Off the top of my head, I don't remember any Marquette player having improved as much as Royce has this year-during the season-since maybe Aaron Hutchins. Just the confidence and the aggressiveness on both offensive and defense are light-years ahead of where he was at the beginning of the year. He's actually a lot more athletic than I thought.
Also props to Nigel James for his strides in-season. He's greatly improved his outside shooting, doesn't drive into the lane and get stuck as much, and makes less ankle passes than he did in the beginning of the year.
Obviously, this season sucks, but those are a couple of bright spots.
True. And Owens needs a shout-out here too. Playing with a lot more confidence
Quote from: AverageJoe on January 25, 2026, 11:39:22 PMOff the top of my head, I don't remember any Marquette player having improved as much as Royce has this year-during the season-since maybe Aaron Hutchins. Just the confidence and the aggressiveness on both offensive and defense are light-years ahead of where he was at the beginning of the year. He's actually a lot more athletic than I thought.
Also props to Nigel James for his strides in-season. He's greatly improved his outside shooting, doesn't drive into the lane and get stuck as much, and makes less ankle passes than he did in the beginning of the year.
Obviously, this season sucks, but those are a couple of bright spots.
Thanks for posting this. I have disciplined myself to focus on individual performances during games, especially when it becomes obvious that the game will end up in the L column. Let's take whatever positives are available and enjoy them.
Yep these freshmen and sophomores are coming into their own. They were supposed to only supplement the Juniors and Seniors on a tournament team. But it is what it is and they happen to be the best players on the team.
It is very positive for the future. Parham and James are alphas going forward. Owens and Stevens could be future alphas as well. Phillips has tools. Fill the gaps in the junior class (a big who can defend and rebound and a combo guard who can dribble, shoot and defend) and this will be a tournament team next year. And that would even be without the freshman and RS freshman contributing even though hopefully they will.
Unlike last year, the optimism will be well founded going into next year with the right portal moves. No one, not even the most optimistic posters, will have to turn their mind into a pretzel visualizing a good team.
In agreement here. Attended DePaul game and watched last 2 games. Parnham plays with an edge and physicality. Goes to the hoop strong and tries to dunk everything. Great mentality and if his J improves, will be + player next year. Owens athleticism is best on team and obvious. Still a bit raw on O but not far off on J. He can be a difference maker for us. Quickly, not fan of Stevens, not very athletic, J is wonky, can't beat anyone off dribble but early days w him.
Could have 3 starters next year w James, parnham, owens plus 2 to 3 portalees....perhaps we have something.
Stevens "wonky J" is good enough for second on the team with 27 made 3's and 3rd in 3 point percentage at a respectable 34.6%.
He is a serviceable enough shooter. Needs to attack better off the dribble and improve his defense to match his potential.
Next year, he'll compete with Owens and, hopefully, a transfer for two starting wing spots.
Quote from: Juan Anderson's Mixtape on January 26, 2026, 10:13:46 AMStevens "wonky J" is good enough for second on the team with 27 made 3's and 3rd in 3 point percentage at a respectable 34.6%.
He is a serviceable enough shooter. Needs to attack better off the dribble and improve his defense to match his potential.
Next year, he'll compete with Owens and, hopefully, a transfer for two starting wing spots.
This. He's a bigger, stronger version of Stevie, and with a better shot. If he can play with 75% of Steve's heart and effort, we have an incredible glue guy.
You could see Royce's potential last year. He had such a rough start to the season but he's coming into his own the last few weeks
MU is more competitive now that it is finishing at the rim at a normal percentage. MU's offense continues to generate shots at he rim and open 3s. The next step is to start making the open 3s. And play defense.
Quote from: Juan Anderson's Mixtape on January 26, 2026, 10:13:46 AMStevens "wonky J" is good enough for second on the team with 27 made 3's and 3rd in 3 point percentage at a respectable 34.6%.
