Homer is checking

[keefe]

It was reported here on Scoop that Buzz and Tom Crean have a deep, meaningful personal relationship. Does this include sharing poems with each other during dinner?

[ATL MU Warrior]

If an assistant coach were to leave during the next off-season, would Buzz consider hiring Ners as his replacement?

After all, Ners' extensive post-HS basketball experience, consisting primarily of hanging around the gym and being a warm body for pick up games and his near all-time program best vertical leap contributing to his status as an "avid dunker" would make him an excellent candidate.  Ners has considerable previous coaching experience from working at MU basketball camps, as well as an extensive collection of MU workout gear.  He has demonstrated an uncanny ability to spot latent greatness in virtually unknown HS prospects while at the same time mercilessly "telling it like it is" by trashing and wishing failure upon less talented current members of the team.  He already has an open line of communication with Head Coach Buzz Williams so the getting-to-know-you process should be considerably shorter than with other candidates.

[willie warrior]

Why does Jim Burr have a hate woody for Marquette?

Don't know why, but look at the cheap fouls he always calls on us. And not just this year.

[NersEllenson]

If an assistant coach were to leave during the next off-season, would Buzz consider hiring Ners as his replacement?

After all, Ners' extensive post-HS basketball experience, consisting primarily of hanging around the gym and being a warm body for pick up games and his near all-time program best vertical leap contributing to his status as an "avid dunker" would make him an excellent candidate.  Ners has considerable previous coaching experience from working at MU basketball camps, as well as an extensive collection of MU workout gear.  He has demonstrated an uncanny ability to spot latent greatness in virtually unknown HS prospects while at the same time mercilessly "telling it like it is" by trashing and wishing failure upon less talented current members of the team.  He already has an open line of communication with Head Coach Buzz Williams so the getting-to-know-you process should be considerably shorter than with other candidates.

LOL - Thanks for the letter of recommendation.  In the event I'm hired, I"ll be sure to try to take you with me on scouting trips - and if you like a player - I'll know for sure we definitely don't need to sign him.  Your lack of talent evaluation skills could play an equally important role in our success.  If ATL MU Warrior thinks the kids a good player - run far away and fast!

[willie warrior]

I still see the lack of a Jae Crowder, Vander Blue, Junior Cadougan type leader among this current group of players. Gardner and Mayo for example, are good at "gettin theirs," but not necessarily good at taking the needs/shortcoming of the team upon themselves. Jamil does many things well, but doesn't seem willing to take over when needed, again to take the needs of the team upon himself.

Related side note to illustrate the point, has Davante Gardner been told not to go to the ground after a loose ball? Seems he's much more comfortable bending at the waste and reaching for it (usually unsuccessfully).

Yeah Gardner is just good at getting his, which explains his 5 assists in the last game. Five of he team's 9, I believe.

[Logi4three]

Don't know why, but look at the cheap fouls he always calls on us. And not just this year.

Xavier game was the best example.  Called a foul on Jamil and Mac threw out the "He who sees what nobody else sees" line referring to Burr.

[NavinRJohnson]

Yeah Gardner is just good at getting his, which explains his 5 assists in the last game. Five of he team's 9, I believe.

Yep. Definitely a typical night for the big fella.

Of course, I wasn't asking you. much more interested in what Buzz has to say, but thanks.

[mr.MUskie]

Has anybody been messin' with his happy lately?

[ATL MU Warrior]

LOL - Thanks for the letter of recommendation.  In the event I'm hired, I"ll be sure to try to take you with me on scouting trips - and if you like a player - I'll know for sure we definitely don't need to sign him.  Your lack of talent evaluation skills could play an equally important role in our success.  If ATL MU Warrior thinks the kids a good player - run far away and fast!

Thanks but no thanks on the scouting trips invite.  I have to travel enough for my real job as it is.   

[willie warrior]

Yep. Definitely a typical night for the big fella.

Of course, I wasn't asking you. much more interested in what Buzz has to say, but thanks.

So what was your question to Buzz: Why is Gardner good at getting his?

Gardner passes well and feeds others. You do not believe that.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Listened to the show, Homer asked a bunch of these questions word for word. Definitely appreciate him being the messenger for all our questions.

