I hate to say it but we may have to make an immediate decision about the future of our program.
Down seasons are frustrating but understandable.
Seasons like this are unforgivable.
Hot seat conversation commence
nuke the roster and you get another year. do this crap again, and everyone can go
Quote from: jfp61 on December 17, 2025, 09:38:29 PMnuke the roster and you get another year. do this crap again, and everyone can go
I get this talk, but super concerning are the playing time and patterns with what we do have. We're bad, but we could be less bad with seemingly obvious changes.
How come G'town got the good Kiwi?
I'd settle for Shaka at least public acknowledging that this season isn't going well. We haven't even been close to that point yet.
We should make a couple of moves during the January transfer window
Quote from: Jay Bee on December 17, 2025, 09:40:03 PMI get this talk, but super concerning are tye playing time and patterns with what we do have. We're bad, but we could be less bad with seemingly obvious changes.
Well, Norman didn't play a minute in second half, that's a start.
Now why isn't Stevens getting more minutes?
Quote from: CountryRoads on December 17, 2025, 09:40:21 PMI'd settle for Shaka at least public acknowledging that this season isn't going well. We haven't even been close to that point yet.
He may suspect it will get worse. Doesn't want to shoot his shot to early.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on December 17, 2025, 09:42:18 PMHe may suspect it will get worse. Doesn't want to shoot his shot to early.
Yes, this please.
Did Lowery tell Shaka he's out?
If this isn't rock bottom.... What is?
Quote from: nyg on December 17, 2025, 09:41:45 PMWell, Norman didn't play a minute in second half, that's a start.
Now why isn't Stevens getting more minutes?
Only 3 minutes for Phillips too.
This team has literally no cohesion. I get we have personnel issues as well, but you could see on our players' faces that they never had any confidence whatsoever they could win this game. And that's against a crap team at Home.
I'm not sure we'd finish in the top half of the MVC, definitely not in the top half of the A10. No, that is not hyperbole
Quote from: Markusquette on December 17, 2025, 09:44:02 PMDid Lowery tell Shaka he's out?
One can only hope. The sooner this all starts blowing up, the better.
Pretty disheartening start to season, maybe since______?
Losses at home:
Maryland without two starters and their best player injured for last 12 minutes
Dayton, ugh
Georgetown, with their best player sick
Neutral:
Indiana blowout
Oklahoma, should have won
Away:
Purdue clobbering
Wisconsin clobbering
Best win is an OVERTIME game against Valpo
After each game, you can say, this player was brutal, that player was bad, seems like each game has a different one. Just no cohesion among the current players, with many deficiencies throughout. Shaka's first full of his player roster, but construction less than desired. Yes, some will say Shaka has lead MU to 9,2,2 and 7 seeds, but has sort underwhelmed in the NCAAT results with four players currently in the NBA.
Hope Shaka adjusts somehow, because I don't even want to watch when MU plays UCONN and SJU with Reed and Ruby against Hamilton. Lets see what happens and good luck.
https://x.com/i/status/2001497623753039955
Quote from: jesmu84 on December 17, 2025, 09:45:02 PMIf this isn't rock bottom.... What is?
Come back here on Saturday.
I know that "in the huddle" stuff is all a bunch of canned bullcrap, but it's pretty telling that Cooley said, "The only way they can beat us is if we let them." He's been coaching ball long enough to know his team isn't good, and that's still what he thinks of this year's MU squad.
Pretty soon, every coach in the Big East will be talking about how amazing Shaka is in their postgame pressers, just like they did with Wojo. They'll do anything to keep him employed at Marquette for as long as they can, for obvious reasons.
Only thing performing worse than Shaka are the Boys From Vegas. How in the world were we 51/2 point favorites?
I don't bet against Marquette and its costing me a lot of money.
Quote from: Biggie Clausen on December 17, 2025, 09:57:20 PMI know that "in the huddle" stuff is all a bunch of canned bullcrap, but it's pretty telling that Cooley said, "The only way they can beat us is if we let them." He's been coaching ball long enough to know his team isn't good, and that's still what he thinks of this year's MU squad.
Pretty soon, every coach in the Big East will be talking about how amazing Shaka is in their postgame pressers, just like they did with Wojo. They'll do anything to keep him employed at Marquette for as long as they can, for obvious reasons.
The last part of your post is just dumb considering the previous 4 years.
I saw zero sense of urgency once Gtown got a bit of cushion in the 2H. It's one thing to be bad, it's a different issue to not compete. I think the guys on the team like each other, and individuals play hard, but this team is a total mess and that's what's so disheartening.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on December 17, 2025, 09:59:00 PMThe last part of your post is just dumb considering the previous 4 years.
I think we've found the guy who writes Shaka's talking points for his press conferences.
Quote from: nyg on December 17, 2025, 09:55:32 PMPretty disheartening start to season, maybe since______?
It was said during the pre-game show that this is Marquette's worst start since the '96-97 season.
Quote from: Biggie Clausen on December 17, 2025, 10:01:52 PMI think we've found the guy who writes Shaka's talking points for his press conferences.
Nah. Feel free to see the post I just made on Shaka's decision-making tonight, genius.
It was an idiotic comment.
Also of note - Gtown couldn't buy a bucket for the majority of the first half. They should've won by a much wider margin.
Can't wait for the sarcastic, smug and self-righteous know-nothings to chime in about how we should be focusing on the "growth."
Quote from: jesmu84 on December 17, 2025, 09:45:02 PMIf this isn't rock bottom.... What is?
Losing both of the upcoming games vs. DePaul?
Quote from: panda on December 17, 2025, 09:37:45 PMDown seasons are frustrating but understandable.
Seasons like this are unforgivable.
Hot seat conversation commence
I wanted Shaka's approach to work. HS recruits only. But, this season has gone so sideways I'm almost thinking Shaka is outta here on his own volition. At this point he's come to hate the portal game and dealing with player agents is my best guess. He'll play out the string on this season and walk away. Not betting on it but wouldn't be shocked either.
Quote from: K1 Lover on December 17, 2025, 10:02:37 PMIt was said during the pre-game show that this is Marquette's worst start since the '96-97 season.
We started 14-4 that season. Maybe they meant 98-99 when we started 8-5
Quote from: Viper on December 17, 2025, 10:10:05 PMI wanted Shaka's approach to work. HS recruits only. But, this season has gone so sideways I'm almost thinking Shaka is outta here on his own volition. At this point he's come to hate the portal game and dealing with player agents is my best guess. He'll play out the string on this season and walk away. Not betting on it but wouldn't be shocked either.
Are you saying he's checked out?
Might not beat a single top 100 team this year. Unthinkable
Quote from: Johnny B on December 17, 2025, 10:16:15 PMMight not beat a single top 100 team this year. Unthinkable
If we don't turn teams over, we can't score. Doesn't matter if it's against man or zone. And our defense? Not exactly on a string.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on December 17, 2025, 10:02:41 PMNah. Feel free to see the post I just made on Shaka's decision-making tonight, genius.
It was an idiotic comment.
that you think last season was good is idiotic, or your expectations are incredibly low. Rode some preseason love, but after mid January the train derailed.
I don't think Shaka has the energy or capacity to rebuild. I could see a walk away after this season. If so, thanks for the memories and let's get someone willing to coach in this era.
Quote from: MuggsyB on December 17, 2025, 10:15:37 PMAre you saying he's checked out?
I actually agree with Vander for once. Everything about tonight was just bizarre. Who played. Who didn't. I'm sure Shaka has not checked out, but it's all about as out of sorts as it can get.
Quote from: Viper on December 17, 2025, 10:23:13 PMI actually agree with Vander for once. Everything about tonight was just bizarre. Who played. Who didn't. I'm sure Shaka has not checked out, but it's all about as out of sorts as it can get.
He looked checked out at the Purdue game.
Quote from: Viper on December 17, 2025, 10:19:29 PMthat you think last season was good is idiotic, or your expectations are incredibly low. Rode some preseason love, but after mid January the train derailed.
You are easily one of the dumbest people on this board so not really worried about anything you have to say.
