Blue Demons Thoughts

[HutchwasClutch]

In general, I don't believe Duane has shown the kind of decision-making instincts that top point guards have. He charges way too much, dribbles into traffic way too much, and looks for himself instead of others way too much.

He might yet grow into that role, at least on a part-time basis, but we have seen over the course of the season why Wojo regards him as more of a 2-guard.

Still very high on Duane and think he can be a heck of an impact player, especially if he gets a little more consistent with his outside shot.

Nailed it, good analysis.

[wadesworld]

C'mon, the height on next year's team is nothing compared to when we had the 6'8" M(arcus)agic Jackson running the point!

[HutchwasClutch]

It's a problem for him at any position.  Has got to pump the iron and chug the Muscle Milk over the next eight months.

That does beg the question, how come he's almost two full seasons in at MU, and still has these incredibly skinny arms and small upper body?  What have they been doing with him since the summer of 2013???

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

I doubt we'll see Henry at the three very often next year. I know we've heard about his perimeter game and how he has a great handle for a big man but this is high major college basketball. I don't think he would have the handle, speed, or quickness to keep up with other BEast wings. He'll spend more time at the 5 than he will at the 3. I think our line up in the post will look something like:

4: Henry 20 minutes, Steve 20 minutes
5: Luke 25 minutes, Henry 10 minutes, Heldt 5 minutes

[wadesworld]

I doubt we'll see Henry at the three very often next year. I know we've heard about his perimeter game and how he has a great handle for a big man but this is high major college basketball. I don't think he would have the handle, speed, or quickness to keep up with other BEast wings. He'll spend more time at the 5 than he will at the 3. I think our line up in the post will look something like:

4: Henry 20 minutes, Steve 20 minutes
5: Luke 25 minutes, Henry 10 minutes, Heldt 5 minutes

I think you'll be surprised by Hank's skills. He's certainly got the ability to play the 3. I just don't think we'll see it due to only having 2 other bigs who I think will be able to contribute.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

I think you'll be surprised by Hank's skills. He's certainly got the ability to play the 3. I just don't think we'll see it due to only having 2 other bigs who I think will be able to contribute.

I hope you're right but I just don't see it. That being said, I think he will be a dominate PF.

[willie warrior]

If JJJ had better handles I would love to see him have a chance to run the point. Probably the best distributor on our team and can drive to the basket. Thoughts?

So....we have come full circle now...JJJ shouldn't be playing and will transfer to playing him at the point? let's see in some posts above we have
C Fischer
PF Steve
SF Henry
2G ?
PG JJJ or Carter
Guess this means that Duane goes from All American to bench buddy, according to some speculation. I guess we fans are really fickle based on one or two games. (and in some cases, 0 games)

[GooooMarquette]

It's an interesting situation.  Duane seems to have the slightly better handle and is certainly a better shooter, but JJJ seems better at distributing the ball inside.  The question I have with both whether they can consistently bring it up against pressure without turning it over.  Even with the shooting flaws, we could almost always count on Derrick getting us up court safely.

The last guy we had who could consistently dribble against pressure, pass and shoot was Acker.  Before that, it was Diener.

[muwar2003]

JJj can never be a point guard.  He has trouble any time anyone guards him tight.  I don't like him bringing the ball up anytime.

[HutchwasClutch]

DePaul men's basketball, like the Bears, still sucks.  What is the deal their program has perenially been in the Big East basement?  They paid a lot of money to bring in Purnell, a guy who was successful at two schools prior to DePaul, one of them being Clemson, not exactly an ACC power.   

[real chili 83]

I doubt we'll see Henry at the three very often next year. I know we've heard about his perimeter game and how he has a great handle for a big man but this is high major college basketball. I don't think he would have the handle, speed, or quickness to keep up with other BEast wings. He'll spend more time at the 5 than he will at the 3. I think our line up in the post will look something like:

4: Henry 20 minutes, Steve 20 minutes
5: Luke 25 minutes, Henry 10 minutes, Heldt 5 minutes

Have you seen Henry in person?