He is a serviceable enough shooter. Needs to attack better off the dribble and improve his defense to match his potential.
Next year, he'll compete with Owens and, hopefully, a transfer for two starting wing spots.
Yeah. He shouldn't be starting, but in my opinion his shot mechanics are the best on the team and I don't think it's even close. Good balance and footwork, pretty simple motion.
A few points:
1. 34% is considered average or ok 3 pt shooting percentage. At or above 37% is considered good.
2. His shot is triggered from behind his head similar to Joplin. Had pretty close seats at DePaul, he was right in front of me and his mechanics do not look simple.
3. Possible poor man's Stevie but think his physical play and foot speed needs work. He had trouble w quicker guards.
I am interested to see him improve on these items, he has promise.
There has been improvement offensively. If there can be a greater sense of urgency with defense and rebounding, then they'll be rewarded with some surprising wins over the next 5 weeks. One or two upset wins will provide some momentum into the future.
Quote from: Captain Quette on January 26, 2026, 01:44:35 PMA few points:
1. 34% is considered average or ok 3 pt shooting percentage. At or above 37% is considered good.
2. His shot is triggered from behind his head similar to Joplin. Had pretty close seats at DePaul, he was right in front of me and his mechanics do not look simple.
3. Possible poor man's Stevie but think his physical play and foot speed needs work. He had trouble w quicker guards.
I am interested to see him improve on these items, he has promise.
https://youtu.be/p_KlWpsM8So?si=pz1HQt4JBhjjGeGn&t=105
Maybe there's some AI stuff going on on broadcasts or something because I haven't been able to get to a Marquette game this year, but this certainly isn't triggered from behind his head. This is about as textbook fundamentally as it gets. He isn't a sniper, but I think we'll see him be a very good 3 point shooter as soon as next season.
Owens, on the other hand, has a "wonky J."
Worst defense imaginable and we got peeps giving them an NCAA tourney berth next year. wth?
Ha! I know it's sounds crazy. With current freshman and sophomores developing and 3 good portal players I think it's year one of Shaka all over. But have to get the next Morsell in there and get a rim protector for it to happen.
Wade - his shot looked good in that clip. He has gone 2 from 11 from 3 in past 2 games. Maybe I saw something, not sure. Thanks for sending the video.
Quote from: wadesworld on January 26, 2026, 12:05:20 PMYeah. He shouldn't be starting, but in my opinion his shot mechanics are the best on the team and I don't think it's even close. Good balance and footwork, pretty simple motion.
agreed on Stevens. Has potential to be an excellent 'glue' guy. To me, his shot release is solid. Phillips too. Owens has the 'wonky' outside shot...more of a set shot...but his game going to the rim/at the rim is outstanding. Parham is looking good/and will only get better. James is one of the best freshmen country-wide. Need some help in the paint. If Shaka can get it, a turnaround back to the top half of the conference will happen.
Quote from: Shooter McGavin on January 26, 2026, 04:39:16 PMHa! I know it's sounds crazy. With current freshman and sophomores developing and 3 good portal players I think it's year one of Shaka all over. But have to get the next Morsell in there and get a rim protector for it to happen.
Do you really believe that Shaka will bring in "3 good portal players " next year?
Quote from: Captain Quette on January 26, 2026, 01:44:35 PMA few points:
1. 34% is considered average or ok 3 pt shooting percentage. At or above 37% is considered good.
2. His shot is triggered from behind his head similar to Joplin. Had pretty close seats at DePaul, he was right in front of me and his mechanics do not look simple.
3. Possible poor man's Stevie but think his physical play and foot speed needs work. He had trouble w quicker guards.
I am interested to see him improve on these items, he has promise.
36% from 3 you are considering ok....but not good? There is exactly one player in the Big East (Lindsay Nova 38%) who fits that criteria.
Quote from: We R Final Four on January 27, 2026, 08:54:20 AMDo you really believe that Shaka will bring in "3 good portal players " next year?
