Quincy Miller has Marquette on his list

[MarkCharles]

Chane Behanan, no. 32 on the ESPNU 100, just verbaled to Louisville. He was with Quincy Miller and Deuce Bello in Louisville this weekend for their official visits. I'm not sure if this affects Miller at all. Louisville currently has four 4star recruits (per ESPN) for the 2011 class, but only three scholarships set to come off the books the old fashioned way. They'll have to have a major roster shakeup if they take both Bello and Miller.

I honestly don't see how we end up with Miller. When you're that good, you'll get pt wherever you go, so its not like the opening at the 4 in MU's lineup should be a huge draw for him. I just don't see how coming to Marquette makes much sense for him as a basketball player.

[NersEllenson]

I honestly don't see how we end up with Miller. When you're that good, you'll get pt wherever you go, so its not like the opening at the 4 in MU's lineup should be a huge draw for him. I just don't see how coming to Marquette makes much sense for him as a basketball player.

Where does it make more sense for him to attend as a basketball player?  Why not MU?  If we can develop guys like Lazar and Wes into pros, clearly we would do great things in Miller's growth and development as well. 

[MarkCharles]

http://twitter.com/DaveTelep/status/23245635953

Dave Telep "will be shocked if Deuce Bello and Quincy Miller don't follow Behanan to Louisville" in the near future. Dreams.....crushed.

Buzz, time to put the full court press on Mike Shaw.

[MarkCharles]

Where does it make more sense for him to attend as a basketball player?  Why not MU?  If we can develop guys like Lazar and Wes into pros, clearly we would do great things in Miller's growth and development as well. 

There are about a dozen schools that immediately come to mind that make more sense as a basketball player. Considering that Miller is very likely to be a one-and-done, I don't think MU's ability to develop less-heralded prospects into NBA players over a 4 year period of time is very relevant to him. He wants to go to a school were his one year they would have a great shot at a national title. While MU with him might have a decent shot, there are plenty of schools that would provide a much better chance for a title. Also, he is from NC--tell me how MU makes much sense in that regard. Education? Probably not a terribly high priority, but if it is, why not go to Duke?

Also, there is the issue of position. He would likely see at least a good chunk of time at the 5 at MU, whereas he sees himself as a 3 in the NBA. If you were him and had no connection to MU, would you even look at MU? Unless Miller fell in love with Buzz, he has plenty of other options that make more sense.

[Golden Avalanche]

Where does it make more sense for him to attend as a basketball player?  Why not MU?  If we can develop guys like Lazar and Wes into pros, clearly we would do great things in Miller's growth and development as well. 

This kind of prospect simply isn't going to attend Marquette.

[NersEllenson]

There are about a dozen schools that immediately come to mind that make more sense as a basketball player. Considering that Miller is very likely to be a one-and-done, I don't think MU's ability to develop less-heralded prospects into NBA players over a 4 year period of time is very relevant to him. He wants to go to a school were his one year they would have a great shot at a national title. While MU with him might have a decent shot, there are plenty of schools that would provide a much better chance for a title. Also, he is from NC--tell me how MU makes much sense in that regard. Education? Probably not a terribly high priority, but if it is, why not go to Duke?

Also, there is the issue of position. He would likely see at least a good chunk of time at the 5 at MU, whereas he sees himself as a 3 in the NBA. If you were him and had no connection to MU, would you even look at MU? Unless Miller fell in love with Buzz, he has plenty of other options that make more sense.

Otule will be the 5 next year, and if Miller is as good as advertised..he'd play immediately..a 3 and 4 in Buzz's offense is interchangeable.  MU will have a legitimate shot to be a Final Four team next year if DJO stays...why not go to a program that is able to maximize guy's potential?  There have been many highly rated recruits that have gone elsewhere and don't make the NBA..yet MU can get guys like Wes and Hayward..75-100 ranked players to the league?  Can't argue against Duke or UNC so much..but would like to hear of the other 10 programs that he would be better served going to..

