Fischer vs Teve

[Skatastrophy]

From Matt Velazquez's recent chat:

"...when I've seen him he's been good, but not great. He doesn't seem like he's immediately going to come in and be the immediate game-changer that some people think/hope he will be, but he'll be a welcome, quality addition."

"Considering the way that Taylor has played recently, I have a hunch that Fischer would get a chance to start in his place."

[MUfan12]

Luke doesn't have to do much to be a big improvement. Having a big that can convert inside of three feet will be a lift. As will having him in the middle of the zone for rebounding purposes. Something Steve has struggled with big time. The guards will benefit as well, as Fischer is a nice passer.

As Sultan said in another thread, the guy who might benefit most is Deonte.

[GooooMarquette]

I think Teve comes off the bench.  He will still get plenty of minutes (at 4 and 5), but I suspect Juan will be the starting 4.

We need to remember that even with Luke, this is a small team, and we don't have many fouls to give on the front line.  I suspect a predominantly 3-guard lineup is here for the season.

[Skatastrophy]

I've got the only "No" vote thus far. Velazquez's first quote gave me quite a bit of pause last Friday when I read it. I think Fischer will get minutes off the bench, but he won't end up starting. I'd be really disappointed if I'm right.

What this means, though, is that I'll get to create a thread patting myself on the back for being a basketball genius if I happen to be correct come March.

[brewcity77]

I think Luke's presence could be enough to make everyone better. Even if he only averages 5/4, having a guy that can seal the lane for drivers, box out to let others rebounds, be enough of a defensive presence to alter shots, and jump more than six inches off the ground will help the guys around him in ways Steve hasn't been able to.

Remember how promising Steve looked as a freshman? Here he is two years later and his legs just look old. Reminds me of Joe Fulce. Plenty of ability and promise until knee injuries robbed him of his bounce. I wish Steve could be a bigger impact guy, but I just don't think he's the same athlete that was a RSCI ranked kid coming out.

[jsglow]

My gut tells me that Luke starts by the end of the year, if not earlier.  I also think that Juan continues to start so that leaves Steve as the 6th or 7th man getting significant minutes.  At that point our active bench includes Steve, Bane and JJJ with Sandy and John in reserve.  We can play full out with that.  But it's not impossible that coach values Steve's leadership and that he earns the nominal start with Luke coming in at the first media timeout.

I'm kind of thinking that Steve's aggressiveness will be enhanced.  Right now he absolutely knows that he can't get into foul trouble as there is no viable alternative.  Let's not underestimate what having another big will do for his game.  I'm thinking back to opening night against UT-Martin when I believe he took 2 early first half fouls.  Something I'm sure he was coached on.  

[esotericmindguy]

Teve? Is it too much work to pronounce or write an S?

[g0lden3agle]

Teve? Is it too much work to pronounce or write an S?

It's a running gag on the forum

[BCHoopster]

Luke will give MU 5 more fouls a game, so saying that the front line can be a little more aggressive.  More importantly, Juan and Steve do not have to play 35 minutes a game.  Luke should
be given about 20 minutes a game so that will give Juan and Steve a little more rest.  They will need as the season starts getting long the end of January and February.  Once in conference,
the games get tougher as the scouting gets better, need more players. 

Fisher will need time this year to improve as the following 2 years he becomes critical if MU wants to make a long run in the tournament again. 

[Groin_pull]

As long as Fischer can hit some bunnies, it'll be an improvement.

[brewcity77]

Honestly, Luke should start from his first game and every game past that. I'm not saying he should necessarily get starter minutes, his play will warrant that, but I believe yesterday was the first tip ball Steve won all season long. In a one-possession game, losing 85% of your tips is not a recipe for winning basketball.

[chapman]

Luke will give MU 5 more fouls a game, so saying that the front line can be a little more aggressive.

Agree.  I think we're seeing a little of the "afraid to foul" mentality that we last saw in '09 with the small team.  Having fouls to give will help, though it might take some coaching up to tighten up the D as well.

As long as Fischer can hit some bunnies, it'll be an improvement.

