It's time to shock the world.
By doing what ? Staying w / in 20 ?
Quote from: Mu8891 on January 04, 2026, 01:01:44 PMBy doing what ? Staying w / in 20 ?
We have a 1% chance.
(https://media.tenor.com/cm9E2QnR17kAAAAM/paul-rudd-annoyed.gif)
Fine. I'll watch
What a dumb foul by Caedin. Get him off the floor.
Let's go!
Chase might want to help our young Frosh.
1964-65 is the last time MU won fewer than 10 games in a season. Trying to avoid that this season will be a battle.
Our offense can't only be Nigel attacking the rim without kicking.
Quote from: MuggsyB on January 04, 2026, 01:10:04 PMOur offense can't only be Nigel attacking the rim without kicking.
Who's he gonna kick too? Goldbrick? Royce?
Ross scored a point! Let's GO!
Terrible. This game looks over.
Quote from: 1SE on January 04, 2026, 01:12:26 PMWho's he gonna kick too? Goldbrick? Royce?
Point well taken.
Adrien!!!
Can someone who knows ball please tell me what our Offense is supposed to be?? The no motion Offense?
WTF. Weak call there.
Quote from: 1SE on January 04, 2026, 01:17:48 PMCan someone who knows ball please tell me what our Offense is supposed to be?? The no motion Offense?
That's what it looks like.
Ross has been abysmal through 7 mins. Looks completely checked out.
Quote from: MuggsyB on January 04, 2026, 01:14:51 PMTerrible. This game looks over.
It was over when UCONN had five guys at the arena.
Get Ross out of the game. NOW.
Quote from: cheebs09 on January 04, 2026, 01:20:07 PMIt was over when UCONN had five guys at the arena.
Tbf they'd probably win with 4
Quote from: MuggsyB on January 04, 2026, 01:20:39 PMGet Ross out of the game. NOW.
What's up with our preseason stud just fading two years in a row?
Nigel and Stevens arent playing scared. Love that.
Unfortunately no one else does anything other than Ben still being fine.
Our players don't look like they're listening to Shaka in the huddle.
No words for our shooting.
Terrible foul, Terrible Defense by Ross.
You'd think Ross would have some interest in caring about his future as a basketball player
Chase has been utterly horrendous this year. Also, I'm losing patience with Royce. He is incredibly loose with his footwork on both ends and really does not produce unless put into an extremely favorable situation in the first place.
(edit, attaboy)
What a mismatch.
Stevens has played well.
Getting Owens and Parham on one side of the defense has to be an opponent's dream.
What's up with our FT shooting?
How many dunks do they have
Have we ever passed the rock on a 2 on 1?
Owens is so weak going to the hoop. He can jump but he sure hates contact.
Owens has all the physical ability and just no idea how to play basketball
We can't make baskets regardless of the shot
OMG, it's the lame hand-shaking MU blurb. But I have figured out why they did it - they tried it with high fives, but since they're from MU they kept missing.
Owens should have passed on that 2 on 1.
Quote from: JTJ3 on January 04, 2026, 01:33:06 PMOwens has all the physical ability and just no idea how to play basketball
You can say that about our entire team. WTH is our offense other than NJ going one on one?
It's a case of picking my nuclear bomb (rather than poison) but checking the GameCast of the MU game while watching the Packers 4th string play, I see 3 MU "missed layup" plays and am now wondering if they are still playing Hallmark Christmas movies
Gold has had wide open threes. All bricks.
Well, I don't think the issue is Xs and Os. We're getting good enough shots to be winning this game. Just like pretty much every game. Need better players. Need better development.
Ben is fighting his ass off out there. Wish he could see a few go down.
Shaka needs to tell Gold to stop taking 3's and drive to the hoop every time he gets the ball.
Benny can stop shooting threes right now
What a block ny Nigel.
But then....Gold bricks again. Smh.
Ben should absolutely not stop shooting threes. It's frustrating, but if we're gonna improve he has to get his confidence back. The answer is not to become even more one dimensional.
I'm starting to think this team isn't very good.
Again, horrific defense by Ross.
Credit to Gold for not folding like Ross. James is fun to watch
Interesting line-up.
That was a goal tend.
Our team is content with taking good shots. Zero desire or ability to actually make them.
The intensity and execution have been a lot better the last two games. They look low on confidence, but they've definitely played better. Gotta make some shots.
Keep James Jr and dump the rest.
Quote from: BM1090 on January 04, 2026, 01:36:35 PMWell, I don't think the issue is Xs and Os. We're getting good enough shots to be winning this game. Just like pretty much every game. Need better players. Need better development.
Ben is fighting his ass off out there. Wish he could see a few go down.
Isn't part of the Xs and Os to consider the talent you have? Based on stats genre, MU runs a reasonable offense. Based on the players it has and the fact that they can't shoot 3s, it doesn't. It's like thinking it's a good offense to have Faisal or Dwight Burke taking 30 3s a game. Shaka failed to recruit to the system he runs.
I do agree that Gold is playing very hard on D and the D glass.
Nigel block was cool. Just pathetic attempt by Ben to clank that three seconds after that. Need to knock that one down for your guy.
Quote from: BM1090 on January 04, 2026, 01:43:32 PMThe intensity and execution have been a lot better the last two games. They look low on confidence, but they've definitely played better. Gotta make some shots.
Yes, but we don't have an offense. Guys are just standing around. We have zero cohesion and I don't really get it.
Quote from: CountryRoads on January 04, 2026, 01:45:08 PMNigel block was cool. Just pathetic attempt by Ben to clank that three seconds after that. Need to knock that one down for your guy.
He's clearly lost confidence. Ben has missed 5 wide open threes.
Fanta is annoying when your team sucks.
I think we got a break there.
Josh!!!
Clark isn't good but I'm good with him getting all of Caedin's minutes. Rotate him and Ben at the 5.
