Andy at Anonymous Eagle does a great job explaining why Marquette has not only had the success they've had in Shaka's first few years, but why this team looks like it's sinking just two weeks into the season.
It's a Boat With a Hole (https://www.anonymouseagle.com/marquette-mens-basketball/33091/golden-eagles-analytics-evan-miya-bpr-metaphor-boat-ship-hole-ross-parham-gold-hamilton-owens-shaka-smart)
(https://platform.anonymouseagle.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/11/25-26-Marquette-BPR-thru-Nov-16.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100&_gl=1*19vc96h*_gcl_au*MTAyOTMyMzY1Ny4xNzYyMjgwOTk2*_ga*MTc3NjE4NjcwMi4xNzYyMjgwOTk2*_ga_2M5GYNY1YS*czE3NjMzOTQ3MTgkbzQkZzEkdDE3NjMzOTQ5MjMkajYwJGwwJGgw)
Man, this is a pretty damning table. This is why I can't really call anything I have seen from this team "great" yet. Ross is clearly the best player, but he is a step or two down from "best player" we have seen the last couple of seasons.
Quote from: brewcity77 on November 17, 2025, 09:49:03 AMAndy at Anonymous Eagle does a great job explaining why Marquette has not only had the success they've had in Shaka's first few years, but why this team looks like it's sinking just two weeks into the season.
It's a Boat With a Hole (http://"https://www.anonymouseagle.com/marquette-mens-basketball/33091/golden-eagles-analytics-evan-miya-bpr-metaphor-boat-ship-hole-ross-parham-gold-hamilton-owens-shaka-smart")
Speaks volumes.Let the howling begin in 3..2..1..
Do we know what Oso's BPR was before Shaka arrived at MU and what O-Max's BPR was at Clemson? Just curious.
Quote from: Zog from Margo on November 17, 2025, 10:23:45 AMDo we know what Oso's BPR was before Shaka arrived at MU and what O-Max's BPR was at Clemson? Just curious.
Both were bad. -0.18 for Oso and -.96 for Omax. But... Both were true freshman. Oso played 66 possessions, Omax 360 possesions. They popped to 4.14 and 2.1 and Sophmores.
I don't care if true freshman are bad. I care if Sophmores, Juniors, Seniors are bad. And it looks worse if our true freshman are already better than them.
Caedin Hamilton RS Sophmore -1.04
Damarius Owens Sophmore -1.08
Sean Jones Senior 0.16
Tre Norman Junior 0.10
Josh Clark is 0.17
Ian Miletic RSing is 0.35
Michael Phillips is 0.67
Sheek Pearson RSing is 0.99
Adrien Stevens is 1.52 (better than Zaide, for now)
Nigel James is 2.19
Quote from: Zog from Margo on November 17, 2025, 10:23:45 AMDo we know what Oso's BPR was before Shaka arrived at MU and what O-Max's BPR was at Clemson? Just curious.
Oso played in five games with a total of 38 minutes on the season, missing the final nine games of the season. Whatever his BPR rate was is meaningless.
The production/value of Kam, Stevie and Jop has unfortunately not been replaced. Chase and BG are playing at a slightly elevated value from last year, but there hasn't been the necessary jump from any of the returners (other than Parham) to sustain competing on a high-level.
We have five negative players on offense and two net (offensive/defense) negative players getting regular minutes thus far. Will be interesting to see how the rotations evolve moving forward.
Quote from: jfp61 on November 17, 2025, 10:46:02 AMBoth were bad. -0.18 for Oso and -.96 for Omax. But... Both were true freshman. Oso played 66 possessions, Omax 360 possesions. They popped to 4.14 and 2.1 and Sophmores.
I don't care if true freshman are bad. I care if Sophmores, Juniors, Seniors are bad. And it looks worse if our true freshman are already better than them.
Caedin Hamilton RS Sophmore -1.04
Damarius Owens Sophmore -1.08
wat r goin on
I didn't think we'd be good this year, but being in the hole already sucks. TK/Oso development set unrealistic expectations for future classes.
Quote from: Jay Bee on November 17, 2025, 10:57:45 AMwat r goin on
dyslexia and not caring because this is a message board
This makes Shaka's decision to start Hamilton all the more perplexing. I get that Gold isn't an ideal 5, but he wasn't a negative player there last year. Just a flawed one. Even so, it's hard to argue he isn't MU's best option there.
