Big East Writer's Poll: Marquette 7th

[TallTitan34]

http://www.syracuse.com/orangebasketball/index.ssf/2012/10/syracuse_post-standard_poll_lo.html

1. Louisville 15 (15 1st-place votes)
2. Syracuse 33
3. Notre Dame 49
4. Cincinnati 63
5. Pittsburgh 78
6. Georgetown 97
7. Marquette 109
8. South Florida 123
9. Connecticut 159
10. St. John's 163
11. Rutgers 167
12. Villanova 171
13. Providence 176
14. Seton Hall 188
15. DePaul 209

[tower912]

No worries.   MU sent 35 pts to the league.   We don't know who the go-to guy is going to be.   For the last few years, MU has been undervalued going into the season.    This team certainly has the potential for a third straight S16.     But, with the schedule MU is playing, a couple of injuries or underachievers and the Warriors could once again be team bubble watch. 

[Lennys Tap]

Looking at it objectively, this is about right. Good news is that Buzz's teams outperform, sometimes by a whole lot.

[warriorchick]

We have been consistently underestimated for years.  Seems to work for us.

[Dr. Blackheart]

Prediction: MU 2nd in the Big East.

Has eight players who have started numerous D1 games, and a 9th (DeWilson, who started in Madison). The most experienced team in the Big East returning. Significantly taller than it has been in decades. One of the best defensive and offensive teams in the Big East and nation a year ago, but with Otule back and JWilson/Taylor combo in their natural positions, that means that MU is much improved on defensive rebounding--a weakness last season. Will start all upperclassmen, which means efficiency will be up, per Pomeroy, and road wins more positive. Fans and pundits are worried about the lack of star firepower with DJO and Jae gone, but points will be replaced with a spread of depth like in Moneyball.  Junior was #1 last year in the BE in +/-, he simply makes others better.  A good free throw shooting team again, and better with the choice of bringing in Jake Thomas for end of the game situations.

[brewcity77]

The only team I put clearly ahead of us is Louisville. They are returning a monster. Syracuse will be solid, not as sure about Notre Dame. I think they're top-5 material, but I think we'll be vying for 2nd/3rd with Syracuse and Pitt. Definitely think Pitt is a bit underrated here because of last year's disappointment. Losing Ashton Gibbs was the best thing that could have happened to that team. They'll be very good again.

[MerrittsMustache]

I'm thinking that L'ville goes 16-2 and then there's a mass of teams with 10-12 wins. MU may finish 7th but may also be just 1 game out of 3rd.

[MU82]

Prediction: MU 2nd in the Big East.

Has eight players who have started numerous D1 games, and a 9th (DeWilson, who started in Madison). The most experienced team in the Big East returning. Significantly taller than it has been in decades. One of the best defensive and offensive teams in the Big East and nation a year ago, but with Otule back and JWilson/Taylor combo in their natural positions, that means that MU is much improved on defensive rebounding--a weakness last season. Will start all upperclassmen, which means efficiency will be up, per Pomeroy, and road wins more positive. Fans and pundits are worried about the lack of star firepower with DJO and Jae gone, but points will be replaced with a spread of depth like in Moneyball.  Junior was #1 last year in the BE in +/-, he simply makes others better.  A good free throw shooting team again, and better with the choice of bringing in Jake Thomas for end of the game situations.

Not worried about lack of star firepower. Worried about who will hit 3-pointers for us consistently.

And wow ... are you ever drinking the Jake Thomas Kool-Aid.

I do like your enthusiasm and confidence! I, too, think we'll have a nice season.

[Bob "Big Daddy" Wild]

Prediction: MU 2nd in the Big East.

Has eight players who have started numerous D1 games, and a 9th (DeWilson, who started in Madison). The most experienced team in the Big East returning. Significantly taller than it has been in decades. One of the best defensive and offensive teams in the Big East and nation a year ago, but with Otule back and JWilson/Taylor combo in their natural positions, that means that MU is much improved on defensive rebounding--a weakness last season. Will start all upperclassmen, which means efficiency will be up, per Pomeroy, and road wins more positive. Fans and pundits are worried about the lack of star firepower with DJO and Jae gone, but points will be replaced with a spread of depth like in Moneyball.  Junior was #1 last year in the BE in +/-, he simply makes others better.  A good free throw shooting team again, and better with the choice of bringing in Jake Thomas for end of the game situations.

I will take two servings of your statistical kool aid my good Dr.

[Goose]

I like our chances to finish higher than seven this year. We are missing a go to guy but plenty of options for guys to step up. This is very important year for/Buzz and program IMO and think they will deliver. I thought TC had important season after FF team and we failed to build on it and think this team will surprise people in positive manner.

[Dr. Blackheart]

Not worried about lack of star firepower. Worried about who will hit 3-pointers for us consistently.

And wow ... are you ever drinking the Jake Thomas Kool-Aid.

I do like your enthusiasm and confidence! I, too, think we'll have a nice season.

Jake Thomas is an 83% career free throw shooter.  And, if down points with little time, he can fill it up quickly with treys.  Very situational.

[muwarrior69]

I thought Dan Fitzgerald was a decent role player for MU. I think Jake could be that kind of a player for us. Can't remember what his stats were when he played against us, but I do remember he was killing us with 3s.

[The Equalizer]

Can't remember what his stats were when he played against us, but I do remember he was killing us with 3s.

3 of 9 on treys, 4 of 13 FG shooting overall.  Two of the three treys were in the last 1:41.

Either your memory or your definition of "killing us" is flawed.

[bamamarquettefan]

I've had us 7th too, but the top 7 are very close together except for Louisville having a bit of an edge.