This team is Out of Gas!

[94Warrior]

I hate to say it, but MU is a tired team.  Having an extremely thin bench can be overcome in the short-term, but unfortunately over the course of an entire Big East season a shallow bench is impossible to hide.  This team's perimeter defense was their calling card over the first half of the Big East season.  But, it has become obvious of late they no longer have the defensive intensity or legs required of them to be successful on the defensive end.

In the earlier Nova matchup and against UW, Cincy, WVU and ND our guards all dominated their matchups defensively!  All of these teams have solid, if not elite guards who were completely bottled-up by MU's perimeter defense.  James, McNeal and Acker regularly pushed the guards on those teams 25-30 ft from the basket making it very difficult for those teams to run their half-court sets.  Against GT, DePaul twice, SFU, and now Nova, this is no longer happening.  The on-ball pressure applied by MU is no longer at the same high-level we saw earlier this season.  And, I attribute it to tired legs which leads to lack of focus.  In short, the team is tired due to having essentially a 7-man rotation.  For further evidence of tired legs and tired minds - just look at the FT shooting.   

This team is still explosive offensively and worthy of a top 25 ranking, but without the same perimeter defense we saw earlier this season they are not top 10.  And, unfortunately things only get harder from here.

[StillWarriors]

Absolutely right. While I am not one of those that are ready to throw in the towel at this point like many, it appears a top 4 seed in conf is an extreme long shot.

Given the fact Buzz refuses to even try his bench (justified or not), the grind of those last several games and a back to back and possibly a 3rd game in the tourney (no way we get to a 4th game) will absolutely wear out this team. It's a shame Cubillan can't give anything, and Acker's ability to contribute without any confidence in his shot is real limited. I won't comment on the others b/c we don't even use them.

The more I see Butler though the more I like him off the bench.

I guess every team has its weaknesses, but given how strong we are at some spots, how frustrating to be so shorthanded.

I can live with tonight's loss. The S. Florida game is the killer, and will hurt us big time going forward.

[CTWarrior]

I don't know if the effect of big minutes game after game is cumulative.  I think it probably isn't  On the other hand, you cannot ask our big 4 to all play 36 or more minutes in a game played at the pace last night's game was, while expecting them to chase guards all over the place on defense and run a motion offense and then be surprised when they run out of gas.

[foreverwarriors]

It was definitely noticable tonight, but I was telling everyone the same thing during the USF game...the team just looked incredibly tired on both sides of the court and in transition - and it wasn't I'm out of condition tired, it was a my legs are just done moving tired.

[oshkoshbgosh]

Agreed. Buzz needs to use and develope his bench players. He recruited Otule and Fulce and now they sit. Hazel hadn't played the last few games and looked decent (as good as Burke) against Nova. Don't tell me about practice, young players need real minutes to learn and grow (ask Alan Iverson).

The big four are playing way too many minutes. If the starters all graduate and the reserves get pissed and transfer because the coach can't even trust them with garbage minutes, what does the future hold? Will we have 10 freshmen next year? I'm no fan of Tom Crean, but he could teach Buzz a thing or two about in-game decision making.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Agreed. Buzz needs to use and develope his bench players. He recruited Otule and Fulce and now they sit. Hazel hadn't played the last few games and looked decent (as good as Burke) against Nova. Don't tell me about practice, young players need real minutes to learn and grow (ask Alan Iverson).

The big four are playing way too many minutes. If the starters all graduate and the reserves get pissed and transfer because the coach can't even trust them with garbage minutes, what does the future hold? Will we have 10 freshmen next year? I'm no fan of Tom Crean, but he could teach Buzz a thing or two about in-game decision making.

This was the complaint of New Orleans fans, that he locks in on 6 players and that's it.  I realize the argument will be that this is all we have, on the other hand if you never play the other guys then how do you know that's all you have?   And as a result, those that have a decent playing ability only get rustier.

Aker, Cubes, etc rot on the bench so when they do get in they look even more and more rusty.  Vicious cycle.


