First Take on 2014 Squad

[Big Daddy 84]

I share my initial thoughts on this year's squad.

1) There is a collective "chip" on their shoulders from most of the returning players. Especially STJ, JJ and DB.
2) I expect STJ to make one of the all BE teams this year. Think of Denzel Washington from Man on Fire. This young man is ready to paint his masterpiece.
3) Starting line up until LF is eligible to play:
     A) Duane Wilson
     B) JJ
     C) JA
     D) DB
     E) STJ
4) After LF is Eligible
     A) Duane Wilson/Matt C
     B) JJ
     C) JA/DB
     D) STJ
     E) LF

There is a strong possibility of DB and/or DW not starting later only to beef up scoring off the bench. Unlike last couple of years scoring from bench is much less likely and there is a need to have balance on court.

I also know that folks here are not overly impressed with Derrick Wilson and his level of skill, but what I can tell you is you will not find a better representative for the University and his commitment to improve is second to none. Derrick won't be in the NBA, but he also won't show up in any videos or police blotters or have academic issues.  And 15-20 years from now we will see Derrick as someone that has achieved great success in his post-basketball career. I am not sure what his role will be this year, but please don't rip him anymore, he knows he is not Derrick Rose and so do we. Whatever you feel his limitations are, it is not because he doesn't care and doesn't work at it and there is no one that responds to coaching better than Derrick.

Early comments on SC are that like most freshman has to learn D1 defense, especially team defense that Wojo wants.  Has above average handle especially for his size, true 6 5", and has a above average release on his shot and his form is solid but needs some refining to get his release point more consistent, but when he has it dialed in he reminds me of Ray Allen's form, but his release is not even close to being as fast, but the type of shot is very similar. SC  is a good athlete, but not an uberathelete (like a Dominic James),  needs to add muscle/strength.  Will be a good boost off bench for scoring, but defense will determine how much he plays and ability to rebound, especially on defense.

I say all of this with the caveat that after watching JBF the first time I though he was going to be a bust, so what I share is one person's opinion and you know what they same about opinions.

PS  I am predicting that this years squad has a better record than last years squad.

[tower912]

Thanks for the reasons for optimism. 

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

Wow, Duane getting the start from day one over Carlino is impressive. Kinda shocking to be honest.

[Skatastrophy]

Love you, BigDaddy.

I'm assuming that JBF = JFB?

[WellsstreetWanderer]

 Thanks for your opinions. I share your thoughts on DW after observing him in Annaheim last year. He is the type of young man any program would be proud to have. Looking forward to watching this year's squad and seeing the improvements in our guys.

[Frenns Liquor Depot]

Great post!

+100000 re: DW -- couldnt be happier that he represents our school.

[Juan Anderson's Mixtape]

I've been critical of Derrick Wilson, but that had more to do with the way Buzz used him last year than anything to do with Derrick.  Derrick is a class act and a great representative of the university.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

No Carlino in the starting lineup? That is surprising. Otherwise, it's about what I expected.

[MU82]

No Carlino in the starting lineup? That is surprising. Otherwise, it's about what I expected.

That was my thought, too, TAMU.

As for Derrick ...

I agree with every word Big Daddy said. Derrick is who he is. He has tried to get better. He only has so much talent. It is up to the coach - not the player - to put each player in a position where he can help the team the most. Last season, the coach failed completely at this mission when it came to Derrick.

I am hopeful that the current coach will use Derrick wisely and maximize the positive things the player can do for the team.

If for some reason the coach fails and Derrick again is asked to do things he doesn't do well, it again will not be Derrick's fault.

[Litehouse]

Thanks BigDaddy, awesome to hear about STJ.

[MuMark]

I doubt  that JA and Steve both start before Fischer can play. Too much risk for foul trouble with the only 2 guys taller then 6'6.

[79Warrior]

I doubt  that JA and Steve both start before Fischer can play. Too much risk for foul trouble with the only 2 guys taller then 6'6.

That's why they both will start.

[warriorchick]

DW must be reading what his critics have posted.  This is the first picture of the "official posed player photos" on MUBB's facebook site:

[MUfan12]

A lot can change between now and November 14th, but it's good to see that Duane could get the keys from the get go. I really think he's got the right makeup to be a star at Marquette.

