In-season improvement

[AverageJoe]

Off the top of my head, I don't remember any Marquette player having improved as much as Royce has this year-during the season-since maybe Aaron Hutchins.  Just the confidence and the aggressiveness on both offensive and defense are light-years ahead of where he was at the beginning of the year.  He's actually a lot more athletic than I thought.
Also props to Nigel James for his strides in-season. He's greatly improved his outside shooting, doesn't drive into the lane and get stuck as much, and makes less ankle passes than he did in the beginning of the year.
Obviously, this season sucks, but those are a couple of bright spots.

[Daniel]

True. And Owens needs a shout-out here too.   Playing with a lot more confidence

[Scoop Snoop]

Off the top of my head, I don't remember any Marquette player having improved as much as Royce has this year-during the season-since maybe Aaron Hutchins.  Just the confidence and the aggressiveness on both offensive and defense are light-years ahead of where he was at the beginning of the year.  He's actually a lot more athletic than I thought.
Also props to Nigel James for his strides in-season. He's greatly improved his outside shooting, doesn't drive into the lane and get stuck as much, and makes less ankle passes than he did in the beginning of the year.
Obviously, this season sucks, but those are a couple of bright spots.

Thanks for posting this. I have disciplined myself to focus on individual performances during games, especially when it becomes obvious that the game will end up in the L column. Let's take whatever positives are available and enjoy them.

[Shooter McGavin]

Yep these freshmen and sophomores are coming into their own.  They were supposed to only supplement the Juniors and Seniors on a tournament team. But it is what it is and they happen to be the best players on the team. 

It is very positive for the future.  Parham and James are alphas going forward. Owens and Stevens could be future alphas as well.  Phillips has tools.  Fill the gaps in the junior class (a big who can defend and rebound and a combo guard who can dribble, shoot and defend) and this will be a tournament team next year.  And that would even be without the freshman and RS freshman contributing even though hopefully they will. 

Unlike last year, the optimism will be well founded going into next year with the right portal moves.  No one, not even the most optimistic posters, will have to turn their mind into a pretzel visualizing a good team.

[Captain Quette]

In agreement here. Attended DePaul game and watched last 2 games. Parnham plays with an edge and physicality. Goes to the hoop strong and tries to dunk everything. Great mentality and if his J improves, will be + player next year. Owens athleticism is best on team and obvious. Still a bit raw on O but not far off on J. He can be a difference maker for us. Quickly, not fan of Stevens, not very athletic, J is wonky, can't beat anyone off dribble but early days w him.

Could have 3 starters next year w James, parnham, owens plus 2 to 3 portalees....perhaps we have something.

[Juan Anderson's Mixtape]

Stevens "wonky J" is good enough for second on the team with 27 made 3's and 3rd in 3 point percentage at a respectable 34.6%.

He is a serviceable enough shooter.  Needs to attack better off the dribble and improve his defense to match his potential.

Next year, he'll compete with Owens and, hopefully, a transfer for two starting wing spots.

[TSmith34, Inc.]

Stevens "wonky J" is good enough for second on the team with 27 made 3's and 3rd in 3 point percentage at a respectable 34.6%.

He is a serviceable enough shooter.  Needs to attack better off the dribble and improve his defense to match his potential.

Next year, he'll compete with Owens and, hopefully, a transfer for two starting wing spots.

This. He's a bigger, stronger version of Stevie, and with a better shot. If he can play with 75% of Steve's heart and effort, we have an incredible glue guy.

[Markusquette]

You could see Royce's potential last year. He had such a rough start to the season but he's coming into his own the last few weeks

[tower912]

MU is more competitive now that it is finishing at the rim at a normal percentage.  MU's offense continues to generate shots at he rim and open 3s.  The next step is to start making the open 3s.  And play defense.

[wadesworld]

Stevens "wonky J" is good enough for second on the team with 27 made 3's and 3rd in 3 point percentage at a respectable 34.6%.

He is a serviceable enough shooter.  Needs to attack better off the dribble and improve his defense to match his potential.

Next year, he'll compete with Owens and, hopefully, a transfer for two starting wing spots.

Yeah.  He shouldn't be starting, but in my opinion his shot mechanics are the best on the team and I don't think it's even close.  Good balance and footwork, pretty simple motion.

[Captain Quette]

A few points:

1. 34% is considered average or ok 3 pt shooting percentage. At or above 37% is considered good.
2. His shot is triggered from behind his head similar to Joplin. Had pretty close seats at DePaul, he was right in front of me and his mechanics do not look simple.
3. Possible poor man's Stevie but think his physical play and foot speed needs work. He had trouble w quicker guards.

I am interested to see him improve on these items, he has promise.

[Warrior of Law]

There has been improvement offensively. If there can be a greater sense of urgency with defense and rebounding, then they'll be rewarded with some surprising wins over the next 5 weeks. One or two upset wins will provide some momentum into the future.

[wadesworld]

A few points:

1. 34% is considered average or ok 3 pt shooting percentage. At or above 37% is considered good.
2. His shot is triggered from behind his head similar to Joplin. Had pretty close seats at DePaul, he was right in front of me and his mechanics do not look simple.
3. Possible poor man's Stevie but think his physical play and foot speed needs work. He had trouble w quicker guards.

I am interested to see him improve on these items, he has promise.

https://youtu.be/p_KlWpsM8So?si=pz1HQt4JBhjjGeGn&t=105

Maybe there's some AI stuff going on on broadcasts or something because I haven't been able to get to a Marquette game this year, but this certainly isn't triggered from behind his head.  This is about as textbook fundamentally as it gets.  He isn't a sniper, but I think we'll see him be a very good 3 point shooter as soon as next season.

Owens, on the other hand, has a "wonky J."

[Jay Bee]

Worst defense imaginable and we got peeps giving them an NCAA tourney berth next year. wth?