Dominic James is a fine player who quite likely will be ready for the NBA one day, although I do not think it will be after this season.
Wesley Matthews, meanwhile, has the makings of a player who will leave an indelible mark on Marquette basketball. There is something -- or several things -- special about him.
I look for Matthews to become one of the best to ever play for MU.
Interested in what brought you to that conclusion. Of the "big three," Wes Matthews has always impressed me the most. He is not the hardest working of the three; that goes to McNeal. Nor is he the most freakishly athletic; that goes to DJ. However, I have always thought he is the most elegant of the three. He plays the game with a natural flow that makes the game look easy, much like many of the all time greats in all sports.
That said, Matthews has been struggling this year, which is why I am wondering what would bring you to that conclusion now.
I only saw three games in person last year, two of which were before Matthews got hurt, and that was the impression I came away with. I think it was real unfortunate that he got injured last year, because I wonder how much those extra games could have helped him adjust.
Anyway...James may leave after this season, which will certainly be a loss. But I feel pretty good if Matthews stays around all four years--he could be one of those stand-out seniors with some talented pieces around him.
IMO, Wesley is the most well rounded player of the three. Tonight he had 15, 4, and 5. Against TT he had 20, 4, and 6. Northwestern he had 14, 8, and 5. He's a consistent player who makes plays for others. DJ and Jerel take the weight of the points on their shoulders, while Wesley is left in the dark doing his thing...making the team better! He's not a superstar, but i'm glad I don't have play against him each week!
I have been saying since the first time I saw Matthews that he would be the best pro prospect out of all three of the sophs. He has that NBA body and an incredible smoothness when he lets the game come to him instead of thinking too much or forcing things. Once he puts it all together, which may not be until his senior season, he is going to be really really special.