At any rate, it appears to me that the schedule is catching up with them as well, though the USF game will be the ultimate killer.  12-6 is about right, maybe even 11-5.  That means finishing 5th through 7th which is where we were predicted to finish.

[Warrior Forever]

Let's all take a deep breath folks.  There is absolutely no shame in losing to Villanova.  Let's face it, with Cunningham's emergence, they are better than us.  However, keep in perspective that if we take care of business at home, we are 11-2 in the best conference in the league. Granted the last five are killers, but if we win 1 or 2, we take 12/13 wins into Selection Sunday.  That is impressive.

Now for the dark clouds emerging:

1) Defense:  we have fallen off the cliff.  Not sure if it's because we're tired or not, but Buzz has to get this turned around.  I really don't buy the tired argument.  If we are, why are we continuing to shoot so well from the field?  If Buzz is a defensive guy, he better spend even more time here.

2) FT: no excuses.  If this doesn't improve, we're in big trouble.

3) No bench: The failure to develop a bench is Buzz's biggest failing thus far.  You cannot successfully survive the top conference going 6/7 deep.  I have no idea where we stand in regards to Fulce, O'Tule, Cubillan because they haven't been given a shot.  If it's health related, redshirt them.  If not, play them.

Having written all this, let's not forget this team is giving everything they've got and have had an incredible year thus far.  I still think great things are ahead.

Go Warriors.  Crush St. John's.

[Tugg Speedman]

At any rate, it appears to me that the schedule is catching up with them as well, though the USF game will be the ultimate killer.  12-6 is about right, maybe even 11-5.  That means finishing 5th through 7th which is where we were predicted to finish.

Look at the schedule to the right.  11 BE teams already have 5 losses.  That leaves only five teams with fewer than 5 losses.  11-5 should be a fourth seed and get a double-bye in the tourney. 

How does 12 and 6, wind up as a seventh seed?  Only 8 teams have fewer than six losses.  They still all play each other.  It's mathematically impossible that 12 and 6 is a seventh seed.  12 and 6 could still be a fourth seed and a double-bye.

Chico, you have to stop crapping on this team.  We know you position that you do not like Buzz's hiring.  It seems you rather be proven right in your beliefs than see MU win.

Just admit you were wrong about Buzz and Cottingham is a better AD than you would be.   Then you can free yourself of the burden of being proven correct and you can enjoy this season.

[rocky_warrior]

Just a correction - 11-7 could be a final tally, 11-5 is impossible - there at 18 conference games

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

This was the complaint of New Orleans fans, that he locks in on 6 players and that's it.  I realize the argument will be that this is all we have, on the other hand if you never play the other guys then how do you know that's all you have?   And as a result, those that have a decent playing ability only get rustier.

Aker, Cubes, etc rot on the bench so when they do get in they look even more and more rusty.  Vicious cycle.


At any rate, it appears to me that the schedule is catching up with them as well, though the USF game will be the ultimate killer.  12-6 is about right, maybe even 11-5.  That means finishing 5th through 7th which is where we were predicted to finish.

I had them at 13-5 before the season... I'm still optimistic about that... but 12-6 could be the reality.

Obviously I want the team to win every game, but even if they go 12-6, they still met my expectations and I'm happy with the season.

Big East is a BUZZ SAW... just look at ND and Georgetown.

[ErickJD08]

I had them at 13-5 before the season... I'm still optimistic about that... but 12-6 could be the reality.

Obviously I want the team to win every game, but even if they go 12-6, they still met my expectations and I'm happy with the season.

Big East is a BUZZ SAW... just look at ND and Georgetown.

I guess I might be the only person that remembers David Holston.  The guard from Chicago State that lit us up.  Teams have good nights.  We missed two layups for the win in South Florida which sucks and we went up against a hot team. 

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

I guess I might be the only person that remembers David Holston.  The guard from Chicago State that lit us up.  Teams have good nights.  We missed two layups for the win in South Florida which sucks and we went up against a hot team. 

Agreed.

However, I think MU is getting to the part of the schedule where teams might be "hot" more often than not.

