Category Archives: Five Point Play

Five Point Play v2.1: A way too early off-season outlook

Posted on May 18, 2012 by | 1 Comment

The team Marquette hypothetically would put out on the court today will look significantly different from the team fans see at Marquette Madness. But that won’t keep us from taking a way too early look at the off-season, and where five Marquette analysts expect to see the most improvement from the team.

A significant rule change from the NCAA, that college coaches are allowed to work with players over the summer two hours per day and up to eight hours per week, will be put into effect this year.

The team will return from brief visits home to begin summer workouts, which will consist of extensive work with head strength and conditioning coach Todd Smith, head trainer Ernest Eugene and, now, the rest of the coaching staff.

Brew City Ball’s Jim Ganzer said he expects the Milwaukee Summer Pro-Am to take place the first week of July, which will give fans their first look at the team since Phoenix. A maximum of two Division I teammates are allowed on each team, but the main focus will be on individual improvement (but more so a display of athleticism and fun).

Here is Paint Touches’ first edition of Five Point Play for the 2012-’13 season.

1. Which of Marquette’s three newcomers (Trent Lockett not included) will be most important to the team’s success next year?

Mark Strotman, Paint Touches: All aboard the Steve Taylor train. I have been as vocal as anyone about how good I believe Taylor can be ever since a conversation with Tony Benford back in February. Jae Crowder walked by on his way to the locker room, and Benford turned, saw Crowder and said, “He’s a lot like that guy.” Taylor already has the experience on playing what was essentially a national stage at Simeon, and his skill set is similar to Crowder, plus two inches. His importance to the second unit as the top rebounder and inside-out threat will be important to a team looking for scorers. He’s the real deal.

Matt Trebby, Marquette Radio: Prior to Lockett’s arrival, I would have said T.J. Taylor. Now I will go with Steve Taylor, but it still is close. T.J. is the type of player who will make an impact because of his style, but he will be the fifth guard in the rotation. So Steve will get more of a chance, with only Juan Anderson and Jamil Wilson to compete with. I say Steve, but I think T.J. would perform better if given the chance.

Anonymous Eagle: The rotation of Cadougan/Lockett/Blue/Mayo/D. Wilson is pretty solid on its own, so anything that T.J. Taylor and Ferguson can contribute to that end of things will be pure bonus. Buzz has said in the past that he expects that Steve Taylor will be able to step in immediately and contribute to filling in the gaping hole that is left behind by Jae Crowder’s departure. Considering how Taylor was able to fit in to a very talented Simeon team, and do his part to help them win three straight Illinois state titles, I expect he’ll be able to find ways to contribute to Marquette immediately.

Andrei Greska, Paint Touches: I was going to say Steve Taylor, but I’ll play devil’s advocate for this one. I’ll go with the other Taylor, T.J. Steve will turn out to be the best player from this class, but a true freshman will have a much tougher time adjusting to the rigors and physicality of low post, Big East basketball. T.J. has more experience and has the ability to step in right away if his shot is dropping. He will get a shot to fill in for Cadougan in limited slots, giving him ample opportunity for playing time.

MarquetteHoops.com: With the addition of Lockett I think Steve Taylor becomes the most important player for next season. I might have said T.J. Taylor a month ago, but Lockett eases concerns about scoring in the backcourt.  Replacing Jae Crowder will be extremely difficult, and it’s important Marquette has a guy who can provide solid minutes behind Wilson and solidify things on the glass.

2. Would you welcome a forward-oriented rotation that features Jamil Wilson, Davante Gardner and Chris Otule, or should Buzz Williams stay with a three-guard attack?

Mark Strotman, Paint Touches: It’s appealing, but not for more than 8-10 minutes per game. If everyone stays healthy, Buzz Williams will have the most front court flexibility since he arrived in Milwaukee. But the addition of Lockett will keep Marquette guard-oriented. That being said, a frontline of J. Wilson-Gardner-Otule has as much as versatility as any team in the Big East, and Williams will be able to implement it against the Georgetown’s and Syracuse’s of the world.

Matt Trebby, Marquette Radio: With Davante’s skill-set, he can play point guard! But seriously, those three can’t play together. Otule’s and Gardner’s lack of speed would create way too much of a defensive liability. As good of an idea as it may be, it is a bit unrealistic. I would say the three-guard lineup is the best option, especially with the five talented guards Marquette will have (Cadougan, T.J. Taylor, Blue, Mayo, Lockett), then go with Wilson/Steve Taylor/Juan and a center, and adjust whenever.

Anonymous Eagle: Whenever possible? Oh, no. No no no no no no no no. An occasional flash of a few minutes a game just to keep opponents on their toes, especially for down the road? Sure. But if you have all three out there for any extended time, then how long do you have to keep two of them out there while the third one catches a breather before coming back? Although, if Steve Taylor shows that he can contribute for long stretches right away….