From what I can remember (paraphrasing):

Where has Taylor been?
Taylor's knee was worse than I think any of us realized. The surgery was to correct a "hook" on his thighbone. Surgeon had to go through the knee. The leg atrophied during recovery. Tried playing him when wasn't 100% because he's good and wants to be out there. But could tell that he wasn't himself on the court. Wanted to play him at Butler but still didn't think he was recovered. Need him against Georgetown and he proved he was ready. We will see more of him in the future.

How about that John Dawsome?
Thought he played outstanding. Thinks his confidence is as much from ignorance as it is from skill. Doesn't care what the HS rankings were, Dawson is here because he can play, not because he's a throw on. Said that this performance will change the rotations but didn't say how. Was very committal about Steve but seemed wishy washy about Dawson. My interpretation is that he will play more, still doesn't get the start.

Why are we shooting more threes in the second half?
No one had the numbers so they couldn't prove if it was a true statement. Thinks we've been down and needed the threes to come back. Also noted that made threes would open up the paint

Is he in contact with the NBA players?
Says he texts the US players weekly. The european players he messages less often through twitter and other means. Sounds like he talks to Junior almost daily. Mentioned Vander Blue specifically. He said that he doesn't understand why people think it was a messy split. Still texts him weekly. Read Homer a text from Vander from yesterday. "Love you coach. Great win yesterday." Said he was proud of Vander. Gave credit to Wes for creating the Marquette toughness label.

What's the story on Duane's redshirt?
Could have played when he redshirted. Completely Duane's decision. Never commented on exactly how Duane felt about it, but said he still wants to be a part of the team. He dresses because he is still eligible to play. Could play him in an emergency situation. It also helps Duane feel like he is still a part of team. He has individual workouts 6 days a week in addition to practice. Works out before games and then participates in shootaround. Mentioned that there are before and after pictures of Duane from October til now. Says his body has undergone a "transformation." Sounds like very good news.

Do people push and shove Davante to try and distract him from the game?
Yep. Called Ayegba a "career fouler." Ecstatic that he's shooting 94% in conference play.

When's JJJ back?
Hasn't done full contact practice yet, but will be soon. Sounds optimistic. No set timetable.

What's up with Deonte's playing time?
When he's great, he's great. When he's not, he's terrible. Thinks he has the most talent of anyone on this team. Will be one of the greatest he's ever coached. Thinks he is currently getting by on talent, doesn't goes as hard as he should, 100% of the time. Particularly critiqued his rebounding. Doesn't go after it as quickly or as hard as he should be

Does Todd ever smile?
No. But is still a great team player.

That's all I remember. Of course all of that is paraphrasing.

Sorry, Keefe, nothing on poems.

[murphmurphy]

Homer, please have TAMU Eagle review the replay of the last 3 minutes and explain to him that having the slowest player on the court apply a tired and weak double team at the top of the key against the opponents quickest guards is not highly effective, especially when both times MU employed this strategy GT scored easy baskets by passing it to the unguarded player at the hoop.  You may want to point out that the lame justification he and a couple of others provided on another thread was bs.  Thanks

[tower912]

Thanks, Homer.   

[tower912]

Homer, please have TAMU Eagle review the replay of the last 3 minutes and explain to him that having the slowest player on the court apply a tired and weak double team at the top of the key against the opponents quickest guards is not highly effective, especially when both times MU employed this strategy GT scored easy baskets by passing it to the unguarded player at the hoop.  You may want to point out that the lame justification he and a couple of others provided on another thread was bs.  Thanks

Again, this defensive strategy is something Buzz has used the last few years.   When the big sets the screen at the top of the key, they double team the PG, turning him and chasing him to the sideline.    Weakside defenders are supposed to hedge and take away the easy pass to the rolling big while his defender recovers.   I am not a particular fan of Gardner doing it, either, but if he is out there and that is the defense they are running, then he needs to hedge and recover, just like Otule/Wilson/Juan/STjr.    Just like Luke, Shaylock, and Pierce have to next year. 

[willie warrior]

Listened to the show, Homer asked a bunch of these questions word for word. Definitely appreciate him being the messenger for all our questions.

From what I can remember (paraphrasing):



[toughness label.

What's the story on Duane's redshirt?
Completely Duane's decision.



.

.

Buzz never said it was completely his decision, re-listened to the pod cast.--and you are right, he did not respond to how Duane felt about it.
Lot to that story we are not hearing.