Quote from: Afroman on January 04, 2026, 01:47:47 PMFanta is annoying when your team sucks.
I liked Fanta as a BEast advocate and analyst. I don't think play by play is his wheelhouse.
Joshua!!!
Gotta hand it to 'em, they're hanging in.
Clark has done more the last 2 mins than Caedin has all season.
That's not a foul on Ross. Fking garbage call.
Man....Royce has to finish there.
Shooting 32% amd only down 8.
Quote from: mileskishnish72 on January 04, 2026, 01:52:08 PMGotta hand it to 'em, they're hanging in.
amazing, actually! 32% fg. 18% from 3. 56% FT. Still have a chance.
Terrible coaching by Shaka in the last minute and a half. Why call time out after we stole the ball and are heading down with momentum? Then take Clark out after he's scored two baskets in a row and has grabbed some rebounds? The set play he calls backfires as usual.
I missed some time so didn't see Clark's contribution - blocked shots?
Royce breakdown on both ends of the court there btw. The potential is there and all that, but my god dude you just have to finish that putback, and then he leaves a wide-open dunk because he comes over to offer feeble help on a driving player who's already reasonably well-covered and under the hoop. He is so bad defensively and not an actual playmaker offensively. He needs to figure it out.
Quote from: MuggsyB on January 04, 2026, 01:55:39 PMShooting 32% amd only down 8.
I feel like we're in this position at half often.
Quote from: Norm on January 04, 2026, 01:56:52 PMTerrible coaching by Shaka in the last minute and a half. Why call time out after we stole the ball and are heading down with momentum? Then take Clark out after he's scored two baskets in a row and has grabbed some rebounds? The set play he calls backfires as usual.
What an insane decision that was. First time I sat up in my chair all season and Shaka stops the game with a timeout.
I appreciate the effort. Watching the young guys start to make plays. Chase Ross is the first guy all season to make that weak side rotations to help in the post and gets called for it. Pfffft. Make lay ups.
Trying to figure out why we continually protect our FG % by not hoisting shots at the buzzer.
An upset in the making.
I suspect Hurley will get his team up for the second half and pull away strongly. He tends to do that.
Clark is earning more run. Still raw, but he can go up and get it. Would like to see more of him and MP2 on the floor.
Not the worst half. Very envious of UConn's ability to hit 3s. We had a lot of good looks. Can we get Markus and his brother to come do a shooting clinic on how to get that good spin rate?
Quote from: 18thandWells on January 04, 2026, 01:57:10 PMI feel like we're in this position at half often.
No doubt.
Quote from: SERocks on January 04, 2026, 02:02:00 PMI suspect Hurley will get his team up for the second half and pull away strongly. He tends to do that.
.
This is likely for sure.
Quote from: tower912 on January 04, 2026, 01:58:18 PMI appreciate the effort. Watching the young guys start to make plays. Chase Ross is the first guy all season to make that weak side rotations to help in the post and gets called for it. Pfffft. Make lay ups.
That was definitely a weak call. The effort is good--chase playing a lot more like I expected him to.
Ball movement kick outs need to be better. We arent shooting well, I get it. But itd be fun to pretend we can...
We are not good but appreciate the hustle and effort from the group. I think that says a lot.
(https://i.imgur.com/0cxEWLQ.jpeg)
Royce "help" on the last possession. The guy is just always late on everything defensively. You cannot abandon a big man in the dunker's spot when you're not even gonna be close to beating the driving player to the spot, and that's exactly what he does. #3 on UConn isn't even the player who ends up receiving the pass, it's Royce's guy behind him out of the frame. Smith has TWO wide-open angles to pass to a dunker, and Royce is totally out of the play for no good reason. This kind of stuff is why we just gave up 6 dunks. Uconn are 8/23 on non-dunk shots. We are extremely fortunate to have "held" them to 48% shooting.
Good grief. Catch and secure the ball Caedin.
Caedin is just so unplayable.
No idea why Hamilton is on the floor.
Hamilton. Cmon man
Brutal start to the 2nd half by Hamilton.
Lmao at Chase going for a low-percentage slap at the ball and then emerging totally lost, leaving his man for a completely wide-open dunk
WTF!! Terrible call on Nigel.
Nice hook.
Quote from: MuggsyB on January 04, 2026, 02:14:00 PMNo idea why Hamilton is on tbe floor.
Exquisite footwork.
Hamilton just lost us 2 possessions. Get him out! I can not take it!
Gold has nine rebounds and it is not his fault that UCONN is dunking like crazy.
Shaka's defensive scheme is to have Gold come out to three point line and they are passing over the top for dunks. Now about Gold's shooting, oh my.
And Hamilton loses rebound, MU gets another foul and gives up a three. All for not holding onto to ball. He is ugh....
UCONN gonna step on the metal pedal now.
Hamilton continuously gets pulled within 2 minutes or less.
Why is Shaka continuing to be stubborn and starting him each half.
UCONN will start hitting a few threes.
Our best defense is UConn missing wode open threes.
Make a freaking FT.
Quote from: Big Papi on January 04, 2026, 02:17:33 PMHamilton continuously gets pulled within 2 minutes or less.
Why is Shaka continuing to be stubborn and starting him each half.
It's not a great reason, but I think Caedin is the one guy who has emerged as a vocal leader.
Karaban walked there.
Shock The World Go Marquette!!
Ballgame. And UCONN has had an atrocious shooting day.
Quote from: Big Papi on January 04, 2026, 02:17:33 PMHamilton continuously gets pulled within 2 minutes or less.
Why is Shaka continuing to be stubborn and starting him each half.
Has to be out of spite at this point. No other possibility.
We're gonna lose by 35 lmao
Caedin - play of the year :
Kind of gets a rebound. Then trips over his own feet. Then throws ball out of bounds.... Classic.
LMFAO !!
Game blouses. Let's go eat pancakes.
Quote from: MuggsyB on January 04, 2026, 02:21:41 PMBallgame. And UCONN has had an atrocious shooting day.
