Creighton

[amen426]

Win Saturday, solidify bid, 10 wins, 3rd place in BE .. and .. would Wojo be the BE Coach of the Year?

Honestly I think it'd be between Cooley and Holtmann. Holtmann will likely get it, but crap. But Providence being relevant again this year is my biggest surprise in the conference.

After losing Dunn and Bentil, Providence is still set to finish #3 or 4 in conference w/ a win Saturday. Not bad for a team that was the Preseason #9. Impressive season for the Friars.

[RJax55]

I agree on Cooley. Losing Dunn and Bentil were huge losses. He's done an impressive job. And, not just this year, overall he's been very good at Providence.

[79Warrior]

No.

My guess is they start

[amen426]

I'm pretty sure in the past, Wojo has not started the seniors if they weren't normally starters.

There's zero credence to this.

In 2015, Carlino, Juan and Derrick Wilson started. These were the only seniors.

In 2016, we had no seniors. Therefore no one started.

I'm all for starting Jajuan and Luke. They've been with the program 4 years. Wojo will absolutely start them on Saturday. I would put money on it.

Starting the game doesn't mean we're rolling with this lineup all game, or trying to mess with our fast-starts. It's a 4-minute situation that can easily be substituted out. But JJJ outplayed Duane the last few games, and has been every bit deserving of getting his starting job back. Luke will likely pick up a quick foul, and sit anyways. May as well let him start. Last time he played Creighton he got Patton to pick up 2 quick fouls.

I like the tradition of starting your Seniors on Senior Day, as long as its reasonable.

Katin is the only one I'm unsure of. He's a grad transfer. He's already gone through the Senior Day at another school. He wouldn't lose any sleep if he doesn't get that here. So I'm fine with him coming off the bench. But it wouldn't shock me to see him inserted in the lineup to start for Hauser.

[cheebs09]

There's zero credence to this.

In 2015, Carlino, Juan and Derrick Wilson started. These were the only seniors.

In 2016, we had no seniors. Therefore no one started.

I'm all for starting Jajuan and Luke. They've been with the program 4 years. Wojo will absolutely start them on Saturday. I would put money on it.

Starting the game doesn't mean we're rolling with this lineup all game, or trying to mess with our fast-starts. It's a 4-minute situation that can easily be substituted out. But JJJ outplayed Duane the last few games, and has been every bit deserving of getting his starting job back. Luke will likely pick up a quick foul, and sit anyways. May as well let him start. Last time he played Creighton he got Patton to pick up 2 quick fouls.

I like the tradition of starting your Seniors on Senior Day, as long as its reasonable.

Katin is the only one I'm unsure of. He's a grad transfer. He's already gone through the Senior Day at another school. He wouldn't lose any sleep if he doesn't get that here. So I'm fine with him coming off the bench. But it wouldn't shock me to see him inserted in the lineup to start for Hauser.

Thanks for the correction. For some reason I felt like Wojo, didn't go out of his normal lineup for seniors, but the memory must be going a bit.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Thanks for the correction. For some reason I felt like Wojo, didn't go out of his normal lineup for seniors, but the memory must be going a bit.

What you probably remember is Mache not starting last season. Buzz started walk ons for senior night IIRC. But that is a rarity

[CreightonWarrior]

What to say about Creighton. We went from making our first S16 ever being an after thought with aspirations for a F4 to the realization that we'll be a 7-8 seed getting crushed in the second round by the Dukes and the UNCs of the world for the umpteenth time after one torn ACL. Since it happened I've likened the injury to the Packers losing Rodgers. Sure you have the fire power with Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Marcus Foster, Cole Huff, but the ball just doesn't get there the same when its Scott Tolzein or Matt Flynn or Davian Mintz and Isaiah Zierden.

We're now 10 games into the post Watson era and there's much to show for it, nor have we found a reliable solution. Outside of a road win at Butler and a blowout of Georgetown at home it hasn't been inspiring. Mac couldn't get Mintz into the game during non-conference season to get him any experience, instead relying more on IZ and walk-on Clement to relieve Watson for short breathers, stunting any progress Mintz could make as a true freshman PG. Now, we'd love to hand Mintz the keys and let him go but he's not ready. Its been a disaster.

