Goose was right again

[MuggsyB]

A month a so ago we were talking about MU's best NBA prospect.  Obviously things can change but you can see a potential star emerging with Ben Gold.  He is way, way, ahead of where I thought he'd be right now.  When you look at his overall skill-set and his size?  The young man has an outstanding first-step and is comfortable shooting from deep. I'm curious how much weight and strength he can put on.   What a brilliant pick-up for Shaka and MU. 

[HutchwasClutch]

A month a so ago we were talking about MU's best NBA prospect.  Obviously things can change but you can see a potential star emerging with Ben Gold.  He is way, way, ahead of where I thought he'd be right now.  When you look at his overall skill-set and his size?  The young man has an outstanding first-step and is comfortable shooting from deep. I'm curious how much weight and strength can put on.   What a brilliant pick-up for Shaka and MU.

Agree Muggs.  I just posted about him in the game summary thread.  I never thought he’d be part of rotation this year.  Figured it would either be or be like a redshirt season for him. But he provides critical minutes when needed. 

That said, I really feel Chase and Kam are our best NBA prospects.  Chase is going to be a stud I believe.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

There have been many people aboard the Kiwi-mobile. It's really an obvious pick. There's also room for athletic near seven-footers who can shoot the three

[Markusquette]

Gold has plenty of work to put in but he possesses some special abilities for a guy his size. Looking forward to him developing with this same crew over the next few years. It would be great to have him practice similar abilities to Oso. A ball handling big who can pass as well. Triple threat at 6'11.

[WarriorFan]

Might be tough for Oso to get minutes next year...

[wisblue]

He’s taller, but he reminds me of the potential that Franz Wagner had at Michigan. A good athlete with good ball skills and shooting ability.

Add some strength and he will be a pro prospect.

[rocket surgeon]

ben is looking more and more comfortable.  with that, his game is improving which means our game is improving.  this gives us so many more options.  not just giving oso a break or oso in foul trouble, but an inside/outside presence playing together.

  i could've missed this situation, but has anyone noticed shaka playing oso-ben-omax together with different combinations of TK, kam and stevie? sprinkled in with some sean, chase and jop.

      the other team and/or game situations would have to present the right opportunities, but in small bursts, this could present other teams with some real match up concerns.  if shaka hit them unexpectedly like switches from man to zone, i would love to see this work like a stunt play, then get out of it and go back to his more traditional lines.  keep em guessing...

[MuggsyB]

He’s taller, but he reminds me of the potential that Franz Wagner had at Michigan. A good athlete with good ball skills and shooting ability.

Add some strength and he will be a pro prospect.

That's a good comparison but I Ihink he's quicker on the downhill power dribble.   I see him as a guy who can play inside or out by next season.  It doesn't suck to have a 7 footer on your roster with a varied skill set that can score on pick and pops or in the mid/low post.  He's a much better athlete than I realized early in the year.   

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

Oso and Ben together wasn't great.

But Ben has actually has adjusted to the speed of the game quite nicely. He does need to add some strength. This will be a big off-season for him and Todd Smith.

[wisblue]

That's a good comparison but I Ihink he's quicker on the downhill power dribble.   I see him as a guy who can play inside or out by next season.  It doesn't suck to have a 7 footer on your roster with a varied skill set that can score on pick and pops or in the mid/low post.  He's a much better athlete than I realized early in the year.

I think Wagner is pretty quick going to the basket and was a better finisher.

Part of the comparison comes with the hope that Gold can repeat the path from raw, but talented, freshman to high quality sophomore that Wagner did. Even then Wagner didn’t seem quite ready for the NBA, but he has made the transition quite well.

[Goose]

TAMU

I think the Ben bandwagon is growing in size, but I think a month ago it was a small crew. I think you, Elon and I were the the ones willing to share our thoughts in a post. If memory serves me, I was told I might be a minority of one that thought Ben was a future NBA guy.

For the record, I think Ben has a wide range of skills, size, basketball IQ and an edge to him. I think his ceiling is even higher than I did a month ago.

[Scoop Snoop]

TAMU

I think the Ben bandwagon is growing in size, but I think a month ago it was a small crew. I think you, Elon and I were the the ones willing to share our thoughts in a post. If memory serves me, I was told I might be a minority of one that thought Ben was a future NBA guy.