I honestly think it will only be two. And that may be all that's needed if they are the right guys. Three portal players would give Shaka more room for error. Zaide's scholarship is one. I think one of Caedin, Tre and Sean leave on their own opening another one.
Portal a big and a three point shooter-junior or senior— equivalent of picking up a JUCO.
Use a third to pull in a talented sophomore who needs to escape a small pond, i.e Kolek.
Would fit in well with the overall RGV philosophy. A series of one-year rentals would not.
Quote from: Shooter McGavin on January 27, 2026, 09:14:27 AMI honestly think it will only be two. And that may be all that's needed if they are the right guys. Three portal players would give Shaka more room for error. Zaide's scholarship is one. I think one of Caedin, Tre and Sean leave on their own opening another one.
I know I am piling on here, but
error is the operative word. I agree that he will more likely go with two. Drop the self-imposed rules on $ and agents and I think Shaka will land a couple of really good transfers. Insist upon staying with the rules and he will get whatever is available under his terms.
Quote from: Shooter McGavin on January 27, 2026, 09:14:27 AMI honestly think it will only be two. And that may be all that's needed if they are the right guys. Three portal players would give Shaka more room for error. Zaide's scholarship is one. I think one of Caedin, Tre and Sean leave on their own opening another one.
I'd be shocked if Sean is here next year. And JB (and others) would know more than me, but if Sean doesn't play again this year he's at 25% of games played. Would he qualify for an additional year? He could transfer and play 2?
Quote from: Badgerhater on January 27, 2026, 09:22:19 AMPortal a big and a three point shooter-junior or senior— equivalent of picking up a JUCO.
Use a third to pull in a talented sophomore who needs to escape a small pond, i.e Kolek.
Would fit in well with the overall RGV philosophy. A series of one-year rentals would not.
I do think a one-year rental (incoming senior or grad transfer) makes a ton of sense. None of our returning big men have earned a starting spot, and while I have high expectations for Sheek, him playing behind a proven center for one season seems ideal.
OK, I know we're all trying to be positive, but being positive on this mess is like being positive after the Chernobyl meltdown. It's like saying, "well, at least we've solved some of the hazardous waste disposal problem."
Yes, some players have improved. But not enough that we're winning against the bottom of the Big East. We're not winning and so we're really not improving.
We lost to DePaul, for heaven's sake. DePaul. You get fired at Marquette for losing to DePaul!
We won't improve until I hear Coach Shaka say, "we're going into the portal and we're offering a deal to ____________, who we think can complement Nigel. He hit 40 percent from three-land last year. And, we offered _________ and he accepted a scholarship to Marquette. He's a strong inside presence and we're confident he can be an integral part of our under-the-basket offense and defense."
Quote from: dgies9156 on January 27, 2026, 02:41:38 PMOK, I know we're all trying to be positive, but being positive on this mess is like being positive after the Chernobyl meltdown. It's like saying, "well, at least we've solved some of the hazardous waste disposal problem."
Yes, some players have improved. But not enough that we're winning against the bottom of the Big East. We're not winning and so we're really not improving.
We lost to DePaul, for heaven's sake. DePaul. You get fired at Marquette for losing to DePaul!
We won't improve until I hear Coach Shaka say, "we're going into the portal and we're offering a deal to ____________, who we think can complement Nigel. He hit 40 percent from three-land last year. And, we offered _________ and he accepted a scholarship to Marquette. He's a strong inside presence and we're confident he can be an integral part of our under-the-basket offense and defense."
Yeah that's certainly not happening. He'll recruit guys in the portal. He's not going to tell you who or tell you how much he's offering them.
Quote from: dgies9156 on January 27, 2026, 02:41:38 PMOK, I know we're all trying to be positive, but being positive on this mess is like being positive after the Chernobyl meltdown. It's like saying, "well, at least we've solved some of the hazardous waste disposal problem."
