MU/ St.John’s game thread

[WellsstreetWanderer]

This is devastating for the program
But shattering for Shaka's reputation

[Vander Blue Man Group]

This is devastating for the program
But shattering for Shaka's reputation

Hyperbole.

If Shaka pivots and brings in 2-3 high-level portal additions this season will be an outlier.

One horrendous year doesn't shatter someone's reputation or devastate a program.

Now, if he allows it to happen again next season that's a different story. But he's competitive and wants to win so my hope is a wake-up call.

In the meantime, some of you might want to get a grip.

[Zog from Margo]

Hyperbole.

If Shaka pivots and brings in 2-3 high-level portal additions this season will be an outlier.

One horrendous year doesn't shatter someone's reputation or devastate a program.

Now, if he allows it to happen again next season that's a different story. But he's competitive and wants to win so my hope is a wake-up call.

In the meantime, some of you might want to get a grip.

I'm not so sure. MU's second half performance with its lack of improvement on either end, focus, and effort is a bad look for any coach. Maybe dealing with players who collect the same paycheck regardless of where things go for the balance of the season isn't Shaka's cup of tea. I wouldn't be totally shocked if he pulled a Tony Bennett and hung it up. This is Shaka's worst season as a D-1 coach and MU's worst season in memory.

[Vander Blue Man Group]

I'm not so sure. MU's second half performance with its lack of improvement on either end, focus, and effort is a bad look for any coach. Maybe dealing with players who collect the same paycheck regardless of where things go for the balance of the season isn't Shaka's cup of tea. I wouldn't be totally shocked if he pulled a Tony Bennett and hung it up. This is Shaka's worst season as a D-1 coach and MU's worst season in memory.

And I'll be shocked if he walks away at 47-48 years old.

Not sure what the point of repeating ad nauseam how bad this season is. We're all aware.

How did Seton Hall do last year and how are they doing so far this year? Yet Marquette has no hope and Shaka is going to pack it in?

Also, development isn't linear.

[onepost]

Hyperbole.

If Shaka pivots and brings in 2-3 high-level portal additions this season will be an outlier.

You accuse others of hyperbole but you're banking on Shaka bringing in 2-3 HIGH-LEVEL portal additions when the only portal usage he's ever had post "just got the job and need to fill a roster" 2021 is a singular NAIA guy who played not even 5 minutes for Marquette. So, nobody.

"Sure if Shaka does something he's literally never done, and triples down on said thing he's never done, we're right back!" And we're the ones being unreasonable? LMAO got it.

[willie warrior]

This needs to change.  And pronto Viper.  MU fans are extremely upset and rightly so.  Again, if we were remotely competitive, and close to an NIT team, I think we could deal with it better.  This is entirely different.  I'm a big Shaka guy but we must get that immediate hard pivot once this debacle of a season is over.  If he refuses to do so it's going to get indescribably ugly IMHO.

This entire fiasco is not going to end well. But Reeker is in the Himalayas smoking for the solution.

[Billy Hoyle]

You accuse others of hyperbole but you're banking on Shaka bringing in 2-3 HIGH-LEVEL portal additions when the only portal usage he's ever had post "just got the job and need to fill a roster" 2021 is a singular D2 guy who played not even 5 minutes for Marquette. So, nobody.

"Sure if Shaka does something he's literally never done, and triples down on said thing he's never done, we're right back!" And we're the ones being unreasonable? LMAO got it.

D2? He was from an NAIA school. A D2 transfer could have contributed (look at Central Michigan which is full of D2 guys).

[Viper]

Shaka has to blow this mess up at the end of the year and get some really good transfers or he'l be gone.  This is the mother of all dumpster fires.  I've put the rest f my season tickets up for sale.

...including the assistant coaching staff. Need new eyes, new influencers.

[Mu8891]

 Viper - I agree.  Amongst the $hit of this season, Shaka absolutely needs a few new assistants. What - exactly- are the current guys bringing to the table?

I would say he needs a veteran, former head coach ( among others ).  But there's no way he will do that ... he's WAY too full of himself to listen to anyone else, or receive a contrary opinion. 

[Vander Blue Man Group]

You accuse others of hyperbole but you're banking on Shaka bringing in 2-3 HIGH-LEVEL portal additions when the only portal usage he's ever had post "just got the job and need to fill a roster" 2021 is a singular NAIA guy who played not even 5 minutes for Marquette. So, nobody.

"Sure if Shaka does something he's literally never done, and triples down on said thing he's never done, we're right back!" And we're the ones being unreasonable? LMAO got it.

Yes, I "accused" people of hyperbole because they were absolutely being hyperbolic.  As it stands now, saying that we're DePaul, or that Shaka's reputation has been ruined, or that the program has been devasted is pure idiocy.   