[MarkCharles]

Otule will be the 5 next year, and if Miller is as good as advertised..he'd play immediately..a 3 and 4 in Buzz's offense is interchangeable.  MU will have a legitimate shot to be a Final Four team next year if DJO stays...why not go to a program that is able to maximize guy's potential?  There have been many highly rated recruits that have gone elsewhere and don't make the NBA..yet MU can get guys like Wes and Hayward..75-100 ranked players to the league?  Can't argue against Duke or UNC so much..but would like to hear of the other 10 programs that he would be better served going to..

Exactly my point. He is good enough to start wherever he goes, so Marquette having a lot of minutes available at the 4 doesn't really matter to him.

As I said, why would it matter that we can get a guy like Lazar to the NBA to a guy like Miller who would be a top draft pick right out of high school? He doesn't need to be developed over 4 years, he wants a place that--
A: gives him maximum exposure, 
B: has a track record with one and done players,
C: has a great shot at a national title

A-Marquette gives him great exposure, but ok, here are 10 that give him more: Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, Syracuse, UCLA, Florida, Ohio State, Michigan State, Texas, UConn. Yes some of these are in the Big East, but MU doesn't get as much national exposure as these teams.
B-Marquette has zero experience with these guys. By the way, I think this makes little sense, since these guys don't really need much help getting drafted and they are hardly "developed" in their roughly 8 months on campus. But reality is that these guys want to go somewhere that has produced similar players.
C-I agree that Marquette is loaded in '11-'12. I can't say how excited I am for that team. But looking at this team in Sept. 2010, as Miller must do, you can't tell me there aren't 10 teams in the nation that look like they have a better national title chance. If you want me to do that research I will name them, but the list probably looks pretty similar to the one in A.

And you saying Otule as a steady presence at the 5 is all speculation. I hope he pans out, and I would bet he will, but we all know his injury past. If he's injured, or isn't a 30 mpg Big East center by that stage in his development, Miller would see a lot of time at the 5. He'd be a better option there than a soph. Gardner, in all likelihood.

I feel like I'm arguing against MU, when I would never want to do that. I'm just trying to be realistic about this one.

[brewcity77]

As I said, why would it matter that we can get a guy like Lazar to the NBA to a guy like Miller who would be a top draft pick right out of high school? He doesn't need to be developed over 4 years, he wants a place that--
A: gives him maximum exposure, 
B: has a track record with one and done players,
C: has a great shot at a national title

A-Marquette gives him great exposure, but ok, here are 10 that give him more: Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, Syracuse, UCLA, Florida, Ohio State, Michigan State, Texas, UConn. Yes some of these are in the Big East, but MU doesn't get as much national exposure as these teams.
B-Marquette has zero experience with these guys. By the way, I think this makes little sense, since these guys don't really need much help getting drafted and they are hardly "developed" in their roughly 8 months on campus. But reality is that these guys want to go somewhere that has produced similar players.
C-I agree that Marquette is loaded in '11-'12. I can't say how excited I am for that team. But looking at this team in Sept. 2010, as Miller must do, you can't tell me there aren't 10 teams in the nation that look like they have a better national title chance. If you want me to do that research I will name them, but the list probably looks pretty similar to the one in A.

But, if he's to be believed, he has a list of six schools. Duke, Kentucky, Syracuse, Baylor, Louisville, and Marquette. So with that in mind, let's take another look at your list...

A) Duke, Kentucky, and Syracuse definitely give him more exposure. Louisville and Baylor are probably about on par with us. The Cards might edge us slightly, but not enough that I think it would be a deciding factor.

B) Kentucky and Syracuse have both had notable one-and-dones of late. Duke, as good as they are, usually keeps guys around longer. I can't think of any stud one-and-dones from either Louisville or Baylor.

C) With a player like that and our current roster developing, we'd have a definite shot. In all honesty, every team on the list would probably have a good shot, with Duke, Kentucky, and Syracuse again being the heavy hitters.

Now let's look at players in the incoming classes for these schools for 2011 (Using ESPN and Scout's Top 100)...

