Punched in the mouth

[Newsdreams]

Season long, not at all. You're just a big fan of losing players.

+/- is a very weak stat, just like FT%

[Newsdreams]

Willie

I love your enthusiasm, your longevity of being a fan and life story, but I think you are completely off the reservation on pretty much everything you posted in the last hour.

I am roughly 10+ years younger than you and desperately want to see MU win a NC for the first time since I was 13 years old. I'm not an expert, but I am a big Ben Gold fan, and this team can win the NC this season. A lot had to go right, but I think you are missing the boat big time.

UConn is better than MU and were much better today. That said, I hope you do not write this team off because they got blown out of the state CT today. As I said in another post, there might 2-3 more losses before the tournament starts, and I am good with that.

LOL Goose

[muwarrior69]

We're not competing with a team like UCONN if Tyko goes 2-11, 3 rebs, 3 dimes, 4 turns.  I believe you will see a much better Kolek 3/6, in the BET, and in the NCAA tournament.

I hope so. Today it was a mugging. Tomorrow is another day.

[GoldenEagles03]

I thought Tre Norman looked solid in his few minutes. Would've liked to see him get more run when they went down big.

Kam put us in a bad position with his 2 early fouls again and it just got away from us so fast. He's gotta stop doing that.

[Newsdreams]

I thought Tre Norman looked solid in his few minutes. Would've liked to see him get more run when they went down big.

Kam put us in a bad position with his 2 early fouls again and it just got away from us so fast. He's gotta stop doing that.

He looks slower on D, probably still hurting, falls behind guards he is defending leading to fouls.

[GoldenEagles03]

He looks slower on D, probably still hurting, falls behind guards he is defending leading to fouls.

Very possible.

[jfp61]

+/- is a very weak stat, just like FT%

Well we can use other stats if you like. I don't think you would disagree with the premise. Lowest ortg of the 8 guys playing. Oddly high usage. Lowest eFG% and TS% of the 8 playing. Lowest rebounding rates of everyone, though expected. Same TO rate as kolek with half the assists. Worst adjusted team EffMargin. Worst defensive adjusted eff when on the court. The stats are endless.

The weaknesses of (+/-) are the ability to know what groups player together. And what not. But when you can make direct comparisons to other bench unit players and can do so over the course of a season. It's perfectly acceptable.

[MU82]

Willie

I love your enthusiasm, your longevity of being a fan and life story, but I think you are completely off the reservation on pretty much everything you posted in the last hour two decades.

FIFY

[bradforster]

It's almost like you haven't watched a game over the last month.

The loss of Jones is one that is certainly felt.  Jay Bilas wrote in his most recent ESPN piece, "Jones can change games with his speed, and his loss is significant."  Yes, Marquette rattled off eight straight wins without him, but his presence on both sides - especially defensively -  makes the team more formidable.  He was also improving his outside shot.  We'd be better, and deeper, with him in the lineup.

[tower912]

MU would be deeper and TKo would get more rest.  Conversely, Shaka would play TKo off the ball with Sean in the game and the offense is less efficient with that line up.

[DoctorV]

MU would be deeper and TKo would get more rest.  Conversely, Shaka would play TKo off the ball with Sean in the game and the offense is less efficient with that line up.

Its my opinion that Shaka's plan was to play SJ22 a bunch to not only give him confidence, but also to give Tyler rest throughout the year all while concealing the teams biggest offensive weapon on film until the latter parts of the season.

There was tape from last year, but wouldn't have been as much from this.

Then, shortly before the elimination game portion of the season he would have started getting Tyler more on the ball and back in the P&R gel with Oso to let the team get comfortable before the final stretch.
SJ22 would've been a solid chance of pace weapon and a breather for Kolek.

His hand was forced sooner than he wished imo.
Also, a pretty good plan for the season as a whole, even though you give up some extra Ls and a few seeds along the way.

[TSmith34, Inc.]

Well we can use other stats if you like. I don't think you would disagree with the premise. Lowest ortg of the 8 guys playing. Oddly high usage. Lowest eFG% and TS% of the 8 playing. Lowest rebounding rates of everyone, though expected. Same TO rate as kolek with half the assists. Worst adjusted team EffMargin. Worst defensive adjusted eff when on the court. The stats are endless.

The weaknesses of (+/-) are the ability to know what groups player together. And what not. But when you can make direct comparisons to other bench unit players and can do so over the course of a season. It's perfectly acceptable.

Blk%?

