Really Good Day for the Future of Marquette Basketball

[tower912]

He is supposed to be in high school right now.  Reclassified.

[The Sultan]

I have come to the conclusion that bringing in talent that we hope improves, and doesn't transfer, after a redshirt sophomore season, seems like a poor way to construct a roster in 2026.

[Zog from Margo]

I can see a redshirt for Phillips as well.  Playing 3 minutes a game next year will hurt his development.  Hate to say it, could be a portal loss.

I agree on a possible redshirt, but I do not see him as a possible loss in the portal. If he fills out and gets stronger, he could be the real deal.

[Small Orange Soda]

I think this is a pretty good analysis. It was clearly planted, but don't know who the primary audience is supposed to be.

https://www.anonymouseagle.com/marquette-recruiting/35308/mens-basketball-golden-eagles-shaka-smart-transfer-portal-tnt-sideline-report

Anecdotal, but I know a couple different season ticket holders in the cheaper seats who have barely attended games and not had a lot of luck giving their tickets away either. With the rise in price due to NIL you can't really have a season like this and retain them.

[Johnny B]

Phillips is playing appropriate minutes for where he is.......

He is still raw which should surprise nobody considering he should be finishing up his senior year in high school right now.

I wouldn't mind a redshirt for him next season to be honest.

Obviously depends on how his summer goes and who we bring in.

Always been on the fence about guys skipping their senior year unless they plan to red shirt or are an elete talent. I think we'd rather have Phillips from age 18-22 than 17-21 right? if he redshirts next year then guess it's basically the same.

[wadesworld]

I'm good with using a couple redshirts. If Philips has a great offseason he may be a rotational piece and obviously shouldn't redshirt. If we bring in upper class talent and he'll be out of the rotation, then sure. Next year would be his freshman season in college. He could clearly use some physical development and he can shoot the ball, which will always be useful. You aren't going to have 15 players getting minutes. He's one who could for 3 years after next.

[MuggsyB]

We need guys to step into Ross' and gold's production at 2x their production if we're only adding 2 guys.

That honestly is easily doable.  The question is will we find the right pieces among a slew of transfers?  Do we have competent scouts/talent evaluators?  If we don't get the needed additions, perhaps some Scoopers should scout and bag deposit in '27-8. 

[panda]

That honestly is easily doable.  The question is will we find the right pieces among a slew of transfers?  Do we have competent scouts/talent evaluators?  If we don't get the needed additions, perhaps some Scoopers should scout and bag deposit in '27-8. 

The right additions and subtractions can turn this around quickly. Really need to get this offseason right on both sides of the coin.

[rocky_warrior]

The right additions and subtractions

That will be the real test for Shaka.

[Captain Quette]

From friends of the program, fwiw:

1. Shaka very protective of his image, it is a priority for him
2. Going into this season, he believed his culture and development would generate success
3. Is well liked by players and player's families and uses this w re recruiting
4. Is feeling the pressure of this poor season and understands he may be out if next season is also an abject failure
5. Realizes he might not be get another P5 job if he is fired by Marquette

[GoldenEagles03]

From friends of the program, fwiw:

1. Shaka very protective of his image, it is a priority for him
2. Going into this season, he believed his culture and development would generate success
3. Is well liked by players and player's families and uses this w re recruiting
4. Is feeling the pressure of this poor season and understands he may be out if next season is also an abject failure
5. Realizes he might not be get another P5 job if he is fired by Marquette

This is supposed to be his forever home. Analysts have said it for years now that he and Marquette are the perfect pairing. Hopefully this decision is a rejuvenation for him and he is here for a long time because of the success he has and sees as sustainable for the future.

[BCHoopster]

All great points!  I am sure there is pressure on him from the NLI donors. I know the key players talked to the president.

[MuggsyB]

The right additions and subtractions can turn this around quickly. Really need to get this offseason right on both sides of the coin.

Yes.  Good point.  This is a vital offseason for our program. 

[muwarrior69]

Regardless of what moves MU makes in the offseason, there will be people complaining about it and not satisfied.

If there are no cuts in the roster and only one transfer they'll have every right to complain, but if there are cuts and several transfers are added they should wait to see what happens on the court next season. No one will be more upset than a donor shelling out big bucks for a transfer that is a bust as that will be on the coaching staff.

[onepost]

If there are no cuts in the roster and only one transfer they'll have every right to complain, but if there are cuts and several transfers are added they should wait to see what happens on the court next season. No one will be more upset than a donor shelling out big bucks for a transfer that is a bust as that will be on the coaching staff.

See: Owen Freeman at Creighton

[rocky_warrior]

See: Owen Freeman at Creighton

This has flipped since I looked a couple weeks ago, but according to BPR, he'd be Marquette's second best player after Chase, and far ahead of Nigel for the whole season

[MU82]

This has flipped since I looked a couple weeks ago, but according to BPR, he'd be Marquette's second best player after Chase, and far ahead of Nigel for the whole season

If BPR says Owen Freeman is better than Nigel James, BPR is a totally effed measuring stick.

Seriously, how many of the 365 Division I coaches do you think would take Freeman over James? Fewer than 10? Fewer than 1?

[rocky_warrior]

If BPR says Owen Freeman is better than Nigel James, BPR is a totally effed measuring stick.

Seriously, how many of the 365 Division I coaches do you think would take Freeman over James? Fewer than 10? Fewer than 1?

I was pretty clear that it's a whole year stat, so you're showing recency bias.

Nonetheless, I suppose it would depend on whether those coaches were looking for a Nigel James, or a Caedin Hamilton.