Just returned from South Bend

[Marquette65]

 and have to report that the curse is alive and well.  Speaking of, I surprised that there has been very little discussion of VB's recent performance(s).  VB's performances ( or lack there of) raise of number of interesting questions some of which are: 1. How good is he? 2. Is Buzz's recruiting really are good as advertised? 3. Where is the depth we were told we had at the beginning of the year? 4. Can any of the current players be counted on to contribute next year considering they never see the floor this year?

As to question 1, VB , once conference play began, VB has regressed.  His play against Lville and ND has been just terrible. He has the rep. of being a defense stopper but he has consistently failed to find his guy, been out of position to the point that JC yelled at him a couple of times at ND about his failure to be in position.

Question 2,3,4 the large majority of our scoring and rebounding has come from JUCOs and Buzz gets lots of credit for this but where is the foundation for the future? Other than JC, there is not a freshman or soph that is making any type of contribution. Does anyone really have any faith that DG, JJ Ewill, will make any contribution next year since they can't even get off the bench this year?  Yes, one of the incoming class id " suppose" to be good but all we have to do is look down the current bench when the same was said.

Other teams seem to get contribution from their bench why can't MU?

[MuMark]

Fulce and Cadougan both gave MU nice contributions from the bench in South Bend.


Vander wil be fine. So will Jamil Wilson.

Interesting that you didn't post about Vander after he scored 12 and played great against Depaul.

He is a freshman. They go through ups and downs. He needs to improve his shot and his decision making.


As he matures I'm sure he will.

[79Warrior]

Fulce and Cadougan both gave MU nice contributions from the bench in South Bend.


Vander wil be fine. So will Jamil Wilson.

Interesting that you didn't post about Vander after he scored 12 and played great against Depaul.

He is a freshman. They go through ups and downs. He needs to improve his shot and his decision making.


As he matures I'm sure he will.

I think his point is VB play against quality teams, not High school teams.

[Goose]

I think the biggest problem with VB or any top Frosh is winning is so important today that coaches are afraid to take chances with PT. I would play VB as many minutes as possible and prepare for next year. Unfortunately coaches need to win now to keep a job and that makes developing a player difficult.

VB is going to be a stud but there will be more negative days in short haul.

[GoldenWarrior]

I think the biggest problem with VB or any top Frosh is winning is so important today that coaches are afraid to take chances with PT. I would play VB as many minutes as possible and prepare for next year. Unfortunately coaches need to win now to keep a job and that makes developing a player difficult.

VB is going to be a stud but there will be more negative days in short haul.

I would agree with this statement if it weren't for the fact that I really don't think Buzz is anywhere near the hot seat, nor will he be any time soon.  I think that overall the University loves what he teaches and how he represents the university and as long as he keeps us competitive on the court he's safe and sound here... so basically I don't think that he faces the proverbial 'win now' mentality that many other coaches face.

[ChicosBailBonds]

I think the biggest problem with VB or any top Frosh is winning is so important today that coaches are afraid to take chances with PT.

Unless your Bo Ryan with Gasser

[Goose]

Chico's--- I agree Buzz is nowhere need a hot seat at MU. However, I do believe that he falls into the camp of win now to not get near the hot seat. I realize I am in the minority but I think Buzz is in over his head (game coaching) and thus makes him insecure in his position.

Let's be honest even Buzz Williams thought he had no chance to be head coach at MU four years ago. It is a fairy tale story him getting job and I think he does worry that someday someone of power will say "did we really hire Buzz Williams?"

Not trying to be anti Buzz but I still cannot believe he is our coach.

[Boone]

Buzz' recruiting ability is the least of my worries for this team. Hope he adds another JUCO this spring, as he's had particular success with those kids.

[jesmu84]

Since buzz became head coach, I haven't questioned his ability to recruit - I think he's excellent at doing so.  My thoughts have more wandered to whether or not Buzz, or his staff, has the ability to develop young (especially raw) talent.  When he came in, the 3 amigos and Lazar played extremely well under Buzz, as have the JUCOs, and that is certainly nothing to complain about.  In fact, I would venture to say that some of those guys have improved under Buzz.  But I wonder about the staff's ability to teach fundamentals and build those to the necessary level for the freshman/4 year players we have.  anyone have any thoughts on the staff's ability to develop 4 year players? Has there been enough data to reach a conclusion either way?

[NavinRJohnson]

VB's production is down, and he is definitely struggling some, but all you have to do is watch him play to see the talent. I think if that kid had Buycks confidence and swagger he would be an ALL BE caliber player. He's just gotta learn to play consistently, and Buzz has to continue to try to find him the right role. I'm not worried. He's gonna be a good one.

[AlumKCof93]

I don't question Buzz's ability to develop talent, I think the progress of Wes, Lazar, and JFB are testament to his ability.  However, his in-game strategy is in question and will be until we our success coming out of timeouts and in pulling out some close games improves.

[MuMark]

We won 3 straight road overtime games last year and beat UCONN on a last 2nd shot. Buzz was the coach in all of those games.

