Random Thoughts on MU BBall.....

[The Pickle]

It's clear to me he's the most talented player we've had here since Wade...by a lot. The prediction is not insane. It's spot on. Mark my words. By next year, I suspect he'll be stringing 20 point games together routinely.

All I can say is I hope you are right...

[NavinRJohnson]

All I can say is I hope you are right...

He is. His body alone puts him ahead of most guys (Wes Matthews was the same way. Physically, and athletically he was unquestionably the best NBA prospect of the three Amigos).

[NersEllenson]

This is the most rediculously premature statement ever made.  The guy hasn't even completed a single year of D1 college basketball and is averaging a modest 12 points.  Can he shoot the 3?  Yes.  What else does he do so well that would lead you to make such an insane prediction?  I'm not trying to start a fight, I seriously want to know...

Just 19 games into his 1st NCAA Division 1 season - I've seen DJO do some pretty great spin moves, break almost anyone down off the dribble, he can finish with both his left and right hands, seen him have a couple of explosive dunks.  He's far more athletic than Jerel McNeal, and already shows better court awareness.   I'm fully behind PRN and Hayward on this topic.  DJO will be a stud the next 2 years, and he will play in the NBA.  DJO will play the 2 in the NBA, maybe not as a starter..but he can definitely be a back up.
By the time he leaves, my guess is that many will feel he is the best player to put on an MU uniform since Wade...this is my feeling.

[duanewade]

OK, so in various threads we have Hayward, Butler and DJO making the NBA, but we cannot beat Depaul?

Post of the chain....very dry humor in tone but speaks volumes with well placed sarcasm. 

I'm more proud of any MU player that makes the NBA and check boxscores almost daily of Diener, Wade, Novak and Wes to see how they are doing.  I do hope DJO and others do make the NBA but NBA GM's are very cruel in their analysis as they have to be as it's a super elite league for only the 300 best players in the world.  They tend to put more emphasis on potential and body types and skills for certain positions then they do on performance (hence a 6th man for tOSU got drafted in the 1st round last year).  Of course most the NBA super stars are genetic freaks who break all the rules on what they are supposed to be able to do....for example D. Wade is an undersized 2 guard who is built like an NFL strong safety yet has the quickness of AI and can explode and jam like a center....it's not fair how much talent God gave to D. Wade, Lebron, Garnet, Kobie and others.   

DJO may be a freak with his jumping ability and a very adept shooter....I'll be cheering for him but in my earlier posts I pointed out his current limitations that will keep him at Marquette next year for sure. 

[HoopsMalone]

I think if DJO thought that he was as good as people think he is on this message board, he would assert himself in games more and be an NBA-type player.

He is great with the ball in his hands and spotting up.  I'd like to see him come off screens and let it fly a la Reggie Miller and Rip Hamilton.  He has the stroke to do it.  He should also add some chest and shoulder muscle so he can finish when he gets bumped and defend other 2 guards. 

And of course, a little more poise at the FT line at the end of games...

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

It's clear to me he's the most talented player we've had here since Wade...by a lot. The prediction is not insane. It's spot on. Mark my words. By next year, I suspect he'll be stringing 20 point games together routinely.

I LOVE DJO... but I think you are jumping the gun. Remember Travis Diener and Steve Novak? They were very gifted (offensively).

McNeal is the all time leading scorer and was a hell of a player at MU. Certainly his style could be frustrating to watch at times, but he was all effort all of the time. Opposing players must have hated playing against him.

[MUfan12]

He's an explosive athlete, but far too deliberate with the basketball. Same on defense, he's more than quick enough laterally but is thinking too much.

Dude needs a bit more reckless abandon out there. I'd gladly trade aggressive turnovers for the ones he has now.

[KipsBayEagle]

Is this a DJO appreciation thread, or a Mcneal bashing thread?

[HoopsMalone]

Is this a DJO appreciation thread, or a Mcneal bashing thread?

Right, there is nothing wrong with concurrently complimenting DJO and McNeal.  I am happy both came to MU.  Both were/are good guards and did different things well.