JS Sunday Preview

[NotAnAlum]

MU Hoops finally gets an article on the front page of the sports section. What's really scary is that on page 12 they list Jake Thomas as one of the 5 starters.  Either the paper got this wrong or its Buzz trying to get in somebody's head because if Mayo or JJJ can't beat Jake Thomas out for the starting guard spot we are in serious trouble.  We're better off going big and moving Juan to the 2 guard then starting Jake.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

MU Hoops finally gets an article on the front page of the sports section. What's really scary is that on page 12 they list Jake Thomas as one of the 5 starters.  Either the paper got this wrong or its Buzz trying to get in somebody's head because if Mayo or JJJ can't beat Jake Thomas out for the starting guard spot we are in serious trouble.  We're better off going big and moving Juan to the 2 guard then starting Jake.

This was talked about in another thread.

1. Mayo is still recovering from surgery.
2. JJJ is a freshman.
3. Jake is a senior and Buzz rewards seniors.
4. Buzz always plays a Juan Anderson/Erik Williams type in the starting lineup to balance the rotations.
5. Jake has talent, if he finds confidence in his stroke, he will push Mayo/JJJ for minutes
6 (and probably most important). It's not about who starts, it's about who plays the most minutes

[NotAnAlum]

Jake is a walk on who was given a scholarship last year because we had one to give.  He would not have had a scholarship this year and was going to transfer before the Vander departure made another scholarship available.  He simply does not have a High D1 skill set.  The reason to start a Erik Williams player was to keep the guy you would put there out of early foul trouble.  Do we need to worry about foul trouble on our 2 guard, I hope not.  If by starter it means "Who will Start the Southern game" then ok start him to be nice but he can't be the starter or play more than spot minutes as the season gets serious.  I'd rather give Mayo or the freshman those opportunities.

[PuertoRicanNightmare]

Does anybody else think Jake just had a bad year last year and can be a solid player for the Warriors? I do.  He can shoot and he is mobile. I think he can be a poor man's Anthony Pieper if he gets off to a good start.

And I have no problem with him starting. Just as I would have no problem with Gardner coming off the bench.

[keefe]

Does anybody else think Jake just had a bad year last year and can be a solid player for the Warriors? I do.  He can shoot and he is mobile. I think he can be a poor man's Anthony Pieper if he gets off to a good start.

And I have no problem with him starting. Just as I would have no problem with Gardner coming off the bench.

Al started Neary every game while Top Three Recruit Toone subbed in. I don't think there was any question as to who was the better basketball player but the senior brought toughness and court savvy that Al prized.

[forgetful]

Does anybody else think Jake just had a bad year last year and can be a solid player for the Warriors? I do.  He can shoot and he is mobile. I think he can be a poor man's Anthony Pieper if he gets off to a good start.

And I have no problem with him starting. Just as I would have no problem with Gardner coming off the bench.

I think he could be really good.  He had issues with being able to get shots off clean and with confidence last year.  He gets on a role and he could be a Pieper type player.

[BCHoopster]

Al started Neary because Bernard Toone did not know how to play man D, plus on there press, Bernard was not quick enough to ever get a steal.  But they beat NC in the finals because
they played a lot of zone to help Bernard.  Bo, Whitehead and Toone gave them great length.  Now starting Jake, that is great because he has earned his opportunity but he can not
create his own shot, nor can Derrick.  So I believe it will be the 3 minutes and out for Jake, much like Anderson and Eric Williams two years ago.  Those 2 guards would be the worst offensive guards of any of the Top 50 teams in the country.  But in saying that I hope Jake does not fake every potential shot he gets open and shoots it.  That is the only way he can
improve and help the team.

[keefe]

Al started Neary because Bernard Toone did not know how to play man D, plus on there press, Bernard was not quick enough to ever get a steal.  But they beat NC in the finals because
they played a lot of zone to help Bernard.  Bo, Whitehead and Toone gave them great length.  Now starting Jake, that is great because he has earned his opportunity but he can not
create his own shot, nor can Derrick.  So I believe it will be the 3 minutes and out for Jake, much like Anderson and Eric Williams two years ago.  Those 2 guards would be the worst offensive guards of any of the Top 50 teams in the country.  But in saying that I hope Jake does not fake every potential shot he gets open and shoots it.  That is the only way he can
improve and help the team.

One could argue that Neary didn't know how to play Man D other than his unique version of the Laimbeer defense. But Neary brought an intensity that Al liked to have on the court (see Goose Brell.) Toone wasn't recruited for his defense in any event.

I have no idea if Thomas starts at the 2 but Buzz will have the rotation wired by the time the season opens. Just like last year I expect to see many iterations prior to conference play. 

