[Rosiak's Blog] Crowder hits the ground running

[ToddRosiakSays]

Crowder hits the ground running
               



The comparisons to Lazar Hayward, which were already fairly widespread when Jae Crowder signed with the Marquette Golden Eagles, might well have been cemented when the incoming junior forward chose his uniform number for the 2010-'11 season.

               

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/102406609.html
               

[77ncaachamps]

He's NEVER going to be Lazar.

But by the sound of it...the quotes...he sure SOUNDS like Zar, or any veteran MU cager.

I think his quick adjustment to D-1 and emerging leadership qualities are going to be evident this year.

[MarkCharles]

Out of nowhere, Rosiak really brings it with some great in-depth analysis of the team. Nice to see.

[MarkCharles]

I'm really glad to hear that Jae's game is coming along nicely. I was a bit worried that he might be behind the others since he missed a lot of the summer and the Pro-Am league. All of us got caught up in the rest of the roster which we saw at the Pro-Am, and we might have overlooked the player who will likely have the most impact on this year's team. I suspected that when he signed, and this makes me confident in still believing that. I think Jae Crowder starts at forward for us for the better part of 2 years. And is it just me, or does Jae already kind of have the feel of a veteran?

I also think it shows a lot of maturity that he stayed in Texas to focus on his schoolwork, but also made sure he put enough time in on the court.

[Rollout-the-Barrel]

Isn't fulce the guy you would just expect to end up with a mask?

[tower912]

Nice article.   Jae said all of the right things.   I really enjoy TR's pick-up game recaps.    Less than a week in and already Jae and JF'nB are working together.   Good health and moderate contributions from CO and DG and this could be a fun year.   

[brewcity77]

A good read, I really am looking forward to seeing Crowder this year. I think he could be that unexpected piece that has us fighting for the top 4 in the Big East. The media hasn't talked much about him, but everything seems positive, and the closer we get to the season, the more apt many of the Lazar comparisons sound.

[Brewtown Andy]

A good read, I really am looking forward to seeing Crowder this year. I think he could be that unexpected piece that has us fighting for the top 4 in the Big East.

Could be the new DJO, as in "WHO THE EFF IS THAT GUY WHO'S KILLING US?"

[NersEllenson]

Like everything Jae said, as far as attitude, character, etc.  Definitely think that come Big East time, he will be in the starting lineup - he is too versatile to sit on the bench.  Plus, it has been a long time coming that we have a stud player with dreads on the court! 

Was good to hear Davante Gardner appears to be coming along well.  We hear some comparisons to Robert Jackson - but we all know RJax wasn't going to drop any 3's.  From most reports, it sounds like Davante can develop an inside game similar to RJax, yet he clearly has range out to the 3.  A good prospect for sure.

[kmwtrucks]

DG has a really soft touch and has the best hands of any big man that Mu has had that I can think of. I would guess he is closer to 6-7 than 6-8 so Big Man is relative. In High school one of his Big games he was 15-17 from the line or 88%.

[Canadian Dimes]

I'm really glad to hear that Jae's game is coming along nicely. I was a bit worried that he might be behind the others since he missed a lot of the summer and the Pro-Am league. All of us got caught up in the rest of the roster which we saw at the Pro-Am, and we might have overlooked the player who will likely have the most impact on this year's team. I suspected that when he signed, and this makes me confident in still believing that. I think Jae Crowder starts at forward for us for the better part of 2 years. And is it just me, or does Jae already kind of have the feel of a veteran?

I also think it shows a lot of maturity that he stayed in Texas to focus on his schoolwork, but also made sure he put enough time in on the court.

I would not be too worried about Jae missing the Pro/Am... what was it 8-9 games?  Additionally, i would imagine he was playing in open gym situations or exempted leagues where he was.  The Pro/Am while great for Mu junkies was little more than a glorified men's league for all of 8 games no big loss.  Would have been nice to have him in the training room all summer tho.

[Canadian Dimes]

What is absolutely amazing to me is the fact that Crowder wanted to wear #24 and was told it was retired....versus the slap in the face that was delivered to George Thompson 4 years ago.
Character Revealed.

[MerrittsMustache]

What is absolutely amazing to me is the fact that Crowder wanted to wear #24 and was told it was retired....versus the slap in the face that was delivered to George Thompson 4 years ago.
Character Revealed.

I thought they retired jerseys, not numbers 


Good article on Crowder. Sounds like a grounded, well-spoken young man, as well as a hell of a basketball player.

[GGGG]

A little buried in the article was this: (highlight added)

"But it's hard to believe that Crowder -- or anyone at this point -- will be able to replicate what Hayward did in the lane defensively. He was extremely underrated in that regard, and it's something Crowder can aspire to try and become as the season goes along. That's also what makes the 6-11 Otule's presence, at least for a few consistent minutes a game, a virtual must moving forward."

I take this to mean, that even though he is improved and despite the fact we are undersized, Otule is still going to be a role player on this team.

