MUScoop
MUScoop => Hangin' at the Al => Topic started by: TAMU, Knower of Ball on August 15, 2019, 01:15:31 PM
-
I'm getting ready to write up Paint Touches' annual Top 50 Players in the Big East series. I take the top 5 players from each team and rank em 1-50. I'm having trouble nailing down who are top 5 players are this season. I have a good idea of the top 3, have a good guess for #4, but could see arguments for 5 different players for the 5th spot. So I've decided to trust the wisdom of the masses.
Who do y'all have as the top 5 players? Not necessarily the 5 starters but the 5 players who will bring the most value in the 19-20 season.
-
Saint God will obviously be our top player, and Sacar will play 30-35mpg with increased usage now that the Hausers are gone. I didn’t watch any of the overseas games, but people were saying Jayce looked better than advertised, so I hope to be pleasantly surprised. Morrow started looking more comfortable towards the end of last year and is a beast on the glass when he wants to be. For my last pick, I waffled between John and BB before ultimately choosing the latter. If BB can take the next step, he’ll definitely be top 5 for us.
-
Markus, Koby, Sacar and Theo are my top 4. I selected Bailey as my 5th, but could easily see Ed in that mix.
-
Markus, Koby, Sacar and Theo are my top 4. I selected Bailey as my 5th, but could easily see Ed in that mix.
I took Ed over Bailey, but I suspect Brendan is going to be an important piece of the puzzle. Greg is also a real wild card at this point.
-
Markus, Koby, Sacar and Theo are my top 4. I selected Bailey as my 5th, but could easily see Ed in that mix.
I saw this much the same way.
Markus is a senior returning All-American. No debate, clear #1.
We haven't seen Koby in the Big East yet. But from watching him in four open practices over the past year, the rising junior looks like he's going to play a vital role for this team. I've got him at #2.
Sacar is a rock. Redshirt senior, willing to do whatever it takes to help Marquette win. His offense has been inconsistent -- but his outside shot's improved and he's widely considered the best defender on the team. History probably says #2 (at least in terms of court time), but I'll slot him as the #3 most valuable player.
I've got Theo at #4. This assumes that as a junior, he can cut down on fouls to stay on the court longer, become a stronger rebounder and continue to wreak havoc on opposing offenses as a dominant shot-blocker. Any offensive improvement would be a bonus.
#5? I considered at least 4 different players. You could make a good case for Ed Morrow, Brendan Bailey or Symir Torrence. But I'm going with Jayce Johnson. The grad transfer is our first legit 7-footer since Big Mac and is known for his D and rebounding. His play could determine just how good MU's defense is. Top 25? I think it's possible. I don't think Ed, Brendan or Symir have quite the same potential to impact a game.
-
I went small with Markus, Koby, Sacar, Bailey and then Cain as my upset pick. Main reason is that I'm skeptical that two of Morrow, Theo and Jayce see the court together more than 5 min/game once the conference sched kicks in. If those three are essentially sharing one spot, it will be tough for any one of them to really stand out, and it will mean a ton of open minutes at the 4 for Bailey or Cain in a smallish lineup.
-
My 5 are Howard, Anim, Morrow, Bailey, and Johnson. Johnson was my last pick.
Some Background for two of my nagging Questions. Since the H-Boys accounted for 31.8% for last year scoring (Sam 19.3% Joey 12.5%).
1) What % of that 31.8% do we have to replace with this years 2 & 3 scorers to Keep on Truckin'. 50%?
2) Who will be those 2 & 3 scorers after Markus?
-
My 5 are Howard, Anim, Morrow, Bailey, and Johnson. Johnson was my last pick.
Some Background for two of my nagging Questions. Since the H-Boys accounted for 31.8% for last year scoring (Sam 19.3% Joey 12.5%).
1) What % of that 31.8% do we have to replace with this years 2 & 3 scorers to Keep on Truckin'. 50%?
2) Who will be those 2 & 3 scorers after Markus?
Suspect the scoring will be more balanced after Markus as opposed to last season.
-
My top four were 'no-brainers' to me:
Markus, Theo, Sacar & Ed.
