Key stat this year: turnovers?

[MarquetteDano]

Given that DJO is nowhere near 100% and no Cadougan, I think it is pretty clear we are thin at guard this year.  Does anyone have concerns that once we begin playing the teams that pressure the ball more we may struggle?  Of the three healthy guards on the roster, two are very small.  Added, the larger guard (Buycks) is young and will make plenty of rookie mistakes.

Once the competition improves against teams who pressure you, I think a key stat for Marquette this year will be turnovers.  Anyone think we will struggle in this area or will we be fine?

[lab_warrior]

Well, without DJ last year at Louisville, Acker and Cubes did a pretty good job of not turning it over--besides Louisville, I think only Seton Hall and (maybe) UConn are teams that will regularly press us.  I think the problem won't be against pressure, the trouble we'll have (especially without a 100% DJO) will be who will get into the lane off the dribble and kick out?  I think Buycks is the only one of those three that can do that. 

[avid1010]

Well, without DJ last year at Louisville, Acker and Cubes did a pretty good job of not turning it over--besides Louisville, I think only Seton Hall and (maybe) UConn are teams that will regularly press us.  I think the problem won't be against pressure, the trouble we'll have (especially without a 100% DJO) will be who will get into the lane off the dribble and kick out?  I think Buycks is the only one of those three that can do that. 

Agreed...we didn't have turnover problems last year with Acker.  I do think teams won't have to help off the ball when guys like Acker and Coobie penetrate, which is much different from the last few years. 

[BostonBaller]

I have no confidence in Acker's Ability to drive and penetrate to create shots, but was impressed with Cub's ability to see the floor and get his stroke back which I fell in love with his freshman year. Turnovers will be a problem however with such a young team regardless of who starts for guards.

[g0lden3agle]

Having a bunch of long athletic guys should help destroy a press as well.  Being able to go over the press is just as effective as going through the press.

[Fullodds]

As long as Marcus Jackson and Dameon Mason are not bringing the ball up I think we will be ok. Maymonm, Lazar and Fulce are all skilled enough to help on the press and turn to attack it for easy baskets. I think this team will welcome the press as an opportunity to get good looks and easy hoops.

[susie90]

IMO, Lazar's early fouls will be the biggest problem this year.  I'm not worried about turnovers.

[Dienerfor3]

IMO, turnovers are the key stat every year.

[thanooj]

IMO, Lazar's early fouls will be the biggest problem this year.  I'm not worried about turnovers.

totally agree.  hopefully he gets some "star" calls as a senior.  even against msoe I was reminded of his knack for bowling over people on his way to the hoop and get called for a charge 2-3 times a game.  That cannot happen this year.

[hdog1017]

I would say that the most important stat is points...if Marquette scores more points than the other team, we win. 

[Fullodds]

Hdog = Tim McCarver