"Jae Crowder's a pro.

[MUMac]

There is no doubt in my mind that he will be an NBA player."  Says Jay Bilas during the Big Monday UConn/Nova game.  Some nice words for MU overall by all 3.

[AlienWarrior]

I totally agree. He is tested and has the body that can take a hit and then some. Kinda like  Mo Lucas, ok that may be a bit of a stretch

[StillWarriors]

We'll see how it plays out over time, but I don't think you can overstate the potential benefits of continuing to have guys no one would have projected as pro make it year after. I guess the biggest benefit would be getting more guys who are projected to be pros! Good to see Jae get so much recognition.

[JamilJaeJamailJrJuan]

Holy sh!t. What a shot by Napier.

[MUMac]

This has been a fun 2nd half and OT to watch. 

[nyg]

Sometimes shots like that turn a season.  Might be alittle late, but who knows.

[jsglow]

That was fun to watch.  UConn looked dead early on but stepped up.  Helluva shot at the end by Napier.

[chapman]

Crazy bulls-eye by Napier.  Glad it was the guy who wants to lead the team doing it for them. 

[karavotsos]

Lamb was the only one who looked like he belonged on a basketball court.  Possibly Pinkston.  Really wish Villanova would have won.  Can't believe UConn is still a tournament team with a decent seed with how poor they have played in conference.

[bamamarquettefan]

Was an incredible game.  The other thing on if Jae makes the NBA is the fact that another player did it as a senior.  When Lazar made it, Marquette was the only college that had four players playing in the NBA who had played all 4 years at the school.  Obviously Jimmy and Jae don't qualify on that basis since they came from JUCO, but the fact that players are coming here and being developed into NBA players by the end of their senior year, vs. players who go somewhere else for a year or two knowing they will be in the NBA does make us attractive.

[Niv Berkowitz]

That was the worst officiated BEast game I've seen in a while. Just horrific.

Now...regarding Jae. He's still a tweener. But unlike other tweeners of the past, he has a lot of range. We'll see how that translates. So far, Lazar is finding out how hard it is to make it.

Him and DJO will be making scratch somewhere next year, just a matter of where. Hopefully one of them carries the streak for MU re: first round draft picks.

[MU82]

As much as I like and appreciate Jae, I cannot objectively say he is a better college player than Lazar was. And it's hard for me to project that he will be a better pro.

I'd love to be wrong.

[Silkk the Shaka]

As much as I like and appreciate Jae, I cannot objectively say he is a better college player than Lazar was. And it's hard for me to project that he will be a better pro.

I'd love to be wrong.

Why?  Looking at their senior years, they're both listed at 6'6", 225.  Jae's shooting %'s - both from 2 and 3 range - are significantly higher.  Rebounding rates are slightly worse.  Turnover and assist rates are slightly better.  Steal %'s are nearly identical.  Jae blocks shots at a much higher rate.  Lazar was better from the FT line.  The biggest difference is in PPG, but Lazar shot the ball a TON more. 

Lazar was more athletic with a longer wingspan; Jae is craftier.  That might make Lazar a better pro prospect in theory, but looking at their senior seasons it appears to be a wash, with perhaps a slight edge to Jae for efficiency and defense.

[Buzz Williams' Spillproof Chiclets Cup]

Was an incredible game.  The other thing on if Jae makes the NBA is the fact that another player did it as a senior.  When Lazar made it, Marquette was the only college that had four players playing in the NBA who had played all 4 years at the school.   Obviously Jimmy and Jae don't qualify on that basis since they came from JUCO, but the fact that players are coming here and being developed into NBA players by the end of their senior year, vs. players who go somewhere else for a year or two knowing they will be in the NBA does make us attractive.

Not sure about this one.
Lazar
Wes
Steve
(Not Dwyane, only 3 years, 2 playing)
(Not Travis, in Italy)
(Not Jerel, D-League)
(Not Dom, in Bulgaria/Turkey)

[Skatastrophy]

Not sure about this one.
Lazar
Wes
Steve
(Not Dwyane, only 3 years, 2 playing)
(Not Travis, in Italy)
(Not Jerel, D-League)
(Not Dom, in Bulgaria/Turkey)

Jerel got called up for a 10-day.