At this point

[Niv Berkowitz]

You probably shouldn't make assumptions about people you don't know.....you couldn't be further from wrong in your above statement.  Nevada knows a hell of a lot more about how college basketball works than 99% of the posters on this board....

Look....both Derrick and Jake have showed some improvement the last few games...yet when you look at the body of their work this season, along with Jake graduating this year...and Derrick being a senior next year...and the program's future - it would seem prudent to get both Dawson and JJJ more playing time...Dawson particularly...because he's shown that given 30 minutes in a game...he and team perform pretty well.

Buzz is doing what he's been doing since he got here – to great results in the past – and that is....riding his seniors. Jesus Christ, does everyone here remember the Cadougan-years??!!! We raked that kid over the coals. And for what? He wasn't the best PG ever, or the most flashy, but he was a good defender, and was a team leader. He couldn't shoot from outside, but he'd penetrate if there was an opening and shoot or dish. Based on the last four games, does that sound/look familiar? We (fans) have grown accustomed to having guards continuing to step up under Buzz' tenure. Was this year unrealistic expectations? Perhaps, especially after Blue leaving the Duane going down for the year. But bottom line is Buzz is doing what's worked for 6/7 seasons.

DW is doing EXACTLY what Junior did last year. The problem w/this year's team is that it seemed (to us fans) to take DW 15-20 games to turn on the aggressiveness and begin driving to the hoop. I've seen him go to the hoop more in the last four games than the last 40.

Speaking of aggressiveness, JT is doing that as well. He's not passing open looks, he's playing w/confidence, and he's playing better. So, mix good guard play from your 1-2 over the last four games and look at our overall record during that time.

College hoops is a guards game right now. We didn't get consistent, confident guard play until lately. It's no coincidence that our W/L record during that time improved.

Side note – just because prognosticators said we would win the conference and didn't doesn't make this year a complete underachievement-fest. We were picked 8th last year I believe. Maybe, just maybe, it's the prognosticators who don't know what the hell they are talking about? Because you can't have it both ways – the predictors can't be 'stupid' one year (when we overachieve) and then be "experts" the next when we underachieve.

[Nevada233]

Frankly, I don't care 'who' you are.  I am judging you on what you say.

So how about i just -Ignore- you and thats the end of it. Clown

[NersEllenson]

Buzz is doing what he's been doing since he got here – to great results in the past – and that is....riding his seniors. Jesus Christ, does everyone here remember the Cadougan-years??!!! We raked that kid over the coals. And for what? He wasn't the best PG ever, or the most flashy, but he was a good defender, and was a team leader. He couldn't shoot from outside, but he'd penetrate if there was an opening and shoot or dish. Based on the last four games, does that sound/look familiar? We (fans) have grown accustomed to having guards continuing to step up under Buzz' tenure. Was this year unrealistic expectations? Perhaps, especially after Blue leaving the Duane going down for the year. But bottom line is Buzz is doing what's worked for 6/7 seasons.

DW is doing EXACTLY what Junior did last year. The problem w/this year's team is that it seemed (to us fans) to take DW 15-20 games to turn on the aggressiveness and begin driving to the hoop. I've seen him go to the hoop more in the last four games than the last 40.


College hoops is a guards game right now. We didn't get consistent, confident guard play until lately. It's no coincidence that our W/L record during that time improved.

The fall off from an Elite 8 team to this year's team is pretty damn far...farther than just being explained by Vander Blue and Trent Lockett not being on the team.  Juan Anderson could practically replicate what Lockett gave...if Buzz gave him 30 minutes a game...and Juan is marginal at best player.

Derrick has been going aggressively to the basket for most all of the year...the statement he's gone to the basket more in the last 4 games than the last 40 is ridiculous...Derrick's scoring average has stayed the same from nonconference to conference...and we know he scores all is hoops from the basket/paint area..that said, Derrick has played better lately...I say that based on his defense/disruptive presence being much better than it had been...and he's also had some nice assists that he created really good looks for his teammates.  And to say DW is doing EXACTLY what Junior did last year is also ludicrous....you had to at least defend Cadougan at 3 point line, and midrange.  Junior, though not a great shooter...was enough of a threat to where a defense had to play him honestly...that's yet to happen for Derrick....hopefully next year..

