MUScoop
MUScoop => Hangin' at the Al => Topic started by: MuggsyB on November 29, 2022, 09:30:53 PM
-
He had our guys 100% prepared tonight. Major props.
-
He had our guys 100% prepared tonight. Major props.
Onto the next...need to punish the same way on Saturday.
-
Muggsy-
My first thought after this game, and I was getting ready to start a thread on it, is that…
IM FULLY BOUGHT IN ON SHAKA.
Not that I wasn’t positive on him before, I liked the hire and it’s very easy to like a lot about him, but I’m usually not fully bought in unless I’m really invested in a head guy and what I think he can accomplish.
At this point, I’m fully bought in, the proverbial id run through a wall.
I’m bought in to his vision and where I think he can take MUBB.
Hopefully I’m not let down, but I’m fully bought in on the guy and along for the ride.
Let’s continue with a win v red and a trip back into the top 25
-
It will be a masterful achievement if he can beat an offensive powerhouse like Baylor and a grind 'em Wisky in the same week.
Let's bring it.
-
Muggsy-
My first thought after this game, and I was getting ready to start a thread on it, is that…
IM FULLY BOUGHT IN ON SHAKA.
Not that I wasn’t positive on him before, I liked the hire and it’s very easy to like a lot about him, but I’m usually not fully bought in unless I’m really invested in a head guy and what I think he can accomplish.
At this point, I’m fully bought in, the proverbial id run through a wall.
I’m bought in to his vision and where I think he can take MUBB.
Hopefully I’m not let down, but I’m fully bought in on the guy and along for the ride.
Let’s continue with a win v red and a trip back into the top 25
I think he scouted Baylor perfectly and they didn't see it coming. He knew who and where to attack with OMax going downhill in particular. He also sped Baylor up which I didn't see coming at all Dr.V. To essentially have zero turns in the first half, while forcing 16 is incredible. This was a game where you could see how prepared this group was tonight. I also thought the ball movement and patience was the best we have seen in quite some time.
-
Culture? Lol for you No Longer...
-
Muggsy
His knowledge of Baylor is a big part of why I thought we would win tonight.
-
5 years 2 judge
-
I think he scouted Baylor perfectly and they didn't see it coming. He knew who and where to attack with OMax going downhill in particular. He also sped Baylor up which I didn't see coming at all Dr.V. To essentially have zero turns in the first half, while forcing 16 is incredible. This was s gane where you could see how prepared this group was tonight. I also thought the ball movement and patience was the best we have seen in quite some time.
Yea Muggsy. Kudos to you, you’ve been preaching it for weeks.
Ball movement was exceptional, the patience phenomenal, and the poise remarkable. They passed up decent shots for much better shots, and were very calm in doing so.
Of course it helps when the outside shots go in, and it seemed like so many 3P shots went down, but Omax and Jop were 3/4 and Kam was 4/7, 25 attempts overall.
They shredded that Baylor defense and it was great to see.
PS- Omax was unbelievable and TyKo was great. That’s the Omax and Tyler we need, the Omax and TyKo we deserve!
PSS- S Jones, Chase, Ben also held their own, very important.
PSSS- when Kam and Jop have a quiet 20&19 this team will be extremely tough to beat
-
Muggsy
His knowledge of Baylor is a big part of why I thought we would win tonight.
Goose,
I thought it was conceivable we could go medieval tonight. Not because of your excellent point that Shaka knew Baylor's game, but more because I think our performance against Chi St. didn't sit well with our entire team.
-
He had our guys 100% prepared tonight. Major props.
Yep negative Nancy’s can you know…
-
I spent the entire Chicago State game muttering at the TV. We played so badly, obviously just took the win for granted.
This game couldn't have been more different.
Over the years, I've had several coaches tell me that one of the best things that can happen is to play like crap against a bad team but still win comfortably. You've got the win ... but you've still got something, including some ugly video, that you can hammer your players with. If they take it to heart -- as Shaka's team obviously did -- it's the ultimate win-win scenario.
-
I liked Shaka's disposition after the game. He looked as if he fully expected this win and that we have a lot more to accomplish this season.
-
I spent the entire Chicago State game muttering at the TV. We played so badly, obviously just took the win for granted.
This game couldn't have been more different.