I'll be sold if we can avoid performances of 3 rebounds in 32 minutes and 2 rebounds in 26 minutes from the 5 spot.  Steve's playing it overmatched in an undersized lineup, but those lines are still unacceptable.

[brewcity77]

Luke will give MU 5 more fouls a game, so saying that the front line can be a little more aggressive.

This actually has me worried for Arizona State. They have two big men that are both very good at getting to the line. Eric Jacobsen is one of the best in the country at getting to the line and Willie Atwood isn't far behind him. In Luke's first game in a Marquette uniform, after a year layoff, over-aggression and foul trouble could definitely be an issue, and ASU is not the team you want to do that against.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Honestly, Luke should start from his first game and every game past that. I'm not saying he should necessarily get starter minutes, his play will warrant that, but I believe yesterday was the first tip ball Steve Juan won all season long. In a one-possession game, losing 85% of your tips is not a recipe for winning basketball.

FIFY

[brewcity77]

FIFY

Did he? 

Oh damn...

[MU82]

Honestly, Luke should start from his first game and every game past that. I'm not saying he should necessarily get starter minutes, his play will warrant that, but I believe yesterday was the first tip ball Steve won all season long. In a one-possession game, losing 85% of your tips is not a recipe for winning basketball.

Quick, Wojo ... see if O'Tule can be granted a 9th year of eligibility!

[brewcity77]

Quick, Wojo ... see if O'Tule can be granted a 9th year of eligibility!

LOL I was thinking this morning how someone like CO would be perfect for this team. If Fischer can provide what Otule did his last 2 years, this team's ceiling goes way up, not because of what he brings to the table, but because of what it would mean for the rest of the team.

[jsglow]

Honestly, Luke should start from his first game and every game past that. I'm not saying he should necessarily get starter minutes, his play will warrant that, but I believe yesterday was the first tip ball Steve won all season long. In a one-possession game, losing 85% of your tips is not a recipe for winning basketball.

Surprised you missed that Brew.  Juan  actually took the opening tip against UT.  But your point still stands with Luke taking the tip over all others.

[brewcity77]

Surprised you missed that Brew.  Juan  actually took the opening tip against UT.  But your point still stands with Luke taking the tip over all others.

Was grabbing a beer at the tip

[77ncaachamps]

We need the front court help.

Depending on the matchup - and most likely injuries - Luke will eventually get more minutes but may sit for a more favorable matchup for Steve.

I can't see Juan's minutes diminished significantly. He's the most active offensive rebounder we have. (Am I wrong?)

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

Interesting dynamic where Juan is suddenly considered the "constant".

[Skatastrophy]

Interesting dynamic where Juan is suddenly considered the "constant".

He, Derrick & Carlino are Seniors. You'd have to expect them to start through, at least, the beginning of Conference season.

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

He, Derrick & Carlino are Seniors. You'd have to expect them to start through, at least, the beginning of Conference season.

I agree, and I've always like Juan... but just think of where we were 1 month ago (much less a year ago).

Nothing but low expectations and question marks for Juan.

Now he's considered an "automatic" for big minutes.

Interesting shift.

[jsglow]

I agree, and I've always like Juan... but just think of where we were 1 month ago (much less a year ago).

Nothing but low expectations and question marks for Juan.

Now he's considered an "automatic" for big minutes.

Interesting shift.

Seeing as we're talking about Juan and the Seniors.....

I took note at the 'fight' at the 12 minute mark.  Clearly Wojo was exercised going into the timeout.  (Someone GIF that F*ck! Wojo screamed as he got up from the bench.)  Anyway, it seems that Derrick and Juan might have started the verbal exchange out of mutual frustration.  Fine.  So be it.  Both cooled with Steve's help (as did Wojo) and our two captains played absolutely outstanding ball for about the next 8 minutes.  Re-watch the DVR.  Both played great maximizing what they do well to will us to the lead.

[77ncaachamps]

I agree, and I've always like Juan... but just think of where we were 1 month ago (much less a year ago).

Nothing but low expectations and question marks for Juan.

Now he's considered an "automatic" for big minutes.

Interesting shift.

No doubt but it's simply based on production.

The "shift" wouldn't take place if he wasn't producing.