Buzz could substitute less, or at least more strategically at times

[MU Avenue]

There are times when Buzz pulls players who have hit their stride and should be left on the floor to make things happen.

Watch closely. You will see MU substitutions that seem counterproductive or that are momentum killers.

[Hards Alumni]

I think the idea is to see how different players play together.

[Steve Buscemi]

didn't really notice it but I wasn't really looking for it.  Brian Gregory of Dayton does this ALL THE TIME and it pisses the sh*t outta me

[seakm4]

I think he'll cut down on the subs later in the year.  he just wants to find the guys that work best together when they're on the floor.

[GB Warrior]

Yep, right now we have the luxury of trial and error when we have comfortable leads to fall back on.

[El Duderino]

I think he'll cut down on the subs later in the year.  he just wants to find the guys that work best together when they're on the floor.

Yep

Think about all the guys who could be apart of the playing rotation this year that weren't on the team last year or played very little.

Blue
Crowder
Smith
Gardner
Otule
Cadougan
Williams maybe

That's six guys for sure and maybe seven who Buzz has to figure out how best to use them and in what situations. Games like these before the Big East portion of the schedule begins is where Buzz has to balance experimenting with player rotations while still trying to make sure games are won.

Plus, with so many new and young players, odds are high that we'll see erratic production from many of these new guys from game to game, even as we go deeper into the schedule. Thus, Buzz will be forced to try and feel things out more from game to game with player rotations compared to last season where Buzz pretty much stuck with the same seven players with little other substituting.

[kryza]

I actually think that Buzz has a rule in place for the last couple of days of subbing the last person to make a shot. I dunno how this helps us improve, but I have a lot of trust in Buzz.

For example, after Gardner made that shot from the nice JC pass, he mouthed the F word when he heard the buzzer. He didn't even have to look back to the bench or scorers table, he thought he was getting subbed.

I've noticed similar things the last 3 games, if you look back, Buzz always subs the last person to make a shot. Just kinda weird

[muarmy81]

I actually think that Buzz has a rule in place for the last couple of days of subbing the last person to make a shot. I dunno how this helps us improve, but I have a lot of trust in Buzz.

For example, after Gardner made that shot from the nice JC pass, he mouthed the F word when he heard the buzzer. He didn't even have to look back to the bench or scorers table, he thought he was getting subbed.

I've noticed similar things the last 3 games, if you look back, Buzz always subs the last person to make a shot. Just kinda weird

Many times he does this for situational team needs.  Meaning, he'll sub offense for defense so in the example you mentioned he was subbing Fulce, I believe, for Gardner b/c Fulce is better defensively than Gardner and if there was a dead ball on the defensive end he was subbing Gardner for Fulce b/c Gardner is more of an offensive threat than Joe.

[Steve Buscemi]

I'm not really a fan of subbing people in and out of the game.  I think if someone has found their rhythm (which may take more than 2 or 3 trips down the court) they should stay in.  If somethings working, leave it be.  Its kind of like Navy running the option against Notre Dame... run the same play until it doesn't work anymore    Buzz obviously has a different game plan than me and if its working, thats fine, too.
What I really don't understand though is why, amongst all of the substitutions, hasn't Jamail Jones seen any valuable playing time.  It seemed like during his recruiting process, he was much more hyped up than Gardner or Smith.  Yet he's only seen 11 total minutes!  Is he in the doghouse or is he just playing God-awful in practice?

[drbchilds]

I really think Buzz is just tinkering around with different combinations.  I think He is trying a lot of different things now to see what works before the real games begin on Monday. 

[Aughnanure]

I actually think that Buzz has a rule in place for the last couple of days of subbing the last person to make a shot. I dunno how this helps us improve, but I have a lot of trust in Buzz.

For example, after Gardner made that shot from the nice JC pass, he mouthed the F word when he heard the buzzer. He didn't even have to look back to the bench or scorers table, he thought he was getting subbed.

I've noticed similar things the last 3 games, if you look back, Buzz always subs the last person to make a shot. Just kinda weird

I did notice that Gardner play, and thought the same thing....like he was pissed his time was up already. Knowing Buzz, I bet its some rule he put in place to remind himself to keep switching things around and seeing different combinations.

[Skatastrophy]

I like the way we're subbing.  It's the only way we're going to be able to keep up the level of intensity we're trying to bring to the game.

It reminds me of hockey.  Get your line out there for 3 minutes and then swap.  To heck with momentum, you've got to keep your guys from getting exhausted when you're going balls-to-the-wall all game.

[dwaderoy2004]

I hadn't really noticed this, but if it's happening, Buzz is probably doing it on purpose.  I'm sure it's a teaching tool that doesn't let the team become complacent on offense, relying on the hot hand.  Buzz is not an idiot.  I'm guessing if DJO hits back to back threes in the Duke game, he wont be heading to the bench at the next timeout.  That said, this team pretty clearly goes 10 deep, and we are going to have to get used to a lot more substitutions than in previous years.

[NersEllenson]

I'm not really a fan of subbing people in and out of the game.  I think if someone has found their rhythm (which may take more than 2 or 3 trips down the court) they should stay in.  If somethings working, leave it be.  Its kind of like Navy running the option against Notre Dame... run the same play until it doesn't work anymore    Buzz obviously has a different game plan than me and if its working, thats fine, too.
What I really don't understand though is why, amongst all of the substitutions, hasn't Jamail Jones seen any valuable playing time.  It seemed like during his recruiting process, he was much more hyped up than Gardner or Smith.  Yet he's only seen 11 total minutes!  Is he in the doghouse or is he just playing God-awful in practice?