Over the years, I've had several coaches tell me that one of the best things that can happen is to play like crap against a bad team but still win comfortably. You've got the win ... but you've still got something, including some ugly video, that you can hammer your players with. If they take it to heart -- as Shaka's team obviously did -- it's the ultimate win-win scenario.
I'm still wondering if Baylor and CSU swapped jerseys.
-
I'm still wondering if Baylor and CSU swapped jerseys.
Energy in the building matters and this should be example A. Players live for moments like tonight and when they play like that every game should be sold out, even if it is Chicago St.
-
this was a HUGE confidence builder for our guys. ben gold moved and played like a, umm, sophomore? actually roamed the court like he'd been there before. jops got his shot back-love the rainbow jumper! ross looked like he was having fun. cam needed to see his shot go in again and did. O-promax and oso just added to their resumes. tyler was tyler but with a smile AND anyone see his "mean mug" following an aggressive drive to the hole? that was a "don't mess with the jersey kid move right there. keeping up with the jones' was fun to watch. even though the floor slap was made famous by "what's his name", when stevie did it, it was a reflection of shaka and a call to arms telling the other guys-work hard, we win!
when the players saw the product of their hustle, even though they missed a few easy shots early, they stuck with it and TRUSTED THE SYSTEM...it paid dividends! once they saw the ball going in the hole, it got contagious. hard work, determination, trust the system=WINNING.
shakas substitution pattern was consistent, well planned and obviously well played out. i don't recall seeing him use the auto hook which decimates players confidence as noted in the past years-sometimes it works, but used as strictly a disciplinary measure can be disastrous and counterproductive (eyn'a wojo?) if shaka used it, the player knew it was warranted
shaka doesn't have to get mad at his players for them to realize they were performing below expectations. his players know what their roles are. when cam seemed to be coming "unleashed" with his shot, i'm sure he and shaka had a nice chat and they have both reeled it in nicely and WITHOUT controversy and distraction
these are some of the little things, taken care of behind the scenes that could/should be a recipe for continued success. shaka knows!
-
There was a moment in the game last night when Shaka pulled Kam. As Kam walked by all Shaka said was “That’s B&$! S@?!” Shaka didn’t get mad, he didn’t lay into Kam, he simply said that’s BS. Kam knew, he didn’t need Shaka to rip into him, Shaka didn’t need to let Kam know he knew, too. So refreshing to see true accountability.
-
To say Shaka is a players coach would be a major understatement. This guy puts the work in and the guys see it. To retain the whole from last year in the portal era said all I needed to know about Shaka Smart.
Best part to me, I think this a guy that will be leading this program for a very long time. MU and Shaka look like a perfect fit.
-
I did not see even one bad shot last night. This shows how good the team can be, if it does not take bad shots. Game reminded me of Providence beat down last year, which turned into a huge momentum run for MU.
-
I spent the entire Chicago State game muttering at the TV. We played so badly, obviously just took the win for granted.
This game couldn't have been more different.
Over the years, I've had several coaches tell me that one of the best things that can happen is to play like crap against a bad team but still win comfortably. You've got the win ... but you've still got something, including some ugly video, that you can hammer your players with. If they take it to heart -- as Shaka's team obviously did -- it's the ultimate win-win scenario.
I muttered at the TV for that game too and had the same take as you did. Nicely put into perspective. The performance at the Chicago State game likely played a major role in our guys playing like they did last night. Nice post 82.
-
Shaka talked in his post game presser about butting heads with Kam and Jop. Both are effortless scorers. Shaka basically said that getting them to play both ends and make the smart play on the offensive end is his challenge.
-
this was a HUGE confidence builder for our guys. ben gold moved and played like a, umm, sophomore? actually roamed the court like he'd been there before. jops got his shot back-love the rainbow jumper! ross looked like he was having fun. cam needed to see his shot go in again and did. O-promax and oso just added to their resumes. tyler was tyler but with a smile AND anyone see his "mean mug" following an aggressive drive to the hole? that was a "don't mess with the jersey kid move right there. keeping up with the jones' was fun to watch. even though the floor slap was made famous by "what's his name", when stevie did it, it was a reflection of shaka and a call to arms telling the other guys-work hard, we win!
when the players saw the product of their hustle, even though they missed a few easy shots early, they stuck with it and TRUSTED THE SYSTEM...it paid dividends! once they saw the ball going in the hole, it got contagious. hard work, determination, trust the system=WINNING.