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on December 17, 2025, 10:25:02 PMHe looked checked out at the Purdue game.
I mean to be fair I don't really expect him to be jumping around and engaged down 30.
People should lose their jobs over this season. Now it is just a matter of figuring out who.
Quote from: Viper on December 17, 2025, 10:10:05 PMI wanted Shaka's approach to work. HS recruits only. But, this season has gone so sideways I'm almost thinking Shaka is outta here on his own volition. At this point he's come to hate the portal game and dealing with player agents is my best guess. He'll play out the string on this season and walk away. Not betting on it but wouldn't be shocked either.
This is my biggest concern. I think Shaka is a great coach, but he has to embrace the portal. However, I'm not sure he's willing to do so. If not, the state of marquette hoops will be back in limbo.
Might not win again this season - thinkable.
Quote from: Johnny B on December 17, 2025, 10:16:15 PMMight not beat a single top 100 team this year. Unthinkable
Quote from: Viper on December 17, 2025, 10:10:05 PMI wanted Shaka's approach to work. HS recruits only. But, this season has gone so sideways I'm almost thinking Shaka is outta here on his own volition. At this point he's come to hate the portal game and dealing with player agents is my best guess. He'll play out the string on this season and walk away. Not betting on it but wouldn't be shocked either.
I mean this theory is the one that best matches the product being put on the floor currently.
Something else I realized tonight... You know it's bad when the MUBB social media isn't even posting the final scores for losses anymore. Even disappointing games would at least get the caption of "Final." But now they don't even bother to post. Never seen that happen before until this season.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on December 17, 2025, 10:26:52 PMYou are easily one of the dumbest people on this board so not really worried about anything you have to say.
We were ranked as high as 5th, 9th at the start of 2025. We finished the season 8-9. We lost at home to X and then it was mediocrity the rest of the way, losing in the first round to a Mountain West 10 seed Is that not disappointing to you?
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on December 17, 2025, 10:40:47 PMWe were ranked as high as 5th, 9th at the start of 2025. We finished the season 8-9. We lost at home to X and then it was mediocrity the rest of the way, losing in the first round to a Mountain West 10 seed Is that not disappointing to you?
Yes, the end of the season was disappointing. I don't ignore the first two months.
I don't really know what defcom is but I think we all have to realize that this season is basically toast. I was encourage tonight to see signs of life from DO and SJ22, but that's
not enough to change the obvious meltdown that we are all seeing unfold before our eyes.
This team will finish below .500 and that's a smackdown from where we have been the last several years.
There have been some interesting comments in the thread about Shaka hanging it up after this year for various reasons. I think he's young enough and competitive enough to want to continue coaching. The Rubicon for Shaka comes this spring - what he does with current (nonproductive) players, how he fills in obvious needs through the portal, will determine his success going forward. If he can't be honest about his recruiting misses and adjust his attitude to filling the holes in his roster via available players in the portal, then thank you very much for your contributions to Marquette, we appreciate it, but we're moving on.
Quote from: Jay Bee on December 17, 2025, 09:40:03 PMI get this talk, but super concerning are the playing time and patterns with what we do have. We're bad, but we could be less bad with seemingly obvious changes.
You don't like the Caedin minutes. How about the James and Jones together lets not play any defense ever lineup? I mean to be fair it isn't that different from the baseline.
This team is so bad that I think Michael Phillips needs to actually play real minutes and he should be a senior and looks like it.
Zaide was our 5th best player.. he is quiet quitting.
Adrien Stevens and Nigel need to start somehow and neither still play adequate defense.
We are kinda at the point to nuke it. The response is dead.
Going to portal probably means Shaka has to straight up force a few guys out. What does that look like in college ball? How would it go down?
RGV may stand for relationships within the team . But definitely not relationships between the team and the fans and supporters. The Student section was very low in attendance tonight too.
Quote from: mileskishnish72 on December 17, 2025, 10:45:10 PMI don't really know what defcom is but I think we all have to realize that this season is basically toast. I was encourage tonight to see signs of life from DO and SJ22, but that's
not enough to change the obvious meltdown that we are all seeing unfold before our eyes.
This team will finish below .500 and that's a smackdown from where we have been the last several years.
There have been some interesting comments in the thread about Shaka hanging it up after this year for various reasons. I think he's young enough and competitive enough to want to continue coaching. The Rubicon for Shaka comes this spring - what he does with current (nonproductive) players, how he fills in obvious needs through the portal, will determine his success going forward. If he can't be honest about his recruiting misses and adjust his attitude to filling the holes in his roster via available players in the portal, then thank you very much for your contributions to Marquette, we appreciate it, but we're moving on.
Below .500? Other than possibly DePaul, who exactly are we going to beat? Our best win is Valpo in OT at home. And don't forget their best player got hurt.
Quote from: Johnny B on December 17, 2025, 10:54:12 PMGoing to portal probably means Shaka has to straight up force a few guys out. What does that look like in college ball? How would it go down?
He will give me a call and I'll take care of it. :)
Quote from: Johnny B on December 17, 2025, 10:54:12 PMGoing to portal probably means Shaka has to straight up force a few guys out. What does that look like in college ball? How would it go down?
Maybe this is one thing that's weighing on him. Knowing he can't possibly move forward with this group of guys next year and expect to win enough, yet wanting so badly to stick to his philosophy. Shaka truly seems like a good guy, but sometimes nice guys finish last. Thats what's starting to happen. He has to sack up if he wants this job.
What did Shaka say at his presser? Ty.
Welcome to the triple digits, friends. 107 in KenPom...
Quote from: Markusquette on December 17, 2025, 10:57:23 PMMaybe this is one thing that's weighing on him. Knowing he can't possibly move forward with this group of guys next year and expect to win enough, yet wanting so badly to stick to his philosophy. Shaka truly seems like a good guy, but sometimes nice guys finish last. Thats what's starting to happen. He has to sack up if he wants this job.
I can't imagine the feeling of a player being recruited by someone and building a relationship with them then coming here and being told you need to hit the road. Last thing coaches want to do like they're betraying their guys. Absolutely brutal lol
Quote from: MuggsyB on December 17, 2025, 10:59:25 PMWhat did Shaka say at his presser? Ty.
Apparently rolled the seniors under the bus. You know, because he's all about relationships. :-\
Quote from: KingKolek on December 17, 2025, 11:02:35 PMWelcome to the triple digits, friends. 107 in KenPom...
Comically overrated
Agree Defcon. This Marquette team appears historically bad.
Quote from: Johnny B on December 17, 2025, 11:03:23 PMI can't imagine the feeling of a player being recruited by someone and building a relationship with them then coming here and being told you need to hit the road. Last thing coaches want to do like they're betraying their guys. Absolutely brutal lol
Stuck between a rock and a hard place. Shaka's losing with either route. I do feel for him given his mantra on relationships. And it's building them with not just the players but their families.
On a side note, is NIL making some of these players less "hungry"? On one hand you could argue that improving their play leads to a bigger payday elsewhere, but if they're already making good money and content riding pine or playing sporadic minutes maybe that's enough to please them.
Quote from: MuggsyB on December 17, 2025, 10:59:25 PMWhat did Shaka say at his presser? Ty.
Starts around the 9 min mark
Was specifically asked about Hamilton, and the answer was basically "Everyone needs to improve"
Quote from: GoldenWarrior11 on November 21, 2025, 01:47:19 PMI am bracing for the reality that this might very well be Shaka's worst season (W/L-wise) in his career (he went 11-22 at Texas in his second year). It could very well also be the worst Marquette season since the 80's (right now, we are projected to be 13-15, and 10-10 in BE play (I have seen nothing from the first six games that would lead me to believe that we should project for ten wins in conference play).
I think the most alarming component about this train wreck of a season is that it became widely apparent early on how poor this team is. It was clear it not only lacked high level talent, but a majority of the players are overmatched in playing on a high major program. This team lacked so much from being a competitive BE-quality team.
If fans saw this just a few games into a season, what did Shaka and coaching staff see in the Spring to think this would go any other direction (when there were resources available to change course)?