Considered BB and Koby for 5 but ended up going with Jayce based upon his experience, performance at Utah and reports on him this summer.
(all 5 would have been easy prior to certain brothers doing a certain thing)
-
Suspect the scoring will be more balanced after Markus as opposed to last season.
No Doubt, but stat wise there will be a 2 & 3 scorers.
-
My 5 are Howard, Anim, Morrow, Bailey, and Johnson. Johnson was my last pick.
Some Background for two of my nagging Questions. Since the H-Boys accounted for 31.8% for last year scoring (Sam 19.3% Joey 12.5%).
1) What % of that 31.8% do we have to replace with this years 2 & 3 scorers to Keep on Truckin'. 50%?
2) Who will be those 2 & 3 scorers after Markus?
1) I think 50% might be a little low but probably close. Maybe I would say low 60's%, but that's kind of picking nits. Spreading the ball around is a good thing, but outside of some of Joey's struggles, last year didn't really feel like the Hausers will just pulling with abandon. The team's got to know where the ball should end up when things break down.
2) I think this is Sacar and McEwen, with the chance for Bailey to challenge. Its so hard to have a big lead you in scoring unless the offense is designed to flow through them, and combined with the minutes question, I think the bigs would each project to struggle to score more than 7 ppg. (not that that's necessarily a problem)
A footnote to these questions is that I have real efficiency concerns about Morrow this season. IIRC, his belief he could play inside-outside was a big part of him transferring in initially. This year is setting up to see him potentially see big minutes at the 4, but I'm worried about him handling the ball away from the basket and/or trying to absorb a significant proportion of the Hauser's lost offensive production.
-
Really hoping Elliott is one of the five. He has a high IQ and seems like a leader. He could make a huge difference this year.
-
1) I think 50% might be a little low but probably close. Maybe I would say low 60's%, but that's kind of picking nits. Spreading the ball around is a good thing, but outside of some of Joey's struggles, last year didn't really feel like the Hausers will just pulling with abandon. The team's got to know where the ball should end up when things break down.
2) I think this is Sacar and McEwen, with the chance for Bailey to challenge. Its so hard to have a big lead you in scoring unless the offense is designed to flow through them, and combined with the minutes question, I think the bigs would each project to struggle to score more than 7 ppg. (not that that's necessarily a problem)
A footnote to these questions is that I have real efficiency concerns about Morrow this season. IIRC, his belief he could play inside-outside was a big part of him transferring in initially. This year is setting up to see him potentially see big minutes at the 4, but I'm worried about him handling the ball away from the basket and/or trying to absorb a significant proportion of the Hauser's lost offensive production.
Thanks for your reply. Its easy to see the concerns with Ed, but he looks so much more comfortable at the 4 and I'm hoping he has a big year.
-
What two a-holes left Markus off their ballots? Please step forward and defend your position(s).
-
What two a-holes left Markus off their ballots? Please step forward and defend your position(s).
Beat me to it.
-
1. Markus- All American
2. Sacar- Glue Guy who does everything at the minimum level of Good. Team oriented player.
3. Greg- Provided he is healthy. He uses his length to his advantage on defense where he can be a game changer, loves to look for the open. Did well as a freshman in his role , playing with only one healthy hand. Coaches want him on the floor as much as possible.
4. Theo- A game changing Shot Blocker. A menace at the end of close games on defense.
5. Ed- When Healthy, he is a very strong defensive player who enables us to compete well against elite teams.
Kobe and Jayce- No rating until after non conference season. Gives them time to make adjustment to team and the new league. Have heard too many stories over the years about guys dominating in practice and then when they got to the games there was nothing there.
-
1. Markus- All American
2. Sacar- Glue Guy who does everything at the minimum level of Good. Team oriented player.
3. Greg- Provided he is healthy. He uses his length to his advantage on defense where he can be a game changer, loves to look for the open. Did well as a freshman in his role , playing with only one healthy hand. Coaches want him on the floor as much as possible.
4. Theo- A game changing Shot Blocker. A menace at the end of close games on defense.
5. Ed- When Healthy, he is a very strong defensive player who enables us to compete well against elite teams.
Kobe and Jayce- No rating until after non conference season. Gives them time to make adjustment to team and the new league. Have heard too many stories over the years about guys dominating in practice and then when they got to the games there was nothing there.