shakas substitution pattern was consistent, well planned and obviously well played out. i don't recall seeing him use the auto hook which decimates players confidence as noted in the past years-sometimes it works, but used as strictly a disciplinary measure can be disastrous and counterproductive (eyn'a wojo?) if shaka used it, the player knew it was warranted
shaka doesn't have to get mad at his players for them to realize they were performing below expectations. his players know what their roles are. when cam seemed to be coming "unleashed" with his shot, i'm sure he and shaka had a nice chat and they have both reeled it in nicely and WITHOUT controversy and distraction
these are some of the little things, taken care of behind the scenes that could/should be a recipe for continued success. shaka knows!
Cam isn't on the team...
-
Energy in the building matters and this should be example A. Players live for moments like tonight and when they play like that every game should be sold out, even if it is Chicago St.
There will be plenty of energy in the building on Saturday!
-
There will be plenty of energy in the building on Saturday!
And juice
-
I don't know if it is by design or by necessity, but there has been one thing that has been consistent about Shaka's approach in the two years he has been at MU that has really impressed me.
None of the freshmen ever look afraid.
Sure, they may get beat, or blow an assignment, or do some other bonehead freshman thing. But they go on the court and play without fear.
-
I did not see even one bad shot last night. This shows how good the team can be, if it does not take bad shots. Game reminded me of Providence beat down last year, which turned into a huge momentum run for MU.
Agreed, then that fizzled hard in Feb/March. Would love to see this young team sustain the momentum through year end!
There's a lot to build on. If the D can bring that intensity every night we should be in nearly every game from here on out, then it's a matter of if they can keep their composure & remember to move the ball on nights when shots aren't falling early.
-
Agreed, then that fizzled hard in Feb/March. Would love to see this young team sustain the momentum through year end!
There's a lot to build on. If the D can bring that intensity every night we should be in nearly every game from here on out, then it's a matter of if they can keep their composure & remember to move the ball on nights when shots aren't falling early.
I think the best part of last night is the ball had energy. Even if it was a miss more often than not, on the next possession the ball moved again. A few hiccups that Shaka can point to about the ball getting sticky to contrast (and led to a few easy buckets for Baylor)--but felt like they "got it" a lot more last night.
The fizzle out in the spring of last year had a lot to do with the ball getting sticky and the team playing for the individual and not the team. That could be said about the two losses this season as well.
-
I think the best part of last night is the ball had energy. Even if it was a miss more often than not, on the next possession the ball moved again. A few hiccups that Shaka can point to about the ball getting sticky to contrast (and led to a few easy buckets for Baylor)--but felt like they "got it" a lot more last night.
The fizzle out in the spring of last year had a lot to do with the ball getting sticky and the team playing for the individual and not the team. That could be said about the two losses this season as well.
Agreed, gotta make sure they all remember how they have collective success
-
And juice
Sorry no ron, maybe NMD
-
Jake
There were several possessions when I was saying shoot the ball and 2-3 passes later there was another wide open shot. The team is understanding ball movement and I wish we could have the number of hockey assists last night with the extra pass.
I do not create the hockey assist count and get Rocky upset, but I sure love the extra passes and kudos to the guys on making it happen. We had far more wide open shots than contested shots and that is a trend. Baylor shot well, but worked hard for their shots.
Speaking of Rocky, I think he noted that the jury was out on recruiting and Shaka missed the boat on utilizing the transfer portal and I strongly disagree. Three freshman played big roles, future NBA’er Omax and Kolek delivered the goods. A system was put in place last year, it is maturing this year and I’ll bet on Shaka’s assessment of talent any day of the week.
These guys are held accountable, given a lot of freedom to perform and I love it. We are far from the promised land, but getting closer every day in the Shaka era.
-
It will be a masterful achievement if he can beat an offensive powerhouse like Baylor and a grind 'em Wisky in the same week.
Let's bring it.
Should be a no brainer to beat Wisky.
-
Jake
There were several possessions when I was saying shoot the ball and 2-3 passes later there was another wide open shot. The team is understanding ball movement and I wish we could have the number of hockey assists last night with the extra pass.
I do not create the hockey assist count and get Rocky upset, but I sure love the extra passes and kudos to the guys on making it happen. We had far more wide open shots than contested shots and that is a trend. Baylor shot well, but worked hard for their shots.
