Shaka and Oso

[Goose]

I really think Shaka and his staff need major praise for seeing what Oso was capable of and making it reality. I was high on Oso starting with the UW game his sophomore year, but never in million years would envision this version of him. That might be some of the greatest insight and execution of coaching a player I have ever seem at MU.

In addition, this version of Oso has NBA written all over him. Imo, Shaka's vision likely helped make Oso generational wealth.

Will add, anyone concerned about Caiden, the young guys or Gold moving forward should remember the transformation of Oso. I have no doubt that Shaka will continue to pump out NBA players on a yearly basis.

[Vander Blue Man Group]

I really think Shaka and his staff need major praise for seeing what Oso was capable of and making it reality. I was high on Oso starting with the UW game his sophomore year, but never in million years would envision this version of him. That might be some of the greatest insight and execution of coaching a player I have ever seem at MU.

In addition, this version of Oso has NBA written all over him. Imo, Shaka's vision likely helped make Oso generational wealth.

Will add, anyone concerned about Caiden, the young guys or Gold moving forward should remember the transformation of Oso. I have no doubt that Shaka will continue to pump out NBA players on a yearly basis.

The concern next year is PG with TKO leaving and Sean's injury.

With Shaka's track record of developing bigs, I'm comfortable with a frontcourt next year of Jop, Ben, Caiden, and Al (and anything Royce can provide). 

[Goose]

Vander
I, like many, absolutely loved TK from the first time I saw him in an MU uniform. I thought he was the George Thompson recruit of the Shaka era but I never envisioned that he would be anywhere near as spectacular as he has been.
Shaka found the right guy and they built the offense around that guy and that was as impressive as Oso.

I have zero concern on PG, with or without Sean for the start of next season. If he turned TK into a first team AA I trust that the PG will be covered post TK.

[Vander Blue Man Group]

Vander
I, like many, absolutely loved TK from the first time I saw him in an MU uniform. I thought he was the George Thompson recruit of the Shaka era but I never envisioned that he would be anywhere near as spectacular as he has been.
Shaka found the right guy and they built the offense around that guy and that was as impressive as Oso.

I have zero concern on PG, with or without Sean for the start of next season. If he turned TK into a first team AA I trust that the PG will be covered post TK.

Completely understand having confidence but with Sean and Tre (who it would be silly to give up on) being big question marks, a PG transfer with one year of eligibility could make a ton of sense. 

I feel pretty good about the wing and bigs but not so much about PG right now. 

[BLWarrior91]

Spot on observations, Goose.  Oso is a special talent.  Some of the passes today were just insane.  He makes everyone better around him.  Kolek as well...even without scoring he was huge today with 11 assists. 

[rocket surgeon]

oso' vision is incredible.  he sees things before they happen as does TK.  TK recognized today that he wasn't going to help the team with his shot so he resorted to the next best things-assists, defense, ball control.  he did have a few more turnovers than usual however.  i wished he would have taken a few shots in the last few minutes when we had a safe lead just to get his confidence back

[Goose]

Vander

We are not going to see another TK for a very long time but few on here were banking last year being a good year based off TK being the starting PG going into the season. Shaka, like Rick Pitino, will never not have great PG options.

I have said many times, the future of PG is going to look a lot different post Shaka, but I believe it will be equally impressive for different reasons. I still do not believe that we have seen the defense that Shaka will play long term. The next PG's will be in your face defenders that can push the ball, imo.

[MU82]

I really think Shaka and his staff need major praise for seeing what Oso was capable of and making it reality. I was high on Oso starting with the UW game his sophomore year, but never in million years would envision this version of him. That might be some of the greatest insight and execution of coaching a player I have ever seem at MU.

In addition, this version of Oso has NBA written all over him. Imo, Shaka's vision likely helped make Oso generational wealth.

Will add, anyone concerned about Caiden, the young guys or Gold moving forward should remember the transformation of Oso. I have no doubt that Shaka will continue to pump out NBA players on a yearly basis.

Can't agree more, Goose.

Shaka's ability to re-recruit Oso, to let him share time with Kuath as a sophomore, and then to steer him toward becoming what he's become - awesome.

And of course, let's not forget Oso's role in all of this (and I know you weren't intentionally leaving him out). He obviously worked his keister off to become the player he is. Very impressed with his ability, his work ethic and his "want-to."

We fans love to "anoint" and to rank, but it doesn't have to be Oso or Kolek. They are a package deal -- roommates, friends and incredible teammates. They make each other better, and they make those around them better.

Shaka will bring in other great players, but we won't see the likes of Kolek and Oso again. I've so enjoyed them being in our program, and I hope they go out as champions - not just for the obvious reason that I want Marquette to win it all, but because they deserve it.