Wouldn't it make more sense just to leave him there and let Parham slide into Jop's slot at the 4?
Quote from: Pakuni on November 17, 2025, 11:54:13 AMThis makes Shaka's decision to start Hamilton all the more perplexing. I get that Gold isn't an ideal 5, but he wasn't a negative player there last year. Just a flawed one. Even so, it's hard to argue he isn't MU's best option there.
Wouldn't it make more sense just to leave him there and let Parham slide into Jop's slot at the 4?
We should be hitting the portal for a starting center next year but Shaka kind of cornered himself.
It was easy to move on from guys like Itejere and Amadou. Will it be as easy to get a mutual parting of ways when Caedin thinks he's a starting caliber center? That position is an absolute mess for us both now and in the future.
Quote from: jfp61 on November 17, 2025, 10:46:02 AMBoth were bad. -0.18 for Oso and -.96 for Omax. But... Both were true freshman. Oso played 66 possessions, Omax 360 possesions. They popped to 4.14 and 2.1 and Sophmores.
I don't care if true freshman are bad. I care if Sophmores, Juniors, Seniors are bad. And it looks worse if our true freshman are already better than them.
Caedin Hamilton RS Sophmore -1.04
Damarius Owens Sophmore -1.08
Sean Jones Senior 0.16
Tre Norman Junior 0.10
Josh Clark is 0.17
Ian Miletic RSing is 0.35
Michael Phillips is 0.67
Sheek Pearson RSing is 0.99
Adrien Stevens is 1.52 (better than Zaide, for now)
Nigel James is 2.19
Thanks. I agree that the numbers are disturbing but they are reflective and not predictive. MU has a bunch of guys being asked to fill roles they never filled before. With scorers and leaders like Kam, Joplin, Kolek, Mitchell, Oso, Ross, etc. on the roster, all of the current juniors and sophomores have been deferring until now. Now they have to step up to fill the void and that likely requires a period of transition. That said, I am not being pollyanna about the current situation. MU has some guys who can step up but they also have several that have not shown the flashes one would expect. Outside of Lowery and Parham, the junior and sophomore classes look shaky. Making the NCAAs looks like a reach.
On a different topic, I do not see shooting 40 3s as a recipe for success for this roster.
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on November 17, 2025, 12:23:53 PMWe should be hitting the portal for a starting center next year but Shaka kind of cornered himself.
It was easy to move on from guys like Itejere and Amadou. Will it be as easy to get a mutual parting of ways when Caedin thinks he's a starting caliber center? That position is an absolute mess for us both now and in the future.
We're also full for next year, but agree with you. Something will have to give. So many projects. When is the due date?
Quote from: CountryRoads on November 17, 2025, 12:33:58 PMWe're also full for next year, but agree with you. Something will have to give. So many projects. When is the due date?
I moreso meant that it should be easy to mutually part ways with guys like Hamilton and Norman. They very clearly aren't ready to handle Big East minutes, and in Norman's case that ship has likely totally sailed. Using their 2 rosters spots (and spots like theirs) in the future to restock the roster with proven talent shouldn't be an issue. It also wouldn't block anyone's development.
Marquette is at a level where they should be aspiring to compete for National Championships. Looking at rosters around the country, they cannot do that without adding outside talent to the guys on their roster that do develop within their method.
Quote from: WolfganghisKhan on November 17, 2025, 11:12:58 AMI didn't think we'd be good this year, but being in the hole already sucks. TK/Oso development set unrealistic expectations for future classes.
Yep. Perfect storm of high level talent with the holdovers, freshman recruits staying, and rapid portal pickups.
Quote from: CountryRoads on November 17, 2025, 12:33:58 PMWe're also full for next year, but agree with you. Something will have to give. So many projects. When is the due date?
if the pattern holds, we can expect our 26 freshman to be better than our upper classmen. So there is hope.
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on November 17, 2025, 12:23:53 PMWe should be hitting the portal for a starting center next year but Shaka kind of cornered himself.
It was easy to move on from guys like Itejere and Amadou. Will it be as easy to get a mutual parting of ways when Caedin thinks he's a starting caliber center? That position is an absolute mess for us both now and in the future.
THIS.
RGV is fine, but you also have to accept when you fail. Shaka and staff failed with Itejere and Amadou. They didn't retain or grow. That's when you need to use the portal. When you fail. Hamilton should be playing 10 minutes at best. They didn't fix the holes they created. That's on them.
