Where does Jayce Johnson fit?

[PaintTouches]

I went deep (deeeeeeeeeeep) on Jayce's addition and what it might mean for the team in terms of offensive style and minute load. As long as Theo remains the priority, I actually like it much more than I did the first 2 weeks. 

https://painttouches.com/2019/05/09/where-does-jayce-johnson-fit-for-marquette/

[DoctorV]

I’ll beat someone to the punch

On the bench aina?

[tower912]

All of the bigs may have more opportunities this year off  from dump offs off of penetration.     They better all learn how to get to an open spot and get their hands up.   

[brewcity77]

Good stuff, Andrei.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

I think this is means Ed is going to be given the chance at the 4 and the offense will adapt accordingly.  Mostly because the other alternatives don't give me a lot of confidence either.

My assumptions are that Markus, Koby, Sacar and Theo are four of the starters.

Do you start Bailey?  I mean Bailey showed flashes but is that who should be out there primarily?  I mean, you *could* start him I guess but I'm not sure he should get more than 15 or so minutes.

Cain?  Eehhhh...probably not

Elliott with Sacar moving to the 4?  Undersized, and that may end up working, but I think Elliott is a bit of a wildcard at this point.

So look, it's better to be safe and add depth to the roster.  Injuries are a thing.  If it doesn't work and Ed gets his minutes cut, what's he going to do?  He leaves at the end of the year anyway.  Really the only downside risk is team chemistry OR if Theo gets his minutes cut and wants to go.  (Which doesn't make a lot of sense since he seems to be the only post player for 2020-21 with any experience.)

[Mr. Sand-Knit]

Bailey is an outstanding defender
Can guard the 4
Can play the 4
6’10”
Needs 20 lbs n he can be a really good 4
Sacar n greag can also be small mtchup problem 4s
Mu gonna be good

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

Bailey is an outstanding defender
Can guard the 4
Can play the 4
6’10”
Needs 20 lbs n he can be a really good 4
Sacar n greag can also be small mtchup problem 4s
Mu gonna be good

Bailey most definitely could play the 4.  But I'm not sure I want to rely on that happening at this point.

[Jockey]

Bailey is an outstanding defender
Can guard the 4
Can play the 4
6’10”
Needs 20 lbs n he can be a really good 4
Sacar n greag can also be small mtchup problem 4s
Mu gonna be good

Yeah, I'm 6'10" as well

[muguru]

Bailey is an outstanding defender
Can guard the 4
Can play the 4
6’10”
Needs 20 lbs n he can be a really good 4
Sacar n greag can also be small mtchup problem 4s
Mu gonna be good

So...define...good Sand Knit...you keep saying that no way MU was going to live up to their preseason top 10 ranking...which means you think they were going to be overrated. But then you have also said they are going to be better without the Hauser's..So...if they weren't going to live up to the top 10 ranking WITH the Hauser's, but now will be better without the Hauser's. So no way in your opinion they would be top 10 with them...but you state they will be better WITHOUT them, those statements conflict.

[Herman Cain]

Jayce is a replacement for Matt Heldt.

He may get some extended minutes in certain games where the other team has some non athletic large stiff centers or when Theo /Ed start to get heavy fouls.

If Jayce can prove himself Heldt-worthy than it gives the team some flexibility .

The European Tour is coming along at a good time for the team .

[Dawson Rental]

Jayce is a replacement for Matt Heldt.

He may get some extended minutes in certain games where the other team has some non athletic large stiff centers or when Theo /Ed start to get heavy fouls.

If Jayce can prove himself Heldt-worthy than it gives the team some flexibility .

The European Tour is coming along at a good time for the team .

Undoubtedly, that's the argument the coaching staff used to get him to pass on starting at Nebraska.

[GooooMarquette]

Jayce is a replacement for Matt Heldt.

He may get some extended minutes in certain games where the other team has some non athletic large stiff centers or when Theo /Ed start to get heavy fouls.

