MU Non-Conference Report Card

After Sunday's victory over Morgan State, Marquette wrapped up non-conference play, and it begins Big East play at DePaul on New Years Eve.  12 games into the Wojo-era, the team has had its ups and downs between losing Dawson and Burton, adding Luke Fischer, and playing a tough non-conference schedule.  Here's a quick report card on how the team has fared so far.

Guards: B+

Duane Wilson is living up to his potential and has shown his versatility on both ends of the floor.  He has excellent court vision on cuts to the basket, has the ability to consistently force turnovers, and simply put is incredibly athletic.  Duane has a lot of upside and will be very entertaining to watch over the next couple years.

BYU-transfer Matt Carlino has added veteran leadership during a time of transition, and has shown to be very streaky.  At times he can look terrific, case in point being the game against Georgia Tech where he put up 38 points and went 8-14 from beyond the arc.  His main weakness is trying to force up shots off the dribble that result in turnovers; against North Dakota he had 1 assist and 4 turnovers.  If nothing else, he's another body that can run the point.

JuJuan Johnson is either the most or 2nd most improved player this year, which is partially due to the fact that Buzz didn't play JJJ as much as he should have.  With the departure of Todd Mayo (did you know he's O.J. Mayo's younger brother???), MU lacked a scoring presence at the guard position.  Johnson has filled in that void nicely off the bench, averaging 13 points over the last 4 games.  JJJ has made solid contributions in transition offense, and is making a case to be one of the best jump-shooters on the team.

Derrick Wilson has retained his position as the lead point guard, mainly due to his experience and ability to take care of the basketball.  With an assist/turnover ratio of 3.36 (10th best in the country) he's shown  how efficiently he can run the offense.  He's always been known as a good defensive player, and this year is no different.  He's also been able to play amongst the trees and muscle his way in for rebounds.  But we all know Derrick's main weakness, and that's the ability to score.  He's shot under 50% his entire career from the charity stripe, which has proved to be a liability.  In the final minutes of close games, Wojo has been forced to sub out Derrick on offense, and put him back in on defense.  He can score on cuts to the basket, but most jump shots end up in Brick City.  Unfortunately for Derrick, he does everything well except what the fans want to see.

Forwards: B

Juan Anderson gets my vote for Most Improved Player.  During his first three years on the team, Juan Anderson consistently showed hesitation on offense.  This season, Juan has been much more aggressive with driving to the hoop and drawing contact, which has increased his scoring total by 8 points per game.  There have been times where Juan has shaken off jump shots which I wish he would take, but he's shown tremendous improvement in both the half-court offense and transition game this season.  To be fair, Juan wasn't in a great position to score before this season, having to split time with Crowder, Otule and Gardner his first three years.  This team's lack of depth has given Juan an opportunity to contribute on offense, and he has taken full advantage of it.  His aggressiveness has also led to drawing help-side defense and finding open guys underneath the bucket for easy points.

Steve Taylor Jr. has had some growing pains at MU.  After a solid freshman campaign, Taylor had off-court issues with Buzz Williams, which kept him on the bench for much of his sophomore season.  For the first month of this season, Taylor found himself playing the 5-spot since he was the tallest person on the team, a position that doesn't fit his skill set.  He had trouble scoring underneath the basket, and was beat on the boards by taller opponents.  With the arrival of Luke Fischer, Taylor can play the 3 or 4 depending on the lineup, and has looked much more comfortable on offense.  Since he no longer needs to be the big body inside, Taylor has recognized that he can step back and hit short-range jump shots, and the occasional 3-pointer.  With that being said, Taylor needs to show he can consistently hit jump shots in order to draw more attention from the defense.

