[Rosiak's Blog] A few more updates

[Bocephys]

I don't see how that is hardcore.

For being a Reagan/Walker lover you sure are quick to hand out 'welfare' scholarships.

You see, the shoe is on the other foot, now.

It's not quite welfare since he's actually doing something to earn it.  Care to give one good reason why we'd keep two open scholarships this year instead of rewarding our walk on?

[Dr. Blackheart]

If a walk-on has one skill that stand-outs from the following list, they have a chance at a 'ship:  Athletic, physical or specialty hoops skill. If a walk-on is 6'10", pretty sure he earns a ship somewhere on the bet he could become a skilled 5 with his physicalness (think Mboa or McMorrow). If a guard is super athletic he earns one because he can pressure the ball or provide a key component in the transition game (think Reggie Smith or Artie Green). Thomas stands-out with his ridiculous range to fit a certain match-up advantage to the point where it is doubtful that any other player in the BE has that range.

There is a reason that Buzz has moved on from a PG as a priority to a 5 for the next schollie. I think Buzz has adjusted his recruiting a bit from filling in with high talent at every spot to finding the right team mix.  In the book "Scorecasting", they showed the odds of winning improve with 2-3 superstars on a team--a must have...but they improve even more with evenly distributed talent that fill roles (with at least one superstar). Think the Jordan/Pippin Bulls championship teams.  

His first three years here, Buzz had Frozena who had not one of these skills that differentiated him on the court. Off the court and in practice, he had his differentiated skill: His brain. He was a glue guy, but more so he was smart enough to play different roles in practice to help the team prepare for upcoming games.

Does MU have the 2-3 superstars this season?  Are they DJO and Jae, with a half star to Wilson? Do Junior and Vander provide the distributor-seam buster combo to fill into specialized roles? Does Otule-Gardner also provide different looks? Does JJ fill it up on a the perimeter vs. a zone?  What freshman matures to fill a role vs. trying to force the action beyond their skills (Vander often times last season)?  Is Gardner fit enough to slide into a 4 role if Jae gets in foul trouble? The makings are there this season, the questions are all about how they gel, but Thomas definitely has the potential to fill a specialized role in the future.

[GGGG]

Dr. Blackheart...

I agree that it looks as though Buzz is no longer recruiting a PG for the last scholarship and is looking more at a 4 or a 5.  But the answer could be as simple as the TJ Taylor transfer, and possibly a level of comfort with DWilson.

Dunn made his "Marquette" comment just before the Taylor transfer announcement.  Some are suggesting that we never formally offered him anyway.  Also, Wilson supposedly played pretty well during the Pro-Am, so maybe Buzz saw enough to believe that the Taylor / Wilson combo will be good enough when both are juniors.  (First year without Junior.)

[Dr. Blackheart]

Dr. Blackheart...

I agree that it looks as though Buzz is no longer recruiting a PG for the last scholarship and is looking more at a 4 or a 5.  But the answer could be as simple as the TJ Taylor transfer, and possibly a level of comfort with DWilson.

Dunn made his "Marquette" comment just before the Taylor transfer announcement.  Some are suggesting that we never formally offered him anyway.  Also, Wilson supposedly played pretty well during the Pro-Am, so maybe Buzz saw enough to believe that the Taylor / Wilson combo will be good enough when both are juniors.  (First year without Junior.)

Don't get me wrong...I don't in any way think that he gets significant minutes at PG...only that he gives further assurance that Buzz has the 1 or the 1-2 depth he needs.  He has a very differentiating, specialized skill that is very valuable: to come in a launch the three ball when MU is being clamped down against a zone.  That can earn you a schollie IF Buzz feels comfortable he has the other pieces.  Obviously, Buzz feels comfortable with the kid and his team situation to at least bridge him.

[GGGG]

We'll see.  I have stated a lot on Thomas, and this board's infatuation with him, but I really doubt that Buzz has changed his recruiting priorities because of him.  There is nothing to indicate that this is the case whatsoever.

[Dr. Blackheart]

We'll see.  I have stated a lot on Thomas, and this board's infatuation with him, but I really doubt that Buzz has changed his recruiting priorities because of him.  There is nothing to indicate that this is the case whatsoever.