[Dawson Rental]

Jake is a walk on who was given a scholarship last year because we had one to give.  He would not have had a scholarship this year and was going to transfer before the Vander departure made another scholarship available.  He simply does not have a High D1 skill set.  The reason to start a Erik Williams player was to keep the guy you would put there out of early foul trouble.  Do we need to worry about foul trouble on our 2 guard, I hope not.  If by starter it means "Who will Start the Southern game" then ok start him to be nice but he can't be the starter or play more than spot minutes as the season gets serious.  I'd rather give Mayo or the freshman those opportunities.

I'd rather leave the decision to Buzz Williams.

[brandx]

One could argue that Neary didn't know how to play Man D other than his unique version of the Laimbeer defense. But Neary brought an intensity that Al liked to have on the court (see Goose Brell.) Toone wasn't recruited for his defense in any event.

Al always said you need one guy who will willingly do the dirty work (dirty as in hard - not unsportsmanlike). Lockett definitely had more game than Neary, but that is what Al meant. Trent did whatever the team needed him to do in each particular game

[keefe]

Al always said you need one guy who will willingly do the dirty work (dirty as in hard - not unsportsmanlike). Lockett definitely had more game than Neary, but that is what Al meant. Trent did whatever the team needed him to do in each particular game

Neary and Brell played hard nosed ball and both had a knack for getting caroms. I recall more than once Neary squaring off in the lane with an opponent after a whistle. I agree with your comments on Lockett. I think we'll miss his hustle and selfless play. Like Brell, Lockett got more rebounds than his size warranted.

My favorite Brell story was his cutting down the nets with a switchblade. Al's teams were colorful.

[WarriorFan]

Jake can certainly stretch the defense and open up the inside more.  I hope buzz knows how to play him - and I'm sure he does, but shooters like Jake usually like to start, because they can sneak off the first shot before the defense figures out how to guard them, and if the first one goes in, the second one is more likely to.  If he misses the first shot, he gets another chance at the beginning of the 2nd half, or when they play against a zone.  Jake's problem last year was nothing but confidence, and possibly he's shooting too close to the basket because he's afraid buzz would call an open 23 footer a bad shot.  For him, it's not.  He's not a "toes on the line" 3-point shooter.  He needs to take a few 25 footers when he's open... just watch how the game changes when he makes one or two!

[MU82]

Erik Williams.

Juan Anderson.

Reggie Smith.

Otule over Gardner.

Have we not learned anything about Buzz and his starting lineup -- and how it really doesn't matter a whole heck of a lot because the best players will play the most (and most important) minutes?

If Buzz wants to start Jake for whatever reason ... so? If Jake happens to hit a 3 and not get burned on D, he'll play more. If Jake happens to be the Jake we saw (or didn't see) 98% of last season, he'll be Erik Williams -- on the bench for good after 2 minutes.

[GGGG]

I don't think Buzz "rewards" seniors as much as Buzz "trusts" seniors.  He may start Jake because he wants people who know their role and won't make mistakes.  And again, starting isn't as important as playing.

[LloydMooresLegs]

I have no idea if Thomas starts at the 2 but Buzz will have the rotation wired by the time the season opens. Just like last year I expect to see many iterations prior to conference play.  

This.

[hairy worthen]

I don't think Buzz "rewards" seniors as much as Buzz "trusts" seniors.  He may start Jake because he wants people who know their role and won't make mistakes. And again, starting isn't as important as playing.

I don't know why "starting" is so important. I would rather not start and get more minutes than start and sit the rest of the game.

[Skatastrophy]

I don't know why "starting" is so important. I would rather not start and get more minutes than start and set the rest of the game.

I'd rather hear my name plus get some high-fives, and then watch the game from the bench the rest of the game.

[Slim]

Buzz's actions speak louder than words - starting is not that important. But I found it curious at Madness when he added to this perception.

During the lifetime tribute to CO (which was odd in itself) part of Buzz's tribute was to comment on how many games CO started and indicate that this was a good measure of his worth to the team when healthy. I couldn't understand why Buzz would emphasize that to the crowd when his actions and post game pressers do not.

[Dr. Blackheart]

Buzz's actions speak louder than words - starting is not that important. But I found it curious at Madness when he added to this perception.

During the lifetime tribute to CO (which was odd in itself) part of Buzz's tribute was to comment on how many games CO started and indicate that this was a good measure of his worth to the team when healthy. I couldn't understand why Buzz would emphasize that to the crowd when his actions and post game pressers do not.

1.  Otule can win a jump ball...and potentially gain MU an extra possession.
2.  MU better defensively right off the bat with him in there.
3.  His struggle back is a sign to the team and school that one can persevere. So right to the forefront by being introduced and recognized.

Won't it be interesting if Jake and Juan start...two guys who were transferring out in the Spring.

