Hayward

[Dienerfor3]

will be missed by me nearly as much as the big three as a whole.  He, himself, took on the leadership role that they had shown him the past two years and did as well, if not better, with a younger, inexperienced squad.  Tonight was one of the toughest games to watch, but it's better than the NIT (though the pain is worse).  I will miss having a clutch combo of 3-point shooting and an inside presence.  I still see him as one of the best players we have seen, but he will never get the appreciation he deserves. 

Go MU

[Moonboots]

+1

Thanks, Lazar! And Mo and Cubi, for that matter.

[SaveOD238]

+1000

Lazar single handedly willed this team to a 5th place finish in the Big East and a #6 seed.  My biggest worry for next year (and every year after that) is who exactly is going to drive the team to victory.  I cant imagine it will Jimmy...

[AlumKCof93]

My favorite players (not necessarily the best or most talented) the past 10-15 yrs.

1) Wade
2) Diener
3) Lazar
4) Wes

These guys were tough players and tough to see them go. With some guys, by the time their 4 yrs are up, certain frustrations bubble up and seems like its time for them to move on.  With these guys, I'd wish we'd had more time.  Is it just me or did Lazar's 4 yrs go by really quickly.  He'll be sorely missed.  A great representative of the school I love.

[JimmyLikesBasketball]

What's the standard for getting your # retired at MU? I feel like Zar has put up just incredible numbers and I really do believe he (and a few others) deserve the honor.

[MUEng92]

At the risk of sounding sappy, I think I will remember him more for his humble classiness than anything else.

[LAZER]

He was the reason for this teams success, no doubt.  May truly have been the most valuable player in the Big East.

[MUfan12]

At the risk of sounding sappy, I think I will remember him more for his humble classiness than anything else.

I'm with you there. And when I see stuff like this, I really get what Buzz has said all along about how kind he is as a person. http://www.marquette.edu/magazine/data/upimages/100315_MB076_MC_copy.jpg

He's become one of my all-time favorite Warriors, mainly because of the type of guy he is off the court. A fine representative of our alma mater.

[jaygall31]

At the risk of sounding sappy, I think I will remember him more for his humble classiness than anything else.

+1. and BIG BIG shots.

[karavotsos]

and BIG BIG heart.  and BIG BIG guns.  and little nudges in the back.  and quck, quick hands.  and a quick release.

Stud of the Year- Zar.

[ChicosBailBonds]

will be missed by me nearly as much as the big three as a whole.  He, himself, took on the leadership role that they had shown him the past two years and did as well, if not better, with a younger, inexperienced squad.  Tonight was one of the toughest games to watch, but it's better than the NIT (though the pain is worse).  I will miss having a clutch combo of 3-point shooting and an inside presence.  I still see him as one of the best players we have seen, but he will never get the appreciation he deserves. 

Go MU

He goes down in my mind as one of the very special players in MU history.  And a tremendous person as well.  We will miss him.  I hope he gets a shot at the NBA.

[MerrittsMustache]

I've really liked Lazar ever since he got to campus. He was one of my favorite players the last few years, but I can confidently say that, after this season, he's my all-time favorite Marquette player.

He clearly wasn't the best player in MU history, but I'm not sure anyone played with more heart and desire than Lazar. Not mention, that he played out of position for 4 years (possibly hurting his NBA chances) and did not once make a peep about it. He simply went out and did his job. And even with all his accomplishments, he remained a very humble young man. He's a real class act.

It would be hard to argue that Lazar was the best player in the Big East this past season, but I will forever believe that he was the most valuable to his team.

Best of luck, Lazar!

[jaybilaswho?]

What's the standard for getting your # retired at MU? I feel like Zar has put up just incredible numbers and I really do believe he (and a few others) deserve the honor.

You gotta think that being second on the all time marquette scorers list is a good start.

I agree with you all. Lazar is easily on of my favorite Warriors of all time. Great guy, good player, nice memories.

[Brewtown Andy]

You gotta think that being second on the all time marquette scorers list is a good start.

Especially when combined with top 5 rebounding.

[NavinRJohnson]

He showed it last night too, when he almost single handedly kept them in that thing in the second half and tried to will that one to victory (defense on the last play aside).

[The Pickle]

I'm with you there. And when I see stuff like this, I really get what Buzz has said all along about how kind he is as a person. http://www.marquette.edu/magazine/data/upimages/100315_MB076_MC_copy.jpg

He's become one of my all-time favorite Warriors, mainly because of the type of guy he is off the court. A fine representative of our alma mater.

Is that his kid or someone else's?

[Brewtown Andy]

Is that his kid or someone else's?

Pretty sure that's Coach Collins' kid.

[MarquetteFan94]

He is irreplaceable (sp?)....I was admittedly concerned before the start of the season in his ability to be the focal point, vocal leader, etc....but it he blew my expectations away.  Complete stud and class act all the way around...incredible representative of MU and the program.

I am concerned about leadership for next year.  While I like Butler's consistent demeanor I don't know that we've seen enough to think that he can make the leap to being the vocal leader on the team...hope I'm wrong.  He's the obvious choice....aside from him...DJO has the talent and Junior hasn't had enough time but they both seem quiet.

Vander, your table is ready.

[PuertoRicanNightmare]

He goes down in my mind as one of the very special players in MU history.  And a tremendous person as well.  We will miss him.  I hope he gets a shot at the NBA.

My sentiments exactly...a true all-timer! Without question one of my top 5 favorites ever.

Absolutely loved his game and seemed like a great guy to boot.

[MUCrew]

At the risk of sounding sappy, I think I will remember him more for his humble classiness than anything else.

Have to agree here.  It could just be me hearing this, but when he ran into the cameraman last night during the game, I could have sworn he said, "Hey are you OK?"  It's a small thing, but just the courtesy he shows others goes a long way. 

Definitely one of MU's finest - I'm certain he will make us proud in whatever he does after graduation. 

[Maryland Warrior]

There is a video clip floating in cyber space of MU's pregame   huddle in the tunnel preparing to enter ,I assume,The Bradley Center court. Lots of noise and drung of course. But to the side stands this little boy,excited to be present,of course, but a bit  intimidated by these huge creatures. Suddenly  Zar steps from the group and pats him on the head Sort of a glad-your-here-it's- all-right gesture.
I mean,given the situation,how many people have the presence of mind, much less the innate awareness, to think of someone else?
That told me a lot about this guy. Yes, he will be missed. The good news is that he evolved into the type of leader who looked to pass the torch on rather then  riding off into the sunset with it firmly in his grasp.
I am sure he will do well wherever the road leads

[HoopsMalone]

Lazar was a great player.  His four tourney appearances ended with 4 tough luck outcomes. 

McNeal going down and the guys coming out cold in the Crean/Izzo matchup his freshman year. 
The Lopez shot his soph year. 
James' injury his junior year when they had the best chance to make a run in conference and to the Final Four. 
And then Washington shoots lights out and he loses by two. 

I'll always appreciate his play.  He also had the biggest hand these two years in establishing Buzz as a credible coach and for the last 4 years establishing Marquette as a legitimate Big East team.  Even though the Amigos and Lazar did not get the post season wins, they did a lot for our program and will be a part of our future successes.

[goodgreatgrand]

Where is his draft stock now? I think people thought of him as a mid-second round pick. He may have played his way to the top of the 2nd round. Unfortunately, he's in between positions in the NBA. He could play the 4 but guys his size or smaller are much quicker and more athletic. The 3 spot is out of the question despite the fact that he has the range in his shot to play it. He kind of reminds me of a Carlos Boozer...but smaller.