Recruiting - Guards

[Aircraftcarrier]

MU needs to bring in two guards for next year.One is not enough.Need point guard and combo.Can not just have Howard,Elliott and hopefully grad transfer.

[Its DJOver]

You're assuming someone leaves, which history tells us is fair, but is Sacar not a guard?

[Aircraftcarrier]

Sacar is not a guard.Not against high level competition

[tower912]

I agree with the premise.  But going forward, recruit guards with size.  Villanova is nothing but four big versatile guards and a wide body stretch 4 who can shoot the 3.

[wadesworld]

One will be plenty. Markus will be playing 35 mpg. Between Cain, Elliott, Anim, hopefully a grad transfer, and Bailey there are plenty of guards to fill the other 45 guard minutes.

[Its DJOver]

Ok. With our increase in skill and depth in the frontcourt, Sam will primarily be able to play the 3, I only bring this up because we've run three guard sets before and I don't think we'll be seing a lot of that next year.  That means we have to get 80 minutes a game from guards. Markus is pretty much locked into 30, and grad transfer wouldn't come unless they were promised 20-25,  that means we have 25-30 minutes to split between Greg and Sacar. I think that's pretty manageable and I think Sacar is a guard. We most definently need one guard coming in the summer I don't think we need two.

[CTWarrior]

You're assuming someone leaves, which history tells us is fair, but is Sacar not a guard?

They can call him a guard if they want to, but no, Sacar is not a guard.  Sacar is a small forward.  You want him dribbling against pressure?  I sure don't.

[Its DJOver]

They can call him a guard if they want to, but no, Sacar is not a guard.  Sacar is a small forward.  You want him dribbling against pressure?  I sure don't.

If Sacar is a small forward he's gonna have a tough time seeing the court over Sam, our starting small forward next year.

[CTWarrior]

One will be plenty. Markus will be playing 35 mpg. Between Cain, Elliott, Anim, hopefully a grad transfer, and Bailey there are plenty of guards to fill the other 45 guard minutes.

That grad transfer better be a 6-4 guy with a great handle who can defend.  We need one of those guys next year and we're a top 25 team.  I think we are going to miss Rowsey because we don't have one remaining guy with rudimentary PG skills, unless Elliott's hand injury is so bad that I am completely misreading his talent level.  I get combo guards are all the rage, but you still need someone who can handle pressure, distribute the ball and defend the other team's primary ball handler.  I know Rowsey couldn't do the last part, and that is why we are likely an NIT team.

[CTWarrior]

If Sacar is a small forward he's gonna have a tough time seeing the court over Sam, our starting small forward next year.

I he starts at the 2 then we will only have one guard on the floor and two small forwards.  He is not a guard.  He can't do any guard things.  Hauser is more of a guard when it comes to offense than is Sacar.  He is a very able passer, at least.

[4everwarriors]

Need guards over 5'8", butt more importantly, dey kneed sum ass kickers inside hoo can protect the rim and board, hey?

[mileskishnish72]

Between Cain, Elliott, Anim, hopefully a grad transfer, and Bailey there are plenty of guards to fill the other 45 guard minutes.

I thought Bailey was a forward. Has he got the handle to spend time at guard?

[Herman Cain]

Need guards over 5'8", butt more importantly, dey kneed sum ass kickers inside hoo can protect the rim and board, hey?

Need a Pogo stick than create his own shot .

[skianth16]

If Sacar is a small forward he's gonna have a tough time seeing the court over Sam, our starting small forward next year.

Luckily positions are pretty fluid in college hoops for the 2-4 in a lot of cases. You do need to always have a guy that can handle the ball on the floor, and you typically need a guy that plays in the paint. Outside of those two roles, the rest can be pretty flexible. Seeing a lineup next year of PG, Markus, Sacar, Sam, and Morrow may become pretty common. If we don't land a PG, then you can add Joey or Heldt to that mix.

