Play the same defense we have the last four games, get a win, and put up a fight tomorrow and I'll feel as good as I can heading into next year.
I think we should take this one.
XAVIER IS EVIL AND MUST BE DESTROYED!!
Saw the spread Marquette -4.5 on FOX Sports and Marquette -3.5 on ESPN
How disgusted I am that even the tournament has games on freakin peacock....
The days of sailing the 7 seas is returning boys!
Hope Marquette survives to play another day (this season).
Let's take care of business. Exterminate X with zero mercy. :)
The road to the national championship starts today
Quote from: Judge Smails on March 11, 2026, 05:25:19 PMThe road to the national championship starts today
i know its not happening but makes the games more fun to act like this team could go crazy and make the NCAAs :0.
The game is also on NBC Sports Network if you don't love peacock.
Can Chase take some momentum from the last 8 mins of the UCONN game?
Find Carroll.
Quote from: BM1090 on March 11, 2026, 05:36:03 PMThe game is also on NBC Sports Network if you don't love peacock.
That peacock bitrate is possibly the worst thing I've seen this year.
X going zone.
Great steal. Nigel needs to dime that.
Brutal defensive start from Stevens. Blow by's, out of position, etc.
Gotta be more patient offensively and attack. Overhelping on D as well.
This is exactly how we started defensively at Xavier. They went up big in that one.
We battled all the way back early in the 2nd half but it wasn't enough. This Xavier team can light it up.
Quote from: rccola42 on March 11, 2026, 05:49:29 PMBrutal defensive start from Stevens. Blow by's, out of position, etc.
Good point.
Quote from: rccola42 on March 11, 2026, 05:49:29 PMBrutal defensive start from Stevens. Blow by's, out of position, etc.
Carrol is forcing help, which is getting MU out of position.
Caedin in.
Ughhh.
Shaka still doing questionable things.
Two big hoops from Chase. LFG!
Holy Hell!!! WTF????
Hasn't that happened twice?
WTF
That o-reb for X can't happen or that turn.
We teally need to wake up.
nigel has no buisness risking a foul there..
God, Ham sucks.
Going to be run out of the gym if this effort continues. Can't even figure out the defensive matchups going down the court.
Parham needs to triple the time in the weight room this offseason.
Hamilton and Norman being in the game at the same time won't cause any problems.
Not thrilled with this line-up.
Caedin is death
Alright Caedin is funny when the games don't matter but ya gotta get him out of there
Nigel is settling too much early.
Hamilton's inability to layups still astounds me
Shaka continues to make some eff'd decisions
Quote from: jfp61 on March 11, 2026, 05:56:44 PMCaedin is death
cant stand the one or two people acting like he earned the back up spot next year because a few nice plays vs uconn ::)
Wow. Brutal D from Norman.
Need more of that.
The D has regressed.
Not getting 100% effort from Tre.
U12 were down 23-14. Good news is the reason we're losing is our staff is doing their normal stupid fuking personnel choices.
Stop f&cking around.
This is what scares me about the future. I don't understand the basic deployment decisions.
It's depressing to watch Tre chase guys who've gone by him in for a layup.
Norman better make these FT's. Not a
good stretch at all.
Don't like the musical chairs or our switching defense. X on pace for 100.
Top 10 defense since Jan?
Norman getting smoked on D and provides nothing on O. Getting the ball to Gold for the pass to Parham is the only semblance of zone offense that I've seen from MU.
I've been on the "I'm alright with keeping one of Tre/Caedin next year as a third stringer next year" line of thought for awhile, and they've both had some good moments in the last month or so, but watching this little string of play has brought me back down to earth REAL quick. You can't justify the combo of these two guys getting consistent real minutes on a good team, you just can't.
scoring at X 60% MU 28%.
Tre and Caedin are low and I mean low mid majors, has to say goodbye to them.
Quote from: CountryRoads on March 11, 2026, 06:00:38 PMNot getting 100% effort from Tre.
He had a terrible stretch there. And in all aspects of the game. Puzzled with Shaka's decision.
This still feels like a repeat of our last game against X.
Quote from: Jay Bee on March 11, 2026, 06:01:08 PMU12 were down 23-14. Good news is the reason we're losing is our staff is doing their normal stupid fuking personnel choices.
Stop f&cking around.
This is what scares me about the future. I don't understand the basic deployment decisions.
50% of the roster needs to be gone.
Nice to see Shaka fired up
Quote from: Jay Bee on March 11, 2026, 06:01:08 PMU12 were down 23-14. Good news is the reason we're losing is our staff is doing their normal stupid fuking personnel choices.
Stop f&cking around.
This is what scares me about the future. I don't understand the basic deployment decisions.
Its hard to just never rest anyone..but yeah ham and tre at the same time is a no
Missed a couple of easy trailers that would have scored
MP coming in?
Tre gotta go..
Absolutely disgusting. This staff is fukd
Norman continues to get schooled on D
Norman has been an absolute disaster. Should not re-enter the game.
Adrien needs to shoot that or attack.
Quote from: Jay Bee on March 11, 2026, 06:01:08 PMU12 were down 23-14. Good news is the reason we're losing is our staff is doing their normal stupid fuking personnel choices.
Stop f&cking around.
This is what scares me about the future. I don't understand the basic deployment decisions.
we're losing because our starting backcourt is like 0-12
Quote from: BM1090 on March 11, 2026, 06:07:19 PMwe're losing because our starting backcourt is like 0-12
And X shooting 60%
PHILLIPS
Two big hoops there.
MP looking like Glen Rice?
2 dumb fouls from NJ
Quote from: Judge Smails on March 11, 2026, 06:08:04 PMAnd X shooting 60%
Yeah that too. Tre was a disaster defensively.
Quote from: BM1090 on March 11, 2026, 06:07:19 PMwe're losing because our starting backcourt is like 0-12
#fakeNews #Lies
It's our deplorable defense with certain guys. open your eyes
Quote from: Johnny B on March 11, 2026, 06:08:55 PM2 dumb fouls from NJ
don't worry, Norman can fill in well
Tre is done for the evening, and he and Hamilton should never see the floor together. LOVE this little push, MP with a smooth stroke. Work harder.
Getting some stops allowed MU to push the ball and get better looks. It's all about defense.
He sees something we do not see!
Norman is a speed bump....
Hamilton is a blocking dummy.....Emphasis on Bball IQ....
He has a chance to stop a guy on a fast break and verse off not even to contest....
And let James take the foul....A$$ wipe.....
Quote from: jfp61 on March 11, 2026, 06:03:13 PM50% of the roster needs to be gone.
Yes - there is nothing controversial saying the majority of this team shouldn't be back next year after this season.
Why Chase??? Fk.
Made up for it. Let's go now.
Great stretch of basketball
Good run. Don't need NJ to break down the zone with dribbles. MP and AS cna just space them out. Win with defense.
Phillips!!
FIRST TWO OF THE SEASON FOR MIKE
3 shots we didn't need at all.
Great stretch to get back in this one. Loved the effort from this group.
Well done speeding but also need to know when to take a beat. Few quick triggers, love the response.
Either X or MU ate Going 8-) to get tired at the pace. Hopefully X. 8-)
I follow here a bit and think MU is losing by 20 and I check the score and it's tied.
The 4th best prospect among this year's active roster is Phillips.
Norman is not a player at this level.
Need to relax a bit but huge run without Nigel
Quote from: #UnleashJosh on March 11, 2026, 03:38:00 PMHow disgusted I am that even the tournament has games on freakin peacock....
The days of sailing the 7 seas is returning boys!
Marquette played Xavier on Peacock in last year's tournament.
Ugly few mins. Focus.
Parham reverting to november
We Are Marquette Go Marquette!!
Quote from: Badgerhater on March 11, 2026, 06:19:55 PMI follow here a bit and think MU is losing by 20 and I check the score and it's tied.
Who is reading the game thread before checking the score :D
Had a good chance to stretch this out. Sloppy offensively to close.
Phillips has made a pair of two's after going 0-11 in the first 4 months of the season. Hilarious. Let's go MU
Ugly for long stretches but given the early deficit, NJ foul trouble, and our starting backcourt going 3-16, a tie feels okay
MU really shaky on offense. Could be worse than being tied. X is really collapsing to cut off James. Good to close the gap with James on the bench.