For the record, I think Ben has a wide range of skills, size, basketball IQ and an edge to him. I think his ceiling is even higher than I did a month ago.

And of course, close does not count, but his missed 3 point attempts were not that far off. He will get better at them. It took a while for him to get comfortable with the speed and aggressiveness of BE bball, but he's there now.

[MuggsyB]

TAMU

I think the Ben bandwagon is growing in size, but I think a month ago it was a small crew. I think you, Elon and I were the the ones willing to share our thoughts in a post. If memory serves me, I was told I might be a minority of one that thought Ben was a future NBA guy.

For the record, I think Ben has a wide range of skills, size, basketball IQ and an edge to him. I think his ceiling is even higher than I did a month ago.

I didn't doubt you Goose.

[pbiflyer]

Oso and Ben together wasn't great.

But Ben has actually has adjusted to the speed of the game quite nicely. He does need to add some strength. This will be a big off-season for him and Todd Smith.

True, but now it’s one more thing tournament teams will have to plan for. With limited time to prep, it adds another wrinkle they have to account for.

When you see Ben make an impressive move, you can’t help but look forward to the day he does that regularly.

[Daniel]

Ben had a decent game vs DePaul.  Blocked some shots, rebound, got some points….. one of 4 from 3 but that is a question of playing more and growing your confidence I. The shot.  They were not all that bad - close misses.   

He is versatile as well, and can handle the ball well, dribble drive and more.  He can be a big piece going forward.   Hope he sticks with Marquette - really like Ben.   

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

True, but now it’s one more thing tournament teams will have to plan for. With limited time to prep, it adds another wrinkle they have to account for.

When you see Ben make an impressive move, you can’t help but look forward to the day he does that regularly.

What exactly do you have to plan for?  You guard Oso with your post and you guard Ben with a wing.  It's not like the combo unlocked some super secret offense or something.

Now, the five out small ball offense is something that is effective and something that teams most definitely are going to have to plan for.

[Elonsmusk]

TAMU

I think the Ben bandwagon is growing in size, but I think a month ago it was a small crew. I think you, Elon and I were the the ones willing to share our thoughts in a post. If memory serves me, I was told I might be a minority of one that thought Ben was a future NBA guy.

For the record, I think Ben has a wide range of skills, size, basketball IQ and an edge to him. I think his ceiling is even higher than I did a month ago.

There definitely were a handful of posters here who posted things to the effect of:  "I don't see it with Gold."  As in his talent/potential.  Though it seemed that was the minority viewpoint.  Most here were very neutral.  As you pointed out Goose, a few of us were very bullish on Ben.  Not to mention Shaka has said he has a really high ceiling, perhaps the highest on the team, which I agree with.  He's a much better athlete/quick twitch than what is the norm for a white basketball player.  Very coordinated for his size.  Good footwork around the basket.  Form on his jumper is good.  He will evolve into a very good rebounder as well.

[Uncle Rico]

There definitely were a handful of posters here who posted things to the effect of:  "I don't see it with Gold."  As in his talent/potential.  Though it seemed that was the minority viewpoint.  Most here were very neutral.  As you pointed out Goose, a few of us were very bullish on Ben.  Not to mention Shaka has said he has a really high ceiling, perhaps the highest on the team, which I agree with.  He's a much better athlete/quick twitch than what is the norm for a white basketball player.  Very coordinated for his size.  Good footwork around the basket.  Form on his jumper is good.  He will evolve into a very good rebounder as well.

Gym rat, too

[Elonsmusk]

Gym rat, too

Speaking of cliches - Does Kolek remind you of Diener? 

[Uncle Rico]

Speaking of cliches - Does Kolek remind you of Diener?

No

[tower912]

I think Ben is long, athletic, and skilled.  I always have.  I think that his was a larger adjustment than most.   He didn't play a lot against skilled competition thanks to the pandemic.    He is halfway around the world from home.  So his learning curve has been steeper.
    Plus, he is a freshman big.   He has been hot and cold, like a lot of freshmen.  But he has shown flashes and progress and given some really good minutes.   Yesterday was really good.   His future is bright.

[Uncle Rico]

I think Ben is long, athletic, and skilled.  I always have.  I think that his was a larger adjustment than most.   He didn't play a lot against skilled competition thanks to the pandemic.    He is halfway around the world from home.  So his learning curve has been steeper.
    Plus, he is a freshman big.   He has been hot and cold, like a lot of freshmen.  But he has shown flashes and progress and given some really good minutes.   Yesterday was really good.   His future is bright.

