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

[mujivitz06]

Probably Notre Dame.

[GooooMarquette]

This team has plenty of talent - even with the unexpected losses of DuWilson and McKay. 

The problem is that this team never developed the chemistry that's been a hallmark of Buzz's teams...so that the whole is more than the sum of its parts.  In years past, we'd typically do better than most expected because of that chemistry.  This year, it seems like the guys are reading different playbooks.

IMHO the main reason for this is the lack of a senior leader - a guy to whom the rest of the team looks for inspiration and guidance when things aren't going well.  And I'm not just talking about guys who would take games over - I'm talking about guys would would calm things down and motivate the other four guys to play better when the going got rough.  We had it last year with Junior, and in past seasons with guys like Jae, Jimmy, Lazar, etc.  This year's seniors - especially Jamil and Davante - are as talented as any of those guys, but simply don't lead and inspire the guys around them like past leaders have.  And before someone chimes in with "that's the PG's job" and blames it on Derrick, note that most of our leaders in recent seasons have not been PGs.

I think things will improve next season largely because we appear to have two upcoming seniors who have been vocally trying to motivate and inspire those around them - Derrick and Juan.  Both have holes in thier games, but I expect them to work relentlessly this summer to improve them...and take advantage of their status as seniors to grab the reins.

[Galway Eagle]

This team has plenty of talent - even with the unexpected losses of DuWilson and McKay. 

The problem is that this team never developed the chemistry that's been a hallmark of Buzz's teams...so that the whole is more than the sum of its parts.  In years past, we'd typically do better than most expected because of that chemistry.  This year, it seems like the guys are reading different playbooks.

IMHO the main reason for this is the lack of a senior leader - a guy to whom the rest of the team looks for inspiration and guidance when things aren't going well.  And I'm not just talking about guys who would take games over - I'm talking about guys would would calm things down and motivate the other four guys to play better when the going got rough.  We had it last year with Junior, and in past seasons with guys like Jae, Jimmy, Lazar, etc.  This year's seniors - especially Jamil and Davante - are as talented as any of those guys, but simply don't lead and inspire the guys around them like past leaders have.  And before someone chimes in with "that's the PG's job" and blames it on Derrick, note that most of our leaders in recent seasons have not been PGs.

I think things will improve next season largely because we appear to have two upcoming seniors who have been vocally trying to motivate and inspire those around them - Derrick and Juan.  Both have holes in thier games, but I expect them to work relentlessly this summer to improve them...and take advantage of their status as seniors to grab the reins.

I actually agree they might not be the most talented but I do see them as hardworking people.  So if that added responsibility I'd expect them to take it very seriously. 

[MarquetteDano]

Probably Notre Dame.

Marquette definitely has to be up there in disappointing teams.  My list of disappointments this year are:

• Marquette
• Kentucky... pre-season #1
• Oklahoma State
• Notre Dame... pre-season #21 and they are not even going to the NIT

I agree the team has talent but unfortunately it is almost all in forwards and bigs.  The guards are average. They have all have glaring weaknesses (JJJ = defense/young, Mayo = turnovers, DWill = shooting, Jake = cant create his own shot, etc.).

[Big Papi]

This team is extremely talented.  They just never meshed well as a team this year.  Inconsistent play from the seniors on down is probably the biggest problem.  Glaring weaknesses with some of the players.  Overall basketball IQ probably not the best on this team either.

[MUfan12]

This team is extremely talented.  They just never meshed well as a team this year.  Inconsistent play from the seniors on down is probably the biggest problem.  Glaring weaknesses with some of the players.  Overall basketball IQ probably not the best on this team either.

I don't get how people think this team is so talented. I just don't see it.

I see a couple guys in Davante and Jamil that can score, some inconsistent freshmen, and a bunch of role players. They've played to their talent level this season.

[Galway Eagle]

I don't get how people think this team is so talented. I just don't see it.

I see a couple guys in Davante and Jamil that can score, some inconsistent freshmen, and a bunch of role players. They've played to their talent level this season.

Because those athletic talented players aren't getting the looks and are  Freshmen and a Sophomore

[The Lens]

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.

How this for IRONY...the #1 picked team, ended up getting a #1 Seed.  They lived up to the hype...until late March. 

[NavinRJohnson]

Because those athletic talented players aren't getting the looks and are  Freshmen and a Sophomore

The evidence to support that comment is what?

[Galway Eagle]

The evidence to support that comment is what?

You're asking for evidence that STj and JJJ and Duane Wilson aren't getting looks? To me them and burton are the core of our talent (though buttons getting looks).  Duane Wilson is injured and JJJ and STj each have multiple DNP and less than a handful of minutes games this year which shows they aren't getting looks. What else do you want?

[NavinRJohnson]

You're asking for evidence that STj and JJJ and Duane Wilson aren't getting looks?

No, the evidence that they are more talented players that simply aren't getting looks.

[MU82]

I agree the team has talent but unfortunately it is almost all in forwards and bigs.  The guards are average.

I wish our guards were average.

The Vander-Junior-Trent-Mayo backcourt was average (if looking at scoring-assist numbers), or maybe a bit above average if including intangibles. This backcourt? It needs binoculars just to get a glimpse of average.

