Duane Wilson

[HutchwasClutch]

I am almost blown away how good this kid is already after sitting out a year.  He didn't have his best game last night, but still impacted the outcome, his tip in off Derrick's miss was a big play. 

Man, I really love this kids game, think how good he'll be by conference! 

[tower912]

He showed really good explosiveness getting to the basket, even though he got called for charging.   Having watched him these first few games, I am convinced he is the PG of the future.   It still niggles around the back of my head that if he had been healthy all year last season, HE would have been the one to run the point, not Dawson, but we shall never know. 

[brewcity77]

I think the year off really did him well. From everything I heard, he was behind the curve before the injury. Clearly spending time in the weight room, working on conditioning and his game has him playing where we hoped he'd be from day one. Who knows if he ever would have been healthy had he tried to come back last year? We all remember Junior's freshman year comeback, which did pretty much no good and cost him a year of eligibility.

I had my reservations about Duane, but he is definitely exceeding expectations. If he's here for four years, he could go down as an all-time great.

[HutchwasClutch]

 Having watched him these first few games, I am convinced he is the PG of the future.   

Agree completely on that statement, and he's going to be a huge upgrade over our last two PG's - Cadougan and Derrick Wilson, both extremely flawed players.. 

[Shark]

Agree completely on that statement, and he's going to be a huge upgrade over our last two PG's - Cadougan and Derrick Wilson, both extremely flawed players.. 

Cadougan and Wilson both leave a bit to be desired. But I must say both definitely have/had tremendous poise and leadership abilities. I was 3rd row for that UCONN game where Cadougan hit that three. What an awesome game. I miss Junior.

[4th and State]

For all of his flaws, Junior was clutch when we needed him and was GREAT in transition.

[GGGG]

Cadougan and Wilson both leave a bit to be desired. But I must say both definitely have/had tremendous poise and leadership abilities. I was 3rd row for that UCONN game where Cadougan hit that three. What an awesome game. I miss Junior.

He had limitations though, especially on the defensive end.

Duane IMO has shown the most of the young players and IMO is going to be the best PG since Travis.  

[tower912]

He had limitations though, especially on the defensive end.

Duane IMO has shown the most of the young players and IMO is going to be the best PG since Travis.  

I can see that.   Eventually.   This year, I still believe he is going to spend more time off of the ball, simply due to the make-up of the roster.   Next year, he gets the keys. 

[CAINMUTINY]

I liked what I saw yesterday out of Duane.  Derrick has his strengths but is incredibly limited (he's made 3 three pointers in four years..nuff said) on the offensive side.

In regards to Junior, the guy doesn't get the props he deserves.  Great player.

[BM1090]

He showed really good explosiveness getting to the basket, even though he got called for charging.   Having watched him these first few games, I am convinced he is the PG of the future.   It still niggles around the back of my head that if he had been healthy all year last season, HE would have been the one to run the point, not Dawson, but we shall never know.  

He also had a nice drive and finish to the left that got called for a travel when it definitely was not.

[Bo Ryan's Massage Therapist]

Duane is legit.  Only limitation is he needs to continue to get better defensively.  At times he loses his man. Having said that, he can score in bunches like DJO used to when he first joined MU

[GGGG]

He also had a nice drive and finish to the left that got called for a travel when it definitely was not.

They never showed that replay, but I think you are 100% correct here.

[BM1090]

They never showed that replay, but I think you are 100% correct here.

Had it on DVR and rewound it a few times. Two steps and up, definitely not a travel. He took some big strides so I can see where the ref got confused, but it was the wrong call.

[MU82]

I am very excited about Duane's long-range prospects. He has "it." That tip-in showed amazing instincts. I thought all three of his 3-point attempts were in when they left his hand. He has wonderful form and is going to be a deadly 3-point shooter. For a kid, he is so calm at the FT line in clutch situations. He might never be a great defender, but neither was Diener. If his defense is adequate and his offensive skills continue to blossom, we could be looking at a multi-year all-conference player who will perfectly complement all the bigs and wings we have coming in. Those who have read me in the past know I don't toss around praise easily, either.

