?  I feel Royce has played WAY below his ability.  Nigel will just get better and better.  Zaide too.  Adrien Stevens will make nice progress this season, as will Caedin. Chase has improved a lot.  Ben Gold will be solid.

I see some promise in Caedin.  He too is starting his 4th collegiate game, and has added a good deal of athleticism as compared to where he was a year ago.  As for Zaide - I see a him turning in a potential All Big East Third Team type of season.

Such optimism is not welcome here.  Only catastrophic doom is allowed.

Quote from: panda on November 16, 2025, 01:48:17 PMA down year st Marquette should be squarely on the bubble for the ncaa tournament. We'll be lucky to sniff that level this year.

Let's make a wager.  I'll wager MU is squarely on the bubble or in the NCAA this year.  Squarely on the bubble would qualify as the first 4 out.  $500 to MU's Be The Difference Fund?

Quote from: Elonsmusk on November 16, 2025, 01:46:02 PMYour inability to recognize great potential is far too low.

My lord. No one was talking about his potential. It was simply about his performance is yesterday's game.

Quote from: Badgerhater on November 16, 2025, 01:50:05 PMSuch optimism is not welcome here.  Only catastrophic doom is allowed.

More hyperbole...

Quote from: The Sultan on November 16, 2025, 01:55:47 PMMore hyperbole...

DOOM!

Quote from: Badgerhater on November 16, 2025, 01:59:36 PMDOOM!

I'm not dooming at all. I'm just not going to throw out platitudes for what was really a poor performance by the team overall.

Quote from: Elonsmusk on November 16, 2025, 12:47:43 PMTom Izzo set his standard.  So did Coach K.  Did they never have down years that weren't as great as their peak years?  Of course they had some down years - while even being able to pretty much hand select their fair share of McDonald's All Americans.

We've had one coach who met that standard and he left nearly 50 years ago. If Shaka goes to multiple Final Fours & cuts nets in April, he'll get the K/Izzo treatment, but he hasn't earned that yet.

Quote from: Elonsmusk on November 16, 2025, 12:47:43 PMI'm just annoyed with people taking issue with Shaka, when some of those same people:  A) Supported Wojo for 5+ years with far less accomplishment than Shaka, B) They also had issues with Buzz William winning big here, due to off court issues, C) Seem to think MU is a basketball blue blood, D) Shaka's recruiting has improved with this most recent class probably his best, E) Shaka is bright enough to know if he needs to change course, and if the non-portal approach "fails" two years in a row, I suspect you'll see him explore the portal.

So we shouldn't hold Shaka to the same standard Wojo was held to? No one is firing him now. And if he turns this year around, the conversation ends.

But if he finishes this year 14-18 (8-12) and does similar next year while continuing to be the only one breaking from the new normal in college basketball, it will all fall apart.

Students were chanting "use the portal" five games into the season. That will get old for players & staff quickly. If he does portal, it will require going back on what he's said. If he doesn't and results don't improve, he'll be on the "nuts" side of Al's quote and boosters will be itching for change.

Personally, I think this is the worst home loss since Omaha. Both the 2024 Butler loss and 2019 Georgetown loss could be argued, but those teams had already proven they had a higher ceiling at the point of those losses. This team hasn't. Could this season improve? Yes. But is it also possible we haven't hit rock bottom? Also yes.

Quote from: The Sultan on November 16, 2025, 01:34:49 PMGah! What am I reading here? 4/19 is the opposite of productive!

Yes, he didn't let that take away from his game in other ways, which is to be applauded. But it's hardly "great."

I just think he looked great live. Ideally you want to see the shooting percentage much better but he was playing more free and putting numbers in multiple stat columns. I am at least encouraged by his output.

Quote from: brewcity77 on November 16, 2025, 02:12:18 PMWe've had one coach who met that standard and he left nearly 50 years ago. If Shaka goes to multiple Final Fours & cuts nets in April, he'll get the K/Izzo treatment, but he hasn't earned that yet.

So we shouldn't hold Shaka to the same standard Wojo was held to? No one is firing him now. And if he turns this year around, the conversation ends.

But if he finishes this year 14-18 (8-12) and does similar next year while continuing to be the only one breaking from the new normal in college basketball, it will all fall apart.