Andrei Greska, Paint Touches: That’s a big NO. It’s great having the ability to go really big, but MU’s size would be best served being spread out. Otule and Gardner play way too similar a role and will see minimal minutes together, if at all. The three guard attack may not be the only alternative though, depending on the development of Steve Taylor and Juan. We saw Buzz use Gardner, Wilson and Jae together at times, and I think that we will see the reincarnation of that at times this year.

MarquetteHoops.com: I don’t foresee Marquette playing Otule and Gardner together.  However, if Steve Taylor or Juan Anderson can provide solid minutes, you might see stretches where one of them plays with Gardner/Otule and Wilson.

3. Of the returning players, whose progression are you most looking forward to?

Mark Strotman, Paint Touches: Vander Blue won the “Most Improved Award” at this year’s banquet, but people still don’t realize how much better he played in 2011-’12. Until the day he graduates, he will be the most intriguing player to watch in terms of progression. Last year, his role was similar and he outperformed his freshman year numbers. But this year, he will be called on to score. His field goal percentages must improve, but I really believe it’s only a matter of time before he makes “the jump.” This summer could be it.

Matt Trebby, Marquette Radio: The popular answer will be Juan Anderson, but I don’t think he’s going to need to progress much. He just needs to play his natural position. I would say it will be Derrick Wilson, because offensively he has nowhere to go but up. Last season I would rather have had Jae Crowder shoot a half-court shot than Wilson a 5-foot runner. His defense gives him great potential and if he doesn’t play much next year he may be the next Jamail Jones.

Anonymous Eagle: I’m going to go with Juan Anderson. His development was hindered last season between his two early injuries and his suspension, but he showed big effort when given an opportunity and flashes of ability as well. With a full summer on campus to work on both his on court play and his physical capability with Todd Smith, I can see a potential breakout sophomore season from the Oakland native.

Andrei Greska, Paint Touches: Todd Mayo. After “shooting” out of the gates in the non-conference season, his “shooting” began to fail him after a few Big East games. He oozes talent and he has the scorer’s mentality all the while playing excellent perimeter defense. With DJO gone, I think Mayo becomes the outlet when the offense sputters. I can’t wait to see his game taken to another level.

MarquetteHoops.com: I’m really interested to see how Jamil Wilson is able to improve.The past few seasons we have seen the evolution of guys like Hayward, Butler and Crowder at the same position, so I am intrigued to see if that trend can continue.  Wilson might have better physical tools than all of the above but we will see if he is able to pull it all together.

4. Would you rather Buzz Williams sign Wisconsin transfer Jarrod Uthoff or bank the scholarship for the 2013 class?

Mark Strotman, Paint Touches: No offense to Uthoff, who could very well succeed as a stretch-four under Buzz, but I really hope this last scholarship gets banked. A quick look at the talent Marquette is in play for in 2013 (Jameel McKay, Kendrick Nunn, Kyle Washington, Matt Thomas, Stevie Clark) makes it quite obvious that it’s the better way to go. Walk-on Jake Thomas can essentially act as a thirteenth scholarship, and it gives Buzz flexibility to take on a mid-season transfer. Not filling one’s scholarships isn’t negative. It’s simply planning ahead, and what’s ahead could be very bright for Marquette.

Matt Trebby, Marquette Radio: Buzz should just keep the scholarship for 2013, as his team will have plenty of depth next year. With six capable guards and a very potent front court, there is no need for the Badger reject from Iowa. If Uthoff comes, I would be shocked. With that being said, Jake Thomas should be thrown another scholarship. The team may not be losing much (Cadougan being the only one graduating), but it is always preferable to have that scholarship, especially with an impressive 2013 class.

Anonymous Eagle: I don’t care about taking on Uthoff just to screw with Bo Ryan and Wisconsin (and we’re the ones who run Badger Hate Week), and I’m not thrilled about the concept of Uthoff having to burn a year of eligibility while he sits out a transfer year after already red-shirting. Scout.com lists Marquette as interests on NINE of their top 100 for 2013 right now, and that’s WITHOUT including Deonte Burton and Duane Wilson, who are both in the top 100. A sophomore who hasn’t played a game in over 2 years or a freshman who’s one of three top 100 recruits arriving at MU to play together? Seems like an easy choice to me.

Andrei Greska, Paint Touches: Sigh, where’s the fun when we are all in agreement? I too believe in the banking strategy, should it come down to this scenario. Basing this analysis on scouting reports and hearsay, Uthoff just doesn’t fit into the style MU plays. Sure, a tall shooters are always welcome, but having him sit out for a year makes him much less appetizing. Bank the scholly and roll the dice for 2013.

MarquetteHoops.com: Give me a scholarship for 2013.  I have seen Uthoff play before (with the Iowa Barnstormers AAU team) and looking back at my notes, there’s no doubt he is a skilled and versatile player.  I thought his ability to work a two man game with the other big guy on his team was noteworthy. At the time I labeled him as an undersized 4.  He didn’t really play above the rim or show the athleticism necessary to switch out on the perimeter.  Therefore, I think there might be a better overall fit in the class of 2013.