Getting excited over the wins over Butler and Seton Hall was foolsgold....those teams are not any good...Xavier was a "good" win, probably our best of the year, yet X isn't any kind of world beater team.

[willie warrior]

The fall off from an Elite 8 team to this year's team is pretty damn far...farther than just being explained by Vander Blue and Trent Lockett not being on the team.  Juan Anderson could practically replicate what Lockett gave...if Buzz gave him 30 minutes a game...and Juan is marginal at best player.

Derrick has been going aggressively to the basket for most all of the year...the statement he's gone to the basket more in the last 4 games than the last 40 is ridiculous...Derrick's scoring average has stayed the same from nonconference to conference...and we know he scores all is hoops from the basket/paint area..that said, Derrick has played better lately...I say that based on his defense/disruptive presence being much better than it had been...and he's also had some nice assists that he created really good looks for his teammates.  And to say DW is doing EXACTLY what Junior did last year is also ludicrous....you had to at least defend Cadougan at 3 point line, and midrange.  Junior, though not a great shooter...was enough of a threat to where a defense had to play him honestly...that's yet to happen for Derrick....hopefully next year..

Getting excited over the wins over Butler and Seton Hall was foolsgold....those teams are not any good...Xavier was a "good" win, probably our best of the year, yet X isn't any kind of world beater team.

+1. Derrick is not doing exactly what Jr. did last year. Jr. could feed the ball to the post. Derrick cannot. Derrick gets most of his assists feeding somebody on the perimeter. I have never seen more disrespect for a PG on the perimeter of our team than this year.

[ecompt]

Players get better in practice more than they do on the floor in game time.

And playing them so they won't transfer?  If they decide to transfer based on lack of playing time that the successful head coach doesn't believe they have earned yet, then leave.  Bye-bye.  Don't let the door hit you in the ass.  Completely replaceable. 

And *all* freshman should see that there is going to be *plenty* of time available for them even next year.

If you let a Top 40 recruit walk because you're married to the idea of Juan Anderson playing 25 minutes, something's wrong. Top 40 recruits aren't completely replaceable.

[Texas Western]

If your a High School Senior being Recruited by Marquette, with the playing time these guys got this year would you come here?

Just asking.....

I have consistently felt that the use of our freshman this year has not been thought out carefully. Burton completely changes the dynamic of the game when he plays and it has been hard for Buzz to keep him off the floor totally but the minutes he receives are no where near enough. JJJ has shown a very quick first step, an ability to anticipate and make steals on defense and in the words of Todd Mayo is a "pure scorer", a guy like that needs more time. Frankly last night he would have been a major contributor on the defensive end with his anticipation. He is also one of the few guys who can create shots for others with his court vision. The other team was getting wide open layups and blowing by our guys and I think he would have been a counter force against that. Dawson has shown when he plays he can be a threat and the other team has to respect his offense. I don't think it is a case of him versus Derrick it is more a balancing of the minutes to get the best out of each.

Also I do think the treatment of these talented freshman players has implications for recruiting. I am a parent of D-1 college student athletes and understand what it takes to travel and support your kids playing. There is a lot of blood sweat and tears involved and there is a tremendous amount of emotion invested in the  process. Everyone understands you earn your minutes through hard work in practice. My contention, is almost every college athlete I know at this level every one works their tail off in practice and year round. They simply couldn't be competing  if they didn't. I think the offset is there has to be some accountability when it comes to actually playing in a game. It is one thing for the coach to have loyalty and confidence in his players which we all applaud, but when that loyalty becomes blind to the talents of those sitting on the bench who can contribute in different ways it creates a less than optimal climate on the team.  That has a direct impact on recruiting, as a big part of the recruiting process is the chemistry of the current players being presented to the recruits. These kids may be young and impressionable but at a certain level their instincts take over and they see things for what they are.
Our coach is very meticulous about things but sometimes I think he misses the big picture. For example when we played New Mexico, how hard would it have been to give Dawson a few minutes? I am sure there were lots of his family that traveled up to that game. It is a cheap form of good will. Again I think he has to be cognizant of the implications of recruiting a guy top level guy like JJJ and then benching him. Word travels quickly and parents and recruits compare notes, and micro analyze everything. People in the basketball community know that he has real talent. It is plainly obvious to see his is an enthusiastic good  hearted kid. So the translation of what happened  to him this year onto the recruiting circuit can only be negative and used against us.You can say you don't want the inmates running the asylum and to a certain extent I agree, however on another level there has to be some practicality involved. No reason you cant be giving a guy like JJJ 10 minutes a game, 5 in each half is not a big deal . Look at Michigan State,  Izzo makes sure his top recruits always get some playing time. For example Keith Appling came in behind Kalin Lucas who was a bona fide star, but he always got a handful of minutes as a freshman and he developed from there.

