One more scholarship...

[brewcity77]

Two point guards in the same class doesn't make a ton of sense, especially when there's a bigger need at the four. I actually feel a little more comfortable with the Cadougan/Wilson combo, and perhaps Vander and even Singleton in a pinch, than Crowder/E. Williams at the four ... then Williams only the year after that. Or are you thinking that Jamil is an option at the four?
If the best player available is by far a point, then by all means take him. But don't try to load up on points in one class at the expense of position that are of equal, of not greater, need.

That said, I'd guess Buzz and staff have been tracking the progress of Derrick Wilson this season and have an idea by now whether he can be counted on next year. And that would likely play a part in where the final scholie goes, if it goes to anyone. Banking it might not be the worst option,

I'm trying to put myself in Buzz's mindset. Granted, DJO is clearly a SG, Jae plays the 4, but it seems like he divides guys into three categories: point guards, centers, and switchables. Basically, only the 1 and 5 are really defined positions, while the 2-4 are pretty interchangeable. Because there's obviously a difference between a DJO and a Crowder, I'll split up big and little switchables.

Point Guards: Junior Cadougan, Derrick Wilson
Little Switchables: Vander Blue, Todd Mayo, DJO, Jamail Jones
Big Switchables: Jae Crowder, Erik Williams, Jamil Wilson, Juan Anderson
Centers: Davante Gardner, Chris Otule

Clearly, the need is for either a point guard or a big. Again, I'm trying to think like Buzz, so here's what I have learned in three years as Marquette's head coach.

In my first year, my team was 23-4 and contending for the conference title when my starting point guard went down with injury. We went 2-6 the rest of the way. We had one contributing big, who helped a lot on defense, but wasn't the key to us winning. Had James stayed healthy, my team likely would have won at least three more games (Louisville, Syracuse, 'Nova), earned a much better seed, and likely been playing into the second weekend.

In my second year, my team struggled to find consistency, but once they did, were very good, at one point winning 11 of 13. The team had no contributing bigs, but had two senior point guards, including one that I brought back after initially (maybe) nudging him out of the program. Even without bigs, we finished well ahead of expectations.

In my third year, I had my best ever big combination, with two contributors. However, I had one natural point guard that came off the bench and a converted shooting guard starting. Despite constantly improving play up front, the team never found consistency. After a four-game and three-game winning streak against cupcakes in the non-conference, they didn't win three games in a row again from December 11 until February 27. So despite the play of my bigs improving markedly over my first two seasons, the lack of equivalent point guard play meant that my team never really settled.

Of course it's not that simple, there's more to it, but going into next year, we have two experienced bigs as well as two other players in Crowder and Williams that can sub in up front in a pinch. At the point, there are only two natural points and one has never played a minute of D1 basketball. Clearly DJO isn't the kind of guy that can switch to the 1. Mayo's scouting reports indicate he played best when he could emulate a DJO role. Vander could help, but again, he seems to be more of a natural 2. The only other guy mentioned is Jamil Wilson, but it seems he'll be needed more up front with the graduation of Jimmy Butler.

What if Cadougan takes another injury? Can Buzz afford to go into a season with only one backup to Cadougan, who has never played D1 basketball, and trusting that Vander Blue and Jamil Wilson, neither of whom has had to play that role at the D1 level, will be able to take that role if necessary? I sure as hell wouldn't take that chance. We need another point guard, even if it's a sophomore or junior JUCO transfer, just to give ourselves options in case of injury. I understand Marquette's fascination with the big man, but with guys like Jarnell Stokes, Phillip Nolan, and Shaquille Cleare all considering Marquette for 2012, there's simply no reason to go after some 2-star prospect who almost assuredly won't contribute when we'll have a sophomore and junior on the roster for next season. It just doesn't make sense.

[NersEllenson]

Very good analysis Brew.  Think you make a great case for using the last 2011 schollie on a PG.  Sounds as though Derrick Wilson has GREAT character, and recruiting another PG probably would not alienate the relationship between Derrick and MU.  But, this too needs to be considered.

Think the key thought in Pakuni's post was:  Do Buzz and staff feel extremely confident that Wilson can come in next year and be a viable back-up, or even spot starter if Junior got hurt?  Which brings me to my last point:  Buzz and staff should only take another PG for 2011 if they are extremely confident that said player is significantly better or has much more upside than Derrick Wilson.  I doubt they will find that unless in the form of a transfer...

[Marquette84]

In my opinion, the greatest need is an outstanding 3 point shooter in the mold of a Steve Novak.  Outside shooting has hurt us this year, and I'm not sure we've solved that problem with anyone on the roster. 

I would pass on a point guard--the good ones are gone for the most part, and we've already got two scholarships tied up at the point.   Unless you can get a top 25-50 rated player who you expect to start from day one, hold off until next year.  I'd much rather Buzz start start recruiting for a post-Cadougan team.  Ideally a top 25-50 player NEXT year, who can backup Cadougan for a year, and clearly run the show for the next 3 years.  A player good enough to meet our needs isn't going to be willing to sit for 2 years.  Look at Villanova's point guard transition.

