This team is improving. We need to find a way to amp it up on the road and for Ben & Chase to play better. The first 20 mins was a pleasure to witness.
Nigel saying he could windmill dunk freshman year in high school..
Marquette basketball is... fun again?? Someone pinch me.
Tower's in the bathroom.
I loved this...BUT, let's say we get a few more W's like tnite... does Shaka bring in a dude from the portal to help the inside game, or double down on RGV?
Ben is simply missing wide open shots. It's puzzling for a career 37% 3pt shooter.
As for Chase it's a combination of a lot of things and I can't seem to wrap my head around it. It's the decision making on his drives at times that is inexplicable to me for a player of his experience. Again, I'm not saying we're a tournament team if they balled the way we know they're capable, but we would definitely be competing for a berth imo.
Quote from: MuggsyB on January 27, 2026, 10:55:48 PMBen is simply missing wide open shots. It puzzling for a career 37% 3pt shooter.
As for Chase it's a combination of a lot of things and I can't seem to wrap my head around it. It's the decision making on his drives at times that is inexplicable to me for a player of his experience. Again, I'm not saying we're a tournament team if they balled the way we know they're capable, but we would definitely be competing for a berth imo.
There is no decision-making on his drives - that's the Fing problem!
Nigel's Vert?
'40. ??
Quote from: mileskishnish72 on January 27, 2026, 11:00:14 PMThere is no decision-making on his drives - that's the Fing problem!
Touche. Drives me up the fking wall. I don't really get it.
Quote from: Viper on January 27, 2026, 10:55:37 PMI loved this...BUT, let's say we get a few more W's like tnite... does Shaka bring in a dude from the portal to help the inside game, or double down on RGV?
I'll say sheek is an instant upgrade down low.. not sure if Shaka should use that last scholly on a big or another 2 guard.
Hard to keep up such a level intensity when you're up 30 at halftime but I wish they wouldn't have started settling for the 3 so much in the 2nd half.
Yes, you add a portal center that can rebound and shoot a decent 3 point percentage. Ross can be replaced by what you have. To bad Ben can not shoot the ball anymore, hard to believe he has not learned to put some arch on his shot.
Quote from: Johnny B on January 27, 2026, 11:00:52 PMI'll say sheek is an instant upgrade down low.. not sure if Shaka should use that last scholly on a big or another 2 guard.
Can Sheek immediately play the 5?
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on January 27, 2026, 11:01:46 PMHard to keep up such a level intensity when you're up 30 at halftime but I wish they wouldn't have started settling for the 3 so much in the 2nd half.
.
They were also milking the clock. I didn't like that.
Creighton isn't as good as years past, but they're no cupcake either. To have our top four scorers be underclassmen in an absolute beat down says there's a foundation to be built upon.
Yes Muggs
What a relief
First extremely fun night in what seems like over a year for Marquette bball.
We've got something, I think
Budding Star in Nigel, nice BE backcourt with him and Adrien. Parham/Owens and Phillips give the team some "bigs" to work with.
Parham is a BE Player and it's very important that him and Nigel build a friendship/rapport to carry this team for the next few seasons
Also, and most important, coach Shaka is still bought in.
The sense of relief he had really made me feel at ease.
Let get one at SH on Saturday!
I think we have enough of a sample size to know that Nigel isn't guardable if he's lacing his jumper. His missed J's tonight were exciting because he created wide open space. He kind of reminds me of a smaller Donovan Mitchell.
I don't know, MU lost the 2nd half
Quote from: Johnny B on January 27, 2026, 11:00:52 PMI'll say sheek is an instant upgrade down low.. not sure if Shaka should use that last scholly on a big or another 2 guard.
We'll have room to add both. Which is good, if we can add a legit guard and big to the returning group we will rebound in a big way next year.
Quote from: MuggsyB on January 27, 2026, 11:02:14 PMCan Sheek immediately play the 5?
