How good will Jajuan be next season?

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Didn't have the credits.

That sounds right. Had heard it was a #donedeal but glad that was wrong

[Knight Commission]

His raw stats for the last 16 games of the 2015-16 season (including the Big East tournament):

454 MIN (28.4 MPG)
79-145 FG (.545 FG%)
64-113 2PT (.566 2PT%)
15-32 3PT (.469 3PT%)
39-46 FT (.848 FT%)
212 PTS (13.3 PPG)
66 REB (4.1 RPG)
44 AST (2.8 APG)
29 STL (1.8 SPG)
31 TO (1.9 TPG)

I don't have the ability to calculate the advanced stats — usage, offensive rating, etc. But it seems pretty clear that he ended the season on a tear. I'm particularly impressed by his overall scoring (18.7 points/40 minutes), 3-point shooting (just under 50% is outstanding, even on 2 attempts a game) and effective field goal percentage (59.7% if I have that correct).

Hope this is a sign of things to come.

Despite the nice production from JJJ, MU was 8-8 during that span. 

[Marcus92]

Despite the nice production from JJJ, MU was 8-8 during that span.

Absolutely true. That included 4 losses against Xavier and Villanova (the 2 teams we simply couldn't beat last year) and the horrifying, unforgivable loss at home ("In my home! In my bedroom, where my wife sleeps; where my children come and play with their toys. In my home!") to DePaul.

To me, last season was proof that one player isn't enough. Henry helped us get better for sure. But for all his skills, he couldn't bring us over the top by himself. The same goes for next season. We need more than Jajuan. We need everyone on this team to step up if we want to go back to the Dance.

JJJ looks ready to do his part.

[BM1090]

Pretty sure

I think you're correct.

[Loose Cannon]

I think you're correct.

The focus is becoming better to me.

[WarriorFan]

So you don't think Heidt can play those 6-7 minutes?

I think Fish gets 23 mins, Heldt gets 10 and the death lineup gets 7.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

I think Fish gets 23 mins, Heldt gets 10 and the death lineup gets 7.

Luke got 28 a game with Henry on the roster. While possible, I would be very surprised if his mpg dropped by 5 with one less big on the roster.

[brewcity77]

I expect Luke to play 32+, barring foul trouble.

[Dr. Blackheart]

I expect Luke to play 32+, barring foul trouble.

Luke had 11 Big East games with 28 minutes or less. He had nine BE games with 4 or 5 fouls.  As it was, Big East coaches went right at him to get him in foul trouble.  With Henry gone, this will be even more systemic. 

Matt Heldt, your table is ready.

[Marcus92]

I could see Luke playing somewhere around 25 mpg — assuming that:

1) Matt has made significant progress in the off-season;
2) He can contribute a meaningful 8-10 minutes a game to give Luke a breather;
3) We play a 9- or 10-man rotation with a more up-tempo style;
4) Keeping Luke a little fresher will be good for him;
5) If nothing else, it might help keep him out of foul trouble;
6) Luke and Matt stay healthy all season;
7) Sandy or Sacar are strong enough to help out the front court;
8) We don't sign a graduate transfer big before the season starts; and
9) Wojo will go small without Luke or Matt on the floor for at least 5-8 minutes.

That seems simple enough to me.

[brewcity77]

Luke had 11 Big East games with 28 minutes or less. He had nine BE games with 4 or 5 fouls.  As it was, Big East coaches went right at him to get him in foul trouble.  With Henry gone, this will be even more systemic. 

Matt Heldt, your table is ready.

So probably 32+ until January 1, then 25 after that

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

I think the comments about Luke are fair. He will have a big target on him every game. He needs to keep out of foul trouble. As much fun as the "mini death" lineup would be, I think it will only be useful in spurts, not for long stretches.

[JamilJaeJamailJrJuan]

That sounds right. Had heard it was a #donedeal but glad that was wrong

How long ago? Back in April?

[GoldenDieners32]

Personally I think this upcoming season will be Jajuan's breakout year..will get him into the 2nd round and MAYBE late first round.

[KampusFoods]

Personally I think this upcoming season will be Jajuan's breakout year..will get him into the 2nd round and MAYBE late first round.

I don't see it. But I hope you're right.

[Marcus92]

As much fun as the "mini death" lineup would be, I think it will only be useful in spurts, not for long stretches.

It really should be the "Mini Warriors" lineup, right?

TAMU Eagle: Now, gentlemen, let me ask you this: What if the Warriors were all 14 inches tall, you know, about so high? Now, what's your score of today's game?

brewcity77: Against the Badgers?

TAMU Eagle: Yes, give 'em a handicap.

brewcity77: Warriors 60, Badgers 34. And that would finally be a good game.

keefe: Yeah, it would be a good game. Mini Warriors 72, Badgers 58.

MU82: What about Al? Would he be mini, too?