[Its DJOver]

Luckily positions are pretty fluid in college hoops for the 2-4 in a lot of cases. You do need to always have a guy that can handle the ball on the floor, and you typically need a guy that plays in the paint. Outside of those two roles, the rest can be pretty flexible. Seeing a lineup next year of PG, Markus, Sacar, Sam, and Morrow may become pretty common. If we don't land a PG, then you can add Joey or Heldt to that mix.

Very good points.  Just with the log jam that we're gonna have in the front court, throwing Sacar in as a forward seems excessive.  MU lists him as a G/F so I guess its fair, I've always just viewed him as a guard.

[skianth16]

Very good points.  Just with the log jam that we're gonna have in the front court, throwing Sacar in as a forward seems excessive.  MU lists him as a G/F so I guess its fair, I've always just viewed him as a guard.

I think he's capable of filling both roles. He can get to the rim, and his shot has improved a lot this year. He can definitely defend both spots. If he can work on his handles a little bit this summer and continue to improve his jumper, he's going to be a pretty complete play next year. I've always thought of him as a 2 guard too, but I think he's a typical switchable guy.

[skianth16]

Along the lines of recruiting - does anyone know if we took a hit in being able to recruit guards when Diener left the coaching staff? I'm guessing that having a former NBA guard on staff could be a selling point for recruits, but I also don't know how involved he even was with recruiting.

[Nukem2]

Along the lines of recruiting - does anyone know if we took a hit in being able to recruit guards when Diener left the coaching staff? I'm guessing that having a former NBA guard on staff could be a selling point for recruits, but I also don't know how involved he even was with recruiting.

Diener could not recruit as he was not one of the 3 main assistants.

[tower912]

I am going to type something historic in the annals of scoop.    I agree with Chicos and Buzz.       Chicos, whom I tend to agree with on basketball matters, liked to point out that college basketball is a guards game.    I agree in principle, but would make some adjustments to that.    I think college basketball has become a big guards game.    Buzz wanted a PG, a big, and a bunch of switchables.    I agree with that, but I would mention that I would want the PG to have some size and the big to be able to shoot.   

We see other teams (all other teams, it seems sometimes) who have 6'6 guys who can handle and shoot from distance.  (guarded by 5'10 guys)  A big guard and a switchable, all at once.    What is Villanova except a really good PG, a bunch of SG's with size who can defend 4 positions, and a wide body stretch 4 who can shoot?     A guards game.   With switchables.     

Wojo has recruited size.    On paper, Marquette are going to be as tall as anyone next year.   But can that size move?    Can it attack off the dribble and get its own shot?    How many positions can that size guard?     How many mismatches will be created on defense?    To really play good defense, all 5 players have to play it, and they are going to have to be able to work through switches and be able to defend multiple players.   


Going forward, the recruiting emphasis needs to be guards with size.   Like Butler, Crowder, Blue, Hayward. 

[Aircraftcarrier]

If they only bring in one guard they are an injury away from the season going down the drain.Mu needs two players that can handle the ball

[tower912]

If they only bring in one guard they are an injury away from the season going down the drain.Mu needs two players that can handle the ball

Completely agree.    A graduate transfer PG and a 2018 PG who is willing to learn is the dream. 

[Markusquette]

Losing Rowsey is bigger than losing Luke this past year. Fischer got consistent crap for never meeting expectations but all year we lacked an inside presence on offense. Losing Andrew will be tough since he is clearly our best distributor and play maker. Markus is always going to be a shoot-first guard lacking size. Like Elliot and his grit but don't think he's the answer at point. MU desperately needs a couple of guys that can handle the ball and make plays for others. Getting a grad transfer PG will make or break next year's team, so I agree with you Aircraftcarrier.

[lohaus]

Wait, is this forum trending back to the 'switchables' when before it was 'we have no size and are just switchables'?  I see Sacar as a 2 guard myself.  I am extremely pleased with his progress as some had him transferring out after his red shirt year.  Tough as nails defender, good size/strength/body, shot improving, good driver and finisher.  Based on that I can only see him getting better.