5. Which team would you like to see Marquette play in the Big East/SEC Challenge?

Mark Strotman, Paint Touches: It helped Marquette when Norfolk St. shocked Missouri in the second round of the NCAA Tournament this year, but the basketball fan in me was crushed. Missouri doesn’t play the fastest paced game, but their bevvy of quick guards and outside shooting would make for a dream match-up with Marquette. Furthermore, it gives the Golden Eagles a chance to improve its RPI and resume, as Missouri should be a Top 25 resident all season long.

Matt Trebby, Marquette Radio: Kentucky. Why not? If Marquette loses, it’s not the end of the world. If they win, it’s huge. The Wildcats would be a very impressive victory for Marquette. While Kentucky will be extremely good next year, it would be great to have the chance to beat them. Not only would it be a fantastic victory, but even a loss could be beneficial. They would have played one of the best teams in the country and learned from it.

Anonymous Eagle: I’m sick of Vanderbilt, I don’t want to see Florida again for a long time, and Marquette already has LSU on the schedule. I’ll take either Missouri as revenge for the 2009 NCAA Tournament or Kentucky for revenge for showing up during Marquette’s game against Murray State in this year’s NCAA Tournament.

Andrei Greska, Paint Touches: Tennessee. I still remember the shady calls that gave the Vols 13 straight points from the charity stripe and a 12 point victory last time these teams played back in 2008.

Add in the Maymon factor and a victory over Tennessee would be O so sweet.

MarquetteHoops.com: While there has been some speculation of Missouri or Florida–neither of which I would mind–I will go against the grain and say Vanderbilt.  Yes, the same Commodore team we have lost to the past two years.  It just does not sit well and would like a shot at picking up a win against them.

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Five Point Play V19: NCAA Tournament Edition

Posted on March 15, 2012 by | Leave a comment

It’s March Madness baby. Everyone’s favorite time of the college basketball season. It’s win or go home.

Here is our Five Point Play previewing the NCAA Tournament. Also, attached is our bracket orchestrated by Mark Strotman, Andrei Greska and Mike Nelson. Click on the image for a closer look where you can actually read the teams.


1. Who is the most vulnerable No. 1 seed? When do you see that team exiting and why?

Mike Nelson, Paint Touches: Syracuse. The Orange lost Big East Defensive Player of the Year Fab Melo and with him a major contributor to their zone defense. Melo is a 7-foot shot blocking machine. In 30 games Melo has 88 blocks (2.9 blocks per game). I expect Syracuse to bow out in the Sweet 16, losing to Vanderbilt. If UNC doesn’t have John Henson, then it is vulnerable too.

Michael Wottreng, WMUR Sports: To avoid stating the obvious of Syracuse, I’ll go with North Carolina. John Henson’s wrist is a concern for the top seed in the Midwest. The ACC Defensive Player of the Year is the important player for Carolina at the defensive end. His ability to block and affect shots around the basket turn the Tar Heels into team 1A with Kentucky as the best team in America. When UNC won the national championship in 2009, the Tar Heels needed Ty Lawson’s foot to heal for them to make their run to the national title. The same can be said for the 2012 version with the health of Henson.

Alex Jesswein, Marquette Hoops: Syracuse. Losing starting center Fab Melo (arguably Syracuse’s most valuable player) really hurts the Orange. They struggled in the few games he missed earlier this season, and I can’t see them going past the Sweet 16 with out him.  My prediction is that Vanderbilt indeed knocks off the Orange in the Sweet 16.

Mark Freund, MUTV Sports: With the news breaking that Fab Melo will be out for the entirety of the tournament, I don’t think there’s any question that the answer is Syracuse. I see teams pounding the middle, forcing the famous Orange zone to collapse in the paint and leaving wide open looks on the perimeter. I think the Cuse squeaks by Kansas State in the third round before falling to Vanderbilt in the Sweet 16.

Andrei Greska, Marquette Tribune: Syracuse. The loss of Fab Melo is a death kneel for a team that depends so heavily on that 2-3 zone. The Orange have always struggled to keep opponents off the glass this year and without their 7-footer, this deficiency will be even more pronounced. 


2. Who is a double-digit seed you see making it to at least the Sweet 16? How far do you have them going and why?

Mike Nelson, Paint Touches: In our bracket, we have two double-digit seeds in the Sweet 16: Belmont and the winner of USF/Cal. Another team to watch for is Long Beach State. The 49ers have five players averaging double-digit points and senior forward T.J. Robinson averages a double-double (12 points, 10.1 rebounds per game). Long Beach State played power-conference teams like North Carolina, Pittsburgh, Kansas, Kansas State, and Louisville. With Dan Monson at the helm (former Gonzaga coach) this team has the leadership to do some damage.