Yes, some players have improved. But not enough that we're winning against the bottom of the Big East. We're not winning and so we're really not improving.
We lost to DePaul, for heaven's sake. DePaul. You get fired at Marquette for losing to DePaul!
We won't improve until I hear Coach Shaka say, "we're going into the portal and we're offering a deal to ____________, who we think can complement Nigel. He hit 40 percent from three-land last year. And, we offered _________ and he accepted a scholarship to Marquette. He's a strong inside presence and we're confident he can be an integral part of our under-the-basket offense and defense."
Add "and for those who think I'm going refuse to offer more than any current member of the team makes?
Think again. That ship has sailed. Or maybe I should say sunk."
He's not going to say anything near what you or I wrote dgies, but it's fun to write posts like ours.
Quote from: We R Final Four on January 27, 2026, 09:04:02 AM36% from 3 you are considering ok....but not good? There is exactly one player in the Big East (Lindsay Nova 38%) who fits that criteria.
Ummm, what are you talking about?
Quote from: BM1090 on January 27, 2026, 11:50:54 AMI'd be shocked if Sean is here next year. And JB (and others) would know more than me, but if Sean doesn't play again this year he's at 25% of games played. Would he qualify for an additional year? He could transfer and play 2?
Answer: By the book, no. However, nothing is by the book. There was a critical error made by Marquette last year which I mentioned at the time.. but in these days, rules don't matter much.
Sean obviously played his first year, and was over the medical hardship waiver threshold in year two. In year three - here's where the critical error was made - MU folks have stated that he was physically able to play during the season, but made the conscious decision to redshirt. That is, his redshirt decision was in his control. Stay with me.
Now in year 4, **if he is physically incapable of playing for the remainder of the year**, with some medical docs/opinions, this season he would fit the bill as a vanilla case for a medical hardship waiver.
HOWEVER, the problem is the Five Year Clock (which may be on its last gasp anyway). If you have two years that are 'missed' (including years in which you fit the criteria for a medical hardship waiver) due to circumstances outside of your control, a waiver of the Five Year Rule can be granted.
However, year 3 he missed due to his own decision and not due to being physically incapable of playing.
So, by the book -- last year would mark year 5 and he's done.
What would likely happen -- were he to not play the rest of this year due to injury and then transferred -- is that AFTER his year 5 season (e.g., season 1 with a new team), the new school would petition for a waiver of the Five Year Rule, likely arguing he wasn't actually physically able to play in year 3, contrary to public statements made by MU.
In this day and age, probably a decent chance he may still get an extra year... but it probably wouldn't be a certainty until another 15+ months from now, and by the book is a no.
Quote from: Scoop Snoop on January 27, 2026, 02:47:08 PMAdd "and for those who think I'm going refuse to offer more than any current member of the team makes? Think again. That ship has sailed. Or maybe I should say sunk."
He's not going to say anything near what you or I wrote dgies, but it's fun to write posts like ours.
It will be more fun to see not what he says but what he does.
Quote from: muwarrior69 on January 27, 2026, 03:14:54 PMIt will be more fun to see not what he says but what he does.
It won't be
any fun if he says "Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead! " and he stays with RGV as his operating system untouched.
Oh, it will be fun. Of a different sort.
Quote from: Jay Bee on January 27, 2026, 02:59:02 PMUmmm, what are you talking about?
1. 34% is considered average or ok 3 pt shooting percentage. At or above 37% is considered good.
10-33 bad
11-33 decent
12-33 good
13-33 elite
It would be nice if MU shot better.
Quote from: We R Final Four on January 27, 2026, 04:21:08 PM1. 34% is considered average or ok 3 pt shooting percentage. At or above 37% is considered good.
That's what YOU consider good, perhaps. But that silly comment wasn't what I was axin about... you said, "There is exactly one player in the Big East (Lindsay Nova 38%) who fits that criteria."... I am not sure what you're trying to state?
