MU Athletics interview with DJO

[Thomas' Danish Delight]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ad7a4qM5s84

Love the coverage guys, keep it up!

Notes of interest:

One of the first things they talk about is the center position, and there is NOTHING mentioned about Yous    Don't know if that was on purpose or if they were just caught up with how much DJO was saying Otule has recovered and improved...but it makes me a bit pessimistic about him being on the team.

DJO did say, though, that Otule is impressing the team and that he could possibly be "one of the best centers in the Big East"...DJO's definitely gonna be biased, but I hope he's right!

Also, DJO says Vander Blue is at least just as athletic as him and is a great on-ball defender...can't wait to see them playing together!

[brewcity77]

Nice interview, but I don't put too much in the lack of mention for Yous. Otule was starting to get a lot of time before the injury, and is a third year player, making him the de facto starter. Until we get official word saying otherwise, I expect Yous to be back next year.

[MUCam]

Someone who is developing nice is Todd Warner. Very nice job with the interview. Looking polished.

[muhoops1]

There is such a huge drop off in talent when Brad G is not on camera.  I am reminded of the Chris Farley show.  "DJO.  Remember that put back dunk you had against Louisville?  That was awesome."

[NersEllenson]

DJO did say, though, that Otule is impressing the team and that he could possibly be "one of the best centers in the Big East"...DJO's definitely gonna be biased, but I hope he's right!

Also, DJO says Vander Blue is at least just as athletic as him and is a great on-ball defender...can't wait to see them playing together!

DJO just seems like such a nice kid.  Pretty humble for him to say Vander is just as athletic if not more athletic than him - nice show of leadership.  Also, IWB on the Scout board said Otule is playing very well...and could be a major contributor nexty year...that along with DJO's thoughts about Otule..and we could be in business.

[ErickJD08]

DJO just seems like such a nice kid.  Pretty humble for him to say Vander is just as athletic if not more athletic than him - nice show of leadership.  Also, IWB on the Scout board said Otule is playing very well...and could be a major contributor nexty year...that along with DJO's thoughts about Otule..and we could be in business.

I said it once, I'll say it again.  Next year, height is not a issue.  We have big wings and a solid PG and a couple of seven footers.  Kinda feels refreshing

[NCMUFan]

Thanks Todd, DJO and MUTV for the interview.  I think Chris Otule will be a major contributor.  It first comes from the players on who is impressive in workouts.  Eventually us fans will see it in games.

[HoopsMalone]

Junior's progress is encouraging.  I think Diener, James, and Acker have spoiled us.  I am glad to hear that Junior is doing well in workouts.  That is a big role to fill and it sounds like he is getting ready to contribute.

[77ncaachamps]

Hey Todd.....

SPEAK UP!



It was hard to hear you!

[cheebs09]

Wow, DJO seems like a great and humble guy. A kid that has that much talent and ability, and still has a level enough head to realize what he has to work on is awesome. If he keeps working hard these next two years are going to be scary for the Big East. Also, seems like a real good teammate.

As for not mentioning Yous, I think it kind of stemmed from DJO just mentioning Chris as someone who has looked good and the next question was specifically asked about Chris. Obviously I could just be grasping at straws a bit, but I don't think this is anything definitive saying Yous is gone.

[willie warrior]

Junior's progress is encouraging.  I think Diener, James, and Acker have spoiled us.  I am glad to hear that Junior is doing well in workouts.  That is a big role to fill and it sounds like he is getting ready to contribute.

Putting Acker in same Company as diener and James is at best a stretch!

[NersEllenson]

Putting Acker in same Company as diener and James is at best a stretch!

At first glance, I'd say this is true..at face value....but if you look into it a little deeper, I'd say Mo Acker was just as important or valuable to his team as was DJ in any of his 3 years..and really, Travis in any of his 4 years.  Acker shot what..49% from the 3, had a great assist to turnover ratio, defended very well given his size limitations...when Acker was out of games this year, our offense really struggled.

Mo really had a great senior year...

[HoopsMalone]

At first glance, I'd say this is true..at face value....but if you look into it a little deeper, I'd say Mo Acker was just as important or valuable to his team as was DJ in any of his 3 years..and really, Travis in any of his 4 years.  Acker shot what..49% from the 3, had a great assist to turnover ratio, defended very well given his size limitations...when Acker was out of games this year, our offense really struggled.

Mo really had a great senior year...

When Mo was in this season, breaking a press or getting into the offense was never an issue.  Remember the days of Fitz or Joe Chapman or Marcus Jackson having to bring the ball up?  That was not an issue at all this past year.  Mo did a great job.  He stepped up big last year and did pretty well when DJ got hurt his junior year. 

We've been rightfully so as fans worried about interior scoring and defense, but we cannot take strong PG play for granted.  Glad to hear Junior is having a nice offseason by DJO's comments.