One of his KenPom comps is Freshman Frank Kaminsky

[MuggsyB]

One of his KenPom comps is Freshman Frank Kaminsky

Interesting comparison. 

[DoctorV]

The sky is the limit for Ben, and I think so highly of him that I would be extremely disappointed if he wasn’t an elite starting versatile big after Osos career is over at Marquette.

I’m still not quite there on if he will be an All Big East player, but he’s definitely got the skills and ability to do so if he continues to work hard, build muscle and strength, and develops/diversifies his offensive game.

He’s much more athletic than I expected, he’s got a surprisingly impressive athleticism to him. I should have expected that with the elite rugby background.
When all is said and done, his defense is what will make the difference and how elite he becomes at Marquette, because that is what will get him on the court in Shakas system.
If he stays on the court for Oso type minutes at some point in his career, how much he develops that outside shot will be the difference in if he becomes all BE caliber. Like every other player at Marquette going forward, he will have a lot of competition for minutes and that’s probably good for him.

Let’s segue to this season though.
Ben has looked good of late, but the guy that’s a bit under the radar that has impressed me the most lately is Sean Jones. I see his vision and passing ability improving by leaps and bounds, and his decision making improving game by game.
If I had to pick one frosh, and it’s not an easy choice to make because the bench will shrink over the next 6-11 games, that will make the biggest difference at the most important point in the season I would go with Sean Jones.

I’ve said this before, but at some point in an elimination game the rubber will meet the road and Marquettes defense will stagnate. At that point, I think that Sean might be the surprise spark/key to open things up and have a performance that helps save Marquettes season. He’s lightning, he’s getting better, and he’s one of MUs best weapons against good, organized, athletic/long defenses that like to slow the game down.

As always, Coach Shaka will know who to use and when to use them, and the rotation will definitely shrink, but my instinct says that SJ22 will make a difference when we least expect it.

[wisblue]

One of his KenPom comps is Freshman Frank Kaminsky

Their numbers may be similar but they don’t seem to have the same skills.

[Uncle Rico]

Their numbers may be similar but they don’t seem to have the same skills.

No, but they’re both white

[MuggsyB]

No, but they’re both white

Ben may be a smaller Wembanyama?

[The Thing]

There definitely were a handful of posters here who posted things to the effect of:  "I don't see it with Gold."  As in his talent/potential.  Though it seemed that was the minority viewpoint.  Most here were very neutral.  As you pointed out Goose, a few of us were very bullish on Ben.  Not to mention Shaka has said he has a really high ceiling, perhaps the highest on the team, which I agree with.  He's a much better athlete/quick twitch than what is the norm for a white basketball player.  Very coordinated for his size.  Good footwork around the basket.  Form on his jumper is good.  He will evolve into a very good rebounder as well.

I will confess I was one of those handful of posters. I thought he seemed kind of lost out there. I guess I just forgot he is a freshman and will improve. I’ve seen dramatic improvement and I’m delighted I appear to be wrong about him.

[Newsdreams]

If you follow FIBA basketball it was easy to see. 18-19 year old boy playing with national team against seasoned older basketball players and looking good, 6pt & 3 rebounds per game.

[MDMU04]

On top of his size and skill, Ben has an awesome nasty streak to his game. It’s one of my favorite parts of watching him play around the basket.

[Dr. Blackheart]

Ben was a -11 yesterday, and season-long when Oso sits, it's a problem. The bench got a run yesterday and it wasn't pretty, especially on D. Much more is expected. 

Outscored in the 2nd 56-41.

[NickelDimer]

Ben may be a smaller Wembanyama?

Chilllll

[Goose]

Dr. B

There is no doubt Ben is a work in progress and is not even close to a finished product. That said, with Shaka's history of working with big men, I believe Ben has the tools needed to be a high impact player down the road. By no means am I advocating for him to become a much bigger part of this year's rotation. That said, I would be disappointed if he was not a big part of the rotation next season.

[21Jumpstreet]

Been a Gold fan for awhile but really in the “as compared to Joplin” and also not in a G2NBA. I should have appreciated him on his own merits. I’ve always thought he is sneaky athletic, has a shot that is easy and compact mechanically, plays solid on and off ball defense, is a finisher at the rim, and has “personality” as we call it in our house (edge). I think he could be very good, is he Oso, I’m not sure, I think he’s different. Time will tell.