Yah, but... those guys have relevant history. Might take a few games to shake the rust in Kobe’s case or to fit in re Jayce.
-
Lots of ??? after Markus and Sacar. Went with Theo, Ed and Brendan.
-
As it turns out, I picked the five leading vote-getters at the moment: Markus, Sacar, Theo, Koby, and Brendan. That is probably the first time in all the years I've participated in polls that I have bet the chalk.
Of course, that by no means that I will be correct. The odds that there will be surprises are good.
I was surprised by a couple of things in the voting. The first was that Ed was number 6, and only 10 votes behind BB. I just don't know what to think about Ed. There have been moments when he's ripped off an OR that I have just loved him, but his O is so limited I just could not put him into my top 5. The other thing that caught my eye was the appallingly low number of votes for the remaining members of the MI trio - Jamal & Gregg had just 16 votes BETWEEN them to be in the top five! That's kind of sad, considering the good things they've done - I'm hoping that come March, this will be the biggest goof in this voting. After a promising Frosh year Jamal was inconsistent, to say the least. GE has had a tough row to hoe, and I'm hoping he comes back to crack the top 5 in a big way.
-
I'd love to see breakout years for Jamal and Greg. They have all the length, quickness and athleticism in the world. Both have shown the potential to be strong, versatile defenders and good outside shooters. But Jamal needs to find his mojo. And Greg needs to stay healthy.
-
Sacar will be a man amongst boys. That’s how he is wired.
-
My top four were 'no-brainers' to me:
Markus, Theo, Sacar & Ed.
Agree.
Considered BB and Koby for 5 but ended up going with Jayce based upon his experience, performance at Utah and reports on him this summer.
I agree on the choices but went with BB since we've actually seen him in games, and I suspect he'll take a jump this year. Koby *may* excel. I'm hesitant (but hopeful) to gamble on Jayce ... Seems like summer hype.
-
Everyone LOOOOOOOOOOOVES koby. And so do I. But 3rd-4th best player this year? I hope so. But color me skeptical.
-
We won't know how Jayce fits in until we see him on the court. But I'm optimistic for a few reasons:
1) Jayce played against real competition.
KenPom rated the Pac-12 the #7 conference in the country. The A-10 was rated #10 during Joseph Chartouney's junior year -- and there's a big difference between the two.
Granted, the Pac-12 was nowhere near as strong last season as it was just four years ago. But Utah's strength of schedule was still a respectable #72 in the country last season, versus #147 for Fordham in 2017-18. Utah played 7 games against NCAA teams: Minnesota, Kentucky, Nevada, Washington (twice) and Oregon (twice).
2) Jayce played for a halfway decent team.
In relative terms, at least. Utah finished 3rd in the Pac-12 and ranked #109 overall by KenPom. Not bad for a team that lost 4 senior starters from an NIT runner-up squad in 2017-18 and started 3 freshman last season. That ranking is just behind Georgetown (#100) and ahead of DePaul (#118) in the Big East. And waaaaay ahead of #292 Fordham.
3) Jayce has shown steady improvement.
Each and every season, he's increased his minutes (12.3/16.8/21.9) and offensive rating (98.4/102.9/107.1) while reducing his turnover rate (22.6/18.7/17.0). Joseph's numbers at Fordham were far less consistent and efficient.
I have no idea whether Jayce will start. Or exactly what the offense will look like, for that matter. But it sure looks to me like MU got a quality big who will challenge Ed for playing time.
-
1. Marcus
2. Sacar
<very big distance>
3. BB
4. JJ
5. Ed
but Koby, Cain and Greg are all very close too. I don't see Theo getting the minutes.
-
1. Marcus
2. Sacar
<very big distance>
3. BB
4. JJ
5. Ed
but Koby, Cain and Greg are all very close too. I don't see Theo getting the minutes.
You don’t see Theo getting minutes....
😲
-
The obvious, no question top three are Markus, Theo, and Sacar. Theo defensively is the closest thing in the league to Markus offensively.