[Babybluejeans]

Duane reminds me of Jerel his freshman year: there's a noticeable smoothness to his game, but he's a poor decisionmaker. That will change--he's still a freshman after all and won't be raw forever. It will also benefit him that he seems to have the intangibles like leadership (even as a frosh). Jerel looked so much more comfortable in his decionmaking his 2nd year and I expect Duane will too. (But probably not as a our PG.)

[jsglow]

I'm still of the opinion that we'll see Luke, Steve and Henry together for significant stretches.  Some have argued that this leaves no big in reserve.  Sorry.  THIS year we had no big in reserve whatsoever and we're still seeing the Luke/Steve combo emerge. Yesterday they played exactly 22 minutes together, with absolutely no one in reserve.  And I think we can all agree that they are starting to develop some real chemistry together.  I'm confident Wojo sees it.  

I promise that anyone we put on the floor next year at the #5 will be a huge upgrade to when we were forced to ask Juan to give it a few minutes this year.  Heldt isn't a walk on.  He's playing meaningful BEast minutes next year.  Guessing about 5-10.  Plus Henry is certainly an option at the #5 and will likely see 30+ minutes somewhere every night.

[GGGG]

I doubt we'll see Henry at the three very often next year. I know we've heard about his perimeter game and how he has a great handle for a big man but this is high major college basketball. I don't think he would have the handle, speed, or quickness to keep up with other BEast wings. He'll spend more time at the 5 than he will at the 3. I think our line up in the post will look something like:

4: Henry 20 minutes, Steve 20 minutes
5: Luke 25 minutes, Henry 10 minutes, Heldt 5 minutes

Henry isn't a post player.  I would be very surprised.

[dgies9156]

At least STJ is giving everyone reason for optimism going into next year, because three- four weeks ago, I don't think anyone on this board felt that way.  I sure didn't.  Really happy to see him contribute like he has.  I do wish he would keep his offensive game from 17 feet on in.   It seems he takes 1 or 2 threes every game, and since the Creighton road loss has been coming up empty.  His ideal range just isn't out to 20 feet.

You think some of this might just possibly be --  coaching?

I was there yesterday and while the game was against DePaul, I felt there were some promising takeaways. When help arrives, we'll be in a much better position.

Some thoughts:

1) Way too many threes as a percentage of our shots. Seemed like we always either raced down and heaved a three up or jammed it inside. We didn't seem to be able to get many mid-range jumpers.
2) Was Carlino off-balance way too often when shooting threes? Maybe it was my vantage point, but he seemed like he was leaning or on one foot too often when he shot.
3) Steve was a strong presence. Way to go Stevie! Luke was the stud because of you!
4) Maybe I'm looking for a needle in a  haystack, but it sure seemed at yesterday's game like there was something to build off for next year.

[BCHoopster]

There is something to build off next year but MU played a horribly coached DePaul team, that looked like they could have cared less.  MU will be better just because what is being subtracted and the additions so far that they are getting.  Even without a point guard in tow yet it will be better than last.  Luke better, having Ellenson will give MU size and scoring, Taylor a little, add a
back-up in Heldt frontcourt fine.  Then who knows, is Duane a potential star player or just a player?  Yesterday he was horrible.  There will be playing time for the other 3 spots, hope a few can improve.

[GGGG]

You think some of this might just possibly be --  coaching?

I was there yesterday and while the game was against DePaul, I felt there were some promising takeaways. When help arrives, we'll be in a much better position.

Some thoughts:

1) Way too many threes as a percentage of our shots. Seemed like we always either raced down and heaved a three up or jammed it inside. We didn't seem to be able to get many mid-range jumpers.
2) Was Carlino off-balance way too often when shooting threes? Maybe it was my vantage point, but he seemed like he was leaning or on one foot too often when he shot.
3) Steve was a strong presence. Way to go Stevie! Luke was the stud because of you!
4) Maybe I'm looking for a needle in a  haystack, but it sure seemed at yesterday's game like there was something to build off for next year.