Center: A

What can I say, Big Fishy has been nothing short of impressive since December 16.  His presence has completely changed the way Marquette plays and how teams play against Marquette.  On defense, Fischer has been tremendous at blocking shots as well as redirecting shots in the paint.  Additionally, a lot of Fischer's blocks have led to transition offense; against Morgan State he blocked a shot and scored in transition on the other end.  The beauty about Luke's game on offense is that he's  a match-up nightmare.  If he's guarded one-on-one, he can score regularly with his soft hook shot.  If he's double-teamed, he can dish it to the open man.  In his first two games, Fischer only missed two shots, and went a perfect 8-8 from the floor against Alabama A&M (did I mention he's shooting over 70% from the free throw line?).  My only knock on him so far is he has made some questionable passes that led to turnovers, but that will get cleaned up as his on-court chemistry improves with the rest of the team.  MU would be absolutely lost without Fischer, and he's on track to being the team MVP.

Overall Offense: B

By default, the 2014-15 squad is much quicker because it's much smaller.  This has forced them to score more off of transition and jump shots.  Just like last year, Marquette is shooting poorly from long range, a paltry 36% (102nd in the country).  The silver lining is it's at least better than shooting 32% last season.  If nothing else, this team is much more fun to watch, as they're more athletic, and just about everyone can get up the floor to score in transition.  The other positive to take away from this team is that they're doing a great job of scoring in the paint despite their length.  Other than poor shooting, guys such as Carlino, JJJ, and even Duane Wilson have had issues with turnovers.  Overall, I like the style of play Wojo is running on offense, and it'll only get better with Ellenson next year.

Overall Defense: C+

Nebraska-Omaha scored 97 points at the Bradley Center.  There's simply no excuse for that.  To be fair, this team was grossly under-sized for the first month, which by default forced them to play a 2-3 zone and leave themselves vulnerable to good shooting teams like Wisconsin.  Before Fischer, they were getting killed on the boards, and that has been remedied somewhat since Luke's arrival.  Even with Fischer, they're still giving up too many open looks from the elbows, and that will likely plague them the rest of the season.  Until they get some size from next year's stud class, they'll be forced to play a lot of zone and help-side defense.  Wojo has them playing aggressive on defense which I like, and that has helped force a fair amount of turnovers.  Forcing turnovers and winning the battle on the boards won't win every game for them on defense, but it'll keep them in the game.

Guest Post: MU Alums and Fantasy Basketball

With college basketball season less than a month away, it's time to start thinking about Marquette basketball again.  Today's guest post comes from James Marks at FanDuel.  Enjoy.

 

When To Draft The Top Marquette Alums In Fantasy Basketball

 

The NBA season is just about one week away, which means that people in fantasy basketball will be crafting their team for the year. Marquette fans might be more inclined to draft former Golden Eagles, but waiting until just the right time is the smart thing to do. Here’s a preview for the best former Marquette stars.

 

Dwyane Wade

For the last several seasons, Wade has been the marquee fantasy basketball name with ties to Marquette. He is on the tail end of his career, but he is still a borderline top 50 player. Among shooting guards, he comes right in the same range as Gordon Hayward and Demar Derozan. He’s going to be limited in games played, but he will probably take on a bigger load on offense with Lebron James out of Miami.

 

Wesley Matthews

Is this the year someone passes Wade? Matthews has a chance, especially from a fantasy basketball perspective. He is a prototypical 2-guard in today’s NBA, as he can score with ease, steal passes and knock down 3-pointers at a high rate. As long as he holds onto his starting job, he should have a fine season for the Portland Trail Blazers. He won’t last too much longer than Wade.

 

Jimmy Butler

Butler was supposed to be a breakout star last year, but he really suffered without Derrick Rose playing alongside him. The Chicago Bulls are hoping that he will stay healthy enough to play efficient basketball this year. He is not going to be the main option on Chicago, but they do need points. He is also a guy who can play some pretty solid defense and pulled down about 5 rebounds a game. He slipped a bit in the draft, as he is good value in the 70-80 overall range.

Final Bracketology

With Marquette headed to the NIT, I've had plenty of time to pour over the teams that will be dancing next week.  As always, this will be posted on the Bracket Matrix as well.

