What change has lead to Marquette success?

[GoGoldenEagles]

Marquette has seemed to make a huge jump from last year to this year. From not making the tournment to be ranked top 10 in the nation. Was curious what you guys thought, on what one change has had the biggest impact on Marquette season.

[Jockey]

1. Experience

2. Bigger guards.

[MU82]

Given those 4 choices, I'd choose: Yes. (Although I did like watching Rowsey play.)

[Johnny B]

It's kind of a but of all.those.

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

Which at it's core is all do to Wojo's improvement as a coach.

[tower912]

Defensively, Joey Hauser for Andrew Rowsey.   Sophomore year Theo John versus freshman year Theo John.     Only have one undersized player on the floor defensively.

Wojo, Markus, Sam, are one year more experienced.    Sam and Markus are leading as juniors.    They led as sophomores, but it means more coming from upperclassmen.   

[DoctorV]

If I had to pick one I'd go with the rim protection, because I feel like the improved defense has been the second biggest difference. That said, Joey coming on board and Andrew leaving, added experience, and Wojos persistence on the importance of improved defense are all a big part of that.

Imo the single biggest change has been Markus' elevation to All American status. He's been otherworldly, and it's helped take the team to another level.
To tie it to the first point, he's gotten abused at times defensively but I've also been very impressed by his improvement on the defensive side this yr.

[BallBoy]

Which at it's core is all do to Wojo's improvement as a coach.

Disagree. Wojo was just as good last year. He made a decision to try to outscore as he couldn't out defend with the talent he had.

Key difference is upgrade of talent across the board which allowed him to change his schemes.

[MomofMUltiples]

1. It's "led."

2. It's probably all of the above.

[rocket surgeon]

  D-E-F-E-N-S-E

man if we could diminish our turnovers by 25-30% we would be even more awsom-er!

[NickelDimer]

Wojo's maturation

[#UnleashSean]

I dont know if you've been watching but Rowsey pg >>>>>>>>> Howard point guard

I'd say the biggest thing is n
Joey being added, John starting over Matt, and not having to start two 5'9 guards.

[wadesworld]

I dont know if you've been watching but Rowsey pg >>>>>>>>> Howard point guard

If the only thing you look at is court vision then sure.

[Juan Anderson's Mixtape]

I'm going to say senior leadership.   College basketball teams seem to take on the persona of their seniors (sometimes leading to a void at the one-n-done factories).

Last year's team was fun, flashy, brash, cocky, yet also mercurial and awful at defense.   Which you could also use to describe Andrew Rowsey.

This year's team: selfless, hardworking, max effort, grinders, that do their job.  In other words, Matt Heldt.

That has lead to accountabilty on both sides of the ball.  It took the team some time to grow into its current form  but we are seeing it come to fruition.

[Mutaman]

Always thought that many times over the last few years it was our boys versus their men. This team has some men on it.

[Lennys Tap]

Markus, Sam and Sacar are much improved. Theo is big improvement over last year's Matt, Ed is a big improvement over last year's Theo. AR was a really good player but Joey is too - and his physical presence is more what we needed. BB is an improvement over last year's Jamal and Matt is an improvement over last year's non existent #3 center.

Bigger, stronger, tougher, more experienced. And Wojo has developed a really good "feel" for this team - he looks comfortable and confident. Great year to be a Warrior fan!!!

[PGsHeroes32]

I dont know if you've been watching but Rowsey pg >>>>>>>>> Howard point guard

Lmao

[RushmoreAcademy]

I think it's how internet forum posters have only been focused on the next game and not looking ahead.

[brewcity77]

It's twofold. The defense is the obvious first answer, but just as important is that Joey Hauser has emerged as a viable replacement for Rowsey. Obviously a different player and not as much a volume scorer, but capable enough to reliably be a threat and keep our offense top-30 and trending upward.

Watching that stretch at Butler when Joey led the team on offense with Markus & Sam out and Joey actually creating his shot made it apparent how incredibly valuable he is.

[Milkshakes]

Two items should be added:

5. Defensive improvement.  Yes Rim protection has a lot to do with it but is not all of it.

6. A very down Big East. I don't want to be Debbie Downer.  However, this team would not have this win loss record in lat year's Big East.  We are good but I worry we (fans) are letting the team's record go to our heads.

[Johnny B]

Two items should be added:

5. Defensive improvement.  Yes Rim protection has a lot to do with it but is not all of it.

6. A very down Big East. I don't want to be Debbie Downer.  However, this team would not have this win loss record in lat year's Big East.  We are good but I worry we (fans) are letting the team's record go to our heads.

This team could have this record last.year you anti Marquette tyrant

[Jon]

6. A very down Big East. I don't want to be Debbie Downer.  However, this team would not have this win loss record in lat year's Big East.  We are good but I worry we (fans) are letting the team's record go to our heads.

I do not discount this one bit.

While we are better the league is certainly the weakest it has been since the divorce.

But timing is everything so let's enjoy it while it lasts.

[JWags85]

6. A very down Big East. I don't want to be Debbie Downer.  However, this team would not have this win loss record in lat year's Big East.  We are good but I worry we (fans) are letting the team's record go to our heads.

Maybe not a 1 loss team, but this team has won games last years team flat out wouldn't win. Battle back from double digits multiple times in Omaha, besting GT without Markus, the Xavier rock fight, Butler not going away at Hinkle. There is a tenacity and resiliency that is unique to this team, likely due to experience.

[Class71]

There are many reasons besides what you listed which are all very important. Such as improvement at all five positions. Better team defense and better team play among the more important. Turnovers and in some cases lack of speed and ball control hurts us with guard oriented teams. Also I would suggest that Kenpom is a better indicator of improvement  than the AP poll.

By any measure we are greatly improved and continue to improve as shown in the Butler game. The next two games will be another big test. I will be cheering them on but playing a fast  STJ team after their big loss is a concern as is `Nova. Hope we get great home crowds for both games.

[Milkshakes]

Maybe not a 1 loss team, but this team has won games last years team flat out wouldn't win. Battle back from double digits multiple times in Omaha, besting GT without Markus, the Xavier rock fight, Butler not going away at Hinkle. There is a tenacity and resiliency that is unique to this team, likely due to experience.

I agree that this team has heart, fight, tenacity and talent.  I am very much enjoying the ride.  I think we have four fantastic players (Markus, Joey, Sam and Theo) and the rest of the team is pretty darn good. 

All that said this team would have lost more than one conference game and would not be ranked 10th if the rest of the conference was not pretty bad this year.  I know y'all will say I am a hater. I'm not. I was just saying it should have been one of the options for what accounts for the success this year.  I did also say defense improvement should have been listed.