Haanif Gone

[1SE]

Having a long bench always better than a short one - gives options and margin. Lots goes on for these kids. And I get the appeal of Wojo being a "straight talker" but you also have to be straight and honest with kids that they could be 9 or 10 in the rotation and they have to be ok with that.

Maybe the problem is trying to recruit 4/5 stars "all the way down". Bring in a few 3 stars - kids with a bit of a chip on their shoulder that know they'll have to work - but also realize (and are happy) to be the 9th or 10th man on a high major team - knowing that they could be called on at any moment and have to step up. Heldt, I think, would have been this type of player had Wojo not failed to recruit a feature big for this year. Sam also could have been this type of player if it hadn't turned out he's actually a stud. and I think Sacar was willing to be close to this (at least in a 7/8 type role) had Haani stayed. If having 10 4/5 stars means two are always dissatisfied and potentially going to bail mid-season, try and recruit a few more diamonds in the rough.

[1SE]

15-star, 7 4-stars, 2 3-stars - the MU recipe for success! 

[Clam Crowder]

By age/class perhaps, but in terms of actual games played, MU was one of the least experienced teams in the nation last year.

We were actually quite old last season.

1 5th year player
4 4th year players
1 3rd year player (who transferred midseason)
4 2nd year players) (1 of whom transferred midseason and 1 of whom redshirtted)
2 1st year players

So you are hoping for what exactly? That we have guys that play significant minutes year 1-4 and stay all 4 years? If that is what you expect then that is quite the dream....Doesn't happen anymore. You get youth in age/or 4 year players that don't play significant minutes until they are possibly juniors.....

[#UnleashSean]

Rowsey, too.

How could you have forgotten about #thething

[Frenns Liquor Depot]

Is being "perpetually young" a perception issue?  Or is it an actually issue?

Perception Issue...I am not a statistician (so definitely could be proven wrong) -- but just running a scatter-plot and looking at correlations between KenPom experience vs. overall, O & D ranks it looks pretty definitive that experience isn't a significant driver (looked at 15-17 info).

[Silkk the Shaka]

This. Nicely said. I don't want unhappy players on the team or in the locker room.

Now, maybe Wojo could do more as a coach so that players don't become unhappy. I don't know about that, and neither does anybody else here. But if a guy can't suck it up and be a team guy for the second half of the season - as Duane was last year - see ya! (Not saying this specifically about Haani, who might have had family-related reasons for leaving; we don't know the truth yet.)

Agree with every word here

[muwarrior69]

How could you have forgotten about #thething

He was drinking a Fresca rather than a Coke.

[Newsdreams]

Deonte was a  very special case. Death of his mother really affected him.

https://www.si.com/college-basketball/2017/11/09/deonte-burton-reveals-battle-depression

[jesmu84]

Deonte was a  very special case. Death of his mother really affected him.

https://www.si.com/college-basketball/2017/11/09/deonte-burton-reveals-battle-depression

BS. We were told by those in the know that Burton's departure was all on the coaching staff.

[lohaus]

Again, with Haanif being gone it allows someone like G. Elliott to get those minutes and grow. Taller, more athletic, and actually dunks.  Criticism of his shot?  Haanif couldn't shoot either.  It seems like from the simple stats that GE brings blocks, rebounds, shots, assists, and steals.

Anyway, if Hannif didn't want to be in the program, then good luck to him and be gone.  Long term, I really wouldn't want the program to invest resources and time in a guy that isn't going to be here or doesn't want to be here.  I think this allows players like Sacaar and GE to play, blossom, develop, and step up.

As far as Wojo, I'm entirely optimistic about the future with players like Joey Hauser coming in.  A 6'8" stud that is a coach's son, winner, high IQ, and has the inside out game.  A transfer like Morrow that is a post presence and will contribute immediately.  The addition of HF at semester that is a 6'10' guy and will contribute immediately.  Bailey coming in that is again a 6'8" shooter with pedigree.  Plus throw in Heldt for another serviceable year along with TJ entering his second year.  We will be far from the 6'5"-6'7" switchable we were in the past.

In the end I am not going to fret over a guy like Haanif that really seemed like he plateaued and whose game is limited.  Again, if he was going to be the Man, then he would have been the Man.  We squeaked into the tourney last year.  I'm hoping we do the same this year.  Next year I think we will be improved at every position with the additions.

Ultimately, I agree with most of the posts here.  Wojo seems to be clear with player's roles.  If they don't agree, embrace that role and want to transfer. . .then that is on them.  Good luck at a lower level program!

[Class71]

I do not think our problem is recruiting too many 4/5 star players. 4/5 star players are typically muti-dimensional and can play defense, are athletic and can shoot. Hauser is the closest we have to that level. We do have two elite shooters but they suffer in some other aspects of the game.

If players leave because they do not like their role I am ok with that provided it is not mid year when we have no hope of backfilling. We have also been relying on transfers etc. to fill holes in our HS recuiting. Since transfers often have to sit out 1 or 2 semesters it impacts our depth. Players will leave to meet their own objectives. We need to accept that, wish them success and move on.