[lawdog77]

So they didn't go full medieval and still won by the biggest top 5 margin in history?

What is full medieval then? Asking for a friend

That's a random stat. It's not the biggest loss by a top 5 team, its not the biggest loss by a top 5 team against another top 5 team, its not the biggest loss by a top 5 team in conference. It's the biggest lost by a top 5 team agains another top 5 team in conference.

It's a WGAF in a week.

[Disco Hippie]

I believe the loss of Sean Jones took us out of title contention.  He was a pace changer, defensive spark, gave Tyler a rest . . . so many little things to his game.  He created havoc on defense and I have not seen that since he was injured.  It is a different team.

The team as it is now would have to play to perfection to get to the Final Four.  Marquette cannot start a game in the Tourney shooting 0-6, 0-8, 0-10, whatever . . . from the 3 point line.  It seems to happen frequently against any team not named Georgetown.

Very down at the moment.

Not having Jones definitely doesn't help but to me, losing OMAX to the NBA is what's keeping us from greatness.  Not having a bruiser inside hurts us and we're way too dependent on the 3 ball.  When we hit at a good clip we're fine but when they don't fall we're completely exposed and the team retreats and loses confidence very quickly.  We're a very good team, but Top 5?   I just can't get there and have thought we've been slightly overrated all season.  We're top 15 for sure, but I just don't think we're in the same class as the others.  Sorry.  Wish it weren't so.   The first St. John's game could have easily gone the other way, and in the second game at home, the outcome of that game wasn't apparent until the last 1:40 or so as I recall.  That game was MUCH closer than the final score indicated.   Top 5 teams don't give up 20 point leads with 12 min to go in the 2nd half of any game.  The 27 point loss to UCONN, while extremely frustrating, I can tolerate more for some reason.  Every team, even great teams, have games like that once in a while.  We beat Baylor at home last season by 26.  They still ended up being a 3 seed.  We man-handled Providence at home the season before by a similar margin.  It happens.   We could still make the final four, but not without shooting lights out every game in the tournament.

[lawdog77]

Not having Jones definitely doesn't help but to me, losing OMAX to the NBA is what's keeping us from greatness.  Not having a bruiser inside hurts us and we're way too dependent on the 3 ball.  When we hit at a good clip we're fine but when they don't fall we're completely exposed and the team retreats and loses confidence very quickly.  We're a very good team, but Top 5?   I just can't get there and have thought we've been slightly overrated all season.  We're top 15 for sure, but I just don't think we're in the same class as the others.  Sorry.  Wish it weren't so.   The first St. John's game could have easily gone the other way, and in the second game at home, the outcome of that game wasn't apparent until the last 1:40 or so as I recall.  That game was MUCH closer than the final score indicated.   Top 5 teams don't give up 20 point leads with 12 min to go in the 2nd half of any game.  The 27 point loss to UCONN, while extremely frustrating, I can tolerate more for some reason.  Every team, even great teams, have games like that once in a while.  We beat Baylor at home last season by 26.  They still ended up being a 3 seed.  We man-handled Providence at home the season before by a similar margin.  It happens.   We could still make the final four, but not without shooting lights out every game in the tournament.

For those who keep saying we need a bruiser inside:
1. How many of Oso's minutes would he take?
2. Where do you get this bruiser who would not start?

[WellsstreetWanderer]

The bruiser would take Jop's minutes i believe

[The Sultan]

Jop is one of our best outside scorers. He would hypothetically take some of his minutes yes...but you can't significantly cut the minutes of one of your best offensive players.

[Viper]

Not having Jones definitely doesn't help but to me, losing OMAX to the NBA is what's keeping us from greatness.  Not having a bruiser inside hurts us and we're way too dependent on the 3 ball.  When we hit at a good clip we're fine but when they don't fall we're completely exposed and the team retreats and loses confidence very quickly.  We're a very good team, but Top 5?   I just can't get there and have thought we've been slightly overrated all season.  We're top 15 for sure, but I just don't think we're in the same class as the others.  Sorry.  Wish it weren't so.   The first St. John's game could have easily gone the other way, and in the second game at home, the outcome of that game wasn't apparent until the last 1:40 or so as I recall.  That game was MUCH closer than the final score indicated.   Top 5 teams don't give up 20 point leads with 12 min to go in the 2nd half of any game.  The 27 point loss to UCONN, while extremely frustrating, I can tolerate more for some reason.  Every team, even great teams, have games like that once in a while.  We beat Baylor at home last season by 26.  They still ended up being a 3 seed.  We man-handled Providence at home the season before by a similar margin.  It happens.   We could still make the final four, but not without shooting lights out every game in the tournament.

