Shaka Smart Presser 2pm: LINK

[jficke13]

I thought it was good, if not exactly earth-shattering. He really seemed to loosen up and looked more comfortable during the QA. I can see how he could win over a room. Excited to see him get to work, see the roster and staff stabilize, and get to next season.

[mu_hilltopper]

Shaka could have really endeared himself to alums by ending with LET'S GO WARRIORS!!

[JakeBarnes]

Poised, confident, thoughtful answers. Damn, this was so impressive.

Time to build the squad up and LFG.

Excited to see what the next few weeks bring.

1. sounds like he is gonna meet with all the players and recruits shortly
2. Sounds like he's already talked to some of his previous recruits/commits
3. Justin, Dawson and DJ got shoutouts, so hopefully this means we are in good shape there.

You sure we can't start the season soon?

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

https://www.youtube.com/v/f50SX33xlb8

Didn't realize how robotic he really was until you compare it to Shaka's presser.

[Daniel]

Or it was part of his messaging to make it look like it.

Or putting it out there he wants them back. 
This was a grand slam performance.   Yeah Shaka!

[StillAWarrior]

Or it was part of his messaging to make it look like it.

Yeah, he definitely knows how to work the room: 1977, Al, Doc, Diener, etc. He knows who his audience is and he knows how to say what they want to hear.

This is not a criticism. Just because it happens to be what we want to hear, doesn't mean it's not true. He seems very sincere and impressive. Yes, I'm drinking the kool-aid.

[willie warrior]

Within the context of Asst. Coaches me mentioned about how impressed he was years ago with Dieners confidence level. Wonder if that means anything?

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

Was kinda awkward he didn't mention anybody besides those three. Poor Sy and Co.

Can't wait until Marquette Madness.

[MikeDeanesDarkGlasses]

Didn't realize how robotic he really was until you compare it to Shaka's presser.

Just run for office......you're a perfect fit as a state representative or senator. 

[The Sultan]

Within the context of Asst. Coaches me mentioned about how impressed he was years ago with Dieners confidence level. Wonder if that means anything?

Yeah I noticed the same thing.

[PhillyWarrior]

What an incredibly genuine human being

That's what impressed me.  Speaks from the heart, no 'canned' responses.  What a breath of fresh air.

[Galway Eagle]

Was kinda awkward he didn't mention anybody besides those three. Poor Sy and Co.

Can't wait until Marquette Madness.

I agree that was a little awkward. But still the name shoutouts were a nice little piece indicating he knows the priorities. Hoping that means some good news for us for those guys.

Get after Mitchell Aidoo Joplin, Tamar and reach out to Hunter! Reach out to Osa and Greg. Let the chips fall where ever with Dex Sy and Jose

[PhillyWarrior]

Yeah I noticed the same thing.

I'd like to see Diener on the sidelines during games.

[avid1010]

He spoke from years of reflection and thoughts about who he is as a person and a coach.  I'm a huge fan of the hire and person, but a press conference doesn't mean much to me.  That said, it couldn't have gone much better.  I saw the sincerity and a tactical approach (mentioning current players, Doc, Diener, etc.) that is hard to pull off.  Seems MU is fortunate to have him. 

[Silkk the Shaka]

Was kinda awkward he didn't mention anybody besides those three. Poor Sy and Co.

Can't wait until Marquette Madness.

Seriously, I wonder how Symir Torrence will ever get over not being called out by Skaka at his introductory press conference. It's only been 13 days since he put his name in the transfer portal! Major slight IMO

[MuggsyB]

I thought this was an excellent presser.  If you don't like this guy as a human being you have some serious issues.  Of course this is about basketball and Wojo is a great person in his own right, but the wisdom and honesty on every level with Shaka permeated the room.  In particular his poignant words about his mother and his entire family.  Serious, serious, props to Mama-Shaka because she raised her son right.

Make no mistake about it, this guy gets it. That doesn't mean it won't be a process or easy in the slightest.  As Tower said we cannot get ahead ourselves as these situations often create unbridled enthusiasm.  But I'll tell you this:  I feel pretty damn good about the program moving forward and everything Shaka said regarding MU hoops expecatations was spot-on.  Call me crazy but after 30 mins of hearing Shaka I feel better about MU basketball than I have in a very, very. long time.  I feel strongly this is just the beginning but we will get there. 

We are Marquette!!  Welcome to the Smart family!!

[muwarrior69]

Poised, confident, thoughtful answers. Damn, this was so impressive.

Time to build the squad up and LFG.

...and no 14pt font note cards and a list of the reporters with their picture next to their name.

All snarkiness aside he carries himself well, said all the right things. Now let's see if he can get the guys to actually play aggressive defense with  high energy. What happens on the court is the only measure. He certainly understands that DJ, DG and JL are the core to rebuild the team around.

[JamilJaeJamailJrJuan]

Was kinda awkward he didn't mention anybody besides those three. Poor Sy and Co.

Can't wait until Marquette Madness.

Cy has literally already transferred.  WHo cares? 

[NWarsh]

Seriously, I wonder how Symir Torrence will ever get over not being called out by Skaka at his introductory press conference. It's only been 13 days since he put his name in the transfer portal! Major slight IMO

Haha, agreed, such a weird comment to make.  And if we are being honest, outside of those 3, how many coaches outside the Big East could name any of them.  Those 3 are key pieces to have any sort of success next year, so I am glad he called them out specifically.

[NickelDimer]

Man what a breath of fresh air. Using Diener as a model of how he wants players to be themselves was exactly the stuff I wanted to hear.

[mileskishnish72]

Anybody post a replay for the technology-challenged unfortunates that couldn't get it to play?

[Silkk the Shaka]

I thought this was an excellent presser.  If you don't like this guy as a human being you have some serious issues.  Of course this is about basketball and Wojo is a great person in his own right, but the wisdom and honesty on every level with Shaka permeated the room.  In particular his poignant words about his mother and his entire family.  Serious, serious, props to Mama-Shaka because she raised her son right.

Make no mistake about it, this guy gets it. That doesn't mean it won't be a process or easy in the slightest.  As Tower said we cannot get ahead ourselves as these situations often create unbridled enthusiasm.  But I'll tell you this:  I feel pretty damn good about the program moving forward and everything Shaka said regarding MU hoops expecatations was spot-on.  Call me crazy but after 30 mins of hearing Shaka I feel better about MU basketball than I have in a very, very. long time.  I feel strongly this is just the beginning but we will get there. 

We are Marquette!!  Welcome to the Smart family!!

The wattage emanating off of him, especially in relation to the last seven years, was stark

[warriorchick]

Anybody post a replay for the technology-challenged unfortunates that couldn't get it to play?

Same link should work.  Disable your ad blocker

It's also on YouTube now.

[dgies9156]

He SAID the right think -- making reference to our history and basketball commitment

He FELT the right thing -- in his commitment to making his players better men and better ballplayers

NOW,

WILL HE DO THE RIGHT THING -- WIN!!!!

[Dr. Blackheart]

Anybody post a replay for the technology-challenged unfortunates that couldn't get it to play?

https://youtu.be/8ihXq2NFOkU

Starts at 25 minute mark