MU Keys to Big East Conference Success

[Newsdreams]

No team is going 18 - 2 in the BE This year.  No way

COLE

[rgoode57]

UConn is clearly the best team in the conference this year, and, barring injuries, should win the BE. I wish I did not have to say that, but it's true. MU can beat them, but it will take an outstanding game combined with some UConn misfortune. Just don't think MU has the size and physicality to deal with them well. With Creighton, it all depends on their 3 pt shooting. If they are shooting well, they are very tough. Will be interesting to see how the three of them fight it out. Anyone winning 17 games this year seems unlikely, but UConn probably has the best shot at it. My guess is that sixteen wins leads the BE this year.

[4everwarriors]

MU is 1 player away from National Championship territory. That player could be Joplin or Gold, but they would have to get appreciatively better during the course of this season.
As it stands, Kolek will need to play lights out each and every game, which is possible. But, otherwise MU is vulnerable, aina?

[Juan Anderson's Mixtape]

I wouldn't say UConn is clearly better than MU.  It's very close.

MU has the best wins: Kansas and Illinois are better than UNC and Gonzaga.

MU beat Texas in a more dominant fashion.

The biggest difference is UConn only has one loss, while Marquette has two.  But Marquette has played four top 20 Kenpom teams to UConn's three.

UConn probably has a slight edge in overall roster strength.  Karaban and Castle are better than Joplin and Mitchell.  Other than that, Marquette stacks up very well.

Ideally two of Joplin, Mitchell, Ross, and Gold step up their games.  That's what MU needs to get to the next level.

[MUfan12]

Jop is the guy that can raise or lower this team's ceiling. He's gonna play a lot more than Ben or anyone else off the bench.

He needs to get back to playing the best version of his game. Being a floor spacer and a guy who can grab a few boards. Passing up open looks to put the ball on the floor does more harm than good.

[brewcity77]

I'm holding off on UConn until conference play. Compare best results: our KU win is better than their UNC win, our Illinois road win is better than their Gonzaga neutral win. Texas right now is bubbly at best, but we were more impressive against all common opponents. UConn has pounded cupcakes, but we're comparing a Marquette team that played the #24 schedule to a UConn team that played the #250 schedule. 

[Scoop Snoop]

MU is 1 player away from National Championship territory. That player could be Joplin or Gold, but they would have to get appreciatively better during the course of this season.
As it stands, Kolek will need to play lights out each and every game, which is possible. But, otherwise MU is vulnerable, aina?

Agree. My concern is hoping Joplin and Gold to improve "appreciatively"... "during the course of the season". The BE opponents/coaches know the strengths and weaknesses of these guys well, so improving in season is now an even taller order. I'm not optimistic but would love to be proven wrong regarding those two guys becoming much better. 

[MUfan12]

I think there's a better chance of Gold improving at a higher rate in league play. You can tell he's still behind from the time missed this summer.

[tower912]

At some point, Shaka has to tell Ben to go out and knock somebody on their butt.  Remind him he is 6'11, 245. That he is athletic enough to be thought of as a potential Olympic athlete or international rugby player in his home country.  That he grew up wrestling with older brothers.   If you are going to foul someone, make it count.

Landing that dunk the other night could have been a nudge in that direction.

[Galway Eagle]

At some point, Shaka has to tell Ben to go out and knock somebody on their butt.  Remind him he is 6'11, 245. That he is athletic enough to be thought of as a potential Olympic athlete or international rugby player in his home country.  That he grew up wrestling with older brothers.   If you are going to foul someone, make it count.

Landing that dunk the other night could have been a nudge in that direction.

He needs to start doing the Haka before games

[tower912]

That would be awesome.

Get him to play angry, with an edge, or just play harder.  Whichever cliche works for you.   

[Scoop Snoop]

At some point, Shaka has to tell Ben to go out and knock somebody on their butt.  Remind him he is 6'11, 245. That he is athletic enough to be thought of as a potential Olympic athlete or international rugby player in his home country.  That he grew up wrestling with older brothers.   If you are going to foul someone, make it count.

Landing that dunk the other night could have been a nudge in that direction.

How about if he knocks a guy out and cold  and introduces him to a version of Muggy's "darkness?".

Seriously though....very good point. Even if he picks up a foul knocking a guy on his ass, opponents would become very wary of messing with him. Oh....and Galway's idea? What's not to like? 

[tower912]

How about if he knocks a guy out and cold  and introduces him to a version of Muggy's "darkness?".

As long as it doesn't lead to a 5 point play.

[Scoop Snoop]

As long as it doesn't lead to a 5 point play.

Oh, you're good at this Tower. You're very good. 

[Shooter McGavin]

MU is 1 player away from National Championship territory. That player could be Joplin or Gold, but they would have to get appreciatively better during the course of this season.
As it stands, Kolek will need to play lights out each and every game, which is possible. But, otherwise MU is vulnerable, aina?

Agree with this.  Long season to get better.  Hopefully it will happen. 

[Jay Bee]

That would be awesome.

Get him to play angry, with an edge, or just play harder.  Whichever cliche works for you.

Ewwww

[Class71]

Score more than our opponents.

[Milkshakes]

1. Relationships
2. Growth
3. Victory

4.  No Injuries
5. Play Hard Defense for 800 minutes (20 games x 40 minutes)
6. Move the Ball on Offense and Don't force shots 
7. Stay on Serve on Home Court
8.  No 2 game losing streaks
9. No losses to bottom half of Big East

[Daniel]

He needs to start doing the Haka before games

I love the Haka idea..... that would get the opponents  little on edge..... lol

[Galway Eagle]

I love the Haka idea..... that would get the opponents  little on edge..... lol

If Shaka choreographs it it would forever be known as the "Shaka Haka"

[Scoop Snoop]

If Shaka choreographs it it would forever be known as the "Shaka Haka"

You're trying to outdo Tower, aren't you? Good start!

[tower912]

You're trying to outdo Tower, aren't you? Good start!

Are you poking fun?

You shouldn't mock a Shaka Haka.

[Scoop Snoop]

Are you poking fun?

You shouldn't mock a Shaka Haka.

You win.