I've been a Tre backer but tonight he's been just awful. If he were a frosh it would be one thing, but jeez.
Phillips played well, did Shaka hurt him by playing Norman all year?
Quote from: Badgerhater on March 11, 2026, 06:19:55 PMI follow here a bit and think MU is losing by 20 and I check the score and it's tied.
For the first time ever I'll defend the game thread. The first ten minutes was ugly as hell
Stop being stupid and annihilate these cinci fuks. #ZipEm
Piss poor enough point shooting and piss poor defense. Lucky to be tied.
Chase and MP had a good few mins. But we need to be way more patient offensively. There are good 3's and bad 3's. We took a bunch of bad ones.
Outside of James, Stevens, Parham, Phillips (maybe), and the redshirts, I wouldn't get too worked up about anyone leaving MU. Really some guys that don't have the talent or the hoops IQ.
X's zone is softer than a baby's buttocks.
As the announcers are saying ...
STOP settling for 3s ! MU 5 for 20 !
Ughhhh
Quote from: Zog from Margo on March 11, 2026, 06:31:14 PMOutside of James, Stevens, Parham, Phillips (maybe), and the redshirts, I wouldn't get too worked up about anyone leaving MU. Really some guys that don't have the talent or the hoops IQ.
I'd only get worked up if they don't go lol
No foul problems, no turnover problems, no rebounding problems.
Problem is they are three happy Shaka offense. On pace for 40 threes and they are 5 for 20. Stevens and James have been brutal, but still a tie game. If they keep it up with three happy and keep other issues intact, make some more threes and they have this game.
Quote from: nyg on March 11, 2026, 06:33:49 PMNo foul problems, no turnover problems, no rebounding problems.
Problem is they are three happy Shaka offense. On pace for 40 threes and they are 5 for 20. Stevens and James have been brutal, but still a tie game. If they keep it up with three happy and keep other issues intact, make some more threes and they have this game.
Nigel and Adrien have to play better. It's that simple.
Xavier sucks. Be not stupid as fuk with personnel deployment and there's a high probability we win.
Quote from: The Sultan on March 11, 2026, 06:20:45 PMMarquette played Xavier on Peacock in last year's tournament.
Also on NBCSN for those you have YoutubeTV or Xfinity. Picture is actually better than Peacock itself.
Quote from: Jay Bee on March 11, 2026, 06:37:10 PMXavier sucks. Be not stupid as fuk with personnel deployment and there's a high probability we win.
I didn't like DO, CH, and TN being on the floor together. At all.
Quote from: Jay Bee on March 11, 2026, 06:37:10 PMXavier sucks. Be not stupid as fuk with personnel deployment and there's a high probability we win.
R u drunk?
Quote from: Mr. Nielsen on March 11, 2026, 06:37:58 PMAlso on NBCSN for those you have YoutubeTV or Xfinity. Picture is actually better than Peacock itself.
I can't find it on Hulu. :(
Man. We've gotten burned backdoor 3 times.
Jesus. 3 fouls ub 1.5 mins?
All on Stevens
Adrien dumbass fouls.
Owens getting schooled out there.
Damarius got rinsed twice in a row but nice little interjection there on the sideline
Seniors gotta knock down those wide open threes
Man they just cannot make an open 3. James has forced a couple but most of these are wide open.
The bricked 3's are getting ridiculous. Very concerning.
I will be happy to see Ben Goldbrick leave, so many wide open shots he can not make! Sad
Not sure about that double in the corner. No threat there.
Ben's been so important today. Not in the box score, but on the floor he's been huge.
We'll have 'em in the bonus in no time.
Hamilton smoked.
DAMARIUS GET OFF THE ROSTER
Chase keeps gambling and losing out. Also Damarius no awareness
Smoked twice.
Thus has turned to crap! Wake up! Caedin burned twice! We look like our team early in the season.
This is literally fuking crazy. Put Shaka in prison
Too many clueless players
Nice D Hamilton
Quote from: Jay Bee on March 11, 2026, 06:53:55 PMThis is literally fuking crazy. Put Shaka in prison
Whoa that was a rough stretch. Immediate free fall.
5 for 24 from 3 !!
UGHHHH ....
That's gotta change or this is an L
Dumpster 🔥 stretch. No idea why we are panicking out there.
Shaka needs to add a shooter and a capable big so, so bad next year. This is ridiculous.
Probably the worst collection of bigs in school history?
It's cruel to put Ham out there.
Brings in Caedin, they get 2 layups off him, Shaka just does not get it, awful
First half subs were weird. Not sure what you want Shaka to do there though. Ben can't play 40.
Quote from: BCHoopster on March 11, 2026, 06:56:37 PMBrings in Caedin, they get 2 layups off him, Shaka just does not get it, awful
I think he got it since he immediately took him out. Ben is gassed.
Did better in there with Phillips
MP played well in tbe 1H. Surprised Shaka has gone with DO.
Not sure about Shaka's assessment that Hamilton is MU's best defender. Yikes.
The lack of adjustments on offense is concerning. X forcing MU to take 3s and MU can't shoot. A story as old as time.
Owens is an " athlete " ... NOT a basketball player
Maybe he can do the hurdles for the track team?
Piss poor piss poor 3 point shooting and defense
How on earth did Michael Phillips get us back into this game? Only to then have to watch Hamilton and Owens suck wind.
Al used to call the top of the key shot the college layup
Quote from: BM1090 on March 11, 2026, 06:57:16 PMI think he got it since he immediately took him out. Ben is gassed.
Go small.
Damarius just doesn't know where he's going on the floor. Two straight awful turnovers because one moment he's on-ball and runs to nowhere in the short corner, then another Chase starts driving and he clogs the lane instead of being an option in the short corner. Ugh
Does our season end at hands of
Slick Rick Jr again ??
Quote from: basedcringeMU on March 11, 2026, 06:58:42 PMDamarius just doesn't know where he's going on the floor. Two straight awful turnovers because one moment he's on-ball and runs to nowhere in the short corner, then another Chase starts driving and he clogs the lane instead of being an option in the short corner. Ugh
DO is a great athlete but doesn't know how to play. At least he hasn't shown he does.
The coaching this half hasn't been good. Clueless offense.
Wow. Can't win if Adrien and Nigel struggle.
It's uncanny how things immediately turn to cr@p when Hamilton enters the game.
No reason not to just go small instead.
This is goddamn nuts. These are wide-open shots. shades of NC State 2024
Nice effort, Stevens, just watch it go out of bounds.
Terrible terrible roster construction
Looking like an embarrassing loss
Beyond brutal.
We need another guy that can shoot it next year.
Right now Adrien is the only one it feels good when it leaves his hands.
Xavier isnt even good this is just a joke of a performance.. Team is so wildly inconsistant
Quote from: Zog from Margo on March 11, 2026, 07:00:47 PMDO is a great athlete but doesn't know how to play. At least he hasn't shown he does.
The coaching this half hasn't been good. Clueless offense.
It's creating wide open looks.
@withoutbias It's 7pm. Are we allowed to drink yet? Have to not remember the last 4 minutes of game time.
The 3 fouls they called on us as touch fouls could have been called on Xavier the last 5-10 possessions.
The start of the half was called weirdly close for MU on defense, and upset tempo.
Beat UCONN on Saturday; getting schooled by X today
Quote from: Zog from Margo on March 11, 2026, 07:00:47 PMDO is a great athlete but doesn't know how to play. At least he hasn't shown he does.
The coaching this half hasn't been good. Clueless offense.
What makes him a good athlete? Does he have elite speed? Elite shuffle? Does he have elite hopes?
If he is an elite athlete, why is he a bad defender?
Or is he just kinda long
You just cannot be a good team if you won't make open 3s. Commentators saying X have turned up the defense and that's partially true but it also becomes 20x easier to play defense when you don't have to actually respect the 3.
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on March 11, 2026, 07:03:28 PMWe need another guy that can shoot it next year.
Right now Adrien is the only one it feels good when it leaves his hands.
He's 1/9 from 3.
Quote from: Pakuni on March 11, 2026, 07:02:07 PMIt's uncanny how things immediately turn to cr@p when Hamilton enters the game.
