Basketball questions for next season

[tower912]

1.   How do the minutes at the 5 shake out   (1A.   Will Otule be ready by the start of the season?)
2.   What will the impact of Lockett be?    Starter from day 1?   More of a 3 than a 2?    Starter, but not a true replacement for DJO. 
3.   Which newcomer (not named Lockett) will have the biggest impact?   I vote Taylor. 
4.    Which returning player makes the most progress?    I vote Blue
5.   Who will take the last shot?   Mayo or JWilson   Who will want to take the last shot?  Mayo, JWill, DG.
6.    Will DWilson take any shot?    Yes.
7.   Will Buzz fill the last schollie for 12-13 or bank it?    Or does Buzz let Jake Thomas have it again?

Since there hasn't been actual MU hoops discussion much lately, I thought I would try something different. 

[nathanziarek]

7. My crystal ball says the last scholarship won't be filled and Thomas gets it. I am assuming he's a good teammate, practices hard and is a good student. In that case, if there's an open scholarship for another year, I don't see any reason not to reward him with one more year. There's the out-of-pocket cost for MU, but that seems like it'd be pretty negligible as a percentage of the whole program.

[GGGG]

1. Otule more than Gardner
2. Lockett will start in DJO's spot come BE season if not from day one.
3. TJ Taylor with points off the bench.
4. Jamil playing in position
5. Dont forget Lockett
6. Yes...not sure of his role yet
7. If he can grab one of these transfers, he will use it.  Otherwise Thomas will get it.

[Dawson Rental]

What Sultan said, except...

3.  Steve Taylor.  TJ Taylor takes most of the season to carve out his role.
4.  Sultan nailed this, Jamil.  Second place goes to DG, then Blue.
5.  Lockett and Mayo will vie for this.  Todd becomes much more assertive in his second year with DJO and Jae gone.  Lockett is used to being the only option for this.

[bilsu]

1. Otule/gardner 35 minutes with Wilson getting the other 5 when we want to press or foul trouble.
2. Lockett will start at 3.
3. Ferguson
4. Derrick Wilson
5 J. Wilson
6. Wilson can shoot, if he decides to. Different from Blue who cna't shoot but does.
7. Yes and yes, Buzz brings in one more recruit and Thomas gets another one year scholarship. I still think we are going to lose one more player and it might night happen until the summer sessions are over.

[BCHoopster]

The best situation for MU is that they have a roster that will compete in practice and the best 5 that play together will get playing time.  It is obvious at center, you have 2 who are legitimate
centers in Otule and Gardner.  But if Steve Taylor is good enough you can play Jamil, ST, Lockett or Blue, Mayo and Cadougan and play small.  The options are there.  Need an outside shooter,
can play Thomas, need to play big, you can.  TJ Taylor now can learn like Jimmy Butlers first year.  Juan Anderson, playing the 3 should help.  Practice should be intense, pretty deep team that
will have to play together as of right now there are no Crowder or DJO.  Buzz will have to figure out how this team can score, once he does that, they can be pretty good.  Lots of changeable parts.

[LloydMooresLegs]

1.   How do the minutes at the 5 shake out   (1A.   Will Otule be ready by the start of the season?)
2.   What will the impact of Lockett be?    Starter from day 1?   More of a 3 than a 2?    Starter, but not a true replacement for DJO. 
3.   Which newcomer (not named Lockett) will have the biggest impact?   I vote Taylor. 
4.    Which returning player makes the most progress?    I vote Blue
5.   Who will take the last shot?   Mayo or JWilson   Who will want to take the last shot?  Mayo, JWill, DG.
6.    Will DWilson take any shot?    Yes.
7.   Will Buzz fill the last schollie for 12-13 or bank it?    Or does Buzz let Jake Thomas have it again?

Since there hasn't been actual MU hoops discussion much lately, I thought I would try something different. 

Great post--thanks Tower.

1.  Of course not sure of Otule's rehab timing; split of time will depend on situation and how we are doing offensively at the other positions.  If we need O, DG plays more; if we don't, CO plays more.  My guess is that early in the season, as a result of CO still working his way back to playing form and b/c we will be a bit offensively challenged, DG plays more, and as the season progresses into BEAST play, CO plays (substantially) more.

2.  Lockett starts at 2.

3.  Steve Taylor.

4.  JWil; I think he explodes (in a good way) this year.

5.  Lockett, with Mayo, Blue and JWil hopefully all willing and able.

6.  No.  He will continue to spot for Jr. and play D and dish a bit, but I will be surprised if he takes more than 2 shots per game.

