Jake Thomas Coming Back

[madtownwarrior]

yeah, we got a traditional

[KenoshaWarrior]

Shoot.  I like Jake but I was really hoping we would use that scholarship on some stud transfer.

[Nukem2]

Shoot.  I like Jake but I was really hoping we would use that scholarship on some stud transfer.

Still have another scholie open.......

[mr.MUskie]

Graduating at the end of 2013 (or, in Thomas's case, finishing his eligibility with a year of grad school):

Otule
Gardner
Wilson
Thomas

There's GOT to be a way we can find another year for Otule!

[ChicosBailBonds]

Someone wasn't upfront regarding there decision in my eyes.  Juan, Jake and Jamal transferring then Vander declaring for the draft.

Given Vander's quick entry into the draft and the fact that he was the last player to state his intent I would say that his leaving was a surprise to Buzz and co.  Doesn't matter to me really, however Jake may not have considered leaving given the development with Vander and an open scholarship.

I think that's already been established by several in the media.

[chapman]

Weren't going to get two ideal transfers in, didn't want to tie up a scholarship with an uncommitted  freshman who wasn't going to play and would probably be transfer bait after the season.  Good move to keep Jake in the fold.

Nonsense. Of course it was. He probably said that to avoid controversey so it didn't look like his scholarship was being "pulled." He was trying to avoid looking like a martyr to avoid making MU look bad. It was a classy move, but as today proves, it was about his scholarship all along. And you can't fault the guy. I would have done the exact same thing all the way up through today, given the changing circumstances.

Yep, very likely it was.  Since it was very clear (at least to those who don't wear red) that he wasn't promised a scholarship it made it look unreasonable to come out and say that's why he felt it best to leave.  Tried to take the high road by saying that wasn't the issue, though that's buried now. 

[GGGG]

Jake said he wanted to leave due to playing time, right? So does that mean that Buzz has told/guaranteed him significant court time?

No, I don't think any coach would "guarantee" time.  He's on scholarship now.  There is room now for time.  Look, if none of the freshmen can handle the job, especially on the defensive end, I think having a guy like Jake in the mix is a good thing.

[Markusquette]

I'm happy.  No reason Jake can't contribute next year.  Hopefully he starts knocking down more shots and he's exactly what the team needs.

[Warriors10]

Shoot.  I like Jake but I was really hoping we would use that scholarship on some stud transfer.

We have one still open, plus what will you find on the market now and Jake probably can't give you.

[MuMark]

No promise of playing time but with Vanders 30-32 minutes  a game now suddenly gone their is an opportunity to earn playing time that wasn't available a week ago.....

Jake said he wanted to leave due to playing time, right? So does that mean that Buzz has told/guaranteed him significant court time?

[Ellenson Guerrero]

BOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

[MU82]

I can't wait to hear all the reports about how great Jake is shooting in summer league, in boot camp, in fall workouts, at Marquette Madness and in the days leading up to the season. And I look forward to many multi-page threads about how Buzz screws up his lineups because he should at least give Jake a chance.

[T-Bone]

I hope he has an Acker-esque senior year.

[Marqevans]

Jake said he wanted to leave due to playing time, right? So does that mean that Buzz has told/guaranteed him significant court time?

Maybe he just wanted a degree from a top 100 school like Marquette as opposed to a lesser school.

[Warriors10]

Maybe he just wanted a degree from a top 100 school like Marquette as opposed to a lesser school.

He already had one coming...

[Niv Berkowitz]

I would guess that it was more Juan and Ferguson leaving that made him reconsider. Wasn't Jake the first to leave even though it didn't matter scholarship wise?

The scholarship may not have mattered originally. Perhaps it's just that the situation changed and Buzz went back to Jake and said, "hey there's a spot open again....and you'll get another year scholarship."

Remember the original article from Buzz about "it was the right thing to do" (putting him on schollie). This may yet again be that case. If so...Jake and his fam really hit the lottery of "right-place/right-time".

[KenoshaWarrior]

Still have another scholie open.......

Thats right.  Forgot Ferguson left.

[Rockmic87]

I'd rather have Ferguson return.....

[Aughnanure]

I'd rather have Ferguson return.....

Agreed.

[GGGG]

I'd rather have Ferguson return.....

I disagree.  I would rather have the extra scholie for 2014 than another two years of Ferguson.  Ferguson wouldn't bring much value next year...less than Thomas for sure.

[Nukem2]

Agreed.

Not going to happen.....

[Steve Buscemi]

I hope he has an Acker-esque senior year.

+1. I hope having a year under his belt shakes loose the nerves he seemed to play with all season. Next year could look the same as this year. Or he could shoot the lights out. Altogether, it's a small, safe bet that could pay off.

[bilsu]

Thomas is coming back because Buzz needs him. That is the kind of person he is. I do think Buzz was surprised by Blue, although he should not of been. Blue said he prayed about it, before making his final decision. I can really visualize Buzz telling him to pray about it and and expecting Blue coming up with the decision to stay. My feeling is that Blue leaving makes us weaker in November and December and that could result in a lower seed at tournament time. However, I also feel the 30 minutes of his playing time distributed to other players will make them better come March, so I am not that concerned about Vander leaving.

[Aughnanure]

Not going to happen.....

Never said that it was.

[tower912]

So, MU has picked up, for 1 year,  an experienced guard who knows the system and knows his role.   I do not see a downside.