I wouldn't go beyond "promising" for any of the freshmen or incoming recruits. To say they're "hits" or possibly "grand slams" is premature. James had flashes of both good and bad last night. Stevens looks like he might be a Mitchell type player. There are no stars on this roster and there are some that are not BE players. To do RGV, you likely need some potential one and done recruits. Shaka needs to hit the portal to rebuild the depleted roster and hit on some top 25 players if he's going to rely primarily on RGV. You also need to play some defense.

Quote from: tower912 on Today at 09:51:55 AMBen Gold was the best defender on the team last season. Shut down multiple high profile bigs.

It's a big problem when Ben gold is your best/only perimeter defender

Quote from: #UnleashMalik on Today at 08:00:16 AMI think every team but Marquette has at least one portal player. Until maybe we get down to the real real low d1.

That is where MU is currently at. That is the real real.

Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on Today at 07:47:10 AMThis is essentially true for the entire team but I had high expectations for Chase defensively but it feels like he has gotten beat off the dribble this season.

The "deflection counter" used to be shown on nearly every broadcast but I don't even remember the last time that's happened this season.

The most surprising thing about this season has been just how horrendous the team has been defensively.

Yep.  This was supposed to be the strength of the team with wave after wave of swarming athletes.  A second form of Havoc if you will.  Another grave miscalculation.  The personnel assessments were way off. 

But, they again played competently enough for it to be a game.  Small consolation, but there is development.  Keep the best and get 3-4 transfers and this turns around in a hurry. Need two more players guard/wings who can create their own shot. Although Stevens is starting to show  more than just being a corner three man. And a big man that is tough enough to rebound and play defense against a Big East big.

Thought before the game MU should have won this one.  Really thought I was going to have a chuckle at the expense of all the DePaul fans (who hate Marquette) hoping to finally turn the tables on us.  Was hoping they couldn't beat us even in the worst of times.  Oh well.  We all know we are seeing depths we haven't in a long time.  Just keep developing.

Quote from: SchnitzelBoy on Today at 09:42:33 AMSo obviously this is a lost season.

I think the coaching malpractice started last offseason when there wasn't a portal add. I get that Shaka thought Sean Jones would be back midway + the Damarius injuries slowed him down. And then the whole team was banged up down the stretch (3/5 starters were blatantly hobbled and some even needed postseason surgery). But we had a window to make a deep run with that senior class and Shaka allowed the RGV model to drastically lower the ceiling.

This year, it's even worse and with little to point to that's out of MU's control.

I still think Shaka is the right coach for MU and his recruiting has looked promising in recent years. Nigel, Adrien, Michael Phillips are "hits" or even "grand slams." Sheek and Alex look VERY promising.

But his credibility is severely damaged by this season and even last year.

What gets it back?

Sheek and Alex are yet to play a college game. Phillips can barely get on the floor this year on the worst high major roster in the country. Would hardly declare success on those fronts.

Layer up tomorrow.

Ben Gold was the best defender on the team last season. Shut down multiple high profile bigs.

As to last night, the team defense in the second half was abysmal all around.   Inability to slow down Gunn became the domino that broke down everything else.

Quote from: 79Warrior on Today at 09:08:37 AMHow do you know calls were not made? You do not. My guess is ND has zero interest in the BE. They need to be able to schedule football games. That's why they are in the ACC. They were having enormous difficulty scheduling football games as an independent.

technically ND football is still an independent with an 'agreement' to play ACC schools. Didn't ND get an 'agreement' with the college football playoff committee that if they are ranked at least top 12,  they are in? (or, something like that) I do wish MU played them regularly. I guess those days are long gone. ND was always my most hated rival now replaced by RED.

So obviously this is a lost season.

I think the coaching malpractice started last offseason when there wasn't a portal add. I get that Shaka thought Sean Jones would be back midway + the Damarius injuries slowed him down. And then the whole team was banged up down the stretch (3/5 starters were blatantly hobbled and some even needed postseason surgery). But we had a window to make a deep run with that senior class and Shaka allowed the RGV model to drastically lower the ceiling.

This year, it's even worse and with little to point to that's out of MU's control.

I still think Shaka is the right coach for MU and his recruiting has looked promising in recent years. Nigel, Adrien, Michael Phillips are "hits" or even "grand slams." Sheek and Alex look VERY promising.

But his credibility is severely damaged by this season and even last year.

What gets it back?

Quote from: rocky_warrior on Today at 08:56:40 AMThis could be partiallyThat was my fault / gift.  Up until yesterday morning, I had the game listed as 1/17 on the header.  You're welcome?

FIFY