After that, it gets dicey. Bailey or Cain could be there if they make that next step. McEwen or Elliott could be worth a mention. Morrow or Jayce if we play enough 2-big sets. Maybe even Torrence if he's ready.
I haven't yet voted, I suspect the last two I pick will be out of Bailey, McEwen, & Morrow.
-
I don't see Theo getting the minutes.
Please explain.
-
Please explain.
Just spit balling here, but if Jayce starts to increase the chances of winning the tip, and it turn out that two big sets don't work (which remains to be seen), then we're splitting 40 min between the three of them. If Theo only gets 13.33 mpg I don't think he'll turn the needle a whole lot. Hope it isn't the case, but considering his history of foul trouble I wouldn't write it off.
-
I'm fascinated by the 3 respondents (as of now) that didn't have Markus in the top-5. Didn't realize Sam, Joey and Dave were still reading Scoop.
-
I'm fascinated by the 3 respondents (as of now) that didn't have Markus in the top-5. Didn't realize Sam, Joey and Dave were still reading Scoop.
They must be the scoopers from the Marcus is a cancer party
-
Just spit balling here, but if Jayce starts to increase the chances of winning the tip, and it turn out that two big sets don't work (which remains to be seen), then we're splitting 40 min between the three of them. If Theo only gets 13.33 mpg I don't think he'll turn the needle a whole lot. Hope it isn't the case, but considering his history of foul trouble I wouldn't write it off.
While I don't dispute the potential tip benefit, this feels like backup quarterback syndrome. We know from on court evidence that Theo is one of the most impactful defenders in the league. We know that he is an efficient offensive player around the rim. And we know he's capable of around 20 mpg even with foul trouble.
It's possible that a guy who had similar overall impact on a lesser team in a lesser league will overcome him, but until proven otherwise, my money's on the guy we know.
-
While I don't dispute the potential tip benefit, this feels like backup quarterback syndrome. We know from on court evidence that Theo is one of the most impactful defenders in the league. We know that he is an efficient offensive player around the rim. And we know he's capable of around 20 mpg even with foul trouble.
It's possible that a guy who had similar overall impact on a lesser team in a lesser league will overcome him, but until proven otherwise, my money's on the guy we know.
I don't disagree, but Theo still has the highest fouls per 40 out of the three, and if that is something that he can't get under control then he may not get enough minutes to make a huge impact. I realize that the question is "top 5" not "5 with the biggest impact", and full disclosure I voted for both Theo and Jayce, but I can still see the argument that Theo might not be as good as we're anticipating.
A lot of people are voting for Kobe, and he isn't a "known" quantity in the Beast.
-
I'm optimistic about Jayce, McEwen and Bailey this year. Maybe I just like Utah.
-
I don't disagree, but Theo still has the highest fouls per 40 out of the three, and if that is something that he can't get under control then he may not get enough minutes to make a huge impact. I realize that the question is "top 5" not "5 with the biggest impact", and full disclosure I voted for both Theo and Jayce, but I can still see the argument that Theo might not be as good as we're anticipating.
A lot of people are voting for Kobe, and he isn't a "known" quantity in the Beast.
That's why I went with Bailey and Morrow over Kobe. Considering the freshman to sophomore jump for Bailey and knowing that Morrow already shown he can be a different maker. I really think it's a logjam after the top-3. I could see a case for almost anyone outside Akanno.
-
I'm fascinated by the 3 respondents (as of now) that didn't have Markus in the top-5. Didn't realize Sam, Joey and Dave were still reading Scoop.
We've never had a worse player than Markus, and when you combine that with all the terrible stuff he does off the court, I'm not sure he'll play more than our walk-ons.
Too bad. He used to be 17, I'm told.
-
I'm fascinated by the 3 respondents (as of now) that didn't have Markus in the top-5. Didn't realize Sam, Joey and Dave were still reading Scoop.
Even if he doesn't have the impact some hope, the idea he isn't one of the top-5 is ludicrous. For better or worse, the returning All-American, Big East Player of the Year is going to be one of our top-5 in terms of impact.
-
That's why I went with Bailey and Morrow over Kobe. Considering the freshman to sophomore jump for Bailey and knowing that Morrow already shown he can be a different maker. I really think it's a logjam after the top-3. I could see a case for almost anyone outside Akanno.