[Goose]

82

I truthfully want to win the NC for the legacy of the two guys that were the foundation of the second great era in MU basketball. They have done enough for me, but there are a lot that of tough critics out there. Their place in MU basketball history could not be argued if they win a NC.

Like you, I have followed this program for quite some time and I also believe we will never see another duo like them. My idea of beautiful basketball may be completely wrong, but they make the game beautiful to watch for me.

Also, Oso and TK put the work in and I was not dismissing that. I was hoping all of the scoop faithful knew that.

[tower912]

As I said elsewhere, that baseball pass from Oso at the foul line extended to Joplin in the corner is a set play.  Justin would pass it to Greg during season 1.  It was good to see it used again.

And I said that when Omax was drafted that Oso would be next.

[Goose]

tower

You are pretty good judge of talent and the game. Keep up the good work!!!

[MU82]

82

I truthfully want to win the NC for the legacy of the two guys that were the foundation of the second great era in MU basketball. They have done enough for me, but there are a lot that of tough critics out there. Their place in MU basketball history could not be argued if they win a NC.

Like you, I have followed this program for quite some time and I also believe we will never see another duo like them. My idea of beautiful basketball may be completely wrong, but they make the game beautiful to watch for me.

Also, Oso and TK put the work in and I was not dismissing that. I was hoping all of the scoop faithful knew that.

Definitely knew you weren't dismissing Oso's (and TK's) work ethic. And you certainly weren't wrong with what you said about Shaka's role.

Just special. Man, I want a deep NCAA run this year!

[LloydsLegs]

Yes, I saw it all from the beginning with all of these players, though I also never envisioned that Shaka and staff would do with all of these players, though I also knew how amazing Shaka would be.  I am amazing at predicting how amazing our players will be, but actually still even more amazing in predicting how much more amazing they will be with the coach who I alone predicted would be amazing! (Just in case you all forgot how amazing I am)

[MU82]

Amazing post, Legs!

[21Jumpstreet]

Yes, I saw it all from the beginning with all of these players, though I also never envisioned that Shaka and staff would do with all of these players, though I also knew how amazing Shaka would be.  I am amazing at predicting how amazing our players will be, but actually still even more amazing in predicting how much more amazing they will be with the coach who I alone predicted would be amazing! (Just in case you all forgot how amazing I am)

Outstanding

[real chili 83]

Yes, I saw it all from the beginning with all of these players, though I also never envisioned that Shaka and staff would do with all of these players, though I also knew how amazing Shaka would be.  I am amazing at predicting how amazing our players will be, but actually still even more amazing in predicting how much more amazing they will be with the coach who I alone predicted would be amazing! (Just in case you all forgot how amazing I am)

Someone in your house is rumored to have said Stevie is amazing.

You're welcome. 😂

[Newsdreams]

Yes, I saw it all from the beginning with all of these players, though I also never envisioned that Shaka and staff would do with all of these players, though I also knew how amazing Shaka would be.  I am amazing at predicting how amazing our players will be, but actually still even more amazing in predicting how much more amazing they will be with the coach who I alone predicted would be amazing! (Just in case you all forgot how amazing I am)

Just send the amazing invoice

[avid1010]

I don't think we will have anything more than an average point guard next year if we don't utilize the portal.  If the portal isn't used...I think he'll do it by committee to a certain extent, we'll live with growing pains, and MU will compete for a bid.

[Dr. Blackheart]

1st World Problem, worrying about next year.

[Shooter McGavin]

Goose,

Agreed on Shaka's vision of Oso.  He was all over it that summer after his first year.   Told us what would happen before it did. Couldn't have been more right.  After last year hard to imagine people not sold on Oso and his pro (NBA) prospects.  But this year is just cementing it even for the non believers.   Look forward to his remaining games in an MU uniform.

[NCMUFan]

Oso is a great leader by example.
Kolek is a very important element in Oso's success.
Someone who drives and draws the defense and then has the ability to get the ball to the open person, i.e., Oso.

[Goose]

Shooter

I am going to enjoy every second of his and TK's time at MU. They have blown away any expectation that any fan could have had for them. Plus, it is a lot of fun to watch. Let's hope we have ten more weeks to watch them.

[tower912]

Stockton and Malone. 

[Goose]

tower

I hate to admit I did not watch a great deal of Stockton and Malone. I was a crazy MJ fan and watched every Bulls game,  but seldom watched the Jazz. I know they were unreal and am going to hit YouTube videos to watch them.

[tower912]

Pitino's words, not mine.   They should really put together a greatest hits package on how to run the pick and roll.    Truly a masterclass.    The subtlety, the pocket passes, the creativity through just a little eye contact, the trust.