Shaka's Multiple Moves

[mileskishnish72]

It's raining newbies,m what do you think, Scoopers?

[jsglow]

I, for one, LOVE it.  Frankly I'm far less interested in winning this upcoming season than I am seeing the team develop an actual identity and get steadily better throughout the year. I want the whole to be greater than the sum of the parts. I want kids to become better ballplayers and understand where coach is taking them, even if they can't always execute.  I believe that is what we will see. And it's something we haven't in a very long time.

[goldeneagle91114]

I, for one, LOVE it.  Frankly I'm far less interested in winning this upcoming season than I am seeing the team develop an actual identity and get steadily better throughout the year. I want the whole to be greater than the sum of the parts. I want kids to become better ballplayers and understand where coach is taking them, even if they can't always execute.  I believe that is what we will see. And it's something we haven't in a very long time.

Agree with the above, but would also add that I want to see the team play their best basketball in Feb./March... continued growth throughout the year.

[JakeBarnes]

I, for one, LOVE it.  Frankly I'm far less interested in winning this upcoming season than I am seeing the team develop an actual identity and get steadily better throughout the year. I want the whole to be greater than the sum of the parts. I want kids to become better ballplayers and understand where coach is taking them, even if they can't always execute.  I believe that is what we will see. And it's something we haven't in a very long time.

It's exciting and I am cautiously optimistic. As glow mentioned, definitely feels like Shaka is recruiting with a purpose and filling specific roles. I think we are due for some really exciting basketball that will have some highs and some lows due to inexperience next year.

With covid, unclear if this is possible, but it'd be a good year to do a foreign trip over the summer. Just to get some sort of coherence going early.

[lawdog77]

I am curious, but not curious enough to take the time to look, to see what Shaka's M.O. was at Texas. Did he have many transfers in/out during his tenure?

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

I'm excited. I think I see what Shaka is doing and if it works out, it will be hella fun.

Add Morsell and bring back Dawson and I'll be over the moon.

[Goose]

lawdog

He had transfer to the NBA at Texas.

[muwarrior69]

I, for one, LOVE it.  Frankly I'm far less interested in winning this upcoming season than I am seeing the team develop an actual identity and get steadily better throughout the year. I want the whole to be greater than the sum of the parts. I want kids to become better ballplayers and understand where coach is taking them, even if they can't always execute.  I believe that is what we will see. And it's something we haven't in a very long time.

...and if others continue to leave so be it; clean slates can be good.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

I am curious, but not curious enough to take the time to look, to see what Shaka's M.O. was at Texas. Did he have many transfers in/out during his tenure?

Shaka was not a transfer man until now:
2020: 0 in, 0 out
2019: 0 in, 1 out
2018: 0 in, 3 out
2017: 1 in, 1 out
2016: 2 in, 1 out
2015: 0 in, 2 out

It was actually one of my only hangups about Shaka as a candidate. I think the new world order will require a coach to be proficient on the transfer market and Shaka hadn't recruited one in the past three offseasons. Glad to see him adjusting.

[warriorstrack]

Like a kid in a candy store...

[MU82]

This offseason is different from all others, transfer-wise.

I agree with much of what glow said. Barring the signing of an experienced, proven, P6 talent, this team will be very, very, very young. And not young as in stacked-with-1-and-dones-like-Duke-and UK young. And that's OK, as long as folks recognize what that means.

I still think that if Dawson stays we have a chance for a nicer-than-many-expect season, and maybe even if he doesn't stay.

[JakeBarnes]

I'm excited. I think I see what Shaka is doing and if it works out, it will be hella fun.

Add Morsell and bring back Dawson and I'll be over the moon.

The situation you have painted with Morsell would put me over the moon. Immediately adds a senior leader and a defensive guidepost for the team to be measured against.

Honestly, I have no idea what is going on though. I just know that I am pretty excited about the season--which I've not felt in a bit.

[MU82]

I've been the go-to guy for info for several of my MU friends -- which is hilarious, because I'm not connected at all. All I've done is update them with what I read on Scoop.

They are absolutely giddy about all this activity. I think there's a lot of excitement in MarquetteLand, as well as there should be. If you're not digging this, why even bother being a fan?