Speaking of Rocky, I think he noted that the jury was out on recruiting and Shaka missed the boat on utilizing the transfer portal and I strongly disagree. Three freshman played big roles, future NBA’er Omax and Kolek delivered the goods. A system was put in place last year, it is maturing this year and I’ll bet on Shaka’s assessment of talent any day of the week.
These guys are held accountable, given a lot of freedom to perform and I love it. We are far from the promised land, but getting closer every day in the Shaka era.
[/quote
I love Shaka's roster building strategy with continuity and the type of player he looks for. At some point maybe mix in an extra big since with how much I like our current guards plus the incoming recruits/Ellis we are a bit log jammed. But overall love it.
Living in Minny I watch the Gophers a lot and experience wise Shaka vs Johnson this early isnt the fairest comp. But still..
BJ has done a great job already with his high school recruiting. But hes been brutal using the portal, like embarrassingly bad. And his in game coaching makes Pitino look like a master strategist.
He needs time. But I love year in and year out/game in and game out knowing what im going to get with a SHaka MU team. We may be great, we may suck. But I know the identity. I know the style. I know what we are trying to do game to game.
Gophers I literally have no a single clue what offense or game plan they are trying to even incorporate for a season plus. And I watch most every game.
-
Jake
There were several possessions when I was saying shoot the ball and 2-3 passes later there was another wide open shot. The team is understanding ball movement and I wish we could have the number of hockey assists last night with the extra pass.
I do not create the hockey assist count and get Rocky upset, but I sure love the extra passes and kudos to the guys on making it happen. We had far more wide open shots than contested shots and that is a trend. Baylor shot well, but worked hard for their shots.
Speaking of Rocky, I think he noted that the jury was out on recruiting and Shaka missed the boat on utilizing the transfer portal and I strongly disagree. Three freshman played big roles, future NBA’er Omax and Kolek delivered the goods. A system was put in place last year, it is maturing this year and I’ll bet on Shaka’s assessment of talent any day of the week.
These guys are held accountable, given a lot of freedom to perform and I love it. We are far from the promised land, but getting closer every day in the Shaka era.
Program, culture, retention.
It’s all cliched but it’s also true. Shaka and Marquette are a perfect pair. They’ll be ups and downs this year, but the pieces are there and the puzzle is almost complete
-
I did not see even one bad shot last night. This shows how good the team can be, if it does not take bad shots. Game reminded me of Providence beat down last year, which turned into a huge momentum run for MU.
It's funny, I was actually screaming at Tyler to shoot a couple times when he passed instead.
-
pbiflyer
I think we are going to see more and more extra passes because it is fun basketball. If you are willing to bust your ass on D, a lot of freedom on the other end of the court.
Rico
Shaka and Marquette are a perfect pair. I think his backing away from the job the first time will prove to be a great thing. He is a better coach and may have a found a home.
-
pbiflyer
I think we are going to see more and more extra passes because it is fun basketball. If you are willing to bust your ass on D, a lot of freedom on the other end of the court.
Rico
Shaka and Marquette are a perfect pair. I think his backing away from the job the first time will prove to be a great thing. He is a better coach and may have a found a home.
First bolded: I saw Kolek as well as others decide to pass the ball rather than take the shot a number of times. To me, it seemed like really good, split-second decision making when the chances of a defender either blocking the shot or messing it up were too high. Kolek has had far too many shots jammed into his face trying to force it up under the basket rather than passing the ball. I get pbflyer's "screaming at Tyler to shoot" but I think it was wise decision making by TK.
Second bolded: Spot on, Goose!
-
Should be a no brainer to beat Wisky.
Willie, greeney
-
I don't know if it is by design or by necessity, but there has been one thing that has been consistent about Shaka's approach in the two years he has been at MU that has really impressed me.
None of the freshmen ever look afraid.
Excellent point Tower.
Sure, they may get beat, or blow an assignment, or do some other bonehead freshman thing. But they go on the court and play without fear.
-
Speaking of Rocky, I think he noted that the jury was out on recruiting and Shaka missed the boat on utilizing the transfer portal and I strongly disagree.
I’m sure you’ll correct me if I’m wrong, Goose, but I thought you said recently that you were surprised and a little disappointed that Shaka didn’t bring in a transfer big.
Overall, though, I do agree that the way Shaka is building his program is great.