No reason not to just go small instead.
Owens has been just as bad today.
The only guys worth playing the rest of the night are the starters plus MP
Quote from: Johnny B on March 11, 2026, 07:04:01 PMXavier isnt even good this is just a joke of a performance.. Team is so wildly inconsistant
X is NOT GOOD. Very upsetting situation.
Our freshmen are playing like freshmen for the first time in awhile. This is the result
Quote from: basedcringeMU on March 11, 2026, 07:02:14 PMThis is goddamn nuts. These are wide-open shots. shades of NC State 2024
Except that team had shooters.
Everyone is missing shots. Not just Ben. Really sucking on 3s and can't get to the paint because X is packing it in and X is saying go shoot your 3s. Ugh
You can not withstand a -17 by Hamilton with an overlapping -9 by Norman in the first half....
Shaka looks bad because he actually played those players....
Would very much like to not get sent home by Richard Pitino two years in a row
We watch the ball a lot instead of hustling to the ball.
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on March 11, 2026, 07:03:28 PMWe need another guy that can shoot it next year.
Right now Adrien is the only one it feels good when it leaves his hands.
[/quote
Strange take today
I confess that I never saw it with Owens and continue not to see it. Pure track athlete out there
We're not forcing many turns either.
But the bottom line is Nigel and Adrien have to find their games. Immediately.
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on March 11, 2026, 07:03:28 PMWe need another guy that can shoot it next year.
Right now Adrien is the only one it feels good when it leaves his hands.
Yeah, he is 1 for 9 from three. They need to hit like 5 in a row to come back if they keep jacking them up. Turnovers along with Shaka three offense are killing the team now. Live or die, been same every game Still early....
The gang that couldn't shoot threes
Clog the paint and we flail.
Piss poor everything, including coaching. This team sucks big time
Huge 10-second stretch
Quote from: BM1090 on March 11, 2026, 07:06:11 PMWould very much like to not get sent home by Richard Pitino two years in a row
For real.
For the guys that say we only need a
" few " portal additions...
MU has 3 BE players. 2 ( graduating)
seniors. THATS IT.
Thatta boy MP.
Quote from: burger on March 11, 2026, 07:06:07 PMYou can not withstand a -17 by Hamilton with an overlapping -9 by Norman in the first half....
Shaka looks bad because he actually played those players....
Is that right?
-17 in a 38-38 game seems unpossible.
MIKEY PHILLIPS
How do you not call an offensive foul on that blatant push off.
How about a 3 second call? Why do they never call that?
Looked like a crazy obvious hook on that basket, but maybe it was the tv angle.
Tough no call after a bunch of touch fouls on Stevens
Fk.
James is tired
Is it a recruiting problem or development problem with the shooting?
Quote from: rccola42 on March 11, 2026, 07:13:09 PMIs it a recruiting problem or development problem with the shooting?
yes
Need to string some stops together
Why are we doubling Carroll there from that spot on the floor?
Wish we could hit wide open threes like that
Quote from: MuggsyB on March 11, 2026, 07:14:52 PMWhy are we doubling Carroll there from that spot on the floor?
Because he traveled?
Quote from: rccola42 on March 11, 2026, 07:13:09 PMIs it a recruiting problem or development problem with the shooting?
Tough to teach touch.
Quote from: MuggsyB on March 11, 2026, 07:14:52 PMWhy are we doubling Carroll there from that spot on the floor?
I actually love the double when a guy turns his back below the foul line, he just made a crazy pass and a great shot.
Quote from: rccola42 on March 11, 2026, 07:13:09 PMIs it a recruiting problem or development problem with the shooting?
Both
Quote from: BM1090 on March 11, 2026, 07:15:57 PMTough to teach touch.
I learned the floater very quickly.
Here's an idea ...
Recruit/ play guys that can make 3 point shots.
First time in BET for the freshmen. Is the moment too big?
Quote from: The Thing on March 11, 2026, 07:17:45 PMFirst time in BET for the freshmen. Is the moment too big?
No.
Why are MU players coached to leave their feet to challenge 3s? They do it so often it has to be intentional
That quick 3 by Nigel was not a good decision.
Ben needs to stop shooting. That's not in rhythm and he's shooting like 23% in big east play. ENOUGH
We just got no D inside.
Ben couldn't guard a parked car
Crunch time
Fought so hard to get back in the game and had the momentum and then NJ and Ben take terrible threes
Quote from: rccola42 on March 11, 2026, 07:24:26 PMBen couldn't guard a parked car
Ben is gassed with no viable sub
Quote from: forgetful on March 11, 2026, 07:19:51 PMNo.
I don't know, it kind of feels like it is. Stevens was a complete no show and NJ has made some really bad decisions.
Quote from: Pakuni on March 11, 2026, 07:09:24 PMIs that right?
-17 in a 38-38 game seems unpossible.
Xavier had a 9 - 0 run this half and an 8 - 0 run in the first half when Hamilton was in the game.....Norman was part of the first half one....
Shaka lost this game....If we lose....
Quote from: basedcringeMU on March 11, 2026, 07:22:03 PMBen needs to stop shooting. That's not in rhythm and he's shooting like 23% in big east play. ENOUGH
His shot form is so messed up. Way too rushed and off balance. It should have been corrected. The decision to shoot that 3 after James bricked a 3 was a bad one.
Ugly shooting is the story. And few points on turns.
Quote from: BM1090 on March 11, 2026, 07:26:14 PMI don't know, it kind of feels like it is. Stevens was a complete no show and NJ has made some really bad decisions.
I think it is the zone. It is making them uncomfortable and leading to most of their shots not being in rhythm.
Ross with a rhythm 3.
Find a way. Just find a way.
Let's go now!
Chase finally decided to show up this season
Was Ben fouled on that put-back?
Omg.
game winning deflection right there
Quote from: Judge Smails on March 11, 2026, 07:32:19 PMChase finally decided to show up this season
Best game in a long time.
crap
Good spot for a bounce pass.
Guys are leaving it all out there
Hooooooooly fk what a defensive play from both sides and what rotten luck to not get the ball back off the deflection. D UP
Man, James telegraphed that a bit and he knows it. What a defensive play, saw the right pass, but so did the defender.
Quote from: mileskishnish72 on March 11, 2026, 07:34:53 PMGood spot for a bounce pass.
Good spot to keep it and finish
Rough games from our two star frosh.
12 on X has been getting a friendly rim
well at least this nightmares over. rich freaking pitino again. X sucks
Damn, even BE freshman of the year is still a freshman. Not good enough, but they kept fighting.
Season over
Nigel, man.
Love his game and thrilled he'll be back, but some terrible decisions in clutch moments this season.
NJJ will learn not to go completely out-of-control.
Well at least this game will leave an awful taste in James' mouth. Lot of motivation for the offseason.
Just cant belive they couldnt get a shot off on the nigel steal
Gooollllldddbruck has been totally useless this game. And was torched again on defense.
Miss, tebound, game winning 3 time?
Quote from: Johnny B on March 11, 2026, 07:38:47 PMJust cant belive they couldnt get a shot off on the nigel steal
Sums up the season in a way.
Ben got rinsed on that Carroll bucket with 30s to go man.
Fts do matter
Of the 8 guys Xavier played today, 5 have no eligibility after this season.
Two 10 points holes to dig out of. Ugh.
Someone mentioned it above, X missed just 1 free throw, we've missed 4. Yeah that'll do it. If you want to lock in next year and control close games better, the FT shooting has got to improve. Hasn't been bad today tbf. But it's never what Xavier have done, and it's why Xavier will win this one (assuming nothing crazy happens in the next 3 seconds)
Quote from: Daniel on March 11, 2026, 07:44:07 PMTwo 10 points holes to dig out of. Ugh.
The Hamilton hole....LOL.....
My biggest takeaway; Fanta is a brutal listen
Quote from: basedcringeMU on March 11, 2026, 07:44:30 PMSomeone mentioned it above, X missed just 1 free throw, we've missed 4. Yeah that'll do it. If you want to lock in next year and control close games better, the FT shooting has got to improve. Hasn't been bad today tbf. But it's never what Xavier have done, and it's why Xavier will win this one (assuming nothing crazy happens in the next 3 seconds)
How about one more made three. MU took 40, yes 40 threes and Shaka does not have anyone who can consistently shoot it. Stevens was great last game, but tonight 1 for 12? That was the ballgame, 40 threes and make 11.