Hasn't worked out as well this year but Buzz proven he can win close games as a coach.

[Marquette65]

for all those who are not worried because VB is going to be a " great" one, what evidence is there to back up that statement? That he is fast? has a good handle?  can score?  can shoot?  can be a shut down defender? To date there is not even a hit of that.  By the way, we are assuming competition is decent, not De Paul.

[Lennys Tap]

Not trying to be anti Buzz but I still cannot believe he is our coach.

I too cannot believe Buzz Williams is our coach. We end up with a rising star in the coaching profession instead of some mediocre retread like McKillop, Lowery or Brownell. Thank you Fr Wild and Steve Cottingham for not taking the "safe" (and very wrong) road.

[Tugg Speedman]

See the Thread about Kemba Walker ....

http://www.muscoop.com/index.php?topic=23888.msg265039#msg265039

I hope Vander looks at Kemba Walker and can sees potential what he can accomplish over the next couple of years.  I remember that Kemba Walker was highly touted as a Freshman but it has taken a couple of years to reach what he has become, i.e., one of the best, if not the best guard in the country.  If you look at his stats, 8.9PPG as a Freshman, 14.6 as a sophomore, now, as a Junior, it is Kemba's team (25PPG).  Also, it is interesting to note that improvement in Kemba Walker's outside shooting, 27% 3pt shooting as a Frosh, to 36% today.

Vander, keep up the good work and work on your outside shoot.  In a couple of years, this will be your team.

Oh by the way, on Tuesday, you will have an opportunity to shut him down!  

---

Downtown85 is correct ... Walker's Freshman numbers and Vander current numbers are similar

Walker's Freshman year ...

http://espn.go.com/ncb/player/profile?playerId=41515

Season Averages
SEASON    TEAM    MIN    PTS    REB    AST    TO    A/T    STL    BLK    PF    FG%    FT%    3P%    PPS
2008-2009    CONN    25.2    8.9    3.5    2.9    1.8    1.58    1.1    .2    1.6    .470    .715    .271    1.37

Vander's current year

http://espn.go.com/ncb/player/profile?playerId=51393

SEASON    TEAM    MIN    PTS    REB    AST    TO    A/T    STL    BLK    PF    FG%    FT%    3P%    PPS
2010-2011    MARQ    23.9    8.2    3.2    2.5    1.8    1.36    1.3    .4    2.2    .480    .649    .222    1.28

----

That's not the only thing that Walker and Blue have in common ... Walker's freshman year saw Uconn65 writing him off as well.

[warriors1965]

I too cannot believe Buzz Williams is our coach. We end up with a rising star in the coaching profession instead of some mediocre retread like McKillop, Lowery or Brownell. Thank you Fr Wild and Steve Cottingham for not taking the "safe" (and very wrong) road.

A "rising star" would know how to coach defense and Buzz doesn't.

Buzz is what he is.  He's a good recruiter and a bad X's and O's coach.  Probably overall a BC by MU's grading system.

[Tugg Speedman]

I too cannot believe Buzz Williams is our coach. We end up with a rising star in the coaching profession instead of some mediocre retread like McKillop, Lowery or Brownell. Thank you Fr Wild and Steve Cottingham for not taking the "safe" (and very wrong) road.

In 1983 an young and unproven coach name Mike Krzyzewski was finishing his third season at Duke.  They would finish the year at 11 - 17, 3 - 11 in the ACC.  Duke faithful, including Duke65, were calling for his head.

[tower912]

7 man rotation, shortest team in any major conference, and yet we competed at a high level in one of the top conferences.   Yup, his X's and O's are suspect.   Just like all of us, he can learn and grow.   But I honestly don't know what team you are watching.   

[Lennys Tap]

7 man rotation, shortest team in any major conference, and yet we competed at a high level in one of the top conferences.   Yup, his X's and O's are suspect.   Just like all of us, he can learn and grow.   But I honestly don't know what team you are watching.   

This

[Dr. Blackheart]

Best offense in BE play, 8th nationally this season. Made wine out of water last season. Two NCAA teams in two years and on the verge in a reload year. A couple of top rated recruiting classes. Great game prep including X & O's. A great teacher. Wow

Some recruiting foibles, would like to see a defense that stresses stops vs. one that stresses turnovers, some inexperienced newcomers, some in-game coaching inexperience against GREAT and experienced coaches. Raised expectations are a bitch.  

Do you not have the hawts for Cindy Crawford because of her birth mark?

[Goose]

Hey Lenny--First of all, I am old enough to remember Lenny's Tap so my thoughts do come with some experience on MU ball. Overall the Buzz hiring has turned out far better than I thought it would three years ago. I am NOT anti Buzz, I am PRO MU and believe this is an important couple of years for the program. I do not believe Buzz is rising star by any means. I feel he is a good recruiter and he and his staff are average game coaches.