Michael Wottreng, WMUR Sports: Long Beach State. It played one of the most difficult non-conference schedules in the country. The 49ers lost at Kansas by eight and at North Carolina by six. A veteran cast anchored by senior guard Casper Ware, who scored 29 against UNC, can pull of the upset against New Mexico and possibly Louisville. The Cardinals defeated the 49ers at the KFC Yum! Center by 13 in November, but the Cardinals inability to score against a potent offense could be their demise. The health of senior guard Larry Anderson will be critical to a run to the Sweet 16, but he expects to play.

Alex Jesswein, Marquette Hoops: I think Long Beach State is a team that could do real damage in the West region.  I think it can knock off fourth-seeded Louisville and fifth-seeded New Mexico to reach the Sweet 16.  The 49ers are battle tested and Casper Ware has the star power to lead them to a couple upsets.

Mark Freund, MUTV Sports: Assuming that California can get past USF on Thursday night, I see the Golden Bears making a run. This team isn’t great defensively, but it passes the ball very well and is efficient when it wants to be. I have California beating Temple and then, by way of another upset in the Midwest region, emerging victorious over Ohio in the third round before falling to North Carolina in the Sweet 16.

Andrei Greska, Marquette Tribune: South Florida. Man can that team play defense. It made Cal look like an intramural team last night and even though the Bulls shot out of their minds, that defense will stifle Temple and Michigan. That is as far as the Bulls are getting though.

3. Who’s a team, outside of the top-three seeds, you could see making it to the Final Four?

Mike Nelson, Paint Touches: We picked Vanderbilt to go to the Final Four in our bracket, but Louisville is another team to watch. The Cardinals are hot at the right moment. They are playing gritty defense during their four-game winning streak, forcing their opposition into an average of 16.5 turnovers per game and allowing 55 points per game. Peyton Siva is playing his best basketball of the season during the stretch (13. 8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.8 assists per game).

Michael Wottreng, WMUR Sports: Vanderbilt is a trendy pick to come out of the East and I select them mostly by default. No other seed has better matchups to the Final Four nor the talent level of the Commodores to make it to New Orleans. When Vandy plays to its potential, it look like a world beater. When it doesn’t, it look like a mediocre team that could make an early exit. Vanderbilt is too talented to lose to Harvard or Wisconsin which leaves a date with Syracuse. If the Orange had Fab Melo, I’d take the Orange all day, but Festus Ezeli is beginning to play to the expectations. Add John Jenkins and Jeffrey Taylor and they are a matchup nightmare for most teams.

Alex Jesswein, Marquette Hoops: I think the top 12 teams in the country are really, really good and don’t foresee any teams outside the top 12 making the Final Four but if I had to pick one, I think Vanderbilt is a team to watch.  Not only does it have an extremely balanced and senior-laden team, the aforementioned loss of Fab Melo to Syracuse opens the door for Vanderbilt to reach the Final Four.  John Jenkins and Jeffrey Taylor might be the best duo in the country as many MU fans witnessed first hand.

Mark Freund, MUTV Sports: I think it’s Vanderbilt. Teams that are hot always seem to perform well in the NCAA Tournament, and Vanderbilt is coming off an SEC Championship that saw the Commodores take down the team many are picking to win it all, Kentucky. After consecutive years of being bounced in the first round, I think that Vanderbilt’s veteran lineup is ready to make a lot of noise.

Andrei Greska, Marquette Tribune: Vanderbilt. I know the Commodores are the cool pick right now, but they simply have the best chance. They have three NBA level prospects and are riding high off of that SEC Tournament Championship over Kentucky. Plus, they got a fairly nice draw now that ‘Cuse is shorthanded.

4. Who’s a player you could see making a Kemba Walker like impact on his team and the NCAA Tournament this season?

Mike Nelson, Paint Touches: Buzz Williams singled this man out on Marquette’s media day in October and for good reason. John Jenkins. Vanderbilt’s leading scorer on the season (19.9 points per game) is a marksman on the field. He converted on 44.8 percent of his 3-pointers and 47.8 percent of his field goal attempts. The man can flat out shoot. He also is hot as of late, leading Vanderbilt to the SEC Championship title. During Vanderbilt’s championship run he averaged 18.3 points per game and had 23 in the semifinals against Ole Miss.

Michael Wottreng, WMUR Sports: Isaiah Canaan of Murray State. The Racers lost one game all year in large part to the probable first team All-American. Canaan is highly efficient averaging 19 points and shooting 48 percent from the floor, 47 percent from three, and 84 percent at the free throw line. The Racers play the first two rounds in Louisville, roughly a four hour drive from their campus, which could give them a bit of a home court advantage and will probably get the neutral fans in all of their games. Canaan is the kind of player that can put a team on his back and lead the way as long as the rest of the team can keep the games close.

Alex Jesswein, Marquette Hoops: The top teams in the country all seem to be more balanced offensively than the Huskies were last year, but I think the 2012 NCAA Tournament could be a coming-out-party of sorts for North Carolina’s Harrison Barnes.  With John Henson’s status up in the air, the Tar Heels will need Barnes to step up and perform like an All-American if they want to win it all.