7.  I think he uses it on a transfer; I have no clue on the possibility of another player leaving, but, if that is the case, I do not think he brings in another transfer, and instead gives it to Jake.

[UticaBusBarn]

This Warrior fan believes Coach Williams is going to go at least nine deep, and basically run the opposing team into the ground.

This team, more than any of the last four will reflect Coach Williams' transition based philosophy of, "fast beats big, if fast is fast."

[Bocephys]

This Warrior fan believes Coach Williams is going to go at least nine deep, and basically run the opposing team into the ground.

This team, more than any of the last four will reflect Coach Williams' transition based philosophy of, "fast beats big, if fast is fast."

Not saying you're wrong, but every year we think Buzz is finally going to go nine deep.  Last year was the closest I suppose before injuries, so maybe it finally does happen.  I'll believe it when I see it.

[jsglow]

What I'm looking forward to is the multiple ways we can play the game next year.  Small 3/4 court trapping D? Yep.  Big fellas clogging the lane? Sure.  Shock troops for 3 minutes of pressure D? Sure.  Jake bombing the 3 over a Syracuse zone?  Whatever is needed.

[The Equalizer]

1.   How do the minutes at the 5 shake out   (1A.   Will Otule be ready by the start of the season?)

In the minutes that count, they'll be split between Gardner and Otule.  Only in blowouts or foul trouble will one of them be off the court.


2.   What will the impact of Lockett be?    Starter from day 1?   More of a 3 than a 2?    Starter, but not a true replacement for DJO. 


If he doesn't start on day 1, he won't the rest of the season.  With three years of experience, he is what he is.  He Mayo, Blue and TJ Taylor will share 80 minutes.

3.   Which newcomer (not named Lockett) will have the biggest impact?   I vote Taylor. 

Steve Taylor was ranked 50-100, which puts him in the same neighborood as Juan Anderson, Jamail Jones, or Erik Williams. With his size, if he were high-major D1 ready, he'd have been ranked in the top 25. He's a year away from being an impact player.

Ferguson wasn't a top 100 player, which means he may be this year's Mayo or Gardner.

But I'll go with TJ Taylor--who's play at the JUCO level was probably most comprable to Butler.  I'd be happy if he came close to matching Butler's first season --making him the newcomer (not named Lockett) with the biggest impact.

4.    Which returning player makes the most progress?    I vote Blue

On a percentage improvement, it better be Anderson.
On a raw-number basis, DWilson or Mayo.

5.   Who will take the last shot?   Mayo or JWilson   Who will want to take the last shot?  Mayo, JWill, DG.

If Buzz thought he could reliably get the ball inside, Otule or Gardner.  But most last-second shots are outside jumpers--often a trey.

Therefore, it's Lockett. Buzz is a #s guy--50% career FG% trumps 44% for Wilson or 42% for Mayo.

6.    Will DWilson take any shot?    Yes.

Depends on whether he wants to keep his backup PG minutes.

7.   Will Buzz fill the last schollie for 12-13 or bank it?    Or does Buzz let Jake Thomas have it again?

He's trying pretty damn hard to fill it. I don't know if I'd use the term "Banking it" because that implies it was planned.

With the last scholarship we got McMorrow in 2008 and Mbao in 2009--are there any project 7 foot bigs with last names that begin with M? 

[SaintPaulWarrior]

Someone has his goals set high.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/ct-spt-0620-notre-dame-basketball--20120620,0,2400540.story

[Blackhat]

1.  Fool me once shame on me,  fool me twice....not counting on Otule for full season.  Gardner and Wilson split evenly , Wilson when smaller, up tempo line up.

2. Lockett, don't know haven't seen him play.   Best I could hope for is Wes Matthews type production senior year.

3.  Taylor;  kid does look like a stud for sure on film.  Plus he's pretty big and we need that.

4.  Mayo if he's not carpet bombed by the Enola Gay.

5.  Last shot= whoever's open.  No true big shot established.

6. Not on purpose

7. Fill it.  Nunn or Young.

[brewcity77]

Someone has his goals set high.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/ct-spt-0620-notre-dame-basketball--20120620,0,2400540.story

My response in the article's comments section: "Are you stoned? The Irish as possible Big East or even national champs? Biedscheid, Auguste, and Atkins as possible 2013 first-rounders? Notre Dame hasn't had a first-round pick since 2002 and hasn't made it to the Sweet 16 since 2003. It's not like anyone outside of South Bend (or maybe Chicago, I guess) is confusing Biedscheid or Auguste with Nerlens Noel or Shabazz Muhammad. Before focusing on winning the whole thing, maybe focus on playing past the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament. This is maybe the most stupendously kool-aid drinking article I've ever seen posted in a major publication. Was this seriously written by a Tribune staff member? If so, that's beyond embarrassing."