[Shooter McGavin]

I think many people have said Gold has the biggest upside of the freshmen and that started with Shaka.  More people have jumped on the bandwagon as the season has gone on and have wanted more playing time for him.  Huge offseason coming up for the young man.  Adding muscle and skill development should lead to a break out season next year.

[Frenns Liquor Depot]

The fact we have three freshman that can contribute minutes and on both ends of the floor is a great sign for recruiting and coaching/skill development. 

Notable advancement by all three this year.

[muwarrior69]

I know Harry Frohling and Ben Gold is no Harry Frohling.

[Lennys Tap]

More people have jumped on the bandwagon as the season has gone on.

Shooter

I know you’re talking about Ben Gold but there are a lot of bandwagons (Shaka, Kolek, the team) that have gotten crowded as the season has unfolded.

[Shooter McGavin]

Shooter

I know you’re talking about Ben Gold but there are a lot of bandwagons (Shaka, Kolek, the team) that have gotten crowded as the season has unfolded.

Agreed Lenny.  What an incredible turn of events after the previous regime (thank you bloggers).  Shaka was a stroke of genius.  Kudos to Scholl and the big donors for that (as well as Goose for driving the hype train). I’m enjoying this ride for as long as it lasts.  I have manipulated my work schedule to be off for the final four this year just in case!  Maui is in the plans as well.  Go MU!

[Pepe Sylvia]

I know Harry Frohling and Ben Gold is no Harry Frohling.

lol got me good.

[MU90620]

I’m a little surprised that the possibility that Gold is the guy that is not coming back next year is never discussed here. The NBL in Australia is one of the better leagues in the world.  It is stable, It pays well and it has reciprocity with New Zealand so he wouldn’t take up one of the foreign exemptions each team is allotted. I would think he would be very attractive to that league.

From his standpoint, it’s much closer to home, no school requirements (unless that aspect is important to him) and he still has a path to the NBA playing Summer League. I would imagine his development would be at worst equal playing in one of the better professional leagues in the world.

I haven’t heard anything but it seems like a possibility. Before this season started Shaka was obviously operating under the assumption that someone was leaving. Other than leaving for unhappiness, which can’t be predicted, I don’t see anyone else on the team that was a lock for a better basketball option than college ball back in November.

[rocket surgeon]

I’m a little surprised that the possibility that Gold is the guy that is not coming back next year is never discussed here. The NBL in Australia is one of the better leagues in the world.  It is stable, It pays well and it has reciprocity with New Zealand so he wouldn’t take up one of the foreign exemptions each team is allotted. I would think he would be very attractive to that league.

From his standpoint, it’s much closer to home, no school requirements (unless that aspect is important to him) and he still has a path to the NBA playing Summer League. I would imagine his development would be at worst equal playing in one of the better professional leagues in the world.

I haven’t heard anything but it seems like a possibility. Before this season started Shaka was obviously operating under the assumption that someone was leaving. Other than leaving for unhappiness, which can’t be predicted, I don’t see anyone else on the team that was a lock for a better basketball option than college ball back in November.

This deserves a bump from the stand point I’m not sure this has been discussed much if at all.  That being said, holy possible changes of scenarios Batman!   Ben could either parlay his recent improvements to continuing to get a nice education here while adding to his resume OR essentially going pro while continuing to hone his skills.  It depends on how much he values an education but the experience he is realizing now, especially with the teams good fortunes cannot be easily dismissed.  Could he be in line for some NIL $$ in order to sweeten his stay here? 

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

Australia's NBL is not really considered one of the better leagues. The top players from Australia (Bogut, Longley, Dellavedova, Patty Mills, etc.) have all used the NCAA as their springboard to the NBA. If he decides to turn pro, he would be better going to one of the top leagues in Europe if his ultimate goal is the NBA.

Froling went back to the NBL because he just isn't a very good player. Gold is way better.  I'm honestly not all that worried about Gold.

[MuggsyB]

Chilllll

Do you think I was actually serious that he's a mini Wemby? 

[We R Final Four]

If Shaka knew Ben was potentially leaving…..he would have recruited differently for next year. He would not go into a season with jop as Oso’s backup.