1 Arizona, Florida, Wichita State, Michigan
2 Villanova, Virginia, Kansas, Duke
3 Wisconsin, Michigan State, Louisville, Creighton
4 Syracuse, San Diego State, Iowa State, Cincinnati
5 UCLA, Connecticut, Ohio State, North Carolina
6 Oklahoma, Virginia Commonwealth, New Mexico, Kentucky
7 Saint Louis, Baylor, Memphis, Massachusetts
8 Oregon, George Washington, Gonzaga, Texas
9 Oklahoma State, Pittsburgh, Colorado, Kansas State
10 Stanford, Arizona State, Iowa, St. Joseph's
11 Tennessee, Southern Methodist, Providence, Xavier
12 Nebraska, Dayton, BYU, Harvard, North Dakota State, Stephen F. Austin
13 Western Michigan, Delaware, Manhattan, Tulsa
14 New Mexico State, Louisiana-Lafayette, Mercer, Eastern Kentucky
15 North Carolina Central, Wisconsin-Milwaukee, American, Wofford
16 Weber State, Coastal Carolina, Albany, Mount St. Mary's, Texas Southern, Cal Poly

Bracketology: March 3

Lots of shakeup after a big week of upsets.

1 Florida, Arizona, Wichita State, Syracuse
2 Kansas, Creighton, Duke, Villanova
3 San Diego State, Wisconsin, Michigan, Virginia
4 Michigan State, Iowa State, Cincinnati, Louisville
5 Oklahoma, Iowa, North Carolina, Saint Louis
6 Texas, UCLA, Ohio State, Connecticut
7 Massachusetts, Memphis, Kentucky, Gonzaga
8 Pittsburgh, New Mexico, Kansas State, Arizona State
9 VCU, Colorado, George Washington, Southern Methodist
10 California, Oklahoma State, Stanford, Xavier
11 Minnesota, Missouri, Oregon, St. Joseph's
12 Arkansas, Southern Miss, Wisconsin- Green Bay, BYU, Tennessee, Harvard
13 Iona, Belmont, Stephen F. Austin, North Dakota State
14 Western Michigan, Delaware, Mercer, Georgia State
15 NC Central, Vermont, UC Irvine, Boston University
16 Davidson, Utah Valley State, Davidson, Alabama State, Weber State, High Point

Bracketology: February 24

Latest and greatest is below.  Florida is the new #1 overall after the 'Cuse has a rough week.  Michigan State and Michigan switch after the Spartans lost the in-state rivalry for the second time.  UNC moves up to the 6-line after a big win over Duke.  BYU is the new entrant on the 12-line, replacing Providence.

1 Florida, Arizona, Syracuse, Wichita State
2 Kansas, Creighton, Duke, San Diego State
3 Villanova, Wisconsin, Michigan, Cincinnati
4 Michigan State, Iowa State, Virginia, Saint Louis
5 Kentucky, Iowa, Ohio State, Louisville
6 Texas, UCLA, North Carolina, Oklahoma
7 Massachusetts, Memphis, Connecticut, Gonzaga
8 Pittsburgh, New Mexico, Kansas State, Arizona State
9 VCU, Colorado, George Washington, Southern Methodist
10 California, Oklahoma State, Stanford, Xavier
11 Minnesota, Missouri, Oregon, Tennessee
12 St. Joseph's, Richmond, Middle Tennessee, BYU, Louisiana Tech, Harvard
13 Toledo, Belmont, Wisconsin-Green Bay, North Dakota State
14 Robert Morris, Delaware, Stephen F. Austin, Florida Gulf Coast
15 Iona, Georgia State, UC Irvine, Boston University
16 Stony Brook, North Carolina Central, Davidson, VMI, Weber State, Southern

Yes, It's Back. Bracketology: February 18

Ah, yes.  Time once again to start the hype for the most wonderful time of the year.  Here's my first crack at bracketology predictions, which will probably change more often than the weather does in Chicago.  As always, these picks will be posted on The Bracket Matrix.  Enjoy.

