"Play Steve more. Play Steve more." - Buzz postgame

[mu_hilltopper]

Yes.

Too bad we can't have 6 guys on the court.

[chapman]

Rolling through his mind when he can't sleep: "play Steve more...play Steve more..."  lol.  Raved about him being always around the ball, just minutes tough to come by right now.  Has difficulty fitting him in during practice as well due to matchups, but appreciates his maturity in handling it.


Said the "wardrobe malfunction" was from pulling Vander up after a loose ball, it ripped his shirt.

[NickelDimer]

He plays like an upper classman already.  Can't wait to watch him develop.  He is special

[Tugg Speedman]

Just finished listening to it on my iPad.  Started a good 20 minutes after the game ended.

Buzz spent most of his time explaining why Steve Taylor is not playing more ... too many guys (CO, DG, JW, TL) playing well and it is hard to get him in the game.  He said Steve has been very mature about it.  Buzz did emphasize that he walks the sidelines saying to himself "get Steve in the game, get Steve in the game."  Nice problem to have.

He also said he was helping Vander get up and Vander pulled on Buzz's tie and popped a few buttons.  That accounts for the wardrobe malfunction.

Finally, he praised Vander as a person and his game over and over.

[JakeBarnes]

Great problem to have. Buzz has really filled the cupboard with high quality talent and depth.

[jsglow]

5 boards in 9 minutes.  The kid is going to be an outstanding #4.  I can't quite peg who he reminds me of from MU's history.  Maybe a little Ric Cobb or Robert Jackson in those bloodlines? 

[We R Final Four]

Did he say he's a great player but an even better human being?
 Thats the Buzz I know.

Side note--heard a clip going to commercial today on local am radio and Buzz said jamil is one of the smartest players he's ever been around......wait for it......much smarter than me (Buzz).

[Tugg Speedman]

Did he say he's a great player but an even better human being?
 Thats the Buzz I know.

Side note--heard a clip going to commercial today on local am radio and Buzz said jamil is one of the smartest players he's ever been around......wait for it......much smarter than me (Buzz).

Not only did he say Vander is a great player and a better human being but I believe he said the same about Steve Taylor.  A twofer ... sorry you missed it.

[bkooncy]

Why can't we start Steve in place of Juan, I feel that steve works harder and brings more to the table.  That would get him more minutes.

[We R Final Four]

That is awesome.

[jsglow]

Why can't we start Steve in place of Juan, I feel that steve works harder and brings more to the table.  That would get him more minutes.

Patience young grasshopper.  The real answer is that Steve still has defensive breakdowns at times. 

[avid1010]

5 boards in 9 minutes.  The kid is going to be an outstanding #4.  I can't quite peg who he reminds me of from MU's history.  Maybe a little Ric Cobb or Robert Jackson in those bloodlines? 

i was really young at the time ron curry played for mu, so i'm thinking as a youngster at the time i over-estimated curry's play, but are the two comparable?  for whatever reason curry's name came to mind when reading the above quote.  

[bkooncy]

Patience young grasshopper.  The real answer is that Steve still has defensive breakdowns at times. 

Juan only played 9 minutes and had two turn overs.  I loved Juan at the beginning of the season, but I feel like he has started to tapper off.  What are we going to do next year with Juan, Steve, JaJuan Johnson, DG, and maybe CO?  I just think Steve will see more time than Juan and has a better up side.  Just my thoughts.

[NotAnAlum]

i was really young at the time ron curry played for mu, so i'm thinking as a youngster at the time i over-estimated curry's play, but are the two comparable?  for whatever reason curry's name came to mind when reading the above quote.  

Thought the exact same thing.  Curry was a transfer from Az so he had 2 years on Steve.  We're comparing a 3rd year player (with redshirt) to a 1st year.  Also was more of a Small forward where Steve is more of a power forward.  Steve reminds me of all the 6'8" we seem to always play that are long and give us fits.  Now we finally have one of our own.  It will be fun to watch him for 4 years.

[Henry Sugar]

Free Steve Taylor!