Absolutely maddening. And sadly there is nothing to stop the incoming disaster that is the remainder of the season from occurring. This will be the worst MU season in a very, very long time. All the equity built-up from previous four seasons will be gone. The depths of how poor this year will become could have easily been avoided and it wasn't.
MU is now in total rebuild mode. I didn't see that coming before season started.
Just read this is Marquette's Worst Non Conference Record Since the 2000-01 Season
Quote from: rocky_warrior on December 17, 2025, 11:17:12 PMStarts around the 9 min mark
Was specifically asked about Hamilton, and the answer was basically "Everyone needs to improve"
Ty. Lots of emphasis on our issues with mental fortitude.
Quote from: MarquetteMike1977 on December 17, 2025, 11:39:35 PMJust read this is Marquette's Worst Non Conference Record Since the 2000-01 Season
No one on here predicted this
Quote from: Zog from Margo on December 17, 2025, 11:37:45 PMMU is now in total rebuild mode. I didn't see that coming before season started.
No one here predicted anything close to this kind of year.
On the pregame show on our way to the game Coach Haynes spoke about relationships again and how we needed to and would get hot from 3. Then Marquette pulls Stevens after going 2-2 from distance.
Interesting night at the Fiserv. I just don't understand what Shaka sees. We had a good thing going, we extended a lead even while not playing great, energy was good, Caedin was sitting. Then, he goes a completely different direction.
I think Zaide could be gone, which I'm pretty bummed about even if he has been terrible. I LOVE DO, and tonight I was happy to see him get some run. Good on Shaka, there, but he has to get Stevens in there, too. I was hoping it was for Sean.
Tonight was the first time I saw Shaka kinda of roll his eyes and shake his head after missed layup after missed layup. I think he is a great human, but he is coaching so very poorly that it's astounding. I always thought he was a good coach, but maybe I was caught up in the "I'd want my kid to play for him" energy. He may not be a very good coach. He's kind of a rah rah guy, which I admire and can relate to, but the gild is off the lily. And, I really like Shaka and hope we are back on track within two years. I think we will be, but I'm a hopeful guy.
It is insane to run the same defensive hedges and gambles and get completely exposed. I will say one out of bounds defensive play was awesome when we trapped the corner. We got a TO. Know what happened the next time we tried it, Cooley's men beat it easily and got a dunk. Good coach that one.
It is insane to run no offense and go one on however many. What's even more insane is we get good shots off that crap! Our heads are so far up our asses right now. We are mentally in shambles.
Give NJ, Chase, DO, Parham, and Ben the next start and get Stevens in there relatively soon. Glue Caedin to the bench, and get MPII some minutes as soon as the opponent goes zone. See, all figured out! The only thing worse right now is a literal train wreck.
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on December 17, 2025, 10:40:47 PMWe were ranked as high as 5th, 9th at the start of 2025. We finished the season 8-9. We lost at home to X and then it was mediocrity the rest of the way, losing in the first round to a Mountain West 10 seed Is that not disappointing to you?
The results to close the year were disappointing. We had a number of guys playing through injuries that required surgery. crap happens.
So no, last year was not disappointing to me as a whole. This year is another story.
Watching Marquette Georgetown replay and they said Marquette is #319 in the nation in Field Goal Percentage
Announcers said Ross " On The Take" on a missed layup. Ross definitely might be " On The Take" lol
Even my enthusiasm for polls is waning, and yes/no polls are pretty terrible, but it's reasonable to ask if we'll win another game this season. Statistics would massively scream yes, but only favored in our 3 remaining Q3 home games... oooffff.
Nm
Quote from: jfp61 on December 17, 2025, 10:45:20 PMYou don't like the Caedin minutes. How about the James and Jones together lets not play any defense ever lineup? I mean to be fair it isn't that different from the baseline.
Oh, no. I'm definitely not just talking about Caedin's minutes. There are not more than a few minutes per game when I catch myself looking at the five on the floor and asking out loud, "what the f&ck is this?"
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on December 17, 2025, 10:26:52 PMYou are easily one of the dumbest people on this board so not really worried about anything you have to say.
❤️
Quote from: KingKolek on December 17, 2025, 11:02:35 PMWelcome to the triple digits, friends. 107 in KenPom...
Seems generous
Quote from: 21Jumpstreet on December 17, 2025, 11:57:31 PMInteresting night at the Fiserv. I just don't understand what Shaka sees. We had a good thing going, we extended a lead even while not playing great, energy was good, Caedin was sitting. Then, he goes a completely different direction.
I think Zaide could be gone, which I'm pretty bummed about even if he has been terrible. I LOVE DO, and tonight I was happy to see him get some run. Good on Shaka, there, but he has to get Stevens in there, too. I was hoping it was for Sean.
Tonight was the first time I saw Shaka kinda of roll his eyes and shake his head after missed layup after missed layup. I think he is a great human, but he is coaching so very poorly that it's astounding. I always thought he was a good coach, but maybe I was caught up in the "I'd want my kid to play for him" energy. He may not be a very good coach. He's kind of a rah rah guy, which I admire and can relate to, but the gild is off the lily. And, I really like Shaka and hope we are back on track within two years. I think we will be, but I'm a hopeful guy.
It is insane to run the same defensive hedges and gambles and get completely exposed. I will say one out of bounds defensive play was awesome when we trapped the corner. We got a TO. Know what happened the next time we tried it, Cooley's men beat it easily and got a dunk. Good coach that one.
It is insane to run no offense and go one on however many. What's even more insane is we get good shots off that crap! Our heads are so far up our asses right now. We are mentally in shambles.
Give NJ, Chase, DO, Parham, and Ben the next start and get Stevens in there relatively soon. Glue Caedin to the bench, and get MPII some minutes as soon as the opponent goes zone. See, all figured out! The only thing worse right now is a literal train wreck.
It's hard to wrap my head around how Shaka doesn't have a clear and set rotation 1/3 of the way through the season. I don't know how you can develop any team cohesion on the floor or individual rhythm this way. As far as the trapping and hard hedge? It's seppuku. I don't get it at all. Our bigs are slow to protect the rim when they're near the paint, let alone 25 feet away. There is no explanation why we continue to do this. It's hard enough that we can't shoot and don't have anyone that can consistently score or create. When opposing teams do not turn the ball over we literally are toast. And I'm talking the absolutely worst teams in the country will take us out if they don't cough it up.
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on December 17, 2025, 09:53:28 PMI'm not sure we'd finish in the top half of the MVC, definitely not in the top half of the A10. No, that is not hyperbole
It isn't at all. We're clearly a team in the 200's. And it didn't have to be this way. This is a massive failure by Shaka putting this roster together and thinking it has any chance.
Quote from: MarquetteMike1977 on December 17, 2025, 10:54:15 PMRGV may stand for relationships within the team . But definitely not relationships between the team and the fans and supporters. The Student section was very low in attendance tonight too.
It's winter break.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on December 17, 2025, 11:04:02 PMApparently rolled the seniors under the bus. You know, because he's all about relationships. :-\
They played 30 minutes a piece and scored 8 between them on 3-15 shooting hitting exactly zero of the nine 3 pointers they took.
He's not wrong. They both played awful on both sides of the ball.
Quote from: HutchwasClutch on Today at 07:59:01 AMIt isn't at all. We're clearly a team in the 200's. And it didn't have to be this way. This is a massive failure by Shaka putting this roster together and thinking it has any chance.
Hmmmm......
Defcon, Armageddon, Waterloo, Rome burning, etc. Things not looking good at all.
People are noticing.
https://x.com/TheFieldOf68/status/2001497301999845887?s=20
Damarius owens had 15 points and 7 boards on nine shots.
And he still somehow was -2.0 NET RAPM and -1.3 points of impact on hoop explorer.
That is so hard to do.
https://hoop-explorer.com/MatchupAnalyzer?baseQuery=opponent.team%3A%22Georgetown%22%20AND%20date%3A%282025-12-17%29&factorMins=false&gender=Men&maxRank=400&minRank=0&oppoTeam=Georgetown%20%282025-12-17%29%3A%20L%2069-78&team=Marquette&year=2025%2F26&
Quote from: jfp61 on Today at 10:01:54 AMDamarius owens had 15 points and 7 boards on nine shots.