As for the current and previous PGs ... please don't compare Derrick to Junior. Junior could hit a free throw. He could hit a 15-foot jumper. He became a pretty darn good penetrator who had to be defended. He was a well-above-average finisher. Derrick is none of those things. Junior was a major contributor on an Elite Eight team. Derrick is best as a 10-15 mpg role player.

Having said that, I continue to maintain that Junior's PG ability is the absolute floor of what should be acceptable for a legitimate contender. Duane isn't better than Junior yet, but he certainly might be, and not too far down the road.

[MikeDeanesDarkGlasses]

I am very excited about Duane's long-range prospects. He has "it." That tip-in showed amazing instincts. I thought all three of his 3-point attempts were in when they left his hand. He has wonderful form and is going to be a deadly 3-point shooter. For a kid, he is so calm at the FT line in clutch situations. He might never be a great defender, but neither was Diener. If his defense is adequate and his offensive skills continue to blossom, we could be looking at a multi-year all-conference player who will perfectly complement all the bigs and wings we have coming in. Those who have read me in the past know I don't toss around praise easily, either.

As for the current and previous PGs ... please don't compare Derrick to Junior. Junior could hit a free throw. He could hit a 15-foot jumper. He became a pretty darn good penetrator who had to be defended. He was a well-above-average finisher. Derrick is none of those things. Junior was a major contributor on an Elite Eight team. Derrick is best as a 10-15 mpg role player.

Having said that, I continue to maintain that Junior's PG ability is the absolute floor of what should be acceptable for a legitimate contender. Duane isn't better than Junior yet, but he certainly might be, and not too far down the road.

Doesn't it make you wonder what was Buzz's obsession with stocky PG's that were limited offensively?  You'd think a defensively minded, guard oriented coach would recruit a PG who's a quick slasher, quick hands, and slash to the hoop. 

[GGGG]

Doesn't it make you wonder what was Buzz's obsession with stocky PG's that were limited offensively?  You'd think a defensively minded, guard oriented coach would recruit a PG who's a quick slasher, quick hands, and slash to the hoop. 

Buzz recruited Duane.

[MikeDeanesDarkGlasses]

Buzz recruited Duane.

I know that. 

The purpose of statement is that his former recruits didn't fit his system to a tee.  In addition, to say that Duane Wilson is the answer, is quite premature.  There isn't a true, effective PG on this team yet.

[PGsHeroes32]

As already touched up on a little I really like the look of his 3pt shot. It isn't falling consistently yet but it comes out of the hand good and he takes them at good times when hes open.

I know he shot it well in high school but there is no way to know if that translates and if he had great form. Here you can see he does. That miss in the second half that would have put us up 10 was a great look.

And I don't think his free throw shooting needs much mention. He should be the one with the ball late in games. He's real good at the line.

[Texas Western]

Duane is everything I hoped he would be. We want him on the floor for maximum minutes for the next 4 years .  Good things happen when he has the ball.

[mu-rara]

I know that. 

The purpose of statement is that his former recruits didn't fit his system to a tee.  In addition, to say that Duane Wilson is the answer, is quite premature.  There isn't a true, effective PG on this team yet.

Of course it's premature.  He is 5 games into his Marquette career.  He will be a great player.

[brewcity77]

Of course it's premature.  He is 5 games into his Marquette career.  He will be a great player.

That's exactly how I feel. I look at Duane and think two things. First, he can be a contributor but is still too raw to be the man this year. Second, he could be the best Marquette point guard in decades and might have a chance to be the first Marquette player to score 2,000 points.

Yes, way premature, but it's been a long time since a freshman looked this impressive this quickly.

[RJax55]

That's exactly how I feel. I look at Duane and think two things. First, he can be a contributor but is still too raw to be the man this year. Second, he could be the best Marquette point guard in decades and might have a chance to be the first Marquette player to score 2,000 points.

Yes, way premature, but it's been a long time since a freshman looked this impressive this quickly.

Brew, Dominic James was terrific from day one at MU. People tend to forget his freshman year, but it was excellent. Frankly, his freshman campaign was his best offensive season during his MU career.

[NersEllenson]

Brew, Dominic James was terrific from day one at MU. People tend to forget his freshman year, but it was excellent. Frankly, his freshman campaign was his best offensive season during his MU career.

