FEAR THE FLAT TOP

[Wade for President]

Jamail's flat top might not be as epic as Brian Wilson's beard, or as hilarious as John Axford's mustache, but it's still pretty freaking awesome and it truly deserves to be highlighted.

Friday night was the first time that Jamail has seen extended playing time @ MU, and he made the most of it.  He came to MU billed as a leaper (not many high school players see time on SportsCenter's Top Ten) with a good outside shot.  Despite his lack of playing time last year (I know he was a freshman), his attitude was outstanding (he usually is the first one off the bench during timeouts voicing encouragement to his teammates).  Clearly we didn't get a chance to see enough of Jamail last year to base judgment on what his contributions could be to the team, but the Mount St. Mary's game might've been our first glimpse.

We've heard in the past from Buzz that Jamail wasn't doing enough in practice to warrant playing time.  We've also heard this year that Coach is taking a harder stance on the defensive side of the ball.  Couple that with the fact that this team might have some deficiencies from behind the arch, and the opportunity for Jamail to shine as the most improved on the team is there.

In a previous thread, I heard a poster liken Jamail Jones to Kendall Gill.  YES!  Finally someone nailed it (I've been trying to think of who he reminded me of).  I LOVED Kendall Gill.  Incredibly smooth, very athletic, and made many facets of the game appear effortless.  I can see Jones becoming this kind of player for Marquette.

If Jamail can continue to improve on the defensive side of the ball, his athleticism, three point shot, and intangibles, will be enough to warrant a decent amount of playing time.  If he continues to bust his tail, I'm going to want to see signs in the student section reading "Fear the Flat Top" and people wearing flat tops in the stands.

Given what we saw on Friday night, I'm curious to hear people's thoughts on what Jamail can contribute to the team.

[lab_warrior]

Going into this season, based on what I saw toward the end of last year, I thought that Jamail could be a lot like Joe Chapman was in '03, and '04, a nice option off the bench that can contribute by knocking down 3s and improving on his defense.  I figured he'd get much better in the next couple years.

Of course, the sample size is one game, against a really bad opponent, but I think his ceiling this year could be much higher than that.  He looked very good at both ends of the floor, here's hoping he keeps it up.  He and Blue could be a really dynamite combo in the next couple years.

[APieperFan3]

From the small sample size (MSM game) - I think MU fans have a lot to be excited about.

Last season, it was VERY obvious that his confidence was lacking. That can definately take a toll on any athlete...let alone a Freshman playing in the BE.

I watched him quite a bit on the defensive end...and he still has some work to do. He tends to "stand up" too much, and still loses his man in traffic quite a bit. However, he is athletic enough that sometimes it doesnt matter.

My hope is that he continues to gain confidence each and every minute that he plays...because there is definately room/time for him on the floor this year.

My fear is that he hits the wall (kind of like Vander did). Meaning that we see great things from him in Non-conference because of his athletic ability and lesser competition....but once BE season starts, and guys are as big (and as good) as he is, that he falls off a little bit.

[PGsHeroes32]

Luckily we have a really solid non conference schedule this year so we can see what a lot of these guys are made of even this coming weekeend in the later parts of the paradise jam where teams are at least respectable.

[Marqus Howard]

(not many high school players see time on SportsCenter's Top Ten)

Does anyone have a link to a video of this?

[APieperFan3]

Does anyone have a link to a video of this?

If I recall...I think he was on there TWICE!

[tower912]

Like many frosh, JJones didn't really grasp coming in that he couldn't get by just on talent.    His work ethic, defensive knowledge and defensive effort has caught up with his ability (based on one game against an inferior opponent)    If he AND Blue are able to make that leap from unsure frosh to "I-get -it-now-lets-go-to-work" soph, we could be very dangerous.  

[Freeport Warrior]

Funny moment leading up to the words, "That's Kendall Gill" coming out of my mouth on Friday night.

Everyone in my family was busy Friday night, but I really wanted to see the team, so I took my 5-year old (promising dippin' dots). I don't want to get there even a minute early because she only has a limited attention span for bball, so I get there just a few minutes after 7, timing tip-off perfectly. Wrong. Game starts at 8. NO ONE is in the arena other that students. The big guys come out and stretch, work on in passing into the block. Then the guards come out at mid court with Todd Smith and they start blasting this rap song. The guys are kick stretching replicating a military line, sort of dancing, strutting with hoodie warm-ups almost like a boxing entrance -- it was bad ass. You couldn't tell who was who because their hoodies were pulled over their heads. I "shazammed" the song -- Meek Mill f/Rick Ross - "Ima Boss." -- the best word to describe the song is "menacing." All the players were singing the song, a few fake boxing. Then they start to take down their hoods. Jones takes his down and I say "that's Kendall Gill." 

After a half of dippin dots, nachos, a pretzel, a hot dog and what seemed like 35 timeouts, the bribes weren't cutting it and we left. I was good to see them. Very excited for the season.

[seakm4]

If he AND Blue are able to make that leap from unsure frosh to "I-get -it-now-lets-go-to-work" soph, we could be very dangerous.  

"The best thing about freshmen is that they become sophomores."

[jeffreyweee]

"The best thing about freshmen is that they become sophomores."

Who is that quote from?

[ATLmarquettefan]

Who is that quote from?

...seriously? And you call yourself a Marquette fan? Shame on you.

[MerrittsMustache]

In a previous thread, I heard a poster liken Jamail Jones to Kendall Gill.  YES!  Finally someone nailed it (I've been trying to think of who he reminded me of).  I LOVED Kendall Gill.  Incredibly smooth, very athletic, and made many facets of the game appear effortless.  I can see Jones becoming this kind of player for Marquette.

If Jamail can become even a "poor man's Kendall Gill" during his time at MU, I'd be thrilled.

[tower912]

Completely agree.   But some were ready to write off Blue and JJones because they did not live up to expectations as FRESHMEN.   They are a year older, a year smarter in knowing what Buzz wants and understanding his system, a year more mature, a year stronger after working with Todd.    I expect improvement, but not miracles.   I expect as athletic a top 8 as we have seen in ......?    And I expect this year's crop of freshmen to struggle at times, be written off by some at other times, to make a few important contributions this year.....and to be much better next year.  

[Spaniel with a Short Tail]

Enjoyed your story Freeport. Think about picking up that girl a junior MU cheerleader outfit...then some basketball stuff as she grows! That's how I started with my 17-year old and she's blue-and-gold for life. Closet full of MU gear and still playing b-ball.