How we compete for a national title next year

[Coleman]

I know some will say I am getting ahead of myself, but this is more a reflection on our current weaknesses than looking ahead. These are the weaknesses I keep noticing over and over again, and the things that will have to happen over the offseason to get us to a national title contender.

1) Markus comes back. Goes without saying. To be a national title contender, we will need Markus. I think this will happen.

2) Markus becomes a smarter ballhandler. Right now his assist to turnover ratio is almost 1:1. That has to change. Markus needs to learn to limit turnovers.

3) Theo becomes a smarter defender. While he dominates the Big East in blocks, he also is in foul trouble almost every game. Theo needs to make smarter decisions when defending the paint. This honestly applies to Morrow as well. Our big guys need to be able to stay out of trouble. We won't have Heldt next year to stop the bleeding.

4) Sacar becomes a better finisher in the lane. Right now his driving capabilities are fantastic, but he is not finishing as many shots as he is capable of. If he can just take and make smarter shots, and get his FG% up about .20 to .30 points (he is currently at .449, but he shot .481 as a sophomore), we will be in good shape.

5) Bailey becomes a smarter and better shooter. I know he is only a freshman, but my god he takes some terrible shots. .310 is not going to get it done. He has potential, but this needs drastic improvement.

[tower912]

Return everyone.   Normal progression.  Greg and McEwen are who we hope they are.  Eke can play and contribute.   If all those things happen, there could be magic.

[GOO]

I'd Add:

6.  Joey's defense improves, which it will.

7.  Elliott or McEwen are competent point guards.

I don't think all 7 things need to open, just a few would make us that much better.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

1. Yes
2. Yes
3. Yes
4. I don't think this is essential.  I mean, it would be nice but it's not make or break.
5. I don't think his shot selection is poor. He just isn't making them. But regardless, I don't think this is all that essential anyway because...

6. Greg Elliott and Koby McEwen make meaningful contributions in their roles.  These guys will be rotational players and will likely mean Bailey and Cain are limited role players again.

[Markusquette]

Is Torrence slated to come next year or 2020?

[4everwarriors]

Duz Giannis have any eligibility left, hey?

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

Is Torrence slated to come next year or 2020?

Right now 2020, but there have been rumors of him reclassifying. 

[BCHoopster]

1. Yes
2. Yes
3. Yes
4. I don't think this is essential.  I mean, it would be nice but it's not make or break.
5. I don't think his shot selection is poor. He just isn't making them. But regardless, I don't think this is all that essential anyway because...

6. Greg Elliott and Koby McEwen make meaningful contributions in their roles.  These guys will be rotational players and will likely mean Bailey and Cain are limited role players again.

As much as I like the Hauser boys, still need a quicker jumper, solid body to help on D end.  Or Joey has to re-do his body like Theo, get stronger, and quicker.  As Joey
had a dunk this year?

[Coleman]

1. Yes
2. Yes
3. Yes
4. I don't think this is essential.  I mean, it would be nice but it's not make or break.
5. I don't think his shot selection is poor. He just isn't making them. But regardless, I don't think this is all that essential anyway because...

6. Greg Elliott and Koby McEwen make meaningful contributions in their roles.  These guys will be rotational players and will likely mean Bailey and Cain are limited role players again.

Re #5: My biggest beef with Bailey is that it seems like his first instinct is always to shoot. I am fine with that being Markus Howard's first instinct, but not a .310 shooter. It isn't so much poor shot selection per se (sure, he is technically open when he takes them) as much as him shooting long distance shots early in the shot clock without giving the offense a chance to work through to get paint touches and shots to our better shooters.

I think most of this is freshman immaturity. Hoping he outgrows it.

[Its DJOver]

I really think Ike can play an important albeit small role next year if healthy.  Theo's fouls per 40 have not really had a significant drop in almost two years in the program.  If Ike can even provide Heldt minutes next year, I think it'll go a long way.  With 13 scholarship players, I'm fully on board with always having a project big, a project PG, and a red-shirt at all times.  Ike, Dexter, and TBD next year.  It's a understated part of going from a good team to a good program.

[burger]

Talk is McEwen is 3rd best player in practice......

Hope this is true......and he is pulling Ellitott along with him.....

[The Lens]

Talk is McEwen is 3rd best player in practice......

Hope this is true......and he is pulling Ellitott along with him.....

Markus or no Markus this team is going really, really deep in to March / April next year.  Wojo has it cooking.

[CTWarrior]

Re #5: My biggest beef with Bailey is that it seems like his first instinct is always to shoot. I am fine with that being Markus Howard's first instinct, but not a .310 shooter. It isn't so much poor shot selection per se (sure, he is technically open when he takes them) as much as him shooting long distance shots early in the shot clock without giving the offense a chance to work through to get paint touches and shots to our better shooters.

I think most of this is freshman immaturity. Hoping he outgrows it.

This is right on.