[Warrior Code]

I love it. I don't follow recruiting closely so I hadn't even heard of most of these kids before they committed, but it's fun to see some juice around the program right now.

After the Wojo-induced malaise and the general fatigue of 2020, it feels good to be excited about MU basketball again.

[Stretchdeltsig]

Its so refreshing to see a HC who knows how to recruit and close the deal like a businessman would. Shaka's a mover and a shaker. Love his go go work ethic.

[hawk]

I was surprised this morning to see that coach Smart added a a guard,Kolek and a foward Prosper to the team.  I count 14 players.  Is someone leaving or has someone left That I missed?

[Goose]

82


I am very happy and somewhat surprised with the consensus of people digging it. I thought a complete overhaul was needed and would happen and felt some would not like the departure of so many guys. It is very cool that everyone is excited and talking about MU basketball again.

One a sidebar, on Sportscenter last night MU was again mentioned in the notable coaching changes. Good times are coming!!

[jsglow]

I was surprised this morning to see that coach Smart added a a guard,Kolek and a foward Prosper to the team.  I count 14 players.  Is someone leaving or has someone left That I missed?

First, welcome and stick around.

Second, yes, at this moment we are one over.

[MUONTOP]

It's been 4 hours without a new commitment...should we be worried?

[Billy Hoyle]

I don't know what to think of any of these guys other than Shaka is recruiting guys to his system and taking advantage of the immediate eligibility rule to do it. It's setting him up for immediate success.

[jfp61]

And were not done

[JakeBarnes]

It's been 4 hours without a new commitment...should we be worried?

Nah:

inside the portal
@InsidePortal
Hearing that #Marquette is going to land a talented transfer in the coming days.

https://twitter.com/InsidePortal/status/1382738016557531140

[Tha Hound]

And were not done

Go on...

[Tha Hound]

Nah:

https://twitter.com/InsidePortal/status/1382738016557531140

Morsell? Cmon...please be Morsell

[Uncle Rico]

Morsell? Cmon...please be Morsell

Could be Cam’Ron Fletcher

[rocky_warrior]

Just gonna throw the image out there for non-social media folks :

[Herman Cain]

Just gonna throw the image out there for non-social media folks :

Good Hair across the board.

[dgies9156]

A new guy comes in and he wants his own people.

He wants to mold his own culture. His own vision and his own image.

It's as true in basketball as it is in business and industry.

That's what Coach Shaka is doing. I see it as getting the guys who not just fit his mold as players, but buy into his vision for the program.

If the core of the Wojo guys buy in, they'll stay and be on the ground floor of something special. If they leave, OK, it happens. I'm hoping Justin Lewis, Dawson Garcia and DJ Carton are back. I suspect Coach Shaka does too.

If they're not, it's because they won't make it in our system. It's their choice.

[dgies9156]

oops

[Cooby Snacks]

Like a kid in a candy store...

Or an adult venturing into Costco for the first time. We're buying in bulk!

[rocky_warrior]

Or an adult venturing into Costco for the first time. We're buying in bulk!

"Oh look Maya, a mix pack of recruits and transfers.  We won't have to come back for another year!"

[Jockey]

Morsell? Cmon...please be Morsell

Didn't Morsell already decide on NC State?

[shoothoops]

Is there a 5th choice, "Unknown," because that is what it is at this point.

Shaka will be evaluated the same as any other (MUBB) Head Coach. Expectations will be the same as any other MUBB Head Coach.

That may require additional explanation. .....Some coaches are successful year one and keep it going. Some are successful year 1 or 2 then drop off a bit, and later build a consistent winner. Some coaches take 3 or 4 or even 5 years to build a consistent winner. Some coaches do not win and get replaced after a period of time.

I'm sure many would like to see Buzz like results winning the regular season Big East Title, 3 NCAA second weekends, 4 top 5 league finishes, all within six seasons. Can Shaka get Marquette back to this level? How long will it take him to do so? Etc...

So, the answer is unknown. There is often hope with any new regime.

[Scoop Snoop]

Nah:

https://twitter.com/InsidePortal/status/1382738016557531140

If this keeps up, even the Big 3 are going to sleep with one eye opened. So say goodbye to Perez and Akanno, hoping not Greg too but I would not be surprised. No one is talking about Bates much anymore. I think that ship has sailed but just not announced yet.
 