Agree.  Additionally, Duane for all intents and purposes is a sophomore at this point.  Looks to have nice potential for sure.  Excited to see what he can do in his MU career.  Only question will be if he'll gain enough strength in his time at MU to hold his own defensively.

[Shark]

Agree.  Additionally, Duane for all intents and purposes is a sophomore at this point.  Looks to have nice potential for sure.  Excited to see what he can do in his MU career.  Only question will be if he'll gain enough strength in his time at MU to hold his own defensively.

Defensively it seems like most of Duane's issues stem from not knowing when to jump the pass or not. He seems to jump some balls that are impossible to steal right now and it puts him at a huge disadvantage after the catch.

[RJax55]

Agree.  Additionally, Duane for all intents and purposes is a sophomore at this point.  Looks to have nice potential for sure.  Excited to see what he can do in his MU career.  Only question will be if he'll gain enough strength in his time at MU to hold his own defensively.

Also, Duane is primarily playing off the ball, so he doesn't have the additional responsibilities that playing the point would add. He did run the point last night, when Derrick was getting a rest.

[Aughnanure]

He had limitations though, especially on the defensive end.

Duane IMO has shown the most of the young players and IMO is going to be the best PG since Travis.  

Better than Dom?

[MU82]

That's exactly how I feel. I look at Duane and think two things. First, he can be a contributor but is still too raw to be the man this year. Second, he could be the best Marquette point guard in decades and might have a chance to be the first Marquette player to score 2,000 points.

Yes, way premature, but it's been a long time since a freshman looked this impressive this quickly.

I'd love it if Duane is the best MU point guard in decades because James, Diener and Miller were pretty effen good.

It was only a month ago that some here were comparing Deonte to Charles Barkley and were hoping he would not leave early for the NBA. (Went back and fixed this to add "not," a word one never wants to inadvertently omit!)

I'm not a big hype guy. I'm not even expecting The Great Henry Ellenson to be the next Dirk. I merely hope each of our guys plays to his true potential.

[Texas Western]

I'd love it if Duane is the best MU point guard in decades because James, Diener and Miller were pretty effen good.

It was only a month ago that some here were comparing Deonte to Charles Barkley and were hoping he would leave early for the NBA.

I'm not a big hype guy. I'm not even expecting The Great Henry Ellenson to be the next Dirk. I merely hope each of our guys plays to his true potential.

I think Duane takes it one game at a time. He seems very focused on doing the right thing when he has the ball.  That is one of his strengths and one of the reasons I am enthusiastic about his potential to keep improving.

[MikeDeanesDarkGlasses]

Better than Dom?

I don't see a comparison at this point in both of their careers.  Wilson can surely get better and surpass Dom. James on the offensive side, but defensively it's not even close right now.  

Unfortunately, what hasn't been discussed and is the most important job of a PG is the ability to control game tempo.  MU's tempo has been disrupted many times with an inability to blow through a full court press and control the game through transition.  The majority of the time, we have been playing at the opponent's speed.  When Dom. James had the ball, the defense couldn't press often.  He was just too quick and too great of a ball handler to be stifled.  The offense had a much better tempo and wasn't nearly as choppy as it is now.  DJ could get to the hoop quicker as well, which would open up passing lanes to distribute the ball - probably better than any pg in MU history.  

Personally, I see Wilson as more of a hybrid guard at this point until he improves his ball handling and ability to control tempo.    

[brewcity77]

I'd love it if Duane is the best MU point guard in decades because James, Diener and Miller were pretty effen good.

It was only a month ago that some here were comparing Deonte to Charles Barkley and were hoping he would leave early for the NBA.

I'm not a big hype guy. I'm not even expecting The Great Henry Ellenson to be the next Dirk. I merely hope each of our guys plays to his true potential.

Agreed, and I hate even thinking that far in advance. Wilson could just as easily end up being an average player going through a hot streak. Maybe he ends up a career 70% FT shooter, barely maintains double-digits in scoring, is turnover prone, and never gets up to speed on the defensive end. But there are moments where you look at him now and think "wow...he could be really damn good."

[GGGG]

Better than Dom?

Ooops.  Probably not.  But I feel very positive about him obviously.