Mark Freund, MUTV Sports: : Though he might not get to play for very long, I think Doug McDermott of Creighton is a guy that can take over this tournament. He’s averaging over 23 points per game this season, and he’s scored at least 20 points in six of his past seven games, including 33 in the Missouri Valley Conference title game. If the Bluejays can somehow get past Alabama and UNC, look out for Doug McDermott.

Andrei Greska, Marquette Tribune: Anthony Davis. As heralded as the human uni-brow is, he is no where near the ceiling of his potential. He’s the best defensive player bar none and I think the Tourney is when he decides to turn it up offensively as well. His team may be stacked but Kentucky needs Davis in beast mode

5. Give us your Final Four and your national champion and tell us why they will make it.

Mike Nelson, Paint Touches: Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio State, and North Carolina are in my Final Four with Kentucky and North Carolina meeting in the championship. This is the year that John Calipari finally gets his championship. Kentucky has been the most talented team throughout the season and with concerns with John Henson’s wrist prior to the tournament, Kentucky is the smart money.

Michael Wottreng, WMUR Sports: Kentucky, Missouri, Vanderbilt, and North Carolina with UNC over Missouri for the title. Kentucky may have the most talented team in the country, but it’s been a long time since it was tested by an elite team. Vanderbilt challenged the Wildcats three times this season before breaking through in the SEC Championship game. John Calipari’s team has had a lot of talent in years but have never won a national championship. Until he wins a title, I can’t pick any team that he coaches. The Tar Heels were the preseason number one team in the country and I expect Roy Williams to work his magic in the Tournament to lead his team to six straight victories.

Alex Jesswein, Marquette Hoops: Kentucky, Ohio State, North Carolina and Michigan State are in my Final Four.  From there I see Kentucky and North Carolina facing off in the championship with the Tar Heels coming away victorious in a very tightly contested game.

Mark Freund, MUTV Sports: Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio State and North Carolina are in my Final Four, with North Carolina topping Kentucky to cut down the nets. I’ve always been a big proponent of experience, and the Tar Heels match up nicely with Kentucky. Despite all the talk about Anthony Davis versus John Henson, I think one of the key matchups will be at the point guard position, where UNC’s Kendall Marshall has the advantage over the less experienced Marquis Teaque.

Andrei Greska, Marquette Tribune: Kentucky because it has the most talent and have locations that will make any arena “Rupp 2.” Missouri because I can’t see Marquette taking the Tigers down. Vandy for the aforementioned reasons. Kansas because Robinson and Taylor make up a duo that is simply lethal. I have Kentucky and Kansas advancing with Calipari cutting down the nets for the first time in his career (before mailing them back in three years).


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Five Point Play V18: Position-by-position

Posted on February 9, 2012 by | Leave a comment

Marquette reached the 20-win mark under Buzz Williams on Monday for the fourth time in as many seasons and will look to add another tally in the win column on Saturday afternoon against Cincinnati.

But instead of breaking down the Bearcats, we decided this week to use each question and gear it toward each position on the court. As always, feel free to comment on anything you agree or disagree with, or just want to chime in on.

1. Should Junior Cadougan look to shoot more often?

Mark Strotman, Marquette Tribune: Yes. Here are some numbers to crunch: In games where Cadougan attempts six or more shots (12 times), he is averaging 9.0 points on 44 percent shooting and 6.0 assists. In Big East play (5 times), he is averaging 8.0 points on 40 percent shooting and 6.2 assists. Cadougan is really beginning to assert himself without Davante Gardner and showing he is more than just a pretty passer. He is certainly a pass-first point guard, which has been beneficial to Marquette’s offense, but Cadougan should look to spread his wings more and be assertive going to the basket and on perimeter shots. Don’t play out of the offensive system by any means, but show off what you’ve got, Dougie!

Anonymous Eagle: It shouldn’t be his focus. When Cadougan’s capable of throwing passes like the bounce pass to Jae Crowder on the break against DePaul, he should focus on being one of the four best assist men in the Big East. But should he be willing to shoot more? If he feels like he has an advantage on his defender, he should use it. Junior’s shown a strong ability to finish at the rim.

Mike Nelson, Paint Touches: Cadougan shouldn’t look to necessarily shoot more, but he should certainly look to penetrate the lane more often. DJO is the only Golden Eagle who consistently penetrates the lane with success. Todd Mayo and Vander Blue do from time-to-time but neither has been successful as of late. When Cadougan does it, he’s typically efficient, but he often seems too focused on distributing the ball than creating for himself.

Alex Jesswein, Marquette Hoops: No.  He should continue to pick his spots, just as he has the last couple games.  As long as he is able to keep the defense honest, that’s all Marquette really needs from him scoring-wise.  His main role in the offense is to control tempo and find Johnson-Odom, Crowder, etc. without turning over the ball.

