Fru to Mu

[tower912]

A *proven* 3 who can be a high usage guy. Not sure we have that on the roster currently, bub.

This is one of your mantras that I tend to disagree with.  I don't expect young guys to be as high usage early as they are by the time they leave.  While you are correct that there are no proven high usage 3s in that group, I worry about that like you worry about team ft %.  Most of the time (not every time) it works itself out.   

And, with NJ, AS, and Royce projected to dominate the ball.  3, D, facilitator, glue is fine.

[Vander Blue Man Group]

My understanding is Riley primarily played the 1 last year but previously played the 2.  So he'd be able to start next to NJ and AS and slide over to the 1 to give NJ a break or in case of injury. 

That would make much more sense than wasting a roster spot on someone that is strictly a backup 1. 

Sounds like a great fit to me.  If we add him and Minessale I'd be thrilled.

[Jay Bee]

This is one of your mantras that I tend to disagree with.  I don't expect young guys to be as high usage early as they are by the time they leave.  While you are correct that there are no proven high usage 3s in that group, I worry about that like you worry about team ft %.  Most of the time (not every time) it works itself out. 

And, with NJ, AS, and Royce projected to dominate the ball.  3, D, facilitator, glue is fine.

Completely disagree. It was a projected issue last season, and eff'd us.

Looking toward next year, I do not see Adrien that way.

Nigel down slightly I think would be ideal.. Royce up modestly ideal.. and both of those are doable. Could we see a jump from Adrien and his 14.4% usage? He's a 3-point guy who doesn't get to the line a lot.. I think this is where we just see it differently, and I'm not even 100% on board that he's a lock for starter next year. Great player, but seeing him well into the 20's for usage next year isn't something I can project at this time.

#NeedUsage

[willie warrior]

A *proven* 3 who can be a high usage guy. Not sure we have that on the roster currently, bub.

Two things Bub. Can we get a "proven" 3? You by your own statement do not have assurance that we dont have some guys on the roster that can handle the 3, bub. Likely we do. 

[The Lens]

If Riley can start in a 3 guard line-up and assuming Owens keeps progressing, is there room / need for Riley and Minessale?

[tower912]

If Riley can start in a 3 guard line-up and assuming Owens keeps progressing, is there room / need for Riley and Minessale?

Guards off the bench.  To challenge.  To allow others to rest.  As an injury hedge.

[Jockey]

Just because you think some posters are misfits who should go away doesn't mean you're bothered by what they have to say.
Got it.

I also find some posters/opinions annoying. And I think it's great they they're here exchanging their thoughts and ideas about the program that (I think) we all love and support.

Leave your sense of humor at home today?

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Either/Both would be very solid additions.  What is your anticipated impact of our Frosh class?

I'm pretty optimistic. Sheek was a top 50 recruit in the incoming class. Now he's a top 50 recruit with a year in a college strength program and hundreds of practice hours to get used to the speed of the college game. I don't think it's unreasonable to think he will be a big contributor.

Egbuono has the offensive talent to play already and is in a big east ready body.  Defense is the concern with him. My comp for him is Justin Lewis. Pair him with quality defenders and I could see (not guarentee) him being an effective 6th man.

I was sorry to hear that Nash got hurt,  it tempers my expectations a bit.  Supposedly he's our best shooter and there are rumors of elite passing skills. We'll see.

Ian i see having future but my guess is that if he redshirted last season,  it's because he was behind Philips. Im not expecting more than a back of rotation spot for him.

Johnston is likely a redshirt candidate.

[rgoode57]

Don't know very much about Fru other than he was playing at Louisville. But, if he can effectively rebound, defend the rim, and score a little bit, he can certainly help.

[Elonsmusk]

I think I would prefer Riley. Shot about 39 percent from 3 and a prominent scorer. I wouldn't mind starting NJ, AS, and Riley along with Royce amd Fru. The Riley could slide in as needed for NJ. Also gives more guard depth than Minnesale would. Riley would be a huge pickup.

Riley's trajectory of improvement has been one of the most stark I recall ever seeing. 

Freshman Season Cal Baptist:  78 O-Rating, 19.9% Possessions, 16.7 3pt shooting
Sophomore Seas Cal Baptist: 98 O-Rating, 24% Possessions, 28% 3pt shooting
Junior Season Tulsa: 113 O-Rating, 29% Possessions, 38% 3pt shooting

[BM1090]

You don't really need a 3. You can play three guard lineups to great success. I don't think a backup PG makes much sense. What does make sense is a combo guard who could play next to James or slide over to the 1 when James needs a breather. Riley or Minessale could fill that role.