[Silkk the Shaka]

Again, with Haanif being gone it allows someone like G. Elliott to get those minutes and grow. Taller, more athletic, and actually dunks.  Criticism of his shot?  Haanif couldn't shoot either.  It seems like from the simple stats that GE brings blocks, rebounds, shots, assists, and steals.

Anyway, if Hannif didn't want to be in the program, then good luck to him and be gone.  Long term, I really wouldn't want the program to invest resources and time in a guy that isn't going to be here or doesn't want to be here.  I think this allows players like Sacaar and GE to play, blossom, develop, and step up.

As far as Wojo, I'm entirely optimistic about the future with players like Joey Hauser coming in. A 6'8" stud that is a coach's son, winner, high IQ, and has the inside out game.  A transfer like Morrow that is a post presence and will contribute immediately.  The addition of HF at semester that is a 6'10' guy and will contribute immediately.  Bailey coming in that is again a 6'8" shooter with pedigree.  Plus throw in Heldt for another serviceable year along with TJ entering his second year.  We will be far from the 6'5"-6'7" switchable we were in the past.

In the end I am not going to fret over a guy like Haanif that really seemed like he plateaued and whose game is limited.  Again, if he was going to be the Man, then he would have been the Man.  We squeaked into the tourney last year.  I'm hoping we do the same this year.  Next year I think we will be improved at every position with the additions.

Ultimately, I agree with most of the posts here.  Wojo seems to be clear with player's roles.  If they don't agree, embrace that role and want to transfer. . .then that is on them.  Good luck at a lower level program!

Next year is gonna be off the chain. I love Rowsey, but we get a year of experience for everyone else on the roster then replace him with a 6'8" highly skilled 3/4, a 6'8" jacked banger, and 6'8" shooter. Plus add a whole season of 6'10" Froling.

If we're relatively healthy come tournament time next year, that team's a buzzsaw.

[TSmith34, Inc.]

Next year is gonna be off the chain. I love Rowsey, but we get a year of experience for everyone else on the roster then replace him with a 6'8" highly skilled 3/4, a 6'8" jacked banger, and 6'8" shooter. Plus add a whole season of 6'10" Froling.

If we're relatively healthy come tournament time next year, that team's a buzzsaw.

We need a reliable PG too

[GooooMarquette]

Next year is gonna be off the chain. I love Rowsey, but we get a year of experience for everyone else on the roster then replace him with a 6'8" highly skilled 3/4, a 6'8" jacked banger, and 6'8" shooter. Plus add a whole season of 6'10" Froling.

If we're relatively healthy come tournament time next year, that team's a buzzsaw.

Agreed.  And the Final Four is in Minneapolis.  If things fall just right....

[Stretchdeltsig]

Again, with Haanif being gone it allows someone like G. Elliott to get those minutes and grow. Taller, more athletic, and actually dunks.  Criticism of his shot?  Haanif couldn't shoot either.  It seems like from the simple stats that GE brings blocks, rebounds, shots, assists, and steals.

Anyway, if Hannif didn't want to be in the program, then good luck to him and be gone.  Long term, I really wouldn't want the program to invest resources and time in a guy that isn't going to be here or doesn't want to be here.  I think this allows players like Sacaar and GE to play, blossom, develop, and step up.

As far as Wojo, I'm entirely optimistic about the future with players like Joey Hauser coming in.  A 6'8" stud that is a coach's son, winner, high IQ, and has the inside out game.  A transfer like Morrow that is a post presence and will contribute immediately.  The addition of HF at semester that is a 6'10' guy and will contribute immediately.  Bailey coming in that is again a 6'8" shooter with pedigree.  Plus throw in Heldt for another serviceable year along with TJ entering his second year.  We will be far from the 6'5"-6'7" switchable we were in the past.

In the end I am not going to fret over a guy like Haanif that really seemed like he plateaued and whose game is limited.  Again, if he was going to be the Man, then he would have been the Man.  We squeaked into the tourney last year.  I'm hoping we do the same this year.  Next year I think we will be improved at every position with the additions.

Ultimately, I agree with most of the posts here.  Wojo seems to be clear with player's roles.  If they don't agree, embrace that role and want to transfer. . .then that is on them.  Good luck at a lower level program!

Well said!

[Nukem2]

Again, with Haanif being gone it allows someone like G. Elliott to get those minutes and grow. Taller, more athletic, and actually dunks.  Criticism of his shot?  Haanif couldn't shoot either.  It seems like from the simple stats that GE brings blocks, rebounds, shots, assists, and steals.

Anyway, if Hannif didn't want to be in the program, then good luck to him and be gone.  Long term, I really wouldn't want the program to invest resources and time in a guy that isn't going to be here or doesn't want to be here.  I think this allows players like Sacaar and GE to play, blossom, develop, and step up.