Duke: SG Michael Gbinje, C Marshall Plumlee, C Tyler Adams
Kentucky: SF Michael Gilchrist, PF Anthony Davis, PG Marquis Teague, PF Kyle Wiltjer
Syracuse: SG Michael Carter-Williams, PF Rakeem Christmas, SG Trevor Cooney
Louisville: PF Chance Behanen, SG Wayne Blackshear, C Zach Price
Baylor: None listed

All I'm trying to do here is play devil's advocate in Marquette's favor. Duke is bringing in two big men. Neither is likely to be a one-and-done, so they would have to be heavily considered, but playing time would certainly be easier here than it would there. At Kentucky, not only are they bringing in two power forwards already, but Anthony Davis and Michael Gilchrist are both potential one-and-dones. It might actually be hard to find a lot of PT with the two forward positions already having a pair of consensus top 5 guys already there. Syracuse also has a top ten power forward coming in, not a certain one-and-done, but a guy that would certainly seem to content for PT. And Louisville just inked a PF, has another big man, and is apparently over on scholarships already. There's no reason Slick Rick couldn't find room, but it's not impossible to think that they are looking less attractive with Behanen in the fold. Which oddly enough might make us and Baylor the two most attractive destinations. Both of us have scholarship room, provide a good conference and good exposure, and don't have much competition at the position. And we have Vander Blue, whom Miller seems to already have a good relationship with.

I'm not saying we'll get Miller, but looking at the recruiting classes of the most attractive destinations, I do think that there's every chance we will be in the fight for his signature.

[77ncaachamps]

Don't the bigs already know that big men flounder at Louisville under Pitino?

Some serviceable but never dominating.

Caracter...
Samuels...
Farley...
Palacios...
Huffman...
Johnson...
Padgett (who he took in)...



I know we don't have OUR share of standout bigs (last ones just being Barro, Jackson and Merritt), but he can make his MARQ for the Warriors than donning the red and black...and a seat on the bench.

[MarkCharles]

brewcity77
I like reading your posts more than mine because you haven't lost hope regarding Miller 

A very convincing case certainly can be made for Marquette. I just don't think many recruits will look at us in that way. Miller is probably good enough to play no matter who else is on anybody's roster. The only team I think where it might be debatable is Kentucky.  But one thing I can guarantee with 100% certainty, Quincy Miller thinks Quincy Miller is good enough to start immediately at every team in the country.

I hope you are right that we still have a chance, but I think Buzz should set his sights squarely on Mike Shaw. I think we have a better chance for a final 4 with Mike Shaw for 3 or 4 years than with Miller in 1, anyways.

Theres a question for everybody, would you rather have Mike Shaw for a full (or almost full) career at MU or Quincy Miller for 1 year?
I'd probably say Shaw, but that year with Miller would be incredible.

[noblewarrior]

I would love to see us land Shaw....and from what I have read (here and there) he is coachable and a team player willing to do what it takes to win and not what it takes to pub himself....think long term w Shaw

I'm not sure having a steady dose of one-and-dones (NBA farm club ala UK) is the type of program MU is looking to buil.  I'd like to see MU stick with quality individuals that develope over their colligate career and earn degrees (not saying Miller isn't a quality individual).

Lets get Shaw!

[6746jonesr]

I would like to add two other issues/questions to the discussion.  How do we know that Miller is a one and done player?  This is not a question about whether he is able to be a one and done.  Instead, when I look at the schools that he has short listed, included in the mix are schools that are not normally one and done programs.  Secondly, many members on this sight are still locked into the idea that centers (5s) play in the paint, as do powere forwards or 4s.  However, it seems clear to me that Buzz does not think that way.  He has perimeter players, and he has paint players, but what he prefers are those guys that fall in between the two--athletic guys with length who can handle the ball, hit shots from the outside, and are not afraid to go to the hole.  If that is the case, doesn't Miller fit the bill for MU, where he won't be pigeon-holed into being a paint player only?  Not saying he is coming here, but we should at least explore why Miller has included us on his short list.