If Jayce can prove himself Heldt-worthy than it gives the team some flexibility .

The European Tour is coming along at a good time for the team .

I really doubt he is just a replacement for Matt.

In his best season (‘17-‘18), Matt averaged 3.9 ppg and 2.9 rpg. Last season, Jayce averaged 7.0 and 7.7.  In fact, Jayce had better stats as a frosh (his worst season statistically) then Matt ever had at his peak.

I loved Matt for his attitude and energy, but I don’t think Jayce came here to be a high-energy practice guy.

My humble opinion is that Jayce plays considerable minutes at the five (backing up Theo), while Ed moves over to the four and shares minutes with Brendan.

[Juan Anderson's Mixtape]

I really doubt he is just a replacement for Matt.

In his best season (‘17-‘18), Matt averaged 3.9 ppg and 2.9 rpg. Last season, Jayce averaged 7.0 and 7.7.  In fact, Jayce had better stats as a frosh (his worst season statistically) then Matt ever had at his peak.

I loved Matt for his attitude and energy, but I don’t think Jayce came here to be a high-energy practice guy.

My humble opinion is that Jayce plays considerable minutes at the five (backing up Theo), while Ed moves over to the four and shares minutes with Brendan.

Agreed but I would add Cain in the mix at the 4.

[NickelDimer]

Undoubtedly, that's the argument the coaching staff used to get him to pass on starting at Nebraska.

[GooooMarquette]

Agreed but I would add Cain in the mix at the 4.

True. Jamal will probably see time at both 3 and 4, depending on matchups and such.

[willie warrior]

Bailey is an outstanding defender
Can guard the 4
Can play the 4
6’10”
Needs 20 lbs n he can be a really good 4
Sacar n greag can also be small mtchup problem 4s
Mu gonna be good

Uhhh....Sorry, stating Bailey is an outstanding defender does not make it so.

[willie warrior]

Jayce is a replacement for Matt Heldt.

He may get some extended minutes in certain games where the other team has some non athletic large stiff centers or when Theo /Ed start to get heavy fouls.

If Jayce can prove himself Heldt-worthy than it gives the team some flexibility .

The European Tour is coming along at a good time for the team .

But wait....Wojo just said Johnson is "an elite level rebounder"

[Dr. Blackheart]

Yeah, I'm 6'10" as well

But you set a mean moving pick.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

But wait....Wojo just said Johnson is "an elite level rebounder"

He is. 27.5% defensive rebounding percentage (top 25 in the country) and 14% offensive rebounding percentage (top 30 in the country). Given that there are thousands of basketball players in D1, I'd say finishing top 30 on both ends is pretty elite.

[Herman Cain]

I really doubt he is just a replacement for Matt.

In his best season (‘17-‘18), Matt averaged 3.9 ppg and 2.9 rpg. Last season, Jayce averaged 7.0 and 7.7.  In fact, Jayce had better stats as a frosh (his worst season statistically) then Matt ever had at his peak.

I loved Matt for his attitude and energy, but I don’t think Jayce came here to be a high-energy practice guy.

My humble opinion is that Jayce plays considerable minutes at the five (backing up Theo), while Ed moves over to the four and shares minutes with Brendan.

Matt was a serviceable Big East Center. In fact in 17-18 he gave us 22 minutes a game.  He did a lot of little things to help the team win over the years. So I should have clarified what I meant as Jayce as a replacement for Matt.

Theo and Ed were both considerably more impactful  this past year and thus Matt's role changed. We won more as a result. That doesn't imply that  Matt wouldn't have progressed from the prior year if he had the minutes, as Matt progressed every year.

I see Jayce as being used in  something closer to Matt's 2017-18 role as a serviceable Big East Big . That said, my guess is that we will see frequent configurations with two of the 5s playing at the same time.  Last year we had the luxury of the Brothers Hauser at 6-8 and 6-9 playing Major minutes, so we could rotate our Big Men in . Maybe this year we see some lineups with 3 guards and two of the Big guys.