Mike Singer, CBS Sports: Junior Cadougan is playing his role perfectly now. He doesn’t need to shoot more especially with Wilson coming into his own offensively. When teams throw a zone at Marquette, Cadougan has shown an ability to penetrate into the lane, and then find a cutting Wilson or Blue along the baseline. He’s also an effective shooter when he can step into his shot. Although, if shooting more means more dunk attempts, then go for it.

2. Can Darius Johnson-Odom continue his torrid pace from beyond the arc?

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Five Point Play V17: Seven-Game Winning Streak

Posted on February 2, 2012 by | Leave a comment
It’s been three weeks and five days since the No. 15 Marquette Golden Eagles lost (19-4, 8-2 Big East). They’re on a seven-game winning streak.
Vander Blue recorded his best offensive performance in a Big East contest on Tuesday with his 16 points on 7-of-10 shooting and eight rebounds. DJO and Jae Crowder are playing some of their best basketball of the season.
The Golden Eagles are in second place in the Big East.
But Davante Gardner is day-to-day with a left knee sprain and Marquette has a Notre Dame team that’s one game behind the Golden Eagles in the standings. The Fighting Irish are tough at home (11-1 overall, 3-1 Big East).
Thankfully DePaul (11-10, 2-7 Big East) is on the horizon Monday.
1. Can Marquette maintain its double-bye position (top-four in the Big East standings) if Davante misses the rest of the Big East season? 
Andrei Greska, Marquette Tribune: Yes. Marquette will definitely miss Davante and struggle without him, but the schedule is favorable and more importantly, the teams behind the Golden Eagles aren’t world beaters themselves. Splitting the last eight games, which I think is realistic with three home games and a trip to DePaul left, would leave MU at 12-6. Dropping out of the top four at 12-6 will be very unlikely in a relatively down year for the BEast.
Mark Freund, MUTV Sports: Even without Davante Gardner’s services, Marquette should be able to stay in the top four in the Big East standings. Just looking purely at history, the odds favor the Golden Eagles. They are currently 8-2, good for second place in the Big East. Last year, a fourth place finish was a 12-6 conference record. Marquette could finish the year 4-4 and still earn a 12-6 record and that coveted double-bye in the Big East Championship tournament.
Mike Wottreng, WMUR Sports: It’s possible they could finish top four because there are not two other teams in the conference that have stepped up, but it is highly unlikely. Every team in the Big East has a post presence that can be efficient each night, especially the remaining teams on the Golden Eagles schedule.  Gardner isn’t known for his defense, but he is the lone guy left  has the strength to bang with Big East big men for 40 minutes.
Mark Strotman, Marquette Tribune: I don’t think so. Aside from losing its best interior scorer and ANOTHER low-post defender, if Gardner is out Marquette will play with a seven or eight man rotation, including Derrick Wilson and Juan Anderson. By the end of Tuesday night’s win, the team was exhausted. It’s one thing to play 40 minutes and pull out a win with a shorthanded roster, but doing it eight more times and finishing with a top four record? No.
Mike Nelson, Marquette Tribune: No. Davante has a serious case to be considered Marquette’s most valuable player with Chris Otule done for the year. Davante is Marquette’s No. 3 offensive threat and when he gets going he’s near unstoppable. His rebounding, size and improving defense will all be missed. If Davante is out the rest of the Big East season I only see two certain victories (DePaul and Rutgers). A single bye will still happen without Davante but see ya later double-bye!
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2. In Davante’s absence, who does MU need to step up most? 

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Five Point Play V16: The Five Game Winning Streak

Posted on January 26, 2012 by | Leave a comment
At the beginning of Big East play many were concerned with where the 2011-2012 Golden Eagles could go this season. With two heartbreaking losses to top-10 opponents (Georgetown and Syracuse) and the slow start problem, this team was treading water.
But that all seems to be in the past now as Marquette has reeled off five straight wins and is tied for second place in the Big East.
What’s been going well during this stretch? Well that, in part, is what we’re looking at here in addition to the rematch with Villanova Saturday.
1. What’s been the key to Marquette’s five-game winning streak?
Mike Nelson Marquette Tribune: The simple answer is that the talent level of the opposition has been inferior. But the Golden Eagles have, as Buzz would say, “played more minutes of us” than they had during the five of six losing streak. And that starts with ball movement and forcing turnovers that create fastbreak opportunities. During the streak they have assisted on 77.9 percent of their baskets, up from the 65.8 percent on the season. When individuals on this team try to create for themselves first that’s when things get stagnant.
Matt Trebby Marquette Tribune/WMUR Sports: The key is beating teams that they should beat, as simple as that sounds. It’s a down year for the Big East, so they’re going to be favored in most of the games they play in, so it’s a matter of execution. They’re showing their maturity in their ability to win these games against inferior opposition.
Todd Warner, Inside the Al: The biggest difference is the resiliency this team has showed when they had slow starts and needing to dig themselves out of a hole.  You can see when they want to play on both ends of the floor that they are a tough matchup for any team in the Big East.  I think it’s more of them needing to show up at tip no matter the opponent.
Alex Jesswein Marquette Hoops: Defense. The Golden Eagles have held four of their last five opponents to under 1 point per possession (Providence scored 1.1).  In fact, the .71 allowed against South Florida was a BIG EAST best with Buzz at the helm. The addition of the 1-2-2 three-quarter-court pressure has really thrown teams off guard, allowing MU to capitalize on easy layups on the other end.  I think we’re definitely seeing the team finally adapting and coming together on that end of the court, after the loss of Chris Otule.
Mike Singer CBSSports: The key to the Golden Eagles’ five-game winning streak has been stability from the front court. Gardner contributed valuable minutes in wins against Louisville, St. John’s and USF and in the other two games, Providence and Pittsburgh, Jamil Wilson averaged 11.5 ppg, 5.0 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in 58 combined minutes. When Chris went down, there was a 7-foot hole in the front court but it seems like the team has adapted to a more efficient offensive team and one with, in my opinion, a higher ceiling.