I think it is a little premature to say Greg Elliot isn't a guard or can't handle guard duties.  Let us see him next year when he hopefully has two good hands that are 100% instead of a hand and a half.

Sam Hauser is a savvy ball handler that can assist.  His brother Joey has good handles and is tall enough to see over the top on pressure.

[lohaus]

I agree that Rowsey is the best ball handler and distributor.  However, when the ball hit his hands it really seemed to stall the offense.  I thought without him the offense looked much better with improved motion, quicker passes and cutting.  When he got it I swear he must have held it 5 seconds every time to assess the situation.

I'm looking forward to next year an offense that is based more on quicker passes, quicker cuts, better motion, and more guys looking like they are involved.

[GoldenZebra]

Sacar is a guard.

[tower912]

Wait, is this forum trending back to the 'switchables' when before it was 'we have no size and are just switchables'?  I see Sacar as a 2 guard myself.  I am extremely pleased with his progress as some had him transferring out after his red shirt year.  Tough as nails defender, good size/strength/body, shot improving, good driver and finisher.  Based on that I can only see him getting better.

I think it is a little premature to say Greg Elliot isn't a guard or can't handle guard duties.  Let us see him next year when he hopefully has two good hands that are 100% instead of a hand and a half.

Sam Hauser is a savvy ball handler that can assist.  His brother Joey has good handles and is tall enough to see over the top on pressure.

Not the board.   Me.    I look around the Big East and college basketball in general and see a bunch of 6'6 guys who can handle the ball, can drive, can shoot the 3, can defend players bigger and smaller, and can rebound.   MU does not have a lot of these.   

[Its DJOver]

As much as we need a ball handling guard, how many teams out there truly have an elite press that they don't just throw on in end of game situations? WVU, Shaka, maybe Cinci? 

As good as it will be to get a pass first PG I think that we ran some of our best offense when it was run through Sam.  He is the only one that regularly looks to pass into Matt or Theo, he doesn't make bad decisions, he has the ability to create his own shot, but doesn't force it and is tall enough to make the right pass if he sees a double coming.  Now, I don't want him as a point forward, but I think he is a good enough all around player to average 5-7 assists per game. Obviously needs to get a healthy hip to become a better defender, but all around best player going forward by far. 

[Goose]

Tower

Bball is a guards game and an athletic PG is the key to discuss. Would love to see a guy who could defend, get D boards and push the ball up the court. We have not had a top tier PG in a long, long time.

[Jockey]

Need guards over 5'8", butt more importantly, dey kneed sum ass kickers inside hoo can protect the rim and board, hey?

Could swear you just posted about how dirty Grayson Allen is. Now you want us to get some "ass kickers"?

[Loose Cannon]

Very good points.  Just with the log jam that we're gonna have in the front court, throwing Sacar in as a forward seems excessive.  MU lists him as a G/F so I guess its fair, I've always just viewed him as a guard.

Yeah, I expect him to have improved his Guard and Finishing skills when we see him at the beginning of next season.

[4everwarriors]

Could swear you just posted about how dirty Grayson Allen is. Now you want us to get some "ass kickers"?

You don't know basketball if you don't know the difference.

Maurice Lucas was an ass kicker.

This is just being a punk:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awivSt9Ktgk

[muwarrior69]

Tower

Bball is a guards game and an athletic PG is the key to discuss. Would love to see a guy who could defend, get D boards and push the ball up the court. We have not had a top tier PG in a long, long time.

...and when we did, we had no Bigs. Go figure. Maybe someday Wojo will put it together.

[TedBaxter]

Brew started the post grad thread and the 2 names I'm following are Isaiah Wright of San Diego and Tarin Smith of Duquesne.  No indication either will leave their schools at this point.  Both started their careers at the HM level.

Wright is a 6-2 point guard who was a Second Team All-WCC. The San Diego head coach recently resigned.

