I could try to analyze the loss to North Carolina, but that would be belaboring a moot point.
Marquette got whooped, in every aspect of the game. The Tar Heels big men got easy high-percentage shots, second chance points, and transition baskets. But outside of the interior defense, or lack thereof, the Warriors lost for a much clearer reason.
We never thought we would win.
Marquette’s basketball team had more NCAA tournament experience than that North Carolina team, but couldn’t find their game when it mattered. North Carolina came ready to play, and Marquette seemed satisfied with a win over the Orange; or just fearful of the big stage. Two factors discussed in earlier articles, thus ill save myself the heartache.
Indeed, we lost in embarrassing fashion; but does Marquette’s NCAA run make its season a success? Quick answer: Yes.
Post-season basketball is the only barometer for a college basketball team, and reaching our first Sweet 16 since DWade means we met and exceeded expectations. More importantly, however, is that this year’s builds a foundation and expectation of winning in the Marquette program and fan base.
Buzz Williams, who seems to be returning after rumors in the coaching carousel, must build on this year’s success to make Marquette a more consistent basketball team. Who plays they’re best basketball both in the big spotlight of the Sweet 16 or in “easy wins” against South Florida and Seaton Hall.
Next year, Marquette will be revitalized with new and returning talent. During the upcoming months before basketball season restarts, I will attempt to profile each new player (Dave Singleton, Jamail Wilson, Todd Mayo, Derrick Wilson, and Juan Anderson) while shedding new facts on our favorite returning MU ballers; DJO, Jae Crowder, and Vander Blue.
Lol, did you get the joke? Vander Blue. There is a mandatory offensive skill requirement before you get an article on Marquettemix. Sorry Vander, maybe next year.
16 is Sweet. But 8 is Elite.
I’m quite conflicted with the campus response to our basketball team’s recent triumph. On one hand, it’s good to see the school rally around the team. The cafeteria applauded DJO upon his entrance, the Sweet 16 shirts are selling, and I cannot move without seeing the “3 goggles.” However, I have got to ask, are these the same fans that were booing Marquette during losses to Cincinnati and St. Johns? Although our season has been an unusual roller coaster ride, it is important that we stand by our team during the good/bad, the highs/lows. No one likes bandwagon fans, except the Green Bay Packers. And who are they? Nobody.
Moving on.
In a little more than 30 hours, Marquette will take the court against the perennial powerhouse and ACC regular season champion North Carolina Tar Heels. In every facet of the game Marquette is seen as the underdog, as the Tar Heels front line has been nearly unstoppable coming into the tournament. Keyword: Nearly.
Even outside Duke’s demolishing of UNC in the ACC Championship game, North Carolina was largely outplayed during its conference tournament. Barring mental two collapses by University of Miami and Clemson, the Tar Heels would’ve been bounced early. What lessons can be learned from these teams and how can Marquette close out with the improbable W? I thought you’d never ask.
Wes’ Ways to Win:
1. Interior Defense- This is the obvious key in playing North Carolina, stopping their mega-threesome of Tyler Zeller (15.1 ppg), John Henson (10.2 ppg, 11.2 rbg), and freshman sensation Harrison Barnes (15.3 ppg). This presents a real problem for Marquette, as the 7 foot Zeller has real post moves that can create half-court offense even out of broken possessions. The logical assumption is that Marquette will imploy Otule/Gardner on Zeller, Eric Williams/Jae Crowder on Henson, and Jimmy Butler on Harrison Barnes. Pushing these three to the perimeter and away from easy baskets near the hoop will be the key for the Warriors defense. Recently, Barnes three-point shot has been dropping; however he experienced a serious drought from long-range earlier this year. Marquette must force UNC into slow-half court sets, where Clemson and Miami found real success.
Since a large portion of this game will be played inside the paint, we must reinforce the importance of staying out of foul trouble for Otule and Crowder, the usual victims of ticky-tack fouls. UNC excels from the foul line, and has hit critical free throws late in games during close ACC contest. + Marquette has NO CHANCE without Otule or Crowder on the floor, the former provides interior defensive pressure through blocks and Crowder can stretch the defense with his shot.