Other than Buzz gave the kid a schollie.  Would he have loved to get Dunn?  Absolutely, but, name one player in the BE that has his range?  Not bad for a walk-on.

[NersEllenson]

I don't see how that is hardcore.

For being a Reagan/Walker lover you sure are quick to hand out 'welfare' scholarships.

You see, the shoe is on the other foot, now.

Fair point - but the reality is liberals have done a great job of "branding" Republicans as being inhumane, not compassionate, etc.  Yet, there are many VERY GENEROUS Republicans, who have just as good of hearts as liberals.  Yes, I am a Republican, but treat my employees, and people in general very well.  Sure I'll spar with you and Chicos here - but you'll notice, most of the sparring is over matters where you or Chicos were being hyper critical of our players, coaches, etc.

But I know - that makes me a fanboy/Pollyanna... but you see....it is possible to be a compassionate conservative, which is why I say give Jake Thomas a scholarship - considering there are 2 open, and the kid came here on his own dime, plus he's a local product too.  Use it or lose it....and it was clearly stated it was a 1-year deal in the Rosiak blog...this will not prevent MU from landing additional talent in the future, and Jake may very well turn out to be a better player than some of the more highly regarded scholarship players.

[GGGG]

Other than Buzz gave the kid a schollie.  Would he have loved to get Dunn?  Absolutely, but, name one player in the BE that has his range?  Not bad for a walk-on.

He gave the kid a scholie because he had two vacant.  That is hardly the first time that has happened somewhere before.  And I don't know what "his range" actually is in a gametime situation.  His USD numbers don't suggest that he has consistant range from deep against high level defenses.

[bilsu]

He gave the kid a scholie because he had two vacant.  That is hardly the first time that has happened somewhere before.  And I don't know what "his range" actually is in a gametime situation.  His USD numbers don't suggest that he has consistant range from deep against high level defenses.

I think he had 14 points at Bradley Center against our high level defense.
Of course there is some question about our defense, but at least he has produced at Bradley Center.

[Dr. Blackheart]

He gave the kid a scholie because he had two vacant.  That is hardly the first time that has happened somewhere before.  And I don't know what "his range" actually is in a gametime situation.  His USD numbers don't suggest that he has consistant range from deep against high level defenses.

So Buzz is just handing out schollies now? He had opportunities to bridge other walk-ons and didn't. This kid already earned a D1 scholarship, started two seasons at D1. Shot 39% from three vs. a 34% national average, with the high level defenses knowing, especially in his sophomore year, that 74% of his 610 shots were going to be treys--so he had to extend his range even further--well beyond the NBA line--as he had no supporting cast (yet he still shot 35%). Yet, his offensive efficiency numbers were 114 and 110, excellent. After defenses adjusted to DJO, his trey % dropped from 47% to 36%.

You throw this kid in the right game situation with a strong cast, his specialty is worth a lot--obviously one worth at least a bridge scholarship. This is not a Singleton, Frozena situation. Thomas has already earned and played high minutes in D1 on a scholarship.  The threat of this kid coming off the bench means BE defenses have to adjust for that situation. That opens up options for our studs as his range significantly helps space the floor--just as a threat. And, no...there is no one I have seen that has his range in the BE.  Is he a role player only, though? Yes

[Hards Alumni]

Fair point - but the reality is liberals have done a great job of "branding" Republicans as being inhumane, not compassionate, etc.  Yet, there are many VERY GENEROUS Republicans, who have just as good of hearts as liberals.  Yes, I am a Republican, but treat my employees, and people in general very well.  Sure I'll spar with you and Chicos here - but you'll notice, most of the sparring is over matters where you or Chicos were being hyper critical of our players, coaches, etc.

But I know - that makes me a fanboy/Pollyanna... but you see....it is possible to be a compassionate conservative, which is why I say give Jake Thomas a scholarship - considering there are 2 open, and the kid came here on his own dime, plus he's a local product too.  Use it or lose it....and it was clearly stated it was a 1-year deal in the Rosiak blog...this will not prevent MU from landing additional talent in the future, and Jake may very well turn out to be a better player than some of the more highly regarded scholarship players.

Very well said, and I mostly agree with you.

I just wouldn't give Jake the schollie unless it was conditionally promised to him.

I doubt anyone will convince me otherwise.