Quote from: Small Orange Soda on November 17, 2025, 01:28:58 PMTHIS.
RGV is fine, but you also have to accept when you fail. Shaka and staff failed with Itejere and Amadou. They didn't retain or grow. That's when you need to use the portal. When you fail. Hamilton should be playing 10 minutes at best. They didn't fix the holes they created. That's on them.
I firmly believe for a program like Marquette to succeed, you NEED to retain. BUT you do not need to retain every single returning player. You need to retain the ones that have a future in impacting winning at this program. The ones that do not also deserve to have their chance elsewhere. Thank you for choosing Marquette and trying, glad we were able to compensate you while you were here. Good luck at your next stop.
I don't disagree. I'd just be surprised if Shaka pays to outbid other programs for a starting center, which likely would be more than what players he recruited will be getting.
It would be a significant departure for him. I guess we'll see.
So, this off-season when Shaka said, "This year will be a stress test" for his system, this is what he meant.
And pine all you want for transfers, but don't get your hopes up.
Nigel, Adrien, Royce, and Sheek are the young core to build around. Hopefully they develop as needed.
Quote from: MU82 on November 17, 2025, 02:03:35 PMI don't disagree. I'd just be surprised if Shaka pays to outbid other programs for a starting center, which likely would be more than what players he recruited will be getting.
It would be a significant departure for him. I guess we'll see.
And
there is the problem. There is no easy way to, umm..., modify his system. It's more than saying "OK, OK. I'll go to the portal" without fallout if he pays a transfer or two more than his recruits.
4 star seven footer red shirting.
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on November 17, 2025, 12:23:53 PMWe should be hitting the portal for a starting center next year but Shaka kind of cornered himself.
It was easy to move on from guys like Itejere and Amadou. Will it be as easy to get a mutual parting of ways when Caedin thinks he's a starting caliber center? That position is an absolute mess for us both now and in the future.
There's zero guarantee Caedin starts on Wednesday let alone the rest of this season. Nor is there any guarantee he starts over Sheek next season.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on November 17, 2025, 02:10:50 PMThere's zero guarantee Caedin starts on Wednesday let alone the rest of this season. Nor is there any guarantee he starts over Sheek next season.
I personally don't want Sheek or Caedin starting next year.
I'd love to have a proven starter starting next year with Sheek backing him up in preparation to become a starter in his Sophomore season. We won't be competing for any championships starting non 5 star Freshman every season.
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on November 17, 2025, 02:22:53 PMI personally don't want Sheek or Caedin starting next year.
I'd love to have a proven starter starting next year with Sheek backing him up in preparation to become a starter in his Sophomore season. We won't be competing for any championships starting non 5 star Freshman every season.
Unless Shaka completely reverses course this is not happening.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on November 17, 2025, 02:35:26 PMUnless Shaka completely reverses course this is not happening.
He doesn't have to reverse course. He can stay on the same course and just add help.
If you asked Ben and Chase right now if they wish they had some added reinforcements to help them in their Senior season, what do you think they'd say?
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on November 17, 2025, 02:46:49 PMHe doesn't have to reverse course. He can stay on the same course and just add help.
If you asked Ben and Chase right now if they wish they had some added reinforcements to help them in their Senior season, what do you think they'd say?
I don't know what they'd say.
And if you asked Jop about brining in an OMax replacement after he left what do you think he would have said?
Shaka has shown ZERO inclination that he will recruit over players and PAY what it would take to bring in a starter with one year of eligibility left.
It's almost like people absolutely refuse to listen to and comprehend what he has repeated ad nauseum.
That's not to say that will never change but what you're hoping for is just fantasy right now.
Meh. It is no different than the endless clickbait stories about every trade every MLB/NFL/NBA/NHL should make and if the front office would listen to the wisdom of the random writer/AI cyborg, a championship would surely follow.
1% of those actually happen.
All 15 scholarships are accounted for for next season. Based on Shaka's history and words, it is highly unlikely he will use the portal. I have always added the caveat 'unless there are expected departures'.
So, IMO, until multiple underclassmen projected to be in the rotation leave, it is just making stuff up.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on November 17, 2025, 02:55:15 PMI don't know what they'd say.
And if you asked Jop about brining in an OMax replacement after he left what do you think he would have said?
Shaka has shown ZERO inclination that he will recruit over players and PAY what it would take to bring in a starter with one year of eligibility left.