All of us want the same thing out of the program and have equal voices on this site. Do you think Buzz (a rising star) will be mentioned in "big" coaching opportunities this spring? If so, we have a rising star. Other than UNO and MU Buzz has not interviewed for a big head job. KO and TC were constantly mentioned in job openings every spring. Maybe their character and own PR put out those feelers (yes I do know what happened) but they were mentioned. But that PR was based off overall reputation. Both guys were off the charts assistant coaches and well known in all circles.

In my humble opinion I want the best for Buzz and will support him/program. But I stand by my thoughts that he is in over his head. More empty seats at BC this year, still poor media coverage (placement in paper or news cast) and not enough hype. It seems weird to me that while Buzz continues to get studs overall excitement is lacking.

I am not trying to piss anyone off, just speaking my mind!!!

[Tugg Speedman]

Hey Lenny--First of all, I am old enough to remember Lenny's Tap so my thoughts do come with some experience on MU ball. Overall the Buzz hiring has turned out far better than I thought it would three years ago. I am NOT anti Buzz, I am PRO MU and believe this is an important couple of years for the program. I do not believe Buzz is rising star by any means. I feel he is a good recruiter and he and his staff are average game coaches.

All of us want the same thing out of the program and have equal voices on this site. Do you think Buzz (a rising star) will be mentioned in "big" coaching opportunities this spring? If so, we have a rising star. Other than UNO and MU Buzz has not interviewed for a big head job. KO and TC were constantly mentioned in job openings every spring. Maybe their character and own PR put out those feelers (yes I do know what happened) but they were mentioned. But that PR was based off overall reputation. Both guys were off the charts assistant coaches and well known in all circles.

In my humble opinion I want the best for Buzz and will support him/program. But I stand by my thoughts that he is in over his head. More empty seats at BC this year, still poor media coverage (placement in paper or news cast) and not enough hype. It seems weird to me that while Buzz continues to get studs overall excitement is lacking.

I am not trying to piss anyone off, just speaking my mind!!!

Buzz was frequently mentioned for the Iowa job last year.

Fact is Buzz is not mentioned in part because he has made it clear he is not interested in any openings.  And, short of Texas A&M and/or Texas if those jobs open up, a guy that is not interested in not going to get mentioned.

ADD

If you're at a BE program with great facilities, a private plane, and regaulrly in teh top 25 (excpt this year), how many programs are an uptick from MU? 

Crean showed that IU is not what its cracked up to be.  I'm sure he plan was not to leave a top 10 team in 2008 and got absolutely suck for three or four years.

[Goose]

AnotherMU---I do not believe there is a coach alive not interested in job openings. I hear what Buzz says and have heard it a million times. Money talks and these guys follow. Yes Buzz was mentioned in passing for Iowa last year. Were you seriously concerned he was leaving? I am not one of the TC groupies on here but for several years I was concerned he was leaving. I was concerned because he did a good job and concerned because I felt we were not prepared to make a new hire if it happened.

[Tugg Speedman]

AnotherMU---I do not believe there is a coach alive not interested in job openings. I hear what Buzz says and have heard it a million times. Money talks and these guys follow. Yes Buzz was mentioned in passing for Iowa last year. Were you seriously concerned he was leaving? I am not one of the TC groupies on here but for several years I was concerned he was leaving. I was concerned because he did a good job and concerned because I felt we were not prepared to make a new hire if it happened.

Look at coaches with final four experience that leave and look at what happens to the program.  Now see MU/Buzz over the last 2 1/2 years.  This is one of the smoothest transitions you'll see.  Was their a dip since TC left?  I'm waiting.

It seems your fears about TC leaving were wrong.  In the end we made a good hire as evidenced by the transition.

[Lennys Tap]

Hey Lenny--First of all, I am old enough to remember Lenny's Tap so my thoughts do come with some experience on MU ball. Overall the Buzz hiring has turned out far better than I thought it would three years ago. I am NOT anti Buzz, I am PRO MU and believe this is an important couple of years for the program. I do not believe Buzz is rising star by any means. I feel he is a good recruiter and he and his staff are average game coaches.

All of us want the same thing out of the program and have equal voices on this site. Do you think Buzz (a rising star) will be mentioned in "big" coaching opportunities this spring? If so, we have a rising star. Other than UNO and MU Buzz has not interviewed for a big head job. KO and TC were constantly mentioned in job openings every spring. Maybe their character and own PR put out those feelers (yes I do know what happened) but they were mentioned. But that PR was based off overall reputation. Both guys were off the charts assistant coaches and well known in all circles.

In my humble opinion I want the best for Buzz and will support him/program. But I stand by my thoughts that he is in over his head. More empty seats at BC this year, still poor media coverage (placement in paper or news cast) and not enough hype. It seems weird to me that while Buzz continues to get studs overall excitement is lacking.

I am not trying to piss anyone off, just speaking my mind!!!

Hey Goose, you're certainly entitled to your opinion and you're not pissing me (or anyone else) off. If you're looking for a self promoter or a hype machine he's not for you. But anyone who can coach up a team like last year's to a 6 seed in the NCAA tournament is a rising star in my book.