JJ's ceiling

[tower912]

The last few games from JJ is what I think we all have been waiting for and expecting since he arrived at Marquette.   I recognize that this is potentially opening a can of worms, but IMO he has finally bought into what Wojo and company have been preaching and the benching during the second half of the first Creighton game was the final turning point.   
   So, is this finally the new normal?     If so, what are your expectations from him next season?   I do not believe there is any way he can play the 4.    I don't think he could possibly add enough muscle to compete with the 240 lb'ers.    I think he starts at the 3 and averages 15/5/3/2 (steals).   And I think he has finally bought in enough that he becomes a leader next year.    What we have seen over the last few games IS the new normal.   

[GGGG]

Depends on the line up they are facing, but I think it might be fun to see a line up of Luke, JJJ, Duane, Traci and Haanif.  I think Haanif can guard a bigger more athletic guy better than JJJ.  (In fact I think that might end up being our starting line up next year anyway.)

I think JJJ is going to have a great year next year.

[tower912]

Haanif guarded Copeland during the G-town game when JJ couldn't handle him.   

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

In terms of guessing actual numbers, it depends on the roster looks like. If Henry stays or we get a quality grad transfer PF, then there will be less shots and boards for JJJ.

Assuming HE leaves and no grad transfer? I think 15/5/3/2 is a very realistic stat line. I could see even more rebounds. We are going to need him to be very active on the boards if we are going to be any good.

[MerrittsMustache]

Since the first St. John's game where he played only 10 minutes, JJJ's stats have been...

13 G
12 GS
28.8 min
12.4 pts
63-114 FG (55.3%)
12-26 3P (46.2%)
23-30 FT (76.7%)
4.3 reb
2.8 ast
1.6 stl
0.2 blk
2.0 TO

Obviously his FG% won't stay that high but 15/5/3/2 seems very realistic for next season.

[We R Final Four]

I love what JJ has done all around this season-especially on the offensive end. Not pressing too hard. Getting to the lane, etc.
However, JJ's weak side rebounding is very bad. 2 or 3 times a game, he is caught looking at the dribbler/shooter while effortlessly his man rebounds a missed shot on the weakside. This needs to improve next season.

[PGsHeroes32]

And the it's no coincidence the only blah game we've had recently is the one where JJJ was benched for a half for pretty much no reason at all.

[CAGASS24]

Offensively no doubt possible - his defense remains, imo, awful and he seems to continue to lose intensity at times - but all around been a pleasant surprise this year with his offense

[Stretchdeltsig]

Agree.   JJJ reminds me of a guy that wore no.24 and plAyed for Al.  He would take over games in the second half.  I think JJJ can be that good.

[bilsu]

I think he is going to have a big senior season(600+ points).

[hdog1017]

Will probably average 25 a game next year. 

[brandx]

Depends on the line up they are facing, but I think it might be fun to see a line up of Luke, JJJ, Duane, Traci and Haanif.  I think Haanif can guard a bigger more athletic guy better than JJJ.  (In fact I think that might end up being our starting line up next year anyway.)

I think JJJ is going to have a great year next year.

I know Duke liked to use a lot of guards on the floor at the same time, but I can't see a starting lineup with a center and 4 guards (unless, God forbid, we have no choice). JJJ may be playing forward for us, but he is a wing guard.

[bobnoxious]

Will probably average 25 a game next year.

Wheres next years final four? Need to book tickets if thats gonna happen

[Lennys Tap]

Agree.   JJJ reminds me of a guy that wore no.24 and plAyed for Al.  He would take over games in the second half.  I think JJJ can be that good.

For the first time in almost 3 years JJ has put together a real run. I'm bullish going forward and think he could be 2nd or 3rd team all big east next year - but George Thompson good? No way, no how.

[4everwarriors]

There is absolutely zero comparison between Johnson and Brute Force, ai na?

[mug644]

...I do not believe there is any way he can play the 4.    I don't think he could possibly add enough muscle to compete with the 240 lb'ers...   