The coach has recruited some real talent and it is the programs best interest to utilize them.

[Nevada233]

I have consistently felt that the use of our freshman this year has not been thought out carefully. Burton completely changes the dynamic of the game when he plays and it has been hard for Buzz to keep him off the floor totally but the minutes he receives are no where near enough. JJJ has shown a very quick first step, an ability to anticipate and make steals on defense and in the words of Todd Mayo is a "pure scorer", a guy like that needs more time. Frankly last night he would have been a major contributor on the defensive end with his anticipation. He is also one of the few guys who can create shots for others with his court vision. The other team was getting wide open layups and blowing by our guys and I think he would have been a counter force against that. Dawson has shown when he plays he can be a threat and the other team has to respect his offense. I don't think it is a case of him versus Derrick it is more a balancing of the minutes to get the best out of each.

Also I do think the treatment of these talented freshman players has implications for recruiting. I am a parent of D-1 college student athletes and understand what it takes to travel and support your kids playing. There is a lot of blood sweat and tears involved and there is a tremendous amount of emotion invested in the  process. Everyone understands you earn your minutes through hard work in practice. My contention, is almost every college athlete I know at this level every one works their tail off in practice and year round. They simply couldn't be competing  if they didn't. I think the offset is there has to be some accountability when it comes to actually playing in a game. It is one thing for the coach to have loyalty and confidence in his players which we all applaud, but when that loyalty becomes blind to the talents of those sitting on the bench who can contribute in different ways it creates a less than optimal climate on the team.  That has a direct impact on recruiting, as a big part of the recruiting process is the chemistry of the current players being presented to the recruits. These kids may be young and impressionable but at a certain level their instincts take over and they see things for what they are.
Our coach is very meticulous about things but sometimes I think he misses the big picture. For example when we played New Mexico, how hard would it have been to give Dawson a few minutes? I am sure there were lots of his family that traveled up to that game. It is a cheap form of good will. Again I think he has to be cognizant of the implications of recruiting a guy top level guy like JJJ and then benching him. Word travels quickly and parents and recruits compare notes, and micro analyze everything. People in the basketball community know that he has real talent. It is plainly obvious to see his is an enthusiastic good  hearted kid. So the translation of what happened  to him this year onto the recruiting circuit can only be negative and used against us.You can say you don't want the inmates running the asylum and to a certain extent I agree, however on another level there has to be some practicality involved. No reason you cant be giving a guy like JJJ 10 minutes a game, 5 in each half is not a big deal . Look at Michigan State,  Izzo makes sure his top recruits always get some playing time. For example Keith Appling came in behind Kalin Lucas who was a bona fide star, but he always got a handful of minutes as a freshman and he developed from there.

The coach has recruited some real talent and it is the programs best interest to utilize them.

+100000

Agree

If you had a 22-2 team that was #3 in the nation with 3 First Round picks on your team then to question why frosh arent playing would be silly.

But this team is not good enough in any way shape or form for guys to stack multiple DNP's and scoopers get all rattled when you question whats going on.

No one is saying Dawson or JJJ should play 40 Minutes a night but DNPs and 2-3 min garbage time speaks volumes to recruits who are picking colleges regardless of what anyone thinks.

