Otule Back Sooner Than Expected?

[brewcity77]

http://www.foxsportswisconsin.com/12/16/11/Revamped-frontcourt-should-aid-Marquette/landing_marquette.html?blockID=628250&feedID=8359

According to this article from yesterday, Jamil Wilson will be back in the lineup today against Northern Colorado. But it goes on to say that while there's still no timetable on Otule's return, he could be back before too long.

Buzz Williams: "Getting Jamil back Saturday will help some, and then hopefully we can get Juan back and potentially Chris back in the next couple of weeks and that will help defensively."

Obviously saying "no timetable" and "potentially" leaves this up in the air, but I have to say this is the best news I've heard recently. As I've said (probably too often) before I think a healthy CO could be the difference between a solid top-25 team and a legitimate league and dark horse national title contender.

Crossing my fingers that CO is back soon!

[Lighthouse 84]

I agree.  Best news yet about his potential return.

[Goose]

Brewcity---National title contender? I like the way you think!!

[TallTitan34]

National title contender?  You're being too modest.  Try NBA Champions!

[wadesworld]

Try NBA Champions!

Bulls with a big win last night.  Haha just kidding.  I really wish there was no NBA season so Chicago had no professional sports teams that were going to do anything (I don't follow the NHL, so I'm sure the Blackhawks are good, but wouldn't know).

[TallTitan34]

Isn't it safe to say even if Chris does come back he won't be at 100% for some time (if at all) this season?

[jmayer1]

Isn't it safe to say even if Chris does come back he won't be at 100% for some time (if at all) this season?

Possible/probable, but I would say Chris doesn't really rely on his athleticism all that much but just his length to do damage on the defensice end.

[mileskishnish72]

If they are talking that kind of timetable, and it is as they have said, an ACL injury, this is extremely fortunate - it must have been a very minor tweak to that structure. If we are getting that kind of luck, this could indeed be our year!

[brewcity77]

Brewcity---National title contender? I like the way you think!!

I'll admit we'd still be a long shot, but after UNC, UK, and OSU (maybe Syracuse), we're right there in that next tier of teams. And all of those first three have proven vulnerable to opposition that I would say is no better than us.

This is the best Marquette team I think we've had in the past 30 years. Granted, the 2002-03 team had a better individual, but I think as a team, we're better. DJO is the best scorer we've had since Wade, and I think our complimentary pieces are better. Our defense is also MUCH better, but needs Otule in there to reach our peak.

I'd probably put us in that 5-10 range, but a #1 seed isn't out of our reach and from there, it would probably only take one or two upsets for us to win it all. I know it's not likely, but it's also not an impossibility.

[JTBMU7]

agreed, a 7 footer like chris can sub in on D and take up space withing having to cut/put too much stress on the knee. his role on offense can be dimished to screen and seal for the guards. it wont help his rebounding, but that big of a body can fill a lot of space and affect lots plays. remember the injury came on a loose ball that he tracked down 40 ft from the hoop, doubtful he is in that position again.

[lab_warrior]

That sounds like Otule's role on offense anyway; set screens, post, get the occasional putback or sweet feed from a slashing player like Blue/DJO/Cadoogs.  He's way more important to us on defense, and rebounding. Even if he's well under 100%, he'll still be very valuable to have in the lineup. 

[NersEllenson]

If Chris comes back this year it is safe to assume that making the decision to do so - will NOT result in further damaging the knee.  Buzz looks at Chris like a son, and there is no doubt he would only allow Chris back if it didn't jeopardize him in the future.

Having said this, hopefully Chris can come back and compete at a level similar to his past performances.

[Benny B]

Dare I say that a 75% CO may be more effective than a 100% CO?

75% gets you back and forth in the lane just fine. 100% gets you all over the defensive end chasing loose balls and stuff (where one might find himself out of position on defense occasionally).

Although being able to "spread out" on both ends of the court adds a different dimension to his game, CO's role where he's most effective is clogging up the lane on defense.  Personally, I think I'd rather have him in position defensively on every possession rather than having him roam around hoping he'll grab a steal or deflection once in a while... at the risk of giving up bunnies because he was 15' from the hoop.

[GGGG]

Dare I say that a 75% CO may be more effective than a 100% CO?

Next year when he heels up, we can whack his other knee.

[PGsHeroes32]

Idk if thats forsure right benny, but i do agree with everyone that we just need him back for starters. If hes completely healed thats gravy

[RyanConroy]

I told everybody to relax about the situation!

I do think a couple of weeks may be a bit optimistic, but I'd love to see it!