We've reached insanity levels with the minutes Hamilton gets. It sucks the energy out every time and he keeps getting start of game/half. We dont have a lot of margin for error--yet we go in a hole from ridiculous turnovers/fouls.
Josh plays above the rim. Alters shots. Give him run.
Quote from: BM1090 on January 04, 2026, 02:19:30 PMIt's not a great reason, but I think Caedin is the one guy who has emerged as a vocal leader.
He can be Marquette's Jack Haley.
Wheels have fallen off...can we keep it under 25?
Was there a wind gust on DO's shot?
Quote from: Norm on January 04, 2026, 02:25:56 PMWheels have fallen off...can we keep it under 25?
It doesn't look like it.
Quote from: JakeBarnes on January 04, 2026, 02:25:09 PMWe've reached insanity levels with the minutes Hamilton gets. It sucks the energy out every time and he keeps getting start of game/half. We dont have a lot of margin for error--yet we go in a hole from ridiculous turnovers/fouls.
Josh plays above the rim. Alters shots. Give him run.
Right. Some keep saying, "it's about minutes, not who starts," but the reality is Shaka is putting him out there every night against the opponents' best players and it's putting MU at a disadvantage from the tip.
Not to mention accumulating team fouls early every half.
I get that Shaka probably needs to get some minutes out of him, but let those minutes comes against the other team's second unit.
Dude, all Royce does on either end is meander aimlessly. Nigel is trying to play a two-man game with the help of a guy who isn't even pretending to be a shooting threat AND who runs away from his designated meander spot when Nigel's in trouble, because Royce's man was able to get right in and double him with no fear of being punished.
Josh!!
Nigel picked up his 3rd foul after Caedin dropped the ball ugh!
Give Clark more minutes.
6 points, 4 rebounds in 7 minutes.
UConn is playing at maybe 75%.
Clark and Ben looking like a good combo. Both have altered a lot of shots. And rebounds. Feels like uconn struggling close to hoop with Clark in
Would love to see him get some two man going with Nigel
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on January 04, 2026, 02:31:11 PMUConn is playing at maybe 75%.
They can't make open shots today.
Clark deserves more minutes
Quote from: Norm on January 04, 2026, 02:25:56 PMWheels have fallen off...can we keep it under 25?
Like I said metal to the pedal time for UCONN. They are dominating everything, except making baskets now. They should be up 25.
Keep Owens, Stevens, Parham, Clark and James in the game for experience.
I am not having fun watching this Marquette team.
We're 2-15 fron three
They're 3-19.
Quote from: 18thandWells on January 04, 2026, 02:32:22 PMI am not having fun watching this Marquette team.
Im actually kinda having fun with the unit of Owens/clark/gold/nigel/chase
Man....our shooting.
Yikes Owens
Wow.
Chase has been short on every shot today
Including free throws
Earlier in the year I said it was just a confidence issue for DO. I was wrong. He doesn't have it.
We rely on the 3 that we cannot hit. Weird
Quote from: JakeBarnes on January 04, 2026, 02:33:43 PMIm actually kinda having fun with the unit of Owens/clark/gold/nigel/chase
"Owens from three," must be an acquired taste.
Where is the DO that hit 4ish 3s against ISU last year?
Did we insult an old gypsy lady who cursed the 3pt and ft shooting?
Catch the ball!
Our offense is let Nigel expend all of his energy to toss up a short lay-up
They have at least 20 points off of dunks
The good new, looks like we will hold UCONN to under 100 pts.
Quote from: Markusquette on January 04, 2026, 02:37:33 PMOur offense is let Nigel expend all of his energy to toss up a short lay-up
When he starts to find people its gonna be fun. But some of these drives are brutal
Quote from: Markusquette on January 04, 2026, 02:37:33 PMOur offense is let Nigel expend all of his energy to toss up a short lay-up
Yep. Him going one on one isn't an offense.
To paraphrase the parks and rec basketball episode: Nigel, I said you COULD drive, not that you could ONLY drive.
Quote from: NCMUFan on January 04, 2026, 02:38:17 PMThe good new, looks like we will hold UCONN to under 100 pts.
Honestly, a positive sign for MU.
I don't know if that shot by James are the type of layups that people are saying the players need to make, but that's a horrible low percentage forced shot and bad coaching.
Hurley doing a good job of making sure UConn doesn't play down to MU's level
MU outscored 21-9 in the 2nd half thus far with 7:40 to play. Yikes.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on January 04, 2026, 02:39:45 PMHonestly, a positive sign for MU.
Except that UCONN has been uncharacteristically bad fron distance.
I think I will pass out if I ever see a set play. Dribble while everyone stands around
No one cutting Meanwhile we're dunked on mercilessly
Quote from: JakeBarnes on January 04, 2026, 02:38:27 PMWhen he starts to find people its gonna be fun. But some of these drives are brutal
He is trying and fighting hard, but now is 3 for 15 from field, mainly on drive misses.
MU has scored 9 points in 12 minutes plus in second half. 9.......
Clark is playing more minutes than Hamilton during the last two games. Gold is playing 35 minutes the last two games.
Make shots. Pretty simple. With MU living at the basket, make lay ups at the NCAA average and the season looks a lot different.
Hamilton back in. 6 secs to commit a foul. Smh.
More good news. I believe Marquette will score 50 points.
Quote from: tower912 on January 04, 2026, 02:42:04 PMClark is playing more minutes than Hamilton during the last two games. Gold is playing 35 minutes the last two games.
Make shots. Pretty simple. With MU living at the basket, make lay ups at the NCAA average and the season looks a lot different.
The lay-ups we've gotten today have been highly contested. The fact that we cannot make any open perimeter shots changes the actual looks we get inside.
We are outclassed on offense and defense and rebounding. Hard to compete. Our guys are playing but wow
Is it a good shot for Hamilton to take an open 3? The idea that MU is getting good shots depends upon who is shooting them. A good argument can be made that Gold taking a 3 is a bad shot.