...I think Haanif can guard a bigger more athletic guy better than JJJ...

Haanif guarded Copeland during the G-town game when JJ couldn't handle him.

Copeland isn't exactly that 240lb power forward that Tower (correctly) worries about JJJ guarding. I don't really believe that Haanif could defend such a player either, leaving the reality that the team needs a bulky 4 for next year, not necessarily to replace Henry's offense, but to play defense (and better than Henry does).

[Stretchdeltsig]

Forever, please drop the main na.  It will help your credibility.

[MU82]

Since the first St. John's game where he played only 10 minutes, JJJ's stats have been...

13 G
12 GS
28.8 min
12.4 pts
63-114 FG (55.3%)
12-26 3P (46.2%)
23-30 FT (76.7%)
4.3 reb
2.8 ast
1.6 stl
0.2 blk
2.0 TO

Obviously his FG% won't stay that high but 15/5/3/2 seems very realistic for next season.

Hokey smokes ... I knew he was shooting 3s better, but I didn't know he was almost at 50%. Yowsa!

[WarriorFan]

I guess the improved shooting form really works!

I think we're dealing with a lot of raw talent in JJJ who came through HS and AAU systems that didn't  develop players at all, just throw out the ball and let 'em run - and then Brent didn't develop players much so he's had now two years of actual focused coaching trying to get him better - and he's responded exceptionally well.  Another year of this type of improvement and I think he's better than Vander.

- better shooter
- quicker
- taller
- equally good defensively, better when he focuses
- better at getting into the passing lanes (in a system that lets him do so)
- I'm guessing he has a longer wing span
- better at passing, especially in the lane

Well done to the coaching staff and to JJJ. 

[brandx]

For the first time in almost 3 years JJ has put together a real run. I'm bullish going forward and think he could be 2nd or 3rd team all big east next year - but George Thompson good? No way, no how.

Saying JJJ can be as good as Brute Force is like saying I can be as rich as Bill gates.

[#UnleashSean]

I see JJ as in the same boat as Jamil Wilson. A guy who has always had ton of talent, who showed flashes of stardom, but could never pull himself into being a competent high caliber player. Unlike Jamil, I believe that JJ has finally found himself, and has learned how to bring his full talents to each game.

What do these two players differ in? Coaching. Credit to Wojo, or whoever brought this kid into what we see now, unlike what Buzz did with Wilson.

[mug644]

What do these two players differ in? Coaching. Credit to Wojo, or whoever brought this kid into what we see now, unlike what Buzz did with Wilson.

You almost undermine your own theory about coaching being the difference when you say, "or whoever brought this kid into what we see now." Maybe JJ is the whoever. Perhaps he's opted to commit himself to improving and being consistent in a way that Jamil never did. Plus, don't we all say it was Buzz who transformed JFB, for example?

[Anti-Dentite]

You almost undermine your own theory about coaching being the difference when you say, "or whoever brought this kid into what we see now." Maybe JJ is the whoever. Perhaps he's opted to commit himself to improving and being consistent in a way that Jamil never did. Plus, don't we all say it was Buzz who transformed JFB, for example?

Seriously, when did this revisionist history begin regarding Buzz. I get that many hate him but come on, the guy was very good with player development.

[Frenns Liquor Depot]

Seriously, when did this revisionist history begin regarding Buzz. I get that many hate him but come on, the guy was very good with player development.

He had a lot of success with experienced players....with young players not so much.  I am a fan of Buzz - but that is the track record.

[GGGG]

I see JJ as in the same boat as Jamil Wilson. A guy who has always had ton of talent, who showed flashes of stardom, but could never pull himself into being a competent high caliber player. Unlike Jamil, I believe that JJ has finally found himself, and has learned how to bring his full talents to each game.

What do these two players differ in? Coaching. Credit to Wojo, or whoever brought this kid into what we see now, unlike what Buzz did with Wilson.

IMO at no point has JJJ been a better player than Jamil. Maybe he will have a better senior year but I think you are underrating Jamil.