Well thank God I never have to see the kiwi ever play again.
Tough way to end the season.
Playing Norman and Hamilton lost this game, will Shaka do the right move with those two
Kids? It will be interesting
Quote from: Daniel on March 11, 2026, 07:44:07 PMTwo 10 points holes to dig out of. Ugh.
Shoutout Hamilton. Big time. We should bring him back like a handful of scoopers are clamming for.
Not sure there would have been time left, but that was Marquette's ball if Nigel hadn't tried to save it.
Quote from: nyg on March 11, 2026, 07:47:37 PMHow about one more made three. MU took 40, yes 40 threes and Shaka does not have anyone who can consistently shoot it. Stevens was great last game, but tonight 1 for 12? That was the ballgame, 40 threes and make 11.
No doubt this was the biggest prob.
Quote from: #UnleashJosh on March 11, 2026, 07:47:52 PMWell thank God I never have to see the kiwi ever play again.
We get the Tasmanian Devil
Fitting end to the season. Low IQ hoops, bad shooting, and a reversion to early season bad defense. Need to unload a lot of guys off this roster and need to recruit much differently if you're going to take 40 3s a game.
Quote from: #UnleashJosh on March 11, 2026, 07:04:09 PM@withoutbias
It's 7pm. Are we allowed to drink yet? Have to not remember the last 4 minutes of game time.
Bruh. This game / season sucked. Enjoy your drinks, I will too. I pray for the day (a year from now hopefully) we can meet up in person and cheers to how great the program is.
WE ARE MARQUETTE
Quote from: Norm on March 11, 2026, 07:43:35 PMOf the 8 guys Xavier played today, 5 have no eligibility after this season.
Should we hang a banner? I dont understand the comment lol.
No worries, Marquette will be much more rested to face next season's Radford.
Hopefully this was the last game we will ever see Hamilton in a Marquette uniform.
Quote from: Jay Bee on March 11, 2026, 07:50:29 PMBruh. This game / season sucked. Enjoy your drinks, I will too. I pray for the day (a year from now hopefully) we can meet up in person and cheers to how great the program is.
WE ARE MARQUETTE
Can I bring the boxing gloves though?
Quote from: mugrad_89 on March 11, 2026, 07:51:05 PMHopefully this was the last game we will ever see Hamilton in a Marquette uniform.
There's around 4 maaaaaybe 5 players who should be in a Marquette uniform next season.
Quote from: #UnleashJosh on March 11, 2026, 07:51:10 PMCan I bring the boxing gloves though?
Ha, not if they're touching me, weirdo
Quote from: #UnleashJosh on March 11, 2026, 07:51:40 PMThere's around 4 maaaaaybe 5 players who should be in a Marquette uniform next season.
You're not allowed to say that. Norman, Jones, and Hamilton need to be back. They deserve it. Growth and relationships.
How many season-enders have we had with a brutal 3-point performance? It a repetitive theme. The same could be said for interior defense.
I've never been so happy for an MU season to end. How sad is that?
Did Phillips see the Floor in the 2nd half???
Quote from: #UnleashJosh on March 11, 2026, 07:47:52 PMWell thank God I never have to see the kiwi ever play again.
Tower and past poster Goose won't have to worry about getting a seat in the Greenroom for the draft. I know he was nicked injury wise, but in his last 22 games:
Threes: 21 for 91 23%. Less than one made three a game.
That really hurt the team offensively in Shaka's scheme. Just a huge regression for a player who really had only one basketball skill, shooting. Didn't work out and wish him the best.
12-20 tells it all
Quote from: nyg on March 11, 2026, 07:57:17 PMTower and past poster Goose won't have to worry about getting a seat in the Greenroom for the draft. I know he was nicked injury wise, but in his last 22 games:
Threes: 21 for 91 23%. Less than one made three a game.
That really hurt the team offensively in Shaka's scheme. Just a huge regression for a player who really had only one basketball skill, shooting. Didn't work out and wish him the best.
I agree with everything but the regression. He never progressed ever. 4 years of the same terrible player.
Quote from: ski44 on March 11, 2026, 07:55:01 PMDid Phillips see the Floor in the 2nd half???
..
For a few mins.
Quote from: #UnleashJosh on March 11, 2026, 08:00:09 PMI agree with everything but the regression. He never progressed ever. 4 years of the same terrible player.
That shows that you don't know anything about basketball.
His shooting may not have improved, but he improved dramatically with his defense and rebounding, considering that he was never meant to be an inside player.
Tough game and tough season. But the boys at least made the last 6 weeks a heck of a lot more entertaining than we all expected in December or early Jan. I for a moment was actually emotionally invested in a game for the first time since early this season.
Would have loved to take another swing at UCONN, but it is what it is. Future looks a lot brighter than it did not long ago.
Thanks to Chase for everything. A true Warrior. Wish the last season was better for man! All the best wishes!
Quote from: wisblue on March 11, 2026, 08:04:07 PMThat shows that you don't know anything about basketball.
His shooting may not have improved, but he improved dramatically with his defense and rebounding, considering that he was never meant to be an inside player.
yup. Totally. Rofl.
Quote from: wisblue on March 11, 2026, 08:04:07 PMThat shows that you don't know anything about basketball.
His shooting may not have improved, but he improved dramatically with his defense and rebounding, considering that he was never meant to be an inside player.
https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/ben-gold-1.html
Enjoy the per 40 and advanced stats even more then the normal stats.
Give Ben a break man. College career just ended. Gave 4 years to MU. Always played hard. Did a great job tipping balls out off the boards tonight. Shooting sucked this year, but let's show some appreciation for the dude on his way out the door.
Quote from: Judge Smails on March 11, 2026, 08:12:10 PMGive Ben a break man. College career just ended. Gave 4 years to MU. Always played hard. Did a great job tipping balls out off the boards tonight. Shooting sucked this year, but let's show some appreciation for the dude on his way out the door.
Ben was tough af. Great Warrior.
It is up to Shaka now to correct some of the roster deficiencies. I hope this is more than lip service. Jones,Hamilton and Norman should not be wearing a MU jersey next season. There is no reason we can not find more suitable replacements
Quote from: JamilJaeJamailJrJuan on March 11, 2026, 08:05:18 PMTough game and tough season. But the boys at least made the last 6 weeks a heck of a lot more entertaining than we all expected in December or early Jan. I for a moment was actually emotionally invested in a game for the first time since early this season.
Would have loved to take another swing at UCONN, but it is what it is. Future looks a lot brighter than it did not long ago.
Thanks to Chase for everything. A true Warrior. Wish the last season was better for man! All the best wishes!
I can't say I was looking forward to the possibility of playing UConn again. When a team pulls a huge upset over a clearly superior opponent, the probability of coming back in a couple of days and beating them again is lower than the probability of beating them the first time.
I'll bet right now they won't be 3 for 21 on three-point shots tomorrow.
Quote from: Judge Smails on March 11, 2026, 08:12:10 PMGive Ben a break man. College career just ended. Gave 4 years to MU. Always played hard. Did a great job tipping balls out off the boards tonight. Shooting sucked this year, but let's show some appreciation for the dude on his way out the door.
Or we could be honest. Ben gold was a bad player on a 12-20 team. I am very very glad he will never touch the ball for Marquette again.
Quote from: #UnleashJosh on March 11, 2026, 08:14:15 PMOr we could be honest. Ben gold was a bad player on a 12-20 team. I am very very glad he will never touch the ball for Marquette again.
You suck, dude.
I'm a little puzzled why we looked surprised by their zone.
Quote from: The Sultan on March 11, 2026, 07:05:04 PMHe's 1/9 from 3.
I'm talking about in general.
Everyone has bad nights. But Adrien is a good shooter. He's the only one on the season when he shot it, it felt like it had a good shot to go in.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on March 11, 2026, 08:15:34 PMYou suck, dude.
Oh darn? Was I too mean to Ben Gold? Maybe if the coaching staff wasn't so far up it's own butt with RGV they could have seen what we all already knew. Ben was not the 5 we needed.