Quote from: tower912 on January 04, 2026, 02:42:04 PMmake lay ups at the NCAA average and the season looks a lot different.
But we don't have the players to do that.
Quote from: MuggsyB on January 04, 2026, 02:42:26 PMHamilton back in. 6 secs to commit a foul. Smh.
Seems like a perfect time to play Clark instead. SMH
Quote from: rocky_warrior on January 04, 2026, 02:46:47 PMBut we don't have the players to do that.
Yep. Incredibly frustrating.
Quote from: tower912 on January 04, 2026, 02:42:04 PMClark is playing more minutes than Hamilton during the last two games. Gold is playing 35 minutes the last two games.
Because of foul trouble.
QuoteMake shots. Pretty simple. With MU living at the basket, make lay ups at the NCAA average and the season looks a lot different.
I think we have enough of a sample size on the season to admit that this roster is not capable of making shots. As in, every single player on this roster - except maybe Phillips? - is a below average shooter.
So, for this group, it's not at all simple.
Quote from: NCMUFan on January 04, 2026, 02:43:22 PMMore good news. I believe Marquette will score 50 points.
hmm...maybe
Our inability to make point blank layups is beyond comprehension.
Quote from: Pakuni on January 04, 2026, 02:48:01 PMI think we have enough of a sample size on the season to admit that this roster is not capable of making shots. As in, every single player on this roster - except maybe Phillips? - is a below average shooter.
So, for this grouo, it's not at all simple.
Yes, but. There are no other options. Keep attacking the basket, keep shooting lay ups keep shooting open 3's. Make the correct shots you are taking.
Quote from: onepost on January 04, 2026, 02:49:55 PMOur inability to make point blank layups is beyond comprehension.
When you dont have to guard the line, you can pack the paint and can recover a lot easier.
Quote from: Daniel on January 04, 2026, 02:45:32 PMWe are outclassed on offense and defense and rebounding. Hard to compete. Our guys are playing but wow
...playing hard, for sure. Never thought this would be Marquette basketball reality.
Quote from: Pakuni on January 04, 2026, 02:48:01 PMI think we have enough of a sample size on the season to admit that this roster is not capable of making shots.
Right, we're beyond the point of "bad luck, they'll start dropping"
Quote from: rocky_warrior on January 04, 2026, 02:52:37 PMRight, we're beyond the point of "bad luck, they'll start dropping"
And beyond the point of thinking some made layups would have changed this season.
4/22 from 3. Crazy!!
Shooting can be taught. Kinda questioning why we arent focusing on it.
Quote from: chren21 on January 04, 2026, 02:54:22 PMAnd beyond the point of thinking some made layups would have changed this season.
True dat.
Quote from: chren21 on January 04, 2026, 02:54:22 PMAnd beyond the point of thinking some made layups would have changed this season.
Sorry, yeah, I was talking about layups, not even commenting on 3s!
They can't shoot worth a damn, their defense sucks, but they're not quitters.
Beat the spread. Victory
Quote from: JakeBarnes on January 04, 2026, 02:59:08 PMBeat the spread. Victory
Good teams win, great teams cover.
Quote from: Viper on January 04, 2026, 02:54:53 PM4/22 from 3. Crazy!!
Not crazy, that's Shaka's game philosophy and it's been like that since he got here. Live and ie with the three He has stated he has no problem with it, but it's crazy that MU has no one this year who can shoot it. Maybe the Phillips guy can come around, who knows. Then if MU drives and gets fouled, they miss the free throws. Gonna be long year
Nice of Hurley to laugh at Shaka.
Quote from: nyg link=msg=1782529Gonna be long year
I know we're only a few days into the year, but the season is already long.
Calling Ross the stud of your program is evidence enough that your team is in deep s—t
Quote from: mileskishnish72 on January 04, 2026, 02:59:04 PMThey can't shoot worth a damn, their defense sucks, but they're not quitters.
Defense with the Clark/gold shift was actually pretty good.
There are positives--they're just covered up due to the losing.
I think most frustrating (outside of the main gripe I bring up) is Nigel is kinda just playing solo ball. Feels like a regression. There was a clear frustration from parham on Nigel not looking up and seeing an open 3 dish opportunity.
Hurley talking up Shaka and Marquette's culture in the post-game interview.
Quote from: Norm on January 04, 2026, 03:04:11 PMHurley talking up Shaka and Marquette's culture in the post-game interview.
He just got a literal cupcake game on his conference schedule. Life is good.
Quote from: Norm on January 04, 2026, 03:04:11 PMHurley talking up Shaka and Marquette's culture in the post-game interview.
Of course he is. That's the classic thing that happens. If you only listened to Big East coaches during Wojo's tenure then you'd think he was a hall of famer.
Quote from: JakeBarnes on January 04, 2026, 03:03:26 PMDefense with the Clark/gold shift was actually pretty good.
There are positives--they're just covered up due to the losing.
I think most frustrating (outside of the main gripe I bring up) is Nigel is kinda just playing solo ball. Feels like a regression. There was a clear frustration from parham on Nigel not looking up and seeing an open 3 dish opportunity.
Reminds me off Markus but he looked up and saw Sam and would not pass to him anyway. That was in many games but also That was in Hartford Connecticut too against Murray State. Ugh. We rode the bus to the game sitting next to Markus' Parents fun ride. We rode the Bus back with Sam's Parents. Mrs Hauser kept saying we have to talk to the boys and believe she wanted the Boys to stay at Marquette. Mr Hauser wanted the boys to stay at Marquette. Much like Mr Knueppel wanted Kon to go to Marquette. Excuse the rambling. Go Marquette!
Quote from: JakeBarnes on January 04, 2026, 03:03:26 PMDefense with the Clark/gold shift was actually pretty good.
There are positives--they're just covered up due to the losing.
