Props to WOJO!

[DarkWarrior]

Last night WOJO did something special. He put our puzzle pieces together and the picture started looking pretty impressive. We looked twice as quick as SH. They looked strong but they looked slow. And...everyone on Marquette's team had the "Eye of the Tiger". Congrats to WOJO for a very nice piece of coaching on and off the court.

[jaygall31]

Last night WOJO did something special. He put our puzzle pieces together and the picture started looking pretty impressive. We looked twice as quick as SH. They looked strong but they looked slow. And...everyone on Marquette's team had the "Eye of the Tiger". Congrats to WOJO for a very nice piece of coaching on and off the court.

Couldn't agree more. Just random side-note/question....when was the last time we were ranked?

[Galway Eagle]

Couldn't agree more. Just random side-note/question....when was the last time we were ranked?

I believe going against New Mexico in 2013-14 we were still ranked. Received a vote or two last year I believe.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Couldn't agree more. Just random side-note/question....when was the last time we were ranked?

Whatever you do,  don't bump the "what are we ranked on Monday" thread. We're like 0-4 in the Wojo era the game after someone bumps that thread

[MU82]

This has been a progression.

Most Scoopers who weren't dead-set against Wojo from the beginning could see him gradually improving as a coach the last couple of years, so this doesn't surprise us so much.

In the Henry season, I thought he first started to get a nice feel as to which players to use in which situations, and I believe that has continued to be a major strength of his. I find myself almost never second-guessing his PT decisions - and I am a big-time second-guesser!

I thought he did some nice motivational things last season, and he has continued this year. The X's and O's have improved, too.

He has been willing to try new things when the talent has let him. A great example is the occasional half-court trapping the team is doing this season. We didn't have a team capable of that in the past; now, with Elliott, Cain, Anim and John, we have the kind of quick, defense-minded, long-armed athletes who make it possible.

He is flexible. A perfect example was at the end of last season when he took Luke out of the starting lineup for the final several games. But in the NCAA game, when Matt struggled (to put it nicely), Wojo didn't hesitate to do what was necessary to give the team a chance. He has done much the same at the center position this season, especially since Froling became eligible. Wojo rides the hot hand, which most successful coaches do.

His recruiting has been excellent. Players have developed under his staff's tutelage - anybody who would argue otherwise is clueless.

We are prepared for games.

The kids are tough-minded - basketball is a game of runs, and we're pretty good at responding to an opponent's run with one of our own. Could've cracked vs X; didn't. Could've lost to Nova by 30; didn't. Could've cracked last night when Hall made its run; didn't. Could've suffered a devastating defeat vs E Illinois; didn't. Could've gone down the tubes at Providence; didn't. Etc, etc, etc.

Some will argue the game against E Illinois shouldn't have even been close. Well, of course not. But look around the country. Those kind of games are happening all over the place. Sometimes you suck against a team you should beat easily ... it's important to still find some way to win on those nights.

Defense has been slow to come around, but it's been better this season, and it was - dare I say? - very good for long stretches last night against a very good opponent.

We don't quite have all the pieces in place yet, and some of the good pieces we have are very young, but I see a growing, improving team that is being managed by a coach who is figuring it out.

Very bullish on the direction of this program.

[GGGG]

The main problem I have had with Wojo is that I think it took him too long to realize how important length and athleticism are in the BE.  I think he "settled" for players like Carter and Cheatham who were skilled, but were low-ceiling type players.

And of course these guys transfer and we are seemingly perpetually young.  Well hopefully that changes in the coming years.  If everyone sticks around, the current sophomore class + Morrow is going to be massive.  Skilled, balanced, experienced, etc. 

Of course we will get the unexpected transfer and should prepare ourselves for that as well.

[MU82]

The main problem I have had with Wojo is that I think it took him too long to realize how important length and athleticism are in the BE.  I think he "settled" for players like Carter and Cheatham who were skilled, but were low-ceiling type players.

And of course these guys transfer and we are seemingly perpetually young.  Well hopefully that changes in the coming years.  If everyone sticks around, the current sophomore class + Morrow is going to be massive.  Skilled, balanced, experienced, etc. 

Of course we will get the unexpected transfer and should prepare ourselves for that as well.

How long is "too long"? He was in on some players he didn't get. It happens.

Haani was darn good as a freshman. Much of the same kind of praise that's now being heaped upon Elliott and Cain was being heaped upon Haani two years ago. Haani is an example of a player who didn't develop under Wojo; whether that was more Wojo's "fault" or Haani's, it's legit fodder for the anti-Wojo faction of this board.