It's almost like people absolutely refuse to listen to and comprehend what he has repeated ad nauseum.
That's not to say that will never change but what you're hoping for is just fantasy right now.
He has never said they will not use the transfer portal. In fact he's said the opposite. He has said he wouldn't be doing his job if he ignored it.
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on November 17, 2025, 03:14:20 PMHe has never said they will not use the transfer portal. In fact he's said the opposite. He has said he wouldn't be doing his job if he ignored it.
Well then maybe he should use it
Quote from: Juan Anderson's Mixtape on November 17, 2025, 02:04:27 PMSo, this off-season when Shaka said, "This year will be a stress test" for his system, this is what he meant.
And pine all you want for transfers, but don't get your hopes up.
Nigel, Adrien, Royce, and Sheek are the young core to build around. Hopefully they develop as needed.
I thought our School President said Nash Walker will be our best player.
Quote from: MU82 on November 17, 2025, 02:03:35 PMI don't disagree. I'd just be surprised if Shaka pays to outbid other programs for a starting center, which likely would be more than what players he recruited will be getting.
It would be a significant departure for him. I guess we'll see.
I think a follow-up question is would it be possible to land a transfer who is a "serviceable center" (sounds like a very Scoop term) for the same as the players he recruited will be getting? And serviceable may still be an improvement.
There's 84% of the season still to play (not including any Big East Tournament games or any post season beyond that). I said going into the offseason that the last time I felt like there wasn't enough talent on the roster to compete in the Big East, we went ahead and won the BE regular season and Tournament titles and that while I felt that way about this year's team, I'd give Shaka the benefit of the doubt until he doesn't have a competitive team.
I remember his first year seeing our press leaving Kur out to dry a lot in the early season, and Shaka adjusting and not going as crazy with the pressure and our defense got better. He's a good basketball coach. He sees what we're all seeing. He'll make some adjustments.
I have my doubts we'll be good enough to make it to the Tournament. But there's a lot of game left.
Even if the season goes as poorly as it looks like it might, I'm still fine with his approach, I just think he needs to target better talent. There are top 75 kids that are committing to mid majors because they know that if they go to a high major and don't play minutes, they'll just be stuck on the bench and not have as good of options to transfer up and get paid as they will if they go to a mid major, average 12 and 5 a game, and then Kansas is interested in you as a sophomore. Shaka should be selling those kids on his RGV. Obviously rankings aren't the end all be all, but with attractive programs targeting transfers over high level freshman, Shaka needs to take advantage there. 2027 is a huge recruiting class for Shaka, as there's a lot of talent he has been in on for a while that is fairly close to Marquette. The last two classes (as in classes of 2025 and 2026) have upped the talent level, and 2027 could be a big jump above those.
The good news is, I'm very optimistic about the current freshman class plus Egbuonu, and I think him adding Militic and Nash will help with the shooting issue we've had the past year and 5 games.
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on November 17, 2025, 03:14:20 PMHe has never said they will not use the transfer portal. In fact he's said the opposite. He has said he wouldn't be doing his job if he ignored it.
Remind where I said he would never use the transfer portal or that he has stated he would never use it? I didn't.
As it stands today, the circumstances would have to be very specific in regard to him using it.
A Hamilton and/or Norman leaving would not cause him to go get a 1-year center out of the portal and pay him at the same level as Zaide. Again, he's said this many times.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on November 17, 2025, 04:33:53 PMRemind where I said he would never use the transfer portal or that he has stated he would never use it? I didn't.
As it stands today, the circumstances would have to be very specific in regard to him using it.
A Hamilton and/or Norman leaving would not cause him to go get a 1-year center out of the portal and pay him at the same level as Zaide. Again, he's said this many times.
How much does he pay Zaide?
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on November 17, 2025, 04:33:53 PMRemind where I said he would never use the transfer portal or that he has stated he would never use it? I didn't.
As it stands today, the circumstances would have to be very specific in regard to him using it.
A Hamilton and/or Norman leaving would not cause him to go get a 1-year center out of the portal and pay him at the same level as Zaide. Again, he's said this many times.
You are truly playing both sides of the fence.
"It's almost like people absolutely refuse to listen to and comprehend what he has repeated ad nauseum.
That's not to say that will never change but what you're hoping for is just fantasy right now."You have aggressively slammed the door, to the point where you question people's intelligence to comprehend English, on suggestions that Shaka may look to selectively utilize the portal.