I think most frustrating (outside of the main gripe I bring up) is Nigel is kinda just playing solo ball. Feels like a regression. There was a clear frustration from parham on Nigel not looking up and seeing an open 3 dish opportunity.
Yes. This is a problem. Nigel constantly going on on one is not going to improve our offense or make other guys better. We need far more ball movement and player movement.
Quote from: JakeBarnes on January 04, 2026, 03:03:26 PMDefense with the Clark/gold shift was actually pretty good.
There are positives--they're just covered up due to the losing.
I think most frustrating (outside of the main gripe I bring up) is Nigel is kinda just playing solo ball. Feels like a regression. There was a clear frustration from parham on Nigel not looking up and seeing an open 3 dish opportunity.
James dribbling around the three point line like Curly Neal is hard to watch. But he at least plays hard, just needs to calm down. Potential thru the roof, I hope he stays after the year, which could get ugly internally. James could make a fortune with NIL somewhere.
Tre Norman hardly playing with no Lowery and Sean Jones is a sign.
Ben Gold shooting, which is his supposed forte is not good now.
In last six games of losing streak, his three point shooting is:
3 for 28. Yes, 3 for 28 11%..
Don't know what to say about this team. This might be peak performance at this point. I'll keep watching but to look up at the scoreboard and see a blowout with 3 minutes left, knowing this is probably as good as it gets. Tough.
Quote from: Norm on January 04, 2026, 03:04:11 PMHurley talking up Shaka and Marquette's culture in the post-game interview.
Hurley has always shown respect towards Shaka and MU.
Hamilton might be the worst player I've ever seen in a Marquette uniform, and definitely the worst I've ever seen start.
Don't know what Shaka said in the postgame, but I hope it wasn't 'we're getting good looks, they're just not falling'. Nah, you recruited a bunch of bad shooters.
Quote from: Norm on January 04, 2026, 03:04:11 PMHurley talking up Shaka and Marquette's culture in the post-game interview.
I'm sure he hopes Shaka doesn't change a thing about RGV.
I don't think UConn broke a sweat today lol
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on January 04, 2026, 03:13:40 PMHurley has always shown respect towards Shaka and MU.
Reminds me of when Bob Knight would talk about how wonderful Steve Yoder was after beating the Badgers by 35.
Officially Blame The Players SZN
https://x.com/dalydoseofhoops/status/2007927035201823207?s=46 (https://x.com/dalydoseofhoops/status/2007927035201823207?s=46)
Quote from: Small Orange Soda on January 04, 2026, 03:20:25 PMHamilton might be the worst player I've ever seen in a Marquette uniform, and definitely the worst I've ever seen start.
Don't know what Shaka said in the postgame, but I hope it wasn't 'we're getting good looks, they're just not falling'. Nah, you recruited a bunch of bad shooters.
What defensive numbers is Shaka looking at? This is downright worrying.
https://x.com/i/status/2007926228989481214
Quote from: dpucane on January 04, 2026, 03:51:05 PMOfficially Blame The Players SZN
https://x.com/dalydoseofhoops/status/2007927035201823207?s=46 (https://x.com/dalydoseofhoops/status/2007927035201823207?s=46)
But guys, my players are elite when nobody's watching. Trust me.
Quote from: MUbiz on January 04, 2026, 04:03:23 PMWhat defensive numbers is Shaka looking at? This is downright worrying.
https://x.com/i/status/2007926228989481214
Shaka two weeks ago: I don't care about stats when it comes to lineup decisions. I want to see that look in their eye.
Shaka today: I'm making my lineup decisions based on stats.
Quote from: MUbiz on January 04, 2026, 04:03:23 PMWhat defensive numbers is Shaka looking at? This is downright worrying.
https://x.com/i/status/2007926228989481214
This is just comically untrue.
Quote from: Pakuni on January 04, 2026, 04:05:56 PMShaka two weeks ago: I don't care about stats when it comes to lineup decisions. I want to see that look in their eye.
Shaka today: I'm making my lineup decisions based on stats.
The stats:
https://x.com/i/status/2007933668090933469
Quote from: MUbiz on January 04, 2026, 04:07:16 PMThe stats:
https://x.com/i/status/2007933668090933469
The stats are heavily egb weighted
Quote from: MUbiz on January 04, 2026, 04:03:23 PMWhat defensive numbers is Shaka looking at? This is downright worrying.
https://x.com/i/status/2007926228989481214
Energy Giving Behavior, of course!
At this point if someone said Caedin was blackmailing Shaka, I'd believe it.
Quote from: CountryRoads on January 04, 2026, 03:07:26 PMOf course he is. That's the classic thing that happens. If you only listened to Big East coaches during Wojo's tenure then you'd think he was a hall of famer.
BS- Hurley has always given us respect, win or lose.
Quote from: Mutaman on January 04, 2026, 04:17:38 PMBS- Hurley has always given us respect, win or lose.
I think you're missing the point being made.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on January 04, 2026, 04:20:45 PMI think you're missing the point being made.
My point is that Hurley has consistently praised the Marquette program going back to when his guy Cubillan played here. Facts are stupid things.
Quote from: MUbiz on January 04, 2026, 04:03:23 PMWhat defensive numbers is Shaka looking at? This is downright worrying.
https://x.com/i/status/2007926228989481214
This is not a great look and makes me think coaching is playing a much bigger role in our terrible season than we'd like to admit. It's one thing to say we don't have the talent, but I don't think this staff is making use of the talent we have. Certainly wouldn't be a tournament team, but might have won a few of these close ones.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on January 04, 2026, 04:20:45 PMI think you're missing the point being made.
Hurley has said the same thing for years, when Marquette has beaten them and when they haven't.
People are just looking for additional stuff to pile on that doesn't actually exist.
Quote from: Small Orange Soda on January 04, 2026, 04:11:47 PMEnergy Giving Behavior, of course!