1 Syracuse, Arizona, Florida, Wichita State
2 Kansas, Creighton, Duke, San Diego State
3 Villanova, Wisconsin, Michigan State, Cincinnati
4 Michigan, Iowa State, Virginia, Saint Louis
5 Kentucky, Iowa, Texas, Louisville
6 Ohio State, UCLA, Connecticut, Oklahoma
7 Massachusetts, Memphis, North Carolina, Gonzaga
8 Pittsburgh, Virginia Commonwealth, Kansas State, Arizona State
9 New Mexico, Colorado, George Washington, Southern Methodist
10 California, Oklahoma State, Stanford, Minnesota
11 Xavier, Missouri, Oregon, Tennessee
12 St. Joseph's, Richmond, Middle Tennessee, Providence, Louisiana Tech, Harvard
13 Toledo, Belmont, Wisconsin-Green Bay, North Dakota State
14 Robert Morris, Delaware, Stephen F. Austin, Florida Gulf Coast
15 Iona, Georgia State, UC Irvine, Boston University
16 Stony Brook, North Carolina Central, Davidson, VMI, Weber State, Southern

Pregame Q&A: Xavier Edition

As a precursor for National Marquette Day, I caught up with the guys at Banners on the Parkway.  They run a good blog on the Muskies, which you can find here.  My questions and their answers are below.  You can also find my answers to their questions here.  Enjoy.

How has the tension been with Cincinnati since "The Brawl?"

Our relationship with Cincinnati is like a really bad marriage in that the animosity is there long before it gets wide exposure. Xavier fans hate UC, hate their little munchkin coach, hate their hack radio guys, hate the ridiculous concept of a Bearcat, hate their pompous fans who are having to come to grips with playing in a mid-major conference now, hate that we have to play the Shootout at a neutral site, hate that we're supposed to call it the Classic now... the list goes on and on. The Brawl may have gotten the rivalry onto ESPN for a news cycle, but I've been a Xavier fan for nearly three decades and I can't remember a time at which I enjoyed anything more than I enjoy seeing X beat UC.

What has been a pleasant surprise with this year's team?  What has been frustrating?

James Farr has been the most surprising of pleasant surprises. He played 42 minutes last season and it was rumored he couldn't get more burn because he wasn't flexible enough to play defense, which is code for "my man can't bend over without several minutes to prepare himself for the task." This season, he is a voracious rebounder and a microwave scorer off the bench. He has some things to work on defensively still, mainly how to play it, but I don't think anyone anticipated that he would be anything but the answer to the problem of oversigning coming into this year. The energy with which he plays the game has made him a huge fan favorite.

Frustration has stemmed from an inability to get consistent production out of anyone but Semaj and Stainbrook. Farr, junior guard Dee Davis, senior forward Isaiah Philmore, and junior wing Justin Martin all have the ability to be that vital third option for X, but each of them has a specific limitation (defensive awareness, size, no one-on-one scoring moves, and variable focus, respectively) that can take them out of sequences, entire games, or even weeks of play at a time. If Xavier can get everyone clicking at the same time, the results can be devastating (just ask UC).

What is the fans' gauge on Chris Mack?  Are people happy with what he's done, or are they getting restless for more?

This changes with the weather. The fringes of the message board crowd are looking to cast a bronze statue for him outside of Cintas every time X announces a great recruiting class or gets a couple of good wins. A three-game losing streak later and they're wondering what it would take to lure Pat Kelsey away from Winthrop. You know how it is. As Mack transitions from the Tu Holloway Era into his own, I think fans recognize that he is a guy who can consistently have Xavier in Sweet 16 contention with a chance to take that next step as a program. He has a long history in the city and with the school; there's a feeling that, if anyone is going to make Xavier a destination instead of a stepping stone, it's going to be Coach Mack.

If you could have Sean Miller or Thad Matta back, which would it be and why?

Sean Miller. Thad Matta came from Butler and then jumped ship to Ohio State in what appeared to be a clear money grab. Sean Miller, on the other hand, was an assistant at Xavier first and generally felt more like one of "our guys." I felt more attached to Miller, but - for whatever reason - I felt like his move to Arizona was more forgivable. I mean, that's a landmark program, which OSU distinctly wasn't. Matta has subtly antagonized the Xavier fan base by basically never acknowledging the time he spent here and refusing to schedule the Muskies. Maybe that's why I've stayed mad at him in a way I haven't at Miller.

What has led to the most recent 3-game skid?  At Villanova is understandable, but I imagine the home loss to Seton Hall was a tough pill to swallow.  Are the road woes playing a role?