[noblewarrior]

^  good point, we don't.... that being said a class of Shaw (who also fits the above inside-outside bill) Miller and Bello wouldn't be to shabby... one can dream can't they

[NersEllenson]

Don't the bigs already know that big men flounder at Louisville under Pitino?

Some serviceable but never dominating.

Caracter...
Samuels...
Farley...
Palacios...
Huffman...
Johnson...
Padgett (who he took in)...

I know we don't have OUR share of standout bigs (last ones just being Barro, Jackson and Merritt), but he can make his MARQ for the Warriors than donning the red and black...and a seat on the bench.

Actually Pitino's track record for sending players to the NBA since being at Louisville really isn't very good.  Considering he's landed alot of Top 100 talent..not many make the league.  Off the top of my head I can think of Terrance Williams.  Any other cards in the NBA right now? 

[cheebs09]

Earl Clark was drafted in the same draft as Williams I believe. Although looking at his Wikipedia he was sent to the D-League in March.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Reece Gaines
Francisco Garcia
Earl Clark
Terrence Williams

[OhioGoldenEagle]

Actually Pitino's track record for sending players to the NBA since being at Louisville really isn't very good.  Considering he's landed alot of Top 100 talent..not many make the league.  Off the top of my head I can think of Terrance Williams.  Any other cards in the NBA right now? 

I think Reece Gaines and Francisco Garcia are floating around....and Caracter was drafted in the 2nd this year even though he transferred to UTEP.  That's about it, so I absolutely agree that Pitino has done VERY little in developing his players relative to their expectations coming out of high school.

I would also like to discuss the concept that playing time plays a big factor in where a recruit decides to go to school.  While this might be the case with most prospects, the select few that are ranked in the top 5-10 nationally do not care nearly as much.  This seems to be especially true in regards to true bigs as they typically only stick for 1 season, then enter the draft, and are drafted on upside more than anything else.  See Daniel Orton this past season at UK.  He did very little on that team but was a 1st round pick and received guaranteed money.  All that said, a guy like Miller can go to a UK/Kansas/Syracuse, play sparingly, yet still have a good chance of being drafted......thus I don't see playing time being much of a factor in Miller's recruiting case.  

[NersEllenson]

Reece Gaines
Francisco Garcia
Earl Clark
Terrence Williams

I remembered Gaines..but he flamed out pretty quick..and didn't have much of any NBA career (I don't think he's still floating around the NBA, is he?)  Earl Clark was thought to be a STUD out of HS..an absolute stud..he's one I forgot about..yet thus far he hasn't done much in the league..though only Year 2, correct?

Guess the underlying point is that Pitino is highly overrated for turning out pro talent - at least from his time at Louisville..comparitive to the level of talent he signs...as far as how they are regarded coming into L'ville

[MarkCharles]

I would like to add two other issues/questions to the discussion.  How do we know that Miller is a one and done player?  This is not a question about whether he is able to be a one and done.  Instead, when I look at the schools that he has short listed, included in the mix are schools that are not normally one and done programs.  Secondly, many members on this sight are still locked into the idea that centers (5s) play in the paint, as do powere forwards or 4s.  However, it seems clear to me that Buzz does not think that way.  He has perimeter players, and he has paint players, but what he prefers are those guys that fall in between the two--athletic guys with length who can handle the ball, hit shots from the outside, and are not afraid to go to the hole.  If that is the case, doesn't Miller fit the bill for MU, where he won't be pigeon-holed into being a paint player only?  Not saying he is coming here, but we should at least explore why Miller has included us on his short list.

I have seen it in multiple articles that Miller intends to be a one-and-done, and his recruitment has had the air of being for a one-and-done player from day 1. Also, NBA executives love his game, and players rarely turn down being a lottery pick.

Heres an article from a couple weeks ago.
http://www.highschoolhoop.com/recruiting-news/2010/08/hs-rumors-quincy-miller-leader-myck-kabongo-de-commit/

"A reliable source said that Miller wants to commit to Louisville, but is worried that Cards coach Rick Pitino could potentially hold him back from being a one-and-done player."