Feel free to look at what some of us worry-warts wrote about our deep concerns regarding the backcourt going into the season ... and the responses about how "negative" we were being.

[MuMark]

This is right on.....

I don't get how people think this team is so talented. I just don't see it.

I see a couple guys in Davante and Jamil that can score, some inconsistent freshmen, and a bunch of role players. They've played to their talent level this season.

[Galway Eagle]

No, the evidence that they are more talented players that simply aren't getting looks.

I thought the not getting looks part was covered already...

The more talented players I don't know how to support that seeing as I'm on my phone in Straz right now but when I sit down for a lovely MUscoop argument I'll happily look up everything I possibly can for you.

[Aircraftcarrier]

Mu82,you are spot on.I think Buzz made a mistake in signing 2 freshman point guards.Should have signed one juco point.I honestly believe he was going to hand the keys to Duane Wilson and that is why he did not do it.We are very below average in the backcourt for a HIGH Major team.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Is there a team in college BB this year that has been more disappointing given their preseason expectations??

Notre Dame. They were ranked 4 spots below us in the preseason poll and (assuming they lose @UNC) will finish the season with a losing record.

Other than that? Unfortunately no. Kentucky, Michigan State, VCU, and Oklahoma State are probably the closest competition.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

I agree on the senior leader bit. I think that is the key piece missing. But I think the talent that has underachieved has been Johnson. He was the recruit that I was most excited about. He was our highest ranked recruit since Doc Rivers and he seemed to already have Buzz's blessing coming out of training camp. Then he can't even earn his way into the rotation? I expected more from the young man. I hope he taps his potential next year.

[79Warrior]

I don't get how people think this team is so talented. I just don't see it.

I see a couple guys in Davante and Jamil that can score, some inconsistent freshmen, and a bunch of role players. They've played to their talent level this season.

This.

DW, CO and JA? Who among those three oozes with talent?

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Found a post with my expected lineup for this season from like October. Here are my thoughts on each now that season has actually happened:

Starting PG: Derrick: Neutral. I never expected Derrick to be a scorer. I though he would get about 6 a game, run the floor well, play D, and not turn the ball over. Hoped that his shot would be a little better.

Starting SG: Johnson: Underachieved. You can see my thoughts in my eariler post. Really expected a lot from this kid. He was honorable mention for Preseason BEast Rookie of the Year. Couldn't even crack the rotation.

Starting SF: Jamil: Underachieved. I expected him to have a Crowder-like senior season. His production has barely increased and has shown no leadership.

Starting PF: McKay: Incomplete. I liked what I saw in McKay's Juco career. I think this loss hurt us more than most realize. I think Hoiberg got himself a really good ball player.

Starting C: Gardner: Neutral. Got exactly what I expected from Ox.

1st Bench: Mayo: Overachieved. I was one of the one's who though JJJ would replace Mayo. I didn't have much faith in his consistency. He's shown some clutchness and skill. Wish he had a better handle and defense.

2nd Bench: Duane: Incomplete. This injury really hurt. Derrick would have started but I think we would have seen a 25/15 minute split at least.

3rd Bench: Otule: Neutral. Didn't think he would improve much from last season, and he didn't.

4th Bench: Anderson: Underachieved. I thought he would take a leap forward. Maybe get 6-8 points a game off the bench. Thought his 3 point shooting would have come along. It didn't

5th Bench: Taylor: Incomplete. I'm writing off this season for Taylor as being injury plagued. I'm excited to see what he can do next season.

6th Bench: Burton: Overachieved. I really expected Burton to ride the bench, maybe show some flashes in spot minutes but not do much.

7th Bench: Thomas: Super-Overachieved. Never expected him to see he floor. Now he's shooting 40% from three and playing great D. Probably our most improved player.

8th Bench: Dawson. Overachieved. Honestly thought Dawson was the next Jamal Ferguson but he has come in and shown that he has talent. I'm excited to see what he can develop into.

I know not everyone agreed with my thoughts on what the starting lineup would be. But this is why we have not lived up to preseason expectations. Our starting lineup (as I projected it) has two neutrals, two underachieves, and one incomplete. The players we thought would be studs either left or haven't been. Fortunately, some bench players have stepped up and been better to at least keep us afloat. Personally, I think we will be better next season. Lots of raw talent. Even though Buzz will be out of his comfort zone with only 4 "questionable" upperclassmen, I think he will be back in his comfort zone with some athletic and talented guards running the show, rather than forwards.

[ChicosBailBonds]

How this for IRONY...the #1 picked team, ended up getting a #1 Seed.  They lived up to the hype...until late March. 

I think you're missing it.  The #1 preseason team often doesn't win it or even go to the Final Four.....people bashing on those schools typically depends on other factors.  If you play it out, the top 4 preseason teams (using the same logic) should go to the Final Four each year....you don't see the gnashing of teeth in any of those 4 don't make it to the Final Four, let alone win it all unless there is usually some other reason to do so.  Kentucky was preseason #1, yup they are taking heat.  MSU was preseason #2...taking no heat.  Louisville preseason #3, taking no heat.  Duke preseason #4, taking mild heat.