Smith a 6-2 combo guard who was the named the A-10 Sixth Man of they Year.

[Silkk the Shaka]

Brew started the post grad thread and the 2 names I'm following are Isaiah Wright of San Diego and Tarin Smith of Duquesne.  No indication either will leave their schools at this point.  Both started their careers at the HM level.

Wright is a 6-2 point guard who was a Second Team All-WCC. The San Diego head coach recently resigned.

Smith a 6-2 combo guard who was the named the A-10 Sixth Man of they Year.

I'd take a pass on both. Very poor numbers against tier A&B competition. Clayton Custer is who I want

[TedBaxter]

I'd take a pass on both. Very poor numbers against tier A&B competition. Clayton Custer is who I want

Does Custer have a reason to leave Loyola? 

You really have to look at the chances a player would leave and why they would leave and you can't promise this grad transfer 30 plus minutes a game.  I'm thinking this player may get 20-25 minutes a game at most next year and you need a guy who's willing to take those minutes so they can contribute to an NCAA team. 

My reason for following Wright is that his chances of playing in an NCAA tournament is slim to none at San Diego and he'll be playing for a new coach next year.

Smith came off the bench this year and like Wright, may not get a sniff of the NCAA tourney at Duquesne next year.  He's going to have to fight for minutes with 3 D1 transfers next year as well as 2 returning guards and unlike the transfers, he wasn't recruited to Duquesne by the current coaching staff.

I'm thinking the guy who Wojo may get is a rotation guard who can defend, distribute and be a threat to score.  Both of these players averaged over 12 points last year. Of the 2, Smith really intrigues me based on his east coast roots and I like his athletic ability.

[jesmu84]

Tower

Bball is a guards game and an athletic PG is the key to discuss. Would love to see a guy who could defend, get D boards and push the ball up the court. We have not had a top tier PG in a long, long time.

Who was Marquette last top tier PG?

[tower912]

Dominic James.

[Silkk the Shaka]

Does Custer have a reason to leave Loyola? 

You really have to look at the chances a player would leave and why they would leave and you can't promise this grad transfer 30 plus minutes a game.  I'm thinking this player may get 20-25 minutes a game at most next year and you need a guy who's willing to take those minutes so they can contribute to an NCAA team. 

My reason for following Wright is that his chances of playing in an NCAA tournament is slim to none at San Diego and he'll be playing for a new coach next year.

Smith came off the bench this year and like Wright, may not get a sniff of the NCAA tourney at Duquesne next year.  He's going to have to fight for minutes with 3 D1 transfers next year as well as 2 returning guards and unlike the transfers, he wasn't recruited to Duquesne by the current coaching staff.

I'm thinking the guy who Wojo may get is a rotation guard who can defend, distribute and be a threat to score.  Both of these players averaged over 12 points last year. Of the 2, Smith really intrigues me based on his east coast roots and I like his athletic ability.

A lot of seniors leaving Loyola, thought may be this is as far as they can go, want to take a step up in competition for his final year, and his coach might leave. Closest situational comp I can see is Egor Koulechov. As far as PT, just say here's Rowsey's minutes and usage on a high powered offense with weapons surrounding you at every position that's primed to take a large step forward with you as the final piece. The team is going to win a ton on national television, and you're going to look good in the process.

My guess is our biggest competition for his services will be Wichita St. and Creighton.

[Marcus92]

Don't underestimate how much young players can improve in a single offseason.

Just one example: Mikal Bridges. Between his sophomore and junior seasons, Mikal Bridges increased his scoring from 9.8 ppg to 17.8 ppg. He also reduced his turnover rate and shot over 40% from 3-point range for the first time.

[Marcus92]

To the original post, I'd agree that our recruiting focus should be on the backcourt. Not only because of Rowsey's graduation, but also Haanif's unexpected transfer.

[Loose Cannon]

Brew started the post grad thread and the 2 names I'm following are Isaiah Wright of San Diego and Tarin Smith of Duquesne.  No indication either will leave their schools at this point.  Both started their careers at the HM level.