Quote from: Jay Bee on January 27, 2026, 05:41:31 PMThat's what YOU consider good, perhaps. But that silly comment wasn't what I was axin about... you said, "There is exactly one player in the Big East (Lindsay Nova 38%) who fits that criteria."... I am not sure what you're trying to state?
Based upon Captain Quette's parameters........that there is currently one "good" three pointer shooter currently in the Big East.
Quote from: We R Final Four on January 27, 2026, 06:44:33 PMBased upon Captain Quette's parameters........that there is currently one "good" three pointer shooter currently in the Big East.
https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/conferences/big-east/men/2026-stats.html
There are 19 players in the Big East shooting over 38% and making at least 1 3P per game
Read it wrong. My bad.
Quote from: We R Final Four on January 27, 2026, 06:44:33 PMBased upon Captain Quette's parameters........that there is currently one "good" three pointer shooter currently in the Big East.
#FakeNews #Lies
You may be querying something stupid that is not within the good Captain's parameters. How a college basketball fan could honestly think there was one guy shooting over 36% in the Big East from 3 is insane. Very concerned for your mental health.
To WIN the 3FG% award, there are tight constraints (M2N won at 54.7% as a frosh.. all praise due).
This season there may be ~125 guys in all of D1 college basketball who qualify for the award. Obviously you wouldn't want to award it to a guy who goes 1/1 all year... but, the restriction is very TIGHT.
There are plenty of guys in the BEast shooting 36%+ from 3. Good fricken grief.
Fricken Lindsay's teammates Askew (35/79 for 44.3%) and Hodge (37/98 for 37.8%) are among those.
Come to reality, bub.
Quote from: We R Final Four on January 27, 2026, 08:54:20 AMDo you really believe that Shaka will bring in "3 good portal players " next year?
2-3
I'd be surprised if it's less than 2.
Why? Simply because Zaide has left and I'd be very surprised if Marquette didn't have 2 of the following 3 transfer out
Sean Jones, Tre Norman, Caedin Hamilton.
Not trying to chase anyone out, but that's 3 open schollies if 2 transfer. That doesn't mention a possible surprise exit like Josh feeling like he's ready for big time minutes at a smaller program, trying to work his way back to a future NIL at a P5 program as an example
No inside info all just speculative.
I just can't see a world where less than 2-3 spots are open to fill.
As for the portal... I think Shaka is MORE active if this season ends well because he will want to complement what he has
I think he goes with a defensive oriented/experienced 5 and a stud/star scorer. I'd wager a 2/3 or pure shooting/combo guard for the second if he can't get an elite wing.
That would leave Nigel/Adrien/Royce/DO and a few able bodied difference maker portalers to go along with the young guys and frosh. I like where that could go
Quote from: DoctorV on January 27, 2026, 11:28:28 PM2-3
I'd be surprised if it's less than 2.
Why? Simply because Zaide has left and I'd be very surprised if Marquette didn't have 2 of the following 3 transfer out
Sean Jones, Tre Norman, Caedin Hamilton.
Not trying to chase anyone out, but that's 3 open schollies if 2 transfer. That doesn't mention a possible surprise exit like Josh feeling like he's ready for big time minutes at a smaller program, trying to work his way back to a future NIL at a P5 program as an example
No inside info all just speculative.
I just can't see a world where less than 2-3 spots are open to fill.
As for the portal... I think Shaka is MORE active if this season ends well because he will want to complement what he has
I think he goes with a defensive oriented/experienced 5 and a stud/star scorer. I'd wager a 2/3 or pure shooting/combo guard for the second if he can't get an elite wing.
That would leave Nigel/Adrien/Royce/DO and a few able bodied difference maker portalers to go along with the young guys and frosh. I like where that could go
Hope you're right about the "transfers" out.
With Nigel in the process of cementing himself as a potential star who has earned big minutes, I'd be surprised if Sean doesn't look for an opportunity elsewhere where he can start.