If he eats enough steak and potatoes over the next 8 months
Man that was such an enjoyable first half of basketball...and comfortable enough cruise control in the second half that I was still impressed by. Don't think it ever got below 15 and that was with like 2 minutes left.
I've said it in about 10 different threads but I'm just blown away at Royce's improvement. He's not just more aggressive going to the rim, he's destroying people damn near every time. And playing much better defense, I think he blocked 3 or 4 shots tonight. 19 and 7 on 9-11 shooting? Fantastic.
There are really no more superlatives left for Nigel. Kid is an absolute star and watching him get to his spots constantly at his size and his age is remarkable. More consistency with his 3-point shooting and he's unguardable. 21, 7, 5 with only 1 turnover.
Not sure if it's been said but I'm really proud of how Adrien played tonight too. He's kinda struggled the last couple games like you'd expect but in any other season he'd be the freshman you got most excited about. Damarius wasn't as involved tonight but hit 2 big threes to keep Creighton at bay.
And finally, Tre Norman only played 3 minutes. Don't mean to sound harsh cause he seems like a great guy, but our freshman and sophomores leading us to a blowout win and Tre inching ever closer to walk-on status is best case scenario.
That was Marquette basketball, keep Stevie around as a GA, Shaka! Can't wait for Saturday.
Can't be enough said about Nigel he is a star and to watch Parham evolve into a man on a mission under the rim was thrilling.
Quote from: Johnny B on January 27, 2026, 11:59:39 PMIf he eats enough steak and potatoes over the next 8 months
Well, feed the young man.
Would not be surprised, maybe even next year, becomes an assistant coach at MU. I believe he would be a great recruiter.
Quote from: onepost on January 28, 2026, 12:13:24 AMMan that was such an enjoyable first half of basketball...and comfortable enough cruise control in the second half that I was still impressed by. Don't think it ever got below 15 and that was with like 2 minutes left.
I've said it in about 10 different threads but I'm just blown away at Royce's improvement. He's not just more aggressive going to the rim, he's destroying people damn near every time. And playing much better defense, I think he blocked 3 or 4 shots tonight. 19 and 7 on 9-11 shooting? Fantastic.
There are really no more superlatives left for Nigel. Kid is an absolute star and watching him get to his spots constantly at his size and his age is remarkable. More consistency with his 3-point shooting and he's unguardable. 21, 7, 5 with only 1 turnover.
Not sure if it's been said but I'm really proud of how Adrien played tonight too. He's kinda struggled the last couple games like you'd expect but in any other season he'd be the freshman you got most excited about. Damarius wasn't as involved tonight but hit 2 big threes to keep Creighton at bay.
And finally, Tre Norman only played 3 minutes. Don't mean to sound harsh cause he seems like a great guy, but our freshman and sophomores leading us to a blowout win and Tre inching ever closer to walk-on status is best case scenario.
That was Marquette basketball, keep Stevie around as a GA, Shaka! Can't wait for Saturday.
RGVs!!
Quote from: WellsstreetWanderer on January 28, 2026, 12:33:09 AMCan't be enough said about Nigel he is a star and to watch Parham evolve into a man on a mission under the rim was thrilling.
wow, what a great game. This is the Marquette team we've all been waiting for. Owens adds a lot to the lineup. And its good to see Clark play more.
Quote from: Stretchdeltsig on January 28, 2026, 06:24:50 AMwow, what a great game. This is the Marquette team we've all been waiting for. Owens adds a lot to the lineup. And its good to see Clark play more.
I mean I guess 3 is more than 0, but it still would've been nice to see him w more run in the 2nd half.instead of Caedin. 3 boards a bucket and a block in 3 minutes isn't bad (even with the TO). You can't teach tall.
#FREEJOSH
Quote from: Newsdreams on January 28, 2026, 01:32:34 AMRGVs!!
A reason to celebrate tonight, but focus on the Vs. If we win at SH and Nova then I'll be more optimistic about next season. We were good but Creighton did not play great last night. I want us to win and would be overjoyed with a successful team. Now if we can play like we did tonight for 4 straight at the BET then will have something.
