Where Johnson?

[mug644]

Had other things happening this evening and just tuned in. The box score shows no Johnson so far. Is that right? What's up?

[GoldenZebra]

Probably benched.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

On the bench. Coaches decision. Hopefully he responds like he did after he was benched against Creighton last season.

[mug644]

With the starting lineup, especially leaving Luke out, plus Johnson's benching is certainly a message being sent by Wojo. Let's hope it is well received. So far, those playing seem to be responding. Especially that 17 year old!

[TSmith34, Inc.]

Had other things happening this evening and just tuned in. The box score shows no Johnson so far. Is that right? What's up?

Watching the 17 point lead

[mug644]

Watching the 17 point lead

Addition by subtraction?

[rocket surgeon]

has one of the best seats in the house-free

[JD]

Been watching jujuan all game, don't see him clapping, or encouraging teammates.  Anyone else notice the same?

[Spaniel with a Short Tail]

[T-Bone]

Had Marquette not performed, how would the message be received?

[mug644]

Had Marquette not performed, how would the message be received?

Fair question. Fortunately, not necessary to answer.

More importantly, the message delivered is for the rest of the season, not just this game. Johnson remains an important player going forward.

Now that the game ended, will Homer and Mac ask Wojo about Johnson. They didn't mention his absence during the last 11 minutes or so that I heard.

[DUNKS45]

Yeah big message sent by Wojo, we need JjJ the rest of the way, I hope it works and he brings it for the remainder of his senior year.

[T-Bone]

Yeah, I'm glad we were able to win without him.  I have trouble with taking a chance like that - tough call to make for Wojo.

Bigger message to the rest of the team is no one of you is bigger than this team.

[TSmith34, Inc.]

Hopefully JJJ watches film of himself from the back half of last year's BE schedule. He seems to have forgotten what made him so good in the last 11 games last year.

[4everwarriors]

Potential transfer, ai na?

[Loose Cannon]

  The Questions is: What did the Coaches see in this week's practice that put him on the bench??

[skianth16]

Had Marquette not performed, how would the message be received?

I hate to say it, but playing X without their 2 leading scorers is a safe time to send a message. I think it's an unnecessary move by Wojo, and it shows his youth as a coach. You don't see HOFers pulling stunts like that in must-win games. He got lucky it worked against an injured opponent.

[Xact]

  The Questions is: What did the Coaches see in this week's practice that put him on the bench??

It's probably what they didn't see...

[tower912]

If KR had fouled out, who would have gone in?

[avid1010]

multi-million dollar first head coaching job...in as much of a "must win" situation as you can find...he benches jjj...and people get on a message board (after MU wins by 22) and act like wojo didn't realize the seriousness of his decision.  blows my friggin' mind.

[Lennys Tap]

I hate to say it, but playing X without their 2 leading scorers is a safe time to send a message. I think it's an unnecessary move by Wojo, and it shows his youth as a coach. You don't see HOFers pulling stunts like that in must-win games. He got lucky it worked against an injured opponent.

How would you (or me or anyone on Scoop) know whether the JJJ benching was necessary? Personally, I hate it when coaches suspend or bench a player for a meaningless cupcake game. Phony. Wojo laid it on the line tonight and the team responded. Kudos to him and them.

[skianth16]

multi-million dollar first head coaching job...in as much of a "must win" situation as you can find...he benches jjj...and people get on a message board (after MU wins by 22) and act like wojo didn't realize the seriousness of his decision.  blows my friggin' mind.

X is playing without their studs. This is an easy game for Wojo to pull an aggressive move. Still not convinced. And I still think hes in over his head.

[rocky_warrior]

X is playing without their studs. This is an easy game for Wojo to pull an aggressive move. Still not convinced. And I still think hes in over his head.

Hah.  You're welcome to your opinion.  However, stating it after we blow out any Div 1 team by 22 makes it just sound like sour grapes.

[dsfire]

If KR had fouled out, who would have gone in?

I think Duane was available on the bench at that point (to go with Howard, Rowsey, Cheatham and Hauser on the floor). Unless he decided to go straight to the walk-ons.

[jesmu84]

Walk ons got minutes before JJJ. Good.