[BossplayaOtto]

It was only a month ago that some here were comparing Deonte to Charles Barkley and were hoping he would leave early for the NBA.

Exactly. Really never understood this comparison. On his best day, Deonte simply doesn't rebound at a level that is anywhere near Sir Charles on his worst. In fact, taking into account his natural athleticism, leaping ability and build, Deonte probably doesn't rebound at an adequate level period. I am a big fan of the Beast of Burton and he clearly has significant potential and hope that soon he starts showcasing the unique talent that he is. I realize that he had a devastating loss this fall that likely set him back, but rebounding is an area that the team will need him to improve upon. 6 Rebounds in 81 minutes thus far.

[Markusquette]

Duane had some lapses today, but he looks damn good.

[tower912]

He did.   He is young and made a couple of careless turnovers.   But I have no problem handing the keys to him next year. 

[copious1218]

Duane is everything I hoped he would be. We want him on the floor for maximum minutes for the next 4 years .  Good things happen when he has the ball.

Duane won't be here for four more years.

[MU82]

Duane won't be here for four more years.

Why? Do you expect him to graduate early and then go to Oxford?

[WarriorFan]

Better than Dom?

I know there's a lot of dom james lovers on this board but I'm going to say right now that Duane is better and has higher upside.  

Dom was a little guy who could dunk and occasionally did some exciting stuff, but ultimately his lack of defense combined with poor shot selection and low shooting percentage hurt more than it helped.  Plus, he got worse each year after his freshman year.

Duane is about the same defensively (now) but he's longer and seems to have better instincts.  Offensively, he's MUCH better at playing within the offense, making the open 3, and selecting good shots overall.  

It's gonna be a lot of fun to watch Duane grow and develop.

[rocky_warrior]

Dom was a little guy who could dunk and occasionally did some exciting stuff, but ultimately his lack of defense combined with poor shot selection and low shooting percentage hurt more than it helped.  Plus, he got worse each year after his freshman year.

I know the thread is about Duane, but your memory regarding Dom's defense, especially his senior year is clearly broken.

[MikeDeanesDarkGlasses]

He did.   He is young and made a couple of careless turnovers.   But I have no problem handing the keys to him next year. 

Wilson has a long way to go before he's handed the keys.  He still hasn't demonstrated he can move and handle the ball well and plays more of a 2/3 guard in this offense.  He's a guy who can slash and shoot.  As far as distributing and handling the ball ..... he's got many more miles to go.  

[brewcity77]

Dom was a little guy who could dunk and occasionally did some exciting stuff, but ultimately his lack of defense combined with poor shot selection and low shooting percentage hurt more than it helped.  Plus, he got worse each year after his freshman year.

Dom couldn't hit free throws, was a sub par long range shooter, and certainly never lived up to the expectations we had when he was BEROY. But his defense was fantastic. Absolutely elite.

[MikeDeanesDarkGlasses]

I know there's a lot of dom james lovers on this board but I'm going to say right now that Duane is better and has higher upside.  

Dom was a little guy who could dunk and occasionally did some exciting stuff, but ultimately his lack of defense combined with poor shot selection and low shooting percentage hurt more than it helped.  Plus, he got worse each year after his freshman year.

Duane is about the same defensively (now) but he's longer and seems to have better instincts.  Offensively, he's MUCH better at playing within the offense, making the open 3, and selecting good shots overall.  

It's gonna be a lot of fun to watch Duane grow and develop.

Clearly, one of the worst scouting reports ever written on this board.   I wouldn't be surprised if you were the scout that discovered Brett Roseboro. 

[mu-rara]

Not sure he is destined for the point.  There have always been those who followed his career who think he is a better 2. 

[WarriorFan]

Go watch some tape on Dom.  He was an elite on ball defender.  He went for stats (steals) which meant he didn't play help defense and he didn't deny the ball well.  In other words, a good individual defender, not a good team defender.  I always thought he was over-rated, especially in his senior year, because of the 2 steals per game when his defensive game was actually incomplete.

I think the rest of my point is that with Wojo's defensive expertise, Duane should end up better, because team defense is just as important as individual.