[bilsu]

Thomas is a much better player than people are giving him credit for. He also is not going to pout, if you take the starting job away from him. I am not so sure you can say the same thing about Mayo. Safer not to start Mayo in the first place, than to get mad at him and take the starting job away from him.

[MerrittsMustache]

Jake can certainly stretch the defense and open up the inside more.  I hope buzz knows how to play him - and I'm sure he does, but shooters like Jake usually like to start, because they can sneak off the first shot before the defense figures out how to guard them, and if the first one goes in, the second one is more likely to.  If he misses the first shot, he gets another chance at the beginning of the 2nd half, or when they play against a zone.  Jake's problem last year was nothing but confidence, and possibly he's shooting too close to the basket because he's afraid buzz would call an open 23 footer a bad shot.  For him, it's not.  He's not a "toes on the line" 3-point shooter.  He needs to take a few 25 footers when he's open... just watch how the game changes when he makes one or two!

Jake's a spot-up shooter. Buzz wasn't going to pull him for spotting up and shooting. Jake's shot was too slow. Fans got on him about the pump fakes, but the fact of the matter is that if he had taken those shots, several would have been blocked. He also had issues defensively. He plays hard and is more athletic than he's given credit for, but he had a very hard time guarding on the perimeter in BE play.

[Nukem2]

Al started Neary because Bernard Toone did not know how to play man D, plus on there press, Bernard was not quick enough to ever get a steal.  But they beat NC in the finals because
they played a lot of zone to help Bernard.  Bo, Whitehead and Toone gave them great length.  Now starting Jake, that is great because he has earned his opportunity but he can not
create his own shot, nor can Derrick.  So I believe it will be the 3 minutes and out for Jake, much like Anderson and Eric Williams two years ago.  Those 2 guards would be the worst offensive guards of any of the Top 50 teams in the country.  But in saying that I hope Jake does not fake every potential shot he gets open and shoots it.  That is the only way he can
improve and help the team.

Unfortunately, Al played a lot of zone defense that year and Neary could not make the rotations in the zone and was mostly out of position leaving SFs from Cincy, Detroit, Wichita St., DePaul and Michigan having career type games while Neary was floundering.  Those of us who  actually saw this play out really questioned what Al was doing.  Mostly it was a psychological ploy to motivate Toone.  Also, Neary did not rebound very well and the offense was playing 4 on 5 when he was in the game.  Ulice Payne, Robert Byrd and Jim Dudley were far better options than Neary.

[Golden Avalanche]

Does anybody else think Jake just had a bad year last year and can be a solid player for the Warriors? I do.  He can shoot and he is mobile. I think he can be a poor man's Anthony Pieper if he gets off to a good start.

And I have no problem with him starting. Just as I would have no problem with Gardner coming off the bench.

No.

He's a slow shooting, groan-inducing, moderate athlete who's only claim to fame in an entire campaign was a circus seal trick shot that wouldn't be accomplished again in 49,827 attempts. Oh, sorry, his other claim to fame is he doesn't loaf. Sad commentary that would be a positive these days.

I understand the Wisconsinite's need to inflate any entity which originates within the boundaries but its dumbfounding to me we sit here 18 months after Thomas arrived asking the same giddy questions about Thomas' possibilities given the 35 game test he endured in which he barely achieved a passing grade.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

No.

He's a slow shooting, groan-inducing, moderate athlete who's only claim to fame in an entire campaign was a circus seal trick shot that wouldn't be accomplished again in 49,827 attempts. Oh, sorry, his other claim to fame is he doesn't loaf. Sad commentary that would be a positive these days.

I understand the Wisconsinite's need to inflate any entity which originates within the boundaries but its dumbfounding to me we sit here 18 months after Thomas arrived asking the same giddy questions about Thomas' possibilities given the 35 game test he endured in which he barely achieved a passing grade.

He also put up double digits against Marquette when he played for South Dakota. And tied the single game 3 point record. There is talent there, more than the other players? No. But enough to push for solid minutes.

[GGGG]

No.

He's a slow shooting, groan-inducing, moderate athlete who's only claim to fame in an entire campaign was a circus seal trick shot that wouldn't be accomplished again in 49,827 attempts. Oh, sorry, his other claim to fame is he doesn't loaf. Sad commentary that would be a positive these days.

I understand the Wisconsinite's need to inflate any entity which originates within the boundaries but its dumbfounding to me we sit here 18 months after Thomas arrived asking the same giddy questions about Thomas' possibilities given the 35 game test he endured in which he barely achieved a passing grade.

This is a little harsh but what evidence is there really to suggest any different?  He made one basket all of the BE season last year...the shot against Syracuse.

I too am dumbfounded by this belief that he has more ability than he has shown.