So once we decided winning the Big East title game wasn’t important….

[denverMU]

Why the hell did we play Stevie? I don’t disagree with sitting Tyler but you are admitting there is a more important goal. Winning the NCAA tournament. So we should have sat Stevie and probably Kam, Oso, and Jop! Might as well rest them all.

[GoldenEagles03]

Why the hell did we play Stevie? I don’t disagree with sitting Tyler but you are admitting there is a more important goal. Winning the NCAA tournament. So we should have sat Stevie and probably Kam, Oso, and Jop! Might as well rest them all.

Stevie earned the right to play with his 2 games to get there.

Even more important...sitting Stevie puts a lot of other guys at risk. Need bodies.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

Why the hell did we play Stevie? I don’t disagree with sitting Tyler but you are admitting there is a more important goal. Winning the NCAA tournament. So we should have sat Stevie and probably Kam, Oso, and Jop! Might as well rest them all.

Maybe two completely different situations are treated differently? Wild I know….

[Johnny B]

I don’t necessarily agree… but I think there’s a semi decent point in there somewhere

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

They sat Tyler because they are concerned about reaggrevation or worsening the injury.

Is Stevie’s injury similar?  Or does it just hurt without similar concerns?

I guess in addition to coaches, announcers and referees, Scoopers are now armchair athletic trainers.

[denverMU]

The determination was made our goal is to win in the NCAA tournament.Fine.  After getting the sh#t beat out of him yesterday, Stevie should have sat for sure.  Oso sure looked like he was injured. Either Tyler plays or rest all our starters for the games that matter.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

Ok so I guess you are just going to say the same thing over and over without realizing that the situations may have been completely different.

[denverMU]

Ok, the situations aren’t different. We had 2 injured players both of whom we need in the NCAA tournament. We sat Tyler, therefore conceding winning this game.  We knew, based on conference play, we couldn’t win without Tyler. So once that call is made be consistent and sit all our injured players.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

Ok, the situations aren’t different. We had 2 injured players both of whom we need in the NCAA tournament. We sat Tyler, therefore conceding winning this game.  We knew, based on conference play, we couldn’t win without Tyler. So once that call is made be consistent and sit all our injured players.

The injuries are different. So they should be handled differently.

[avid1010]

Ok, the situations aren’t different. We had 2 injured players both of whom we need in the NCAA tournament. We sat Tyler, therefore conceding winning this game.  We knew, based on conference play, we couldn’t win without Tyler. So once that call is made be consistent and sit all our injured players.

The situations are different.  You can arm-chair quarterback a lot of things...but without knowing the details of the two injuries...I'm not sure how you can be so confident that Shaka and company messed this decision up.

[MU82]

"dumb and dangerous" part 2?

[denverMU]

What? Both injuries could keep the players from playing. Whether they are wrist, ankle, shoulder, oblique doesn’t matter. My bigger issue is you should play to win, with all your players (Tyler would have played just like Stevie did) or rest players who are nicked up to win the games you decide are more important.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

What? Both injuries could keep the players from playing. Whether they are wrist, ankle, shoulder, oblique doesn’t matter. My bigger issue is you should play to win, with all your players (Tyler would have played just like Stevie did) or rest players who are nicked up to win the games you decide are more important.

It’s about reaggrevating or worsening the injury. I have no idea why you can’t understand this.

[denverMU]

Stevie’s shoulder was obviously injured, he could have injured more tonight. Why can’t you understand that? Yes, Tyler had already been held out but that only sets the precedent for benching injured players so they can play in the NCAA tournament.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

Stevie could have injured his shoulder more? How do you know that?

[TallTitan34]

Stevie’s shoulder was obviously injured, he could have injured more tonight. Why can’t you understand that? Yes, Tyler had already been held out but that only sets the precedent for benching injured players so they can play in the NCAA tournament.

Please CC me on these medical reports you are receiving.

[Scoop Snoop]

Note to denverMU-

Take the loss and move on.

[denverMU]

Now you’re just being silly. Injured players who play always have a chance of aggravating their injury. What you haven’t addressed is the fact that by not playing Tyler the coaching staff determined that the NCAA tournament was more important than the Big East tournament. OBTW I agree with that.

[denverMU]

Please CC me on these medical reports you are receiving.

Right Stevie’s shoulder was just fine. Must have medical reports to know that.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

Now you’re just being silly. Injured players who play always have a chance of aggravating their injury. What you haven’t addressed is the fact that by not playing Tyler the coaching staff determined that the NCAA tournament was more important than the Big East tournament. OBTW I agree with that.

