Chris Otule

[brewcity77]

While I voted for Vander, Otule was an absolute monster yesterday and fully deserved SOTG. Throughout this season, quite a few people were adamant that they didn't want CO back next year. I think over the past 6 weeks, it's pretty clear he's back to being healthy and is back to being the player he was before the injury. Actually, I think he's better than he was 2 years ago.

Look at his numbers in the 11 games since February 9:

19.5 mpg
70.8 FG%
6.6 ppg
4.5 rpg
1.3 bpg
1.9 fpg

He has been playing incredibly well. He has always been a great defender and I find it incredible that he gets nearly as many blocks per game as he does fouls called. But what's truly impressive is his shooting percentage. Hitting over 70% from the field? That's insanely good. Chris, like Vander, is not only learning the value of a good shot but also only taking the shots that the defense gives him.

Anyone that doesn't want this kid back for another year is, in my opinion, insane. We would undoubtedly have the best 1-2 center punch in the Big East and one of the best combos in the entire country.

...and no, I'm not forgetting Obekpa and Achiuwa at St. John's.

[BCHoopster]

No doubt, Chris is a big difference.  You can watch him run full tilt right now and it seems he no longer has a limp.  Defensively he is probably 50% better than Gardner.  Blocks out,
knows how to use his body.  Difference maker.  I think against Butler he will be able to take Smith out of the game.  I hope some of the freshman next year can hit some shots, if
they can, they will be much better than this year.  It is really hard to watch this team play O?  Got to get Jamill going in the first half, again he had a great 2nd half. 

[Jay Bee]

He has been playing incredibly well. He has always been a great defender and I find it incredible that he gets nearly as many blocks per game as he does fouls called. But what's truly impressive is his shooting percentage. Hitting over 70% from the field? That's insanely good. Chris, like Vander, is not only learning the value of a good shot but also only taking the shots that the defense gives him.

For me it's been his offensive rebounding lately that has really stood out. Huge for us.

His field goal % (same as his eFG% as he has zero 3FGAs during his career) for the year is 65.1%! He's been awesome at the rim - around 73%.

To be on the NCAA's leaderboard for FG% I think you need an average of 5 makes per game.. so he'd need 160, but only has 71. Nowhere close to the minimum.

HOWEVER, if he was on the board, he's be top 5. Also, would be top 10 eFG% among guys ~24 mpg/plus if he averaged that many minutes.

Looking far more confident - about the knee and his game both, I suppose. Wouldn't mind some more defensive rebounds from Chris (especially against Butler tomorrow), but overall he's been excellent.

[Stronghold]

There's not many teams that boast a legit 6'11" player, and for one to play as good as Chris is very rare.  And for him to overcome the adversity he has faced is even more remarkable.  If we have him, Davante, Vander, and Jamil back next year we are going to be a force. 

[MerrittsMustache]

Let's not forget that Otule tore his ACL on December 6, 2011 and was back playing in live game action on November 11, 2012. That's pretty impressive, especially for a man his size. It seemed like he really got back into feeling healthy in late January. In the first 18 games of the season (thru Jan 26) he never played more than 19 minutes. In the last 14 games, he's played 20+ minutes 9 times. One has to assume that Buzz and the training staff were pacing him early so that he was ready to go in March. Based on yesterday's performance, it was a pretty good strategy.

[Blackhat]

Loved seeing Chris seal his man with the drop step yesterday.  Beautiful!

[Stronghold]

Chris did have a couple classic travels and falls to the ground yesterday but he wouldn't be the same if he didn't do that.

[Badgerhater]

Otule in practice has undoubtedly made Gardner a better player.   If only for that reason he needs to stay.

[BCHoopster]

Chris did have a couple classic travels and falls to the ground yesterday but he wouldn't be the same if he didn't do that.

Chris still has issues on the offensive end, but he has improved tremendously, a few years ago they would have never given him the ball.  Secondly, playing with one eye, that is truly
amazing.  Put a hand over one of your eyes, how hard is it to play ball doing that?

[brewcity77]

Chris still has issues on the offensive end, but he has improved tremendously, a few years ago they would have never given him the ball.  Secondly, playing with one eye, that is truly
amazing.  Put a hand over one of your eyes, how hard is it to play ball doing that?

Very hard. But then I'd only have one eye AND one hand

[StillAWarrior]

I'd love to have Otule back next year, but I wonder if it makes sense for him to return.  If he has any intention of earning a living playing basketball, every year he stays at Marquette is one less year as a professional.  I can understand why he might want to stay another year, but if he dreams of being a pro, I'm not sure it makes a lot of sense.

[martyconlonontherun]

Anyone have a clue where otule stands on graduating? Hope for him if he comes back he gets a masters so he is set up after his bball career is over.

[StillAWarrior]

Anyone have a clue where otule stands on graduating? Hope for him if he comes back he gets a masters so he is set up after his bball career is over.

In another thread discussing this subject, it was said that Otule had already graduated and was taking graduate level courses.

If Chris could actually achieve another degree by staying another year, that at least would seem to be a legitimate reason to stick around.  Having that degree in hand could be valuable after his basketball career ends.  If he's just sticking around to get another couple of classes in, then it wouldn't make a lot of sense if Chris dreams of playing professionally.  The clock is ticking on that basketball career.

[john31]

I'd love to have Otule back next year, but I wonder if it makes sense for him to return. If he has any intention of earning a living playing basketball, every year he stays at Marquette is one less year as a professional.  I can understand why he might want to stay another year, but if he dreams of being a pro, I'm not sure it makes a lot of sense.

This is a good point. A couple of games ago I thought for sure CO stays but now his value has gone up. I don't see CO as an NBA player but I think he could make a nice living in one of the European leagues. What is his ceiling? If he is close to it he should take cash. I would love to see him back next year but he deserves every good thing he gets, he has earned it. Go Warriors...