-
82
Yes, I was surprised that the portal was not used to bring in a big guy for this season. I also said that getting Kur, Morsell, Kolek and Omax from the portal would make the portal grade quite high.
So, yes I was surprised he did not land a big free agent this past offseason, but would not agree that he has missed the boat on utilizing the portal the past two years. Actually, I am surprised anyone would question the success of the portal thus far because quite possibly the two most important players are second year portal guys and starters on the team.
-
i'd be interested if someone were to know what portal bigs who could fit shaka system were available this past year or two. even if there were a few, one couldn't blame him for "missing out" on them and i'll tell you why i believe this-there are so many attractive programs out there to choose from, from a players perspective, especially with this NIL thingy. even though shaka probably came to MU with a pretty good reputation, it may have gotten "stung" a little post texas. given that scenario, he may have missed out on some potentials.
however, with some of our most recent successes, the cat may be out the bag or getting there anyway. the baylor win was a pretty good national eye opener. wisco this saturday is huge for all of the obvious. what i'm trying to get to is shaka's brand is now on more of a national display. my hopes are that those potential bigs who would be a good fit and maybe passed or we missed out on are now starting to form a line at the door. also, there are those who might be on the fence regarding leaving their respective teams looking at MU now a better option.
what's so cool is the renewed vigor shaka has brought to the team. i told a few of my friends that following the baylor win, i got one of the best nights sleep post MU game in many years. i want to temper some of my enthusiasm as we have barely more than a season to under our belt, but i may even be able to sleep better now following a loss knowing we still have shaka ball gonna fix that. speaking of sleep-hey goose! 3:48 am post?? you on china time? or baby duty?;D regardless, i really appreciate your posts have been consistent since shaka came into the picture. time for some red meat eyna?
-
Rocket
Was doing some work with our China team and could not fall back asleep.
I said it last year, but once Shaka gets some real success getting players will become easy. It is a fun system of basketball and everyone is involved. I could recruit for that system and that shows how easy it will get for Shaka.
If an athletic kid is willing to pay pay hard D, he rewarded with almost unlimited freedom on the other side of the court. It is a nba style and kids will love it.
-
i'd be interested if someone were to know what portal bigs who could fit shaka system were available this past year or two.
They reached out to a few. For instance Mouhamed Gueye from Washington State entered the portal, entered his name in the draft, but then pulled out of both and returned to WSU.
even if there were a few, one couldn't blame him for "missing out" on them and i'll tell you why i believe this-there are so many attractive programs out there to choose from, from a players perspective, especially with this NIL thingy. even though shaka probably came to MU with a pretty good reputation, it may have gotten "stung" a little post texas. given that scenario, he may have missed out on some potentials.
I completely agree with regards to NIL. NIL will benefit college basketball, and yes it will benefit programs like Marquette.
I don't think Shaka's tenure at Texas has much to do with it. Relationships are important. That's probably why a guy like Gueye went back to where he had a relationship with the coach, despite having offers from the likes of Marquette and UCLA.
-
82
Yes, I was surprised that the portal was not used to bring in a big guy for this season. I also said that getting Kur, Morsell, Kolek and Omax from the portal would make the portal grade quite high.
So, yes I was surprised he did not land a big free agent this past offseason, but would not agree that he has missed the boat on utilizing the portal the past two years. Actually, I am surprised anyone would question the success of the portal thus far because quite possibly the two most important players are second year portal guys and starters on the team.
I agree that Shaka hasn't missed the boat on utilizing the portal the past two years for all the reasons you stated. Those who say otherwise simply ignore facts.
However, it's OK to express a little disappointment (as you and I have) that our coach couldn't land a big who could have taken a little pressure off Oso this season, committed some hard fouls against the BEast bigs we'll have to face, and improved our overall depth. As I said earlier, even a Jayce Johnson type would have been fine for 8-12 mpg.
Unfortunately, what's happened here is that any criticism, no matter how small, is considered by some to be a vicious attack on Shaka -- and, even more ridiculously, some kind of expression of love for his predecessor.
I am thrilled with the job Shaka's doing and I'm as high on this team as just about anybody here. AND I wish he had been able to bring in one more big. It's not freakin' mutually exclusive.
