Marquette offers 2015 PG Traci Carter

[Juan Anderson's Mixtape]

Using 100 minutes at the wing as you have suggested will still create issues for some. You will need Duane on the floor for at least 30 plus minutes per game, and "somebody else" at PG for 15-20 minutes per game. That leaves about 50 minutes for Sandy, JJJ, Cheatham, Wally, Anim, (and possibly somebody else). Somebody will not be happy and will leave--so pick your poison there. I know, I know "it will sort itself out". Just don't like that type of "sorting out".

You may not like it but it's reality.  Many of us have learned to accept it and it makes things a lot less stressful to not worry about who may or may not leave.  Just get the best team that can be assembled.  Besides, Wally was an end of bench player at Minnesota and Anim likely needs time to develop.  So one of JJ/Sandy/Cheatham starts and gets 25 mpg.  Duane gets 30 mpg.  That leaves 25 mpg to give to the other two wings off the bench.  Maybe it's split 20-5 or 15-10 or 25-0...I don't mean this the wrong way, but it will sort itself out.

[BCHoopster]

It will sort itself like you said but MU needs a real 3, not a couple of Division 2 type players.

[Juan Anderson's Mixtape]

I'm starting to see two PG options emerge as the most likely scenarios:

1) Carter commits & MU adds grad transfer.  Grad transfer hedges if Carter isn't ready to start as a frosh, then Carter competes for starting job next year vs 2016 PG recruit.

2) Miller or other JUCO & ???  Is the 2nd a grad transfer or an under the radar HS/Prep School player?

I suppose Wojo could try to add both Carter and Miller.  Just trying to read the tea leaves while Wojo holds them very close to the vest.

[brewcity77]

That leaves about 50 minutes for Sandy, JJJ, Cheatham, Wally, Anim, (and possibly somebody else). Somebody will not be happy and will leave--so pick your poison there. I know, I know "it will sort itself out". Just don't like that type of "sorting out".

I would question exact numbers, but quite simply, so freaking what? We have 13 scholarships to fill. Some guys aren't going to get as many minutes as they like. It's called reality. If the guys at the end of the bench leave, that opens up space for guys to take their place. The best play, the others either go elsewhere or keep working for their chance. We've seen both this year. Deonte and Dawson left, Jajuan worked hard and improved. That's the nature of the sport.

When there are 13 guys for 200 minutes, some won't be happy. That leaves only two choices. Go with a short roster (working so well this year) or accept that some guys won't be happy. I don't think anyone wants to leave open scholarships just to make players happy. Competition will encourage hard work to get those minutes.

[willie warrior]

I would question exact numbers, but quite simply, so freaking what? We have 13 scholarships to fill. Some guys aren't going to get as many minutes as they like. It's called reality. If the guys at the end of the bench leave, that opens up space for guys to take their place. The best play, the others either go elsewhere or keep working for their chance. We've seen both this year. Deonte and Dawson left, Jajuan worked hard and improved. That's the nature of the sport.

When there are 13 guys for 200 minutes, some won't be happy. That leaves only two choices. Go with a short roster (working so well this year) or accept that some guys won't be happy. I don't think anyone wants to leave open scholarships just to make players happy. Competition will encourage hard work to get those minutes.

I haven't advocated leaving open scholarships. Would advocate better balance in positions and classes.
If you like transfers and the problems that creates, that is your choice.

[jsglow]

Willie,

We're not going to perfect the roster in one year.  Sure some kids will get fewer minutes than they'd like.  Right now we just need to add quality ballplayers.  And PG is the most pressing need.

[Newsdreams]

I haven't advocated leaving open scholarships. Would advocate better balance in positions and classes.
If you like transfers and the problems that creates, that is your choice.

So you balance by not looking at the best players available by position, because you might have someone transfer, because they will be unhappy with their playing time? Well Kenucky, Duke, NC, etc. should start to worry about transfers.

[willie warrior]

So you balance by not looking at the best players available by position, because you might have someone transfer, because they will be unhappy with their playing time? Well Kenucky, Duke, NC, etc. should start to worry
Yeah--let me know when we are close to one of those programs--right now we do not have that talent. And yeah, if you have 6 or 7 good wings but do not have a PG, or a center, or any other position, you do not have a good balance. And many coaches try to do it that way in their recruiting.

[Newsdreams]

So you balance by not looking at the best players available by position, because you might have someone transfer, because they will be unhappy with their playing time? Well Kenucky, Duke, NC, etc. should start to worry
Yeah--let me know when we are close to one of those programs--right now we do not have that talent. And yeah, if you have 6 or 7 good wings but do not have a PG, or a center, or any other position, you do not have a good balance. And many coaches try to do it that way in their recruiting.