[burger]

Johnson is going to play a "non- stretch" 4 with either Theo or Ed......

Classic wings with Sacar.....Bailey....Cain.....

Any combo of the guards at the other 2 spot.....

That is why we could use a Grad transfer 4.......still.......

Go small and either play 3 guards.......or 2 wings.......

[willie warrior]

He is. 27.5% defensive rebounding percentage (top 25 in the country) and 14% offensive rebounding percentage (top 30 in the country). Given that there are thousands of basketball players in D1, I'd say finishing top 30 on both ends is pretty elite.

Then he should be on the floor at least 30 minutes per game with that reasoning. Not playing an "elite rebounder" of that ilk would be trgic, don't you agree?

[Marcus92]

Uhhh....Sorry, stating Bailey is an outstanding defender does not make it so.

Brendan certainly didn't earn 14+ minutes a game as a freshman for his offense.

He was a very good defender off the bench last season. With his combination of length and quickness, he can guard at least 3 positions (possibly 4 this season if he puts on some muscle). That versatility makes him a highly valuable player on the court, allowing Wojo the flexibility of switching when needed.

Brendan was 3rd on the team in block percentage (after Theo and Ed) and 5th in steal percentage. His biggest weakness right now is defensive rebounding, which ranked last on the team. That should improve with greater strength and experience.

[Marcus92]

Then he should be on the floor at least 30 minutes per game with that reasoning. Not playing an "elite rebounder" of that ilk would be trgic, don't you agree?

Depending on how quickly Jayce gets up to speed and meshes with the team, he should be a significant contributor down low. 30+ minutes? Doubtful. Last season he averaged 21.9 mpg, topping 30 minutes just 3 times. Plus, MU only had 3 players average 30+ minutes (Markus, Sam and Sacar).

[Skatastrophy]

Johnson is going to play a "non- stretch" 4 with either Theo or Ed......

Classic wings with Sacar.....Bailey....Cain.....

Any combo of the guards at the other 2 spot.....

I wonder if that lineup will be able to get back on defense fast enough. I guess if we make our shots and dominate the offensive glass it won't matter.

It was rough watching the Hausers try to play transition defense last year, so I guess it won't be anything new.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Then he should be on the floor at least 30 minutes per game with that reasoning. Not playing an "elite rebounder" of that ilk would be trgic, don't you agree?

Is rebounding the only part of the game that matters?

[tower912]

Is rebounding the only part of the game that matters?

It is when your team can't do it.   

[willie warrior]

Depending on how quickly Jayce gets up to speed and meshes with the team, he should be a significant contributor down low. 30+ minutes? Doubtful. Last season he averaged 21.9 mpg, topping 30 minutes just 3 times. Plus, MU only had 3 players average 30+ minutes (Markus, Sam and Sacar).

But after all...he is an elite level rebounder. Sort of reminds one of the predictions about the awesome Aussie who was going to be a huge difference maker.

[wadesworld]

But after all...he is an elite level rebounder. Sort of reminds one of the predictions about the awesome Aussie who was going to be a huge difference maker.

Okay. Jayce is going to suck.

Feel better now?

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

But after all...he is an elite level rebounder. Sort of reminds one of the predictions about the awesome Aussie who was going to be a huge difference maker.

Or when the mods told us how good this “willie warrior” cat was going to be when he registered.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

But after all...he is an elite level rebounder. Sort of reminds one of the predictions about the awesome Aussie who was going to be a huge difference maker.

Has any person here said that about Jayce?

[brewcity77]

Or when the mods told us how good this “willie warrior” cat was going to be when he registered.

Let's be honest...no one ever told us that.

[willie warrior]

Is rebounding the only part of the game that matters?

You know the answer to that. If the guy is an elite rebounder, he should be on the floor rebounding. After all, we have scorers and ball handlers
 My point is that the proof will be in how much he helps
 It looks right now that he will add 5 more fouls to the center and a poor Ft shooter. I do not believe he is an elite rebounder
 More Wojo spin. We need a lot more to replace loss of Hausers
What is your point?