-
The three amigos were really good as freshmen for Crean. I am starting to wonder how good Jones, Ross and Gold would be, if they got the playing time the three amigos got as freshmen. I am not saying they are as good, but I do not think they are that far behind. I am very pleased with this recruiting class. As far as the transfer portal for this season (maybe due to injury?) did not add anything to this team. However, I think Shaka said he did not want to bring in a transfer that would hurt the development of his current players.
-
They reached out to a few. For instance Mouhamed Gueye from Washington State entered the portal, entered his name in the draft, but then pulled out of both and returned to WSU.
I completely agree with regards to NIL. NIL will benefit college basketball, and yes it will benefit programs like Marquette.
I don't think Shaka's tenure at Texas has much to do with it. Relationships are important. That's probably why a guy like Gueye went back to where he had a relationship with the coach, despite having offers from the likes of Marquette and UCLA.
I think the NIL benefits MU players. I do not think it benefits as a whole non-football schools like MU.
-
82
I do not think it is vicious attack, just uneducated statement. I have no idea why we did not land a big guy and wish we had, especially with the play of the returning players. My guess is he had a very small pool of guys that he thought would this team and either missed on them or decided against going after them. IMO, every player that has come to MU in Shaka era is a basketball player and all have upside to improve and that is not something to ignore. Based off that, I will give him a lot of rope on who he adds to the roster. That being said, time to start winning and raise the bar.
-
bilsu
I have said from day one that I believe MU will benefit from the NIL era and I believe it more today. MU needs to support a very small number of guys and that should be a very easy task. If Shaka starts to win the money will come flowing in. This is a basketball school with a long history, and it has shown money is not an issue in running the program.
-
Seriously, what valuable able bodied center is going to transfer to become a 10-15 minute back up? I guess Theo would be one.
Wrightsil transfered in as Lewis departed.
-
Seriously, what valuable able bodied center is going to transfer to become a 10-15 minute back up? I guess Theo would be one.
Wrightsil transfered in as Lewis departed.
Exactly. Warren Washington would have been the ideal backup, but he's playing nearly 22 mpg at Arizona State.
Since neither he nor Oso shoot threes, they can't play together without sacrificing floor spacing on offense. Washington would end up playing fewer minutes at MU than he is playing at ASU.
-
Exactly. Warren Washington would have been the ideal backup, but he's playing nearly 22 mpg at Arizona State.
Since neither he nor Oso shoot threes, they can't play together without sacrificing floor spacing on offense. Washington would end up playing fewer minutes at MU than he is playing at ASU.
Or would Washington have been the more ideal starter?
-
Which segues into this. Barring something cataclysmic, the roster is set for next year. The only question is who will leave, MU oversigned. So, Oso, Gold, Itejere, Amadou, Omax and Joplin. Those are your forwards. No transfer big is incoming next year, either.
-
Is the thought that Keeyan could be serviceable in that role?
But yeah, maybe Shaka would rather have a bunch of forwards who can attack the rim and just counter the lack of size with quickness and athleticism.
-
I don’t come to scoop to read reasonable observations, so the previous 5 or so posts are a massive disasppointment
-
Or would Washington have been the more ideal starter?
Good question. Washington is averaging 8.3 ppg, 6.7 rpg, and 2.0 bpg in 21.6 mpg.
I think Oso's experience in the system gives him the edge. But Washington has been pretty good so far, so I can't say for sure. But it would've been a heck of a duo!
-
I don’t come to scoop to read reasonable observations, so the previous 5 or so posts are a massive disasppointment
Sorry. I will inject some unreasonability into this conversation.
Does Aaron Durley have any eligibility remaining? He'd fit the bill.
-
I don’t come to scoop to read reasonable observations, so the previous 5 or so posts are a massive disasppointment
Grab some Arby's for lunch to drown your sorrows.
-
I noted earlier that Shaka has done a very good job of bringing in basketball players thus far and he obviously saw something in Wrightsil. I have zero idea if he can contribute to the team this year, but I will hold judgement until he hopefully gets some healthy playing time. In addition, based off of limited knowledge he appears to be very well liked by his teammates. Quite possibly Shaka knows something about him that we do not.
-
"The only question is who will leave, MU oversigned. "
i believe shakas system bodes well for a nice distribution of talent with regards to playing time. the style and pace necessitates a good rotation to keep em fresh for 40 minutes. those who enjoy playing this system, see it's upsides, like the environment/school and all it has to offer are going to stay. nothing wrong with getting rid of the dead wood. win win win
-
Speaking of dead wood, how is 4ever?
