MU Insider on ESPN

[TempoFree]

Does anyone have access to Insider that can post regarding the ESPN headline "Rumors: New look for Marquette's frontcourt?"

[CTWarrior]

Weird lead because no rumors at all.  Here is text

Marquette's 2011-12 campaign was a memorable one. The Golden Eagles rattled off 27 wins, even making a push all the way to the Sweet 16 before bowing out to Florida. Can they deliver a repeat performance in 2012-13?

There will certainly be obstacles. Darius Johnson-Odom and Jae Crowder combined for nearly 36 points per game last season -- and now they're both in the NBA. But Jon Rothstein contends that shouldn't be too big of a problem for Buzz Williams' squad, given the talent that still resides on the roster. He points to the fact that Davante Gardner -- the program's top returning scorer for 2012-13 -- missed time because of injury last season and figures to be at full strength this time around. Meanwhile, Junior Cadougan still has plenty of upside and Steve Taylor joins Marquette as an ESPN 100 recruit.

Also, Chris Otule, after missing all of last season due to injury, will return. The presence of Otule and Gardner will provide Williams and staff with a talented frontcourt, and give Marquette some interior size, a quality that was lacking a year ago -- Marquette's effective height (per Ken Pomeroy) ranked among the worst in the nation.

On top of all that, the Eagles have transfer Trent Lockett ready to step in as well. The former Arizona State standout emerged as a leader in tough times while with the Sun Devils. Now on a roster with talent all around him, the senior guard could be a major contributor.

[TempoFree]

Definitely not rumors, but thanks for the post!

[Clam Crowder]

Is Trent a guard? He looks way too big to be a guard, he looks big enough to play the 4 in Buzz' system. I know he is listed as 6-4 but he is big and very built. The line up of Vander Trent Jamil Steve and Otule would be a pretty imposing lineup height wise. We have more options than we have had in recent years. There is really no bum on this team. Everyone has a case to be made for minutes excluding only Jamal Ferguson. TJ Taylor is said to be very good, and D-Will's defense makes him deserving of some minutes. Call me an idiot because of what we lost, but I think this team could and will be better than last year's because of the depth we have at every position.

[Skatastrophy]

Is Trent a guard? He looks way too big to be a guard, he looks big enough to play the 4 in Buzz' system. I know he is listed as 6-4 but he is big and very built. The line up of Vander Trent Jamil Steve and Otule would be a pretty imposing lineup height wise. We have more options than we have had in recent years. There is really no bum on this team. Everyone has a case to be made for minutes excluding only Jamal Ferguson. TJ Taylor is said to be very good, and D-Will's defense makes him deserving of some minutes. Call me an idiot because of what we lost, but I think this team could and will be better than last year's because of the depth we have at every position.

He definitely seems more comfortable playing away from the basket, but who knows what buzz will talk him into   You're right, though, the guy has some pretty big shoulders!

[Benny B]

Is Trent a guard? He looks way too big to be a guard, he looks big enough to play the 4 in Buzz' system. I know he is listed as 6-4 but he is big and very built.

[Cue devious laughter]  It's not exactly easy for the other team to prepare when MU plays 3's at the 1, 2's at the 4, 4's at the 2 and 5, two 4's at the 5, etc.

[pbiflyer]

[Cue devious laughter]  It's not exactly easy for the other team to prepare when MU plays 3's at the 1, 2's at the 4, 4's at the 2 and 5, two 4's at the 5, etc.

Um, could you put that in a chart. I am having a hard time just following it, let alone game planning for it. 

[Dawson Rental]

Is Trent a guard? He looks way too big to be a guard, he looks big enough to play the 4 in Buzz' system. I know he is listed as 6-4 but he is big and very built.

The last couple of years at Arizona State Lockett was listed at forward.  When you think about it, he's Jae Crowder size, or a 1/4 of an inch taller.

TJ Taylor is said to be very good

Really?  Who says that TJ Taylor is very good?  Buzz wants him (obviously), but Buzz has said that TJ could very well take some time to find his role on this team.  I really don't understand all the optimism for an immediate contribution from TJ.  Give him a year to develop, and he could become a valuable piece.  I just don't see him having much of an impact next year.

[JoBo2756]

Pretty excited for next year with the add of Lockett, a healthy (hopefully) Otule and Davante. Add in Wilson, and that's four decently sized guys who can do a bit of damage. Curious to see how Otule comes back from a year off.

May not be as fast as last year and might not have quality of talent (no superstars), but think it will be well distributed at least right?

[MattyWarrior]

What about Steve Taylor? More size than we've had in a while. Lockett looks strong like a bull, I like players like him.
TJ Taylor is an unknown at this point, highly rated coming out of HS but don't know how he'll respond to the BEast.

[Clam Crowder]

I think TJ will be alot like Sophomore year DJO. I have no support for this just a feeling that he will be a pretty solid contributor