2. On a scale of 1-10 (10 amazing, 1 terrible) how would you grade DJO’s performance this year relative to the expectations set for him in the preseason?
Mike Nelson Marquette Tribune: Seven. DJO was expected to be a Big East Player of the Year candidate during the preseason discussion, and while he isn’t a clear cut favorite the senior guard is still playing extremely well. He keeps opposing defenses on their toes like no other Golden Eagle can and provides strong leadership. He hasn’t put the team on his back, a la Kemba Walker for Connecticut last year, but he’s still getting it done and is the Big East’s third leading scorer (18.1 points per game).
Matt Trebby Marquette Tribune/WMUR Sports: Five, just because of that lull in the middle of the season. Expectations were so high both from the outside, and from him as well. He said he wanted to average 20, 5, and 5. That’s not going to happen, but he’s still been pretty good. Just not as good as everyone might have expected him to be.
Todd Warner, Inside the Al: Eight. DJO can get his at any point during the game. We know that. He is the first guy the opposing coach says they need to key on.  The true test still awaits, can he propel this team to a Big East regular season championship?  As the team leader he can’t afford to have any let down games for the rest of the season.  He can’t afford to let them have a bad loss.
Alex Jesswein Marquette Hoops: Five. I had some discussions with others prior to the season, speculating whether or not DJO had a chance to be the BIG EAST Player of the Year. So with him being in the running as the baseline, I’d say he’s met expectations–but not really exceeded them.  Based on previous experience, we knew DJO would be a 15+ points per game guy. The question was could he channel his inner-Kemba Walker and carry this team, the latter of which remains to be seen.
Mike Singer CBSSports: Nine. DJO has been tremendous this year both in regards to his off-the-court leadership (according to Buzz), and his in-game play. In the pre-season everyone wondered whether he’d shoot 36 percent on 3-pointers like his junior year, or revert to his 47 percent three-point shooting of his sophomore year. DJO has settled comfortably around 40 percent. His 18.1 ppg are the third best in the conference and his free throw shooting is vastly improved (+6 percent).
3. On a scale of 1-10 (1 being unlikely, 10 being certain), how likely is it that Davante Gardner keeps up his current productivity from the previous five contests (11.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game) throughout the remainder of the Big East season?
Mike Nelson Marquette Tribune: 7. Watching the way Gardner hammered away at USF’s interior defense, a group that includes long defenders, early in the first half demonstrated the type of offensive force Gardner can be this season. But I think teams will start to send help more often when Gardner operates in the post forcing him to give up the ball more frequently. He’s proven himself a reliable offensive threat, something Marquette needs given that its No. 3 scorer prior to this stretch was freshman Todd Mayo.
Matt Trebby Marquette Tribune/WMUR Sports:10. Davante The rebounds might go down a little bit, but the scoring will definitely stay the same. Buzz may have to limit his minutes as the year progresses to continue to get that type of productivity, but I don’t see Gardner slowing down at all.