It was an awesome game to watch. I was working so I missed the stretch where we went from 12-9 to 29-16 (came back from a run and immediately thought "holy crap what happened") but they played with energy and mostly maintained their intensity. I saw a lot more wanting to win from Chase than the slumped shoulders I feel we've too often seen.
For those in the building, was there a dry eye after the Stevie tribute?
Quote from: Newsdreams on January 27, 2026, 11:17:06 PMI don't know, MU lost the 2nd half
Wouldn't that be something if the halves were reversed. Down by 5 , but win by 24. That would be real growth.
Quote from: DoctorV on January 27, 2026, 11:11:09 PMYes Muggs
What a relief
First extremely fun night in what seems like over a year for Marquette bball.
We've got something, I think
Budding Star in Nigel, nice BE backcourt with him and Adrien. Parham/Owens and Phillips give the team some "bigs" to work with.
Parham is a BE Player and it's very important that him and Nigel build a friendship/rapport to carry this team for the next few seasons
Also, and most important, coach Shaka is still bought in.
The sense of relief he had really made me feel at ease.
Let get one at SH on Saturday!
Seems to me since Lowery left some guys have really stepped up and improved play.
Quote from: Newsdreams on January 27, 2026, 11:17:06 PMI don't know, MU lost the 2nd half
Thanks for filling in for Rico. ;D
Shaka emphasized character in his presser.
Chase roasted Adrien. Particularly at the end. Older brother, younger brother vibe.
Quote from: Scoop Snoop on January 28, 2026, 09:30:46 AMThanks for filling in for Rico. ;D
Is Rico alright? Not posting as much.
He needed a break from the negativity.
The team seems to have done a 180 on general vibes and energy since coming back from the break. Not sure what the hell was going on behind the scenes in November/December but I think they've overcome that as Shaka alluded to. I don't want to get too carried away because we've still been outclassed by the top 2 teams in their gym and have let a few other ones slip away as well, but there's definitely a lot more reason for optimism than there was just a few weeks ago.
I'm not sensing any frustration from Shaka or the players. It was nice to hear Nigel say "We're building something here" in his postgame interview. Parham is being repeatedly told that he is not shooting enough, which I imagine is a lot better for him to hear than the alternative. Excited to see how the rest of the season plays out. Playing Friday night at the Garden in the BET semis is an achievable goal for this team.
You can really see the confidence in Royce in how aggressive he is now in the paint. He's been finishing well, no hesitation, dunking over guys.
It's nice that he has the versatility to hit some 3s but hopefully that aggressiveness in the pain remains a focal point.
The light has definitely gone on for him.
Quote from: Viper on January 27, 2026, 10:55:37 PMI loved this...BUT, let's say we get a few more W's like tnite... does Shaka bring in a dude from the portal to help the inside game, or double down on RGV?
Agree loved last night But We are last in NET and Kenpom in the Big East yet.
School applications will probably trend downward after this year. Feel If we RGV again we will lose again both at the school and on the court. Feel Season Ticket holders will start trending downward if we RGV again. We Need Portal help.
Quote from: tower912 on January 28, 2026, 07:05:37 AMFor those in the building, was there a dry eye after the Stevie tribute?
One of my favorite parts of the whole game last night is Stevie in the background of Nigel's tomahawk dunk. Pure joy and the jump in unison with Nigel is awesome.
Very cool and deserving for Stevie to be honored with that award. No doubt one of my all time favorite players and someone I will be very interested in seeing what he does long term. He is so impressive and easy to root for as a person.
Quote from: Scoop Snoop on January 28, 2026, 09:30:46 AMThanks for filling in for Rico. ;D
Couldn't, but will try my best ;D
Quote from: tower912 on January 28, 2026, 11:03:28 AMHe needed a break from the negativity.
Scoop negativity? Stop lying my friend.
Quote from: muwarrior69 on January 28, 2026, 11:02:32 AMIs Rico alright? Not posting as much.