What is your point?

[Marcus92]

But after all...he is an elite level rebounder. Sort of reminds one of the predictions about the awesome Aussie who was going to be a huge difference maker.

TAMU's post about Jayce wasn't a prediction. It was a statement of fact (although you could say defining anything performance-related as "elite" is open to interpretation).

Last season, Jayce Johnson posted a DR% of 27.5% per KenPom, the 23rd highest percentage in the country. That's in the 99th percentile of the approximately 4,500 players who compete in Division I college basketball. His OR% was 14.1% (27th), also in the 99th percentile.

I'd certainly call that elite. If you want to argue semantics, go ahead.

There are, of course, qualifiers. While Jayce started 25 games, he averaged only 21.9 mpg. Also, he played for Utah -- which ranked just ahead of DePaul in KenPom's team rankings. Also, Utah played in the Pac-12, which ranked behind the AAC in terms of conference strength. So I wouldn't necessarily compare him to Jordan Murphy, for instance, or Tyler Bey (who led the Pac-12 in DR%).

Nobody knows for sure how Jayce will work out at MU. But he's easily more of a known quantity than either Harry Froling (who saw little high-level competition before coming to the U.S. and barely played at SMU) or Joseph Chartouny (who played for a much worse team in 292nd ranked Fordham in a much worse conference).

From everything I've seen about Jayce, I think we're getting a good player. Possibly a really good one, at least when it comes to rebounding and defense. You don't have to be excited about that. But I can't think of any circumstances where you would be, anyway.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

You know the answer to that. If the guy is an elite rebounder, he should be on the floor rebounding. After all, we have scorers and ball handlers
 My point is that the proof will be in how much he helps
 It looks right now that he will add 5 more fouls to the center and a poor Ft shooter. I do not believe he is an elite rebounder
 More Wojo spin. We need a lot more to replace loss of Hausers
What is your point?

What is your point?

My point is that Jayce Johnson is an elite rebounder. Unless you want to say that top 1% isn't elite, that is an indisputable fact. Will he continue to be an elite rebounder at MU? I don't know. I don't think anyone here has suggested that Jayce makes up for the loss of the Hausers.

[Marcus92]

Another interesting comp to consider:

The player KenPom considers the most similar to Jayce Johnson is 7-0 center Trevor Thompson (must be something about alliterative names).

During his junior year in 2016-17, Thompson started 20 games for Ohio State -- averaging 23.0 mpg, 10.6 ppg, 9.2 rpg (with a 9th ranked 29.6 DR% and 34th ranked 13.7 OR%) and 1.5 bpg (7.5 Blk%).

Thompson declared for the NBA draft and went undrafted. He played with the Celtics in the summer league, then spent the season in the G League. He moved on the French Pro A league in 2018-19 and is now playing in Belgium.

[willie warrior]

Has any person here said that about Jayce?

Not yet, just that he is an elite rebounder. Hopefully he will turn out to be that, but we need much more to make up for Hausergate.

[willie warrior]

Has any person here said that about Jayce?

BTW, the words "sort of reminds one" should have put that in proper context for you, but you must have missed that in trying to make whatever point you were attempting.

[Herman Cain]

Not yet, just that he is an elite rebounder. Hopefully he will turn out to be that, but we need much more to make up for Hausergate.

Jayce is a straight up replacement for Matt Heldt .We need that 3rd Big man role filled as Theo has foul trouble, Ed is injury prone and Ike is a complete unknown. My guess is Jayce will probably play minutes equal to what Matt did his junior year (21.9) which is exactly the minutes  Jayce played last year at Utah.

Wojo said in the press conference that they will be throwing out a two big look from time to time.   

Replacement for Hausergate still needs to  be addressed . If no grad transfers happen ,then it will be a bigger 2020 class.

[DoctorV]

Brendan certainly didn't earn 14+ minutes a game as a freshman for his offense.