[Tha Hound]

Didn't Morsell already decide on NC State?

No

[JakeBarnes]

Didn't Morsell already decide on NC State?

As of 15 hours ago, he was still considering draft or schools. NC State wasn't one of the ones listed here:

https://247sports.com/college/maryland/Article/Maryland-basketball-Darryl-Morsell-on-transferNBA-decision-timeline-Terps-new-additions-164184406/

According to ESPN's Jeff Borzello, Morsell has heard from Arkansas, Miami, Florida, Providence, Marquette, San Diego State, Butler and Clemson. he has until July 19 to pull out of the draft, but there's no deadline on his decision whether to transfer or return to Maryland.

[Jockey]

As of 15 hours ago, he was still considering draft or schools. NC State wasn't one of the ones listed here:

https://247sports.com/college/maryland/Article/Maryland-basketball-Darryl-Morsell-on-transferNBA-decision-timeline-Terps-new-additions-164184406/

You're right. It was Casey Morsell from UVA.

Gotta learn to keep my Morsell's straight. 

[GooooMarquette]

I LOVE it.

I don't yet understand how he sees all the pieces fitting together, but he seems to be building with a purpose so I am more than willing to trust his vision. And I love how athletic most of the players appear to be.

If we can be somewhere in the mid- to upper portion of the BE next season and improve through January and February, I will be thrilled.

[Scoop Snoop]

I LOVE it.

I don't yet understand how he sees all the pieces fitting together, but he seems to be building with a purpose so I am more than willing to trust his vision. And I love how athletic most of the players appear to be.

If we can be somewhere in the mid- to upper portion of the BE next season and improve through January and February, I will be thrilled.

I'm guessing 12-8 in conference and that's simply because of freshman, some sophs and a new coach and system. Otherwise, I'd guess higher. Agree that the team will improve as the season goes on. Other than 80% of one season, I have not had a ton of fun watching the last 8 seasons. This team will definitely be fun to watch and kick butt the following year.

[UWW2MU]

I may be missing something in all this... so forgive my naivete, but all this talk about players transferring out to open scholarship spots, wouldn't redshirting also open spots as well?    As long as 1 or 2 players redshirt, this shouldn't be an issue, right?   Or does a redshirt player still use a scholarship spot?  I have no idea why I can't remember the answer to this.

[genious expert]

I may be missing something in all this... so forgive my naivete, but all this talk about players transferring out to open scholarship spots, wouldn't redshirting also open spots as well?    As long as 1 or 2 players redshirt, this shouldn't be an issue, right?   Or does a redshirt player still use a scholarship spot?  I have no idea why I can't remember the answer to this.

redshirts still use a scholarship

[MU24]

Its somewhat refreshing to just hit reset and watch the team develop. Im so excited for all the new players. We as fans have seen the same-old-type of Wojo teams underperform or make bondheaded plays over and over again. It will be nice to have a fresh set of guys to put their own stamp on MUBB. Nearly all the new and incoming players seem very switchable which gets me very pumped.

[StillWarriors]

Its somewhat refreshing to just hit reset and watch the team develop. Im so excited for all the new players. We as fans have seen the same-old-type of Wojo teams underperform or make bondheaded plays over and over again. It will be nice to have a fresh set of guys to put their own stamp on MUBB. Nearly all the new and incoming players seem very switchable which gets me very pumped.

Agree, I think it is always exciting to see new faces come in and develop. I am also eager and excited to see a new style of play. It took me a while, but the same ol same ol really did start to wear on me this season. The switchable style has the potential to be a lot more exciting, but we'll see. Easy to be optimistic before hitting the court, but still nice to have that at this point.

[Stretchdeltsig]

What about Stevie, Kam and Prosper?

[StillAWarrior]

As someone who admittedly was hoping for Gates or Moser, I have to ask: I wonder if we'd have -1 scholarships available right now with a seven exciting new players on the way. Somehow, I don't think so. I've never been so happy things didn't work out the way I wanted.

I can't wait for the season.

[JakeBarnes]

What about Stevie and Kam?

They're still coming.