Aside from losing to Seton Hall at home, which is borderline unforgivable, the recent skid had a lot to do with the quality of the opponent. Xavier wasn't playing particularly well, though, and there are a couple of reasons why. The first was that it was basically Stainbrook and Christon carrying the load on offense. Dee Davis was mired in a stretch of miserable play and Justin Martin couldn't stop doing silly things to take himself out of games. That left X with little help for their two best players, and defenses quickly keyed on making life difficult for them.

The other problem was the defense. Coach Mack is a big proponent of winning on the defensive end, but Xavier's D was especially porous during that little slump. Three-point defense has been a sore spot for the Muskies, and they simply weren't keeping opponents from getting clean looks at the rim from deep. Given enough attempts, just about any college basketball team will at some point catch a hot streak. Nova and Seton Hall are both prolific three-point shooting teams, and Providence got hot at their place. That's a recipe for a three-game losing streak in which you look like an NIT team at best.

How is life in the Big East so far?  Do you like playing a smaller group of teams, or do you miss the size of the A-10?

Loving it. We had a guy (or gal, hard to be sure) in our comments section point out in the run up to the Butler game that every week in the A-10 had at least one game against an opponent that bad, and you basically had to pray it didn't trip you up at some point. There were more bad losses and fewer big wins to be had in that conference. Now - with the occasional romp over a sub-par team aside - almost every game is going to be a battle. With 7 games left in the conference season, Xavier is looking at six opportunities to add some shine to their resume (sorry, DePaul). That makes for great basketball, and that's what you want to see as a fan.

Matt Stainbrook is quite a load in the paint.  Are teams starting to figure him out yet?

Matt Stainbrook - or the Stain Train, as Xavier fans have dubbed him basically since day one - is definitely a big man, but his game has a distinct element of finesse to it. He does have a couple of weaknesses that teams are picking up on right now. The first is a tendency to want to dribble when double-teamed; that often leads to a turnover. The other is a reliance on scoring moves to his left hand. He is insanely deft in getting to his left hand anyway, though, and has found ways to score against single defenders even if they shade him that way. When he doesn't over-dribble, he can really pick apart defenses with his court vision and laser-rocket arm. He's had a few ups and downs lately, but the dude is a joy to watch play and a huge asset to the team.

Why doesn't Semaj Christon take more 3-pointers?  He's hitting 45% from the perimeter, but has only taken 39 3-pointers this year.

Aside from a couple of threes off the bounce early in the year, the only reason Semaj shoots the three is to make his man guard him out there. If his defender wants to stand 15 feet from the bucket and dare Semaj to hit from deep, he can do it (in contrast to last year, when he shot 25% from out there). As long as his man plays him honestly, though, Christon is better served to put the ball on the deck and force the action. So I guess the answer to your question is that he doesn't shoot more threes because his skill set is currently pretty effective at getting him closer to the basket.

Is this team better suited to play man or zone on defense?

Neither, kind of. At the 1, 2, and 3 (depending on if Justin Martin has his mind right), we can man up and do pretty well. Martin is also a plus rebounder for a wing, which is a nice bonus. Dee Davis is a decent on-ball defender who excels when being told to make someone's life difficult off the ball. Semaj is a hugely improved on-ball defender, which is good, because he occasionally has positioning problems off the ball if he doesn't have something specific to do. The big men - Philmore, Stainbrook, and Farr - are all not blessed with lateral mobility or exceptional athleticism, though, which makes a straight man a potentially risky proposition.

 

The frontcourt comes down to bench players. If reserve forwards Erik Stenger - a ball of energy who missed extended time with a mysterious stomach ailment - and Jalen Reynolds - an incredibly athletic power forward who is seldom not fouling someone - are reliably available, the frontcourt suddenly has a couple of guys to roll through there who can make everything work. Getting meaningful minutes out of those two guys is an underrated key for this team going forward.

Projected seed for the dance?

Gun to my head right now I'd say they end up a 7, but I'd really like to see them pick up a couple of big wins and get out of that 7-10 seed range. I feel like the potential 3 v 6 second game is a lot more comfortable than the 2 v 7 one.