And he still somehow was -2.0 NET RAPM and -1.3 points of impact on hoop explorer.
That is so hard to do.
https://hoop-explorer.com/MatchupAnalyzer?baseQuery=opponent.team%3A%22Georgetown%22%20AND%20date%3A%282025-12-17%29&factorMins=false&gender=Men&maxRank=400&minRank=0&oppoTeam=Georgetown%20%282025-12-17%29%3A%20L%2069-78&team=Marquette&year=2025%2F26&
He has all the athletic ability in the world and no idea how to use it to be a basketball player. Someone, somewhere earlier in his life failed him in his developmental process by not teaching him how to play the game.
Trilly Donovan says he heard a rumor Shaka is angling to get to Pitt.
Would make sense to me! Guy looks completely checked out.
Quote from: panda on December 17, 2025, 09:37:45 PMDown seasons are frustrating but understandable.
Seasons like this are unforgivable.
Hot seat conversation commence
I just want to emphasize again this is not a one season issue.
This is a 3 year decay of the roster fueled by arrogance/stubbornness/ego
Quote from: ATL MU Warrior on Today at 10:17:39 AMHe has all the athletic ability in the world and no idea how to use it to be a basketball player. Someone, somewhere earlier in his life failed him in his developmental process by not teaching him how to play the game.
I'd like to believe his current coaching staff has the ability to teach him how to play the game.
Quote from: onepost on Today at 10:22:16 AMTrilly Donovan says he heard a rumor Shaka is angling to get to Pitt.
Would make sense to me! Guy looks completely checked out.
Well, this team is certainly in the pits.
Quote from: ATL MU Warrior on Today at 10:17:39 AMHe has all the athletic ability in the world and no idea how to use it to be a basketball player. Someone, somewhere earlier in his life failed him in his developmental process by not teaching him how to play the game.
DO right now reminds me some of where OMax was at this point in his college career. He's a baby giraffe out there, all long limbs and stumbling around awkwardly, mixed with an occasional flash of what could come. The skill/sense may never catch up with the body as it did with OMax - the odds of that are likely less than 50-50 - but at least you can see the glimmer of a high-end player there, if he can figure it out. Which is more than can be said about much of this roster.
Quote from: Pakuni on Today at 10:27:20 AMDO right now reminds me some of where OMax was at this point in his college career. He's a baby giraffe out there, all long limbs and stumbling around awkwardly, mixed with an occasional flash of what could come. The skill/sense may never catch up with the body as it did with OMax - the odds of that are likely less than 50-50 - but at least you can see the glimmer of a high-end player there, if he can figure it out. Which is more than can be said about much of this roster.
I think where that comparison breaks down is the OMax was always all in on playing defense. DO not so much. Well, zero, actually.
That game early in his freshman season where DO came in and hit three silky smooth three pointers, I thought we had our next NBA first rounders. Unfortunately that was still his high water mark.
Quote from: ATL MU Warrior on Today at 10:17:39 AMHe has all the athletic ability in the world and no idea how to use it to be a basketball player. Someone, somewhere earlier in his life failed him in his developmental process by not teaching him how to play the game.
Correctamundo
Quote from: onepost on Today at 10:22:16 AMTrilly Donovan says he heard a rumor Shaka is angling to get to Pitt.
Would make sense to me! Guy looks completely checked out.
X Doubt
Quote from: onepost on Today at 10:22:16 AMTrilly Donovan says he heard a rumor Shaka is angling to get to Pitt.
Would make sense to me! Guy looks completely checked out.
Link? And if it has any legs, the only reason for that would be that something has shifted within our AD/our capability to compete $$$$ in this era. It is entirely possible that Shaka was told by our Admin that the best model for chance to be successful is through the RGV branding/approach.
Quote from: TSmith34, Inc. on Today at 10:33:55 AMI think where that comparison breaks down is the OMax was always all in on playing defense. DO not so much. Well, zero, actually.
That game early in his freshman season where DO came in and hit three silky smooth three pointers, I thought we had our next NBA first rounders. Unfortunately that was still his high water mark.
I don't think DO necessarily lacks effort on defense. I think he doesn't know what he's doing. That goes for a lot of his team.
Quote from: onepost on Today at 10:22:16 AMTrilly Donovan says he heard a rumor Shaka is angling to get to Pitt.
Would make sense to me! Guy looks completely checked out.
Putting up one of the worst seasons in your program's modern history is a novel way to angle for a new job.
Quote from: ATL MU Warrior on Today at 10:17:39 AMHe has all the athletic ability in the world and no idea how to use it to be a basketball player. Someone, somewhere earlier in his life failed him in his developmental process by not teaching him how to play the game.
LOL - Failed him so miserably he became a top 100 recruit and had multiple high major offers to choose from.
Some of the angst on this board is just silly - like manufacturing crap just to complain.
Quote from: Elonsmusk on Today at 10:38:23 AMLink? And if it has any legs, the only reason for that would be that something has shifted within our AD/our capability to compete $$$$ in this era. It is entirely possible that Shaka was told by our Admin that the best model for chance to be successful is through the RGV branding/approach.
I would hope it's Shaka driving the recruiting strategy and not the AD/President. If it's as you say above, we really are doomed.
Quote from: onepost on Today at 10:22:16 AMTrilly Donovan says he heard a rumor Shaka is angling to get to Pitt.
Would make sense to me! Guy looks completely checked out.
Agreed. His presser last night reminded me of a video of a hostage reading the demand letter. I'd say maybe all the words and thoughts were true, but he sold it like he had a gun to his head.
Perhaps he is just completely frustrated, but I wouldn't be surprised if MU doesn't get the chance to decide his future and any of the discussion of 'should MU keep Shaka' are in vain.
Quote from: Elonsmusk on Today at 10:38:23 AMLink? And if it has any legs, the only reason for that would be that something has shifted within our AD/our capability to compete $$$$ in this era. It is entirely possible that Shaka was told by our Admin that the best model for chance to be successful is through the RGV branding/approach.
Or...and I'm just spitballing here...it could be what many of us have been saying all season that Shaka is actively refusing to utilize all of the resources at his disposal and pressure from boosters/admin may force him to exit stage left just like he did when faced with the same dilemma at Texas.
Quote from: onepost on Today at 10:22:16 AMTrilly Donovan says he heard a rumor Shaka is angling to get to Pitt.
Would make sense to me! Guy looks completely checked out.
This is the type of move I could see happening. He already did the same thing when he left Texas one year early.
Quote from: jesmu84 on December 17, 2025, 09:56:16 PMhttps://x.com/i/status/2001497623753039955
Are you implying that my 3 win estimate was too generous?
Quote from: cheebs09 on Today at 10:40:30 AMI would hope it's Shaka driving the recruiting strategy and not the AD/President. If it's as you say above, we really are doomed.
This has been my worry for a while...that this RGV was a Marquette thing rather than a Shaka thing. Hopefully it is not.
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on Today at 10:54:05 AMThis has been my worry for a while...that this RGV was a Marquette thing rather than a Shaka thing. Hopefully it is not.
It is not
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on Today at 10:54:05 AMThis has been my worry for a while...that this RGV was a Marquette thing rather than a Shaka thing. Hopefully it is not.
It's purely a Shaka decision
Everybody has figured Shaka out and he stubbornly stays with the plan meanwhile orchestrating crazy lineup changes
Quote from: dpucane on Today at 10:24:01 AMI just want to emphasize again this is not a one season issue.
This is a 3 year decay of the roster fueled by arrogance/stubbornness/ego
So the roster was decaying when we got a 2-seed?
Impressive analysis.
Quote from: cheebs09 on Today at 10:40:30 AMI would hope it's Shaka driving the recruiting strategy and not the AD/President. If it's as you say above, we really are doomed.
I have zero info, but I can't imagine a scenario where Shaka would really be looking to leave MU after the success he's had - unless he felt handcuffed to compete. And the handcuffs, at least from my perspective/speculation would be that we really don't have the resources.