[Blackhat]

My response in the article's comments section: "Are you stoned? The Irish as possible Big East or even national champs? Biedscheid, Auguste, and Atkins as possible 2013 first-rounders? Notre Dame hasn't had a first-round pick since 2002 and hasn't made it to the Sweet 16 since 2003. It's not like anyone outside of South Bend (or maybe Chicago, I guess) is confusing Biedscheid or Auguste with Nerlens Noel or Shabazz Muhammad. Before focusing on winning the whole thing, maybe focus on playing past the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament. This is maybe the most stupendously kool-aid drinking article I've ever seen posted in a major publication. Was this seriously written by a Tribune staff member? If so, that's beyond embarrassing."

Careful, that's now MU's paragon of basketball programs.   

[Skatastrophy]

Jake Thomas should not be getting a scholarship.  Gotta keep our options open for mid-season transfers.  Absolutely no reason to give a scholarship to a practice-squad player as a "reward." 

[brewcity77]

In response to the original thread questions...

1.   How do the minutes at the 5 shake out?

I think Otule will be ready to go and will be the starter. In terms of minutes, I expect Gardner to average around 20 and Otule to average 17-18. We'll go small with JW in there a bit, and they might even play a little together (though not likely after January 1) but I do think Otule starts but Gardner plays a couple more minutes.

2.   What will the impact of Lockett be?    Starter from day 1?   More of a 3 than a 2?

I think he starts and will be our leading scorer. With the way Buzz switches players around, I expect Blue, Mayo, and Lockett to get the bulk of the minutes at the 2/3 positions. Many projected a letdown season this year (I wasn't one) but with Lockett in the fold, I expect most of those would have similar expectations for this year as they did for last year.

3.   Which newcomer (not named Lockett) will have the biggest impact?

I think it will be Steve Taylor, largely just from an available minutes perspective. I think Cadougan and DW will probably suck up 35+ mpg at the point with Blue and TJT taking the rest. I like Ferguson's skillset and length, but he'll be behind three very good players in Blue, Mayo, and Lockett, and if Juan makes it back healthy, that's another guy scrapping for minutes at the 2/3 positions. In the frontcourt, Steve Taylor is the only long option to give Jamil a breather. I still don't see him getting a lot of time or having a major impact as a freshman, but I think he has the best opportunity of the three.

4.    Which returning player makes the most progress?

I think Blue will quiet some of his doubters. Defensively he will be a lock-down type guy and offensively he'll get the opportunities to average 11-13 ppg with 5-6 rpg. But the guy I really think will make a big jump is Junior Cadougan. He's been a quiet leader of this team for two years now and it sounds like he's really put in a lot of work on his jumper this offseason and it's paying off. I think he could have a season similar to Maurice Acker's senior season (although I don't quite expect 49.5% from three) with more assists.

5.   Who will take the last shot? Who will want to take the last shot?  Mayo, JWill, DG.

Who will take it? Depends on what we need. If we need a 2, I say Lockett or Gardner. If we need a three, Lockett or Mayo. Who will want to take it? I think Lockett, Mayo, and Jamil would all step up, but I really think Junior is taking the senior thing seriously and will be willing and capable.

6.    Will DWilson take any shot?

Yes. He scored in HS and prep school, I have to think he was pretty much ordered not to shoot much as a freshman. With a year in the system and the most likely guy to provide rest for Cadougan, he'll get more chances and take them.

7.   Will Buzz fill the last schollie for 12-13 or bank it?    Or does Buzz let Jake Thomas have it again?]

It depends on if everyone's back. It's sounding better and better regarding any more transfers out, and our name is being thrown around less with 2012 guys. I really think that once Matt Humphrey committed elsewhere it likely meant that scholarship was getting banked. I doubt Jake gets it simply because leaving it open means you are more flexible if someone like Rodney Purvis, Devonta Pollard, or Gabe York decide they want to transfer in January. Guessing it goes unused with our best chance at any further summer commits being Kendrick Nunn.

[nathanziarek]

Absolutely no reason to give a scholarship to a practice-squad player as a "reward."

All scholarship offers are gambles. Bank it for a mid-season transfer and maybe Jake—a walk-on with D1 experience—bolts and no transfers open up.  "Reward" him for contributing to the team in practice, and maybe miss out on a former 5-star transfer.