-
I noted earlier that Shaka has done a very good job of bringing in basketball players thus far and he obviously saw something in Wrightsil. I have zero idea if he can contribute to the team this year, but I will hold judgement until he hopefully gets some healthy playing time. In addition, based off of limited knowledge he appears to be very well liked by his teammates. Quite possibly Shaka knows something about him that we do not.
My guess is that Loyola's assistant coach Javon Felix, who played for Shaka at Texas, is the connection that got him here.
-
I agree that Shaka hasn't missed the boat on utilizing the portal the past two years for all the reasons you stated. Those who say otherwise simply ignore facts.
However, it's OK to express a little disappointment (as you and I have) that our coach couldn't land a big who could have taken a little pressure off Oso this season, committed some hard fouls against the BEast bigs we'll have to face, and improved our overall depth. As I said earlier, even a Jayce Johnson type would have been fine for 8-12 mpg.
Unfortunately, what's happened here is that any criticism, no matter how small, is considered by some to be a vicious attack on Shaka -- and, even more ridiculously, some kind of expression of love for his predecessor.
I am thrilled with the job Shaka's doing and I'm as high on this team as just about anybody here. AND I wish he had been able to bring in one more big. It's not freakin' mutually exclusive.
You've got it twisted. When criticism of Shaka comes from posters who "loved" and thought Wojo was a good coach, it's not seen as a "vicious attack on Shaka" - it's seen as ironic and ignorant. (As in consider the source of the criticism, and the lack of credibility.)
It's the impatience with Shaka from the Projos who were all "R-E-L-A-X" and "trust the process" with Wojo that draws ire, and eye rolling.
Seriously, what valuable able bodied center is going to transfer to become a 10-15 minute back up? I guess Theo would be one.
The above perfectly sums up why no impact big was brought in, in that Shaka wanted to invest fully into Oso and max his minutes. I don't disagree that having a Jayce Johnson type of player to spell Oso for 7-10/game would have value to this roster, yet Shaka clearly felt getting a hybrid/athletic/winner to try to help fill Justin's void - Wrightsill - was the better approach.
-
1
-
what type of big center that was available fit Shaka's style of play? Or culture (just kidding).
Too lazy too look.
-
lawdog
IMO, Kur is the perfect type of type of big man for Shaka's style. To have someone that can protect the backside on the press is an important piece of the puzzle. Now, I would love to see a Kur type that could score a few more points a game.
-
lawdog
IMO, Kur is the perfect type of type of big man for Shaka's style. To have someone that can protect the backside on the press is an important piece of the puzzle. Now, I would love to see a Kur type that could score a few more points a game.
Do you think Kur is more perfect than Oso? Oso is having a hell of a year. Kur was mediocre at best
And Oso is better at defense
-
Kur kept guys away from the rim when they had a breakout against the press. I thought during our run Kur changed multiple games early on with shot bocking skills. He was a game changer when he was on the court. He was not a 35+ minute guy, but could change the game on any defensive possession. Plus, he blocked the ball the way it is supposed to be blocked. He kept in play and often it ended up being our possession of the ball.
-
lawdog
IMO, Kur is the perfect type of type of big man for Shaka's style. To have someone that can protect the backside on the press is an important piece of the puzzle. Now, I would love to see a Kur type that could score a few more points a game.
Thanks Goose. I think Shaka's offense needs a 5 who can create or score. Ball movement where all 5 guys aren't afraid to shoot.
-
lawdog
I misworded my post. I agree with you, but I think the Kur type is more long with type of player we will see Shaka recruit. I very possibly could be wrong, and actually hope he recruits the player you described.
-
Which segues into this. Barring something cataclysmic, the roster is set for next year. The only question is who will leave, MU oversigned. So, Oso, Gold, Itejere, Amadou, Omax and Joplin. Those are your forwards. No transfer big is incoming next year, either.
Is Amadou and immediate impact Frosh? He sounds like a very versatile player that would be a perfect addition to this roster.
-
Is Amadou and immediate impact Frosh? He sounds like a very versatile player that would be a perfect addition to this roster.
I agree Muggsy. He is the perfect addition to this roster. In the end he could be Oso (once he gains weight) with a three point shot.