Exactly we do not have that talent. What is wrong to try to get the best. I'm not comparing us to them I'm saying they go after the best they do no care how deep they are already. Will say this again, Wojo has shown his style of playing is 3 guards, 1 forward, 1 center. Two of the guards are sg or "wings" so what is wrong with 6 of them. Four will see plenty of time other 2 will have spot minutes while they develop. If you use 13 scholarships you are going to be 3 deep at some positions, maybe Wojo wants that to happen at both sg positions. Of course I'm just speculating and ultimately Wojo will do as he wants. Guess we need to respect the process, hey?

[brewcity77]

I haven't advocated leaving open scholarships. Would advocate better balance in positions and classes.
If you like transfers and the problems that creates, that is your choice.

You offer complaints but no solutions. 13 players for 5 positions. You balk at the idea of 7 guys for three of those positions, but that's 54% of the scholarships vying for 60% of the minutes. Three points, three bigs compete for the other 40% with some positional overflow, the "switchable variable" if you will.

That IS balance. That is maximizing your roster and creating healthy competition, which in turn should bring out the best in players that are competitive.

There aren't other options. This is the roster balance you say you want. Unless you leave open scholarships, players will have to compete for minutes. That's just reality.

[willie warrior]

You offer complaints but no solutions. 13 players for 5 positions. You balk at the idea of 7 guys for three of those positions, but that's 54% of the scholarships vying for 60% of the minutes. Three points, three bigs compete for the other 40% with some positional overflow, the "switchable variable" if you will.

That IS balance. That is maximizing your roster and creating healthy competition, which in turn should bring out the best in players that are competitive.

There aren't other options. This is the roster balance you say you want. Unless you leave open scholarships, players will have to compete for minutes. That's just reality.

Ok, let's take them one by one, since you have no concept of what somebody says, other than you lame stuff.
1. 7 wings is not a complaint, it is an opinion.
2. I stated the solution. More balance for the positions and classes. End of that lame comment  made by you.
3. 7 guys for two positions not three like you allege. 2G and Wing are two positions, not three. Take math again, because you need it.

[hairy worthen]

Ok, let's take them one by one, since you have no concept of what somebody says, other than you lame stuff.
1. 7 wings is not a complaint, it is an opinion.
2. I stated the solution. More balance for the positions and classes. End of that lame comment  made by you.
3. 7 guys for two positions not three like you allege. 2G and Wing are two positions, not three. Take math again, because you need it.

Mmmmm 7 wings

[wadesworld]

I don't think anybody can conclude what Wojo "prefers" based on what he has "shown" this year.  He was handed a roster short on both talent and height.  He's had to manage getting through games with as little as 6 healthy scholarship layers and at most 9.  I think Wojo playing 3 guards, a forward, and a center has more to do with getting the 5 best players on the floor and less to do with wanting to play 3 guys who could possibly all play point guard.

Respect the process, ai'na?

[brewcity77]

Ok, let's take them one by one, since you have no concept of what somebody says, other than you lame stuff.
1. 7 wings is not a complaint, it is an opinion.
2. I stated the solution. More balance for the positions and classes. End of that lame comment  made by you.
3. 7 guys for two positions not three like you allege. 2G and Wing are two positions, not three. Take math again, because you need it.

1. When you say something is a problem, that's a complaint.
2. And I broke down the positional overlap and why it isn't a problem. Reality is guys play multiple positions. Johnson plays 2-3. Duane plays 1-3. Cheatham will likely play 1-3. Wally probably 3-4. Very few of these guys are pigeon holed to one strict position.
3. At this level, many 2's and 3's are interchangeable. The seven players will be playing the positions. Honestly, it's probably closer to 8 players at those the positions once all is said and done.

If you want to back up your claim, do so. I slotted names into positions. Who are the 7 guys slotted into 2 positions? Because looking at next year's roster, there is no way that is a logical conclusion.

[Dawson Rental]

I agree with this, absolutely. Everybody knows we need a PG, but putting that on a 150 recruit frosh is un- realistic. While we all hope he could be the answer, a lot has to happen. First, can we get him, 2nd, as a frosh, what do we expect. Lots of people on this board do not think Duane is a PG, yet, he was much more highly rated as a recruit, and a PG, and has two years in the system already. But plenty of people are not sold on him.
Things do not look that great for next year at PG, either. Maybe the keys need to be placed in somebody else's hands.

Did you hit your head on a door jam?  Our best option among those on the team this year was Derrick, and Dean "the dream" ain't walking through the door next year.

