Biggest Surprise

[1SE]

For a team that is (so far) exceeding expectations, what's been the biggest surprise (positive or negative) about this year's team? I've really been surprised by Kam's major step forward from a long-range jacker to an all-around offensive threat. Almost like a taller, poor-man's Markus.

[brewcity77]

For me, it was Oso's development. I expected him to improve, but not to this level. I never imagined seeing a big so comfortable operating with the ball in his hands.

I think Ross' impact and the offense being this good compared to the defense is also really impressive. One thing that I think is being made a big deal that really isn't is the closing out games. Yes, we lost leads at Purdue and Providence. But we also rallied from deficits to get close against Mississippi State and Wisconsin, as well as Providence in overtime. We also saw Notre Dame and Seton Hall repeatedly try to get back into those games, but we kept shutting the door and didn't let them back in.

If Chase hits one of those threes at Purdue, if O-Max makes one of the wide open looks against Wisconsin, if we make even one more basket down the stretch against Providence, then none of this is a talking point. It's a make or miss game and we've had some misses in those games. It happens. This is still one of the best teams in the Big East and on pace to be a safe single-digit NCAA seed.

[1SE]

For me, it was Oso's development. I expected him to improve, but not to this level. I never imagined seeing a big so comfortable operating with the ball in his hands.

I think Ross' impact and the offense being this good compared to the defense is also really impressive. One thing that I think is being made a big deal that really isn't is the closing out games. Yes, we lost leads at Purdue and Providence. But we also rallied from deficits to get close against Mississippi State and Wisconsin, as well as Providence in overtime. We also saw Notre Dame and Seton Hall repeatedly try to get back into those games, but we kept shutting the door and didn't let them back in.

If Chase hits one of those threes at Purdue, if O-Max makes one of the wide open looks against Wisconsin, if we make even one more basket down the stretch against Providence, then none of this is a talking point. It's a make or miss game and we've had some misses in those games. It happens. This is still one of the best teams in the Big East and on pace to be a safe single-digit NCAA seed.

Yeah - it was a lot harder to think of "negative" surprises than "positive" ones which, in and of itself, is a nice surprise.

[The Sultan]

Yeah, would Scoop prefer getting blown out in these losses to escape the "close games" narrative? Or blow a large lead to make it a close win? It's a silly talking point IMO.

My surprises is Keeyan. After some of the hype this summer I thought it would be at least serviceable. 

[panda]

For me, it was Oso's development. I expected him to improve, but not to this level. I never imagined seeing a big so comfortable operating with the ball in his hands.

I think Ross' impact and the offense being this good compared to the defense is also really impressive. One thing that I think is being made a big deal that really isn't is the closing out games. Yes, we lost leads at Purdue and Providence. But we also rallied from deficits to get close against Mississippi State and Wisconsin, as well as Providence in overtime. We also saw Notre Dame and Seton Hall repeatedly try to get back into those games, but we kept shutting the door and didn't let them back in.

If Chase hits one of those threes at Purdue, if O-Max makes one of the wide open looks against Wisconsin, if we make even one more basket down the stretch against Providence, then none of this is a talking point. It's a make or miss game and we've had some misses in those games. It happens. This is still one of the best teams in the Big East and on pace to be a safe single-digit NCAA seed.

No question it's oso. The dunks he had in transition last game were incredible. Running the floor, spacing himself off the ball, the catches at full speed and court awareness to not put the ball on the deck.

His play in the half court has been stellar. Just a game changer that I didn't think we'd see until next year.

[brewcity77]

Yeah - it was a lot harder to think of "negative" surprises than "positive" ones which, in and of itself, is a nice surprise.

I think the minimal contributions from Wrightsil and Itejere would be a bit of a surprise. I didn't expect a ton from them, but I thought they would combine for 20 useful minutes to make it easier on the front court starters. Thankfully, Gold can at least give 5-10 spot minutes.

[panda]

Yeah, would Scoop prefer getting blown out in these losses to escape the "close games" narrative? Or blow a large lead to make it a close win? It's a silly talking point IMO.

My surprises is Keeyan. After some of the hype this summer I thought it would be at least serviceable.

I don't think it's that silly. To be successful this year, we'll need to win tight games against good teams. So far we haven't pulled out one of our tight games. It's not an indictment yet, but it's a question mark for sure.

[Dr. Blackheart]

I am going to say Kolek, especially in conference play. There is more sharing of the ball as a team, yet his turnover rate is down, and is way down in conference play to Diener levels (15%). His efg% has jumped from 41% to 51%. His FTR has doubled.

The team's turnover rate in Big East play is elite. If there are turnovers, there are not many live ball turnovers which if you remember last season, transition defense was horrid. This season the offense is less one dimensional in terms of sharing the ball...like Oso, Kam, Sean, Stevie sharing and moving the ball. At one time versus SH, Shaka had three PGs in.

In short, MU's offense is less predictable, more diversified, and there is less 3-5. And I think you see that in Kolek's play the most where less is more.