[Pakuni]

In my opinion, the greatest need is an outstanding 3 point shooter in the mold of a Steve Novak.  Outside shooting has hurt us this year, and I'm not sure we've solved that problem with anyone on the roster. 

I would pass on a point guard--the good ones are gone for the most part, and we've already got two scholarships tied up at the point.   Unless you can get a top 25-50 rated player who you expect to start from day one, hold off until next year.  I'd much rather Buzz start start recruiting for a post-Cadougan team.  Ideally a top 25-50 player NEXT year, who can backup Cadougan for a year, and clearly run the show for the next 3 years.  A player good enough to meet our needs isn't going to be willing to sit for 2 years.  Look at Villanova's point guard transition.

Likewise, a player good enough to meet our needs probably isn't going to sign with a school that already has a commitment from a point guard in his class.

[AZWarrior]

I'm not going to lie...I find it weird how you frequently come to Chicos defense.  He is a grown man after all, pretty sure he can fend for himself.  Even more weird, that you defend a dude with an anti Buzz agenda...assuming you are an MU fan?  Or are you too just a Tom Crean lackey and thus why you defend Chicos? 

In general, I would enjoy this board much more if the personal attacks were to stop and the focus would be on MU b-ball.  That doesn't mean no disagreements - disagreements are interesting!  But the disagreements and attacks should be against posters' arguments and positions and logic, not against them personally.

And I'd like peace in the middle ease, too.     

[ChicosBailBonds]

I'm not going to lie...I find it weird how you frequently come to Chicos defense.  He is a grown man after all, pretty sure he can fend for himself.  Even more weird, that you defend a dude with an anti Buzz agenda...assuming you are an MU fan?  Or are you too just a Tom Crean lackey and thus why you defend Chicos?  

Maybe he knows I don't have an anti-Buzz agenda.  I find it weird that you keep attacking anyone that dares agree with me on an issue, or worse calls you out on the obsession.

Let it go.  Seriously, I'm worried about your health...let it go.

Glad we are going the HS route...hope this becomes the norm.  It's the proper way to build a program and will provide more stability in the long run.

[77ncaachamps]

I hear the voiced need for a PG, but don't understand it.

I mean, we HAD a PG in Reggie Smith. He left presumably over playing time (if that was the true reason) but he didn't see a future for him at PG here...so why would you go out and get another PG when you have Derrick coming in?

I think Todd can handle the rock in the same vein as Buycks and Jamil can be a point forward.

I'd would support more of a PF/C.

[brewcity77]

Maybe he knows I don't have an anti-Buzz agenda.  I find it weird that you keep attacking anyone that dares agree with me on an issue, or worse calls you out on the obsession.

Let it go.  Seriously, I'm worried about your health...let it go.

Glad we are going the HS route...hope this becomes the norm.  It's the proper way to build a program and will provide more stability in the long run.

Just a curiosity question for you, Chicos. How do you feel about 3-year JUCOs like DJO and Butler? Buzz has obviously had much better luck than most coaches do recruiting JUCOs, and while they aren't here for four years, I'd certainly say that they've been as valuable to our program as most four-year guys are. DJO contributed starter minutes as a sophomore and junior, and will presumably do the same next year. Butler has been one of our best players the past two years after being a key player off the bench in his first year. How would you feel about Buzz looking at someone like TJ Taylor who was a 4-star prospect at the point but never suited up for Oklahoma before going JUCO? If we could get 3 years out of him, would it be worth it as opposed to trying to grab a 2-star freshman this late in the game, considering Buzz's track record?

[ChicosBailBonds]

In my opinion, the greatest need is an outstanding 3 point shooter in the mold of a Steve Novak.  Outside shooting has hurt us this year, and I'm not sure we've solved that problem with anyone on the roster. 

That would open up a lot of things for us.  I believe we need another PG as well.  Dangerously thin, even with Wilson coming in.

[buckchuckler]

In my opinion, the greatest need is an outstanding 3 point shooter in the mold of a Steve Novak. 

Um, well, easier said than done.  There aren't a ton of guys that can shoot like that.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Just a curiosity question for you, Chicos. How do you feel about 3-year JUCOs like DJO and Butler? Buzz has obviously had much better luck than most coaches do recruiting JUCOs, and while they aren't here for four years, I'd certainly say that they've been as valuable to our program as most four-year guys are. DJO contributed starter minutes as a sophomore and junior, and will presumably do the same next year. Butler has been one of our best players the past two years after being a key player off the bench in his first year. How would you feel about Buzz looking at someone like TJ Taylor who was a 4-star prospect at the point but never suited up for Oklahoma before going JUCO? If we could get 3 years out of him, would it be worth it as opposed to trying to grab a 2-star freshman this late in the game, considering Buzz's track record?

I certainly prefer 3 year JUCO to a 2 year JUCO.  I prefer 4 year players to 2 and 3 years

[Marquette84]

Um, well, easier said than done.  There aren't a ton of guys that can shoot like that.

No, but if you look at MU's team, Buzz could make a a very effective case that such a player would have a big role on next year's team because he would be the only one with that particular skill.