At this point if someone said Caedin was blackmailing Shaka, I'd believe it.
What the hell numbers is Shaka referring to for "best defensive player"?
Shaka and his C. Hamilton $hit is getting to be too much ...
Comments like " he's one of our better defensive players " shows he's either nuts, or SO dug in and full of himself that he will run it all back next year.
Hamilton's two best games have been his last two, where he picked up immediate fouls and went to the bench !
Quote from: willie warrior on January 04, 2026, 04:30:35 PMWhat the hell numbers is Shaka referring to for "best defensive player"?
Shaka meant to say Hamilton is the player he's the most defensive about.
Quote from: nyg on January 04, 2026, 03:10:22 PMJames could make a fortune with NIL somewhere.
I like him, and hope he stays, but thus far he's a pretty average big east player.
Quote from: Pakuni on January 04, 2026, 04:03:48 PMBut guys, my players are elite when nobody's watching. Trust me.
Actually, he has been remarkably consistent for several months about Hamilton's practice performance. If he is lying, it is the long con.
Hamilton earned his starting spot with his offseason work. The other spot came down to Gold and Hamilton. Months ago.
From a coaching perspective, why in the hell would he lie? Months ago.
Also from a coaching perspective, assuming he isn't the first coach in history to lie about offseason work, you have no choice but to reward that work. Not rewarding practice effort is coaching malpractice
This season has not gone as planned. Adjustments are being made right in front of us. Starting to see more Josh. Starting to see poor game play lead to butt splinters. The minutes are being re-allocated. Young guys are being allowed to play through mistakes. Rotations are evolving.
I have changed my perspective from previous seasons and am now watching for growth.
Quote from: rocky_warrior on January 04, 2026, 04:46:52 PMI like him, and hope he stays, but thus far he's a pretty average big east player.
I was trying to get a handle on this today. I like James as a player, but is he really good or just really good relative to MU's low-talent roster? I do hope he stays.
Shaka post game presser
https://youtu.be/hWrnlvQkdXc?si=v2F0nXYY4bWzeMqn
Quote from: Zog from Margo on January 04, 2026, 04:51:16 PMI was trying to get a handle on this today. I like James as a player, but is he really good or just really good relative to MU's low-talent roster? I do hope he stays.
Zog,
I don't think he has any idea how to play the game yet, but he's a tier 1/elite athlete with tremendous downhill speed. I think he would be more impressive with better players around him. I would say he's 100% a keeper but it's really hard for him to develop with our current roster. Still, he has to try to find a way to trust the guys around him.
Quote from: MUbiz on January 04, 2026, 05:02:58 PMShaka post game presser
https://youtu.be/hWrnlvQkdXc?si=v2F0nXYY4bWzeMqn
Come for the Caedin Hamilton bogus platitudes, stay for the assistant coach suspensions and shade thrown at his players!
These are becoming must watch
Quote from: tower912 on January 04, 2026, 04:51:05 PMActually, he has been remarkably consistent for several months about Hamilton's practice performance. If he is lying, it is the long con.
Hamilton earned his starting spot with his offseason work. The other spot came down to Gold and Hamilton. Months ago.
From a coaching perspective, why in the hell would he lie? Months ago.
Also from a coaching perspective, assuming he isn't the first coach in history to lie about offseason work, you have no choice but to reward that work. Not rewarding practice effort is coaching malpractice
This season has not gone as planned. Adjustments are being made right in front of us. Starting to see more Josh. Starting to see poor game play lead to butt splinters. The minutes are being re-allocated. Young guys are being allowed to play through mistakes. Rotations are evolving.
I have changed my perspective from previous seasons and am now watching for growth.
But he should have never even been offered a scholarship. We're seeing more Josh because, as Shaka admitted, Caedin keeps getting in foul trouble. He does so because he doesn't belong at this level. Why leak to Rothstein that Caedin is about to be a stud? Why start him? Why play him at all? Whatever Shaka is taking away from his performance in practice is obviously incorrect, and that's pretty worrisome from the guy who is in charge of playing time.
Quote from: MUbiz on January 04, 2026, 04:03:23 PMWhat defensive numbers is Shaka looking at? This is downright worrying.
https://x.com/i/status/2007926228989481214
This is a fireable comment subject to a void of buyout.
Quote from: tower912 on January 04, 2026, 04:51:05 PMActually, he has been remarkably consistent for several months about Hamilton's practice performance. If he is lying, it is the long con.
Hamilton earned his starting spot with his offseason work. The other spot came down to Gold and Hamilton. Months ago.
Starting spots should be awarded based on who plays the best in games/contributes most to winning, not who works hardest in the basement of the Al over the summer. This is major college basketball, not a developmental team.
I'll grant that Shaka for some reason may have believed Caedin was the best option in November. But if he still believes that today, there's something wrong deeply with his analysis.
I don't know that Shaka is lying, but this wouldn't be the first time a coach has tried to boost a player's confidence through comments to the media - or leaks to Jon Rothstein,
Quoteyou have no choice but to reward that work. Not rewarding practice effort is coaching malpractice
This is terribly wrong. Shaka's job is to win games, not reward effort. You play your best players. Often those are also your hardest workers, but not always. Playing a guy who stinks because he tries hard in practice is coaching malpractice.
QuoteStarting to see more Josh.
Because of foul trouble. Hamilton has committed 10 fouls in his last 22 minutes of basketball (and 7 in his last 12). Clark has played more minutes because he's had to, not because of Shaka's strategy.
Lol
Quote from: Pakuni on January 04, 2026, 05:22:37 PMStarting spots should be awarded based on who plays the best in games/contributes most to winning, not who works hardest in the basement of the Al over the summer. This is major college basketball, not a developmental team.
I'll grant that Shaka for some reason may have believed Caedin was the best option in November. But if he still believes that today, there's something wrong deeply with his analysis.