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on March 11, 2026, 08:16:53 PMI'm talking about in general.
Everyone has bad nights. But Adrien is a good shooter. He's the only one on the season when he shot it, it felt like it had a good shot to go in.
I mean.... just unnatural carnal knowledge Nigel james?
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on March 11, 2026, 08:16:53 PMI'm talking about in general.
Everyone has bad nights. But Adrien is a good shooter. He's the only one on the season when he shot it, it felt like it had a good shot to go in.
Ehhh, he was a relatively low usage guy who got looks because of his status on the team. Physically ahead of other frosh. We'll see what next year holds. This team needs some alphas where medium-high to high usage makes sense. We'll see if this staff (1) figures that out and (2) deploys accordingly.
Quote from: #UnleashJosh on March 11, 2026, 08:19:02 PMOh darn? Was I too mean to Ben Gold? Maybe if the coaching staff wasn't so far up it's own butt with RGV they could have seen what we all already knew. Ben was not the 5 we needed.
Love BG. He's a natural 4 who was forced to play out of position due to roster decisions by the staff. Not his fault.
Quote from: Jay Bee on March 11, 2026, 08:20:34 PMEhhh, he was a relatively low usage guy who got looks because of his status on the team. Physically ahead of other frosh. We'll see what next year holds. This team needs some alphas where medium-high to high usage makes sense. We'll see if this staff (1) figures that out and (2) deploys accordingly.
That wasn't my point.
My point is that we need another guy that can shoot because right now Adrien is the only one that's a shooter. I mentioned nothing of usage. He's just a good shooter.
Quote from: MuggsyB on March 11, 2026, 08:15:58 PMI'm a little puzzled why we looked surprised by their zone.
Marquette was puzzled by the zone all year.
Quote from: #UnleashJosh on March 11, 2026, 08:22:10 PMMarquette was puzzled by the zone all year.
..
Ya....we need to fix that.
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on March 11, 2026, 08:22:09 PMThat wasn't my point.
My point is that we need another guy that can shoot because right now Adrien is the only one that's a shooter. I mentioned nothing of usage. He's just a good shooter.
once again, Nigel is a better shooter lol.
At least we can wish Ben the best of luck with the ankle surgery he will be undergoing after playing the last couple months of the season on it.
Quote from: #UnleashJosh on March 11, 2026, 08:19:49 PMI mean.... just unnatural carnal knowledge Nigel james?
He had a strong shooting year overall, but he's not really an outside shooter. He's a scorer that operates best at the rim.
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on March 11, 2026, 08:16:53 PMI'm talking about in general.
Everyone has bad nights. But Adrien is a good shooter. He's the only one on the season when he shot it, it felt like it had a good shot to go in.
Phillips' shot looks smooth but after 4 years at MU I can't believe Ben's shot never improved that always puzzled me
Quote from: #UnleashJosh on March 11, 2026, 08:23:07 PMonce again, Nigel is a better shooter lol.
Nigel is not a better shooter than Adrien lol. He's a better player and scorer, but not shooter.
Quote from: MurphysTillClose on March 11, 2026, 08:21:45 PMLove BG. He's a natural 4 who was forced to play out of position due to roster decisions by the staff. Not his fault.
Well put an asterisk next to his plaque for you.
Ben Gold was a bad player that continously got outmatched physically. Take off the goggles.
Quote from: MuggsyB on March 11, 2026, 08:22:38 PM..
Ya....we need to fix that.
It's not so much being puzzled by it as it is that they just didn't have the kind of personnel you need to attack it.
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on March 11, 2026, 08:24:08 PMNigel is not a better shooter than Adrien lol. He's a better player and scorer, but not shooter.
Nigel shot exactly two percentage points worse then Stevens.
Nigel was the primary ball handler and teams guarded him hard every time.
Stevens took a bunch of open uncontested threes.
Maybe we should have benched Nigel so Sean didn't leave though.
Quote from: #UnleashJosh on March 11, 2026, 08:24:12 PMWell put an asterisk next to his plaque for you.
Ben Gold was a bad player that continously got outmatched physically. Take off the goggles.
I mean if you want to act like a cuck, that's within your right to do so.
But acting like BG was "bad" is just low IQ. I can't help you with that. Godspeed lil bro.
Quote from: MurphysTillClose on March 11, 2026, 08:25:52 PMI mean if you want to act like a cuck, that's within your right to do so.
But acting like BG was "bad" is just low IQ. I can't help you with that. Godspeed lil bro.
https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/ben-gold-1.html
Once again. Lol
Ben Gold was the 6th best player on a 12-20 team.
Quote from: #UnleashJosh on March 11, 2026, 08:25:47 PMNigel shot exactly two percentage points worse then Stevens.
Nigel was the primary ball handler and teams guarded him hard every time.
Stevens took a bunch of open uncontested threes.
Maybe we should have benched Nigel so Sean didn't leave though.
Most of all of our 3s are open. That's how our offense operates. We are great at generating open looks. Making them was the issue. Again, Nigel had a good shooting year, but he's not primarily a shooter, Adrien very clearly is. Not sure what Sean has to do with any of it 🤣🤣🤣
So, like, what's Hurley's take?
Quote from: #UnleashJosh on March 11, 2026, 08:27:05 PMhttps://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/ben-gold-1.html
Once again. Lol
Ben Gold was the 6th best player on a 12-20 team.
He's playing out of his best utilized position. Can you read?
Quote from: MurphysTillClose on March 11, 2026, 08:28:37 PMHe's playing out of his best utilized position. Can you read?
Ben got beat consistently off the high pick and roll by 5's. Why do you think he would have covered a faster 4 better? Dude was slowwwwwwww.
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on March 11, 2026, 08:28:05 PMMost of all of our 3s are open. That's how our offense operates. We are great at generating open looks. Making them was the issue. Again, Nigel had a good shooting year, but he's not primarily a shooter, Adrien very clearly is. Not sure what Sean has to do with any of it 🤣🤣🤣
You fail to see how a 37.5% three point shooter who was contested on a majority of his attempts is a better shooter then someone who shot mostly open uncontested 3s at a 39.4% clip?
K.
Quote from: CountryRoads on March 11, 2026, 06:00:38 PMNot getting 100% effort from Tre.
Agreed with this..least effort I've seen from him. He gave up 4 or 6 points blown by off dribble, back doored, and had a turnover in his 4 minutes. Really hurt the team. Feel bad for the kid it has to hurt to be a highly regarded recruit, work hard, and realize the level is just a notch above.
Quote from: Elonsmusk on March 11, 2026, 08:35:22 PMAgreed with this..least effort I've seen from him. He gave up 4 or 6 points blown by off dribble, back doored, and had a turnover in his 4 minutes. Really hurt the team. Feel bad for the kid it has to hurt to be a highly regarded recruit, work hard, and realize the level is just a notch above.
[/quoprocess.
No one's talking about the 4 minutes Hamilton and tre played probably cost Marquette the game.
Quote from: #UnleashJosh on March 11, 2026, 08:31:20 PMBen got beat consistently off the high pick and roll by 5's. Why do you think he would have covered a faster 4 better? Dude was slowwwwwwww.
I think his performance on the offensive side of the floor would've been better served not having to guard bigs like Zuby and Tarris Reed all game (examples), which he was consistently overmatched. He's not a 5, never was a 5, and never will be a 5.
And most high ball screens are set by the primary big on offense, so that's a terrible example to prove your point.
Quote from: #UnleashJosh on March 11, 2026, 08:33:08 PMYou fail to see how a 37.5% three point shooter who was contested on a majority of his attempts is a better shooter then someone who shot mostly open uncontested 3s at a 39.4% clip?
K.
It's not like he was chucking heavily contested garbage shots. Nigel was taking good open 3s in the flow of the offense.
Adrien was at 42% from 3 in Big East play. That's very good especially for a guy taking 5 of them a game.
Both great players, but they have different skill sets.
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on March 11, 2026, 08:37:58 PMIt's not like he was chucking heavily contested garbage shots. Nigel was taking good open 3s in the flow of the offense.
Adrien was at 42% from 3 in Big East play. That's very good especially for a guy taking 5 of them a game.