Todd Warner, Inside the Al: 7. Davante Gardner has been a mismatch down low for opponents with his size and variety of post moves.  It will be interesting to see if teams start to double him down low causing him to make quicker decisions but then allowing his teammates to hurt the defense in other ways by finding holes in the defense.  The story has always been how he plays on the defensive end and Buzz noted the way he defends the ball screen needs to improve.
Alex Jesswein Marquette Hoops: 8.  While Gardner might become more well-known around BIG EAST circles the next few weeks, there’s little doubt in my mind that Gardner’s production will stay afloat.  With MU being limited in bodies on the interior, the minutes are there for the taking.  The only one that can hold Gardner back is himself.
Mike Singer CBSSports: 7. The problem with Davante is consistency. He’ll come out and drop 22 (St. John’s) and then have two FGs in 29 minutes vs. Pittsburgh the next game. To his credit, it really seems like his stamina is improving. Twenty five minutes used to be a feat worth drinking to, but he no longer appears exhausted come crunch time. Because he’s not as tired, he has dramatically cut back on unnecessary reach-in fouls when opponents would catch him out of position.
4. Jae Crowder said Junior Cadougan is a top-two point guard in the Big East. Where do you think he ranks among Big East point guards?
Mike Nelson Marquette Tribune: Cadougan is far from being deemed a top-two guard in the Big East but there is a serious case for him as a top-five guard. He’s one of the best distributors and creators in the Big East, as demonstrated by his 5.6 assist per game average (fifth best in the conference). But his offensive deficiencies make it impossible for me to dub him a top-two point guard. I would say he’s No. 4 behind Syracuse’s Scoop Jardine, Connecticut’s Shabazz Napier and Seton Hall’s Jordan Theodore (in no particular order).
Matt Trebby Marquette Tribune/WMUR Sports; Top 3. Once again, it’s because it’s a down year in the Big East, but there’s no doubt Cadougan is up there with the conference’s best. What’s keeping him from being the best is that he still gets a bit out of control of himself at times. But, still, he’s one of the conference’s better point guards.
Todd Warner, Inside the Al: I’m not going to sit here and say he is one of the two top point guards in the Big East.  But Junior is the best point guard for this Marquette squad.  People ask why he doesn’t score more, well he has scorers around him that can take care of that and he has had great numbers in the assist column.  He is more of a distributor than the scoring point guard that everyone wants him to be.
Alex Jesswein Marquette Hoops: While Crowder’s admiration for his teammate is good to see, I have to disagree with him.  I think as a floor general and passer, you could make a case for Junior being top-two.  Unfortunately, there is more to being a point guard.  When you combine shooting and defense into the mix, there are a few more guys I’d take ahead of Junior, leaving Junior sixth on my list of Big East point guards behind (in no order) Connecticut’s Shabazz Napier, Seton Hall’s Jordan Theodore, Syracuse’s Scoop Jardine, Villanova’s Maalik Wayns, Notre Dame’s Eric Atkins.
Mike Singer CBSSports: I think Vincent Council (Providence), Jason Clark (Georgetown), Maalik Wayns (Villanova) and Shabazz Napier (UConn) are all better PGs than Cadougan. But it doesn’t matter what I think because Crowder thinks Junior is second best. Crowder also told Juan Anderson that he felt comfortable playing with him. Whether Junior is 2nd or the 5th best is irrelevant because he’s, as DJO said — the team’s other leader — “the motor that makes us go.” The team is scoring 76.3 ppg with him at the helm, and that’s plenty.
5. Saturday will be Marquette’s second battle against Villanova after the Golden Eagles knocked off the Wildcats 81-77 on Jan. 1. Who wins this one, what’s the score, and what’s the key to the game?
Mike Nelson Marquette Tribune: Villanova is without a doubt a better team than it was when Marquette squeaked by on New Year’s Day. But it’s tough to pick against Marquette right now: Golden Eagles 77-70. Watch for the defensive job done on Maalik Wayns, who averaged 27.5 points per game in Villanova’s previous four contests. Marquette held him to 12 points on 4-of-13 shooting and it was a four point contest. Marquette may not be so lucky if he goes off in this one.
Matt Trebby Marquette Tribune/WMUR Sports: Marquette wins 75-67, and I think they do it quite comfortably, even though the scoreline is only eight. The only thing that kept Villanova in the game at the BC on New Year’s Day was their little runs throughout the game, but they were never actually a threat to win. I say Marquette limits those, and goes to 7-2 in Big East play.
Todd Warner, Inside the Al: Thankfully this game is not at the Pavillion, a very tough place to get a road win.  This has trap game written all over it for Marquette.  The key to the game will be which team makes the necessary adjustments after the first meeting.  Look at the matchup with Gardner and Yarou, the player who can be more effective and stay out of foul trouble will give his team the upper hand. Final: MU 79 Nova 71
Alex Jesswein Marquette Hoops: I think Marquette steals one on the road, knocking off the Wildcats 73-65. The key to the game will be Marquette’s ability to contain Maalik Wayns. In the first contest Wayns was held to just 12 points on 4-of-13 shooting. However Wayns has been hot of late, scoring 92 points int he three contests prior to playing Louisville on Wendesday night. If he gets hot and is able to draw extra help it could be a long day for the Golden Eagles.
Mike Singer CBSSports: Saturday’s game will be sneaky-hard for Marquette if Villanova’s big men Yarou and Pinkston have a combined 27 and 10 like they did int he first meeting. Villanova was 3-for-17 from the three-point line and although it is second worst in three-point FG percentage in the Big East (30 percent) don’t expect that again. I think Marquette wins this game 75-70 and I think Gardner scores 17 points. The Golden Eagles will need to stay out of foul trouble and rebound.

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