I've read enough and watched enough to understand the way to beat Marquette is to take them off the 3 point line. Physical guards and forwards can do that, I don't think Creighton has anyone like that besides Khyri Thomas. Watching our PGs try to guard Howard or Rowsey (he's fun to watch) will be humorous.

Patton has seem to hit a wall the past few games and can still get worked pretty easily inside. He's only real strength is secondary defense on drives. Maybe our bigger bodied Hanson can neutralize Fischer inside one on one so that our guards can focus on the 3 but I don't think he's fully healthy, 10 MPG has seem to be his cap since coming back from injury.

Guarding Reinhardt will be our biggest obstacle, in my opinion. Cole Huff has had knee issues since he's been at Creighton and is maybe our worst defender and Hegner just doesn't have the foot speed to keep up with him.

These are two teams that are headed in different directions. Sucks to see a record finish destroyed by injury. I'd bet the house on anything less than -6 Marquette. Good luck

[Bocephys]

What you probably remember is Mache not starting last season. Buzz started walk ons for senior night IIRC. But that is a rarity

I don't think anyone has ever started walk-ons for senior night.  Here's Frozena's: http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/boxscore?gameId=310610269

[MerrittsMustache]

What you probably remember is Mache not starting last season. Buzz started walk ons for senior night IIRC. But that is a rarity

Frozena was announced in the intros but didn't actually start.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Frozena was announced in the intros but didn't actually start.

Huh, I coulda sworn there was one where he was subbed out instantly. Musta been thinking of this

[awilhelmscream]

Win Saturday, solidify bid, 10 wins, 3rd place in BE .. and .. would Wojo be the BE Coach of the Year?

It's almost gotta be Cooley this year.  After losing Dunn and Bentil and being in the position he's got PC in.  Wojo is a close second though for sure.

[JamilJaeJamailJrJuan]

It's almost gotta be Cooley this year.  After losing Dunn and Bentil and being in the position he's got PC in.  Wojo is a close second though for sure.

Really?  Chris Holtman all day for me. 

[Stretchdeltsig]

Thought this post was "Creighton."'

[BM1090]

Jay Wright. Chris Holtmann. Nobody else should be under consideration.

Cooley I GUESS I could see, but it's a stretch.

[rocky_warrior]

We're now 10 games into the post Watson era and there's much to show for it, nor have we found a reliable solution. Outside of a road win at Butler and a blowout of Georgetown at home it hasn't been inspiring.

Appreciate your input.  At least I'm happy Creighton hasn't fallen apart like Xavier after losing their PG (although MU probably wouldn't be tourney worthy without those two X wins, hah).  Hey, a win @ Butler is impressive.  Nonetheless, I still expect a fun game, Creighton can still score, and MU doesn't play much D.

[JamilJaeJamailJrJuan]

What to say about Creighton. We went from making our first S16 ever being an after thought with aspirations for a F4 to the realization that we'll be a 7-8 seed getting crushed in the second round by the Dukes and the UNCs of the world for the umpteenth time after one torn ACL. Since it happened I've likened the injury to the Packers losing Rodgers. Sure you have the fire power with Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, Marcus Foster, Cole Huff, but the ball just doesn't get there the same when its Scott Tolzein or Matt Flynn or Davian Mintz and Isaiah Zierden.

We're now 10 games into the post Watson era and there's much to show for it, nor have we found a reliable solution. Outside of a road win at Butler and a blowout of Georgetown at home it hasn't been inspiring. Mac couldn't get Mintz into the game during non-conference season to get him any experience, instead relying more on IZ and walk-on Clement to relieve Watson for short breathers, stunting any progress Mintz could make as a true freshman PG. Now, we'd love to hand Mintz the keys and let him go but he's not ready. Its been a disaster.

I've read enough and watched enough to understand the way to beat Marquette is to take them off the 3 point line. Physical guards and forwards can do that, I don't think Creighton has anyone like that besides Khyri Thomas. Watching our PGs try to guard Howard or Rowsey (he's fun to watch) will be humorous.