[Windyplayer]

This team has so many warts it isn't even funny. Real lack of big time talent. Fundamentally poor with virtually no outside threat and inside players who can't finish or rebound.

Agreed and the urgency to win doesn't magically remove these warts. You just have to hope the urgency sharpens focus resulting in less turnovers and more made FTs.

[MerrittsMustache]

If you let a Top 40 recruit walk because you're married to the idea of Juan Anderson playing 25 minutes, something's wrong. Top 40 recruits aren't completely replaceable.

Juan has played more than 18 minutes just 5 times this season and is averaging 9.5 minutes in BE play. Good example 

[MerrittsMustache]

I have consistently felt that the use of our freshman this year has not been thought out carefully. Burton completely changes the dynamic of the game when he plays and it has been hard for Buzz to keep him off the floor totally but the minutes he receives are no where near enough. JJJ has shown a very quick first step, an ability to anticipate and make steals on defense and in the words of Todd Mayo is a "pure scorer", a guy like that needs more time. Frankly last night he would have been a major contributor on the defensive end with his anticipation. He is also one of the few guys who can create shots for others with his court vision. The other team was getting wide open layups and blowing by our guys and I think he would have been a counter force against that. Dawson has shown when he plays he can be a threat and the other team has to respect his offense. I don't think it is a case of him versus Derrick it is more a balancing of the minutes to get the best out of each.

Have you seen Burton play D? Of course not! No one has! He's going to be one helluva player for MU but his defense needs a ton of work. JJJ has been battling an ankle injury for a few weeks now. He got extended minutes against St. John's and didn't do much. Why do teams need to respect Dawson's offense? Because he hit 2 threes in a game a month ago? He's shooting under 30% for the season, take away G'town and he's shooting under 25%. These 3 guys are each going to be difference-makers for MU in the future but they're not there yet.

Also I do think the treatment of these talented freshman players has implications for recruiting.

4 of Marquette's last 6 recruiting classes have been ranked in the top 20, including 2013 (11th) and 2014 (19th).

Our coach is very meticulous about things but sometimes I think he misses the big picture. For example when we played New Mexico, how hard would it have been to give Dawson a few minutes? I am sure there were lots of his family that traveled up to that game. It is a cheap form of good will.

Marquette was in a dogfight with a very good New Mexico team (in Vegas, which is a 12-hour drive from Clovis, NM) yet you think Buzz should have given an unproven freshman a few minutes as "a cheap form of good will." Really?! Should Steve Taylor's mom be in charge of bringing a team snack to the DePaul game since he's from Chicago?

No reason you cant be giving a guy like JJJ 10 minutes a game, 5 in each half is not a big deal .

Given Marquette's small margin for error, 5 minutes in each half could be enough to turn a win into a loss.

Look at Michigan State,  Izzo makes sure his top recruits always get some playing time. For example Keith Appling came in behind Kalin Lucas who was a bona fide star, but he always got a handful of minutes as a freshman and he developed from there.

The coach has recruited some real talent and it is the programs best interest to utilize them.

Keith Appling was a McDonald's All-American who played 23 minutes/game as a frosh, not a "handful of minutes" that were basically to get him D1 experience.

[madtownwarrior]

"DW is doing EXACTLY what Junior did last year. The problem w/this year's team is that it seemed (to us fans) to take DW 15-20 games to turn on the aggressiveness and begin driving to the hoop. I've seen him go to the hoop more in the last four games than the last 40."


Wow...    I never saw teams sag 10 feet off JR, I saw JR take and hit 3's, I saw JR make awesome cross-court passes for assists on fast breaks, I saw JR make free throws, I saw JR drive in traffic and make baskets....

not sure what you are watching, maybe want to cut back on the kool-aid a bit,

[chapman]

If you let a Top 40 recruit walk because you're married to the idea of Juan Anderson playing 25 minutes, something's wrong. Top 40 recruits aren't completely replaceable.