[NavinRJohnson]

  Steve reminds me of all the 6'8" we seem to always play that are long and give us fits.  Now we finally have one of our own.  It will be fun to watch him for 4 years.

Just what I was thinking. Not sure when we've had that guy with the same combination of size and ability. He reminds me of a guy that would have played for Bob Huggins at Cincinnati back in the day.

[chapman]

Patience young grasshopper.  The real answer is that Steve still has defensive breakdowns at times. 

Juan had a couple of those in his 9 minutes as well, unfortunately.  Hopefully he can tighten things up since he did have a string of effective starts, but hasn't been good lately.

[Galway Eagle]

I'm praying for a more skilled combination of Jimmy Butler and Lazar Hayward

[Hubert Davis]

I have been saying this all season: Steve Taylor will be the conference (whatever the new conference is called) player of the year either his junior or senior season. Kid is a stud. Chi-town baller ya'll

[jsglow]

Just what I was thinking. Not sure when we've had that guy with the same combination of size and ability. He reminds me of a guy that would have played for Bob Huggins at Cincinnati back in the day.

Except Steve goes to class and the library.

[jeffreyweee]

I have been saying this all season: Steve Taylor will be the conference (whatever the new conference is called) player of the year either his junior or senior season. Kid is a stud. Chi-town baller ya'll

Saying it all season with your first post!

[We R Final Four]

I have been saying this all season: Steve Taylor will be the conference (whatever the new conference is called) player of the year either his junior or senior season. Kid is a stud. Chi-town baller ya'll

You have? All season? Haven't heard about it until now.

[Hubert Davis]

You have? All season? Haven't heard about it until now.

Yep, sure have. Just haven't been talkin' to you pal.

[Hubert Davis]

Saying it all season with your first post!

Some people communicate with others besides message boards. But yes, my first post and first time saying it on scoop.

[NCMUFan]

Juan is a 3.  Taylor a 4.  With Trent graduating this year and Juan maturing more, I think Juans minutes will increase next season.  With Jamil Wilson and Steve Taylor maturing no need to play Juan out of position.  Juan reminds me a bit of Fitzgerald having to play the 4.  Just doesn't work out that good.

[We R Final Four]

Yep, sure have. Just haven't been talkin' to you pal.

You must be the guy with the station wagon and the microphone who drives up and down sconnie ave. Y'all!

[Silkk the Shaka]

I have been saying this all season: Steve Taylor will be the conference (whatever the new conference is called) player of the year either his junior or senior season. Kid is a stud. Chi-town baller ya'll

Right there with ya buddy. No doubt in my mind.

[Hubert Davis]

You must be the guy with the station wagon and the microphone who drives up and down sconnie ave. Y'all!

How'd you guess? 

[MakeItRain11]

You must be the guy with the station wagon and the microphone who drives up and down sconnie ave. Y'all!

+1

Lol! I read this comment and spit out the water I was drinking all over my cell phone....I think it's broke now.......so I am going to need $500......you know, whenever you get the chance.....

[WellsstreetWanderer]

I've said it before ST reminds me of a young Maurice Lucas. When he fills out he will be the prototype PF and a bona fide STUD

[Markusquette]

and yes I've wanted him in a lot more.  He's hungry and ready to play. 

[MU82]

I like what I've seen of Steve Taylor and believe he will have a nice Marquette career.

For now, however, I think I will hold off on comparing him to Maurice Lucas, guaranteeing that he will be conference PoY and opining that he is the greatest thing to hit Milwaukee since Leon's Frozen Custard.

Perspective, please. Can we let the kid at least become a starter before we proclaim him Stud of the Decade? 

[MUrugger]

Agree with the "young Maurice Lucas" comparison...Unfortunately, as Mo only lasted 2 years at MU, we never saw anything but a "young MO" at MU.  If he would have lasted 4 years there would be another banner hanging up there.  Pick a year..'75??  '76??  