I don't know that Shaka is lying, but this wouldn't be the first time a coach has tried to boost a player's confidence through comments to the media - or leaks to Jon Rothstein,
This is terribly wrong. Shaka's job is to win, not reward effort. You play you best players. Often those are also your hardest workers, but not always. Playing a guy who stinks because he tries hard in practice is coaching malpractice.
Because of foul trouble. Hamilton has committed 10 fouls in his last 22 minutes of basketball. Clark has played more minutes in his last three games than the previous six combined (excluding garbage time vs Little Rock). That's not a coincidence.
Completely and utterly disagree. If the guy spent the entire offseason working his butt off and outworking the other bigs on the team, he absolutely, 100% starts early in the season.
Caedin was not in foul trouble last game. He jacked up an early shot clock 3 and was yanked until Ben fouled out. Bad play punished.
Quote from: willie warrior on January 04, 2026, 04:30:35 PMWhat the hell numbers is Shaka referring to for "best defensive player"?
To be fair, it's a pretty low bar.
Quote from: Pakuni on January 04, 2026, 05:22:37 PMStarting spots should be awarded based on who plays the best in games/contributes most to winning, not who works hardest in the basement of the Al over the summer. This is major college basketball, not a developmental team.
I'll grant that Shaka for some reason may have believed Caedin was the best option in November. But if he still believes that today, there's something wrong deeply with his analysis.
I don't know that Shaka is lying, but this wouldn't be the first time a coach has tried to boost a player's confidence through comments to the media - or leaks to Jon Rothstein,
This is terribly wrong. Shaka's job is to win games, not reward effort. You play your best players. Often those are also your hardest workers, but not always. Playing a guy who stinks because he tries hard in practice is coaching malpractice.
Because of foul trouble. Hamilton has committed 10 fouls in his last 22 minutes of basketball (and 7 in his last 12). Clark has played more minutes because he's had to, not because of Shaka's strategy.
Ya....I agree 100% with your synopsis. This is not about practice or offseason work.
I don't know if Clark is much better than Hamilton, but I don't think he's worse. At least the kid played with some tenacity today.
Quote from: tower912 on January 04, 2026, 05:25:46 PMLolCompletely and utterly disagree. If the guy spent the entire offseason working his butt off and outworking the other bigs on the team, he absolutely, 100% starts early in the season.
Caedin was not in foul trouble last game. He jacked up an early shot clock 3 and was yanked until Ben fouled out. Bad play punished.
So if one of the walk-on guards told Shaka he was going to take 20,000 three pointers next summer and spend an hour each day after practice writing "Lost in the Fight" on the chalkboard over and over like Bart Simpson, Shaka have would no choice but to start him if he followed through? Christ, DeAndre Haynes is gonna end up in jail on a homicide charge before this whole RGV thing is over.
So you are preach practice effort but don't reward practice effort. From experience, I have seen that philosophy fail.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on January 04, 2026, 04:29:03 PMHurley has said the same thing for years, when Marquette has beaten them and when they haven't.
People are just looking for additional stuff to pile on that doesn't actually exist.
You really don't get it.
A poster wanted to validate our coach based upon the opposing coach's "coach speak". Hurley and other coaches praise poor, below average and yes, good coaches all the time.
"People" did not go out looking to pile on by simply pointing out a canned response. It's not a big deal. I'm guessing you've done it yourself.
Quote from: tower912 on January 04, 2026, 05:25:46 PMLolCompletely and utterly disagree. If the guy spent the entire offseason working his butt off and outworking the other bigs on the team, he absolutely, 100% starts early in the season.
Sure.
But why is he starting now? The season is no longer "early," and he clearly isn't very good.
Quote from: rocky_warrior on January 04, 2026, 04:46:52 PMI like him, and hope he stays, but thus far he's a pretty average big east player.
As a freshman, in his 4th BE game, being an average BE player is a good sign.
Quote from: SOSW on January 04, 2026, 05:54:20 PMSure.
But why is he starting now? The season is no longer "early," and he clearly isn't very good.
And he has played third string minutes the last two games. Once due to fouls, once due to coaching decision.
You can't just shut him down. If you accept that this season is lost, then you have to keep giving him an opportunity to figure it out.
Quote from: tower912 on January 04, 2026, 05:25:46 PMLolCompletely and utterly disagree. If the guy spent the entire offseason working his butt off and outworking the other bigs on the team, he absolutely, 100% starts early in the season.
You're right. We completely and utterly disagree. Distributing starting assignments and minutes on the basis of effort and not production is a losing strategy.
Would you have started Eric Snow over Allen Iverson?
QuoteCaedin was not in foul trouble last game. He jacked up an early shot clock 3 and was yanked until Ben fouled out. Bad play punished.
You're mistaken here.
Caedin had three fouls before halftime last game.
He remained in the game after that jacked up 3 (and I thought Shaka wanted players to shoot open 3s?). He later tried a wild, over the shoulder, back to the basket hook shot. After that miss, he reached in and fouled the rebounder. That's when he got yanked - after committing a dumb reach-in foul 90 feet from his own basket.
He then returned late in the first half and promptly picked up two more fouls. He didn't play at all in the second half.
Here's the play-by-play:
https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/playbyplay/_/gameId/401822877
Caedin played 5 minutes against SH. First 3, last 2. He got pulled 3 minutes in and never went back in until Ben fouled out.
He played 8 today, a couple of those after Ben went out with 4 and a half to go.
Quote from: tower912 on January 04, 2026, 06:29:01 PMCaedin played 5 minutes against SH. First 3, last 2. He got pulled 3 minutes in and never went back in until Ben fouled out.
You're entirely wrong. Go look at the play-by-play I linked.
Quote from: tower912 on January 04, 2026, 06:29:01 PMCaedin played 5 minutes against SH. First 3, last 2. He got pulled 3 minutes in and never went back in until Ben fouled out.
He played 8 today, a couple of those after Ben went out with 4 and a half to go.