Uh…no they don’t.

Anyway, write Shaka a letter. I’m sure he will give it the response it deserves.

[denverMU]

Note to denverMU-

Take the loss and move on.

I will, I hope our guys heal quickly

[denverMU]

Uh…no they don’t.

Anyway, write Shaka a letter. I’m sure he will give it the response it deserves.

It’s interesting that you freely go on a website where people are invited to express their opinions and then you get all bent out of shape when people do. No need to get pissy.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

It’s interesting that you freely go on a website where people are invited to express their opinions and then you get all bent out of shape when people do. No need to get pissy.

lol. White flag noted.

[avid1010]

It’s interesting that you freely go on a website where people are invited to express their opinions and then you get all bent out of shape when people do. No need to get pissy.

It's interesting that you go on a website and are surprised when people state they trust Shaka and the medical team more than you.

[denverMU]

lol. White flag noted.

Yes, you “won”. Happy now. You, and posters like you, are why I rarely post anymore. It would be nice just have a reasonable discussion without worrying whether you need to prove someone right or wrong.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

Yes, you “won”. Happy now. You, and posters like you, are why I rarely post anymore. It would be nice just have a reasonable discussion without worrying whether you need to prove someone right or wrong.

Your discussion points were not reasonable. 

[TallTitan34]

It’s not about proving anyone wrong. It’s that none of us have the facts and it would be foolish to think we know better than those that do.

[denverMU]

Have a nice night gents, I’ll be cheering for MU next week

[Uncle Rico]

Have a nice night gents, I’ll be cheering for MU next week

Let’s Go!

[jfp61]

Why the hell did we play Stevie? I don’t disagree with sitting Tyler but you are admitting there is a more important goal. Winning the NCAA tournament. So we should have sat Stevie and probably Kam, Oso, and Jop! Might as well rest them all.

Because stevie could play.. and tyler could't

[BallBoy]

Because stevie could play.. and tyler could't

Bingo. Stevie was cleared to play and his shoulder issues could be managed with a brace.

Tyler wasn’t cleared to play so he didn’t.

The main point is still valid though if all players are cleared to play they should even if it means managing the minutes. Otherwise you are playing favorites or stating one player is more important than another.  Everyone could aggravate an issue they previously had.

The coaches and players played to win with the players available. Except for a short stretch they held their own.

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

Why the hell did we play Stevie? I don’t disagree with sitting Tyler but you are admitting there is a more important goal. Winning the NCAA tournament. So we should have sat Stevie and probably Kam, Oso, and Jop! Might as well rest them all.

Stevie's stat line is still decent from tonight 's game.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Yeah, not all injuries are created equal. Some there are a real risk for worsening the injury. Others are more about pain management. My guess is that Stevie's injury was the latter. It's going to hurt, but minimal concern of worsening

[willie warrior]

The determination was made our goal is to win in the NCAA tournament.Fine.  After getting the sh#t beat out of him yesterday, Stevie should have sat for sure.  Oso sure looked like he was injured. Either Tyler plays or rest all our starters for the games that matter.

And resting all our players would ensure nobody has an injury or aggravation. The same philosophy  with Kolek on a larger scale.
And it fits right in with the modern day coddle the athlete approach.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

And resting all our players would ensure nobody has an injury or aggravation. The same philosophy  with Kolek on a larger scale.
And it fits right in with the modern day coddle the athlete approach.

🙄🙄🙄

[CTWarrior]

Yeah, not all injuries are created equal. Some there are a real risk for worsening the injury. Others are more about pain management. My guess is that Stevie's injury was the latter. It's going to hurt, but minimal concern of worsening

This is obviously true, but after the beating he took against PC, I could see the logic in sitting him out against UConn.  My first thought when seeing him in the brace was, "Why are they playing him?"

Bottom line, if he was cleared and he wanted to play, and there was no significant risk of aggravating the injury, why not let him play?

Watching the team this year, there are two things about Stevie.

1.  It is overlooked how essential he is to this team.  During his three-game absence early, we had our lackluster win over St. Thomas, got drubbed by Providence and only beat Georgetown by 30.
2.  He just takes a beating.  I was joking with my wife before the PC game that the over/under on how many times he would get knocked on his butt was 5.5.  I counted 12 times he was knocked to the floor (there's a good chance there were more as I likely missed one or two here or there) and that doesn't count our teamwide habit of going to the ground after every layup attempt.

[dgies9156]

I’ll say the same thing I said in the Tyler thread:

1) Shaka is our coach.

2) Nobody cares more about winning than Shaka.