[mug644]

Back to the original idea that the team is out of gas, I think it is more than just tired legs. I think they are mentally tired. Consider all of this:
--the team had a bitter end to last season, losing a game they could've/should've won against Stanford
--the seniors have had a chip on their shoulder since Crean left
--while the Buzz hire offered some continuity, they were shaken (my guess, I know) by Mbakwe's quitting
--the Big 4 all approaching records and milestones from the outset of the season
--the injuries and lack of bench production put even more of a burden on the Big 4
--the winning streak to open the BEast season brought pressure
--the persistent talk of the gauntlet at the end of the season demanded results early on

That's a lot for them to have in their heads. There's no doubt the @Nova game was going to be tough, but the performance didn't demonstrate the kind of "bounce back" that would've been nice after the USF loss. In any case, I believe Nova won the game more than we lost it--especially as Nova was able to repel every mini run in the second half.

But, McNeal was tentative and tight, probably due to the scoring record, Matthews disappeared at times, and Dom showed frustration and lack of concentration at times (then again, I liked how he focused more on distributing the ball).

I think they just didn't show the energy needed to take that game, whether they are physically tired or mentally drained.

Let's hope a small homestand against beatable teams give them a chance get some energy back, though I fear that they woke up even more stressed about 'must-win' games.

I remain hopeful yet somewhat leery. More than ever though, I remain a real fan. This is a special team.

[WellsstreetWanderer]

I saw a team that played tired last night.
too many poor decisions and tired feet on D

[nola03]

This was the complaint of New Orleans fans, that he locks in on 6 players and that's it.  I realize the argument will be that this is all we have, on the other hand if you never play the other guys then how do you know that's all you have? 

That's an interesting aspect of Buzz that I hadn't read prior to now. It also seems to be in direct contrast to his stated mantra in recruiting: having 13 "high major" players.

Lip service, perhaps?

[Lennys Tap]

He inherited a roster with only 4 "high major" players, basically DePaul like in terms of depth. That's on TC.

[mviale]

I love how when we beat Villanova, it is because they are "overrated".  When we lose to Villanova, we suck and are tired.  Could it be that Nova is one of the better teams and we lost to them on the road?

[MU B2002]

How dare you!? Is that optimism?   

[GGGG]

I love how when we beat Villanova, it is because they are "overrated".  When we lose to Villanova, we suck and are tired.  Could it be that Nova is one of the better teams and we lost to them on the road?

Yeah, that very well could be it.  Our big wins against UW, ND and WVU don't seem so big in retrospect considering where their respective seasons have gone.  Our biggest win of the year looking back is probably the Nova game at the BC - and didn't they have someone hurt for that game?

[CTWarrior]

He inherited a roster with only 4 "high major" players, basically DePaul like in terms of depth. That's on TC.

While I agree that the bench is thin and unreliable, they're not going to get reliable by watching.  

Seems to me that Hazel is basically Burke, +/- 5%, plus he's younger and could desperately use some game experience.  How is it he can't get onto the floor?  The other thing about Hazel is something I can't quite put my finger on, but he just looks and moves like a basketball player, you know?  I remember just assuming he was an ultimate stiff based on his never leaving the bench last year and being pleasantly surprised the first few times he was on the floor this year.  

Acker is not very good, but James can't play 36 minutes at last night's pace and be his usual energetic self.  

Butler is a versatile, useful player (his out-of-control charges/near charges every freaking time he goes to the basket notwithstanding).  

Buzz should be able to get a workable 8 man rotation with Hazel, Acker and Butler so that the big 4 can cut back on their minutes a little, at least when the pace is as hectic as last night's was.

The one thing about Crean's hyper-structured offense was that bench guys could more easily come in and be useful by setting screens, etc., while Buzz's more free-wheeling style causes guys like Hazel (and Burke) to just be in the way on offense sometimes.  

[nola03]

He inherited a roster with only 4 "high major" players, basically DePaul like in terms of depth. That's on TC.

It'd be nice for people to stay off the TC angle. We're discussing player management and Crean is not coaching the 08-09 MU Warriors.