I was thinking the other day (not all year) that I sure hope the Simeon dude stays for four years.  Ist team all-state, for the Illinois State Champion, not bad credentials to have coming in.  And he seems to work hard while having his head screwed on straight.  He doesn't have the minutes yet he's better than advertised.  Good times ahead.  I loves me some Steve Taylor.

[keefe]

I've said it before ST reminds me of a young Maurice Lucas. When he fills out he will be the prototype PF and a bona fide STUD

I wouldn't be comparing Taylor with Luke just yet. Luke was a Dapper Dan stud and the most sought after prep big man in the land. Taylor will be a good one, possibly great, but he is nowhere near Luke. Uh uh.

[Hards Alumni]

and yes I've wanted him in a lot more.  He's hungry and ready to play. 

This sounds a bit creepy.

[Goose]

Ron Curry was a different type player. He was more of a three and was very, very good. As for comparing Taylor to Luke...no comparison at this stage of the game. Big Taylor fan here and looking forward to watching him play in upcoming years.

[Marqevans]

Ron Curry was a different type player. He was more of a three and was very, very good. As for comparing Taylor to Luke...no comparison at this stage of the game. Big Taylor fan here and looking forward to watching him play in upcoming years.

Tough to compare Taylor to Luke as a freshman because Luke had to play on the freshman team and could not play varsity until his sophomore year.  Taylor does look like he will be special.  He sure can get the ball to the basket in traffic.

[tower912]

Where do you take the minutes to play Steve more?    Start Steve instead of Juan?    Have Vander play point, Lockett play the two, JWilson and Steve at the 3-4?

[jsglow]

I purposefully didn't include Lucas in my original comparison.  That's a whole 'nuther level.  Don't think we can quite project retiring #25 just yet.  But Steve has been excellent in his role this year and has loads of potential, for sure.

[4everwarriors]

Agree with the "young Maurice Lucas" comparison...Unfortunately, as Mo only lasted 2 years at MU, we never saw anything but a "young MO" at MU.  If he would have lasted 4 years there would be another banner hanging up there.  Pick a year..'75??  '76??  

I was thinking the other day (not all year) that I sure hope the Simeon dude stays for four years.  Ist team all-state, for the Illinois State Champion, not bad credentials to have coming in.  And he seems to work hard while having his head screwed on straight.  He doesn't have the minutes yet he's better than advertised.  Good times ahead.  I loves me some Steve Taylor.

Luke was here 3 years. However, freshman couldn't play varsity ball. He left following his junior year. As for comparisons, Steve Taylor is to Maurice Lucas as PeeWee Herman is to Ron Jeremy.

[Silkk the Shaka]

My prediction for Steve Taylor's progression: Kevin Jones

[BCHoopster]

Luke was here 3 years. However, freshman couldn't play varsity ball. He left following his junior year. As for comparisons, Steve Taylor is to Maurice Lucas as PeeWee Herman is to Ron Jeremy.

I second your comment, Maurice was a real beast, it was a shame he left early.  Steve Taylor is a nice player, but your analysis is right on.  Not saying Steve Taylor can not get to that
level, but we are talking about an NBA All-Star, if he becomes 80% of Maurice that would be fine.  Good sub right now, have to wait till junior year to get real minutes.

[tower912]

I feel bad for Steve.  It is his fate to be a freshman on the deepest MU team in forever.   This is literally the first team in a decade that doesn't need him to play big minutes.  In any of the other Buzz years, he would have gotten big minutes.   Under Crean the last few years, he woud have been Mbakwe.  He has game and will be good.   Just bad luck that he doesn't have to be a star this year.

[NavinRJohnson]

These things take care of themselves. Anderson seeing his minutes decrease - as they should, Mayo doesn't get a lot of time, foul trouble, etc., and rotations tend to tighten up this time of year. If Taylor is as good as we all seem to believe he is, the game andhis coach will find him. Entirely possible if not likely that he will break out in a big way over the next 30 days.

[Galway Eagle]

Agree with the "young Maurice Lucas" comparison...Unfortunately, as Mo only lasted 2 years at MU, we never saw anything but a "young MO" at MU.  If he would have lasted 4 years there would be another banner hanging up there.  Pick a year..'75??  '76??  