Carlino seemed to be rushing his shot at times, so yeah I agree with #2.

And I do agree with #4.  I have said this for awhile, but there are a number of things to build on for next year even in the final couple weeks.

[nyg]

There is something to build off next year but MU played a horribly coached DePaul team, that looked like they could have cared less.  MU will be better just because what is being subtracted and the additions so far that they are getting.  Even without a point guard in tow yet it will be better than last.  Luke better, having Ellenson will give MU size and scoring, Taylor a little, add a
back-up in Heldt frontcourt fine.  Then who knows, is Duane a potential star player or just a player?  Yesterday he was horrible.  There will be playing time for the other 3 spots, hope a few can improve.

Yes, a horribly coached Depaul team.  They were rushing down the court and just firing away, defense was just fair.

How does Purnell last?  He has a 33% record at Depaul.  Other coaches have been terminated for much less than his performance as head coach.

[GGGG]

Yes, a horribly coached Depaul team.  They were rushing down the court and just firing away, defense was just fair.

How does Purnell last?  He has a 33% record at Depaul.  Other coaches have been terminated for much less than his performance as head coach.

Big contract buy out.

Really the last two hires have been awful.  They went the old retread route in Wainwright and Purnell after Leitao had some success, but then left them for Virginia.

That franchise is in need of a young, energetic guy.  I wonder if a guy like Isaac Chew would be good for them given his Chicago connections.

[JamilJaeJamailJrJuan]

Carlino seemed to be rushing his shot at times, so yeah I agree with #2.

I am totally fine with Carlinos shot selection since returning from injury. He had some dust to knock off and did so. The make up of this team requires Carlino to bomb away.

[jsglow]

Carlino was just a bit off yesterday.  It happens.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Have you seen Henry in person?

I have not, so I fully admit I could be wrong. This isn't the first time I've heard of a high school kid with Henry's size who is supposedly quick enough to play the 3. They almost always end up  playing the 4. You are who you can guard, and I think we will see Henry guarding the post with Luke.

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

I have not, so I fully admit I could be wrong. This isn't the first time I've heard of a high school kid with Henry's size who is supposedly quick enough to play the 3. They almost always end up  playing the 4. You are who you can guard, and I think we will see Henry guarding the post with Luke.

Don't know about the quickness aspect but he may have better handles than anybody on our team not named Duane Wilson. I would love to see a big boy lineup of Fischer, Teve and Henry.

[connie]

At least STJ is giving everyone reason for optimism going into next year, because three- four weeks ago, I don't think anyone on this board felt that way.  I sure didn't.  Really happy to see him contribute like he has.  I do wish he would keep his offensive game from 17 feet on in.   It seems he takes 1 or 2 threes every game, and since the Creighton road loss has been coming up empty.  His ideal range just isn't out to 20 feet.

Steve has been awesome the past two games in a definite position of need.  Keep pulling down boards and you will be a very valuable part of next year's team.

[connie]

You think some of this might just possibly be --  coaching?

I was there yesterday and while the game was against DePaul, I felt there were some promising takeaways. When help arrives, we'll be in a much better position.

Some thoughts:

1) Way too many threes as a percentage of our shots. Seemed like we always either raced down and heaved a three up or jammed it inside. We didn't seem to be able to get many mid-range jumpers.
2) Was Carlino off-balance way too often when shooting threes? Maybe it was my vantage point, but he seemed like he was leaning or on one foot too often when he shot.
3) Steve was a strong presence. Way to go Stevie! Luke was the stud because of you!
4) Maybe I'm looking for a needle in a  haystack, but it sure seemed at yesterday's game like there was something to build off for next year.

Like your points, but I don't know that anyone on the team has a mid range jumper (1).  Everything looks better after a win.