Students were chanting "use the portal" five games into the season. That will get old for players & staff quickly. If he does portal, it will require going back on what he's said. If he doesn't and results don't improve, he'll be on the "nuts" side of Al's quote and boosters will be itching for change.

Personally, I think this is the worst home loss since Omaha. Both the 2024 Butler loss and 2019 Georgetown loss could be argued, but those teams had already proven they had a higher ceiling at the point of those losses. This team hasn't. Could this season improve? Yes. But is it also possible we haven't hit rock bottom? Also yes.

Teal?

Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on November 16, 2025, 02:27:44 PMI just think he looked great live. Ideally you want to see the shooting percentage much better but he was playing more free and putting numbers in multiple stat columns. I am at least encouraged by his output.

Trend Blackledge had some highlight reel moments too, but wasn't a net positive. Lowery has had some good outings, yesterday was not one of the best.

Quote from: brewcity77 on November 16, 2025, 02:43:22 PMTrend Blackledge had some highlight reel moments too, but wasn't a net positive. Lowery has had some good outings, yesterday was not one of the best.

Comparing Zaide to Blackledge is wild!

Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on November 16, 2025, 02:55:23 PMComparing Zaide to Blackledge is wild!

The point is that while Zaide had an amazing dunk yesterday, in no way, shape, or form did he have a good game. Don't confuse a good moment with a good game.

(Or take the wrong message my post, guess that's an option too)

Quote from: brewcity77 on November 16, 2025, 03:01:34 PMThe point is that while Zaide had an amazing dunk yesterday, in no way, shape, or form did he have a good game. Don't confuse a good moment with a good game.

(Or take the wrong message my post, guess that's an option too)

I never mentioned his dunk.

Quote from: Elonsmusk on November 16, 2025, 01:48:50 PMShaka could have a lackluster season this year, and next - and he won't be on the hot seat.  You know why?  Because Mike Broeker isn't a dipcrap.

There is a laundry list of reason MU should not get rid of Shaka, but that ain't one.


Sorry to tell you, but Broeker is not the most powerful person in MU's HC decision.

Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on November 16, 2025, 02:55:23 PMComparing Zaide to Blackledge is wild!

LOL - You're not kidding.  Brew has gone off the rails.  It all started at the Open Scrimmage when they didn't serve hot dogs.

Quote from: Elonsmusk on November 16, 2025, 03:08:28 PMLOL - You're not kidding.  Brew has gone off the rails.  It all started at the Open Scrimmage when they didn't serve hot dogs.

I like the fact that he had 8 rebounds, 4 assists (which I'd guess is a career high), and he shut off Coit after he started the game off red hot. He had a hand in a lot of MUs good yesterday. I too would like to see him shoot a higher percentage.

Quote from: Elonsmusk on November 16, 2025, 03:08:28 PMLOL - You're not kidding.  Brew has gone off the rails.  It all started at the Open Scrimmage when they didn't serve hot dogs.

Still getting a zero on reading comprehension, I see.

Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on November 16, 2025, 02:55:23 PMComparing Zaide to Blackledge is wild!

He didn't compare them. He pointed out that Zaide having a couple of highlight moments yesterday - as Trend was known to have - doesn't mean he was great.

Quote from: Pakuni on November 16, 2025, 03:12:20 PMHe didn't compare them. He pointed out that Zaide having a couple of highlight moments yesterday - as Trend was known to have - doesn't mean he was great.

I don't get how that relates. I never mentioned anything about highlight plays. I said I thought he looked good live. He finished with 14, 8, and 4.

8 rebounds and 4 assists were both career highs and he shut off Coit with his length after Coit started 4-4 and got the Terps out to a sizable lead. I thought he looked good and encouraging. I too would like to see him shoot a higher percentage.

Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on November 16, 2025, 03:10:32 PMI like the fact that he had 8 rebounds, 4 assists (which I'd guess is a career high), and he shut off Coit after he started the game off red hot. He had a hand in a lot of MUs good yesterday. I too would like to see him shoot a higher percentage.

I agree with all the above. He's a good shooter. Yesterday wasn't his best in that regard, but as you pointed out he took Coit out of the game after shifting onto him.

Believe it was a career high in minutes for Zaide too. Think 25ish was his previous career high.

I'm banking on Zaide really taking a big jump this year as part of my optimism. Yesterday was a good start, as it is the most aggressive he's looked offensively and we need more of that from him.