Quote from: onepost on Today at 10:22:16 AMTrilly Donovan says he heard a rumor Shaka is angling to get to Pitt.
Would make sense to me! Guy looks completely checked out.
the same Pitt who signed Capel to an extension through 2029-30?
Quote from: Elonsmusk on Today at 10:38:23 AMLink? And if it has any legs, the only reason for that would be that something has shifted within our AD/our capability to compete $$$$ in this era. It is entirely possible that Shaka was told by our Admin that the best model for chance to be successful is through the RGV branding/approach.
There's been no bigger pitchman for the RGV model than Shaka. He's quite literally out there selling it (on mugs, on T-shirts, on hats, on keychains, etc.). It's the philosophy he promoted at his introductory press conference.
To believe this theory - that this has all been forced upon him by the administration - one would also have to believe Shaka is a total fraud and a guy who would tank his record in service to a philosophy he opposes.
I don't think that's true. This is Shaka's choice.
There's zero reason to believe Marquette lacks the resources to field a competitive basketball program, and lots of reason to believe otherwise.
Quote from: Pakuni on Today at 11:05:26 AMThere's been no bigger pitchman for the RGV model than Shaka. He's quite literally out there selling it (on mugs, on T-shirts, on hats, on keychains, etc.). It's the philosophy he promoted at his introductory press conference.
To believe this theory - that this has all been forced upon him by the administration - one would also have to believe Shaka is a total fraud and a guy who would tank his record in service to a philosophy he opposes.
I don't think that's true. This is Shaka's choice.
There's zero reason to believe Marquette lacks the resources to field a competitive basketball program, and lots of reason to believe otherwise.
Apparently you can't comprehend what "If it has any legs," and "something has shifted," mean as it relates to a non-linked, Trilly Donovan rumor posted by Shaka's biggest hater here - Onepost - suggested.
And if you think MU has $20 Million to spend on a roster like Kentucky, or what other Power 4, Top 25 programs have to spend - you're living in fantasyland.
Don't forget Title IX and the need to fund women's sports, which I suspect all run in the red as it relates to revenue generation compared to cost to fund.
Quote from: LAZER on Today at 10:25:18 AMI'd like to believe his current coaching staff has the ability to teach him how to play the game.
so would I.
Quote from: Elonsmusk on Today at 11:18:40 AMApparently you can't comprehend what "If it has any legs," and "something has shifted," mean as it relates to a non-linked, Trilly Donovan rumor posted by Shaka's biggest hater here - Onepost - suggested.
Haha how simple-minded are you? Because I'm rightfully critical of the guy I'm a hater? You sound like a current member of a certain political party, Elonsmusk.
I don't know how many times I need to say it: I love Shaka. He was receptive when I reached out to him if he had advice for my brother who coaches high school basketball - when he absolutely didn't have to be. His staff has done the same and I think the world of those guys too. I'm grateful for the success he's had at my alma mater and it seemed like an absolute perfect fit. He seems to be as genuinely great a guy as you'll find at this position in MBB. I want him to be the coach for another 15 years.
But he continues to show us that he won't utilize the very route that brought him success here. And it seems to be purely out of spite and hubris. While I feel we've underachieved in March, I've been more than willing to forgive that because the tournament is fickle and he's reinvigorated this fanbase on the whole. My initial fear was that even with poor results, Shaka would feel emboldened to just run this team back with the freshmen coming in. I'm quickly beginning to think he may not even make it to next season because rather than give in to pressure from boosters and admin to change things up, he would just as well leave like he did at Texas.
Quote from: Elonsmusk on Today at 11:18:40 AMAnd if you think MU has $20 Million to spend on a roster like Kentucky, or what other Power 4, Top 25 programs have to spend - you're living in fantasyland.
Don't forget Title IX and the need to fund women's sports, which I suspect all run in the red as it relates to revenue generation compared to cost to fund.
We've been through all this before.
Marquette doesn't need $20 million to field a competitive basketball roster. Do you think Iowa State spends $20 million on its roster? Creighton? Nebraska? Gonzaga?
You take one of a handful of outliers - Kentucky, for God's sake - and pretend that's the standard, when it's far from it.
Contrary to your continual cries of poor and attempts to turn Shaka into a victim, several credible people here say he's refusing to spend all the money at his disposal.
Is Marquette the only school in the country that has to fund women's and nonrevenue sports? Marquette actually funds fewer women and nonrevenue sports than most D1 programs, and definitely fewer than most high-major programs.
Quote from: onepost on Today at 11:50:04 AMHaha how simple-minded are you? Because I'm rightfully critical of the guy I'm a hater? You sound like a current member of a certain political party, Elonsmusk.
I don't know how many times I need to say it: I love Shaka. He was receptive when I reached out to him if he had advice for my brother who coaches high school basketball. His staff has done the same and I think the world of those guys too. I'm grateful for the success he's had at my alma mater and it seemed like an absolute perfect fit. He seems to be as genuinely great a guy as you'll find at this position in MBB. I want him to be the coach for another 15 years.
But he continues to show us that he won't utilize the very route that brought him success here. And it seems to be purely out of spite and hubris. While I feel we've underachieved in March, I've been more than willing to forgive that because the tournament is fickle and he's reinvigorated this fanbase on the whole. My initial fear was that even with poor results, Shaka would feel emboldened to just run this team back with the freshmen coming in. I'm quickly beginning to think he may not even make it to next season because rather than give in to pressure from boosters and admin to change things up, he would just as well leave like he did at Texas.
You know what simple minded is? Throwing a temper tantrum toward a proven winner of a coach (and human being), in Year 1 of the stress test of RGV after 4 very good seasons. There's nothing he can do about it mid-season. Yet, you show up here almost daily, whining about the current status of the program and its future.
You're simply speculating that its "spite and hubris" that Shaka wouldn't choose to dip into the portal after this season. You have zero clue as to if he will. What I know is he's a bright guy, and if he doesn't resign at the end of the season (which would be due to seeing how fast 30% of the fanbase turned on him) - he will either take action through the portal, or state something to the effect of: We are going to double down on RGV and see it through another year. If we go that route, and have similar results to the 2025-2026 we will pivot - and if we do, I look forward to being able to field a $20M roster due to the long line of willing donors to write big checks.
Quote from: Elonsmusk on Today at 12:23:06 PMYou know what simple minded is? Throwing a temper tantrum toward a proven winner of a coach (and human being), in Year 1 of the stress test of RGV after 4 very good seasons. There's nothing he can do about it mid-season. Yet, you show up here almost daily, whining about the current status of the program and its future.
You're simply speculating that its "spite and hubris" that Shaka wouldn't choose to dip into the portal after this season. You have zero clue as to if he will. What I know is he's a bright guy, and if he doesn't resign at the end of the season (which would be due to seeing how fast 30% of the fanbase turned on him) - he will either take action through the portal, or state something to the effect of: We are going to double down on RGV and see it through another year. If we go that route, and have similar results to the 2025-2026 we will pivot - and if we do, I look forward to being able to field a $20M roster due to the long line of willing donors to write big checks.
*3.5 good seasons
Quote from: Pakuni on Today at 12:01:32 PMWe've been through all this before.
Marquette doesn't need a $20 million to field a competitive basketball roster. Do you think Iowa State spends $20 million on its roster? Creighton? Nebraska? Gonzaga?
You take one of a handful of outliers - Kentucky, for God's sake - and pretend that's the standard, when it's far from it.
Contrary to your continual cries of poor and attempts to turn Shaka into a victim, several credible people here say he's refusing to spend all the money at his disposal.
Is Marquette the only school in the country that has to fund women's and nonrevenue sports? Marquette actually funds fewer women and nonrevenue sports than most D1 programs, and definitely fewer than most high-major programs.
Who are these "credible people" here? Have they doxxed themselves and proven they are "credible?" And no crap, MU funds fewer sports than Power 4 schools who have football, and enrollments of 25,000-60,000 students, that have an alumni base 2-5x what MU does. Football is a cash cow - I believe the TV package for college football is larger than college basketball? Maybe I'm wrong on that?