I was thinking the other day (not all year) that I sure hope the Simeon dude stays for four years.  Ist team all-state, for the Illinois State Champion, not bad credentials to have coming in.  And he seems to work hard while having his head screwed on straight.  He doesn't have the minutes yet he's better than advertised.  Good times ahead.  I loves me some Steve Taylor.

I like to think there'd be another banner but no way, even with Lucas, do we beat that 76 Indiana team. 

[mileskishnish72]

Indeed, Juan had defensive lapses last evening. If he doesn't improve in that regard his minutes will go down, not up.

[T-Bone]

i was really young at the time ron curry played for mu, so i'm thinking as a youngster at the time i over-estimated curry's play, but are the two comparable?  for whatever reason curry's name came to mind when reading the above quote.  

Looking for Curry's numbers:
http://wiki.muscoop.com/doku.php/men_s_basketball/ron_curry

Did he really shoot that few 3 pointers his Junior/Senior years?  I remember him shooting a lot of those.

Similar sizes, but Steve has some weight on 33 (guessing mostly muscle).

And WOW this was when Chicago recruiting was huge:

In 1988, Curry was selected to the Illinois All-State Second Team. Joining him on the All-State Team list were some notable collegians and pro players: David Booth (Peoria Manual), Acie Earl (Moline H.S.), LaPhonso Ellis (East St. Louis Lincoln), Johnnie Melvin (Chicago Robeson), Eric Anderson (Chicago St. Francis de Sales), Andy Kaufmann (Jacksonville H.S.), Rob Pelinka (Lake Forest H.S.), and Deon Thomas (Chicago Simeon).

[NavinRJohnson]

Did he really shoot that few 3 pointers his Junior/Senior years?  I remember him shooting a lot those.

Think about who was on that team...I'd be surprised if they took many at all. If they did Logterman would have been the one to take them.

[keefe]

Luke was here 3 years. However, freshman couldn't play varsity ball. He left following his junior year. As for comparisons, Steve Taylor is to Maurice Lucas as PeeWee Herman is to Ron Jeremy.

The Legends stand out from the crowd, don't they?

[WellsstreetWanderer]

I compared ST to a YOUNG  Maurice Lucas and ,as I have seen both play in their youth, I still stand by seeing the Potential. He has the frame to fill out and the game. People start comparing Freshman ST to a mature player and lose track of the point to try and be contrary. Don't they offer LOGIC 101 at MU anymore?

[keefe]

I compared ST to a YOUNG  Maurice Lucas and ,as I have seen both play in their youth, I still stand by seeing the Potential. He has the frame to fill out and the game. People start comparing Freshman ST to a mature player and lose track of the point to try and be contrary. Don't they offer LOGIC 101 at MU anymore?

Compare ST coming out of Simeon to Luke coming out of Schenley:

   Luke was a Dapper Dan AA, that era's McDonald's AA
   Steve Taylor was not a McDonald's AA

   Luke was ranked by Sonny Vaccaro as the Nation's #1 Prep Sr 4 and #3 Overall prospect
   Steve Taylor was ranked by Scout as the Nation's #22 Prep Sr 4 and #92 Overall prospect

Luke was much more highly rated coming out of high school than Steve Taylor. An important note is that Luke wasn't always a Big. He grew 7" between his sophomore and junior seasons.

Luke was an All American at Marquette before leaving after his Junior year. He then played 14 seasons in the NBA. We all have high hopes for Taylor but he isn't in Luke's league.

 
 

[AZWarrior]

I feel bad for Steve.  It is his fate to be a freshman on the deepest MU team in forever.   This is literally the first team in a decade that doesn't need him to play big minutes.  In any of the other Buzz years, he would have gotten big minutes.   Under Crean the last few years, he woud have been Mbakwe.  He has game and will be good.   Just bad luck that he doesn't have to be a star this year.

Agreed.  On some MU teams I recall, Steve would not only be starting, he'd be one of the most effective players our there for us.  Oh, these are better days.   

