What I don't understand...everyone NOW says this team isn't that talented

[muguru]

I like how everyone here NOW says this team is talent deficient. Except they aren't. Remember, this was a team unanimously picked to win the Big East by fellow Coaches, who happen to know something about talent. And this was even well after Vander had made his decision. This team has talent, Jamil, Davante, Todd are all plenty talented. That's what makes this year so incredibly disappointing, they weren't supposed to be this bad. I think had we expected it, obviously it wouldn't be so disappointing. But the fact that this was a team with 2-3 NCAA seed thoughts before the year began, and are now probably won't get in?? Absolutely pathetic really. Is there a team in college BB this year that has been more disappointing given their preseason expectations??

[mileskishnish72]

Not that springs quickly to mind.

[KenoshaWarrior]

Probably Kentucky. Ok state?

[mattyv1908]

Probably Kentucky. Ok state?

They're still dancing - how can they be a comparison?

[4everwarriors]

I been tellin' y'all this team lacks talent all season. There isn't an Association playa on the roster.

[KenoshaWarrior]

They're still dancing - how can they be a comparison?

Kentucky was printing 40-0 tshirts

[mattyv1908]

I been tellin' y'all this team lacks talent all season. There isn't an Association playa on the roster.

I think Burton will end up playing in the league when his college career is over.  Has the body and athleticism to play in the NBA.  He might leave for the draft after his junior year.

[MUCam]

This team has talent. But, it doesn't have the horses. Buzz's teams have always taken on the identity of their seniors. Unfortunately, we have good role player seniors, but no clearly defined, fire-in-the-belly senior leader. We are missing a leader with the fortitude to lift the team when its down. We are missing a Jae Crowder, Jimmy Butler, etc. We are missing a star. Vander Blue would have had first crack at that role; it is shame he wasn't here to take it.

I was hoping Jamil would be that guy; unfortunately, he is not. He can be great at times, but he is a role player. He seems to be lacking that extra drive necessary to pick the team up and put it on his shoulders. He is just not a star.

Chris Otule is a bunch of wonderful things, and the fact that he is where he is, after all he has overcome, is phenomenal. But, we have known for a long time that he is not going to lift a team himself.

Jake Thomas is another role player. Imagine how solid he could be with another scoring threat next to him.

Gardner is an offensive powerhouse. But, let's face it; he has never really looked the part of "leader", has he? He has a very distinct personality about him, but what that personality doesn't scream to me is: "I am going to will us to victory." I love the big fella, but he is no Jae Crowder and he is no Jimmy Butler.

This team has some talent. But it does not have the glue that holds that talent together. It doesn't have the leader willing to pick up the pieces and put them together when times require it. It doesn't have "it", whatever the heck "it" is.

Again, I was hopeful that that person would emerge in Jamil Wilson, because if anyone was destined to be this team's leader it was Jamil. Unfortunately, as Jamil has gone this season, so has Marquette. The best you can say about that is "ho hum."

[NavinRJohnson]

I don't give a rip about preseason expectations. MU is exhibit A as to what they're worth. St. John's  and Georgetown are exiphibits B and C, so this is far from unique to MU, but this team just isn't very good. Been waiting for the MU 'brand' to show up, but it just hasn't happened, nd I've resigned myself to the fact that it isn't goingto,  not with this group of players. They are incomplete individuals that make up an incomplete team. Jamil has been hugely disappointing. Mayo is a talented kid but can be a real lousy basketball player. Derrik and Jake are just limited in their abilities. Davante can really score the ball, but can be very disinterested at times. Beyond that you have young guys and role players who struggle as much as they thrive.

In Buzz's time here, in general, the teams have not only been appreciably more talented, but they consistently went out and outworked their opponents. For whatever reason, this group simoly has not been willing/able to do so.

Edit: in other words, what 4ever and MuCam said combined.

[warriorfred]

Before the season, I was thought Marquette was lock for the tournament, but not a 2 or 3 seed.  However, after watching the ASU and San Diego State games, it was clear the talent was not there.  I have been referring to this season as DEANE 2.0; poor shooting and a half-step slow.

But I still scratch my head that Caduogan and Blue were the difference between the Elite 8 and the NIT?  How did they look so talented last year?

[NavinRJohnson]

But I still scratch my head that Caduogan and Blue were the difference between the Elite 8 and the NIT?  How did they look so talented last year?

Don't underestimate Lockett. Was the last player cut from the Kings. Blue played in the league this year. That's two NBA caliber guys. This team has none.

[We R Final Four]

I like how everyone here NOW says this team is talent deficient. Except they aren't. Remember, this was a team unanimously picked to win the Big East by fellow Coaches, who happen to know something about talent.

Where did these same coaches (or even better coaches--Pitino/Boeheim) pick us to finish the last few years??  12th?  8th?  Were they poor evaluators or talent then as well.

Pre-season picks dont mean sheet.

[tower912]

Sometimes, the pieces don't fit.    Assumptions I had before the season that turned out wrong....
1.   Jamil would step up a la Jae, Jimmy, Lazar.
2.   Duane would be starting at PG by the time conference season rolled around.
3.   Todd would be starting at the 2.
3.   JJJ would have seized Jake's playing time.   
4.    Juan would have progressed.
5.   STjr would have progressed.   
6.   Someone would have assumed the mantle of leadership.   
Pleasant surprises.
1.   Jake
2.  Deonte
3.   Dawson

[ChicosBailBonds]

Where did these same coaches (or even better coaches--Pitino/Boeheim) pick us to finish the last few years??  12th?  8th?  Were they poor evaluators or talent then as well.