Who said I'm banking on 2 - 3 high level portal additions?  Do you understand what the word "if" means?  If said IF he pivots a turnaround can happen in one offseason.  I didn't say he would pivot.  I didn't say how likely it is.  I have no idea. 

However, I hope he is competitive and realistic enough to understand what needs to happen to turn things around in short order.

[MarquetteMike1977]

It was our biggest point loss of the season without Gold. Not saying Gold is the greatest but feel he gets a bad rap.

[#UnleashMalik]

It was our biggest point loss of the season without Gold. Not saying Gold is the greatest but feel he gets a bad rap.

Oh darn, we could have lost by 19 instead!

[Biggie Clausen]

Yes, I "accused" people of hyperbole because they were absolutely being hyperbolic.  As it stands now, saying that we're DePaul, or that Shaka's reputation has been ruined, or that the program has been devasted is pure idiocy.   

Who said I'm banking on 2 - 3 high level portal additions?  Do you understand what the word "if" means?  If said IF he pivots a turnaround can happen in one offseason.  I didn't say he would pivot.  I didn't say how likely it is.  I have no idea. 

However, I hope he is competitive and realistic enough to understand what needs to happen to turn things around in short order.

I don't think you were being hyperbolic at all.  You're right, I mean, all we need is 2-3 high level transfers and we can turn this thing right around.  Kolek and O-Max ain't walking through that door, but surely there must be two guys as good as them out there (we are talking "high level") who would want to play for Marquette next year.  Or three guys, because you did say *2-3*, so maybe, like, a Rowsey as well.  Why not?

And if we identified those players, and they had interest in coming to Marquette, we would have to win a bidding war with other programs to get them.  So, probably at least a few million bucks.  It's been said the money is there, so that shouldn't be a problem.

And then if we did get those 2-3 guys, it means a few of our current players will need to be kicked to the curb.  I'm sure Shaka would have no problem telling his "champ" Caedin Hamilton that he's played his last game at Marquette.  And we know Sean Jones' mom doesn't judge Shaka on wins and losses, so that one will be an easy conversation. 

And Shaka himself will have to admit that RGV was a failure and he's changing his philosophy.  He definitely doesn't come off as a guy who's high on his own supply, so I'm sure he'll have no issue doing this.

So yes, you're correct that 2-3 high level transfers will solve all our problems.  Shouldn't be any problems bringing them in.

[Vander Blue Man Group]

I don't think you were being hyperbolic at all.  You're right, I mean, all we need is 2-3 high level transfers and we can turn this thing right around.  Kolek and O-Max ain't walking through that door, but surely there must be two guys as good as them out there (we are talking "high level") who would want to play for Marquette next year.  Or three guys, because you did say *2-3*, so maybe, like, a Rowsey as well.  Why not?

And if we identified those players, and they had interest in coming to Marquette, we would have to win a bidding war with other programs to get them.  So, probably at least a few million bucks.  It's been said the money is there, so that shouldn't be a problem.

And then if we did get those 2-3 guys, it means a few of our current players will need to be kicked to the curb.  I'm sure Shaka would have no problem telling his "champ" Caedin Hamilton that he's played his last game at Marquette.  And we know Sean Jones' mom doesn't judge Shaka on wins and losses, so that one will be an easy conversation. 

And Shaka himself will have to admit that RGV was a failure and he's changing his philosophy.  He definitely doesn't come off as a guy who's high on his own supply, so I'm sure he'll have no issue doing this.

So yes, you're correct that 2-3 high level transfers will solve all our problems.  Shouldn't be any problems bringing them in.

A lot of stupidity in one post.  Really impressive work. 

[onepost]

Who said I'm banking on 2 - 3 high level portal additions?  Do you understand what the word "if" means?  If said IF he pivots a turnaround can happen in one offseason.  I didn't say he would pivot.  I didn't say how likely it is.  I have no idea.

You're flippant about this season being an outlier if Shaka brings in 2-3 high-level portal additions: what it will take for us to turn it around in an offseason. And I'm saying it seems very foolish of you to put your faith into that when the guy has shown a refusal to add 1 warm body in 4 years. But I hope more than anything I'm proven wrong.

[Viper]

Viper - I agree.  Amongst the $hit of this season, Shaka absolutely needs a few new assistants. What - exactly- are the current guys bringing to the table?

I would say he needs a veteran, former head coach ( among others ).  But there's no way he will do that ... he's WAY too full of himself to listen to anyone else, or receive a contrary opinion. 

isn't that, in part, what sealed the demise of Woj? Didn't bring in an experienced bench guy? Seems to me, some new bench guys are mandatory.

[Viper]

A lot of stupidity in one post.  Really impressive work. 

bro, you don't have to take a dump on every reply. This season is such a shiit show, every and all comments are good in my book. I like some of our guys and still have some optimism for next season, but last night was tough. Didn't see quit, but didn't see any care, or fight. In fact, hey Shaka, get T'd up. If for no other reason to show the team and us know-it-alls in the stands that you give a damn.