[murara1994]

Go watch some tape on Dom.  He was an elite on ball defender.  He went for stats (steals) which meant he didn't play help defense and he didn't deny the ball well.  In other words, a good individual defender, not a good team defender.  I always thought he was over-rated, especially in his senior year, because of the 2 steals per game when his defensive game was actually incomplete.

I think the rest of my point is that with Wojo's defensive expertise, Duane should end up better, because team defense is just as important as individual.

Maybe you should re-watch the tape.

[copious1218]

Why? Do you expect him to graduate early and then go to Oxford?

Call it a hunch. Bring this thread up at the start of the 2017-2018 basketball season and I'll happily admit I was wrong if duane is still here.

[NersEllenson]

He did.   He is young and made a couple of careless turnovers.   But I have no problem handing the keys to him next year. 

Guess what?  When people try to make places and force the action - they put themselves in a much greater position to make turnovers.  But, everyone probably liked that sweet drive and dish to Steve late in the game that Steve converted for an And 1 - but if Duane doesn't go into the trees and increase the chances of potentially turning it over, that look for Steve doesn't get created.

Classic risk reward scenario.  Low risk (Derrick) = Low Reward.

Who do you feel should have the keys this season??

[MikeDeanesDarkGlasses]

Who do you feel should have the keys this season??

That depends on where Noskowiak is in his development.  I could very well see Wojo recruiting a transfer or juco PG that can bring up and handle the ball for next year.  We will have to see how Wilson develops, but you don't just become a ball handler overnight.  He's better off at the #2 position at this point. 

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

Call it a hunch. Bring this thread up at the start of the 2017-2018 basketball season and I'll happily admit I was wrong if duane is still here.

Heard that he won't be here for all 4 as well. People that know him have said to me they don't expect him to finish out 4 years. Kid has a lot of swagger and confidence a out him.

[GGGG]

After watching a few games of Wojo's offense, it is obvious that no one player "has the keys."  This is different than Buzz's offense where the PG runs the show.  Oftentimes Derrick starts the offense up top, but it is hard for me to call him a point guard, because Carlino and Duane are handling the ball just as much.

[tower912]

After watching a few games of Wojo's offense, it is obvious that no one player "has the keys."  This is different than Buzz's offense where the PG runs the show.  Oftentimes Derrick starts the offense up top, but it is hard for me to call him a point guard, because Carlino and Duane are handling the ball just as much.

Metaphors, and next year Carlino and Derrick will be vapor trails.   As next year's roster is currently constructed, I have little doubt that Duane will be the starting PG and more of a primary ballhandler than any of the 3 this year. 

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

I've been very impressed with Duane so far. His offense is already at a high major level. His defense needs work, but I honestly think he's ahead of both Deonte and JjJ.

[brewcity77]

I could see it changing next year, but it is interesting to note that many of the guys playing in the 2/3 positions have experience handling the ball. Cohen, Noskowiak, Cheatham, and even Henry have at times played point guard for their respective HS and AAU teams. I think we will see a premium on guys with some point guard ability and wouldn't at all be surprised to see the multiple ball-handler option kept in play. It also wouldn't surprise me to see a JUCO or grad transfer next year to help shoulder the load.

[4everwarriors]

Nick will be y'all's point guard

[MU82]

Who do you feel should have the keys this season??

I feel Duane should be the primary PG -- he has quickness and instincts the other two do not -- but in general I have no problem with the multiple-ballhandler deal Wojo has going.

My No. 3 problem with Derrick (after his total inability to hit any shot longer than 3 feet and his horrid FT shooting) is that he too often plays bouncy-ball 40 feet from the hoop, just standing there as the shot clock winds down to 10 or 12. We usually end up with a bad shot, especially if the ball is in Derrick's or Taylor's hands with 5 seconds or less on the clock. I doubt it's a coach's directive because the same thing doesn't happen when either Carlino or Duane is at point, but if it is Wojo's directive, he should change it.

Carlino has done fine. Going to the zone has helped limit his defensive shortcomings, he had 38 points two games ago and has had a couple of decent all-around games. He's not special, but offensively he's not bad. Opponents have to respect his shot, and that alone creates opportunities for others.