He was a very good defender off the bench last season. With his combination of length and quickness, he can guard at least 3 positions (possibly 4 this season if he puts on some muscle). That versatility makes him a highly valuable player on the court, allowing Wojo the flexibility of switching when needed.

Brendan was 3rd on the team in block percentage (after Theo and Ed) and 5th in steal percentage. His biggest weakness right now is defensive rebounding, which ranked last on the team. That should improve with greater strength and experience.

I’ve seen this narrative a lot and I just want to pump the brakes a bit. I didn’t really see very good defense from bailey- I saw some flashes of serviceable defense at best. Wojo went to him at times to guard shorter scorers and he did very well. However, I saw him get lost a lot early, not so much later in the year. I saw him get blown by with speed a heck of a lot even late in the year. I’d call him an average defender at best last season, underperformed offensively.

It’s easy to get lost in the shuffle, and I’m the last Joey Hauser apologist you’ll find, but Joey was strong on the defensive end for a major portion of the yr. I honestly thing he threw in the towel late, but there were many games during the golden times when Marquette was looking great where Joey played good strong interior defense and rebounded exceptionally well, even leading the team.

That was the Joey we needed at MU, but alas. Brendan isn’t that, he’s much skinnier and won’t defense in the post or rebound like Joey. I know joeys “poor defense” was a big punching bag narrative here recently, but earlier in the year that just wasn’t the case. That kid helped a ton defensively and now MU has to fill that.

Jayce will help much more there than Brendan. Bailey is the stretch four everyone here is looking for. He has a pure stroke despite struggling mightily last yr from three. He can shoot and the staff knows it. He can defense some but he isn’t an interior bruiser and won’t rebound very well. Johnson will handle the boards (hopefully) and the blocks and ideally hold his own v heavier bigs, and Brendan will play the stretch 3/4 that steps out and shoots/makes threes that everyone is wanting to replace sam/joe.

At the end of the day my guess is that Marquette becomes a three guard team next yr, and that wins in ncaab. Markus, Koby, Sacar/Greg should get a lot of minutes at the 1-3. Any way you slice it that’s a three guard team. Theo will get solid minutes and so should Ed/Jayce at either the 4/5- because of both experience and need for size with the three guards.

That leaves all the wings in a fight for minutes and fighting to establish their role. This includes “stretch 4.” You’ve got Cain, Bailey then trying to make a difference and I think both will at times depending on matchups. I view Akanno as a sacar projectory and Eke as a wildcard.

I feel like I’m either missing people or MU is thin in bodies next season

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

While I agree Brendan's defense has been overrated by many....there was no point in the season where Joey was a good defender. He didn't throw in the towel on defense, he was just bad on defense. Which is fine, a lot of freshmen are bad at defense. He more than made up for it with his offense and rebounding.

[tower912]

In one of Brendan's first games, he picked the pocket in the middle of the floor of a cupcake PG.  The last forward at MU to do that was............?   He blocked shots.    At Georgetown, his defense on Akinjo and McClung was every bit as instrumental as Sam running the point.    No, he was not a lock down defender every time.    But he was better than Joey. 

[wadesworld]

In one of Brendan's first games, he picked the pocket in the middle of the floor of a cupcake PG.  The last forward at MU to do that was............?   He blocked shots.    At Georgetown, his defense on Akinjo and McClung was every bit as instrumental as Sam running the point.    No, he was not a lock down defender every time.    But he was better than Joey.

Jae and Jimmy.  Was Lockett a forward?

[TSmith34, Inc.]

You don't have to be excited about that. But I can't think of any circumstances where you would be, anyway.

There are those tantalizing last few seconds as he is grilling up his Mazos burger and the scent of a hamburger seared to perfection is wafting deliciously into his flaring nostrils, just before he loads it into his bun.

But other than that, no.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

Brendan was good on the defensive side of the floor because he has the quickness to stay with his guy and the length to bother them.  Like many freshmen, he would struggle with the defensive rotations, which will come with time.  He was a much better defender than Joey.