Patton has seem to hit a wall the past few games and can still get worked pretty easily inside. He's only real strength is secondary defense on drives. Maybe our bigger bodied Hanson can neutralize Fischer inside one on one so that our guards can focus on the 3 but I don't think he's fully healthy, 10 MPG has seem to be his cap since coming back from injury.

Guarding Reinhardt will be our biggest obstacle, in my opinion. Cole Huff has had knee issues since he's been at Creighton and is maybe our worst defender and Hegner just doesn't have the foot speed to keep up with him.

These are two teams that are headed in different directions. Sucks to see a record finish destroyed by injury. I'd bet the house on anything less than -6 Marquette. Good luck

Thanks for the post.  I feel ya, man.  But you guys are definitely pointed in the right direction long term, even if this year isn't going to turn out how you want it to.  And I think can speak for nearly everyone here in saying that we'll be pulling for you in the NCAAs.

As for your PG situation, I hadn't looked at Mintz game log since we last played. Yikes.  The kid looked like a legit option for you guys against us - I was pretty impressed.  I see he hasn't come anywhere near matching that game since.  Hate to see it. 

[jaygall31]

No reason to start the seniors, but it's a nice gesture to announce them at the opening intros. I believe Frozena even got that treatment his senior year (albeit under Buzz).

Agree 100%. If we had 5 wins and this meant nothing, then change what has been working. But there is ZERO reason to change the way we have been starting games. Even on Senior Day.
They get it.

[jaygall31]

Thanks for the correction. For some reason I felt like Wojo, didn't go out of his normal lineup for seniors, but the memory must be going a bit.

You guys may all be right in stating you think Coach will start seniors tomorrow. I just strongly disagree with the philosophy. I really do.

[jsglow]

CW, we sincerely appreciate your contribution to our board.  We wish your Jays (along with everyone else of our BEast brethren) success in this year's Dance.

[MUBigDance]

What to say about Creighton....

Thanks, nice post...wish all the BE boards had knowledge sharing...full on forums would devolve I fear...but stuff like this is great.

I agree with JJJJJJJJ you are headed in the right direction...did I hear you mention two great freshmen? Yes I did...if Patton will stay a couple more years, you guys will be at the top of the BE.

Note: We have a couple of freshmen too...we also have hopes.

I also like your coach...not sure why  ...but he seems like a quality guy. 

See you in the F4 (as long as you're not in our region  )

[wadesworld]

This ain't high school ball.  This is a multimillion dollar business.  You're playing to lock yourself into the NCAA Tournament for the first time in four years.  You don't change what is working just to make a few guys feel warm and fuzzy about themselves.  Winning and getting to the Tournament will be a much better feeling for the seniors than losing but having been on the floor for the tipoff.  They'll get their little ceremony regardless of whether they start or not.

[79Warrior]

This ain't high school ball.  This is a multimillion dollar business.  You're playing to lock yourself into the NCAA Tournament for the first time in four years.  You don't change what is working just to make a few guys feel warm and fuzzy about themselves.  Winning and getting to the Tournament will be a much better feeling for the seniors than losing but having been on the floor for the tipoff.  They'll get their little ceremony regardless of whether they start or not.

Funny, I thought we are a University that cares about student athletes and honoring them with a start on their final home game is the correct thing to do. Maybe I'm wrong.

[#UnleashSean]

Funny, I thought we are a University that cares about student athletes and honoring them with a start on their final home game is the correct thing to do. Maybe I'm wrong.

You are.

[Juan Anderson's Mixtape]

Funny, I thought we are a University that cares about student athletes and honoring them with a start on their final home game is the correct thing to do. Maybe I'm wrong.

"Correct" is a matter of opinion.  Too much at stake, in my opinion, to risk the goals of the team for a symbolic gesture to 3 individuals. Besides, starting no matta.

[wadesworld]

Funny, I thought we are a University that cares about student athletes and honoring them with a start on their final home game is the correct thing to do. Maybe I'm wrong.

The University cares about the student athletes and honoring them with a pregame ceremony.  The basketball program is in the business of winning basketball games.  The correct thing to do is honor them by getting a win that puts them into their first NCAA Tournament together.