What would be his argument to a point prospect?  "If Junior goes down, Derrick can't cut it, and Dave isn't the answer, I need to have another point on the roster, just in case."  I'm not sure I would want any player that would buy such an argument.  Frankly, if thats what we're down to, we might as well let DJO bring up the ball.

[willie warrior]

I think it's great he has a WV tattoo on his arm so long as he's wearing a MU uniform.  Just a little salt in the recruiting wound.  Only way to make it better is if he has a leprechaun on the other arm!

I believe the tat just says WV, and not WVU, and that he grew up in West va. so it is no big deal.

And if it becomes an issue, he can always call Angelina Jolie for the name of her remover--she had Billy Bob Thorntons named tatooed until she hooked up with Brad Pitt.

[GGGG]

My feeling is that if we are getting a PG, it would be better to go JUCO.  Then you have someone with experience versus two freshmen.

[Markusquette]

My feeling is that if we are getting a PG, it would be better to go JUCO.  Then you have someone with experience versus two freshmen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRP-5FAfAaQ

[BrewCity83]

I believe the tat just says WV, and not WVU, and that he grew up in West va. so it is no big deal.
And if it becomes an issue, he can always call Angelina Jolie for the name of her remover--she had Billy Bob Thorntons named tatooed until she hooked up with Brad Pitt.

If you can get her number, I'll call her for him.   

Also, one of the scouting reports on Juan Anderson said that he can play the point.  It sounds like he'd be a good option in a pinch.

[El Duderino]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRP-5FAfAaQ

That kid has some sweet handles, but he carries the ball constantly and looks like he's about 5'5 and 120 pounds.

[GGGG]

I'm not sure how much MU is on his list anyway.  I have only us mentioned with him in passing.

[Marquette84]

My feeling is that if we are getting a PG, it would be better to go JUCO.  Then you have someone with experience versus two freshmen.

This would be even worse than recruiting a 4-year player.

We'd would have 4 point guards:
A junior (Cadougan) graduating in 2013
Another junior (JUCO) graduating in 2013
A Freshman that can't be considered a capable backup if you think we need another.
A walk-on Sophomore we don't think is a capable backup

Now fast forward to 2012-13.  What do we do? 

--Hope that Wilson develops enough to be our starter by the time he's a junior?  Problem is, behind Cadougan and the JUCO, he'll get no opportunity to prove himself. He'll be 3rd on the depth chart.
--To be safe, we'd probably want the heir apparent to Cadougan to be his primary backup in 2012-13.  Is that Wilson?  Then what do we do with our now-senior JUCO PG?  And what if the JUCO is still better than Wilson?
--Or do we have to bring in a HS player in 2012-13 to understudy for a year to take over the starting role in 2013-14 when Cadougan is gone?  What do we do with the JUCO and WIlson?  How does one justify 4 scholarships on PGs? 
--Or do we wait until 2013-14 and recruit a 4- or 5-star HS point on taking over as our starting PG from day 1?

If Wilson and Cadougan aren't the answer at point next year, we've screwed up.  We should be aiming to bring in a 4- or 5-star player as a frosh when his predecessor is going to be a senior.   And we should be building a pipeline 3-4 years out with similar talent so that we can reload every time one of those two graduates. 

[brewcity77]

This would be even worse than recruiting a 4-year player.

Unless TJ Taylor is available. I'm not sure how his recruitment will work, but he should be eligible as a JUCO sophomore transfer, similar to Butler and DJO. If he can transfer after this year, he could come in next year as a sophomore, giving us a junior, sophomore, and freshman point next year.

But I'm not positive he will be available as a 2011 recruit, he may need to be a 2012 because he committed to Oklahoma (though never played there).

[GoMarquette32]

I want cezar guererro

[muwarrior69]

I certainly prefer 3 year JUCO to a 2 year JUCO.  I prefer 4 year players to 2 and 3 years

So if a "5 star one and done" chose MU, you would take a pass on him and choose a 3 or 4 star that would play 4 years? Just wondering.

[GGGG]

This would be even worse than recruiting a 4-year player.

These are valid points.  However, if the main concern is *next* year, then a JUCO is better.  I tend to think that three years out gives plenty of time to recruit yet another PG that could take over if DWil isn't a legit option.

[DomJamesToTheBasket]

I really like the similarities of Todd and Lazar coming in from Notre Dame Prep.

-Both teams were in the prep championship and played MUCH tougher competition than any high school.

-Both led* their teams in scoring despite having a top 10 recruit on their team. (*Assumed by Mayo's 23 PPG)

I am super impressed that he put up such good stats on an incredible team with loads of talent.

Hopefully, Mayo can also outshine Ledo,  as Lazar ended up much better than Paul Harris IMO. 

[MUMac]

This would be even worse than recruiting a 4-year player.

We'd would have 4 point guards:
A junior (Cadougan) graduating in 2013
Another junior (JUCO) graduating in 2013
A Freshman that can't be considered a capable backup if you think we need another.
A walk-on Sophomore we don't think is a capable backup

Who is this "we" you speak of.  Has there been someone who has been at practice all year that has been commenting on his play?  I have no idea if he is capable or not.  I suspect no one else on this board does either.