But that aside, not surprised to see that you're the kind of guy who would bail on a guy at the first sign of adversity - before even giving the guy a shot to rectify the problem.
Quote from: Elonsmusk on Today at 12:35:03 PMWho are these "credible people" here? Have they doxxed themselves and proven they are "credible?" And no crap, MU funds fewer sports than Power 4 schools who have football, and enrollments of 25,000-60,000 students, that have an alumni base 2-5x what MU does. Football is a cash cow - I believe the TV package for college football is larger than college basketball? Maybe I'm wrong on that?
But that aside, not surprised to see that you're the kind of guy who would bail on a guy at the first sign of adversity - before even giving the guy a shot to rectify the problem.
Adversity started last January. #3.5years
Quote from: Hards Alumni on Today at 08:12:06 AMThey played 30 minutes a piece and scored 8 between them on 3-15 shooting hitting exactly zero of the nine 3 pointers they took.
#FakeNews #Lies
By the end of the first half, it was assured Gold would not play 30 minutes because he played so little in the first half. While our top DR was seated much of the half, we gave up an insane level of o-boards to Georgetown. Terrible.
Quote from: Elonsmusk on Today at 12:23:06 PMYou know what simple minded is? Throwing a temper tantrum toward a proven winner of a coach (and human being), in Year 1 of the stress test of RGV after 4 very good seasons. There's nothing he can do about it mid-season. Yet, you show up here almost daily, whining about the current status of the program and its future.
You're simply speculating that its "spite and hubris" that Shaka wouldn't choose to dip into the portal after this season. You have zero clue as to if he will. What I know is he's a bright guy, and if he doesn't resign at the end of the season (which would be due to seeing how fast 30% of the fanbase turned on him) - he will either take action through the portal, or state something to the effect of: We are going to double down on RGV and see it through another year. If we go that route, and have similar results to the 2025-2026 we will pivot - and if we do, I look forward to being able to field a $20M roster due to the long line of willing donors to write big checks.
If he doubles down on RGV another year, it's not a bright decision. Fans are disgruntled with his approach and concerned about the future which at this point is completely reasonable. Doesn't mean all those critical have completely given up on him. Nobody is expecting a Kentucky-level NIL budget to field an entirely new roster of high-level transfers.
Quote from: Elonsmusk on Today at 11:18:40 AMApparently you can't comprehend what "If it has any legs," and "something has shifted," mean as it relates to a non-linked, Trilly Donovan rumor posted by Shaka's biggest hater here - Onepost - suggested.
And if you think MU has $20 Million to spend on a roster like Kentucky, or what other Power 4, Top 25 programs have to spend - you're living in fantasyland.
Don't forget Title IX and the need to fund women's sports, which I suspect all run in the red as it relates to revenue generation compared to cost to fund.
Are you suggesting Kentucky and other power 4 programs are giving all of the $20.5 million in rev share to basketball? 20%, maximum, which is $4.1 million.
What's next, complaining that our academic standards are too high?
Quote from: onepost on Today at 11:50:04 AMHaha how simple-minded are you? Because I'm rightfully critical of the guy I'm a hater? You sound like a current member of a certain political party, Elonsmusk.
I don't know how many times I need to say it: I love Shaka. He was receptive when I reached out to him if he had advice for my brother who coaches high school basketball. His staff has done the same and I think the world of those guys too. I'm grateful for the success he's had at my alma mater and it seemed like an absolute perfect fit. He seems to be as genuinely great a guy as you'll find at this position in MBB. I want him to be the coach for another 15 years.
But he continues to show us that he won't utilize the very route that brought him success here. And it seems to be purely out of spite and hubris. While I feel we've underachieved in March, I've been more than willing to forgive that because the tournament is fickle and he's reinvigorated this fanbase on the whole. My initial fear was that even with poor results, Shaka would feel emboldened to just run this team back with the freshmen coming in. I'm quickly beginning to think he may not even make it to next season because rather than give in to pressure from boosters and admin to change things up, he would just as well leave like he did at Texas.
100% conjecture on my part...Shaka is beyond frustrated with this current era...unsavory how the portal has become, player agents, seemingly no regulation. He gave RGV at shot. It's a tough task to have it work when no one else is going this route. If he goes down, he goes down doing it his way. I'm starting to think he'll go like Tony Bennett did at Virginia and step away. Coach again? Possibly. But maybe take a season off to access.
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on Today at 12:48:13 PMAre you suggesting Kentucky and other power 4 programs are giving all of the $20.5 million in rev share to basketball? 20%, maximum, which is $4.1 million.
What's next, complaining that our academic standards are too high?
Kentucky can exceed the 20 million now that they're an LLC.
Quote from: Elonsmusk on Today at 12:23:06 PMYou know what simple minded is? Throwing a temper tantrum toward a proven winner of a coach (and human being), in Year 1 of the stress test of RGV after 4 very good seasons. There's nothing he can do about it mid-season. Yet, you show up here almost daily, whining about the current status of the program and its future.
You're simply speculating that its "spite and hubris" that Shaka wouldn't choose to dip into the portal after this season. You have zero clue as to if he will. What I know is he's a bright guy, and if he doesn't resign at the end of the season (which would be due to seeing how fast 30% of the fanbase turned on him) - he will either take action through the portal, or state something to the effect of: We are going to double down on RGV and see it through another year. If we go that route, and have similar results to the 2025-2026 we will pivot - and if we do, I look forward to being able to field a $20M roster due to the long line of willing donors to write big checks.
Where to even begin with this. Acknowledging how awful things are isn't a temper tantrum. It's just not. I'm sorry I happened to do it a few weeks before others followed suit, hand up! That's on me!
Again, for the umpteenth time, it's not Year 1. His obsession with RGV was clear in Kolek's last season (Kolek asked Shaka to add some help in the portal after O-Max left, Shaka declined). A 2 seed was fantastic, but we still underachieved in March. It was clear last season when he assumed Sean would be back and a contributor, only for Kam to break down by January due to insane usage and we were a disaster the last 3 months of the season. It was clear last April when every other team in America added talent in the portal and we sat on our hands with *this* coming into 2025-2026. 3 years of his philosophy having issues.
We are on pace to have a generationally bad season. One of the absolute worst in Marquette history. All while playing pretty average teams (and within that, teams missing starters, best players, best players going down midgame due to injury) and now facing a down Big East. If that's not grounds for frustration like we're seeing, literally what is? If not "spite and hubris", then what is it? If Shaka is as brilliant as you say, he couldn't POSSIBLY see the team he had and think this was good enough to compete. So which is it, Elonsmusk: is Shaka stubborn or is he incompetent? I'll choose stubborn.
Quote from: Markusquette on Today at 12:47:51 PMIf he doubles down on RGV another year, it's not a bright decision. Fans are disgruntled with his approach and concerned about the future which at this point is completely reasonable. Doesn't mean all those critical have completely given up on him. Nobody is expecting a Kentucky-level NIL budget to field an entirely new roster of high-level transfers.
Fans don't care about the approach, they just want to win within the rules using the resources available.
Quote from: onepost on Today at 01:10:03 PMHis obsession with RGV was clear in Kolek's last season (Kolek asked Shaka to add some help in the portal after O-Max left, Shaka declined).
If you are trying to piss people off even more, you are doing a good job of it.
Quote from: CountryRoads on Today at 01:15:59 PMIf you are trying to piss people off even more, you are doing a good job of it.
Don't shoot the messenger
Just checked T-Rank again. While we are projected today to finish 11-20, we are only favored in three remaining games (all home games, against Providence, DePaul and Xavier). I'm not really sure how that works in their projections, as going 3-17 in conference would have our final record being 8-23.
The last time Marquette Basketball had fewer than ten wins in a season? 1964-65 under Al.
If history repeats itself, NCAA Championship in 2048???