[Mutaman]

I saw the "young" Maurice Lucas and Steve Taylor is no Maurice Lucas, young or old.

[JakeBarnes]

Buzz is going to revolutionize the game by playing the first 6-man floor rotation in order to get Steve more minutes.  Teams will have no answer for this, looking outnumbered on the floor.  The position will henceforth be known as the "ghost forward."

...It's been a long day.

[AZWarrior]

Buzz is going to revolutionize the game by playing the first 6-man floor rotation in order to get Steve more minutes.  Teams will have no answer for this, looking outnumbered on the floor.  The position will henceforth be known as the "ghost forward."

...It's been a long day.

It will work.  But to be effective our players have to move swiftly.  Constantly.  Even when the ball is not in play.  Constant swift movement.

[rocky_warrior]

It will work.  But to be effective our players have to move swiftly.  Constantly.  Even when the ball is not in play.  Constant swift movement.

And Buzz introduces basketball to the tertiary break.

[warriorchick]

I don't think that even Buzz knows Steve's full potential yet.  Keep in mind that he did not play a minute of organized basketball until he was a sophomore in high school. He's still learning.

[keefe]

I don't think that even Buzz knows Steve's full potential yet.  Keep in mind that he did not play a minute of organized basketball until he was a sophomore in high school. He's still learning.

The same for Lucas. Until his growth spurt he was on the swimming team.

Lucas was one of the three most nationally sought after recruits signed by Marquette and he went on to the most successful pro career until Wade. There is no point of comparison with Taylor.

[WellsstreetWanderer]

Look at the picture of Lucas above as a skinny prep. Notice the physical comparison ?
You data geeks miss the whole point and get all excited to expound on what you can get off the Internet while totally missing the point. ST is a freshman and you can't possibly compare where he is to an NBA career. physically he reminds me of a YOUNG  Lucas. I would wish him as successful a career and expect good things from him but keep it real.

[keefe]

Look at the picture of Lucas above as a skinny prep. Notice the physical comparison ?
You data geeks miss the whole point and get all excited to expound on what you can get off the Internet while totally missing the point. ST is a freshman and you can't possibly compare where he is to an NBA career. physically he reminds me of a YOUNG  Lucas. I would wish him as successful a career and expect good things from him but keep it real.

Ok, let's look at the empirical evidence for both Lucas and Taylor coming out of high school (we won't mention anything about Luke's career at Marquette or the NBA):

Compare ST coming out of Simeon to Luke coming out of Schenley:

   Luke was a Dapper Dan AA, that era's McDonald's AA
   Steve Taylor was not a McDonald's AA

   Luke was ranked by Sonny Vaccaro as the Nation's #1 Prep Sr 4 and #3 Overall prospect
   Steve Taylor was ranked by Scout as the Nation's #22 Prep Sr 4 and #92 Overall prospect

Luke was much more highly rated coming out of high school than Steve Taylor. An important note is that Luke wasn't always a Big. He grew 7" between his sophomore and junior seasons.

[Tugg Speedman]

Ok, let's look at the empirical evidence for both Lucas and Taylor coming out of high school (we won't mention anything about Luke's career at Marquette or the NBA):

Compare ST coming out of Simeon to Luke coming out of Schenley:

   Luke was a Dapper Dan AA, that era's McDonald's AA
   Steve Taylor was not a McDonald's AA

   Luke was ranked by Sonny Vaccaro as the Nation's #1 Prep Sr 4 and #3 Overall prospect
   Steve Taylor was ranked by Scout as the Nation's #22 Prep Sr 4 and #92 Overall prospect

Luke was much more highly rated coming out of high school than Steve Taylor. An important note is that Luke wasn't always a Big. He grew 7" between his sophomore and junior seasons.

I hear what you're saying and I'm not disputing it.  But, Sonny Vaccaro is hardly an objective source.  That year he probably had 15 players ranked as #1 in the country at the position and #50 in the top 10 of the country. The guy was the original "street agent" in college basketball, and  a self-promoter first, who always made wild claims.