BD- Any insight into Wojo and the staff? There's a very different culture around the program, and I'm curious to hear your thoughts as to how the players are responding.

[wadesworld]

Hearing Gabe Levin is a stud, although not eligible this season.

[Stronghold]

DW must be reading what his critics have posted.  This is the first picture of the "official posed player photos" on MUBB's facebook site:

Thankfully he's not in the baby blues on a national website.  We could've been doomed from the start of the season.

[ATWizJr]

I share my initial thoughts on this year's squad.

1) There is a collective "chip" on their shoulders from most of the returning players. Especially STJ, JJ and DB.
2) I expect STJ to make one of the all BE teams this year. Think of Denzel Washington from Man on Fire. This young man is ready to paint his masterpiece.
3) Starting line up until LF is eligible to play:
     A) Duane Wilson
     B) JJ
     C) JA
     D) DB
     E) STJ
4) After LF is Eligible
     A) Duane Wilson/Matt C
     B) JJ
     C) JA/DB
     D) STJ
     E) LF

There is a strong possibility of DB and/or DW not starting later only to beef up scoring off the bench. Unlike last couple of years scoring from bench is much less likely and there is a need to have balance on court.

I also know that folks here are not overly impressed with Derrick Wilson and his level of skill, but what I can tell you is you will not find a better representative for the University and his commitment to improve is second to none. Derrick won't be in the NBA, but he also won't show up in any videos or police blotters or have academic issues.  And 15-20 years from now we will see Derrick as someone that has achieved great success in his post-basketball career. I am not sure what his role will be this year, but please don't rip him anymore, he knows he is not Derrick Rose and so do we. Whatever you feel his limitations are, it is not because he doesn't care and doesn't work at it and there is no one that responds to coaching better than Derrick.

Early comments on SC are that like most freshman has to learn D1 defense, especially team defense that Wojo wants.  Has above average handle especially for his size, true 6 5", and has a above average release on his shot and his form is solid but needs some refining to get his release point more consistent, but when he has it dialed in he reminds me of Ray Allen's form, but his release is not even close to being as fast, but the type of shot is very similar. SC  is a good athlete, but not an uberathelete (like a Dominic James),  needs to add muscle/strength.  Will be a good boost off bench for scoring, but defense will determine how much he plays and ability to rebound, especially on defense.

I say all of this with the caveat that after watching JBF the first time I though he was going to be a bust, so what I share is one person's opinion and you know what they same about opinions.

PS  I am predicting that this years squad has a better record than last years squad.

Nice post Big Daddy.  Very reminiscent of info formerly provided by bma.  Sure do miss that guy.  Thanks for the post.

[Wojo'sMojo]

Glad to see JaJuan starting in both scenarios. In my opinion he is going to have a huge year, even better than Burton's!! Man, I wish we could start the season now!

[keefe]

Big Daddy tells it like it is!

[Big Daddy 84]

All:

These are only my thoughts and what I have heard. Matt may start versus Duane, but my guess is that without LF to start  with we need to maximize our punch early in games. But I agree nothing is written in Ellenson.    JA and STJ will both start, no choice.

Wojo and players are tight and there is an us vs them attitude and that he is one of the us.

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

All:

These are only my thoughts and what I have heard. Matt may start versus Duane, but my guess is that without LF to start  with we need to maximize our punch early in games. But I agree nothing is written in Ellensen.    JA and STJ will both start, no choice.

Wojo and players are tight and there is an us vs them attitude and that he is one of the us.

That last line makes me very happy.

[brandx]

All:

These are only my thoughts and what I have heard. Matt may start versus Duane, but my guess is that without LF to start  with we need to maximize our punch early in games. But I agree nothing is written in Ellensen.    JA and STJ will both start, no choice.

Wojo and players are tight and there is an us vs them attitude and that he is one of the us.

Nice line. 

[MUWarriors]

I have to agree on the assessment of Derrick Wilson.  We got to meet him at our re-seating appointment and he came across as a very intelligent young man and very excited about the upcoming season.  I am proud to have him represent our University!

[T-Bone]

Big Daddy tells it like it is!

I always assumed more like this:

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

But I agree nothing is written in Ellensen.

It took me a few times, but I now see what you did there.