How about "I don't think Shaka will change course immediately, but I would not be surprised with a change of course based upon the results the balance of the year"?
Otherwise, pick a side and stick with it, because like it or not, you are coming of very hypocritical.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on November 17, 2025, 04:33:53 PMRemind where I said he would never use the transfer portal or that he has stated he would never use it? I didn't.
As it stands today, the circumstances would have to be very specific in regard to him using it.
A Hamilton and/or Norman leaving would not cause him to go get a 1-year center out of the portal and pay him at the same level as Zaide. Again, he's said this many times.
He can obviously change his mind on this. Especially if the 26-27 team is looking worse than the 25-26 team...which seems very possible to me.
Pudner, on the Dodds, board, says MU is the 7th youngest power conference team. 74th out of 80. IMO, that is related to all of the other complaints. MU is young. The youngsters aren't locked in on defense yet. The rotation hasn't settled in. The two best players are the most experienced. The third best player is the third most experienced.
MU didn't stay old.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on November 17, 2025, 04:54:32 PMYou are truly playing both sides of the fence.
"It's almost like people absolutely refuse to listen to and comprehend what he has repeated ad nauseum.
That's not to say that will never change but what you're hoping for is just fantasy right now."
You have aggressively slammed the door, to the point where you question people's intelligence to comprehend English, on suggestions that Shaka may look to selectively utilize the portal.
How about "I don't think Shaka will change course immediately, but I would not be surprised with a change of course based upon the results the balance of the year"?
Otherwise, pick a side and stick with it, because like it or not, you are coming of very hypocritical.
I don't think Shaka changes course unless there are a number of unexpected departures.
Quote from: MU Fan in Connecticut on November 17, 2025, 03:36:42 PMI think a follow-up question is would it be possible to land a transfer who is a "serviceable center" (sounds like a very Scoop term) for the same as the players he recruited will be getting? And serviceable may still be an improvement.
That's different than what the other Scooper seemed to be suggesting. 2-3 years ago, several of us were hoping Shaka might bring in a "Jayce Johnson type" for depth, toughness, rebounding and fouls. But he didn't. Might he do so next season? We'll see!
Quote from: MU82 on November 17, 2025, 05:32:13 PMThat's different than what the other Scooper seemed to be suggesting. 2-3 years ago, several years of us were hoping Shaka might bring in a "Jayce Johnson type" for depth, toughness, rebounding and fouls. But he didn't. Might he do so next season? We'll see!
Which is what led Shaka farther down the road to avoiding the portal. He reached out to a one year rental at center, who ended up as a marginal player at another Big East school. The player wanted a million dollar bag, in Shaka's telling.
Quote from: tower912 on November 17, 2025, 05:10:46 PMPudner, on the Dodds, board, says MU is the 7th youngest power conference team. 74th out of 80. IMO, that is related to all of the other complaints. MU is young. The youngsters aren't locked in on defense yet. The rotation hasn't settled in. The two best players are the most experienced. The third best player is the third most experienced.
LOL.
If it's not injuries, it's experience. Next week it will be a meteor shower or something.
Is Pudner wrong?
Quote from: MU82 on November 17, 2025, 02:03:35 PMI don't disagree. I'd just be surprised if Shaka pays to outbid other programs for a starting center, which likely would be more than what players he recruited will be getting.
It would be a significant departure for him. I guess we'll see.
at some point down the road, if things are not working out, he'll have to...or he has a new gig.
Quote from: tower912 on November 17, 2025, 05:56:48 PMIs Pudner wrong?
Nope. But no one accepts excuses for poor performance as much as you do.
Quote from: tower912 on November 17, 2025, 05:56:48 PMIs Pudner wrong?
Yes. That article read like pure uncut copium.
Quote from: The Sultan on November 17, 2025, 06:32:42 PMNope. But no one accepts excuses for poor performance as much as you do.
350 teams have reasons they don't win the championship.
Quote from: tower912 on November 17, 2025, 06:39:56 PM350 teams have reasons they don't win the championship.
No kidding. They didn't play well enough.
Agreed
Quote from: The Sultan on November 17, 2025, 05:44:42 PMLOL.
If it's not injuries, it's experience. Next week it will be a meteor shower or something.