As for your last sentence about transfers ... yep, and that's the case with every other major program, too.

[RubyWiscy]

Nice analysis MU82.
One observation I would add is players seem to understand and play within their roll on this team. They know who the scorers are and consistantly get them the ball in shooting position. The only one I see trying to do too much at times is Rowsey, and well he is the senior and you could argue is expected to try to make things happen. However, when he plays with his teammates, we have a much better chance of winning.

[GGGG]

How long is "too long"? He was in on some players he didn't get. It happens.

Haani was darn good as a freshman. Much of the same kind of praise that's now being heaped upon Elliott and Cain was being heaped upon Haani two years ago. Haani is an example of a player who didn't develop under Wojo; whether that was more Wojo's "fault" or Haani's, it's legit fodder for the anti-Wojo faction of this board.

As for your last sentence about transfers ... yep, and that's the case with every other major program, too.

I think Haani's problem is that he was a highly skilled player coming in, but didn't have a lot of upside.  He is a below the rim player, not very quick, and with an inconsistent outside shot.  I mean, what was he going to become?  Maybe a better shooter, but that didn't seem to happen.

Elliott, Cain, John and Sacar have legitimate upsides that I can see.

[The Lens]

My only complaint on Wojo (other than wondering if he's a competent x's & o's coach) is his slow growth plan.  IMO, it does not make sense if he jumps ship after first bit of success.  However if he sticks for 6+ years then I am firmly on board.  I still wonder about his game coaching but recruiting is so much more important and it looks like he's got that aspect down.

[oldwarrior81]

I believe going against New Mexico in 2013-14 we were still ranked. Received a vote or two last year I believe.

MU last ranked during Buzz's final year.  11/25/13; ranked #25 and dropped out after a loss to San Diego State.
https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/marquette/2014-schedule.html

[skianth16]

My only complaint on Wojo (other than wondering if he's a competent x's & o's coach) is his slow growth plan.  IMO, it does not make sense if he jumps ship after first bit of success.  However if he sticks for 6+ years then I am firmly on board.  I still wonder about his game coaching but recruiting is so much more important and it looks like he's got that aspect down.

Are you sure about that? I think a good gameplan and good prep beats a talented but unprepared team every time. Yes, recruiting is big, but X's and O's have to be more important in the college game. We see this year in and year out in the tournament. A team full of pro prospects gets upset by a nobody because the gameplan and effort were better from the nobody.

Wojo is improving his gameplanning and preparation for sure. He still has a long way to go with his defensive plans, but he's making noticeable strides right now. If last night is a glimpse into what he's truly capable of as an X's and O's coach, then we should be in good shape for the next few years.

[SaveOD238]

Couldn't agree more. Just random side-note/question....when was the last time we were ranked?

It won't be Monday.  Win on Friday (especially if it is a convincing, highlight win) and I could see us getting votes, but nothing more.  Finish the next week 2-0 (with a win @X) and we would be 16-5 (5-2) and we're almost certainly in the top 25 going into the Nova game. 

That's a LOT of ifs...but it isn't out of the question.

[Frenns Liquor Depot]

Wojo had a great night.  Looking forward to Fri.

[g0lden3agle]

I think Haani's problem is that he was a highly skilled player coming in, but didn't have a lot of upside.  He is a below the rim player, not very quick, and with an inconsistent outside shot.  I mean, what was he going to become?  Maybe a better shooter, but that didn't seem to happen.

Elliott, Cain, John and Sacar have legitimate upsides that I can see.

Curious, what upside do you see in Sacar that you don't/didn't see in Haanif?   

[The Lens]

Are you sure about that? I think a good gameplan and good prep beats a talented but unprepared team every time. Yes, recruiting is big, but X's and O's have to be more important in the college game. We see this year in and year out in the tournament. A team full of pro prospects gets upset by a nobody because the gameplan and effort were better from the nobody.

Wojo is improving his gameplanning and preparation for sure. He still has a long way to go with his defensive plans, but he's making noticeable strides right now. If last night is a glimpse into what he's truly capable of as an X's and O's coach, then we should be in good shape for the next few years.

Mike Deane is hands down the best "coach" we have had since KO saved the program and he's the only one we had to truly fire, so that should tell you how important recruiting is to a college program.

[GGGG]

Curious, what upside do you see in Sacar that you don't/didn't see in Haanif?   