But Joey was miles ahead of him on offense.  The Joey sucks narrative is laughable.  He hit the wall undoubtedly, and may never quite live up to his lofty expectations, but he was a solid freshman player who will grow into a very nice college basketball player.  I hope Brendan can do the same.

[ATL MU Warrior]

Brendan was good on the defensive side of the floor because he has the quickness to stay with his guy and the length to bother them.  Like many freshmen, he would struggle with the defensive rotations, which will come with time.  He was a much better defender than Joey.

But Joey was miles ahead of him on offense.  The Joey sucks narrative is laughable.  He hit the wall undoubtedly, and may never quite live up to his lofty expectations, but he was a solid freshman player who will grow into a very nice college basketball player.  I hope Brendan can do the same.

Joey didn't suck, but his lack of athleticism was shocking.  I don't know how many times he made a good move to the basket but got his shot blocked or missed badly because he was either completely off balance or couldn't get off the floor. 

Maybe lingering effects of his injury or maybe due to lack of strength which is common for freshman.  Either way, Brendan is a far more athletic player...hopefully that translates into him being a better player.

[Coleman]

Jayce is a replacement for Matt Heldt.

He may get some extended minutes in certain games where the other team has some non athletic large stiff centers or when Theo /Ed start to get heavy fouls.

If Jayce can prove himself Heldt-worthy than it gives the team some flexibility .

The European Tour is coming along at a good time for the team .

Jayce will get roughly double the minutes Matt got last season. With all do respect to Matt, who seems like an awesome person and teammate, Jayce will be much more.

[Herman Cain]

Jayce will get roughly double the minutes Matt got last season. With all do respect to Matt, who seems like an awesome person and teammate, Jayce will be much more.

Wojo says we are going to be running two bigs at time. So likely Jayce will get a decent amount of playing time .

[MU82]

Wojo says we are going to be running two bigs at time. So likely Jayce will get a decent amount of playing time .

Wojo will play match-ups -- when opponents play 2 bigs, he now has options to do so, or maybe he'll want to force the opposing coach's hand.

He also will go with whichever player is doing the job better in a particular game or stretch of a game -- something that he has regularly done and that most coaches do.

One of Wojo's strengths during his time at Marquette has been his sense for the 5 position, IMHO, as he almost always has played the right guy at the right time for the right reasons. I have confidence he will continue to do a good job allocating minutes to our bigs.

[monkeyman34]

From a defensive perspective, last year when Theo and Joey were on the floor at the same time, Joey never seemed quick enough to guard some of the "smaller" 4s we faced.  I would think we will be better defensively this year at the 4, whether it be Ed, BB, Anim, Cain, or whoever else is getting minutes at the position. I would also think our D at the 5 spot will be better with Jayce basically taking away Ed's "5" minutes this year.

[Herman Cain]

Wojo will play match-ups -- when opponents play 2 bigs, he now has options to do so, or maybe he'll want to force the opposing coach's hand.

He also will go with whichever player is doing the job better in a particular game or stretch of a game -- something that he has regularly done and that most coaches do.

One of Wojo's strengths during his time at Marquette has been his sense for the 5 position, IMHO, as he almost always has played the right guy at the right time for the right reasons. I have confidence he will continue to do a good job allocating minutes to our bigs.

I agree with this analysis.

[brewcity77]

One of Wojo's strengths during his time at Marquette has been his sense for the 5 position, IMHO, as he almost always has played the right guy at the right time for the right reasons.

This is a sound observation. He knew when to go to Matt over Luke. He juggled Ed and Theo very well. And this year, Heldt was instrumental in that Xavier win. The 5 is a place where Wojo has been good at pulling the right strings.

[Marcus92]

The thought of someone literally juggling Ed and Theo made me laugh.

[MU82]

The thought of someone literally juggling Ed and Theo made me laugh.

Would take one of those giants from Game of Thrones!