My prediction: Harrison Barnes will be irrelevant in this game, it will come down to Zeller and Henson. Butler will do his job.
2. Tempo- UNC and Marquette are both high tempo teams, whose big men can get up the court and provide easy assist opportunities for point guards. Buzz Williams, who will look at tape of UNC’s troubles during Clemson and Miami’s slowed down offense, must decide whether he wants to reign in his Eagles to play to the weaknesses of North Carolina. I do not believe that he will, or that he should, change his team this late in the season. What that means is that we’re all in store for a run-and-gun bonanza style basketball game. We all know UNC PG Kendall Marshall is among the fastest and best distributing point guards in the country, yet Marquette must try to cause turnovers in transition defense. No one is better than MU at creating fast breaks after made baskets, and Marquette should test UNC’s ability to do the same. Creating good shots will severely hamper their ability to push the ball and allow Marquette the opportunities to switch defenses (different zones to man-to-man).
3. Fear- This is not a UNC team that has experience in big moments, the NCAA tournament, or even close games. Marquette is the older, and more prepared team due to their Big East schedule. Roy Williams will have his team prepared, however, Marquette has absolutely no pressure or expectations to live up to. If they come out hungry, keeping the game close or even taking an early lead, the burden will far hard on UNC. Make Harrison Barnes earn every “diaper dandy” screech of Dick Vitale. We stand on the plateau of greatness, there is nothing to fear but fear itself.
Wow, that was mildly inspirational. Lolz.
I screamed at people buying Sweet 16 shirts, because I believe we’re going to the Final Four. Prove me right boys.
Also, check out this video of Buzz reading an email from a Marquette alum currently in Afghanistan.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J10J4Djz2kg&feature=youtu.be
Go Warriors!!!
Facebook: Wesley Herndon
Follow me on twitter: @wild_wesley
Email: astead.herndon@marquette.edu
Moving on.
In a little more than 30 hours, Marquette will take the court against the perennial powerhouse and ACC regular season champion North Carolina Tar Heels. In every facet of the game Marquette is seen as the underdog, as the Tar Heels front line has been nearly unstoppable coming into the tournament. Keyword: Nearly.
Even outside Duke’s demolishing of UNC in the ACC Championship game, North Carolina was largely outplayed during its conference tournament. Barring mental two collapses by University of Miami and Clemson, the Tar Heels would’ve been bounced early. What lessons can be learned from these teams and how can Marquette close out with the improbable W? I thought you’d never ask.
Wes’ Ways to Win:
1. Interior Defense- This is the obvious key in playing North Carolina, stopping their mega-threesome of Tyler Zeller (15.1 ppg), John Henson (10.2 ppg, 11.2 rbg), and freshman sensation Harrison Barnes (15.3 ppg). This presents a real problem for Marquette, as the 7 foot Zeller has real post moves that can create half-court offense even out of broken possessions. The logical assumption is that Marquette will imploy Otule/Gardner on Zeller, Eric Williams/Jae Crowder on Henson, and Jimmy Butler on Harrison Barnes. Pushing these three to the perimeter and away from easy baskets near the hoop will be the key for the Warriors defense. Recently, Barnes three-point shot has been dropping; however he experienced a serious drought from long-range earlier this year. Marquette must force UNC into slow-half court sets, where Clemson and Miami found real success.
Since a large portion of this game will be played inside the paint, we must reinforce the importance of staying out of foul trouble for Otule and Crowder, the usual victims of ticky-tack fouls. UNC excels from the foul line, and has hit critical free throws late in games during close ACC contest. + Marquette has NO CHANCE without Otule or Crowder on the floor, the former provides interior defensive pressure through blocks and Crowder can stretch the defense with his shot.
My prediction: Harrison Barnes will be irrelevant in this game, it will come down to Zeller and Henson. Butler will do his job.