Please forward your resume to:

Marquette Athletic Department
Attn:  Head Men's Basketball Coach Opening
Al McGuire Center
770 N. 12th Street
Milwaukee, WI  53233

[Hards Alumni]

Please forward your resume to:

Marquette Athletic Department
Attn:  Head Men's Basketball Coach Opening
Al McGuire Center
770 N. 12th Street
Milwaukee, WI  53233

Just wondering how much you are charging Buzz for BJ's nowadays.

I understand that you love him, and lot of people around here do, but your love borders on fanboy.

[Canadian Dimes]

just when i was beginning to miss MUAvenue and his always positive comments.


Three games in and this is the best you can do?  your slipping MUAve.  I know you can find something more despicable about our coach/program.

[Steve Buscemi]

Just wondering how much you are charging Buzz for BJ's nowadays.

I understand that you love him, and lot of people around here do, but your love borders on fanboy.

Not to mention thats the brazillionth time Ners has used that line...   Sooo predictable. Why don't you stop trying to be clever Ners and read the post.  If you don't know why Jones isn't playing, then save your knee slappers for another thread

[NersEllenson]

Just wondering how much you are charging Buzz for BJ's nowadays.

I understand that you love him, and lot of people around here do, but your love borders on fanboy.

Aren't you the former wrestler?  Pretty sure you've done more rolling around in tights with other men than I've ever come close to.  But, I have no problem being called a Buzz fanboy - Buzz is the sh$t..and I continue to enjoy and look forward to watching where this program goes with him at the helm.

Not to mention thats the brazillionth time Ners has used that line...   Sooo predictable. Why don't you stop trying to be clever Ners and read the post.  If you don't know why Jones isn't playing, then save your knee slappers for another thread

I read your post...and I think others have answered your question - it is early in the season, Buzz is trying to see what combos work together while he can..he's got to figure it out fast..next week..we all know who we face..Wisconsin shortly thereafter.  Jones is the victim of being behind a ton of talented guys..and at this point he's the odd man out.  No team can play a 12-man rotation.  He's very talented..but it speaks to just how talented this MU team is - more talented than any I can remember.

Sorry the joke offended you - and actually I can't take credit for that joke..saw another poster here, post that..and thought it was funny...just think whenever we get too armchair quarterback in our analysis..it can be kind of funny.  We all do it..me included.

[w0bbie]

I'm not really a fan of subbing people in and out of the game.  I think if someone has found their rhythm (which may take more than 2 or 3 trips down the court) they should stay in.  If somethings working, leave it be.  Its kind of like Navy running the option against Notre Dame... run the same play until it doesn't work anymore    Buzz obviously has a different game plan than me and if its working, thats fine, too.
What I really don't understand though is why, amongst all of the substitutions, hasn't Jamail Jones seen any valuable playing time.  It seemed like during his recruiting process, he was much more hyped up than Gardner or Smith.  Yet he's only seen 11 total minutes!  Is he in the doghouse or is he just playing God-awful in practice?

I think there are a few reasons that Mellow isn't seeing that much game action.

1)  Depth at his position.  Jones is a wing player, along with most of our roster.  Even though Mellow was a higher rated recruit, Reggie and Davante are at more specialized positions (PG and PF/C) where we don't have the depth, so it is easier to break into the rotation.
2)  Defense.  I think that he is behind other players especially on this side of the ball.  With Buzz's emphasis on defense, this is probably holding him back.
3)  Some players take longer to adjust to the D1 level.  He was a good HS player on a very good HS team, but there's still a big difference between HS and D1.

I don't think we have reason to think he's doing "god-awful," or even doing anything wrong necessarily.  Let's hope he is doing well.  I feel that could easily be the case.  With some time and experience, I can see him being a strong contributor.

[RawdogDX]

think whenever we get too armchair quarterback in our analysis..it can be kind of funny.

What exactly do you think is the point of this board?  Responding with 'you're not the coach thus your opinion doesn't matter' doesn't improve the board in any way.

[4everwarriors]

I think there are a few reasons that Mellow isn't seeing that much game action.

1)  Depth at his position.  Jones is a wing player, along with most of our roster.  Even though Mellow was a higher rated recruit, Reggie and Davante are at more specialized positions (PG and P






The answer to the problem may be found in his nickname.F/C) where we don't have the depth, so it is easier to break into the rotation.
2)  Defense.  I think that he is behind other players especially on this side of the ball.  With Buzz's emphasis on defense, this is probably holding him back.
3)  Some players take longer to adjust to the D1 level.  He was a good HS player on a very good HS team, but there's still a big difference between HS and D1.

I don't think we have reason to think he's doing "god-awful," or even doing anything wrong necessarily.  Let's hope he is doing well.  I feel that could easily be the case.  With some time and experience, I can see him being a strong contributor.

[Thomas' Danish Delight]

I see Mellow having a bit of an EWill experience this year, but he seems more with-it than Erik was last season.

[MUFC9295]

Many times he does this for situational team needs. 

I concur this is largely situational and experimental at times.  Buzz is really paying attention to the opportunities he has to teach.  Look at the full court play to end the 1st half.  I was impressed by Buzz exploiting the opportunity.  He'll exploit lineups in he same educational manner when opportunities are afforded him.

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

I see Mellow having a bit of an EWill experience this year, but he seems more with-it than Erik was last season.

+1.

He's got good players in front of him, but he'll get his chances. A few chances this year, and a chance to compete for more minutes next year with Wilson(s).

[NersEllenson]

What exactly do you think is the point of this board?  Responding with 'you're not the coach thus your opinion doesn't matter' doesn't improve the board in any way.

Good point..but as I stated..it was a joke.  I agree that a message board is for fans to armchair and opine - and we all armchair ...but there are times when the "overreaction" is funny and can be poked fun at.