Wright is a 6-2 point guard who was a Second Team All-WCC. The San Diego head coach recently resigned.

Smith a 6-2 combo guard who was the named the A-10 Sixth Man of they Year.

Thanks Ted, I'm always impress with your updates on possible recruiting prospects.  Seems like you bring in names that are under the radar to many of us.

[Dawson Rental]

Dominic James.

Freshman year Dominic James

[94Warrior]

Freshman year Dominic James

James was a stud as a senior. Lockdown defender, elite distributor, controlled the tempo of every game.  That team was rolling until he broke his foot vs UCONN.  The whole Bradley Center went quiet, knowing a Big East title and deep tourney run was slipping away.

[Goose]

Tower

I agree with D James.

[Nukem2]

James was a stud as a senior. Lockdown defender, elite distributor, controlled the tempo of every game.  That team was rolling until he broke his foot vs UCONN.  The whole Bradley Center went quiet, knowing a Big East title and deep tourney run was slipping away.

Yep.  Got very quiet in the BC that night.

[MUBigDance]

Wait a minute on all this.

Sure we could use a better ball handler...but we have enough guys. When a player commits to MU, MU also commits to the player.

We have an imperfect set of guys. But they are ours. I like them with their warts and all. We have a full house.  All 12 deserve time. Let Wojo and his staff do the best he can with them. And if some leave, so be it.

I am glad the roster is not dictated by the scoop wish list.

[Dawson Rental]

Wait a minute on all this.

Sure we could use a better ball handler...but we have enough guys. When a player commits to MU, MU also commits to the player.

We have an imperfect set of guys. But they are ours. I like them with their warts and all. We have a full house.  All 12 deserve time. Let Wojo and his staff do the best he can with them. And if some leave, so be it.

I am glad the roster is not dictated by the scoop wish list.

??????????????????????????

You don't think an additional ball handling guard would be helpful?  Or would be unfair to Markus and Greg?

[jesmu84]

Always
Be
Recruiting

[monkeyman34]

I completely agree we need to bring in another guard next year.  I'm not liking the current roster construction of this team. The way we've seen our team play this year, as well as just watching other BE and Power 5 games this year, I think we will need big time help in the guard positions next year. 

The way I see our team next year is we have 7 guys (Hauser, Hauser, Morrow, John, Heldt, Harry, and Eke) to play two positions (the 4 and 5) and 5 guys to play the 3 guard positions (Markus, Elliot, Cain, Anim, and Bailey).  Maybe with Sam's offseason surgery, maybe he gets a tick quicker laterally to be able to play some time at the 3, but watching him this year, he's our perfect version of a stretch 4 and I think he'd get run-around trying to guard other 3's. Will be really interesting to see how the minutes shake out next year and who to see will/can step up to be an offensive force to pair with Markus and Sam to be that 3rd and 4th scoring option.

[BM1090]

Agree that Dominic was high level, and he was an excellent defender. But I am interested how a player who slashed 40/29/62% for his career would be perceived if he played in today's game.

[Don_Kojis]

I am hoping Sacar doesn't start.  He isn't even close to being a guard.  Morrow came here so he wouldn't have to play center.  I would think Sam, Marcus, Pg, Morrow and a big man will start.   Sacar comes in for about 15 minutes.  It is too late when someone suggests lets say how Elliot handles the ball next year.  We have to get at least one big pg and hopefully 2.

[WarriorFan]

Who was Marquette last top tier PG?

Andrey Rowsey.

Sorry (this will be fun) but I'll take him over Dominic James any day.  PG's need to be able to shoot.

[TSmith34, Inc.]

Andrey Rowsey.

Sorry (this will be fun) but I'll take him over Dominic James any day.  PG's need to be able to shoot.

PGs need to be able to defend just as much.  As awesome as Rowsey's shooting ability is, Dom's on-ball defense was just as awesome and probably more valuable.