Back on topic, Buzz' mantra is 13 "high major" players. Of his first three recruits one sees action, one is superglued to the bench, and one is nailed to the bench.

Granted this is a unique situation with four dynamic upperclassman but he doesn't have confidence in the bench to spell the starters for more then 39 seconds of game action.

Combining what we're seeing this season with the knowledge brought by UNO fans, it seems that in his limited time as a head coach Buzz Williams may not be a fan of a deep rotation even though he preaches it (much the same as preaching defense first and giving up 102 points  ).

Next year will be fascinating because with how random the development of Division I prospects can be, Marquette may only have one "high major" player. But that'll be on TC.

[mug644]

The one thing about Crean's hyper-structured offense was that bench guys could more easily come in and be useful by setting screens, etc., while Buzz's more free-wheeling style causes guys like Hazel (and Burke) to just be in the way on offense sometimes.

This is downright insightful. Early in the season, it seemed like guys didn't quite get the new offense (except for Wes, who thrived in the freedom of it), and the offense sputtered a bit. Then the "team" (meaning the Big 4) clicked in it as the BEast season came around and we went on our nice run. But, the bench didn't fit in so easily, naturally so they weren't as productive. Since our bench players are not so strong on defense (except for Acker run of 2-3 games where he played a valuable role), they became more liabilities--not helping on offense, costing on defense.

Now, the Big 4 seem drained, and we need to take the next couple of games to reenergize, and, hopefully, to get the bench more in the flow of the offense (Butler seems to be getting there, though a bit gun-shy and out of control) and to get the defense back to being the "thing" that makes it all happen.

Go MU!

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

The one thing about Crean's hyper-structured offense was that bench guys could more easily come in and be useful by setting screens, etc., while Buzz's more free-wheeling style causes guys like Hazel (and Burke) to just be in the way on offense sometimes.  

Very interesting!... I never thought about it like that.

If specific positions have very specific roles, then it would be easier to "plug and play" players.

Buzz seems to like interchangeable parts (nothing wrong with that strategy), but it can hamper a coaches ability to plug guys into "roles".

Once Buzz gets a full roster of "interchangeable parts" it probably won't be much of an issue (could become a strength)... but right now his scheme is somewhat limited because he can't just send a guy in and have him be a productive "role player".

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

He inherited a roster with only 4 "high major" players, basically DePaul like in terms of depth. That's on TC.

That's too convenient. Lenny's, you can't blame TC for the lack of talent when the team loses... but then give Buzz credit when the team wins.

If Buzz is a high major coach, he needs to figure out how to get some sort of production out of the bench.

Can't blame everything on TC.

With this said, I still think Buzz is doing a good job and is definitely meeting my expectations for this season.

Villanova is good. MU lost. That's it.

[Lennys Tap]

It'd be nice for people to stay off the TC angle. We're discussing player management and Crean is not coaching the 08-09 MU Warriors.

Back on topic, Buzz' mantra is 13 "high major" players. Of his first three recruits one sees action, one is superglued to the bench, and one is nailed to the bench.

Granted this is a unique situation with four dynamic upperclassman but he doesn't have confidence in the bench to spell the starters for more then 39 seconds of game action.

Combining what we're seeing this season with the knowledge brought by UNO fans, it seems that in his limited time as a head coach Buzz Williams may not be a fan of a deep rotation even though he preaches it (much the same as preaching defense first and giving up 102 points  ).

Next year will be fascinating because with how random the development of Division I prospects can be, Marquette may only have one "high major" player. But that'll be on TC



I have no idea about Buzz's situation in New Orleans. Perhaps he had an incredibly deep team but only played 6 guys. Maybe he is lying about wanting a deep rotation. Maybe his dream team is one with 4 quality players and the rest scrubs. If that's the kind of team he builds it's on him and you can bitch about it. For now, that's what he has and whether you like it or not that's on TC.

I do agree with CTWarrior point that it was probably easier to hide weak players in TC's system. I just hope in the future it's not necessary.