Quote from: brewcity77 on November 16, 2025, 03:01:34 PMThe point is that while Zaide had an amazing dunk yesterday, in no way, shape, or form did he have a good game. Don't confuse a good moment with a good game.

(Or take the wrong message my post, guess that's an option too)

14/8/4 with 2 steals, a block, and 3 turnovers.  He didn't shoot well but sure seems like people are focusing on a bad day from the field way too much for a guy that is usually pretty efficient. 

The team needs Zaide to be aggressive offensively to be successful so I was glad to see the aggressiveness.

Now, if he continues to shoot in the low 30s from the field that's a different conversation. 

Quote from: Zog from Margo on November 15, 2025, 11:45:28 PMI don't see the portal talk as constructive. MU can't compete financially in the portal at the level needed to keep fans happy. Unless some billionaire takes this on as a project, MU is small potatoes as far as resources. Just count MU's alums relative to state schools. I have no problem with Shaka's approach.  It's the only way MU might not be relegated to sloppy seconds. The key is identifying talent and hitting on a high percentage.

MU can't afford one player? Maybe two? We're in more trouble than I could have imagined.

Seriously, many of the Portal numbers are highly inflated. And we wouldn't be going after a high 6 figure or even 7 figure star player. I'm talking about a role player to fill a hole

Quote from: brewcity77 on November 16, 2025, 03:01:34 PMThe point is that while Zaide had an amazing dunk yesterday, in no way, shape, or form did he have a good game. Don't confuse a good moment with a good game.

(Or take the wrong message my post, guess that's an option too)

Gonna disagree a bit here. Yes I wish he shot and finished better. But he tied for the team lead in rebounds and assists. Most importantly he was the primary defender on Coit after his quick 12 points and made him mostly a non factor the rest of the game.

Zaide is the least of our problems and was our clear 2nd best player yesterday.

Last two losses were ugly losses - should count for double...

Quote from: mu_hilltopper on November 16, 2025, 08:36:17 AMWow, I didn't notice that -- although it's since February.

MU games vs. teams under t-rank < 100:

Feb 1 - UConn -  loss
Feb 4 - StJ -  loss
Feb 8 - Creighton -  loss
Feb 21 - Nova -  loss
Mar 1 - Gtown -  WIN
Mar 5 - UConn -  loss
Mar 8 - StJ - loss
BET 1 - Xavier - WIN
BET 2 - StJ - Loss
NCAA - New Mexico - loss
Nov 9 - Indiana - loss
Nov 15 - Maryland - loss

2-10 record.  And one of those wins was Gtown, #96.

And 10 of those games were with an NBA player Kam, Stevie and Jop.

Quote from: PointWarrior on November 16, 2025, 05:08:25 PMLast two losses were ugly losses - should count for double...

NM

Quote from: WhiteTrash on November 16, 2025, 08:17:09 AMAnd you don't think HS recruiting is?

So? Shaka has said same about HS recruits.

Could MU be as good as Incarnate Word this year? I have faith, but not sure I'd bet on it. >:(

Quote from: The Sultan on November 16, 2025, 06:47:30 AMProbably get annoyed with the names on the jerseys too.

Yawn.

Quote from: GB Warrior on November 15, 2025, 04:04:23 PMBrew hit it. Season is over. They should be burning the redshirts and seeing what's there. You're not getting anything new out of guys like Tre. See if anything here is worth salvaging

Why would you burn redshirts if the season is over? That seems entirely counterproductive.

Quote from: brewcity77 on November 15, 2025, 05:51:32 PMI don't think you understand the complaints. The board understands there are ebbs and flows. But for a program with our aspirations, down years should look like last year. Something in the 7-10 range but good enough to make the tournament and maybe give a good team a scare the first weekend.

This is just out of touch with the reality of what the Marquette basketball program is. They've seeded the NCAA Tournament for 46 years now. MU has been above (better than) a 7 seed 13 times. Every program misses NCAA Tournaments on occasion. Marquette is not above that. Sometimes your posts read as if we have the history of a UNC. We're a good program. We aren't a blue blood.

Quote from: GB Warrior on November 15, 2025, 04:04:23 PMBrew hit it. Season is over. They should be burning the redshirts and seeing what's there. You're not getting anything new out of guys like Tre. See if anything here is worth salvaging

It can be argued that Pearson (should be in high school) and Walker (showing up half way through) are special cases, but I'm generally against redshirting recruits in most cases. Doesn't seem all that efficient to invest 2-3 years in somebody only to then realize there just isn't all that much there, which has been the case more often than not with redshirts in Shaka's time here. Especially considering that eligibility is on the brink of increasing to 5 years anyway.