Of course, if he does move on that leaves a hole at backup PG and I'd argue our two biggest portal needs would be a starting center and a starting wing.
Nothing would surprise me regarding Sean. Some people would be fine collecting whatever he's going to get in NIL next year and play a backup role. He would likely take a pay cut in order to drop down to a level where he would start and play 30+ mpg. He also, in theory, would be getting his degree this spring, no idea if that would play a factor. It's also pretty clear that his mom/family are completely bought into Shaka's RGV if you see some of the tweets that she's had while he's been injured.
If he wants to stay in a reduced role, that'd be fine, if he wants to move on, I'd also be okay with that. I think the only thing that won't happen is Shaka forcing him out.
Quote from: dgies9156 on January 27, 2026, 02:41:38 PMWe lost to DePaul, for heaven's sake. DePaul. You get fired at Marquette for losing to DePaul!
FWIW I've seen waaaaaay better Marquette teams lose to waaaaay worse DePaul teams.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on January 28, 2026, 12:21:28 PMWith Nigel in the process of cementing himself as a potential star who has earned big minutes, I'd be surprised if Sean doesn't look for an opportunity elsewhere where he can start.
Of course, if he does move on that leaves a hole at backup PG and I'd argue our two biggest portal needs would be a starting center and a starting wing.
Combo guard. Like a Chase Ross who can handle the ball a bit better.
And a 5.
Quote from: MU82 on January 28, 2026, 01:44:52 PMCombo guard. Like a Chase Ross who can handle the ball a bit better.
And a 5.
This. Need a big guard who can handle some PG duties but is big enough to guard 2/3 so he can play with Nigel without us sacrificing size defensively. No more stupid Nigel/Sean type lineups.
Between Nigel, Stevens developing and the transfer above we'd be back to having multiple creators. Need to take some of that pressure off Nigel.
Everyones favorite option Minessale actually fits that role pretty much perfectly.
Quote from: JTJ3 on January 28, 2026, 02:08:00 PMThis. Need a big guard who can handle some PG duties but is big enough to guard 2/3 so he can play with Nigel without us sacrificing size defensively. No more stupid Nigel/Sean type lineups.
Between Nigel, Stevens developing and the transfer above we'd be back to having multiple creators. Need to take some of that pressure off Nigel.
Everyones favorite option Minessale actually fits that role pretty much perfectly.
I don't know anything about him except for seeing him mentioned here. Can he hit a 3?
Quote from: MU82 on January 28, 2026, 02:14:09 PMI don't know anything about him except for seeing him mentioned here. Can he hit a 3?
No. And I'd rather have a lockdown defender, and don't think Minessale is that.
I'd be happy to have him on the roster, if we have a defensive wing and defensive big added to the roster as well.
"We lost to DePaul, for heaven's sake. DePaul. You get fired at Marquette for losing to DePaul!"
Buzz lost to DePaul......so did Crean .....neither got fired.
DePaul actually has a head coach now......they likely won't be the dumpster fire program they were for most of the last 20 years.
Wojo lost to DePaul.....does anybody really think that is why he was let go?
It's been a very difficult year......we don't need to invent things to make it look even worse.
Quote from: wadesworld on January 28, 2026, 02:17:32 PMI'd rather have a lockdown defender, and don't think Minessale is that.
Like Stevie penning that smart-ass Xavier player
twice against the out-of-bounds line at the end of a game that seemed lost to Xavier at Fiserv. I loved Stevie's "you're not going
anywhere!"
Just one of many great memories of him.
Quote from: wadesworld on January 28, 2026, 02:17:32 PMNo. And I'd rather have a lockdown defender, and don't think Minessale is that.
I'd be happy to have him on the roster, if we have a defensive wing and defensive big added to the roster as well.
Does Shane Battier have eligibility left?
Quote from: MU82 on January 28, 2026, 02:39:08 PMDoes Shane Battier have eligibility left?
Probably, knowing the NCAA these days.