James vs Jones

[jfp61]

Or, at best, defensive energy like Stevie.

Stevie is a top tier Marquette defender.  Pretty much only bigs were ever on his level. Its Oso, Jae, and maybe Trent if we are being nice to include another guard.

Sean has yet to be a better defender than upperclassmen versions of Markus Howard.

[jfp61]

Great question. Caedin Hamilton has started 8 of 8 games this season.

Josh Clark and Michael Phillips are somehow playing less than Owens.

Clark and Phillips are also playing less combine than Caedin is.

This is how your culture turns bad quickly.

[hawk]

I would think that given what James has shown so far I would have to think that James will continue to start after Jones returns.  I don't however see the need to denigtrate Jones's game.  I just don't get the either/or nature of people in Hoop Scoop.  I see jones more like a pitcher coming back from Tommy John surgrry.  he's fit to play and can play but it won't be until next season that he is back to where he was before the injury.  Under an circumstances having Jones back is a big plus, now and intonext season.  Further I think that Stevens and Philips need more minutes even at the expense of Norman, Owens and Lowery.  The freshmen are tough minded and hungry to play and get better.  The issue for the team however remains post play.  Somebody needs to step up and be the third scorer.  It shoulf br Gold but I think that ship has sailed and I don't think it is Hamilton this year.  I am hopeful that Parham can smooth out his game and become that player before conference play starts.  I'd also give Clark some minutes becaus he at least knows how to dunk and make a layup. 

[MU82]

Most of them do. Because they either redshirt or aren't ready to contribute much. James is clearly a better player, so he should be upset if Jones takes his spot that he already earned.

Yup. Freshmen might "know what they are signing up for when they come to Marquette," as GE03 says. But Nigel's in a far different spot now than when he arrived on campus in the summer, when practice began and even when the season started. He has been elevated to PG1, he has gotten the minutes, and he has performed pretty darn well overall. If Jones is just handed the spot after returning from injury, I don't think James would just shrug his shoulders and say, "Oh well, I knew what I was signing up for." He probably wouldn't publicly protest, but he wouldn't be happy about it ... and it could lead to his early departure from the program.

Thankfully, this conversation will be moot. Barring injury, James will continue to start and get the majority of PG minutes.