Quote from: brewcity77 on November 16, 2025, 03:01:34 PMThe point is that while Zaide had an amazing dunk yesterday, in no way, shape, or form did he have a good game. Don't confuse a good moment with a good game.

(Or take the wrong message my post, guess that's an option too)

I understand people saying he didn't have a great game, but saying he didn't have even a good game is inaccurate. He shot poorly, but no worse than Kam did in a several games at the end of last season. He grabbed 8 rebounds and still scored 14 pts. And, although MU's defense was bad, Lowery was one of the best defenders they did have.

Quote from: brewcity77 on November 15, 2025, 11:28:10 PMOne more note...at the end of the game, some of the student section started chanting "use the portal." While I'm sure that was meant to be aimed at Shaka, that seems like the kind of thing that could start tearing this model apart.

The players heard it and took notice. The message to them is essentially that the students wished some of them weren't there and had been recruited over. It really undermines the RGV approach that Shaka is selling when the fanbase is kneecapping it by calling for the same portal additions the staff has avoided.

Oh! Bye.

Has shaka never worked in the real world?  In that world you have to get rid of the underperformers to let the cream rise to the to top.  Just ask ners

Quote from: The Sultan on November 16, 2025, 01:24:11 PMYour standards for greatness are far too low.

Fair, and perhaps our standards have different scales. For example, I thought they were great in the game for the reasons I stated. I do not think they exhibited greatness, that to me is more a reverence thing, which I do not do.

Anyway, I think there is promise and potential, even this season. I saw some great things in the game to build on.

Quote from: Uncle Rico on November 16, 2025, 08:51:12 AMMy top 3 choices in order:

1. Chris Beard
2. Will Wade
3. Chris Jans

2nd Tier:

1. Chris Gerlufsen
2. Brian Wardle
3. Porter Moser

3rd Tier:

1. Travis Diener
2. Brian Barone
3. Any white guy

Lundy or Gottlieb. Enough said.

Quote from: Elonsmusk on November 16, 2025, 12:30:19 PMOur current coach has two, 2 seeds in the NCAA tournament, a Seeet 16, a regular Big East and conference tournament championship, coming off a program drought of approximately 10 years from winning a tournament game...

And the same clowns who supported Wojo for nearly 5 years are the ones sounding the alarm on Shaka and even bringing up the "hot seat" because of two unnatural carnal knowledgeing early season losses to IU and MD?

It's pure comedy and idiocy. And guess what, this season isn't over...and I suspect we will make the NCAA tournament.

I'd lay off the predictions since we are all still waiting for AMRN to pop  :P

Quote from: Hards Alumni on November 19, 2025, 09:55:49 AMI'd lay off the predictions since we are all still waiting for AMRN to pop  :P

Lol. Yeah. That popped for sure..the wrong way.  A lot of corruption/dirty Big Pharma money tanked that company.  Sad story.

Quote from: Elonsmusk on November 19, 2025, 10:57:32 AMLol. Yeah. That popped for sure..the wrong way.  A lot of corruption/dirty Big Pharma money tanked that company.  Sad story.

Wait for the AI companies

https://247sports.com/college/maryland/article/surprising-news-on-maryland-basketball-star-pharrel-paynes-injury-prognosis--262546342/

QuoteWilliams has not provided any timeline or specifics, sources told InsideMDSports' Jeff Ermann that Payne could be on the court in Vegas. He was in street clothes for Maryland's close-call Wednesday night against Mount St. Mary's, but he didn't have a noticeable limp.

Quote from: rocky_warrior on November 20, 2025, 02:15:43 PMhttps://247sports.com/college/maryland/article/surprising-news-on-maryland-basketball-star-pharrel-paynes-injury-prognosis--262546342/

Very good, positive news. Thanks for sharing.

Quote from: rocky_warrior on November 20, 2025, 02:15:43 PMhttps://247sports.com/college/maryland/article/surprising-news-on-maryland-basketball-star-pharrel-paynes-injury-prognosis--262546342/

Great news. He's quite the player.

Outstanding player...and Buzz' recruiting class coming in next season is very strong.