Our "Secret"

[dgies9156]

For all of the talk about how a team gets into a boxing match when they play Marquette, I think there's a secret to Buzz's success that'ss too often overlooked: Recruiting.

Most college teams are seven, maybe eight players deep. Heck, we were only eight deep when we won the national title. After eight, there is a severe drop-off in talent. Marquette is 10 deep, realistically. It should have smacked people in the face how deep we are last night when Buzz subbed out the entire line with five fresh players.

Butler played a tough game, but if you look at the line score, we destroyed them in the second half. We raced back against Davidson because we were deeper and fresher. Buzz's boot camp certainly helped but the depth is the key to this year's team. We keep throwing talented, fresh bodies at the opponent and we're comparatively fresh late in the second half, when it matters.

Now look ar the regular season games we lost. Louisville, Florida and Cincinnati all destroyed us in the first half and created such an insurmountable lead we did not recover. Cincinnati was the only close one. Butler was a fluke in a tight game and Georgetown and Villanova were against well-coached teams and on-the-road games.

As long as we contain the damage in the first half, we have a fighting chance at winning because of our depth. Destroy us early and we lose. Maintain a close first half and we wear them out!

[statnik]

For all of the talk about how a team gets into a boxing match when they play Marquette, I think there's a secret to Buzz's success that'ss too often overlooked: Recruiting.

Most college teams are seven, maybe eight players deep. Heck, we were only eight deep when we won the national title. After eight, there is a severe drop-off in talent. Marquette is 10 deep, realistically. It should have smacked people in the face how deep we are last night when Buzz subbed out the entire line with five fresh players.

Butler played a tough game, but if you look at the line score, we destroyed them in the second half. We raced back against Davidson because we were deeper and fresher. Buzz's boot camp certainly helped but the depth is the key to this year's team. We keep throwing talented, fresh bodies at the opponent and we're comparatively fresh late in the second half, when it matters.

Now look ar the regular season games we lost. Louisville, Florida and Cincinnati all destroyed us in the first half and created such an insurmountable lead we did not recover. Cincinnati was the only close one. Butler was a fluke in a tight game and Georgetown and Villanova were against well-coached teams and on-the-road games.

As long as we contain the damage in the first half, we have a fighting chance at winning because of our depth. Destroy us early and we lose. Maintain a close first half and we wear them out!

That depth is certainly not lost on me.  To me, it's our biggest asset we must take advantage of.  In fact, it would be nice if the likes of Steve Taylor could play a bit more, he's made some big plays in key games this year, so I don't know why he's only had a few minutes in the first couple NCAA games.  It would give players like Wilson and Lockett a bit more rest (especially Lockett, having played 38 minutes last night because he deserved it).

[MarquetteDano]

And there were a few around here pre-season who stated that either: a) we really are not that deep;  or b) Buzz would NEVER go 10 deep in games.

[downtown85]

Another advantage is I think the depth and the greater permutations of players on the floor makes it harder for opposing coaches to scout and game plan for.

[Jay Bee]

Another advantage is I think the depth and the greater permutations of players on the floor makes it harder for opposing coaches to scout and game plan for.

Indeed. Some different looks. If a couple guys can shoot treys consistently next year, look out.

[Badgerhater]

Buzz did state after the Missouri loss a few years ago that he wanted a deep team that he throw out there in waves.

[ChicosBailBonds]

That's also the danger in going after too many 5 star studs, they want their minutes and they don't stay long. Delicate balancing act on the recruiting trail.

[brewcity77]

Another advantage to this in the long run could very well be recruiting. We have 9 guys averaging 13+ mpg and two more (Taylor and Thomas) averaging 9 mpg. While incoming recruits may see a ton of talent on this team, it's clear that if you are ready to play, Buzz will get you time on the court even if you are a freshman.

If that leads to some guys transferring because they can't get more than 10-15 mpg, so be it, because you get what you earn, and because Buzz has been good at identifying guys ready to be the "next man up".