College Basketball Thread 2013-14

[RobDeer 45]

I really don't see a big name coming to MU. I know they can offer a lot of money, but I think it's viewed as a stepping stone. A good stepping stone, where you can make things happen, but it's not a destination. It's not one of the big ones. I just don't see anyone going sideways that is a big name already. Unless they are struggling a little lately and want a fresh scene and more money. But I don't think it will be someone that will also be coveted by the big dogs.

 

This is coming from a Badger fan and someone who casually will cheer for MU.

[FVBrewerFan]

Sure it would be nice to get Bennett or someone like that but it's not realistic.

 

I'm not sure why that's not realistic. If he's not interested he's not interested but MU could have probably given him a significant raise from what he's making now.

 

Bennett just won the ACC reg season and tourney, and was a #1 seed. Why in the world would he leave a team that has arrived in the ACC for a job in a lower level conference? It would have to be ONLY about the money, and Bennett isn't like that.

[rwa12]

I think WOJO is a big name for Marquette. For those who speak of the Coach K tree, 2 of his guys pulled upsets this tourney (Stanford/Harvard). I liked Buzz, but he was more recruiter than coach (in the Calipari line). Wojo is a smart guy, I'm sure he learned how to run a team from K, and I hope he can turn it into something.

[paul253]

Bennett just won the ACC reg season and tourney, and was a #1 seed. Why in the world would he leave a team that has arrived in the ACC for a job in a lower level conference? It would have to be ONLY about the money, and Bennett isn't like that.

 

Like I said if he's not interested he's not interested. But Bennett has ties to the state (he played at UWGB and his dad is a coaching legend there as well as at UW, where Tony was an assistant). Yes he just had a very nice season at Virginia but he had some nice seasons at Washington St as well. That didn't stop him from leaving. Nice seasons are what get you better jobs. And while Virginia won the ACC this year they are hardly a consistent powerhouse in the conference. And don't discount the money. Williams was making something like $800,000 more than Bennett was this year so even if you paid Bennett what you paid Williams it would be a very significant raise for him.

 

As far as the conference thing goes. I guess my opinion is that the school matters more than the conference. The Pac 12 and SEC are far inferior to the ACC in basketball but I bet all things being equal just about anyone would rather coach at Kentucky, Florida, Arizona, or UCLA than at Virginia, Wake Forrest, BC, Virginia Tech, or Miami. Everyone's opinion is different of course. But what harm would have come from asking?

[bigmac87]

But what harm would have come from asking?

 

How do you know MU didn't ask Coach Bennett?

[jjfanec]

But what harm would have come from asking?

 

How do you know MU didn't ask Coach Bennett?

 

Someone reported they asked and he declined just like he did when they asked when they ended up hiring Buzz. Just like what happened with Archie Miller and probably 5 plus other names we will never know.

[FVBrewerFan]

My guess is Bennett is smart enough to see the big picture. He's young, and why make a lateral move to MU? Going from Wash St. to VA was a step up. His next move could be Wisc, or a top shelf program like North Carolina, Kansas, Syracuse, etc.

 

I agree with rwa, my guess is Wojo will be a really good basketball coach, and I think that's important for a team that (for the most part) will have guys there for all 4 years. If he can bring that, and be more or less similar to Buzz in recruiting that would make this a really good move. As I've said before though, he'll need to save the freshman class from this year and the incoming commits for next year- that's not going to be easy at all.

[patrickgpe]

it will be telling who Wojo brings in as assistant coaches. I would hope that they retain Wainright. I think a great choice would be Jay Williams if they can pry him from ESPN. I think as a young coach, an experienced staff would be important.

[LouisEly]

I'm a 'Duke hater' who believes that much of their success has more to do with their ability to pick and choose from the McDonald's AA teams than it has to coaching.

This. For having as much talent as Coach K does, he sure does underperform in the tourney. Bounced by double-digit seeds three times since 2008 (yes, one national championship though).

[paul253]

Duke always seem to have a ton of guys who can drill 3's too. I don't really see any quality shooters on next years MU team.

[jjfanec]

Duke always seem to have a ton of guys who can drill 3's too. I don't really see any quality shooters on next years MU team.

 

Duane Wilson and Jujuan Johnson are supposed to be good outside shooters. I am not a Marquette guy so I dont know too much more than that but I think Mayo was decent from 3 as well.

[FVBrewerFan]

Duke always seem to have a ton of guys who can drill 3's too. I don't really see any quality shooters on next years MU team.

 

This is something I think (hope) Wojo will change in recruiting. I don't get the sense that Buzz, while a really good recruiter, ever put much thought into building a team. He just wanted to attract the best talent he could get. I would rather have a guy who may be down the chart a bit, but fills a need. Like a shooter, big man, etc.

 

And no, JuJuan Johnson is not a good outside shooter, but he may not be back anyhow. He's a slasher, and I think a pretty good player who could improve. Mayo and Duane Wilson can definitely shoot, as can Sandy Cohen if he decides to come.

 

As far as an "experienced staff" meh. Good coaches are good coaches regardless of age or experience.

