Pirate thoughts

[forgetful]

Nice post Shark.  And as you mention this roster has an experience problem.  And much like last year, I'd prefer not to see us grind to the finish line without getting our talented underclassmen on the floor as much as possible - JJJ and Cohen.  Sadly we lost Burton already.  You mention we could easily be a bubble team right now - that's part of what makes it so frustrating.  Imagine if Wojo had rolled hell or highwater at the start of the season with Burton and JJJ getting 25-27 and Juan and Derrick 13-15 minutes per game.  Where might we be this season?  But at minimum if not where this season, how much better off for next for them to have gotten a full season of lots of experience?

The class of Duane, JJJ and Burton was every bit as good as Jerel, Wes and Dom.  And those guys as freshman took us to an NCAA along with Steve Novak.  I simply feel Derrick and Juan playing 30+ per game, though they play their hearts out, simply wasn't the best chance for us to win this season.

This is why people have a hard time with your ideas.  Ones like this are absurd.  The three best defenders in that group are Dom, Wes and Jerel.  The 3 best shooters are Wes, Jerel and Duane (at least one of them made it in).  The best PG, Dom.  The best 2G, Jerel.  The best 3, Wes.  And Steve Novak>>>>>anyone on last years team.

[WarriorFan]

He was sitting on two time outs. Seniors making the turnovers.  Really an area of development for the staff (not just Wojo) is the end of game situationals.

This is really a great point.  I can understand that coming from where the team is coming from, Wojo never would have predicted a need for this many late game situation plays and tactics.  Let's reserve judgement until next year.  I bet this is issue #1 for the staff this summer. 

[GGGG]

OK...saw the game.

1. Derrick played fine defense, but was terrible offensively.  He played 40 minutes...which no one should do.
2. JJJ's energy was GREAT!  Hopefully he can continue to increase his efficiency.  Clearly something has clicked in the last week or so.
3.  STJ sighting.  Good to see.
4. Agreed that Wojo et. al. need some growth in late game situations.  I have no doubt that will happen.

[willie warrior]

OK...saw the game.

1. Derrick played fine defense, but was terrible offensively.  He played 40 minutes...which no one should do.
2. JJJ's energy was GREAT!  Hopefully he can continue to increase his efficiency.  Clearly something has clicked in the last week or so.
3.  STJ sighting.  Good to see.
4. Agreed that Wojo et. al. need some growth in late game situations.  I have no doubt that will happen.

You are right about Derrick playing fine defense. he generally plays fine defense every game. But elite, it is not. I assume he plays because of his fine defense. Of course, he lacks in some other very important areas like: shooting; FT's; and ability to thread the needle on passes. I would go so far to say that Derrick's shooting is the poorest we have had out of a PG in decades. Which includes Tony Miller, Dom and others. Maybe somebody will think of one that was poorer.

[GGGG]

I don't know why people use the "elite" phrase as a back handed insult.  It's not as though *he* called himself that.  He's smart and physical, and does a lot of the dirty work that needs to be done.  Is he Jimmy Butler or Dominic James?  No.  But he is good on that side.

[TSmith34, Inc.]

jsglow and I are on a plane right now, so this is the first game this season we have not watched.

Obviously, we are bad luck.  Anyone want to take over our season tickets?

I was pretty sure it was me.  Was out and when I could get home and turn it on MU was up 9 with SH at the line.  Marquette followed with:

-Horrible Derrick TO
-Horrible JJJ drive/turnover
-Missed layup by Duane
-STJ offensive board that instead of going up for an easy two he pulled back out
-Bad looking Juan three
-Horrible JJJ drive/wild shot
-Missed front end of 1-and-1 by JJJ

Ugh.  Thankfully Duane calmed down and sunk his FT

[WarriorInNYC]

Duane looked like a freshman today? Really? He is one of two players on this team that can create his own shot? The rest cannot!!!
He looked like a freshman today? Really? As he drained his 2 clutch FT's at the end of the game. And Derrick--how did he do as he clanged his FT's and shots. The guy that is getting 33+ minutes per game. Did he play like a Senior captain?
The love of Derrick by some knows no bounds. He is a good kid, but he got 40 minutes today with less than his usual anemic production.
Oh, I forgot, he had a dunk this year. But nobody guards him on the perimeter.
But Duane looked like a Freshman today!!!

Yes, Duane looked like a freshman today.  2-8 from the field with 2 turnovers and 4 fouls.  He looked like a freshman.  He will continue to improve.  Was very happy to see him hit those FTs at the end of the game, especially after the recent misses he has had at the end of games.

And yes, Duane is one of very few players on this team who can create his own shot.  Not sure what that has to do with my comment as he clearly did not create enough shots today.  Also don't see what my "Duane looking like a freshman" comment has to do with Derrick Wilson at all.  Derrick did not play well yesterday.

[VegasWarrior77]

Jerry Meyer ‏@jerrymeyer247  7 minutes ago
This Jaren Sina transfer from Seton Hall is one of the biggest red flags I've ever seen.

http://247sports.com/Bolt/Seton-Hall-loses-starting-guard-35575226

Sophomore guard Jaren Sina is transferring from Seton Hall according to college basketball writer Jerry Carino.

Carino sites chemistry issues within the team as the impetus for the transfer.

Sina, who was averaging seven points and 2.3 assists per game, will not finish the season with the Seton Hall team.

A three-star prospect coming out of Gladstone (N.J.) Gill St Bernard S School, Sina considered Alabama, Northwestern and others before choosing Seton Hall.

[NersEllenson]

OK...saw the game.

1. Derrick played fine defense, but was terrible offensively.  He played 40 minutes...which no one should do.
2. JJJ's energy was GREAT!  Hopefully he can continue to increase his efficiency.  Clearly something has clicked in the last week or so.
3.  STJ sighting.  Good to see.
4. Agreed that Wojo et. al. need some growth in late game situations.  I have no doubt that will happen.

If you've been racking your brain trying to figure out what that "something" was that clicked in the last week - it's called playing time.  (Whether "earned" or by default of Carlino being out.)