100%. Good take, Disco.

[BM1090]

100%. Good take, Disco.

Why? Which five teams are better?

UConn, Purdue, Houston, definitely. Pick another two.

I don't think you can say definitively that Arizona, UNC, or Tennessee are better. They might be, but I'm not sure.

If forced to pick, I'd probably say 6 behind AZ and Tennessee.

Other teams around us in the rankings...Illinois? No. Baylor? Don't think so. Creighton? No. Duke? No. Iowa state? Don't think so. Auburn? Maybe.

I think this is a legit top 5ish team.

[tower912]

UConn, Purdue, and Houston (I am finally sold) are the top 3.   The next 6 you can throw a blanket over.   MU is in that next 6. MU has weaknesses.   MU can be bullied.  But MU's A game can hang with anyone.  See: Kansas, Purdue, Texas, Illinois.   

A deep run is still on the table.   Enjoy the ride.  Don't fear the ride.

[Herman Cain]

UConn, Purdue, and Houston (I am finally sold) are the top 3.   The next 6 you can throw a blanket over.   MU is in that next 6. MU has weaknesses.   MU can be bullied.  But MU's A game can hang with anyone.  See: Kansas, Purdue, Texas, Illinois.   

A deep run is still on the table.   Enjoy the ride.  Don't fear the ride.

I am hoping for the deep ride, however we don't have the consistent high level of play necessary to achieve that . Too many players with incomplete skill sets . Good opposing coaches take advantage of that. I am hoping to win 5 out next 6 to secure a 2 seed and hopefully make it to Sweet 16

[Dr. Blackheart]

UConn, Purdue, and Houston (I am finally sold) are the top 3.   The next 6 you can throw a blanket over.   MU is in that next 6. MU has weaknesses.   MU can be bullied.  But MU's A game can hang with anyone.  See: Kansas, Purdue, Texas, Illinois.   

A deep run is still on the table.   Enjoy the ride.  Don't fear the ride.

Define "deep"?

[Disco Hippie]

UConn, Purdue, and Houston (I am finally sold) are the top 3.   The next 6 you can throw a blanket over.   MU is in that next 6. MU has weaknesses.   MU can be bullied.  But MU's A game can hang with anyone.  See: Kansas, Purdue, Texas, Illinois.   

A deep run is still on the table.   Enjoy the ride.  Don't fear the ride.

Can't argue with that.  When we're not having an A game is the problem.   Sure, we can usually still squeak by the St. Johns' & Thomas' of the world when we don't, although not always (Butler at Home), but not against anyone in the top 10.  We had A games against IL, KU, TX & Creighton.   I'll even throw in the Purdue game, but WI, Seton Hall and Providence were complete duds.  Granted WI is top 10 but SH & Providence are mid pack in our conf.  The UCLA game could have easily gone the other way.   I'm very glad it went our way, but if it didn't we wouldn't have the KU W.  Look they're not going to win every game.  Very few teams ever have, but in order to win the tournament, you need to have 6 A Games in a row which is really hard to do.  Like everyone else, I want us to be truly elite, but there's a significant difference between the Top 3 and the rest, and we're not there yet.  We're too guard heavy and it shows.   If we had Jones, and Gold was a little bit further along, maybe.  Shaka said pre-season Gold is only just starting to scratch the surface of how great he has the potential to be.   I hope Shaka is right, but I fear he's reaching closer and closer to his ceiling with every passing game.

[Viper]

Why? Which five teams are better?

UConn, Purdue, Houston, definitely. Pick another two.

I don't think you can say definitively that Arizona, UNC, or Tennessee are better. They might be, but I'm not sure.

If forced to pick, I'd probably say 6 behind AZ and Tennessee.

Other teams around us in the rankings...Illinois? No. Baylor? Don't think so. Creighton? No. Duke? No. Iowa state? Don't think so. Auburn? Maybe.

I think this is a legit top 5ish team.

agree on your top 3. I tend to lean AZ and Tenn are better. Iowa St can play some mean D. You know what team I'd hate to play in a tourney game? Drake. Very solid. And the top 5 MWC teams...underrated.  But, upon further review, we're top 10, somewhere 7-10 seems 'bout right.

[goldeneagle91114]

Define "deep"?

If this team makes it to the second weekend it would be an improvement. Also, some please check this stat - has Shaka only made 1 sweet 16?