To be honest, I threw Sacar in at the end so I understand the doubt that is inherent with your question.   I guess I don't see as much upside as much as I can see him excelling in a specific role.  Defend wing players, hustle for lose balls, grab a couple rebounds, etc.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Are you sure about that? I think a good gameplan and good prep beats a talented but unprepared team every time. Yes, recruiting is big, but X's and O's have to be more important in the college game. We see this year in and year out in the tournament. A team full of pro prospects gets upset by a nobody because the gameplan and effort were better from the nobody.

Wojo is improving his gameplanning and preparation for sure. He still has a long way to go with his defensive plans, but he's making noticeable strides right now. If last night is a glimpse into what he's truly capable of as an X's and O's coach, then we should be in good shape for the next few years.

We do see individual upsets but other than Villanova (who had one 5 star and a bunch of top 100 recruits) the tournament champions have largely been teams filled with NBA talent.

[skianth16]

We do see individual upsets but other than Villanova (who had one 5 star and a bunch of top 100 recruits) the tournament champions have largely been teams filled with NBA talent.

You're right about the championship teams, but look at how many teams have made runs without top talent. I look at guys like Brad Davis, Shaka Smart, Greg Marshall, Randy Bennett, Mark Few, etc who have consistently performed well in the tournament and turned small, mid-major programs into household names come March. Yes, those guys have all had some NBA-caliber players, but they were rarely top recruits coming into college, and they weren't getting that talent until they'd made a name for themselves by outperforming expectations with 2 star recruits.

[MU82]

I think Haani's problem is that he was a highly skilled player coming in, but didn't have a lot of upside.  He is a below the rim player, not very quick, and with an inconsistent outside shot.  I mean, what was he going to become?  Maybe a better shooter, but that didn't seem to happen.

Elliott, Cain, John and Sacar have legitimate upsides that I can see.

I agree about Elliott and Cain having better upsides at a similar position to Haani's.

But Haani could have become more had he dedicated his offseasons to doing more than driving from the left and shooting with his left.

Pretty much every Scooper saw that problem even when he was a freshman exceeding expectations. There were probably hundreds of comments stating some version of, "Just how think he can be if he develops his right hand." But he didn't do it. Some might be on Wojo and the staff, but I put most of it on Haani himself.

Haani could have been a decent to good offensive player who could drive to the hoop, handle it OK and shoot open jumpers, as well as a good defender.

Instead, he became an ultra-predictable, easy-to-defend offensive player. College coaches are good, and they simply stopped letting him drive from the left. So Haani lost the ability to score on drives, became totally one-dimensional on offense, lost his confidence and, ultimately lost his minutes.

[JamilJaeJamailJrJuan]

Whatever you do,  don't bump the "what are we ranked on Monday" thread. We're like 0-4 in the Wojo era the game after someone bumps that thread

I bet it'll get bumped this weekend when we win @ Butler Friday night.

[g0lden3agle]

To be honest, I threw Sacar in at the end so I understand the doubt that is inherent with your question.   I guess I don't see as much upside as much as I can see him excelling in a specific role.  Defend wing players, hustle for lose balls, grab a couple rebounds, etc.

I totally agree with you on Sacar, and I think Sacar is totally comfortable in that role.  That might be the difference between him and Haanif/Carter - understanding ones role and being comfortable with that enough to stick around 4 years and excel in that role given your talents and potential. 

I'm not sure how much faster Wojo could have been with bringing in the length/athleticism we need to excel in the Big East.  Haanif and Carter would have been totally acceptable recruits, except they came into a situation where they were given the opportunity to get major minutes while Wojo was simultaneously getting his bearings and recruiting better talent.  Not sure there's any fault/blame to be had here.

[mu_eyeballs]

Mike Deane is hands down the best "coach" we have had since KO saved the program and he's the only one we had to truly fire, so that should tell you how important recruiting is to a college program.

Yes, and Mike Deane also said once that MU should not expect to get blue chip recruits.  As fun as his first 3 years were...year 4 and 5 just SUCKED!

[Dr. Blackheart]

Sacar reminds me of Todd Townsend.  Also, please remind me when Haanif ?exceeded? expectations Freshman year?  Against the cupcakes maybe but I still have Iowa emblazoned in my brain.

[brewcity77]

It won't be Monday.  Win on Friday (especially if it is a convincing, highlight win) and I could see us getting votes, but nothing more.  Finish the next week 2-0 (with a win @X) and we would be 16-5 (5-2) and we're almost certainly in the top 25 going into the Nova game.

One problem, after Butler we play DePaul on the 15th, then have 9 days off for Xavier. From a rankings perspective, DePaul is the only game that week, while Xavier and Villanova are the same week.