I'd take both of them. Then you have James, Stevens, Owens, Minessale, and Riley. Five guards for a lot of three guard lineups next to Royce, Fru, and Sheek.

[MU82]

Egbuono has the offensive talent to play already and is in a big east ready body.  Defense is the concern with him. My comp for him is Justin Lewis. Pair him with quality defenders and I could see (not guarentee) him being an effective 6th man.

Not the first time I've seen the Egbuonu-Lewis comparison. Here's hoping, because a freshman-level Lewis would make an outstanding contribution to the team.

[muwarrior69]

Just curious why ESPN has no mention of Fru going to Marquette. Even wikipedia has been updated noting the transfer to Marquette

[MUpugnacity]

Just curious why ESPN has no mention of Fru going to Marquette. Even wikipedia has been updated noting the transfer to Marquette

I'd assume because they are poor at covering college basketball.

[MUeng]

Just curious why ESPN has no mention of Fru going to Marquette. Even wikipedia has been updated noting the transfer to Marquette

their strategy involves shunning anything Big East due to media rights is my understanding

[jfp61]

their strategy involves shunning anything Big East due to media rights is my understanding

Yep.. They only really cover UConn from the big east. And thats because their employees care about it

[muwarrior69]

I'd assume because they are poor at covering college basketball.

They actually have a portal update at the top of their page for NCAAM. Big East teams have numerous updates and with a big transfer like Fru surprised at the omission.

[tower912]

Did the Post report it?   Wondering if it really happened.

[muwarrior69]

Did the Post report it?  Wondering if it really happened.

I wouldn't know. Men's basketball is behind a paywall and they cover mostly St John's and since ESPN did not report it most people did not know it happened either if they were following ESPN's portal updates.

[The Sultan]

I wouldn't know. Men's basketball is behind a paywall and they cover mostly St John's and since ESPN did not report it most people did not know it happened either if they were following ESPN's portal updates.

Most people don't know it happened because they don't care one bit about Marquette basketball.

With that being the case, who cares if ESPN didn't report it?

[Uncle Rico]

Most people don't know it happened because they don't care one bit about Marquette basketball.

With that being the case, who cares if ESPN didn't report it?

It's always raining

[Scoop Snoop]

Just curious why ESPN has no mention of Fru going to Marquette.

Maybe because of our "one bad year"?

ESPN focuses on teams that have come off a good year and are restocking. The news of Marquette's landing Fru may show up eventually.

[Juan Anderson's Mixtape]

Riley's trajectory of improvement has been one of the most stark I recall ever seeing. 

Freshman Season Cal Baptist:  78 O-Rating, 19.9% Possessions, 16.7 3pt shooting
Sophomore Seas Cal Baptist: 98 O-Rating, 24% Possessions, 28% 3pt shooting
Junior Season Tulsa: 113 O-Rating, 29% Possessions, 38% 3pt shooting

It's absolutely wild.  He barely played as a freshman, then it looks like he battled injuries through much of his sophomore year but had a strong finish, then transfered UP and became a 2nd team All-AAC.

Then things I like most about Riley are his PG experience for when Nigel goes to the bench, he has enough size to play SG next Nigel, and he gets to the FT line a lot (over 200 attempts last season, 85%+ at the FT line!).

Not the greatest defender, but a +0.85 DBPR is ok.  For comparison, Royce was +0.75 DBPR last year.

I'd gladly take Riley, if Shaka can land him.

[Elonsmusk]

It's absolutely wild.  He barely played as a freshman, then it looks like he battled injuries through much of his sophomore year but had a strong finish, then transfered UP and became a 2nd team All-AAC.

Then things I like most about Riley are his PG experience for when Nigel goes to the bench, he has enough size to play SG next Nigel, and he gets to the FT line a lot (over 200 attempts last season, 85%+ at the FT line!).

Not the greatest defender, but a +0.85 DBPR is ok.  For comparison, Royce was +0.75 DBPR last year.

I'd gladly take Riley, if Shaka can land him.

I agree...the trajectory is headed the right direction, and another guard able to create his shot would be helpful.  85% FT shooter indicative of him being a good shooter in general, strong Freethrow Rate as you point out - lots to like.

[MU82]

If we get him, we'll be living the life of Riley.