[Scoop Snoop]

I think the minimal contributions from Wrightsil and Itejere would be a bit of a surprise. I didn't expect a ton from them, but I thought they would combine for 20 useful minutes to make it easier on the front court starters. Thankfully, Gold can at least give 5-10 spot minutes.

Besides what you wrote, your thoughts on Gold please? Do you see him as simply good enough for "5-10 spot minutes" or do you see him as on the cusp of becoming a better player this season? I get a little nervous when he is on the court.

[The Sultan]

I don't think it's that silly. To be successful this year, we'll need to win tight games against good teams. So far we haven't pulled out one of our tight games. It's not an indictment yet, but it's a question mark for sure.

It's ridiculous. We have lost four games by a total of 16 points. Two went into overtime. We have by and large blown people out in our wins.  And people are finding issues with this? 

Again, would people prefer blow out losses and closer wins so we can say "hey, we at least win games when they are close?"

Cmon Scoop - let's be less angsty.

[tower912]

I assumed that the returnees would improve.   I assumed that Morsell's, Greg's, Justin's points would be absorbed by others.    I assumed that MU would get beat up on the boards.  I assumed the freshmen would be, well, freshmen.   

Actual surprises?
Oso's free throw shooting.
Joplin struggling to fit in the offense.
Keeyan.


It is a fun team.   It is a flawed team.   Stay healthy and avoid hitting 'the wall. '

[Jay Bee]

Probably Kam being so great at the rim... all while keeping the to rate loooow. I knew he was krafty, but some of these shots... I swear multiple times most games after a Kam bucket (in a good way)

Team Offense v defense also up there

Oso - terrific, but usage still in the range I thought it would be (not a big usage guy)

[brewcity77]

Besides what you wrote, your thoughts on Gold please? Do you see him as simply good enough for "5-10 spot minutes" or do you see him as on the cusp of becoming a better player this season? I get a little nervous when he is on the court.

He's a freshman. Makes a lot of freshman mistakes, but some of the blocks and deflections he makes are excellent. He is learning to use his length. I'm not convinced he'll get there this season. Ultimately, we don't need him to do a ton. My hope is that we get Oso enough rest before then that he can play 32-35 every game for up to 9 games in the 26-day stretch between March 9 and April 3.

I could see him having an Oso type trajectory where he doesn't do much this year, shows serious upside next year, and is a star by his third year. And while the accuracy isn't there yet, I think the three point shot will fall in the future. But while I like Ben and love those moments where he shows his defensive recovery ability, I'm not expecting a ton yet.

[panda]

It's ridiculous. We have lost four games by a total of 16 points. Two went into overtime. We have by and large blown people out in our wins.  And people are finding issues with this? 

Again, would people prefer blow out losses and closer wins so we can say "hey, we at least win games when they are close?"

Cmon Scoop - let's be less angsty.

Is winning close games against good teams important in march ?

[Uncle Rico]

Is winning close games against good teams important in march ?

Is winning important?

[tower912]

Ben is fine.  He is a freshman big who missed out on a lot of game experience due to COVID and the international restrictions.  He is skilled, but raw.   Add some muscle and wait for the game to slow down for him.   He will be really good in a couple of years.

[MuggsyB]

I would say the offense in general.  Especially because we're not a great 3pt shooting team. 

[rocket surgeon]

   "I could see him having an Oso type trajectory where he doesn't do much this year, shows serious upside next year, and is a star by his third year. And while the accuracy isn't there yet, I think the three point shot will fall in the future. But while I like Ben and love those moments where he shows his defensive recovery ability, I'm not expecting a ton yet."


  my thoughts exactly!  he looked really comfortable in the baylor game...baby steps, then the good thing about freshman thing comes to mind

[rocket surgeon]

i would have to say "other"= our LOW team turnover ratio #'s

  then change oso developing into a stud right before our eyes...he's not done yet-all good

[The Sultan]

Is winning close games against good teams important in march ?

Yes. No idea what that has to do with anything now.

[Vander Blue Man Group]

While it isn't a huge surprise, there's been really significant improvement in Omax in-season (similar to Kam). Early on it felt like he was was playing too fast and slightly out of control offensively, especially on drives or when he got the ball in the paint. His decision-making has gotten much better and it seems like he has a lot more poise and calm now when he's maneuvering down low.

[Goose]

That we lost to the Badgers. I 100% believed that we would handle them with ease. Aside from that, Oso's free throw shooting, Kam's inside game and the offense in general. Will add, I am happily surprised that some of the negative posters are starting believe that the program is ahead of schedule and it has a high ceiling.

[panda]

Yes. No idea what that has to do with anything now.

You brought it up, it is listed as a choice for biggest surprise and has been imo the biggest flaw of this team. Feel free to ignore it.

[muwarrior69]

For me the biggest surprise will be finishing the season strong and making the BET final. Everything else so far is pretty much how we felt about the team up to this point last year. My biggest surprise up to this point if I have to pick one is Kam not being the Stud of the game.

[Newsdreams]

Is winning important?

Not if by double digits