Watching FoxSports1 Marquette vs. Butler

[NYeagle]

It's glaringly obvious what this year's team is missing. Last year's dribble penetration  was fantastic with Vander, Trent, and Junior. We have none of it this year. Solution? Put the best guards and switchables in who can dribble and penetrate.

[moomoo]

I see the same thing. Our offense stops in its tracks in a half court setting. It's like there is a bubble at the three point line and the ball or Marquette players cannot penetrate. Junior and vander knew how to create, distribute and hit a two pointer. Dewilson and jake's inability to do any of the three is causing havoc offensively.

[MuMark]

And with the new rules dribble penetration is easier and more important then ever before.

[JamilJaeJamailJrJuan]

Totally agree. While this topic has obviously been discussed to death on scoop, this is glaringly obvious. Jake and DeWilson need to have a significant role on this team, but it's time to give some of the other guys a few more minutes. Hopefully Duane will return Saturday.

[MUfan12]

It's glaringly obvious what this year's team is missing. Last year's dribble penetration  was fantastic with Vander, Trent, and Junior. We have none of it this year. Solution? Put the best guards and switchables in who can dribble and penetrate.

Two of those guys were excellent defenders.

This years "best guards and switchables" are some of the worst on defense.

[TallTitan34]

Excellent thread. This is the difference compared to the usual don't start X posts.

[4everwarriors]

Dribblin' while penetratin', solid.

[moomoo]

Two of those guys were excellent defenders.

This years "best guards and switchables" are some of the worst on defense.

True.  Dewilson is a defensive stud.  But Jake is simply adequate, and it's entirely due to positioning, as opposed to quick hands, athleticism or defensive rebounding.

[PE8983]

"Dewilson is a defensive stud."
What games have you been watching?

[Hards Alumni]

"Dewilson is a defensive stud."
What games have you been watching?

LMAO if you don't think he is, you are absolutely out of touch with reality.

True.  Dewilson is a defensive stud.  But Jake is simply adequate, and it's entirely due to positioning, as opposed to quick hands, athleticism or defensive rebounding.

+1  I think you're right.  It is going to be hard for us to find a decent offense/defense rhythm until we can see what we get from Duane Wilson.  Until then, it seems that our team is totally dependent on the performance of Derrick Wilson.  Which is a bit of an offensive drop off from what we are used to.  I would have loved to see how the team performed if we had Duane Wilson for the entire year.  I'm not sure we would have been much better, but it might have been more exciting and people around here might have given Derrick more of a break.

[moomoo]

"Dewilson is a defensive stud."
What games have you been watching?

Every game he's played this year. The kid can play tough D and keep possession of the ball. The two greatest qualities of a strong backup point guard in the Big East.

[rocky_warrior]

Every game he's played this year. The kid can play tough D and keep possession of the ball. The two greatest qualities of a strong backup point guard in the Big East.

I agree he plays' tough/solid defense, but to me that's not quite as good as being a defensive stud.   Perhaps relative to the rest of the current team a could be called a stud, but compared to past defensive studs, he's merely a good defender, not spectacular.

[chapman]

"Dewilson is a defensive stud."
What games have you been watching?

A great on ball defender and rebounder.  Not a playmaker in that he forces no turnovers and creates no transition, which would be necessary to earn "stud" status. 

[MU82]

A great on ball defender and rebounder.  Not a playmaker in that he forces no turnovers and creates no transition, which would be necessary to earn "stud" status. 

It's not just Derrick. For all of the great athletes we have, we force shockingly few of the kind of turnovers that lead to easy baskets. And with our offense, we sure could use some of those!

[keefe]

And with the new rules dribble penetration is easier and more important then ever before.

Penetration, under any circumstance, is imperative.

[downtown85]

Penetration, under any circumstance, is imperative.

My favorite Bobby Knight quote ever: "When you achieve penetration, good things happen."