Shaka has backed himself into a corner with the RGV strategy and never giving up on "his guys." That's left him with the following options for next year:
(1) Double-down on RGV and roll with the same group of players, despite it leading to one of the worst rosters in modern MU history, and hope for a complete 180 next year;
(2) Concede that his RGV strategy was a mistake, go back on his word to the players he recruited, cut some of them and utilize the transfer portal to rebuild; or
(3) Walk away
I doubt he goes with #2 given his insistence on relationships, and I don't see him walking away (yet). My best guess is we run it back next year with the same roster (+ maybe 1 portal addition) and things are slightly better but still not good enough and he gets canned.
Really, this is my long winded way of saying the problem will take care of itself. Either Shaka will adapt and we'll get back to winning games or he won't and he'll be shown the door. Here's to hoping its the former.
Quote from: onepost on Today at 01:18:50 PMDon't shoot the messenger
Out of curiosity if you had the Big East 6th man of the year coming back, Chase getting older, with every other meaningful player would you have gone out into the portal?
Shakas approach made sense that offseason, there's no world where Joplin isn't viewed as a potential starter by most top tier teams in the portal and Shaka chooses to use a guy that's a known commodity within the system rather than chancing a new piece, moving chase to Jop's 6th man role. What part of this decision are you critiquing?
Quote from: Tha Hound on Today at 01:34:46 PM(1) Double-down on RGV
How many downs deep are we? Triple? Quadruple? I think we'd be past double at that point.
Quote from: Tha Hound on Today at 01:34:46 PMShaka has backed himself into a corner with the RGV strategy and never giving up on "his guys." That's left him with the following options for next year:
(1) Double-down on RGV and roll with the same group of players, despite it leading to one of the worst rosters in modern MU history, and hope for a complete 180 next year;
(2) Concede that his RGV strategy was a mistake, go back on his word to the players he recruited, cut some of them and utilize the transfer portal to rebuild; or
(3) Walk away
I doubt he goes with #2 for many reasons, and I don't see him walking away (yet). My best guess is we run it back next year with the same roster (+ maybe 1 portal addition) and things are slightly better but still not good enough and he gets canned.
Ya...well he made this bed..so if he can't find a way to make #2 happen then he should be fired before next season starts in my opinion.
And actually, I don't think he even has to admit it was a mistake, just that it isn't working and isn't going to work moving forward.
Quote from: Galway Eagle on Today at 01:39:09 PMOut of curiosity if you had the Big East 6th man of the year coming back, Chase getting older, with every other meaningful player would you have gone out into the portal?
Shakas approach made sense that offseason, there's no world where Joplin isn't viewed as a potential starter by most top tier teams in the portal and Shaka chooses to use a guy that's a known commodity within the system rather than chancing a new piece, moving chase to Jop's 6th man role. What part of this decision are you critiquing?
Of any year, it's by far the most defensible, I agree with you. We needed size and depth on that team, so yes I would have gone to the portal. 100%. Moving Jop to the starting 5 left us with Chase and Sean as the only meaningful bench guys: Chase had loud great moments but neither showed enough to warrant Shaka basically relying on 7 players (Ben was two years away from being two years away, shoutout Fran Fraschila).
And Kolek has forgotten more about basketball than I'll ever know, so if he urged Shaka to add pieces then I feel pretty strongly about my opinion.
Quote from: Galway Eagle on Today at 01:39:09 PMOut of curiosity if you had the Big East 6th man of the year coming back, Chase getting older, with every other meaningful player would you have gone out into the portal?
Shakas approach made sense that offseason, there's no world where Joplin isn't viewed as a potential starter by most top tier teams in the portal and Shaka chooses to use a guy that's a known commodity within the system rather than chancing a new piece, moving chase to Jop's 6th man role. What part of this decision are you critiquing?
Keep in mind Onewhiner is trying to do all he can do to shat on Shaka "despite really liking him."
And Shaka standing pat either the roster despite Kolek allegedly wanting him to portal a "big," we still made Big East Championship game, got a 2 seed, made the Sweet 16, and then went 4 for 31 from 3 and didn't advance to Elite 8 - if only Shaka got a "big" that year to replace Omax!!
Quote from: onepost on Today at 01:47:46 PMOf any year, it's by far the most defensible, I agree with you. We needed size and depth on that team, so yes I would have gone to the portal. 100%. Moving Jop to the starting 5 left us with Chase and Sean as the only meaningful bench guys: Chase had loud great moments but neither showed enough to warrant Shaka basically relying on 7 players (Ben was two years away from being two years away, shoutout Fran Fraschila).
And Kolek has forgotten more about basketball than I'll ever know, so if he urged Shaka to add pieces then I feel pretty strongly about my opinion.
The hits keep coming....but one thing is for sure..Kolek and Shaka know more about basketball than you'll ever know. You're a cartoon.
Quote from: onepost on Today at 01:47:46 PMOf any year, it's by far the most defensible, I agree with you. We needed size and depth on that team, so yes I would have gone to the portal. 100%. Moving Jop to the starting 5 left us with Chase and Sean as the only meaningful bench guys: Chase had loud great moments but neither showed enough to warrant Shaka basically relying on 7 players (Ben was two years away from being two years away, shoutout Fran Fraschila).
And Kolek has forgotten more about basketball than I'll ever know, so if he urged Shaka to add pieces then I feel pretty strongly about my opinion.
Where has there been any legitimately-sourced proof that Kolek urged Shaka to use the portal that offseason?
Quote from: onepost on Today at 01:47:46 PMOf any year, it's by far the most defensible, I agree with you. We needed size and depth on that team, so yes I would have gone to the portal. 100%. Moving Jop to the starting 5 left us with Chase and Sean as the only meaningful bench guys: Chase had loud great moments but neither showed enough to warrant Shaka basically relying on 7 players (Ben was two years away from being two years away, shoutout Fran Fraschila).
And Kolek has forgotten more about basketball than I'll ever know, so if he urged Shaka to add pieces then I feel pretty strongly about my opinion.
Could be argued about relying on Omax the year prior or even relying on Joplin as a 6th man. I mean it's not worth really getting into a pissing match about it but I 100% think Shaka was right in his call here. Could he have been right as well if he used the portal? Sure, but he relied on "bird in hand is worth two in the bush" knew he had a "dude" rising to be a reliable sophomore, knew he had the BE 6th man of the year.
But it wasn't either of them that caused us to lose to NCST nor to split 2nd with Creighton. Outside of TKO not a single person showed up for that S16 game including Oso, Stevie, & Kam,
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on Today at 01:57:57 PMWhere has there been any legitimately-sourced proof that Kolek urged Shaka to use the portal that offseason?
You don't have to believe me, not that you would anyway.
But I was told during that season that Kolek asked about help in the portal and Shaka said no. Still had a great season.
Quote from: onepost on Today at 02:01:45 PMYou don't have to believe me, not that you would anyway.
But I was told during that season that Kolek asked about help in the portal and Shaka said no. Still had a great season.
Didn't Shaka actually confirm this? I'm actually certain I heard a clip of Shaka saying something to the effect of "ya after the season Tyler came into my office and said, who are we getting from the portal? But that's just not what we do."
I don't know where to begin looking for that clip but I'm nearly 100% certain it came from Shaka.
Quote from: onepost on Today at 02:01:45 PMYou don't have to believe me, not that you would anyway.
But I was told during that season that Kolek asked about help in the portal and Shaka said no. Still had a great season.
Did that big booster you played golf with one time tell you?
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on Today at 02:03:22 PMDidn't Shaka actually confirm this? I'm actually certain I heard a clip of Shaka saying something to the effect of "ya after the season Tyler came into my office and said, who are we getting from the portal? But that's just not what we do."
I don't know where to begin looking for that clip but I'm nearly 100% certain it came from Shaka.
I recall this, as well.
Quote from: Elonsmusk on Today at 02:05:41 PMDid that big booster you played golf with one time tell you?
It was actually Doc Rivers at the local Dave & Busters, but close enough.
Quote from: Markusquette on Today at 12:47:51 PMIf he doubles down on RGV another year, it's not a bright decision. Fans are disgruntled with his approach and concerned about the future which at this point is completely reasonable. Doesn't mean all those critical have completely given up on him. Nobody is expecting a Kentucky-level NIL budget to field an entirely new roster of high-level transfers.
