TyKo was right

[jfp61]

Things are heating up (or cooling down, as the case may be) in the big Nrs-wades bet on whether Kolek shoots 35% or better from behind the arc.

After making his only attempt vs. The Provi got Tyler to .405, he has gone 0-for-2 in each of the next 3 games.

He's now at ...

.349

His above the break three point percentage is 38.2%, the highest on the team.

[brewcity77]

I think that's what we all hoped for last year, once opposing coaches focused on shutting down his passing lanes and sending a big at him when he drove into the lane. Didn't adjust successfully (ie, didn't shoot well) towards the end of last year. He's a better, smarter player this year. Let's hope he'll become a more effective shooter and get up to 38% or higher.

I don't think teams can do that this year because of Oso. His ability to play high unclogs the lane and his passing means teams can't just focus on one player's distribution.

Not saying there isn't a counter, but the counter that worked for teams last year won't work this year.

[tower912]

The solution to Oso is to sag.

[avid1010]

The solution to Oso is to sag.

Same as Giannis...allows for a running start...

[MU82]

His above the break three point percentage is 38.2%, the highest on the team.

If only Ners had bet on that.

Or if only Kolek only took shots above the break.

[tower912]

I love Oso for what he is.    He isn't Giannis.   

[GoldenEagles03]

The solution to Oso is to sag.

I don't think it's that easy.  Teams would be doing it if it was.  Joplin and Kam primarily, but really everyone else that plays is capable of knocking down open 3 pointers.  Nobody wants to give up open 3s in todays game because teams can run away with a game quickly that way.  Not easy to defend this team with this offense in any capacity.

[tower912]

I understand your argument.   Edey sagged.  Of course, he is 7'4.  But MU's cuts weren't as effective and MU led because Joplin went nuts from distance in that second half.   If Clingan/Sanogo, Kalkbrenner/X big sag back 3-4 feet and force him to go left, it will neutralize a lot of his angles.

[GoldenEagles03]

I understand your argument.   Edey sagged.  Of course, he is 7'4.  But MU's cuts weren't as effective and MU led because Joplin went nuts from distance in that second half.   If Clingan/Sanogo, Kalkbrenner/X big sag back 3-4 feet and force him to go left, it will neutralize a lot of his angles.

I think you're onto something with Joplin.  He is the key to the puzzle when teams neutralize Oso.  Kam will get his, but Joplin needs to be hitting his shots to add the additional outside presence for this team.  If he can become more consistent I think this team is at another level offensively.  And looking at Jops overall numbers he's been great % wise, but he's just been hit or miss depending on the day and if he can narrow down the off days we become so much tougher.

[PointWarrior]

Likewise, Wojo slurping is hard to quit...

Phew! I was worried that this thread about this season's team, which has absolutely nothing to do with earlier eras of Marquette basketball, might get 10 posts in without a "Wojo sucks" mention.

[avid1010]

I think you're onto something with Joplin.  He is the key to the puzzle when teams neutralize Oso.  Kam will get his, but Joplin needs to be hitting his shots to add the additional outside presence for this team.  If he can become more consistent I think this team is at another level offensively.  And looking at Jops overall numbers he's been great % wise, but he's just been hit or miss depending on the day and if he can narrow down the off days we become so much tougher.

Jop and Kam are going to hit most nights...Kolek and O-Max hit their open 3s and it's lights out. 

[Goose]

I think Stevie is going to be the key for big time success the rest of the way. He makes the D take him seriously I think our offense goes to another level. If he can be consistent 8-10 ppg guy, they will win a lot of games. I think it could add at least 1-2 more BE wins than I thought two weeks ago, which was 12+.

[avid1010]

I love Oso for what he is.    He isn't Giannis.

We all understand this...but Giannis has shown the world how to attack the rim when guys sag off of him.  Oso isn't Giannis...and the guys typically guarding Oso aren't NBA level either...and Oso has proven effective closing the gap by attacking off the dribble.

[Lennys Tap]

We all understand this...but Giannis has shown the world how to attack the rim when guys sag off of him.  Oso isn't Giannis...and the guys typically guarding Oso aren't NBA level either...and Oso has proven effective closing the gap by attacking off the dribble.

I agree with this analysis.

[MuggsyB]

TyKo was 100% spot-on with his emphatic one word proclamation.