[Johnny B]

A lot of stupidity in one post.  Really impressive work. 

Stupid or ambitious? Its not to unrealistic to think the program could do something along the lines of  what OP proposed.
 

[willie warrior]

Something needs to change and pronto. This season has turned into a complete cluster screw. It should be totally unacceptable to all M<U fans and MU administration.

[Billy Hoyle]

Something needs to change and pronto. This season has turned into a complete cluster screw. It should be totally unacceptable to all M<U fans and MU administration.

In today's KenPom rankings, we are currently the fourth-lowest rated P4 team. We are only ahead of Maryland (who we lost to on our home court), Rutgers, and Boston College, who will likely fire their coach. We are ranked lower than historical powerhouses E. Tennessee State, UC San Diego, Bradley (yep), Hofstra, High Point, Utah Valley, among others, and 10 places behind DePaul. This is a true low point for MU basketball.

[Vander Blue Man Group]

You're flippant about this season being an outlier if Shaka brings in 2-3 high-level portal additions: what it will take for us to turn it around in an offseason. And I'm saying it seems very foolish of you to put your faith into that when the guy has shown a refusal to add 1 warm body in 4 years. But I hope more than anything I'm proven wrong.

I'm not being flippant.  The performance this season is unacceptable for Marquette. 

At the same time, there's nothing I can do about it and I'm not going to get upset or overreact to what happens on the court the rest of this season.  It's not worth it. 

I'm also not going to overreact regarding how much "damage" has been done to the program or Shaka's reputation. 

As for a turnaround, look at what's happened so far with Seton Hall to-date (I understand they can turn into a pumpkin at any point). 

Marquette will have some returning talent as well as what looks like a potential impact freshman (Egbuonu) along with some upside from RS freshman. 

It's certainly possible Shaka stays the RGV course and is out of a job after next season.  It's also possible he pivots to a Painter-model and brings in a couple of good players. 

I don't think him choosing either road would be particularly shocking. 

[HutchwasClutch]

In today's KenPom rankings, we are currently the fourth-lowest rated P4 team. We are only ahead of Maryland (who we lost to on our home court), Rutgers, and Boston College, who will likely fire their coach. We are ranked lower than historical powerhouses E. Tennessee State, UC San Diego, Bradley (yep), Hofstra, High Point, Utah Valley, among others, and 10 places behind DePaul. This is a true low point for MU basketball.

Wow!

[Newsdreams]

I don't think you were being hyperbolic at all.  You're right, I mean, all we need is 2-3 high level transfers and we can turn this thing right around.  Kolek and O-Max ain't walking through that door, but surely there must be two guys as good as them out there (we are talking "high level") who would want to play for Marquette next year.  Or three guys, because you did say *2-3*, so maybe, like, a Rowsey as well.  Why not?

And if we identified those players, and they had interest in coming to Marquette, we would have to win a bidding war with other programs to get them.  So, probably at least a few million bucks.  It's been said the money is there so that shouldn't be a problem.

And then if we did get those 2-3 guys, it means a few of our current players will need to be kicked to the curb.  I'm sure Shaka would have no problem telling his "champ" Caedin Hamilton that he's played his last game at Marquette.  And we know Sean Jones' mom doesn't judge Shaka on wins and losses, so that one will be an easy conversation. 

And Shaka himself will have to admit that RGV was a failure and he's changing his philosophy.  He definitely doesn't come off as a guy who's high on his own supply, so I'm sure he'll have no issue doing this.

So yes, you're correct that 2-3 high level transfers will solve all our problems.  Shouldn't be any problems bringing them in.

And no one has said even a ballpark figure, so I say a lot of speculation and BS. Even more from the people who keep saying it but won't provide an amount.

[Vander Blue Man Group]

Stupid or ambitious? Its not to unrealistic to think the program could do something along the lines of  what OP proposed.
 

His post was entirely sarcastic. 

[MarquetteMike1977]

In today's KenPom rankings, we are currently the fourth-lowest rated P4 team. We are only ahead of Maryland (who we lost to on our home court), Rutgers, and Boston College, who will likely fire their coach. We are ranked lower than historical powerhouses E. Tennessee State, UC San Diego, Bradley (yep), Hofstra, High Point, Utah Valley, among others, and 10 places behind DePaul. This is a true low point for MU basketball.

Agreed but
Bradley made it to the Championship Game of the CIT Tournament last year lol

At this point this season we are at a low point maybe even lower than Bob Dukiet's 1987-88 Season or Al McGuire's 1st Season in 1964-65.
Agree This Year at this point is Historically a true low point in Marquette University Basketball.