The player development is what concerns me more.  The "earn" playing time line is sad, since it places blame all on the player.  A top 40 recruit getting DNPs on a lacking team after being on campus for seven months.  If it takes longer and there's a magical wall for freshmen, we can move to the above slight at Anderson - he was a top 100 recruit nearing the end of his junior season and has progressed to the point of being barely a role player on a lacking team.  Jamil Wilson - top 40 recruit in his fifth season and would fit better as a role player than team leader.  Is it squarely the fault of these players and others, or are they receiving subpar guidance that has hampered their development?

[MerrittsMustache]

The player development is what concerns me more.  The "earn" playing time line is sad, since it places blame all on the player.  A top 40 recruit getting DNPs on a lacking team after being on campus for seven months.  If it takes longer and there's a magical wall for freshmen, we can move to the above slight at Anderson - he was a top 100 recruit nearing the end of his junior season and has progressed to the point of being barely a role player on a lacking team.  Jamil Wilson - top 40 recruit in his fifth season and would fit better as a role player than team leader.  Is it squarely the fault of these players and others, or are they receiving subpar guidance that has hampered their development?

It's clearly the guidance. I mean, it's not like Marquette has recently taken 3 no-name recruits and sent them to the NBA.

[ecompt]

Juan has played more than 18 minutes just 5 times this season and is averaging 9.5 minutes in BE play. Good example 

You're right, I should have checked. How many other Top 100 schools would Juan be playing anywhere near 9.5 minutes? Especially when he is on the floor t the same time as a PG who isn't guarded five feet from the basket?

[MerrittsMustache]

You're right, I should have checked. How many other Top 100 schools would Juan be playing anywhere near 9.5 minutes? Especially when he is on the floor t the same time as a PG who isn't guarded five feet from the basket?

73

[ecompt]

73

Good answer

[willie warrior]

"DW is doing EXACTLY what Junior did last year. The problem w/this year's team is that it seemed (to us fans) to take DW 15-20 games to turn on the aggressiveness and begin driving to the hoop. I've seen him go to the hoop more in the last four games than the last 40."


Wow...    I never saw teams sag 10 feet off JR, I saw JR take and hit 3's, I saw JR make awesome cross-court passes for assists on fast breaks, I saw JR make free throws, I saw JR drive in traffic and make baskets....

not sure what you are watching, maybe want to cut back on the kool-aid a bit,

You are absolutely spot on Madtown, but it really does not matter. Buzz loves Derrick, it is Buzz's way or the highway, Buzz says Derrick is a "game changer", and Buzz is not going to change. Meanwhile those defenders of Buzz and Derrick will blindly slurp and not recognize that Derrick hurts the offense, especially against the good well coached teams, because they clog the lane and do not guard him in the half court, because he is no threat to shoot. This is patently obvious to anybody, even to 12 year old girls (as has already been posted).
And you will notice how those people crucified Ners for raising this issue. It boils down to:
1. Buzz says so
2. Buzz will continue to play Derrick for 39 minutes, because "he has no other options"
3. People that point this out are haters, idiots, Negative Nancies, not real fans, know nothing about BBall
4. Buzz has earned the right to do as he pleases.
5. Get used to it, because Derrick will be the man again next year
6.. And so on...

[GB Warrior]

I've been critical of DWill early this year, and, to be fair, he has well documented weaknesses. However, he has played very very well these last couple of weeks. The trouble is that we have several players with these weaknesses, and it's difficult to justify playing DWil along side Juan and Otule. It just doesn't work. Juan and DWil command no respect as jumpshooters, and Wilson flat out refuses to shoot them to even keep them honest.

So Wilson is a serviceable player that can be a part of something good, but you have to have the right complimentary pieces there. When you have too many players with the same glaring weakness, you have summed up everything that happened this year and why we are not a tourny team.

[GGGG]

If you let a Top 40 recruit walk because you're married to the idea of Juan Anderson playing 25 minutes, something's wrong. Top 40 recruits aren't completely replaceable.

If Juan earns the time and the freshman doesn't, and the freshman walks because if it, let him go.

I am completely, 100% serious about that.