[NersEllenson]

I have seen it in multiple articles that Miller intends to be a one-and-done, and his recruitment has had the air of being for a one-and-done player from day 1. Also, NBA executives love his game, and players rarely turn down being a lottery pick.

Heres an article from a couple weeks ago.
http://www.highschoolhoop.com/recruiting-news/2010/08/hs-rumors-quincy-miller-leader-myck-kabongo-de-commit/

"A reliable source said that Miller wants to commit to Louisville, but is worried that Cards coach Rick Pitino could potentially hold him back from being a one-and-done player."

I agree with the reliable source.  Pitino seemingly has a way of stunting players development.

[bamamarquettefan]

I can't believe I'm the only one who has figured it out, this will be just like Wade, Bosh and Lebron.

Rivers will be on a special on ESPN and announce that he didn't want to get hopes up in Milwaukee until he was sure, so he pretended MU wasn't even on the list, but is coming.  Then Miller and Shaw will emerge from behind the curtain to announce they all had a secret bond to sign with the same team, and all signing with Marquette.  MU will be the first 40-0 team in history, and first undefeated team since the Indiana squad that beat us in the Elite 8.

Seriously though, the great news is that Buzz has stocked the roster so deep that he can seriously take a shot at Miller and Shaw.  I know some are impatient for someone to sign, but I'd rather have him playing for Miller and Shaw as long as we are on their list, period.  You land one, and we have Final 4 potential.  You don't, and we are still loaded for 2011-12.  If the cubbard was bare he'd have to put the full court press on the 200th best player in the country just to make sure we weren't playing a 6-man rotation again.

[HoopsMalone]

Putting a big man in the lottery would be a huge card for Buzz to have in his hands when making his recruiting pitch. 

I thought our big man recruiting progression would be projects until Buzz proves he can develop one or two in solid Big East players, then consistent 4-stars rated 50-100, and then Buzz would get into the convo for top-50/5-star big men.  This would allow to skip a lot of steps and get right in there with Georgetown-type programs with a track record with top 5 bigs. 

Heck, the player who spent the most time playing the 5 last year was a first round pick, so maybe I shouldn't be so surprised.  Marquette is a great opportunity for a big man, it just never seemed like Crean and Buzz could ever communicate that.

[NersEllenson]

Putting a big man in the lottery would be a huge card for Buzz to have in his hands when making his recruiting pitch. 

I thought our big man recruiting progression would be projects until Buzz proves he can develop one or two in solid Big East players, then consistent 4-stars rated 50-100, and then Buzz would get into the convo for top-50/5-star big men.  This would allow to skip a lot of steps and get right in there with Georgetown-type programs with a track record with top 5 bigs. 

Heck, the player who spent the most time playing the 5 last year was a first round pick, so maybe I shouldn't be so surprised.  Marquette is a great opportunity for a big man, it just never seemed like Crean and Buzz could ever communicate that.

Think the bolded parts above explain the challenges TC and Buzz would face recruiting a "big" to MU.  That said..I don't think we'll land Miller..but do think Buzz will land a Top 100 Big..possibly Shaw..if not this year..then likely next.  If Jimmy Butler makes the NBA/gets drafted..that will continue to help recruiting efforts..even with bigs...as that will be 3 players in 3 years that make the league..that is consistent..andwhat a kid/family would be looking for in selecting a school.

[Ready2Fly]

Someone in the know correct me if I'm wrong (bma), but didn't Buzz recruit DeAndre Jordan (top 5 big man) while at Texas A&M and another NBA big while at Colorado St.? I'm almost positive about the first, less so about the second.

[TheRock]

Lets all pool our money together, shoot for $25,000, and send Quincy a nice fed-ex package urging him to come to Marquette.  Other than Vander Blue doing some recruiting on his own, ala DWade with LeBron, this may be the only way Miller comes to MU.  As much as I would love to see him at MU next year, I'm not getting my hopes up.

But seriously, lets pool some money together

Edited: He meant to use teal, as this is a joke.