[jsglow]

As someone who admittedly was hoping for Gates or Moser, I have to ask: I wonder if we'd have -1 scholarships available right now with a seven exciting new players on the way. Somehow, I don't think so. I've never been so happy things didn't work out the way I wanted.

I can't wait for the season.

That is an excellent point Stilla.  Look, the marriage between a BEast, urban, Catholic, and basketball centric university with a storied history and a nationally recognized minority coach is going to open a lot of eyes for kids who might be inclined to seek that out.  Personally, I think Shaka is a much better fit here than in Austin.

[Hards Alumni]

They're still coming.

That's what she said.

[WarriorSteve]

To me the biggest issue with Warrior basketball under Wojo was the lack of physical and mental toughness.  At VCU Shaka's teams, while not the most talented, were always physically and mentally tough - they outworked, out hustled, and mentally wore down their opponents.  If these new players can fit this philosophy, all of us MU fans will be very happy.

I live in Omaha, the home of the Creighton Bluejays.  Creighton is a soft, finesse team.  However, when they played MU they thought that if was one of the few matchups where they had a physical and mental toughness advantage.  When talking about the Big East on locally sports talk radio, analysts would point to the days when MU would be a "tough out" because of their physicality, and wondered how and why Marquette lost this.  These same analysts are now worried that the Warriors under Skaka will be Villinova's main threat in the conference, not Creighton.

[MU82]

One minute ago, I received an email from the Marquette Ticket Office pitching season tickets.

Don't blame 'em. Strike while the iron is hot. If I lived within 2 hours of Milwaukee, I'd be getting 'em for sure.

[muwarrior69]

As someone who admittedly was hoping for Gates or Moser, I have to ask: I wonder if we'd have -1 scholarships available right now with a seven exciting new players on the way. Somehow, I don't think so. I've never been so happy things didn't work out the way I wanted.

I can't wait for the season.

Well were over one right now and I don't think we're done.

[Spaniel with a Short Tail]

Shaka recruiting strategy session.

[MU82]

Shaka recruiting strategy session.

I used to love watching that on Ed Sullivan or Johnny Carson.

[cheebs09]

As someone who admittedly was hoping for Gates or Moser, I have to ask: I wonder if we'd have -1 scholarships available right now with a seven exciting new players on the way. Somehow, I don't think so. I've never been so happy things didn't work out the way I wanted.

I can't wait for the season.

I haven’t been following Moser at Oklahoma much, but has had a lot of turnover?

I agree about the toughness. Before he was hired, I saw some videos of Shaka doing Navy training with his players in the preseason. Coaches participating too. It reminded me of the Buzz Bootcamp days.

[StillAWarrior]

I haven’t been following Moser at Oklahoma much, but he’s he had a lot of turnover?

I wasn't suggesting that at all. In fact, I have no idea. Obviously just speculation, but I do think Marquette would have lost more of its existing roster and/or recruits, and I'd be surprised if he would have pulled in the additional five guys.  My comment was more focused on Shaka and the buzz he seems to be building and how he's exceeded my expectations for retaining players and attracting new players.

[cheebs09]

I wasn't suggesting that at all. In fact, I have no idea. Obviously just speculation, but I do think Marquette would have lost more of its existing roster and/or recruits, and I'd be surprised if he would have pulled in the additional five guys.  My comment was more focused on Shaka and the buzz he seems to be building and how he's exceeded my expectations for retaining players and attracting new players.

I totally agree. I figured it would take longer for Moser to install his culture than any other coach. Just curious if that was playing out at Oklahoma.

[JakeBarnes]

I totally agree. I figured it would take longer for Moser to install his culture than any other coach. Just curious if that was playing out at Oklahoma.

De'Vion Harmon, their stud PG entered the portal. Brady Manek, Alondes Williams, Trey Phipps,  and Victor Iwuakor are also in the portal.

[ATL MU Warrior]

Good Hair across the board.

Tyler's neck looks a little..."off" in that photo.  What say you?

[mileskishnish72]

You're right. It was Casey Morsell from UVA.

Gotta learn to keep my Morsell's straight. 

Well, there was a Morsell of truth to it.

[Scoop Snoop]

Tyler's neck looks a little..."off" in that photo.  What say you?

That can happen when you spend too much time on a pogo stick.