I've already posted about Duane, whom I feel can be a heck of a player. He already is quite good offensively. Even his occasional foolish plays -- such as losing the ball when trying to force things between multiple defenders -- is forgivable. He's young and aggressive and he'll learn to pick his spots better. To me, this season is all about seeing improvement in those who will play key roles in 2015-16 and 2016-17.

There was one "interesting" sequence for our three-headed PG late in Friday's game:

Marquette had worked hard to get back into the game and trailed only 69-62 with 4 minutes left. Duane got the ball at the top of the key, went 1-on-1 and just missed a runner from about 5 feet. MSU came back and hit a 3 to go up by 10. On our next trip down, Derrick got the ball at the top of the key, went 1-on-1 and chucked up a wild runner that didn't hit anything. Taylor got the rebound and passed to Carlino, who got the ball at the top of the key, went 1-on-1, tried to drive but lost the ball.

Each of our "organizers" took it upon himself to ignore his teammates and go 1-on-1, with each result being worse than the time before. With opportunities squandered, we went on to lose.

At least Duane has the raw ability and instincts to do it, but even then I wish he'd look to pass more, as he did on that beautiful dish to Taylor.

[GGGG]

Metaphors, and next year Carlino and Derrick will be vapor trails.   As next year's roster is currently constructed, I have little doubt that Duane will be the starting PG and more of a primary ballhandler than any of the 3 this year. 

We'll see.  As brew points out, we are recruiting a lot of players that can handle the ball, so I am not sure this team will ever have a traditional point guard type.  I mean there is all sorts of evidence that Wojo even looking at the possibility of a Juco 1/2 to fill out the last scholarship.

[tower912]

I would not object to Wojo securing a 1 year PG rental.  I am not sure I am ready for the drama of Wojo signing a JUCO

[Juan Anderson's Mixtape]

Dom James was a scoring PG that Crean tried to turn into a SG.  By his senior year he was more of a distributor while McNeal, Matthews, and Hayward were the main scorers.  His D went from ok to shutdown whereas McNeal went from shutdown to just ok.  Dom was a below average shooter but compared to Derrick Wilson he's a marksman!

Diener was a great pass first PG and great shooter.  As a frosh he played more SG in the Henry-Diener-Wade lineup.  As a sophomore he had a bit of a shooting slump early in the year but came on as the season progressed.  The first two NCAA games that year foreshadowed his big scoring as a junior and senior when the offense was setup for him to shoot a lot more.  His D was ok at best.

Junior was a pass first PG.  Could score a little but his real value was hitting shooters on time, on target, and in rhythm or generating layups for the Crowders and Gardners of the world.  Spot the open guy under the hoop, pass, catch, layup.

Duane Wilson strikes me as more of a combo guard than a pure point.  He's the favorite to start at PG next year but this year's team needs his scoring.  Duane can get assists but I see him as being similar to Jerel McNeal as a shoot first, pass second player.  A pure PG is my #1 recruiting wish.  This player still needs to be a threat to score and ideally a good shooter as well.

Carlino is also more of a combo guard.  Derrick is a defacto PG in my mind.  6-1, can't shoot well enough to play the 2, but not exactly a great distributor.  He doesn't breakdown the D 1-on-1, draw help defense, make the great pass, etc.  His D is above avg but I think overrated since his shooting is so bad.  A coach once told me a defensive specialist is someone who doesn't have an offensive game.  Seems to apply here.  Derrick's offense is rather limited but I've come to accept the fact that he's going to play this year to allow Carlino and Wilson to focus on scoring.  Burton, Cohen, and Johnson are not consistently scoring enough to play them on the wing and give Carlino and Duane more PG duties.

Last year I wanted John Dawson to get more time.  Thought showed some nice vision passing and his shot was at least decent.  The fact that he's buried even deeper on the bench despite a coaching change speaks volumes to me.  If he was good enough he'd be playing.

[MU82]

Dom couldn't hit free throws, was a sub par long range shooter, and certainly never lived up to the expectations we had when he was BEROY. But his defense was fantastic. Absolutely elite.

Had James declared for the draft after his freshman year, I saw more than one mock draft that had him going in the first round. Unfortunately for him, he peaked offensively as a freshman. Obviously a great defender, though. Anybody who says otherwise must have been snorting coke.