He fell into the ever widening gap.
Quote from: tower912 on January 28, 2026, 07:05:37 AMFor those in the building, was there a dry eye after the Stevie tribute?
Very emotional. Usually do not stay but We stayed for the tribute and most others did too. Stuffed the Ballot box for Stevie to help Stevie win PA State player of the Year in HS. Stevie is an awesome person and a person for others. He stays and talks to everyone until they are finished talking. Stevie gives the ultimate effort for his team. Wish Stevie all the best.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on January 28, 2026, 11:12:32 AMYou can really see the confidence in Royce in how aggressive he is now in the paint. He's been finishing well, no hesitation, dunking over guys.
It's nice that he has the versatility to hit some 3s but hopefully that aggressiveness in the pain remains a focal point.
The light has definitely gone on for him.
Yup, it's the dunks. The first time Royce muscled in and did one a couple/few weeks ago, I was like, "OK, where did THAT come from?" But he's had several since, and they've all sent a message. He's also had several overpowering drives ending in baskets (albeit not dunks) that have been impressive. Love seeing this version of him!
It is almost like he has improved.
Quote from: tower912 on January 28, 2026, 02:08:53 PMIt is almost like he has improved.
Shaka doesn't develop players. OMax, Kolek, Oso, and Kam were all on the fast track to the NBA from their freshman year of college on, and Jop never developed at Marquette.
Agreed.
Quote from: tower912 on January 28, 2026, 02:08:53 PMIt is almost like he has improved.
Agree, but also a different mindset. Which of course is all part of improvement.
All positive comments belong only in positive thread please.
Agree it was a very fun night. Trying to be positive Marquette Basketball has had DOUBLE DIGIT WINS in EVERY SEASON SINCE 64-65 for over 60 Years and this Marquette team probably will too. But to stay positive aim for the post season NIT or Crown this year.
Quote from: MarquetteMike1977 on January 28, 2026, 03:09:36 PMAgree it was a very fun night. Trying to be positive Marquette Basketball has had DOUBLE DIGIT WINS in EVERY SEASON SINCE 64-65 for over 60 Years and this Marquette team probably will too. But to stay positive aim for the post season NIT or Crown this year.
Top teams from the conferences that don't go to NCAA have to go to Crown, so it is Crown or NIT
Quote from: wadesworld on January 28, 2026, 02:16:26 PMShaka doesn't develop players. OMax, Kolek, Oso, and Kam were all on the fast track to the NBA from their freshman year of college on, and Jop never developed at Marquette.
Let's not start this trope again. Have to have the talent to work with. Need talent mentally and physically to develop into alphas. All those players above had it in them before Shaka got his hands on them. TRGV. Is Shaka a good coach? Hell yeah! But talent evaluation will make or break him or any coach.
Quote from: Shooter McGavin on January 28, 2026, 07:44:35 PMLet's not start this trope again. Have to have the talent to work with. Need talent mentally and physically to develop into alphas. All those players above had it in them before Shaka got his hands on them. TRGV. Is Shaka a good coach? Hell yeah! But talent evaluation will make or break him or any coach.
Yeah, no kidding. But the idea that any coach would've gotten what Shaka got out of Oso, Kolek, Kam, or OMax is just crazy talk. Those guys were far from guaranteed NBA players.
^^^ All fine, but I again go back to crazy personnel deployment and other in game decisions by the staff being eff'd this year. This hasn't been just a roster issue. That has been compounded by poor decisions, which is also a significant concern. #pray
Quote from: wadesworld on January 28, 2026, 07:48:08 PMYeah, no kidding. But the idea that any coach would've gotten what Shaka got out of Oso, Kolek, Kam, or OMax is just crazy talk. Those guys were far from guaranteed NBA players.
He lays a good foundation to develop the talent that the players have. He nutures them in a positive way. But that was a really good crop of talent he had to start with at MU. He brought them in so it's a credit to him. His talent evaluation was spot on.