TAMU Eagle: No, he would be full-grown.

MU82: Oh, then, uh...Mini Warriors 94, Badgers 23.

brewcity77: Oh, hold on. Then I change mine, too. I thought it was mini Al.

[brewcity77]

Personally I think this upcoming season will be Jajuan's breakout year..will get him into the 2nd round and MAYBE late first round.

I'd love that to be true, but can't really see it. Jajuan is a 6'5" small forward. Doesn't have the physical frame to compete as a NBA three, doesn't have the shooting to play the two, doesn't have the handle to play the one. I think the best case scenario (and with minutes likely spread out this is probably way over-optimistic) he averages 18/4/4 and is first-team Big East. But even doing that, would he be a NBA prospect?

He's still a thin, 6'5" forward. Unless he can add 15-20 pounds of muscle without losing his quickness while also improving his shooting touch, I think it's a long shot.

[wadesworld]

It really should be the "Mini Warriors" lineup, right?

TAMU Eagle: Now, gentlemen, let me ask you this: What if the Warriors were all 14 inches tall, you know, about so high? Now, what's your score of today's game?

brewcity77: Against the Badgers?

TAMU Eagle: Yes, give 'em a handicap.

brewcity77: Warriors 60, Badgers 34. And that would finally be a good game.

keefe: Yeah, it would be a good game. Mini Warriors 72, Badgers 58.

MU82: What about Al? Would he be mini, too?

TAMU Eagle: No, he would be full-grown.

MU82: Oh, then, uh...Mini Warriors 94, Badgers 23.

brewcity77: Oh, hold on. Then I change mine, too. I thought it was mini Al.

It's hologram Al, not mini Al.

[MU82]

It really should be the "Mini Warriors" lineup, right?

TAMU Eagle: Now, gentlemen, let me ask you this: What if the Warriors were all 14 inches tall, you know, about so high? Now, what's your score of today's game?

brewcity77: Against the Badgers?

TAMU Eagle: Yes, give 'em a handicap.

brewcity77: Warriors 60, Badgers 34. And that would finally be a good game.

keefe: Yeah, it would be a good game. Mini Warriors 72, Badgers 58.

MU82: What about Al? Would he be mini, too?

TAMU Eagle: No, he would be full-grown.

MU82: Oh, then, uh...Mini Warriors 94, Badgers 23.

brewcity77: Oh, hold on. Then I change mine, too. I thought it was mini Al.

I was misquoted! (Or as ex-Badger great Cory Blackwell once claimed I did to him: "I was 'unquoted.'" Cory, who actually thought he was better than Isiah Thomas, wasn't the brightest bulb in the box.)

[GGGG]

I'd love that to be true, but can't really see it. Jajuan is a 6'5" small forward. Doesn't have the physical frame to compete as a NBA three, doesn't have the shooting to play the two, doesn't have the handle to play the one. I think the best case scenario (and with minutes likely spread out this is probably way over-optimistic) he averages 18/4/4 and is first-team Big East. But even doing that, would he be a NBA prospect?

He's still a thin, 6'5" forward. Unless he can add 15-20 pounds of muscle without losing his quickness while also improving his shooting touch, I think it's a long shot.

Sometimes I wonder if people watch the NBA because there is nothing about JJJ that indicates to me that he could play there.

[brewcity77]

Sometimes I wonder if people watch the NBA because there is nothing about JJJ that indicates to me that he could play there.

I think he has a better chance of being a first team All American than he does of being drafted. I really like him as a player now, and I was one of his biggest skeptics. Love him to prove me wrong again, but the reality is some of the best college players aren't NBA players. Just ask Scottie Reynolds, Adam Morrison, or Jimmer Fredette.

[MU82]

some of the best college players aren't NBA players.

This is a fact that often escapes folks here.

[wadesworld]

I think he has a better chance of being a first team All American than he does of being drafted. I really like him as a player now, and I was one of his biggest skeptics. Love him to prove me wrong again, but the reality is some of the best college players aren't NBA players. Just ask Scottie Reynolds, Adam Morrison, or Jimmer Fredette.

Biggest problem with this is you say that some of the best college players aren't NBA players and then 2 of your 3 examples were lottery picks.

[brewcity77]

Biggest problem with this is you say that some of the best college players aren't NBA players and then 2 of your 3 examples were lottery picks.

But still weren't NBA players. And as the years go by, I do believe the NBA is getting better at figuring out the difference.

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

The fact that he's 6'5" isn't a problem, it's the fact that he's 6'5" with a wingspan about the same and skinny as a rail. I mean, hell, look at Jae Crowder. He's only 6'5" but he's built like a tank. This year's example is Abdul Nader, 6'6" but with an arm span of 7'1"

I love JJJ, but he's in that weird in between range that Crowder was but isn't a good enough shooter, or strong enough.