Yep. People love to do ad hoc b.s. analysis to explain what has occurred and it's usually nonsense. We're ranked #206 nationally this year -- our recent Sweet 16 team ranked #204 nationally in WA D1 exp. Oh, the horror!
In recent years, some have hopped on the line of, 'we are good at the beginning of the year because of continuity.. but then the teams with all the transfers start to gel and surpass us late in the year'. Not saying there's no truth to Frankenstein teams gelling more as the year goes on, but don't think it's anywhere near an explanation for what's transpired.
BTW.. this year our minutes continuity ranks #17 so far this season (and would be higher with no Sean injury, as would our Experience)... I think that's #3 among goodish conferences (behind Purdue and UCONN - powerhouses)... so are we saying that's no longer an advantage?
Quote from: WhiteTrash on November 17, 2025, 04:54:32 PMYou are truly playing both sides of the fence.
"It's almost like people absolutely refuse to listen to and comprehend what he has repeated ad nauseum.
That's not to say that will never change but what you're hoping for is just fantasy right now."
You have aggressively slammed the door, to the point where you question people's intelligence to comprehend English, on suggestions that Shaka may look to selectively utilize the portal.
How about "I don't think Shaka will change course immediately, but I would not be surprised with a change of course based upon the results the balance of the year"?
Otherwise, pick a side and stick with it, because like it or not, you are coming of very hypocritical.
I disagree - I don't think I've been hypocritical at all.
The only way I see Shaka going to the portal next offseason is unexpected departures of guys he expects to be significant contributors. I don't believe those departures will happen.
I've stated the same thing multiple times and haven't wavered. Allowing for the possibility Shaka changes his mind, as unlikely as I think that is, isn't hypocritical.
Quote from: LAZER on November 17, 2025, 05:06:05 PMHe can obviously change his mind on this. Especially if the 26-27 team is looking worse than the 25-26 team...which seems very possible to me.
Of course he could. I don't think he will. I don't think he pivots from the entire premise of what he's built his program around after one potentially disappointing season.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on November 17, 2025, 07:25:45 PMI disagree - I don't think I've been hypocritical at all.
The only way I see Shaka going to the portal next offseason is unexpected departures of guys he expects to be significant contributors. I don't believe those departures will happen.
Are there 'significant contributors' and 'non-significant contributors'? Are there any players who are expected departures? Trying to understand if when you say, "The only way I see Shaka going to the portal next offseason is unexpected departures of guys he expects to be significant contributors", you're actually just saying, "...is someone leaving the program"... which, as we're effective at our max now, is basically saying nothing.
Quote from: brewcity77 on November 17, 2025, 09:49:03 AMAndy at Anonymous Eagle does a great job explaining why Marquette has not only had the success they've had in Shaka's first few years, but why this team looks like it's sinking just two weeks into the season.
It's a Boat With a Hole (http://\"https//www.anonymouseagle.com/marquette-mens-basketball/33091/golden-eagles-analytics-evan-miya-bpr-metaphor-boat-ship-hole-ross-parham-gold-hamilton-owens-shaka-smart%5C")
Great read. Thanks for sharing, and also thanks to the author.
What ever happened to Anonymous Eagle? I used to follow all his blogs and tweets in College and he just doesn't exist on Twitter anymore.
When I watch other teams play, it looks like most of them have clear ideas what they want to do in their half court sets. Kolek, Oso, and then Kam could all make plays for others off the dribble, or just surveying the floor.
Chase is not comfortable as a creator and as a team we just aren't good at this skill-set. NJ will get there, but my take is Chase and ZL have to be aggressive not just to score, but to dime or hockey dime.
If they are incapable of this with their experience, we're kinda fked to be honest. This team has had very few assists vs our two decent opponents and our assist/turn ratio has sucked. Is there something we can do to tweak our h-c offense? Or is just about making open threes?
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on November 17, 2025, 07:36:26 PMWhat ever happened to Anonymous Eagle? I used to follow all his blogs and tweets in College and he just doesn't exist on Twitter anymore.
He quit Twitter after the fascists took over
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on November 17, 2025, 07:36:26 PMWhat ever happened to Anonymous Eagle? I used to follow all his blogs and tweets in College and he just doesn't exist on Twitter anymore.
https://bsky.app/profile/anonymouseagle.bsky.social
Quote from: The Sultan on November 17, 2025, 07:40:47 PMhttps://bsky.app/profile/anonymouseagle.bsky.social
Interesting. This is somehow the first I've come across bluesky social.