Well at least you're consistent. I just have a hard time thinking someone who was a 3,2,.5 guy will be better than someone who was a 15,5,3 guy. Curious where you would draw the line at though. If Kobe had put up Markus-esque number for a mid-to-low major would you still put him behind someone that shot 25% from three? Would you have pegged Henry as a top 5 player before his season started even though he was an "unknown"?
Not hating on Bailey, think he has a high ceiling, I just think we're putting a lot of stock into someone with an efg% in the low 40s.
-
Even if he doesn't have the impact some hope, the idea he isn't one of the top-5 is ludicrous. For better or worse, the returning All-American, Big East Player of the Year is going to be one of our top-5 in terms of impact.
Did you ever think that maybe someone was just trolling to elicit some desired response.
-
Well at least you're consistent. I just have a hard time thinking someone who was a 3,2,.5 guy will be better than someone who was a 15,5,3 guy. Curious where you would draw the line at though. If Kobe had put up Markus-esque number for a mid-to-low major would you still put him behind someone that shot 25% from three? Would you have pegged Henry as a top 5 player before his season started even though he was an "unknown"?
Not hating on Bailey, think he has a high ceiling, I just think we're putting a lot of stock into someone with an efg% in the low 40s.
I don't disagree, but Bailey showed tremendous potential on the defensive end. In addition, and I know it's a small sample size, Bailey was one of our best players down the stretch. If you take the final seven games of the season, he led the team in offensive efficiency, effective field goal percentage, three-point percentage, and was our best player at not turning the ball over.
I know that's a small sample size, but to me it felt like a guy starting to turn the corner. Add a full season of strength building and conditioning as well as a huge opening in minutes with the Hauser departure that screams for someone who can be effective from the wing while also adding size to make up for the guys that transferred and I'm really high on Bailey.
I'll admit, I'm also gunshy on putting too much on transfers. I almost always expect them to start slow because even our more successful recent transfers, like Lockett, Carlino, and Rowsey, started slow and had significant critics early on. And some just never deliver on the positives they showed at other programs. For me, it's about proving it, and despite Koby's big numbers, I want to see it on the court. I can easily believe he'll end up being one of those top-5, but looking at it in this moment, I'm betting on the freshmen to sophomore development over the mid-major replicating his success at a higher level.
-
I don't disagree, but Bailey showed tremendous potential on the defensive end. In addition, and I know it's a small sample size, Bailey was one of our best players down the stretch. If you take the final seven games of the season, he led the team in offensive efficiency, effective field goal percentage, three-point percentage, and was our best player at not turning the ball over.
I know that's a small sample size, but to me it felt like a guy starting to turn the corner. Add a full season of strength building and conditioning as well as a huge opening in minutes with the Hauser departure that screams for someone who can be effective from the wing while also adding size to make up for the guys that transferred and I'm really high on Bailey.
I'll admit, I'm also gunshy on putting too much on transfers. I almost always expect them to start slow because even our more successful recent transfers, like Lockett, Carlino, and Rowsey, started slow and had significant critics early on. And some just never deliver on the positives they showed at other programs. For me, it's about proving it, and despite Koby's big numbers, I want to see it on the court. I can easily believe he'll end up being one of those top-5, but looking at it in this moment, I'm betting on the freshmen to sophomore development over the mid-major replicating his success at a higher level.
Good solid points in this, and I'd agree with a lot of it.
I'm still curious as to where you'd draw the line though? If the next Ja wanted another year, but at a high major and decided to come (just a hypothetical, nobody should read anything into this), he'd obviously be a top 5 player. Same with Henry, he was considered the best MU player on that team since before day one.
-
Real simple:
Markus -- A guy even Al would have loved!
Kobe -- The key to 2019-2020. If he's as good as advertised, we're not going to skip a beat.
Jayce -- I'm a big believer. I hope I am right but this guy has the body and takes up space.
Theo -- No doubt, Theo will be huge. As in, "you have just been Theoed" as an offender tried unsuccessfully to drive to the middle.
Sacar -- Mr. Everything. If he can score, the Brothers Hauser will be long forgotten!