[GGGG]

What is absolutely amazing to me is the fact that Crowder wanted to wear #24 and was told it was retired....versus the slap in the face that was delivered to George Thompson 4 years ago.
Character Revealed.

What is absolutely amazing to me is the fact that you won't shut up two+ years after the fact.

Character Revealed indeed.

[bilsu]

A little buried in the article was this: (highlight added)

"But it's hard to believe that Crowder -- or anyone at this point -- will be able to replicate what Hayward did in the lane defensively. He was extremely underrated in that regard, and it's something Crowder can aspire to try and become as the season goes along. That's also what makes the 6-11 Otule's presence, at least for a few consistent minutes a game, a virtual must moving forward."

I take this to mean, that even though he is improved and despite the fact we are undersized, Otule is still going to be a role player on this team.

That was an opinion of the reporter and means nothing as to what Otule's role on the team will be. What is more important is that Buzz wants to start the 5 toughest players. Is Otule one of them?

[GGGG]

I understand it was a reporter, but one that likely has more insight into player's roles than any of us do.  Furthermore, I really don't care who starts...it is the minutes played that is the key factor.  I think most of us envisioned a greater role for Otule on the outset than what the reporter is claiming here.  While he may end up being wrong, I for one was a little surprised.

[willie warrior]

That was an opinion of the reporter and means nothing as to what Otule's role on the team will be. What is more important is that Buzz wants to start the 5 toughest players. Is Otule one of them?

According to Buzz, last year Acker was one of the 5 toughest. I am pretty sure Otule could whup Acker.

[kmwtrucks]

I think Otule will end up (assuming everyone stays healthy) 8th in total mins on this team.  Behind all the upper classman, JR and Vander. Crowder will play about 1/2 his time at the 5.  I would not prefer that, But its my guess.

[Lennys Tap]

A little buried in the article was this: (highlight added)

"But it's hard to believe that Crowder -- or anyone at this point -- will be able to replicate what Hayward did in the lane defensively. He was extremely underrated in that regard, and it's something Crowder can aspire to try and become as the season goes along. That's also what makes the 6-11 Otule's presence, at least for a few consistent minutes a game, a virtual must moving forward."

I take this to mean, that even though he is improved and despite the fact we are undersized, Otule is still going to be a role player on this team.

I think you are right (that Otule will be a role player). I hope I'm wrong but I don't see Chris as polished or skilled enough to be a 25 minute guy on this team. If he is good enough to take serious time from Fulce and Crowder, MU is in for a very good year.

[NersEllenson]

I think you are right (that Otule will be a role player). I hope I'm wrong but I don't see Chris as polished or skilled enough to be a 25 minute guy on this team. If he is good enough to take serious time from Fulce and Crowder, MU is in for a very good year.

Agree.  I think Fulce/Crowder/Buycks will be the keys to the team this year, and will determine just how far we can go...Think Jimmy and DJO are good enough to get us to the NCAA tourney..but think if the above 3 can perform at a high level..MU could be a Sweet 16/Elite 8 caliber team..this year..if all breaks right - no injuries, good team chemistry, favorable seed in NCAA.

[downtown85]

Agree.  I think Fulce/Crowder/Buycks will be the keys to the team this year, and will determine just how far we can go...Think Jimmy and DJO are good enough to get us to the NCAA tourney..but think if the above 3 can perform at a high level..MU could be a Sweet 16/Elite 8 caliber team..this year..if all breaks right - no injuries, good team chemistry, favorable seed in NCAA.

You forgot Junior.  I think he should be included in chemistry mix with JF/Crowder/DB.  If Junior plays as he was billed coming in last year, this year will be a good one indeed. 

[bilsu]

According to Buzz, last year Acker was one of the 5 toughest. I am pretty sure Otule could whup Acker.

I do not think Otule could catch Acker, therefore he could not whup him.

[Canadian Dimes]

What is absolutely amazing to me is the fact that you won't shut up two+ years after the fact.

Character Revealed indeed.

Are you a female?

[HoopsMalone]

A little buried in the article was this: (highlight added)

"But it's hard to believe that Crowder -- or anyone at this point -- will be able to replicate what Hayward did in the lane defensively. He was extremely underrated in that regard, and it's something Crowder can aspire to try and become as the season goes along. That's also what makes the 6-11 Otule's presence, at least for a few consistent minutes a game, a virtual must moving forward."

I take this to mean, that even though he is improved and despite the fact we are undersized, Otule is still going to be a role player on this team.

That stuck out to me as well.  Hopefully a few consistent minutes means 15-20.

In fairness to Otule, the Pro-Am and a few scrimmages are probably not the ideal forum to judge a big man.  It's more of a guards game until real practices start.

Another thing in the end notes was the DJO is unstoppable going to the basket.  This is really great to hear.  If DJO and Jimmy are both almost impossible for teams to guard one on one, the MU offense will be very tough to guard.  DJO's improvement on taking it to the basket will be killer on ball reversals to him because opposing defenses will have to charge at him due to his 3-point shooting.  If he can give his great shot fake and then be an unstoppable driver, he will be something special.