Who knows what Jake is contributing at this point? Even if he ends up being too one-dimensional to see meaningful time in a game, that might end up being more valuable to the team (learning how to play with stretched defense) than another theoretical switchable or needs-development big man. The devil you know is better than the devil you don't.

[THEultimateWARRIOR]

1) Hearing Gardner was a monster in the game vs alums yesterday, he looked the best out of anyone.

7) Buzz is adding another player for 2013 so probably gives the scholarship to Jake or someone who has one year of eligibility left. I heard Jake played quite well in the game yesterday and should see some minutes this year.

[MerrittsMustache]

1) Hearing Gardner was a monster in the game vs alums yesterday, he looked the best out of anyone.

7) Buzz is adding another player for 2013 so probably gives the scholarship to Jake or someone who has one year of eligibility left. I heard Jake played quite well in the game yesterday and should see some minutes this year.

Good to hear...but who did you hear these things from? Not trying to be a dick, but it's hard for me to put much stock into what is said by a "source" who thinks Jake will see minutes this season.

[Blackhat]

Dave Singleton was an all pro-am future lottery pick.   Jake I'm sure can shoot and really well when the flood lights aren't on but Buzz values defense and athleticism...doesn't play too many one trick ponies, although Jones did get some pt last year.

[MerrittsMustache]

1.   How do the minutes at the 5 shake out   (1A.   Will Otule be ready by the start of the season?)

DG/CO get a bulk of minutes but Jamil will see some time at the 5 depending on match-ups and game-planning.

2.   What will the impact of Lockett be?    Starter from day 1?   More of a 3 than a 2?    Starter, but not a true replacement for DJO.  

Starter from Day 1 and team's leading scorer (~15ppg). He's a different player than DJO, more of a slasher than a shooter.

3.   Which newcomer (not named Lockett) will have the biggest impact?   I vote Taylor.  

TJT will have the biggest impact because he's the most "ready." However, Steve Taylor will have his moments too, primarily because there are minutes to be had for a 6'7" athlete.  

4.    Which returning player makes the most progress?    I vote Blue

Todd Mayo - off the bench. More shots to be had, another year working with the coaching staff, tons of ability, won't start but will finish. Prediction: Todd Mayo, Big East Sixth Man of the Year.

5.   Who will take the last shot?   Mayo or JWilson   Who will want to take the last shot?  Mayo, JWill, DG.

Lockett. Book it!

6.    Will DWilson take any shot?    Yes.

He can score a little bit, he just needs more confidence offensively.

7.   Will Buzz fill the last schollie for 12-13 or bank it?    Or does Buzz let Jake Thomas have it again?

Unless an impact player is available in the next couple weeks, he'll save it.

[Benny B]

1.  At the risk of sounding cliche, it depends on the matchups.  Otule is defense, Gardner is offense.  If MU is a defensive-oriented team this year, the scale tips to Otule... if MU is going to be an offensive-oriented team, Gardner gets the minutes... if the team is balanced, 50-50.

Frankly, I'm curious as to whether we see significant minutes with both on the court at the same time.

2. Starter... I see him averaging 15-20 ppg in 30 mpg.

3. Steve Taylor... especially if Gardner or Otule spends some time in the medical tent.

4. Gardner... the kid just keeps getting better and better.  We know what everyone else has talent-wise, and I don't know that anyone else improves more than what we would normally expect someone to from year to year.  However, Gardner's still has upside tied to conditioning and experience, and in that regard, he's got the greatest margin to improve.

5. Last shot is probably Mayo or Lockett.  Gardner is going to want to take it, and he's going to get a touch on every last possession... half the time he will, half the time he'll kick it out.  No more of this hold at the top of the key until 0:10.  At 0:15, they move in and dump it down low to DG with 0:09.

6. He'll take shots... but he knows his role as a shooter, which is to say he needs to get open looks for the higher percentage guys on the court.

7. Probably bank it until school starts... if nothing happens, then Jake gets it.  The only way MU takes a mid-season transfer is if someone transfers out mid-season.

[MerrittsMustache]

Frankly, I'm curious as to whether we see significant minutes with both on the court at the same time.

It depends on 1) whether or not Gardner has developed a shot from 12-18 feet and 2) if either player can guard the long, uberathletic 4 than many BE teams have.

[THEultimateWARRIOR]

Good to hear...but who did you hear these things from? Not trying to be a dick, but it's hard for me to put much stock into what is said by a "source" who thinks Jake will see minutes this season.

Someone from the insider board over at scout that saw him play this week against the team and some alums (who all play professionally). Said he was very active and scored a fair amount.