3) Nobody cares more about our players than Shaka.

4) We have a great medical and training staff.

5) In Shaka I trust.

[tower912]

I understand your original point, denverMU.  You offered a bold opinion.   My question is why are you offended it was challenged? 

[Uncle Rico]

And resting all our players would ensure nobody has an injury or aggravation. The same philosophy  with Kolek on a larger scale.
And it fits right in with the modern day coddle the athlete approach.

I agree Dung Willie.  I thought it was pretty poor of Tyler not to play and Shaka not forcing him to play.

Both Tyler and Shaka owe it to great fans and alumni like you to have Tyler out there playing.  It probably ruined your weekend that Marquette lost and that’s unacceptable. 

Stay strong, buddy. 

[Frenns Liquor Depot]

Shaka reported that Tyler wanted to play last night after the prov game.  Tyler played on an ankle earlier this year that looked black. He’s tough as nails.

All leads me to believe he can’t play because he is hurt to a point he can’t make the movements needed to suit up. I don’t think it’s some sort of strategic decision.   

I hope another five days changes that and he can be effective. 

[Vander Blue Man Group]

Shaka reported that Tyler wanted to play last night after the prov game.  Tyler played on an ankle earlier this year that looked black. He’s tough as nails.

All leads me to believe he can’t play because he is hurt to a point he can’t make the movements needed to suit up. I don’t think it’s some sort of strategic decision.   

I hope another five days changes that and he can be effective.

I think it’s very likely strategy played a part in the decision.

[denverMU]

I understand your original point, denverMU.  You offered a bold opinion.   My question is why are you offended it was challenged?

Thanks, upon further reflection ( and time passing from a frustrating loss) I took the push back too harshly. No issues. GO MU!

[tower912]

To buttress your original point, Stevie did not take a jumper yesterday.  And a couple of his rebounds he went up for with only one hand.
   However, I do not believe MU had given up on the game going in.  And Stevie had been cleared to play.   Ergo, he played.   Only 25 minutes.   When the game got away, he sat.

[MU82]

To buttress your original point, Stevie did not take a jumper yesterday.  And a couple of his rebounds he went up for with only one hand.
   However, I do not believe MU had given up on the game going in.  And Stevie had been cleared to play.   Ergo, he played.   Only 25 minutes.   When the game got away, he sat.

Generally agree with this, but  I actually thought Stevie played too much down the stretch when it was obvious we wouldn't win.

Oso was subbed out at 7:25 with us down by 11. Shaka didn't take out Stevie until 1:39 remained and we were down 14 (after 2 FTs by Stevie). If Shaka was basically conceding the game anyway, it would have been more prudent to get Stevie out when we were down 16 with about 6 minutes to go (or anytime in the next 2-3 minutes). Could have gotten the kids more PT, too. Frankly, I thought Kam played too much late as well, but we only had so many subs.

[Vander Blue Man Group]

Fingers crossed we play on Friday.  Training and medical staff are going to be earning their paychecks this week. 

[CountryRoads]

Fingers crossed we play on Friday.  Training and medical staff are going to be earning their paychecks this week.

Indy is Friday. Anything else is complete robbery and worthy of investigation.

[GoFastAndWin]

  Going forward, I know that all of us would like to be privy to inside info on the condition of every single player. That’s simply not a reasonable expectation. I would say, “Watch the Lines.” Duh.

   Marquette fans are a pretty knowledgeable, perceptive bunch, evidence on this board sometimes to the contrary 😆. It’s quite evident just from watching recent games that many guys are either generally banged up or nursing specific, localized injuries.

   The likelihood of playing FRI as opposed to TH is around 85%. I think that, absent any surprises, the coaches won’t be disclosing too much info. Obviously, without seeing the guys in action at practices this week, I think it should be obvious that watching the wagering lines will be the best way to glean the general health of the team this Friday. And no I am not insinuating that coaches pass info on to the insiders who pass this on to sports books. The good thing about the NCAA is that fans can attend a public shoot-around and see if something is a bit off.

[BallBoy]

In my opinion, Shaka didn’t sit Oso because he was concerned about an injury or getting injured but as an adjustment to Clingan. Clingan was parking in the lane and wasn’t guarding Oso beyond 5ft. Oso was getting his 10ft push shot but was missing them. Unfortunately, that is a liability of his game right now.

Down 11 we needed points and by putting Gold in we can do a pick and pop or a drive and kick out for 3. This would pull Clingan out of the lane to generate driving lanes and isolation of someone like Jop. Only problem was once we took out Oso, Clingan had a much better scoring run on the other end of the court.