As far as Wojo, I'm entirely optimistic about the future with players like Joey Hauser coming in.  A 6'8" stud that is a coach's son, winner, high IQ, and has the inside out game.  A transfer like Morrow that is a post presence and will contribute immediately.  The addition of HF at semester that is a 6'10' guy and will contribute immediately.  Bailey coming in that is again a 6'8" shooter with pedigree.  Plus throw in Heldt for another serviceable year along with TJ entering his second year.  We will be far from the 6'5"-6'7" switchable we were in the past.

In the end I am not going to fret over a guy like Haanif that really seemed like he plateaued and whose game is limited.  Again, if he was going to be the Man, then he would have been the Man.  We squeaked into the tourney last year.  I'm hoping we do the same this year.  Next year I think we will be improved at every position with the additions.

Ultimately, I agree with most of the posts here.  Wojo seems to be clear with player's roles.  If they don't agree, embrace that role and want to transfer. . .then that is on them.  Good luck at a lower level program!

who said he did not want to be into proram.  It's. Personal family matter.  Get real here.

[94Warrior]

We need a reliable PG too

Greg Elliott may be that elusive PG.  Does he remind anyone else of Michael Carter-Williams (with a better shot)? 

[JamilJaeJamailJrJuan]

Greg Elliott may be that elusive PG.  Does he remind anyone else of Michael Carter-Williams (with a better shot)?

Hands up. Totally does for me.

Not that it means much, but GE ran the point in garbage time yesterday. I really like the kid.

[esotericmindguy]

BS. We were told by those in the know that Burton's departure was all on the coaching staff.

On coaching staff? The guy wanted to play guard. He went to Iowa St. And played the same exact position. Chucker who didn't play defense.

[94Warrior]

MCW's stats in his 2 yrs at Syracuse:
Season   G   GS   MIN   FG   FGA   FG%   3P%   FT%   REB   AST   STL   BLK   TO   PTS
                                          
2011-12   26   0   10.3   1.0   2.2   .431   .389   .565   1.5   2.1   0.8   0.3   0.6   2.7
2012-13   40   40   35.2   3.9   9.9   .393   .294   .694   5.0   7.3   2.7   0.5   3.5   11.9
Career   66   40   25.4   2.7   6.8   .398   .307   .679   3.6   5.2   2.0   0.4   2.3   8.2


Elliott's stats in 6 games at MU:
SEASON   TEAM   MIN   FGM  FGA   FG%   3P%   FT%   REB   AST   STL   BLK  TO   PTS

2017-18   MARQ   16.9   1.3    2.7   .474   .167   .429   2.7   1.6   1.3   1.3   0.7   3.1

[MU86NC]

Again, with Haanif being gone it allows someone like G. Elliott to get those minutes and grow. Taller, more athletic, and actually dunks.  Criticism of his shot?  Haanif couldn't shoot either.  It seems like from the simple stats that GE brings blocks, rebounds, shots, assists, and steals.

Anyway, if Hannif didn't want to be in the program, then good luck to him and be gone.  Long term, I really wouldn't want the program to invest resources and time in a guy that isn't going to be here or doesn't want to be here.  I think this allows players like Sacaar and GE to play, blossom, develop, and step up.

As far as Wojo, I'm entirely optimistic about the future with players like Joey Hauser coming in.  A 6'8" stud that is a coach's son, winner, high IQ, and has the inside out game.  A transfer like Morrow that is a post presence and will contribute immediately.  The addition of HF at semester that is a 6'10' guy and will contribute immediately.  Bailey coming in that is again a 6'8" shooter with pedigree.  Plus throw in Heldt for another serviceable year along with TJ entering his second year.  We will be far from the 6'5"-6'7" switchable we were in the past.

In the end I am not going to fret over a guy like Haanif that really seemed like he plateaued and whose game is limited.  Again, if he was going to be the Man, then he would have been the Man.  We squeaked into the tourney last year.  I'm hoping we do the same this year.  Next year I think we will be improved at every position with the additions.

Ultimately, I agree with most of the posts here.  Wojo seems to be clear with player's roles.  If they don't agree, embrace that role and want to transfer. . .then that is on them.  Good luck at a lower level program!

Amen brother....

[lohaus]

who said he did not want to be into proram.  It's. Personal family matter.  Get real here.

I did.

[Marcus92]

According to KenPom.com, Elliott ranks in the top 100 in the country for both steal percentage and block percentage. He's leading the team in both categories despite being 7th in minutes played.

[Hards Alumni]

On coaching staff? The guy wanted to play guard. He went to Iowa St. And played the same exact position. Chucker who didn't play defense.

I'm pretty sure he was being sarcastic 

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

According to KenPom.com, Elliott ranks in the top 100 in the country for both steal percentage and block percentage. He's leading the team in both categories despite being 7th in minutes played.

Minutes no matter to steal % and block %. But yeah,  that's impressive numbers for a frosh