Both great players, but they have different skill sets.
Mate, they are two percentage points away from each other.
Stevens went 1-10 today. Calm down rofl.
Quote from: MurphysTillClose on March 11, 2026, 08:37:52 PMI think his performance on the offensive side of the floor would've been better served not having to guard bigs like Zuby and Tarris Reed all game (examples), which he was consistently overmatched. He's not a 5, never was a 5, and never will be a 5.
And most high ball screens are set by the primary big on offense, so that's a terrible example to prove your point.
So youre saying a "stretch 4" being covered by a slower 5 at the 3 point line is why he sucked? So being guarded by a much more physical and speedy 4 would have worked out?
Okkkkkk. Ben sucked.
And yes, most picks are set by three primary bigs... who constantly toasted Ben when he hedged the screen.
Quote from: #UnleashJosh on March 11, 2026, 08:42:00 PMSo youre saying a "stretch 4" being covered by a slower 5 at the 3 point line is why he sucked? So being guarded by a much more physical and speedy 4 would have worked out?
Okkkkkk. Ben sucked.
You don't know how to read. I love scoop.
Quote from: MurphysTillClose on March 11, 2026, 08:43:37 PMYou don't know how to read. I love scoop.
That makes sense. So Ben wasn't being burnt by other teams 5's from the 3 point line? Answer the question lol.
Quote from: #UnleashJosh on March 11, 2026, 08:44:33 PMThat makes sense. So Ben wasn't being burnt by other teams 5's from the 3 point line? Answer the question lol.
He wasn't getting "burnt" by other team's 5 at the 3P line lol.
Quote from: MurphysTillClose on March 11, 2026, 08:46:38 PMHe wasn't getting "burnt" by other team's 5 at the 3P line lol.
ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.... yes, yes he was. Very very consistently.
Quote from: ski44 on March 11, 2026, 07:55:01 PMDid Phillips see the Floor in the 2nd half???
Yes. Hit a three and miss another three.
Quote from: #UnleashThePortal on March 11, 2026, 08:40:24 PMMate, they are two percentage points away from each other.
Stevens went 1-10 today. Calm down rofl.
Adrien was at 39.6% for the season and 41.9% in Conference.
Nigel at 35.7% for the season and 38.6% in Conference.
But ok.
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on March 11, 2026, 10:01:31 PMAdrien was at 39.6% for the season and 41.9% in Conference.
Nigel at 35.7% for the season and 38.6% in Conference.
But ok.
I'd suggest waiting for the latest game to update the stats. Guess whos absolutely not shootingg 39.6% anymore.
Quote from: #UnleashThePortal on March 11, 2026, 10:09:55 PMI'd suggest waiting for the latest game to update the stats. Guess whos absolutely not shootingg 39.6% anymore.
Nigel was 2-9, so it's not like the ranges are going to change too much.
Is there a link to the post game presses ?
Quote from: wisblue on March 11, 2026, 08:14:10 PMI can't say I was looking forward to the possibility of playing UConn again. When a team pulls a huge upset over a clearly superior opponent, the probability of coming back in a couple of days and beating them again is lower than the probability of beating them the first time.
I'll bet right now they won't be 3 for 21 on three-point shots tomorrow.
They were never going to win the game. Doesn't mean I don't want the opportunity.
Quote from: mugrad_89 on March 11, 2026, 07:51:05 PMHopefully this was the last game we will ever see Hamilton in a Marquette uniform.
We lost this game with the 9 and 8 point runs by Xavier when Hamilton was in the game....
That is like giving Xavier a 17 point spread....
A Xavier player in the first half came down one on three....James....Chase....and Hamilton....Hamilton moves away from the "contest" and let Chase and James go for the "contest"....And James got one of his first half fouls.....Hamilton minimum should have done the "contest" and maybe taken the foul....He is supposed to be the RIM Protector.....So he cost MU 5 to 10 minutes of "non-James" in the first half besides his oomplete incompetence when on the floor......
That is on Shaka.....
Quote from: burger on March 12, 2026, 04:48:19 AMWe lost this game with the 9 and 8 point runs by Xavier when Hamilton was in the game....
That is like giving Xavier a 17 point spread....
This did not happen. Hamilton played four minutes. He was -1 in the first half and -4 in the second.
Shaka has a lot to be blamed for, particularly depth-wise, but playing Hamilton and Tre spot minutes wasn't the problem. Missing a lot of shots was the problem.
Quote from: The Sultan on March 12, 2026, 05:39:46 AMShaka has a lot to be blamed for, particularly depth-wise, but playing Hamilton and Tre spot minutes wasn't the problem. Missing a lot of shots was the problem.
#FakeNews #Lies
Our eFG% was 50.0%, with few turnovers and a good day (for us) on the o-boards. We scored 1.14 ppp.
Problem was our defense gave up 1.16. You could make an ugly montage of 18 (and Tre) giving up baskets last night. Ooofta.
Our Daughter told us Last Year Marquette Beat Xavier in the Big East Tournament 89 to 87
This Year Marquette Lost to Xavier in the Big East Tournament 89 to 87. Exact same Score reversed.
Quote from: burger on March 12, 2026, 04:48:19 AMWe lost this game with the 9 and 8 point runs by Xavier when Hamilton was in the game....
That is like giving Xavier a 17 point spread....
A Xavier player in the first half came down one on three....James....Chase....and Hamilton....Hamilton moves away from the "contest" and let Chase and James go for the "contest"....And James got one of his first half fouls.....Hamilton minimum should have done the "contest" and maybe taken the foul....He is supposed to be the RIM Protector.....So he cost MU 5 to 10 minutes of "non-James" in the first half besides his oomplete incompetence when on the floor......
That is on Shaka.....
Tre Norman was especially bad defensively. He gave up 3 uncontested layups in less than 2 mins. His offense wasn't much better.
For all the things I like about Shaka, taking 40 3s in any game, with this roster, should never happen.
I just made my season ticket deposit for next year. So, there's that.
Quote from: The Sultan on March 12, 2026, 05:39:46 AMThis did not happen. Hamilton played four minutes. He was -1 in the first half and -4 in the second.
Shaka has a lot to be blamed for, particularly depth-wise, but playing Hamilton and Tre spot minutes wasn't the problem. Missing a lot of shots was the problem.
In what universe is -5 in four minutes acceptable? Marauette lost by two points and was -5 in four minutes. Do the math. He was targeted the moment he came in the game with his No. 1 vulnerability, a back cut. Next time down the floor, his man easily blew past him for a layup. The momentum instantly shifted from Marquette to Xavier. Period.
Quote from: UncleOliver on March 12, 2026, 11:57:25 AMIn what universe is -5 in four minutes acceptable? Marauette lost by two points and was -5 in four minutes. Do the math. He was targeted the moment he came in the game with his No. 1 vulnerability, a back cut. Next time down the floor, his man easily blew past him for a layup. The momentum instantly shifted from Marquette to Xavier. Period.
I am not suggesting that Hamilton is good. I am saying that Marquette did not give up big runs as soon as Hamilton entered the game. Burger said it more than once, and it is completely inaccurate.
And I will place more blame on others who were on the floor longer.
Quote from: The Sultan on March 12, 2026, 12:26:38 PMI am not suggesting that Hamilton is good. I am saying that Marquette did not give up big runs as soon as Hamilton entered the game. Burger said it more than once, and it is completely inaccurate.
And I will place more blame on others who were on the floor longer.
What? When he came in in the 2nd half, the team immediately gave up like 8 points, and 6 of them were Cade out of position.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on March 12, 2026, 12:55:41 PMWhat? When he came in in the 2nd half, the team immediately gave up like 8 points, and 6 of them were Cade out of position.
Nope.
The only time 18 played in the second half was he checked in at 15:07 and Marquette was up 48-47. He checked out at 13:37 and they were down 51-48.
Quote from: The Sultan on March 12, 2026, 01:00:11 PMNope.
The only time 18 played in the second half was he checked in at 15:07 and Marquette was up 48-47. He checked out at 13:37 and they were down 51-48.
This is accurate, both baskets were him getting beat though.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on March 12, 2026, 12:55:41 PMWhat? When he came in in the 2nd half, the team immediately gave up like 8 points, and 6 of them were Cade out of position.
in 4:22 of playing time his +/- was -6.