[wadesworld]

We can compete for a national title this year.  And I'm going to enjoy every second of it.

[Dr. Blackheart]

We can compete for a national title this year.  And I'm going to enjoy every second of it.

One second at a time...

[Coleman]

We can compete for a national title this year.  And I'm going to enjoy every second of it.

I don't think we're there yet. I'd put money on this team making the second weekend but I don't think we are a Final Four caliber team. I'd love to be proven wrong.

[PGsHeroes32]

All those things would be great.

But honestly we mostly just need simple improvements from everyone and then these two things

1. Markus back
2. Kobe/Greg take some burden off Markus in handling the ball.

[79Warrior]

Return everyone.   Normal progression.  Greg and McEwen are who we hope they are.  Eke can play and contribute.   If all those things happen, there could be magic.

Seriously doubt Ike ever plays a game

[Dr. Blackheart]

2. Kobe/Greg take some burden off Markus in handling the ball.

And diversify the offense for the second run through the BE.

[Juan Anderson's Mixtape]

1. Markus back.
2. Joey improves strength and conditioning, plus experience makes him a more consistent offensive player and better defender.
3. One of Kobe, Greg, or Brendan provides a consistent scoring threat that can occasionally go off for a big game.
4. Incremental improvement for the rest.  If everyone improves 1 or 2 things, that will add up.

[HammerScreen]

Return everyone.   Normal progression.  Greg and McEwen are who we hope they are.  Eke can play and contribute.   If all those things happen, there could be magic.

How many minutes do you think Eke would play?

[HammerScreen]

Re #5: My biggest beef with Bailey is that it seems like his first instinct is always to shoot. I am fine with that being Markus Howard's first instinct, but not a .310 shooter. It isn't so much poor shot selection per se (sure, he is technically open when he takes them) as much as him shooting long distance shots early in the shot clock without giving the offense a chance to work through to get paint touches and shots to our better shooters.

I think most of this is freshman immaturity. Hoping he outgrows it.

I'm not sure I agree. I think most of his role on offense is to hit the corner three #letitfly. By having the trigger to shoot, it helps unclog the lane regardless if he's hitting it at a high clip or not

[Coleman]

I think most of his role on offense is to hit the corner three

If that is his role he is doing an absolutely terrible job. He is a .182 (8 for 44) shooter from behind the arc, literally last on the team.

[MarquetteDano]

Agree with all of these but IMO, in order of importance:

• Howard returns
• We are healthy
• McEwen plays at least 20 minutes at point well and scores when needed
• Joey takes his game to the next level offensively and defensively
• Theo and Rob foul less,  or at least foul better
• One or more of Elliott, Cain, and Bailey take their game to the next level

[GooooMarquette]

Agree with all of these but IMO, in order of importance:

• Howard returns
• We are healthy
• McEwen plays at least 20 minutes at point well and scores when needed
• Joey takes his game to the next level offensively and defensively
• Theo and Rob foul less,  or at least foul better
• One or more of Elliott, Cain, and Bailey take their game to the next level

Who is Rob? Is Frozena coming back under the Otule plan?

[Mike Deane's Seat Belt]

How bout we wait til we can make it to a second weekend again before we even think about national title nonsense. 

We will know in a few weeks if we can make the jump next season. 

[TSmith34, Inc.]

Who is Rob? Is Frozena coming back under the Otule plan?

Jackson.  Back to the Final 4, baby!

[MarquetteDano]

Jackson.  Back to the Final 4, baby!

Ha.  PR Nightmare with his comparison to Jackson has me thinking Ed = Rob.

[Warrior1969]

I don't think we're there yet. I'd put money on this team making the second weekend but I don't think we are a Final Four caliber team. I'd love to be proven wrong.

What did you think of Loyola before the tourney last year?

[GB Warrior]

I agree with everything tower said.

I will be fascinated to see the role that Koby fills. He's a huge wild card at the guard spot. Solid numbers at a smaller, but not insignificant, program. Much like Chartouny was this year, but Koby has a higher ceiling and floor.

That said, after watching last night, I think Greg's return is the single biggest key to our offseason short of Markus returning.

[MU82]

1. Win 2019 National Title.

2. Repeat.

[GooooMarquette]

1. Win 2019 National Title.

2. Repeat.

We got this.

[Bocephys]

1. Win 2019 National Title.

2. Repeat.

The next National Title is the most important one.

[Coleman]

What did you think of Loyola before the tourney last year?

There's always going to be a Cinderella. That could certainly happen to us. Just need to win 4 games in a row.

I'm not saying it couldn't happen. I'm just saying I wouldn't put money on it.

[willie warrior]

I'd Add:

6.  Joey's defense improves, which it will.

7.  Elliott or McEwen are competent point guards.

I don't think all 7 things need to open, just a few would make us that much better.

Pretty bold prediction that his defense will improve. it is abysmal right now.

[IrwinFletcher]

Talk is McEwen is 3rd best player in practice......

