The Program's Immediate Future

[Lighthouse 84]

Last night, at the end of the first half and then for a time in the second half, Wojo had three freshmen (Cain, Elliott and John) on the floor with two sophomores (M2N and Sam), and they either had a lead or kept it within a point or two.  That should show doubters that Wojo has the Program moving in the right direction.  Add Joey, Bailey and Morrow, and assuming no one leaves early, the next two years are going to be fun to watch.

For that matter, the rest of this year is going to be fun to watch if the three freshmen continue to step it up.  As the announcers said last night, this could be a different team come the second half of the Beast season if they do.

[4th and State]

Last night, at the end of the first half and then for a time in the second half, Wojo had three freshmen (Cain, Elliott and John) on the floor with two sophomores (M2N and Sam), and they either had a lead or kept it within a point or two.  That should show doubters that Wojo has the Program moving in the right direction.  Add Joey, Bailey and Morrow, and assuming no one leaves early, the next two years are going to be fun to watch.

For that matter, the rest of this year is going to be fun to watch if the three freshmen continue to step it up.  As the announcers said last night, this could be a different team come the second half of the Beast season if they do.

I agree the future is bright, but we will just have to see who sticks around.  The perpetual "young" excuse is getting tiresome.  I would be ecstatic if everyone returns.

As far as this year, the potential is there to make the NCAA's.  As great as winning last night was I expect we will lose some bad ones as well.

[DCHoopster]

The future might be brighter after yesterday as there might be a grad guard that might want to play with Howard next year.  Rowsey is starting to pass to the open
man, but not sure Howard knows how to do that yet, to become a point guard.  Has to work on that big time to get to the next level.  Not many 5'11" 2 guards in the
pros.

[MUBigDance]

I agree the future is bright, but we will just have to see who sticks around.  The perpetual "young" excuse is getting tiresome.  I would be ecstatic if everyone returns.

As far as this year, the potential is there to make the NCAA's.  As great as winning last night was I expect we will lose some bad ones as well.

Yes, more ups and downs ahead...we need consistency and really Rowsey has been closest to that. We know we can beat Villanova if everyone plays to their potential "at the same time"....but that hasn't happened yet.

I think it will get better....more ups than downs...and a few more close wins...I've always thought we were a 9-9 BE team +/- 1....so right on the bubble.  BUT I'm changing my mind to 11-7  +/- 1.

[skianth16]

Last night, at the end of the first half and then for a time in the second half, Wojo had three freshmen (Cain, Elliott and John) on the floor with two sophomores (M2N and Sam), and they either had a lead or kept it within a point or two.  That should show doubters that Wojo has the Program moving in the right direction.  Add Joey, Bailey and Morrow, and assuming no one leaves early, the next two years are going to be fun to watch.

I like the progress of the freshmen so far, but last night was not a showcase for any of them. Greg played a ton (30+ minutes!) but fouled out with only 2 points. Theo and Jamal combined for about 30 minutes, but Jamal was held scoreless and Theo really struggled on the boards, only grabbing 1. Yes, they each had some strong suits - GE had 4 assists, Jamal had 4 rebounds, and Theo contributed some scoring, but I don't see last night's performance as a strong indicator of future success.

Jamal's breakout game against Xavier gives me hope for the future. Theo seeming to adjust to the speed of the college game gives me hope that he'll find a solid role sooner than later. And Greg's defense and improving basketball IQ are definite bright spots. But let's not say that having 3 freshmen on the floor while the starting 5 is saddled with foul trouble is a reason to believe.

[DienerTime34]

I know there are a lot of NBA Draft experts on the board. I don't count myself as one. So I'm curious now that I'm seeing Markus-To-NBA chatter again ... what separates him from being a too-short, lights-out shooter like Jimmer Fredette who flamed out in the NBA, vs. a too-short, lights-out shooter like David Wesley who carved out a 14-year NBA career?

[Eldon]

I know there are a lot of NBA Draft experts on the board. I don't count myself as one. So I'm curious now that I'm seeing Markus-To-NBA chatter again ... what separates him from being a too-short, lights-out shooter like Jimmer Fredette who flamed out in the NBA, vs. a too-short, lights-out shooter like David Wesley who carved out a 14-year NBA career?

M2N?

Nah bro. Try M2HOF

But seriously, it's a good question

[Silkk the Shaka]

I know there are a lot of NBA Draft experts on the board. I don't count myself as one. So I'm curious now that I'm seeing Markus-To-NBA chatter again ... what separates him from being a too-short, lights-out shooter like Jimmer Fredette who flamed out in the NBA, vs. a too-short, lights-out shooter like David Wesley who carved out a 14-year NBA career?

Biggest thing at this point is age. Jimmer was 22 on draft night. Markus would be 19 on draft night this year. GMs project a ton of growth in those 3 years, because historically players improve a ton from 18-22 (for obvious reasons). They don't bake as much in for 22 year olds. Whether or not he can capture that growth after potentially being drafted would remain to be seen.

[DCHoopster]

I know there are a lot of NBA Draft experts on the board. I don't count myself as one. So I'm curious now that I'm seeing Markus-To-NBA chatter again ... what separates him from being a too-short, lights-out shooter like Jimmer Fredette who flamed out in the NBA, vs. a too-short, lights-out shooter like David Wesley who carved out a 14-year NBA career?

There is no question he has a chance to play in the NBA.  He is only 18 so, he will have to stay at MU until after next year.  He needs to work on his D, quickness, and playing making ability to achieve his goal.  Shooting wise, he is there already.  Point guard skills are not there yet.