-
You've got it twisted. When criticism of Shaka comes from posters who "loved" and thought Wojo was a good coach, it's not seen as a "vicious attack on Shaka" - it's seen as ironic and ignorant. (As in consider the source of the criticism, and the lack of credibility.)
It's the impatience with Shaka from the Projos who were all "R-E-L-A-X" and "trust the process" with Wojo that draws ire, and eye rolling.
Your simultaneous streaks of being mostly wrong and being totally obsessed with the previous regime remain alive. Congrats!
-
Your simultaneous streaks of being mostly wrong and being totally obsessed with the previous regime remain alive. Congrats!
That's weird. You're the guy who brought up the previous regime in your post. If I'm "mostly wrong" as a guy who got banned here due to harping, repeatedly that Wojo sucked as a coach and would be a bust, starting 10 games into his career - not sure what that makes you as a poster who constantly argued against my take, and being a staunch Wojo backer for roughly 5 years?
Weird you'd want to keep bringing Wojo into conversations. But. Congrats?!!
2
-
That's weird. You're the guy who brought up the previous regime in your post. If I'm "mostly wrong" as a guy who got banned here due to harping, repeatedly that Wojo sucked as a coach and would be a bust, starting 10 games into his career - not sure what that makes you as a poster who constantly argued against my take, and being a staunch Wojo backer for roughly 5 years?
Do you really think you got banned because you were harping about Wojo?
-
bilsu
I have said from day one that I believe MU will benefit from the NIL era and I believe it more today. MU needs to support a very small number of guys and that should be a very easy task. If Shaka starts to win the money will come flowing in. This is a basketball school with a long history, and it has shown money is not an issue in running the program.
I hope you are right. I worry that a good player will be poached from us. Just like it is rumored Michigan is trying to lure Wisconsin football running back. I am sure UW can come up with very good NIL money for Allen, but I believe Michigan is able to come up with more. What gives me confidence is that it appears players really like playing for Shaka.
-
I think the NIL benefits MU players. I do not think it benefits as a whole non-football schools like MU.
I actually think it might be okay for non football schools. On our local talk radio, they were whining about all the NIL money thrown at U of Miami players with no results. With such a large group of players, they either have to appease all or have issues internally. Plus that leaves less NIL money for the basketball players. And what if the star basketball player gets less than a mediocre football player?
Schools that only have BB can focus on getting NIL money to the players equitably and maybe focus on special deals on star players like the Kolek shirt.
Not sure I am right, but can make sense. Keeping 13 players happy versus 85 + 13 is a challenge even for big money schools.
-
I hope you are right. I worry that a good player will be poached from us. Just like it is rumored Michigan is trying to lure Wisconsin football running back. I am sure UW can come up with very good NIL money for Allen, but I believe Michigan is able to come up with more. What gives me confidence is that it appears players really like playing for Shaka.
Agreed Bilsu. As this program progresses one of the main things that could derail the whole thing would be NIL money. And that is why Shaka is so vital. Through his relationships with the players, the allotment of playing time (playing up to ten players a game for significant minutes) and over signing, I think he is insulating himself from this issue.
But, if the next Wade comes through the program, alums better be willing to pony up or we will lose the next one. My hope is Shaka makes MU such a household name with recruits and alumni will be so energized that leaving will not be likely in a couple years.
-
I hope you are right. I worry that a good player will be poached from us. Just like it is rumored Michigan is trying to lure Wisconsin football running back. I am sure UW can come up with very good NIL money for Allen, but I believe Michigan is able to come up with more. What gives me confidence is that it appears players really like playing for Shaka.
I’ve heard Allen made a pretty penny this year.
-
That's weird. You're the guy who brought up the previous regime in your post. If I'm "mostly wrong" as a guy who got banned here due to harping, repeatedly that Wojo sucked as a coach and would be a bust, starting 10 games into his career - not sure what that makes you as a poster who constantly argued against my take, and being a staunch Wojo backer for roughly 5 years?
Weird you'd want to keep bringing Wojo into conversations. But. Congrats?!!
2
You're STILL harping about Wojo. You're good fun, Ners.
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaYW_XwaNw8
The maestro had a media availability.
-
I wonder what would happen if the Maestro were to meet the Wizard!
-
I wonder what would happen if the Maestro were to meet the Wizard!
https://youtu.be/dCKVSPcd8Gs
-
82
Quite possibly they have met, hence him being the wizard.