Hope this is true......and he is pulling Ellitott along with him.....

I would doubt that. Not sure who is saying that but have. Hard time he is that good.

And we hear it all the time about transfers and over the summer workouts. Would be great if true, but...

[MUMountin]

Jackson.  Back to the Final 4, baby!

Nah, he clearly meant Logterman.

[muhoops1]

When they add Greg & Jamal will Wojo have the depth to press full court?  I feel like that style suits this team to create a little tempo.

[tower912]

When they add Greg & Jamal will Wojo have the depth to press full court?  I feel like that style suits this team to create a little tempo.

Need speed as well as depth.   However, I would love to see 40 minutes of hell.

[manny31]

I would doubt that. Not sure who is saying that but have. Hard time he is that good.

And we hear it all the time about transfers and over the summer workouts. Would be great if true, but...

I have also heard that Koby looks awesome in practice. One of these days a transfer, grad or otherwise, is going come in and be a bigly impact player.
One other thing I was wondering about is a Summer trip, is that a possibility?
That would be huge, if not super bigly, step toward giving the Warriors a leg up toward a NC.

[barfolomew]

Nah, he clearly meant Logterman.

Robb.
The extra b is for buckets.

[MUfanatic45]

I would doubt that. Not sure who is saying that but have. Hard time he is that good.

And we hear it all the time about transfers and over the summer workouts. Would be great if true, but...

Why would you doubt that?

I'm not saying he is definitely 3rd best. But is it really that big of a stretch that a guy who has already played two years of productive D1 college basketball looks better than everyone but Markus and Sam in practice?

Especially if we are just talking pure scoring and play making abilities.

[Jay Bee]

Pray.

[RJax55]

Need speed as well as depth.   However, I would love to see 40 minutes of hell.

I got to ask, what teams are currently running a 40 minutes of hell, or maximum pressure scheme these days? To my knowledge, no one. Yet fans still clamor for it.

With the hand-check rules and emphasis on freedom of movement, I don't think a sustained press defense is feasible these days.

[goldeneagle91114]

I think people need to really pump the breaks. Marquette has a great team this year (top 20) no doubt. However, this team did not face any elite level competition (top 8-10) to date. we beat "good" teams. But to think we could compete with Zion Williams and Duke level talent i think is a bit crazy.

[muwarrior69]

I got to ask, what teams are currently running a 40 minutes of hell, or maximum pressure scheme these days? To my knowledge, no one. Yet fans still clamor for it.

With the hand-check rules and emphasis on freedom of movement, I don't think a sustained press defense is feasible these days.

Is the hand check rule really being called? I watched a lot of games this season where the defender has his hands on the offensive player and no foul is called, yet the rule clearly states the defender cannot have his hands on an offensive player.

http://rockchalkblog.com/2013/11/10/the-logical-fallacy-of-the-ncaas-new-hand-check-rules/

[RJax55]

Is the hand check rule really being called? I watched a lot of games this season where the defender has his hands on the offensive player and no foul is called, yet the rule clearly states the defender cannot have his hands on an offensive player.

http://rockchalkblog.com/2013/11/10/the-logical-fallacy-of-the-ncaas-new-hand-check-rules/

Depending on the crew reffing, yes, I think so. Overall, I think the games are call tighter today than even five years ago.

Whether you think that or not, the fact remains that you don't see teams with high-pressure press defenses anymore.

[MarquetteDano]

I think people need to really pump the breaks. Marquette has a great team this year (top 20) no doubt. However, this team did not face any elite level competition (top 8-10) to date. we beat "good" teams. But to think we could compete with Zion Williams and Duke level talent i think is a bit crazy.

When I read "compete for a national title" I think of a Final Four appearance.  That is "competing".  No one is guaranteeing a national championship.

[tower912]

I got to ask, what teams are currently running a 40 minutes of hell, or maximum pressure scheme these days? To my knowledge, no one. Yet fans still clamor for it.

With the hand-check rules and emphasis on freedom of movement, I don't think a sustained press defense is feasible these days.

I said it was a dream.

[Mike Deane's Seat Belt]

I think people need to really pump the breaks. Marquette has a great team this year (top 20) no doubt. However, this team did not face any elite level competition (top 8-10) to date. we beat "good" teams. But to think we could compete with Zion Williams and Duke level talent i think is a bit crazy.

Sweet sixteen this year would be nice.  The national title stuff is really a joke with the way we cant muster a complete game in a mediocre big east this year

[Cheeks]

Sweet sixteen this year would be nice.  The national title stuff is really a joke with the way we cant muster a complete game in a mediocre big east this year

Not a complete game when we have won by double digits on the road multiple times?  You continue to amaze through the years...you really do.

[real chili 83]

We only win the easy national championships.

[Juan Anderson's Mixtape]

Sweet sixteen this year would be nice.  The national title stuff is really a joke with the way we cant muster a complete game in a mediocre big east this year

Which is why this thread is about next year.