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on November 17, 2025, 07:49:30 PMInteresting. This is somehow the first I've come across bluesky social.
I think it's just for peeps who are into 'alternative lifestyles'
Quote from: Jay Bee on November 17, 2025, 07:52:22 PMI think it's just for peeps who are into 'alternative lifestyles'
What's your handle there?
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on November 17, 2025, 07:49:30 PMInteresting. This is somehow the first I've come across bluesky social.
Well you're behind the times
Quote from: tower912 on November 17, 2025, 05:56:48 PMIs Pudner wrong?
(https://en.meming.world/images/en/7/78/Pepe_Silvia.jpg)
Quote from: Jay Bee on November 17, 2025, 07:32:57 PMAre there 'significant contributors' and 'non-significant contributors'? Are there any players who are expected departures? Trying to understand if when you say, "The only way I see Shaka going to the portal next offseason is unexpected departures of guys he expects to be significant contributors", you're actually just saying, "...is someone leaving the program"... which, as we're effective at our max now, is basically saying nothing.
Oh, give me a f'n break. It's not remotely "basically saying nothing".
Quote from: Viper on November 17, 2025, 06:21:48 PMat some point down the road, if things are not working out, he'll have to...or he has a new gig.
We'll see. The university president recently heaped major praise at Shaka's philosophy and poked fun at programs that largely (or completely) build through the portal.
I suppose it eventually will come down to how he and other power brokers define "things not working out."
Article was a great read. My feeling is that if BPR at present has Royce as our 3rd best player, it's a flawed metric with this little of sample size. Royce has been really quite poor so far to start the season.
I see both Zaide and Royce making major improvement, quickly. They, coupled with Nigel and Adrien getting more D1 game experience leads me to believe that the team can still be a solid team, and get an NCAA tournament bid.
Quote from: Elonsmusk on November 18, 2025, 12:45:50 PMArticle was a great read. My feeling is that if BPR at present has Royce as our 3rd best player, it's a flawed metric with this little of sample size. Royce has been really quite poor so far to start the season.
I see both Zaide and Royce making major improvement, quickly. They, coupled with Nigel and Adrien getting more D1 game experience leads me to believe that the team can still be a solid team, and get an NCAA tournament bid.
I'll agree with this sentiment, although with low confidence on the tourney bid part because of the slim margin for error.
I'll second the sentiment that Royce hasn't been great, and I'll take that a step further and say that I was expecting more out of Zaide too.
To their defense, much more is expected of them and it takes time.
Additionally, I think that Zaide has been talked about in a positive light because, compared to the others, he's usually a step above in positioning and making the right play, or at the very least being active/engaged and not getting lost on the court.
The metrics seem to like Royce much more than Zaide though, which is also interesting.
All in all I will agree that those two look primed to make the next step, if/when the game slows down just a bit for them.
Ditto with Nigel and Adrien but they are ahead of the curve rather than on the other side of it.
As an aside- it seems to me like Parham has really been embracing getting stronger and playing stronger inside and I think Shaka should push that. I think once Parham feels like he can belong down low it might open things up for him from the outside or in other parts of his game. That goes hand in hand with moving Ben back to the 5 and having Caedin be a 10 min backup, which I suspect we will see soon.
Quote from: DoctorV on November 18, 2025, 02:15:40 PMI'll agree with this sentiment, although with low confidence on the tourney bid part because of the slim margin for error.
I'll second the sentiment that Royce hasn't been great, and I'll take that a step further and say that I was expecting more out of Zaide too.
To their defense, much more is expected of them and it takes time.
Additionally, I think that Zaide has been talked about in a positive light because, compared to the others, he's usually a step above in positioning and making the right play, or at the very least being active/engaged and not getting lost on the court.
The metrics seem to like Royce much more than Zaide though, which is also interesting.
All in all I will agree that those two look primed to make the next step, if/when the game slows down just a bit for them.
Ditto with Nigel and Adrien but they are ahead of the curve rather than on the other side of it.
As an aside- it seems to me like Parham has really been embracing getting stronger and playing stronger inside and I think Shaka should push that. I think once Parham feels like he can belong down low it might open things up for him from the outside or in other parts of his game. That goes hand in hand with moving Ben back to the 5 and having Caedin be a 10 min backup, which I suspect we will see soon.
...soon, as in tomorrow night, please.