[CountryRoads]

In my opinion, Shaka didn’t sit Oso because he was concerned about an injury or getting injured but as an adjustment to Clingan.

Then Shaka lied because in the press conference he said he sat him because he wasn’t moving well.

[MU82]

Then Shaka lied because in the press conference he said he sat him because he wasn’t moving well.

Yep

[BallBoy]

Then Shaka lied because in the press conference he said he sat him because he wasn’t moving well.

Both can be true. One doesn’t call his player out for no outside game.

[tower912]

I will trust my lying eyes.   Oso was limping.   

Point #9, Donovan: Sunshine Superman original post.

It was obvious in real time if you were paying attention.

[willie warrior]

Stevie could have injured his shoulder more? How do you know that?

He doesnt, just like you do not know that Tyler would have hurt himself by playing.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

He doesnt, just like you do not know that Tyler would have hurt himself by playing.

He wasn't cleared to play.

[willie warrior]

He wasn't cleared to play.

You don't know that either.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

You don't know that either.

https://twitter.com/MattNorlander/status/1769114905305583645

Matt Norlander
@MattNorlander
As expected, Tyler Kolek has not been cleared and will not play tonight for Marquette in the Big East title game, per the school. He’ll return for the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

[Uncle Rico]

https://twitter.com/MattNorlander/status/1769114905305583645

Matt Norlander
@MattNorlander
As expected, Tyler Kolek has not been cleared and will not play tonight for Marquette in the Big East title game, per the school. He’ll return for the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Dung Willie’s feelings don’t care about facts

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

I just hope it doesn't stop him from spamming every topic with the same joke about coddled athletes. It really gets funnier the more he says it!

[Uncle Rico]

I just hope it doesn't stop him from spamming every topic with the same joke about coddled athletes. It really gets funnier the more he says it!

Tyler just isn’t tough like Dung Willie.

[willie warrior]

I just hope it doesn't stop him from spamming every topic with the same joke about coddled athletes. It really gets funnier the more he says it!

And that is what the culture is. Which you know.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

And that is what the culture is. Which you know.

Yep. These guys have to step up and perform for us regardless of their personal circumstance!

[MU82]

Yep, college basketball players are soft. Not tough like old guys who use their anonymity on interwebs fan boards to share derisive nicknames for players on the team they claim to root for.

[willie warrior]

Yep. These guys have to step up and perform for us regardless of their personal circumstance!

That's what you said. I dodnt.

[willie warrior]

https://twitter.com/MattNorlander/status/1769114905305583645

Matt Norlander
@MattNorlander
As expected, Tyler Kolek has not been cleared and will not play tonight for Marquette in the Big East title game, per the school. He’ll return for the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Yet Kolek is discovered practicing
Without Shaka knowing about it. Something is very strange about the whole Kolek situation. Not sure what it is.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

You don't understand that players can participate in practice in some way, but not be cleared to play in games?

[JakeBarnes]

Yet Kolek is discovered practicing
Without Shaka knowing about it. Something is very strange about the whole Kolek situation. Not sure what it is.

Hard to read situation. Like all things for Tyler.

[tower912]

Yet Kolek is discovered practicing
Without Shaka knowing about it. Something is very strange about the whole Kolek situation. Not sure what it is.

Nothing.   Kolek was getting shots up in NYC last week.   He was participating in non-contact drills.   He is a gym rat chomping at the bit to get back. He wasn't exhausted from the BET, so he went where he is most comfortable when they got home. 
  TKo is going to ramp up activity this week.   What seems strange?

[MU82]

Kolekting Splinters is just part of today's soft culture.

[Uncle Rico]

Yet Kolek is discovered practicing
Without Shaka knowing about it. Something is very strange about the whole Kolek situation. Not sure what it is.

The only strange thing is your brain

[StillAWarrior]

Yet Kolek is discovered practicing
Without Shaka knowing about it. Something is very strange about the whole Kolek situation. Not sure what it is.

You don't understand that players can participate in practice in some way, but not be cleared to play in games?

Are you talking about Kolek going to the Al to work on ball handling Saturday night? You really find that strange?

[MUBurrow]

Watching scoopers self-immolate upon trying to understand what cost-benefit analysis means has really been something.

[Jay Bee]

GatorScoop demanding Handlogten toughen up and play Friday

[Uncle Rico]

Watching scoopers self-immolate upon trying to understand what cost-benefit analysis means has really been something.

There’s only one scooper self-immolating over this

[willie warrior]

Yep. These guys have to step up and perform for us regardless of their personal circumstance!

That's what you said. I did not