Vaccaro = A traditional World Wide Wes

[MUrugger]

I still loves me some Steve Taylor.  I only agreed with the comparison to Luke...and I meant physically, meaning body type, attack to the basket, ball firm in his hands like Luke.  He's even got the menace and the curled lip smile/smug of our beloved Mo Lucas.

I agree with the elephant man that this thread took a whole different tack than the one suggested by his post.  If one has been watching MU hoops for 40+ years (as precious few of those who post here do) you are hard pressed to come up with another player in those 40 years who more reminds you of Mo Lucas than Steve Taylor does.  That's it.  I agreed with the comparison.  Then the self-anointed, cybersperts took over, same as I left it.

Mo Lucas has arguably been the greatest Warrior ever.  I don't think Steve Taylor will ever be in that discussion--but he still in a lot of ways reminds me of a young Maurice Lucas.  (Though I don't remember Mo's 7-inch growth spurt while he was at MU, certainly not when he lived in McCormick for two years.)

The other thing...as I remember watching it on a pre-historic big screen in the Mug Rack, my recollection is that MU shoulda, coulda and woulda beat that undefeated Kent Benson, Scott May, Bobby Wilkerson, Quinn Buckner '76 Indiana team.  In a Mideast Regional final, the box score says we lost by 9.  I remember it as much closer than that, and a couple of key plays/calls that went against us decided the outcome, Luke-less, of-course.

I'll hang up now and may check back later to see how wrong I was...or maybe not.

[4everwarriors]

Was at that Tourney game in Baton Rouge. While the game was close, never got the feeling that MU would get over the hump and win it. Some foul trouble on Scott May helped us out. In the end, IU's roster was stocked with NBA players. While Quinn Buckner never became an Association superstar, once he stuck out his big, old tookus, you had no choice but to foul him.

[keefe]

I still loves me some Steve Taylor.  I only agreed with the comparison to Luke...and I meant physically, meaning body type, attack to the basket, ball firm in his hands like Luke.  He's even got the menace and the curled lip smile/smug of our beloved Mo Lucas.

I agree with the elephant man that this thread took a whole different tack than the one suggested by his post.  If one has been watching MU hoops for 40+ years (as precious few of those who post here do) you are hard pressed to come up with another player in those 40 years who more reminds you of Mo Lucas than Steve Taylor does.  That's it.  I agreed with the comparison.  Then the self-anointed, cybersperts took over, same as I left it.

Mo Lucas has arguably been the greatest Warrior ever.  I don't think Steve Taylor will ever be in that discussion--but he still in a lot of ways reminds me of a young Maurice Lucas.  (Though I don't remember Mo's 7-inch growth spurt while he was at MU, certainly not when he lived in McCormick for two years.)

The other thing...as I remember watching it on a pre-historic big screen in the Mug Rack, my recollection is that MU shoulda, coulda and woulda beat that undefeated Kent Benson, Scott May, Bobby Wilkerson, Quinn Buckner '76 Indiana team.  In a Mideast Regional final, the box score says we lost by 9.  I remember it as much closer than that, and a couple of key plays/calls that went against us decided the outcome, Luke-less, of-course.

I'll hang up now and may check back later to see how wrong I was...or maybe not.

Taylor and Luke have a resemblance, no question. And truly I hope he is the next coming of Luke and takes us back to our perennial perch at the top of CBB.

Luke's growth spurt was when he was at Schenley High. Until that happened his sport was swimming. He was a Dapper Dan selection when that was the McDonald's game. I was looking through the Dapper Dan Roundball Classic archives and it was interesting to read some of the MVPs of that annual game: Calvin Murphy, Patrick Ewing, Rod Strickland, Jim McDaniels, Campy Russell, Adrian Dantley, Moses Malone, Phil Hubbard, Tom McMillan, Sidney Green, Dominigue Wilkins, Pearl Washington, and Wes Matthews SR.

IU won the title in 1976. Had Luke stayed he would have graduated in '75 so he wouldn't have been a factor.