-
I know it's a small sample size, Bailey was one of our best players down the stretch.
Agree, and that gives me hope that he can have a break-out year. It's not as if he was a 2-star recruit; he was pretty highly rated because he has skills and potential.
Then again, I remember being very excited about the prospects of Cain after he finished his freshman year so strongly. So I'm in a "we'll see" state of mind with BB.
Maybe they'll both be studs this season!
-
Where do I draw the line? That's tough to say.
From when I started at Marquette, the first two names I vividly remember stories from the gym before they played were Dwyane Wade and Dan Fitzgerald. Quite simply, there have been a lot more Dan Fitzgeralds. Seriously, if you were on campus at the time, we heard Fitz was going to be the next Novak, if not better.
While Ja Morant would've finished as one of our top-5 last year, would we have said so at this time last year? Maybe. Chartouny was our fifth player on the PT list behind Howard, Sam, Morrow, and Joey, but like JC he would've probably been at the back end of that five. Ja put up 12.7/6.5/6.3 as a freshman at Murray State. I'm not convinced that would've been a top-5 lock going into last year and less so this year. If Ja transferred to Marquette with those numbers, sat out, and was becoming eligible this year, I'm sure I wouldn't be the only one hesitant to buy into the hype.
When we landed Lockett, Reinhardt, and Morrow, my expectation from productive high-major guys was they would be in that top-5 range immediately. After seeing their first years here, Lockett is the only one I would say definitely ended up there, but certainly not with the offensive role we expected.
It's really just my experience of seeing what transfers and sit-out players usually bring. For every guy like Dwyane Wade who we hear is the missing piece that's lighting it up in practice, there's a half-dozen Dan Fitzgerald, Trent Lockett, Wally Ellenson, Joseph Chartouny, Jamil Wilson, Harry Froling types that just don't end up being as impactful as we hope.
If we were returning a thin team, I'd have McEwen in there, but even without the Hausers, we still have five guys in Howard, Anim, John, Morrow, and Bailey who played fairly significant minutes and either produced or showed significant production potential in our uniform. If you dropped August 2018 Ja Morant into this team, I'm honestly not sure I'd have him top-5 either. Would he deserve it? Absolutely, certainly, undoubtedly. But I've been burned too many times on Dan Fitzgerald type transfers to believe the hype without seeing it in a Marquette uniform.
-
Agree, and that gives me hope that he can have a break-out year. It's not as if he was a 2-star recruit; he was pretty highly rated because he has skills and potential.
Then again, I remember being very excited about the prospects of Cain after he finished his freshman year so strongly. So I'm in a "we'll see" state of mind with BB.
Maybe they'll both be studs this season!
I don't disagree. Part of my vote for Bailey also comes from need. We need someone to step into the role the Hausers played, and recency bias shows more success from Bailey than Cain (who I feel is heavily overlooked in this poll).
I might be more inclined to vote for McEwen honestly if the Hausers were back. I think you'd have a clear top-4 (Markus, Sam, Joey, Theo) and have to figure out if the fifth guy was Sacar, Koby, or someone else. As a guy who can distribute a bit, Koby makes more sense in that five-man lineup than he does to me on a roster that is more muddled.
-
Sacar will be a man amongst boys. That’s how he is wired.
I agree with this. A hot take of mine is that Sacar is going to have a heck of a year and get himself into the D-League/Summer League conversation. Not only is he going to be the wheel at the center of the spokes on offense and defense, but the under-over on games MH misses has to be like 2, right? He's had the offseason to heal up, but the combination of his back spasm history and his usage are going to make it tough for him to make it through the year unscathed. If MH misses a few games and Sacar balls out, folks are going to notice.
-
Please explain.
Happy to.
IMHO this team needs offense. After Marcus and (hopefully) Sacar, scoring will be left to those unproven in the Big East. Ed's offensive game - albeit based on offensive rebounds and putbacks - has matured, and Jayce has better offensive stats than Theo all around. Getting 10+ points out of 20 mins from at least one big is going to be critical for this team's success. I rank Theo 3rd among the bigs on the team towards reaching this objective. Yes his defense is excellent, but he also fouls at nearly twice the rate that Jayce does, so he'll actually take minutes away from himself. I see him playing a solid 12-15 per game as a defensive stopper.