[DHonks]

I'm really excited by the hire. When I saw his name jump onto the list I got really excited. It's too bad that Shaka supposedly backed out, but that was a pipedream anyways. Marquette did its due diligence and likely got a hell of a coach. They have amazing talent that needs to be both kept AND molded into basketball players. Buzz loved to recruit athletes and did so without regard to position. Bo Ryan doesn't really recruit athletes (in general), but takes more polished refined players and teaches them the nuances of the game. Just as Wisconsin fans typically clamor for better athletes (but are overjoyed with this year's success), Marquette fans would like some players that understand the value of passing, moving without the ball, etc. It sounds like Wojo has convinced the team members to stay. Hopefully he can keep some of the recruits to stay.

 

Best of luck to Bucky this weekend. The team has been very fun to watch in the tournament. I made money on them the only time I bet on them this year, and made money 2 of the 3 times I bet against them (darn Oregon choke job). Despite being a Marquette fan (alum of a different school), I enjoy seeing Wisco, UWGB, and UWGB do well.

[homer]

Final Four Predictions:

 

Wisconsin 72

UK 68

 

Florida 67

UConn 60

 

 

In the finals, Florida takes UW 63 - 62

[FVBrewerFan]

It sounds like Wojo has convinced the team members to stay. Hopefully he can keep some of the recruits to stay.

 

Curious about what you've heard. From what I've read/heard Steve Taylor and JuJuan Johnson may not be back. In the case of Johnson, grades may be part of that as well. As far as recruits, sounds like the kid from GA (Hill) is still coming. Cohen is completely up in the air, don't know about the others. For 2015, Noskowiak is up in the air as well.

 

Go Bucky! I have a feeling this won't be a close game. Either KY will dominate with their length and athleticism and continue to knock down 3s, or our Badgers will shoot well, equalize the boards, and frustrate KY on defense. No idea which will happen, I just see one team or the other controlling the game.

[fondybrewfan]

We have come this far I might as well make some homer picks

 

Florida 67

UConn 61

 

Wisconsin 64

Kentucky 57

 

Wisconsin 71

Florida 65

 

Why not?

[Cool Hand Lucroy]

We have come this far I might as well make some homer picks

 

Florida 67

UConn 61

 

Wisconsin 64

Kentucky 57

 

Wisconsin 71

Florida 65

 

Why not?

 

Gotta love UW's chances if they hold UK under 60. I think I saw that KenPom predicted a 70-69 UW win.

 

I'll go Badgers 74-71 on a true buzzer beater.

 

Florida romps over UConn.

 

UW wins a game in the 50's in the finals. Madison celebrates like crazy and no one even cares that the national media falls back onto the "Badgers are boring" tip.

[RockCoCougars]

Gotta love UW's chances if they hold UK under 60.

 

Agreed. I think that if the Badgers are going to win, it's going to have to be an ugly game. They are going to need to control the pace and not get destroyed on the glass.

[fondybrewfan]

Well it is gameday!!!! Honestly I will be happy if UW plays them tight to the finish in a great game. If UW just comes out flat and not hitting their shots it might be a long night. Please do not fall behind early.

 

I wish the Brewers played an afternoon game today.

[jjfanec]

Well it is gameday!!!! Honestly I will be happy if UW plays them tight to the finish in a great game. If UW just comes out flat and not hitting their shots it might be a long night. Please do not fall behind early.

 

I wish the Brewers played an afternoon game today.

 

On a positive note Kentucky has come out flat their last two games as well. They were down double digits to both Louisville and Michigan. Neither of these teams have started hot in their tournament games

[owbc]

I can't see Kentucky winning big. It will either be close, or the Badgers win easily. I suspect the latter. Kentucky won't be able to crash the boards like they did against Michigan and they won't shoot as well. If the game is close, it's because Wisconsin can't stop them from driving and getting easy layups.

 

Wisconsin 75

Kentucky 65

[GAME05]

all the radio was talking about today is a matchup between Florida and Kentucky, and nothing about the current matchups. jumping the gun a little bit?

 

i get the impression that this isn't going to be a particularly close game. no clue to who wins, but each team's skillset is so opposite that one of us will be overmatched.

 

Kentucky 72

Wisconsin 59 and i sure hope i'm wrong.

[jjkoestler]

IGT for the WI vs KY game. Go Bucky.

 

viewtopic.php?f=63&t=31086

[LouisEly]

It sounds like Wojo has convinced the team members to stay. Hopefully he can keep some of the recruits to stay.

 

Curious about what you've heard. From what I've read/heard Steve Taylor and JuJuan Johnson may not be back. In the case of Johnson, grades may be part of that as well. As far as recruits, sounds like the kid from GA (Hill) is still coming. Cohen is completely up in the air, don't know about the others. For 2015, Noskowiak is up in the air as well.

http://painttouches.com/2014/04/01/steve-taylor-reveals-truths-about-knee-playing-time/

 

"Taylor smiled when asked if his plans had changed after hearing of Wojciechowski’s hiring. Derrick Wilson said he expects every non-senior player on Marquette’s roster will return, and it sounds as though Taylor will make the prediction come true. " You're partially right - Taylor would have left if Buzz would have stayed.

 

All Wojo needs to do is flash his two national championship rings and I think the recruits will be much less willing to look elsewhere.

[adamb100]

Wisconsin stumbling.