Quote from: BM1090 on March 12, 2026, 01:02:01 PMThis is accurate, both baskets were him getting beat though.
Correct. But there is no need to exaggerate. People are piling on a guy who played 4:22 (thanks Billy) is pretty ridiculous.
Yep. Our freshmen backcourt playing like freshmen and poor shooting were much bigger factors.
Our defense was excellent when Caedin wasn't on the floor.
Wait, nope.
Quote from: The Sultan on March 12, 2026, 01:07:40 PMCorrect. But there is no need to exaggerate. People are piling on a guy who played 4:22 (thanks Billy) is pretty ridiculous.
Sorry, he immediately gave up 4 points in a minute and a half, but it felt like about 10 seconds of defense and over a minute of offense.
He's just not there yet.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on March 12, 2026, 02:33:25 PMSorry, he immediately gave up 4 points in a minute and a half, but it felt like about 10 seconds of defense and over a minute of offense.
Thank you for admitting you were wrong.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on March 12, 2026, 02:33:25 PMHe's just not there yet.
Never claimed otherwise.
Quote from: The Sultan on March 12, 2026, 03:02:16 PMThank you for admitting you were wrong.
I'm about the only one around here.
Quote from: The Sultan on March 12, 2026, 05:39:46 AMThis did not happen. Hamilton played four minutes. He was -1 in the first half and -4 in the second.
Shaka has a lot to be blamed for, particularly depth-wise, but playing Hamilton and Tre spot minutes wasn't the problem. Missing a lot of shots was the problem.
In what universe is a -5 in four minutes of action not a problem? They attacked him immediately when he to my shock was sent back into the game. First they burned him on a backdoor cut, which he has surrendered more than any player I can recall at any level, and next by driving him. Two defensive possessions, four quick points. That shifted the momentum from Marquette to Xavier. Period! A -5 in four minutes and they lost by two points. Do the math.
Aside from that, a lot of positives in the game. *Owens was excellent on defense and might be able to help at the other end if there were more motion in the offense. Doesn't seem well-suited for a role where he stands on the perimeter and showcases his weakness: 3-point shooting.
*Phillips made his first two 2-pointers of the season and buried two 3s. He has a chance to be a star, looks as if he has grown taller, has broad shoulders, can block shots, might even be able to develop into a stretch 4. If not, a good 3 or a sixth man as early as next season, playing both spots.
*As with almost every freshman guard in the history of college basketball, James and Stevens play better against man-to-man than zone. Over time, talented guards learn how to exploit zones and by their junior seasons nobody zones them anymore.
Parham had a terrific second half of the season and a good final game. He's the offensive genius Shaka advertised him as when he recruited him.
*Routinely blown out early in the season, the team definitely improved, perhaps mostly because Hamilton's minutes were reduced. All coaches, even Al, have blindspots. Marquette was -5 with Bill Neary on the floor in the national title game and +13 with him on the bench. Rewatch the game and chart it. I did. None of Neary's passes advanced the ball, he was neither quick enough, long enough, nor instinctive enough to be a good defender and he was a below average rebounder and a horrible shooter. If he hadn't played at all that season I wonder if Marquette might have gone undefeated.
Clearly, Shaka's blind spot is Hamilton. Shaka has said he's like a son to him and Hamilton said that Shaka's like a father. We all have seen youth basketball coaches favor their sons, hold them to a different standard, and it appears that is happening here in major college basketball.
If Hamilton's on the team next year, which appears likely, can we trust that Shaka will not try to prove he's right and everyone else is wrong by giving him endless chances? The answer to that, more than anything, determines whether Marquette has a shot at returning to the tournament. That and two key additions from the portal are the keys.
*The portal: Jones will graduate, at which point he can either become a graduate assistant coach at Marquette or continue his playing career at a school where he could get playing time. His choice. That would open a second portal spot.
A quick, strong post defender who rebounds well, plays great help defense, blocks shots, runs the floor well and can catch James' passes and finish with dunks is a must for one spot.
The other spot? That depends on whether Shaka thinks Nash Walker can defend well enough to justify playing him. Multiple players have raved about his vision on Shaka's radio show. They mention that even before his shooting and he's obviously a great shooter. If he can't defend well enough to get on the court, then landing a shooter in the portal a must. If Shaka thinks Walker can defend well enough, then he could have the luxury of using the second portal spot on the best available player, as long as he can play some point. Offensively, Stevens, Norman and maybe even Walker could play the point when James rests. Defensively, all three are better suited to defending a shooting guard.
*So, playing time for James, Parham, Stevens, Pearson, Portal 1, Portal 2, Phillips, Owens and the best of Egbuonu, Walker, Norman, Clark, Militec. Redshirt: Ethan Johnston.
Can make it back to the tournament if Shaka hits on two portal picks and has the discipline not to give Hamilton any minutes. Any minutes he gets are taken from Clark, who has a way higher ceiling and deserves more chances to show he can play. We already know Hamilton's ceiling.
i ain't reading all that.
im happy for you tho,
or sorry that happened
Quote from: The Sultan on March 12, 2026, 01:00:11 PMNope.
The only time 18 played in the second half was he checked in at 15:07 and Marquette was up 48-47. He checked out at 13:37 and they were down 51-48.
It's an exaggeration, but reveals the truth of the matter ... playing Caedin typically hurts the team on the scoreboard. That's what the "it's no big deal if he plays five minutes" crowd seems to be missing. Those five minutes almost always create a scoring deficit, and we're not good enough to just be giving away points.
Quote from: JoanofArcMascot on March 12, 2026, 03:13:51 PMn what universe is a -5 in four minutes of action not a problem?
I am not reading this whole thing, but will just answer this question.
I never claimed it wasn't a problem. I am claiming that the problem has been exaggerated by many posters who, you know, can just look up the data.
For instance...
Quote from: burger on March 12, 2026, 04:48:19 AMWe lost this game with the 9 and 8 point runs by Xavier when Hamilton was in the game....
And...
Quote from: burger on March 11, 2026, 07:26:50 PMXavier had a 9 - 0 run this half and an 8 - 0 run in the first half when Hamilton was in the game.....
This didn't happen. We can have discussions about a player without resorting to exaggerations.
As Ben Steele said, Hamilton and Norman are not BE-level players even on a rotational basis. As a result, the only depth MU had was Phillips and Owens. Phillips played like a freshman all season and made a ton of mistakes. Owens was spotty but played a little better down the stretch. Owens still did not provide reliable bench play and still has a lot to prove. Clark remains a project who is pretty clueless on the floor. As a result, MU had only 5 guys who could play and it took the freshmen and Parham a number of games to start playing like BE players. The fault lies with Shaka in grossly overestimating the team's talent. Norman, Hamilton, and Jones, at a minimum, need to join Lowery.
So Scoop is reduced to arguing the degree of ineptness of Hamilton? Uhhg! :(
CH is not worthy of this level of attention. He was reduced to a bit part on a poor team. Regardless if he stays or goes, Shaka has way more important issue to deal with. Get the top 12 players set then worry about the last 3 spots.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on March 12, 2026, 05:46:40 PMSo Scoop is reduced to arguing the degree of ineptness of Hamilton? Uhhg! :(
CH is not worthy of this level of attention. He was reduced to a bit part on a poor team. Regardless if he stays or goes, Shaka has way more important issue to deal with. Get the top 12 players set then worry about the last 3 spots.
Agreed. Hamilton has shown some improvement bit has a low bar. But the amount of criticism he receives is unfair considering all the other issues MU faces. Biggest one is Shakas recruiting strategy/failures.
Not sure if it was addressed while the game was still going on because I don't hang out in game threads, but ...
It was absolutely idiotic for Tre Carroll to foul with less than 2 seconds left and with us having to make a 90-foot shot to tie. It's hard to believe L'il Rickie wanted that foul; if so, shame on him. The foul actually gave us a chance to tie the game if we had been a little luckier with the way Parham's intentional miss bounced.