-
Where do I draw the line? That's tough to say.
From when I started at Marquette, the first two names I vividly remember stories from the gym before they played were Dwyane Wade and Dan Fitzgerald. Quite simply, there have been a lot more Dan Fitzgeralds. Seriously, if you were on campus at the time, we heard Fitz was going to be the next Novak, if not better.
While Ja Morant would've finished as one of our top-5 last year, would we have said so at this time last year? Maybe. Chartouny was our fifth player on the PT list behind Howard, Sam, Morrow, and Joey, but like JC he would've probably been at the back end of that five. Ja put up 12.7/6.5/6.3 as a freshman at Murray State. I'm not convinced that would've been a top-5 lock going into last year and less so this year. If Ja transferred to Marquette with those numbers, sat out, and was becoming eligible this year, I'm sure I wouldn't be the only one hesitant to buy into the hype.
When we landed Lockett, Reinhardt, and Morrow, my expectation from productive high-major guys was they would be in that top-5 range immediately. After seeing their first years here, Lockett is the only one I would say definitely ended up there, but certainly not with the offensive role we expected.
It's really just my experience of seeing what transfers and sit-out players usually bring. For every guy like Dwyane Wade who we hear is the missing piece that's lighting it up in practice, there's a half-dozen Dan Fitzgerald, Trent Lockett, Wally Ellenson, Joseph Chartouny, Jamil Wilson, Harry Froling types that just don't end up being as impactful as we hope.
If we were returning a thin team, I'd have McEwen in there, but even without the Hausers, we still have five guys in Howard, Anim, John, Morrow, and Bailey who played fairly significant minutes and either produced or showed significant production potential in our uniform. If you dropped August 2018 Ja Morant into this team, I'm honestly not sure I'd have him top-5 either. Would he deserve it? Absolutely, certainly, undoubtedly. But I've been burned too many times on Dan Fitzgerald type transfers to believe the hype without seeing it in a Marquette uniform.
This was a well written explanation above that is at the core of my reason for not ranking Koby and Jayce until after non conference.
-
Happy to.
IMHO this team needs offense. After Marcus and (hopefully) Sacar, scoring will be left to those unproven in the Big East. Ed's offensive game - albeit based on offensive rebounds and putbacks - has matured, and Jayce has better offensive stats than Theo all around. Getting 10+ points out of 20 mins from at least one big is going to be critical for this team's success. I rank Theo 3rd among the bigs on the team towards reaching this objective. Yes his defense is excellent, but he also fouls at nearly twice the rate that Jayce does, so he'll actually take minutes away from himself. I see him playing a solid 12-15 per game as a defensive stopper.
Fair enough.
-
I'm just the opposite. This team has had all the offense in the world in recent years. That's been good enough to get us to the tournament, but not much more.
I'm confident Wojo and the coaching staff will find ways to score. I expect Marquette will be in the top 3 in the Big East and somewhere around top 25 or 30 nationally in offensive efficiency, even without the Hausers. The offensive will just look different -- more slashing and inside play, more transition, less reliance on the three.
But we made our biggest strides last season, when the defense took a major step up. And I think improving the defense even further will be the key to making further strides. That calls for size, athleticism and depth at every position -- with big, physical guards on the perimeter (Koby, Symir, Dexter), quick, versatile wings (Sacar, Brendan, Jamal) and tough defense and rebounding inside (Theo, Ed, Jayce).
MU struggled most last season: 1) if it faced longer, quicker, more athletic teams; and 2) if shots weren't falling. The roster additions address the first. Better defense helps you stay in the game when the offense isn't hitting on all cylinders.
-
MU needs to find outside shooting. MU will own the paint but if Sacar keeps his BE touch and BB, GE or Jamil improve to near Hauser standards, look out. That's a big if.
-
MU needs to find outside shooting. MU will own the paint but if Sacar keeps his BE touch and BB, GE or Jamil improve to near Hauser standards, look out. That's a big if.
If Jamal and Greg equal their freshman 3 point percentages we will be in good shape .