[Dave Krupinski]

Traci Carter would be 4 year starter for you. Very solid, consistent, college ready player. Was injured all of last summer which had low major-mid major coaches very hopeful he'd fall under the radar.

Malik Ellison also mentioned is going to be a serious steal for someone this spring. Kid just keeps growing and getting better. I can't believe at the lack of attention he's getting. Top 75 talent.

[jsglow]

Traci Carter would be 4 year starter for you. Very solid, consistent, college ready player. Was injured all of last summer which had low major-mid major coaches very hopeful he'd fall under the radar.

Malik Ellison also mentioned is going to be a serious steal for someone this spring. Kid just keeps growing and getting better. I can't believe at the lack of attention he's getting. Top 75 talent.

Welcome back Dave.  We're hoping he sees the opportunity here and shakes Wojo's hand this weekend at his visit.  Your Johnnies have put together a nice little run.  Sorry that we've got to do everything possible to spoil it for one evening.

[Juan Anderson's Mixtape]

Traci Carter would be 4 year starter for you. Very solid, consistent, college ready player. Was injured all of last summer which had low major-mid major coaches very hopeful he'd fall under the radar.

Malik Ellison also mentioned is going to be a serious steal for someone this spring. Kid just keeps growing and getting better. I can't believe at the lack of attention he's getting. Top 75 talent.

Thanks for the info.  From that perspective it's clear why Wojo has Carter as his PG priority over someone like Dequon Miller.  If Carter can be a 4 year starter vs Miller being a 2 year starter, that's a clear edge for Carter.  Really hope Wojo lands his guy but both are talented. If Carter goes elsewhere I'd still be excited to get Miller.

[Lighthouse 84]

Traci Carter would be 4 year starter for you. Very solid, consistent, college ready player. Was injured all of last summer which had low major-mid major coaches very hopeful he'd fall under the radar.

Malik Ellison also mentioned is going to be a serious steal for someone this spring. Kid just keeps growing and getting better. I can't believe at the lack of attention he's getting. Top 75 talent.

He's a 2, correct?  Any other 1s who are going to be a steal?

[MU82]

I don't think anybody can conclude what Wojo "prefers" based on what he has "shown" this year.  He was handed a roster short on both talent and height.  He's had to manage getting through games with as little as 6 healthy scholarship layers and at most 9.  I think Wojo playing 3 guards, a forward, and a center has more to do with getting the 5 best players on the floor and less to do with wanting to play 3 guys who could possibly all play point guard.

Respect the process, ai'na?

Exactly. We are short on talent. We need more of it. As long as each position is "filled" -- and PG already is because Duane could play there in a worst-case scenario that wouldn't be bad at all -- you just go out and get the best players you can.

We're 11-17. We need great players everywhere.

[GOO]

Exactly. We are short on talent. We need more of it. As long as each position is "filled" -- and PG already is because Duane could play there in a worst-case scenario that wouldn't be bad at all -- you just go out and get the best players you can.

We're 11-17. We need great players everywhere.

But, if Duane has to play point a lot, that means he is not at the 2 and someone with less ready is at the 2, of course.  We need a one so that our best player going into next year can concentrate on being a scorer and opening up the lane for our big guys.

[Golden Avalanche]

Traci Carter would be 4 year starter for you. Very solid, consistent, college ready player. Was injured all of last summer which had low major-mid major coaches very hopeful he'd fall under the radar.

Malik Ellison also mentioned is going to be a serious steal for someone this spring. Kid just keeps growing and getting better. I can't believe at the lack of attention he's getting. Top 75 talent.

As I wrote a few pages back, landing Carter would be a coup for Wojo.

[LAZER]

As I wrote a few pages back, landing Carter would be a coup for Wojo.

Given the quality of recruit and the schools MU is going up against, I think a "coup" is overstating it a bit.

[wadesworld]

Given the quality of recruit and the schools MU is going up against, I think a "coup" is overstating it a bit.

Beating out UConn, Xavier, Memphis, and Creighton (along with interest at one point or another from Tennessee, Indiana, Florida State, Missouri, St. John's, Providence, Cal, Pitt, NC State, BC, and Seton Hall) for a 4 star point guard who was injured during the most important evaluation period would be a major coup.

[Brewtown Andy]

Given the quality of recruit and the schools MU is going up against, I think a "coup" is overstating it a bit.

He has 11 predictions on 247.  4 Louisville, 6 UConn, 1 Xavier.  The UConn & Xavier predictions are all since the start of February.

Swiping a recruit out from underneath UConn and away from a conference rival?  Coup is a solid term.