I hope no Marquette player ever does anything so stoopid.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on March 12, 2026, 05:46:40 PMSo Scoop is reduced to arguing the degree of ineptness of Hamilton? Uhhg! :(
CH is not worthy of this level of attention. He was reduced to a bit part on a poor team. Regardless if he stays or goes, Shaka has way more important issue to deal with. Get the top 12 players set then worry about the last 3 spots.
I think when your starting center gets reduced to a bit part then that's a real misevaluation, which is a problem. Nobody who dismisses the complaints about him ever defends his basketball skills, they just deflect. Why defend a guy who is a consistent net negative when everyone except the coach appears to realize that? In a close game, five minutes of Caedin is five too many.
Quote from: Small Orange Soda on March 12, 2026, 06:38:34 PMI think when your starting center gets reduced to a bit part then that's a real misevaluation, which is a problem. Nobody who dismisses the complaints about him ever defends his basketball skills, they just deflect. Why defend a guy who is a consistent net negative when everyone except the coach appears to realize that? In a close game, five minutes of Caedin is five too many.
While I agree Hamilton would be better elsewhere than MU, his presence or absence doesn't move the needle on MU next year nearly as much as other moves that need to be made.
Here is where numbers can skew the reality. Basketball is a game of runs. When caedin and Tre check in, for some reason seemingly always together. The other team almost always goes on a run.
A perfect example was the Depaul home game. MU is up 9-4, in come Normalton and Depaul goes on a 21-0 run. Now they came out long before all the 21 points were scored but it was their horrendous play that gave Depaul confidence and made it easy for that run to start. It has been happening all year.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on March 12, 2026, 07:45:01 PMWhile I agree Hamilton would be better elsewhere than MU, his presence or absence doesn't move the needle on MU next year nearly as much as other moves that need to be made.
Why should he take a roster spot from someone who might provide positive minutes?
Quote from: MU82 on March 12, 2026, 06:20:57 PMNot sure if it was addressed while the game was still going on because I don't hang out in game threads, but ...
It was absolutely idiotic for Tre Carroll to foul with less than 2 seconds left and with us having to make a 90-foot shot to tie. It's hard to believe L'il Rickie wanted that foul; if so, shame on him. The foul actually gave us a chance to tie the game if we had been a little luckier with the way Parham's intentional miss bounced.
I hope no Marquette player ever does anything so stoopid.
I thought the same thing.
At that point MU's chances of winning were somewhere between very slim and none. But that foul inched the needle a little closer to very slim.
Whenever I see a situation Like that I think of a rec league game I played in about 45 years ago. My team grabbed a rebound and got fouled with one second left and a one point lead. We were patting ourselves on the back while our teammate went to the line to shoot two free throws. He made the first one, but the second one fell off the rim and a guy grabbed it and heaved at the length of the court (probably about 80 feet on the junior high school court) and swished it.
We were stunned, and also somewhat incredulous that a second hadn't run off the clock, but we managed to regroup and win the game in overtime. We were grateful the guy made the first free-throw that we didn't think would make any difference.
Quote from: Zog from Margo on March 12, 2026, 08:40:29 PMWhy should he take a roster spot from someone who might provide positive minutes?
A 15 man roster is going to have several players who won't provide minutes.
Quote from: wisblue on March 12, 2026, 08:42:15 PMA 15 man roster is going to have several players who won't provide minutes.
The roster should include two types of players: those who can provide productive minutes, and those expected to provide productive minutes in the future.
The program shouldn't be expending its resources on anyone who doesn't fit into one of those groups.
Quote from: wisblue on March 12, 2026, 08:42:15 PMA 15 man roster is going to have several players who won't provide minutes.
That's a luxury MU cannot afford with this roster. Until MU knows it has all of their minutes adequately covered, they should not waste any spots.
Quote from: Zog from Margo on March 12, 2026, 09:11:58 PMThat's a luxury MU cannot afford with this roster. Until MU knows it has all of their minutes adequately covered, they should not waste any spots.
IMO, I'd rather Shaka focused on landing 4 top ten transfers and leave CH at the end of the bench, than showing CH the door and striking out in the portal. Priorities.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on March 12, 2026, 09:52:14 PMIMO, I'd rather Shaka focused on landing 4 top ten transfers and leave CH at the end of the bench, than showing CH the door and striking out in the portal. Priorities.
What's the difference between striking out in the portal and keeping Hamilton?
Quote from: WhiteTrash on March 12, 2026, 09:52:14 PMIMO, I'd rather Shaka focused on landing 4 top ten transfers and leave CH at the end of the bench, than showing CH the door and striking out in the portal. Priorities.
How would showing CH the door affect Shaka's ability to hit the portal?
I'm more interested on who is getting mins than who is on the team. It doesn't seem like number of scholarships are a real constraint anymore.
Quote from: Small Orange Soda on March 12, 2026, 09:59:37 PMWhat's the difference between striking out in the portal and keeping Hamilton?
Presumably, the transfers are being recruited to play significant roles on the team. CH has become a bit player. Portal failure would be 100x more impactful than 4 mpg of CH.
MU can be a damn good team with the right transfers and CH, but they will not be very good without good transfers and CH off the team.
Quote from: Pakuni on March 12, 2026, 10:16:28 PMHow would showing CH the door affect Shaka's ability to hit the portal?
I don't think it does. CH is a minor issue compared to the real problems with the team.
Quote from: willie warrior on March 12, 2026, 05:53:07 PMBut the amount of criticism he receives is unfair considering all the other issues MU faces. Biggest one is Shakas recruiting strategy/failures.
Willie, oddly enough I agree with you, at least partially. When I see him out there and watch the multiple flaws I have to keep reminding myself that it's not his fault. I think he gets continually criticized because he is the personification of what don't have, but certainly need: a 5 who can keep track of his man, supply some D at the rim, and contribute at least a little something on offense. The root cause, as you point out, is roster construction. The next couple of months should be interesting as regards that issue.
Quote from: mileskishnish72 on March 13, 2026, 09:12:11 AMWillie, oddly enough I agree with you, at least partially. When I see him out there and watch the multiple flaws I have to keep reminding myself that it's not his fault. I think he gets continually criticized because he is the personification of what don't have, but certainly need: a 5 who can keep track of his man, supply some D at the rim, and contribute at least a little something on offense. The root cause, as you point out, is roster construction. The next couple of months should be interesting as regards that issue.
Nice post.
Shaka was so determined and confident that he could turn Hamilton into a BE center that he ignored reality. His lack of good judgement in the fiasco still haunts me. Has he learned from this? I sure hope so.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on March 12, 2026, 07:45:01 PMWhile I agree Hamilton would be better elsewhere than MU, his presence or absence doesn't move the needle on MU next year nearly as much as other moves that need to be made.
He moved the needle five points in four minutes in a two-point game. If he were not on the roster this year, Marquette wins a minimum of five more games. So is he the only problem? No, but he is the biggest problem.
Quote from: UncleOliver on March 13, 2026, 10:24:38 AMHe moved the needle five points in four minutes in a two-point game. If he were not on the roster this year, Marquette wins a minimum of five more games. So is he the only problem? No, but he is the biggest problem.
Or you could say that the rest of MU team is so poor that they could not overcome 5 point swing due to CH, and we really need to focus on the players who play the vast majority of the minutes.
I can agree that w/o CH we win more games, but that was due to CH playing waaaay to munch the first two months of the season.
I'll cast my vote to send CH packing, but I don't see him as the biggest problem by a long shot.
CH is really not the problem. Recruiting the right players is the problem. Shaka puts him in, and CH has the skills he has. Period. Shaka plays him. Not CH's fault nor should he be blamed.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on March 13, 2026, 12:07:34 PMOr you could say that the rest of MU team is so poor that they could not overcome 5 point swing due to CH, and we really need to focus on the players who play the vast majority of the minutes.
I can agree that w/o CH we win more games, but that was due to CH playing waaaay to munch the first two months of the season.
I'll cast my vote to send CH packing, but I don't see him as the biggest problem by a long shot.
Agree.
Rick Pitino is Richard Pitinos Dad.
Is Richard Pitino Shaka's Dad. Bad Joking
Quote from: MarquetteMike1977 on March 15, 2026, 03:41:01 PMAgree.
Rick Pitino is Richard Pitinos Dad.
Is Richard Pitino Shaka's Dad. Bad Joking
Rick Pitino is a Dick