Caedin picked up the quickest 3 fouls I've ever seen someone unintentionally accumulate in the shu game
Quote from: BM1090 on January 04, 2026, 05:56:54 PMAs a freshman, in his 4th BE game, being an average BE player is a good sign.
I agree. But it's also not the NIL fortune I was replying to:
Quote from: nyg on January 04, 2026, 03:10:22 PMJames could make a fortune with NIL somewhere.
Quote from: tower912 on January 04, 2026, 06:29:01 PMCaedin played 5 minutes against SH. First 3, last 2. He got pulled 3 minutes in and never went back in until Ben fouled out.
He played 8 today, a couple of those after Ben went out with 4 and a half to go.
I still can't see why he starts. Especially as Paint Touches showed the first 10 mins kill us. At this point, I'm sure it would help him relax by coming off the bench and hopefully play better.
Quote from: cheebs09 on January 04, 2026, 06:42:22 PMI still can't see why he starts. Especially as Paint Touches showed the first 10 mins kill us. At this point, I'm sure it would help him relax by coming off the bench and hopefully play better.
Is that a question on Shaka or the board, because maybe I missed it, but I don't think anyone is supportive of him starting or playing meaningful minutes. Most/all here are questioning his ability to play D1 ball.
Quote from: Pakuni on January 04, 2026, 06:33:27 PMYou're entirely wrong. Go look at the play-by-play I linked.
OK. I forgot about the quick fouls. He still played 5 minutes. 3rd stri g center minutes. Josh has played more the last two games and Ben is playing almost all. Ben can't play 40. Neither can Royce. Josh and Caedin will continue to play.
Preseason, I thought Ben would play 30 and Caedin and Josh would split 20. Shaka said that Caedin worked hardest in the offseason. I accept that. Ben spent tine with the NZ national team and Royce spent time in the U-19 camp. Caedin practiced every day
Anyway. The rotations are evolving.
Want less Tre? There has been less Tre.
Want less Caedin? 13 minutes combined the last two games
More DO? He has played more. Not better yet, but more.
Zaide not producing? AS starts. Zaide leaves.
Very frustrating season. What matters now is building for the future. And, with the exception of Ben playing so much out of necessity, that is starting to appear.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on January 04, 2026, 06:46:00 PMIs that a question on Shaka or the board, because maybe I missed it, but I don't think anyone is supportive of him starting or playing meaningful minutes. Most/all here are questioning his ability to play D1 ball.
Just that even though his minutes have been low, him starting has a negative effect by getting off to slower starts.
As for Caedin starting; maybe, just maybe, Shaka loves his practice effort even though he knows he is a liability, and he wants to motivate the roster to put forth better effort in practice?
I'm grasping at straws here because I am truly shocked how bad Shaka looks. Maybe I'm trying to fit this square peg into the round hole of Shaka's career.
And, yes I realize that makes it look like, if not outright stating, Shaka has lost the team.
Quote from: MuggsyB on January 04, 2026, 05:11:15 PMZog,
I don't think he has any idea how to play the game yet, but he's a tier 1/elite athlete with tremendous downhill speed. I think he would be more impressive with better players around him. I would say he's 100% a keeper but it's really hard for him to develop with our current roster. Still, he has to try to find a way to trust the guys around him.
Lol.
This could have been said about Sean every year.
I think Nigel is much better than Sean already
Quote from: Norm on January 04, 2026, 03:04:11 PMHurley talking up Shaka and Marquette's culture in the post-game interview.
akin to Bobby Knight talking up Steve Yoder and Wisconsin back in the day. IU would kick RED's tail regularly and easily ...of course Knight wanted UW to keep Yoder. No different now. Shaka is Hurley's all you can eat buffet.
Quote from: Afroman on January 04, 2026, 03:41:25 PMReminds me of when Bob Knight would talk about how wonderful Steve Yoder was after beating the Badgers by 35.
...sorry I didn't see yours first, bro. My bad...and yup, you are correct.
To my eyes Hamilton is the worst player in Division 1 in part since He looks not very coordinated and it looks like it takes him awhile to decide what to do. It is not his fault he plays. If there are worse players in Division 1 list any please it will help in processing thank you
Quote from: WhiteTrash on January 04, 2026, 06:57:10 PMAs for Caedin starting; maybe, just maybe, Shaka loves his practice effort even though he knows he is a liability, and he wants to motivate the roster to put forth better effort in practice?
I'm grasping at straws here because I am truly shocked how bad Shaka looks. Maybe I'm trying to fit this square peg into the round hole of Shaka's career.
And, yes I realize that makes it look like, if not outright stating, Shaka has lost the team.
Agree and it appears to suck the energy out of some of players and some of the fans when Hamilton starts. But maybe we are just bad.
Can't say we lost a 7th in a row against the spread....The line opened at 12.5 and was at 19.5 at game time on FanDuel.....Yes a 7 point move in 4 days....Most I have seen in a long time.....
Quote from: burger on January 04, 2026, 08:21:37 PMCan't say we lost a 7th in a row against the spread....The line opened at 12.5 and was at 19.5 at game time on FanDuel.....Yes a 7 point move in 4 days....Most I have seen in a long time.....
The line absolutely did not open at 12.5
Quote from: panda on January 04, 2026, 08:36:55 PMThe line absolutely did not open at 12.5
And it absolutely didn't open 4 days ahead of tip
Quote from: tower912 on January 04, 2026, 06:01:29 PMAnd he has played third string minutes the last two games. Once due to fouls, once due to coaching decision.
You can't just shut him down. If you accept that this season is lost, then you have to keep giving him an opportunity to figure it out.
Not in a starting position you don't, You treat him like a back of the bench guy. Sporadic minutes when you see fit. You risk losing players and parents with this tact.
It is so obvious that I'm not sure if you are trolling people at this point.
You had similar views of Tre last year that were way off the mark even though he looked light years more competent than Caedin.
Your basketball knowledge seems to be way better than this.