[bamamarquettefan]

I'll admit we'd still be a long shot, but after UNC, UK, and OSU (maybe Syracuse), we're right there in that next tier of teams. And all of those first three have proven vulnerable to opposition that I would say is no better than us.

I agree, though I hate to add Duke as a team that I believe will be very hard to beat by tournament time.  So i would consider UNC, UK, OSU and Duke the four teams I believe we would really have trouble with, but i believe we can beat anyone else in the country if Chris is back and we play well on a given night.

Of course, the key is always whether or not we can win six in a row in March.  Admittedly, the odds are against that.

On Chris, it does seem that Buzz tries to keep expectations of return low (see Junior), i assume to keep pressure off the kids while they are rehabbing, so I really am hopeful.

Two bad we play 2 of our 3 toughest games of the season right off the bat - potentially before Chris is back or at least 100% - in the trips to Syracuse and Georgetown.  Of course, the toughest game of the year is at Wisconsin.  Oh yeah, we already killed them.

[Windyplayer]

Possible/probable, but I would say Chris doesn't really rely on his athleticism all that much but just his length to do damage on the defensice end.

+1. His presence is more important than his actually mobility.

[Benny B]

Next year when he heels up, we can whack his other knee.

Is that some sort of new dance move?

[Goose]

brewcity--This is the best team since '78. We cannot call the dogs off because all 9 or 10 guys are big time D1 players. I am 48 years old and have waited 30 years to have team of athletic basketball players and we sure have one. Have talked to many people who followed the program for years, including former players, and almost to the person everyone has said deepest team since Al was here.

Over the years I have been harsh critic because I believe MU has set bar lower than I liked in terms of basketball and I believe this team is special. The pressure on D side is fun to watch and they play hard. If you want minutes on this team you better be in shape and work hard. Not 40 minutes of hell yet, but getting close.

[RyanConroy]

brewcity--This is the best team since '78. We cannot call the dogs off because all 9 or 10 guys are big time D1 players. I am 48 years old and have waited 30 years to have team of athletic basketball players and we sure have one. Have talked to many people who followed the program for years, including former players, and almost to the person everyone has said deepest team since Al was here.

Over the years I have been harsh critic because I believe MU has set bar lower than I liked in terms of basketball and I believe this team is special. The pressure on D side is fun to watch and they play hard. If you want minutes on this team you better be in shape and work hard. Not 40 minutes of hell yet, but getting close.

Not only this, but it doesn't look like Marquette is going to take much of a step back next year, with the continued development of everybody, but specifically Todd Mayo and Jamil Wilson. Looks like some great basketball will be around in Milwaukee for a while. Hang on to Buzz at all cost.

[Goose]

MU student...Recruit studs and good things happen. I hope Buzz never stops recruiting or offering schollies. If everything goes as planned two years from now we will be 40 minutes of hell on the court.

[RyanConroy]

MU student...Recruit studs and good things happen. I hope Buzz never stops recruiting or offering schollies. If everything goes as planned two years from now we will be 40 minutes of hell on the court.

Couldn't agree more. Boy, I would love to see elite teams year in and year out.

[dgies9156]

This is the best Marquette team I think we've had in the past 30 years.

I'd probably put us in that 5-10 range, but a #1 seed isn't out of our reach and from there, it would probably only take one or two upsets for us to win it all. I know it's not likely, but it's also not an impossibility.

It is too early to tell, but I share Brew's sentiment that this may be the best Warrior team since Al left. We have depth and we have an intangible that seems to carry us through adversity. For most of the past few years, I've been resigned to believe that if we got in a close game, we'd find a way to lose.

Now we're finding a way to win. It's early, but I'm really excited. Looking forward to seeing us in Milwaukee against Vanderbilt.

As to the National Championship, we have a funny way of losing close NCAA games. In 1971, we were Number 2 and were upset when Allie McGuire stepped out of bounds in Athens, GA. In 1972, Jim Chones, the core of our team, left what was at the time the best team in the nation. In 1974, we lost the national championship game when Al was hit with two technicals. In 1977, we were the last team in and the last team OUT!!! In 1978, our hopes were destroyed by Miami of Ohio. That's right, young fans, Miami of Ohio!

So I never bank on NCAA tournaments. Too much heartbreak. But I am excited this year and yes, perhaps for the first time since 1978, I'd agree we have an outside shot at final night net cutting. Just don't forget the switchblades.

[bilsu]

It was hard to tell, because Otule was wearing some heavy pants, but prior to start of game he was walking with no apparent problems. I also could not tell, if he was wearing anything on his knee. I think he might be back in a couple of weeks.