[tower912]

Keeyan, not Jop

[Galway Eagle]

This deserves a bump from the stand point I’m not sure this has been discussed much if at all.  That being said, holy possible changes of scenarios Batman!   Ben could either parlay his recent improvements to continuing to get a nice education here while adding to his resume OR essentially going pro while continuing to hone his skills.  It depends on how much he values an education but the experience he is realizing now, especially with the teams good fortunes cannot be easily dismissed.  Could he be in line for some NIL $$ in order to sweeten his stay here?

Could be wrong but heard on a podcast foreign players somehow aren't eligible for NIL because visa stuff

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

Could be wrong but heard on a podcast foreign players somehow aren't eligible for NIL because visa stuff

Yep. Students here on an F-1 student visa can only work on campus.

[lawdog77]

The Bureau of Consular Affairs hates Marquette.

[NickelDimer]

Do you think I was actually serious that he's a mini Wemby?

You’re very enthusiastic so I wasn’t sure 😂

[We R Final Four]

Keeyan, not Jop

Teal?

[MuggsyB]

You’re very enthusiastic so I wasn’t sure 😂

Ha!!

Wemby is Wemby.

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

Personally, I feel like Keeyan is probably the odd man out.

He would be third on the depth chart behind Oso and Gold, has already redshirted, and still not seen any time on a team that’s kinda light in the front court.

Jury obviously still out on EE, and who knows, maybe Kam goes elsewhere, but that still doesn’t help Keeyan move up the depth chart at his position.

[tower912]

The statement I responded to said that Shaka would have recruited a post player if he thought Gold was leaving.   That he would not want Joplin as the back up post.
If Gold leaves, Keeyan is not the odd man out.   He is the de facto back up post.

[CountryRoads]

The statement I responded to said that Shaka would have recruited a post player if he thought Gold was leaving.   That he would not want Joplin as the back up post.
If Gold leaves, Keeyan is not the odd man out.   He is the de facto back up post.

I think if Gold left, MU goes portaling to fill that spot for one year. Keeyan is at the end of year 2 and I’m not convinced Shaka trusts him all that much more than the walkons.

[tower912]

Finding a big willing to sit behind Oso without getting a bag o'coins worked so well last year with an open scholarship.   

[We R Final Four]

The statement I responded to said that Shaka would have recruited a post player if he thought Gold was leaving.   That he would not want Joplin as the back up post.
If Gold leaves, Keeyan is not the odd man out.   He is the de facto back up post.

Again, I give you credit Tower. No one loves him some Keeyan as much as you. Not even close. Shaka would not go into a recruiting season knowing that if Gold is a one and done…..that we are set with our bigs, because we have Keeyan. As witnessed this year, Shaka has gone with Jop in several instances as a backup big. That should tell you all you need to know about Keeyan being the backup. I know you thought Keeyan would play meaningful minutes, but he hasn’t .

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

We really don't know what Shaka knows. Ben could have told him last week he was heading for the NBL. Maybe he tells him in May. So who he could be recruiting may or may not have any bearing on who is going to be on the team next year.

But I think Ben Gold will be on the team next year.

[tower912]

I don't love Keeyan.  I haven't written him off yet. And I have not seen anything in the recruiting that indicates the coaching staff has written him off. 

[Dr. Blackheart]

I think if Gold left, MU goes portaling to fill that spot for one year. Keeyan is at the end of year 2 and I’m not convinced Shaka trusts him all that much more than the walkons.

In this scenario, Zach is staying.

[muwarrior69]

I’m a little surprised that the possibility that Gold is the guy that is not coming back next year is never discussed here. The NBL in Australia is one of the better leagues in the world.  It is stable, It pays well and it has reciprocity with New Zealand so he wouldn’t take up one of the foreign exemptions each team is allotted. I would think he would be very attractive to that league.

From his standpoint, it’s much closer to home, no school requirements (unless that aspect is important to him) and he still has a path to the NBA playing Summer League. I would imagine his development would be at worst equal playing in one of the better professional leagues in the world.

I haven’t heard anything but it seems like a possibility. Before this season started Shaka was obviously operating under the assumption that someone was leaving. Other than leaving for unhappiness, which can’t be predicted, I don’t see anyone else on the team that was a lock for a better basketball option than college ball back in November.

What? Miss out on a trip to Maui and meet his parents half way to see him in the premier Feast Week tourney?  No way!