Vast majority LOVED the RGV approach until exactly the Indiana game this season. Numerous comments about not being a revolving door of players that have no ties to the school, that you don't get to see grow. Loved the Travis Diener notion of pouring into the guys who have worn the jersey versus those who hadn't. Loved that recruits mentioned it consistently that MU not going into the portal was very attractive to them.
I'm frustrated by the season, and feel Shaka hasn't been great with some of his coaching decisions this season - definitely been some odd choices. Yet, the total body of work, hearing his interviews, how he reps MU - no way am I going to shat on the guy for a bad year. I'm confident enough in his intellect to course correct. Unless he pulls a Tony Bennett, which may be a possibility - given what he's observed with how quickly a growing chunk of our fanbase has turned on him. It's a joke.
Quote from: Elonsmusk on Today at 02:20:55 PMVast majority LOVED the RGV approach until exactly the Indiana game this season. Numerous comments about not being a revolving door of players that have no ties to the school, that you don't get to see grow. Loved the Travis Diener notion of pouring into the guys who have worn the jersey versus those who hadn't. Loved that recruits mentioned it consistently that MU not going into the portal was very attractive to them.
I'm frustrated by the season, and feel Shaka hasn't been great with some of his coaching decisions this season - definitely been some odd choices. Yet, the total body of work, hearing his interviews, how he reps MU - no way am I going to shat on the guy for a bad year. I'm confident enough in his intellect to course correct. Unless he pulls a Tony Bennett, which may be a possibility - given what he's observed with how quickly a growing chunk of our fanbase has turned on him. It's a joke.
I don't think it's out of line for the fanbase to have turned on Shaka at this point in the season, especially with how the end of last year played out. There are some folks who only watch the games on tv, and for them, they can simply stop watching if they're upset. But fans who've sunk money into the program have every right to be pissed - those being season ticket holders, donors, and whatever idiot paid a king's ransom for an RGV pullover. To say these people are not getting their money's worth would be an understatement. They are getting the equivalent of a restaurant chef spitting in their burger.
As others have stated, this is not shaping up to be *just* a bad/mediocre season. I mean, what P5 school is going to want to play us in the non-con next year? If we lose 20 games, next year will not be about rebuilding. It'll be about proving we're not the next DePaul/Georgetown/Pitt.
Quote from: panda on Today at 12:24:45 PM*3.5 good seasons
This is almost as dumb as suggesting Shaka should be judged on a rolling 12 month basis. UCONN went a full month winning only 2 games the year they won their first national title under Hurley. So I guess their season only counts as 80% of a good season.
Not Sure if this has been posted yet
But from Paint Touches
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PRINT TOUCHES
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Marquette is currently shooting 17.1% on contested spot up 3s (.508 PPP), which is the worst in all of D1.
But get this, I accidentally took off the D1 filter on Synergy and #mubb currently ranks 1443 out of 1465 teams in D1, D2, D3, NAIA, NCCAA and USCCA
Quote from: muwarrior69 on Today at 12:58:50 PMKentucky can exceed the 20 million now that they're an LLC.
You're so clueless.
Quote from: wadesworld on Today at 03:01:10 PMThis is almost as dumb as suggesting Shaka should be judged on a rolling 12 month basis. UCONN went a full month winning only 2 games the year they won their first national title under Hurley. So I guess their season only counts as 80% of a good season.
It's dumb or you don't agree with me?
Why would it be dumb to analyze a trend? They fell apart down the stretch last year because of lack of depth after ignoring the portal. This year they are a catastrophe devoid of talent and going through what will be one of the worst seasons in Marquette basketball history, again because they ignored the portal. Those two things are the same in my mind and they are adding up to much deeper concerns moving forward.
Quote from: Elonsmusk on Today at 12:35:03 PMWho are these "credible people" here? Have they doxxed themselves and proven they are "credible?" And no crap, MU funds fewer sports than Power 4 schools who have football, and enrollments of 25,000-60,000 students, that have an alumni base 2-5x what MU does. Football is a cash cow - I believe the TV package for college football is larger than college basketball? Maybe I'm wrong on that?
Yes, football programs are very good at making money. They're just as good at spending money. Most programs make little, if any, profit, and the vast majority of revenue they generate is poured back into the program. If you think Auburn and Texas A&M and Washington are taking money away from football to buy basketball players, you'd be mistaken.
The size of an alumni base matters, but what matters more is the engagement of the alumni base. Marquette graduates a fraction of the students UCF or Florida International or North Texas graduates, but our grads are way more likely to identify with and care about the success of the basketball team. In terms of donations and other support, that's more important than sheer numbers. 20,000 more grads doesn't matter if none of them care.
Added to that, Marquette is located in the heart of a major city with a large business/corporate community and not a lot of competition for attention and financial support. Would you rather go sell sponsorships in Milwaukee, or Columbia, Missouri, Urbana, Illinois and Lawrence, Kansas?
Finally, the flipside of the football thing is that Marquette basketball doesn't have to compete with a football program (or a baseball program or a hockey program) for donors' attention and support. Men's hoops is the focus of everything.
So, yeah, Marquette has some inherent disadvantages based on its size, but there are advantages to exploit as well. If the athletic and marketing departments are failing to do so, then there need to be better people in charge.
QuoteBut that aside, not surprised to see that you're the kind of guy who would bail on a guy at the first sign of adversity - before even giving the guy a shot to rectify the problem.
What are you talking about?? I've repeatedly said I don't think Shaka should be fired after this season except in one circumstance ... he makes clear he won't budge from his philosophy and intends to run things back exactly as they are.
I'm all for giving him a chance to rectify the problems, but that actually requires committing to rectify the problems, not doing the exact same thing and hoping for a different result.
Finally, in another post you talk about how the majority LOVED RGV before this season. I wasn't one of them. I said last offseason that Shaka did his team a disservice by not bringing in more depth to support a solid starting five (or even a big to play ahead of BG). And I said again at the end of last season he would be making a mistake by not seeking help in the portal.
I don't think anyone, myself included, saw it getting this bad, but the signs of decline were there for anyone willing to see them.
Quote from: Pakuni on Today at 03:17:38 PMFinally, in another post you talk about how the majority LOVED RGV before this season. I wasn't one of them. I said last offseason that Shaka did his team a disservice by not bringing in more depth to support a solid starting five (or even a big to play ahead of BG). And I said again at the end of last season he would be making a mistake by not seeking help in the portal.
I don't think anyone, myself included, saw it getting this bad, but the signs of decline were there for anyone willing to see them.
There were definitely a lot of others, myself included, discussing the portal well before this catastrophe of a season was even on the horizon. It's been coming to a head for some time now. I'm not sure that many people were "loving" the RGV idea as much as it was just sort of a feel good story for the program...warm and fuzzy. Given the prior success it was hard to believe they could sink to this level so quickly, so I think fans across the board expected MU to remain pretty competitive - especially considering organic development was expected.
It's nice to hear about recruits valuing RGV. Are they not getting paid well though? Why can't we have it both ways - genuine relationships developed with high-level high school recruits
along with transfers who fit the mentality and system? There's a false narrative that transfers come in and disrupt a team and screw up the dynamic. Do you know what messes up a team dynamic? Losing (badly). We've currently got upperclassmen that look like they're ready to graduate and move on. Shaka's put out head-scratching lineups and messed with playing time like it's a sick joke. Less than a couple months into the season, even he seems somewhat defeated.
I'm not expecting Shaka to go out and add 3 of the top 15 transfers to their starting lineup and become a juggernaut within a year. I'm simply hoping he can see the benefit and optionality using the portal to supplement a roster. It's only going to benefit him. He looks a hell of a lot better winning some games with transfers than going up in flames wearing the RGV polo. Whether or not the transfers work out, that's TBD. At least he can say he tried. Don't get me started on funds available to simply add one or two guys...
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on Today at 10:59:53 AMSo the roster was decaying when we got a 2-seed?
Impressive analysis.
Yes, they had no bench because they didn't replace omax in the portal