[warriorstrack]

So I have 2 MU (in Milwaukee) friends that say Patrick Baldwin Jr (and UWM coach dad) are headed to MU, smoke or blowing smoke?  They have said it’s a hot rumor in MKE, I also live in Milwaukee and haven’t heard anything along these lines, what say the Scoop intelligencia?

[Uncle Rico]

So I have 2 MU (in Milwaukee) friends that say Patrick Baldwin Jr (and UWM coach dad) are headed to MU, smoke or blowing smoke?  They have said it’s a hot rumor in MKE, I also live in Milwaukee and haven’t heard anything along these lines, what say the Scoop intelligencia?

Doubtful but I’ll preach it as gospel

[JWags85]

So I have 2 MU (in Milwaukee) friends that say Patrick Baldwin Jr (and UWM coach dad) are headed to MU, smoke or blowing smoke?  They have said it’s a hot rumor in MKE, I also live in Milwaukee and haven’t heard anything along these lines, what say the Scoop intelligencia?

Did they stay at a Holiday Inn last night?

[warriorstrack]

Did they stay at a Holiday Inn last night?

Ha, I want to keep my very limited standing intact, something both said they heard, I haven’t seen it mentioned anywhere else, including the Holy Grail of MU info... MUScoop.  So probably smoke and wishful thinking.

[rocky_warrior]

So probably smoke and wishful thinkingskunky smoke.

FIFY

[brewcity77]

So I have 2 MU (in Milwaukee) friends that say Patrick Baldwin Jr (and UWM coach dad) are headed to MU, smoke or blowing smoke?  They have said it’s a hot rumor in MKE, I also live in Milwaukee and haven’t heard anything along these lines, what say the Scoop intelligencia?

The rumor has made the rounds today. I strongly believe it's blowing smoke. The only way there's anything to it is if either Baldwin or one of the currently known assistants is taking a lesser role to make it happen. DBO or something similar.

[MUHoopsFan2]

Shaka recruiting strategy session.

WOW.

EPIC... heehee.

Good stuff and visual imagery.   

[Scoop Snoop]

Someone on Scoop said something about a "technicality" (about additional year for seniors) regarding Elliot possibly not counting as one of the 13 scholarships. This makes no sense to me at all. Anyone have an idea if this could possibly be correct? I cannot remember where I saw it among the mountain of posts the last few days.



 

[MUMonster03]

Someone on Scoop said something about a "technicality" (about additional year for seniors) regarding Elliot possibly not counting as one of the 13 scholarships. This makes no sense to me at all. Anyone have an idea if this could possibly be correct? I cannot remember where I saw it among the mountain of posts the last few days.



 

If a player has used up all of his eligibility he can play at his current school and not count towards the cap. I believe Greg does not qualify for this exemption since he is technically a RD Senior and has not exhausted his normal eligibility. Where as Theo could have come back and not counted since he had used his 4 years.

[Galway Eagle]

If a player has used up all of his eligibility he can play at his current school and not count towards the cap. I believe Greg does not qualify for this exemption since he is technically a RD Senior and has not exhausted his normal eligibility. Where as Theo could have come back and not counted since he had used his 4 years.

Don't you apply for your red shirt at the end of your fourth year? Maybe they figure they won't apply for one and Greg would still get his 5th year then either way

[Scoop Snoop]

Don't you apply for your red shirt at the end of your fourth year? Maybe they figure they won't apply for one and Greg would still get his 5th year then either way

Thanks MU Monster and Galway. Seems like it would be a stretch to be able to keep Greg as a legit 14th scholarship player. Someone joked that Shaka could adopt him so his tuition is covered but....does the NCAA have a rule against a donor covering Greg's tuition? Seems to me that would not be allowed but I'm just throwing it out for discussion. That would be a very blatant attempt to skirt the rules regarding 13 scholarships. 

[MUMonster03]

Don't you apply for your red shirt at the end of your fourth year? Maybe they figure they won't apply for one and Greg would still get his 5th year then either way

It is my understanding that they are charged at the end of the current season. That way if the coach and/or player decide midway through the season to lift the redshirt they can and it counts as a regular year.

Unless there is another exception for this year that I am unaware of I believe we have to have a current player/commit leave to be at the scholarship cap for next season.