Pre-season picks dont mean sheet.

Oh sure they do, to some people....especially if the desire is to rip other teams and that helps load gun.  Some folks want to have it both ways.

I agree with you, the picks don't mean much, but the irony is rather cute.

[NavinRJohnson]

Oh sure they do, to some people....especially if the desire is to rip other teams and that helps load gun.  Some folks want to have it both ways.

I agree with you, the picks don't mean much, but the irony is rather cute.

Yet again, Chico bearings Crean into a completely unrelated thread.

[warriorfred]

Don't underestimate Lockett. Was the last player cut from the Kings. Blue played in the league this year. That's two NBA caliber guys. This team has none.

I had forgotten about Lockett, and that is a good point, this team is missing NBA talent-level players (too earlier to judge the freshmen). 

[MUCam]

Yet again, Chico bearings Crean into a completely unrelated thread.

For the love of all that is good and nice in this beautiful world, stop quoting him. Just hit ignore. Nothing will ever change his tired, passive aggressive, beat a dead horse until its alive again, mantra. The best you can do is ignore. Best advice I ever received.

Cheers!

[forgetful]

I think the problem is that MU this year is a bit of an island of misfit toys they all have there talents but also a critical weakness that together they are not able to cover up the flaws.

[connie]

Yet again, Chico bearings Crean into a completely unrelated thread.

No.  He said "picks."

[NotAnAlum]

I think it's incorrect to say this team in not talented.   They have talent in terms of Top 100 kids on the roster.  I think what it proves is that success in a high major league like the BE involves more than just having talent on the roster.
First this team lacks talent and experience in the most important position in college basketball, the Point Guard.  We've had solid PGs for so long that we're not used to what it is like to not have one.  Derrick was not a top flight PG coming out of HS.  He was good but not great.  Dawson was a guy the staff took a flyer on but he wasn't a Top 100 recruit either and of course he lacks experience.  As stated earlier Duane was the highly regarded PG recruit and I would bet the staff figured he'd be primary PG by now. 
Next we are devoid of shooters on this team.  As a result a guy who came here as a walk on is the starting 2 because he is the only proven threat from 3 who can also play defense to the scouting report.  There's talent on the team but it's in the wrong positions.
Finally even if you have talent you need leadership and as stated earlier this team lacks a leader that can make everyone better.  I'm sorry to say but there is no one poised to provide the leadership next year either.
While it now appears MU will miss the tournament for the first time in 7 years they still will finish with at least a 500 record in one of the top 5 leagues in the country.  Given all the problems, they must be talented to pull that off.  Keep in mind that Nova who just beat up on us was 13-19 2 years ago winning only 4 league games.  Two years ago Pitt was 5-13 in conference.  Both those teams had talent.  It happens.   

[Jay Bee]

Sometimes even teams with extraordinary talent on their roster p33 down their leg.





MU's a team that has lost more games than it should have. Is PG an important position and was losing Duane big to this season? Yes and perhaps. But, lots of teams fight through injuries, etc... it's not over yet.

[Galway Eagle]

I think it's incorrect to say this team in not talented.   They have talent in terms of Top 100 kids on the roster.  I think what it proves is that success in a high major league like the BE involves more than just having talent on the roster.
First this team lacks talent and experience in the most important position in college basketball, the Point Guard.  We've had solid PGs for so long that we're not used to what it is like to not have one.  Derrick was not a top flight PG coming out of HS.  He was good but not great.  Dawson was a guy the staff took a flyer on but he wasn't a Top 100 recruit either and of course he lacks experience.  As stated earlier Duane was the highly regarded PG recruit and I would bet the staff figured he'd be primary PG by now. 
Next we are devoid of shooters on this team.  As a result a guy who came here as a walk on is the starting 2 because he is the only proven threat from 3 who can also play defense to the scouting report.  There's talent on the team but it's in the wrong positions.
Finally even if you have talent you need leadership and as stated earlier this team lacks a leader that can make everyone better.  I'm sorry to say but there is no one poised to provide the leadership next year either.
While it now appears MU will miss the tournament for the first time in 7 years they still will finish with at least a 500 record in one of the top 5 leagues in the country.  Given all the problems, they must be talented to pull that off.  Keep in mind that Nova who just beat up on us was 13-19 2 years ago winning only 4 league games.  Two years ago Pitt was 5-13 in conference.  Both those teams had talent.  It happens.   

First time in 8 years four years Big Three, one year of midgets, two sweet 16s and an elite 8 is eight years.  Everything else you said I agree with.

[bilsu]

Also, McKay was suppose to be a rebounding machine. Rebounding is one of this teams weaknesses.

[Galway Eagle]

Also, McKay was suppose to be a rebounding machine. Rebounding is one of this teams weaknesses.

Probably would've been tall and athletic enough to guard Kaminsky and Wragge when those two were going crazy from beyond the arc as well. 

[77ncaachamps]

The talent is there.

It's just not starting.

I don't think DWil and Jake are considered "talents". Heck, even the way Juan's playing and Chris's old man in the middle play don't warrant talent.