[GGGG]

The player development is what concerns me more.  The "earn" playing time line is sad, since it places blame all on the player.  A top 40 recruit getting DNPs on a lacking team after being on campus for seven months.  If it takes longer and there's a magical wall for freshmen, we can move to the above slight at Anderson - he was a top 100 recruit nearing the end of his junior season and has progressed to the point of being barely a role player on a lacking team.  Jamil Wilson - top 40 recruit in his fifth season and would fit better as a role player than team leader.  Is it squarely the fault of these players and others, or are they receiving subpar guidance that has hampered their development?

Yeah...players don't develop under Buzz Williams.  Good call. 

[GGGG]

You are absolutely spot on Madtown, but it really does not matter. Buzz loves Derrick, it is Buzz's way or the highway, Buzz says Derrick is a "game changer", and Buzz is not going to change. Meanwhile those defenders of Buzz and Derrick will blindly slurp and not recognize that Derrick hurts the offense, especially against the good well coached teams, because they clog the lane and do not guard him in the half court, because he is no threat to shoot. This is patently obvious to anybody, even to 12 year old girls (as has already been posted).
And you will notice how those people crucified Ners for raising this issue. It boils down to:
1. Buzz says so
2. Buzz will continue to play Derrick for 39 minutes, because "he has no other options"
3. People that point this out are haters, idiots, Negative Nancies, not real fans, know nothing about BBall
4. Buzz has earned the right to do as he pleases.
5. Get used to it, because Derrick will be the man again next year
6.. And so on...

Actually it is very simple..."Derrick Wilson is the best point guard on Marquette's roster right now."

No one is making excuses...that is a simple and basic fact that addresses all counter-points.  Marquette's offense is actually functioning very well the last few games.  Derrick had six assists and one turnover (an offensive foul), went 3-6 with seven points.  Not stellar by any means, but better production than anyone else IMO.

[bilsu]

I've been critical of DWill early this year, and, to be fair, he has well documented weaknesses. However, he has played very very well these last couple of weeks. The trouble is that we have several players with these weaknesses, and it's difficult to justify playing DWil along side Juan and Otule. It just doesn't work. Juan and DWil command no respect as jumpshooters, and Wilson flat out refuses to shoot them to even keep them honest.

So Wilson is a serviceable player that can be a part of something good, but you have to have the right complimentary pieces there. When you have too many players with the same glaring weakness, you have summed up everything that happened this year and why we are not a tourny team.

The hard fact is that from the start of this season until now Derrick is our most improved player. Imagine how good we be, if all of the players had improved as much as Derrick has.

[GGGG]

So Wilson is a serviceable player that can be a part of something good, but you have to have the right complimentary pieces there. When you have too many players with the same glaring weakness, you have summed up everything that happened this year and why we are not a tourny team.

Yep.  This is it.  100% correct.

[PuertoRicanNightmare]

Ners, He has no idea who I am and lets keep it that way.

Laughable. I don't care if you're Doc Rivers.

[madtownwarrior]

and you hit the point that frustrates the most:

"Get used to it, because Derrick will be the man again next year"

will be real interesting to see what Buzz does next year:

1)  Don't think Derrick has too much of a higher ceiling
2)  Buzz does love him
3)  Alternatives - Dawson / Du Wilson still unproven next year as they did not play this year
4)  Buzz not going to start an incoming freshman if we had a PG recruit
5)  Less talent in the front court overall gonna need a great PG to balance next year

not sure next year any better unless something changes...

You are absolutely spot on Madtown, but it really does not matter. Buzz loves Derrick, it is Buzz's way or the highway, Buzz says Derrick is a "game changer", and Buzz is not going to change. Meanwhile those defenders of Buzz and Derrick will blindly slurp and not recognize that Derrick hurts the offense, especially against the good well coached teams, because they clog the lane and do not guard him in the half court, because he is no threat to shoot. This is patently obvious to anybody, even to 12 year old girls (as has already been posted).
And you will notice how those people crucified Ners for raising this issue. It boils down to:
1. Buzz says so
2. Buzz will continue to play Derrick for 39 minutes, because "he has no other options"
3. People that point this out are haters, idiots, Negative Nancies, not real fans, know nothing about BBall
4. Buzz has earned the right to do as he pleases.
5. Get used to it, because Derrick will be the man again next year
6.. And so on...