2. Tempo- UNC and Marquette are both high tempo teams, whose big men can get up the court and provide easy assist opportunities for point guards. Buzz Williams, who will look at tape of UNC’s troubles during Clemson and Miami’s slowed down offense, must decide whether he wants to reign in his Eagles to play to the weaknesses of North Carolina. I do not believe that he will, or that he should, change his team this late in the season. What that means is that we’re all in store for a run-and-gun bonanza style basketball game. We all know UNC PG Kendall Marshall is among the fastest and best distributing point guards in the country, yet Marquette must try to cause turnovers in transition defense. No one is better than MU at creating fast breaks after made baskets, and Marquette should test UNC’s ability to do the same. Creating good shots will severely hamper their ability to push the ball and allow Marquette the opportunities to switch defenses (different zones to man-to-man).
3. Fear- This is not a UNC team that has experience in big moments, the NCAA tournament, or even close games. Marquette is the older, and more prepared team due to their Big East schedule. Roy Williams will have his team prepared, however, Marquette has absolutely no pressure or expectations to live up to. If they come out hungry, keeping the game close or even taking an early lead, the burden will far hard on UNC. Make Harrison Barnes earn every “diaper dandy” screech of Dick Vitale. We stand on the plateau of greatness, there is nothing to fear but fear itself.
Wow, that was mildly inspirational. Lolz.
I screamed at people buying Sweet 16 shirts, because I believe we’re going to the Final Four. Prove me right boys.
Also, check out this video of Buzz reading an email from a Marquette alum currently in Afghanistan.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J10J4Djz2kg&feature=youtu.be
Go Warriors!!!
Facebook: Wesley Herndon
Follow me on twitter: @wild_wesley
Email: astead.herndon@marquette.edu
Dear Marquette, Grind Now. Shine Later
Case Study: Marquette’s Jimmy Butler and Kansas State’s Jacob Pullen. Two senior superstars trying to lead their team to a close victory in the NCAA tournament; time is running out, and the game hinges on a final possession to send your team to the Sweet 16. Both stars have earned their way to take the final shot, and both teams’ opponents were cluing into them as the shot clock wore down.
However, this is where the similarities end.
Jacob Pullen, the brilliant point guard from Chicago(best city in America nbd), takes a rushed three-pointer with two men guarding him, only to be rejected by the outstretched hand of Wisconsin’s Jordan Taylor (BOO). He missed his wide open backcourt partner Spalding, who was completely open and calling for the ball. Butler, on the other hand, penetrates the zone and passes out of the double team to an open Darius Johnson-Odom.
The rest is Marquette history.
The unselfish play of Buzz’s bunch has seen the Marquette Warriors transition from bubble team to bracketbuster, taking down 6th seeded Xavier and the 3rd seeded Syracuse Orangemen (for the second time this year). Enter Marquette and the Sweet 16, our first appearance from the DWade era of 2003. But less important than returning to national prominence is how teams such as Marquette, VCU, Richmond, Florida State, and Butler are reclaiming the glory of the five man basketball team.
Let me explain. In an era of individual superstars, the 2011 NCAA tournament has seen the true team game. Before the tournament, the talk was centered on the weakness of the bubble teams, and the real individual prowess of college basketball’s upper echelon. This year carried a different tone than tournaments of the past. There was a disbelief that upsets would even happen. Meaning JaJuan Johnson of Purdue, Austin Freeman of Georgetown, Ben Hansbrough of Notre Dame, Tu Holloway of Xavier, and Cuse’s Jardine would be too much for the “little guys” of college basketball. Yet these “little guys” have all sent the previous big boys back home quick.
Tourneybubble.com said, “What a few weeks it's been in the world of college basketball. Pretenders on the bubble are getting seperated out (Maryland, Marquette, Washington State, VCU)…”
Funny. Half those teams are in the Sweet 16.
The NCAA tournament reminds me every year of the power of team play, coaching, and effort. In a seven game series, Morehead State would probably be successfully defeated by Louisville. But that’s not what it’s about, one game and one day.
Nevertheless, these kinds of upsets are annual occurrences. It’s simple: to become tournament legends, such as George Mason and Davidson, you must move past the Sweet 16.
Marquette cannot be satisfied with what they have achieved currently. Yes, people are surprised you make it this far, however, I hope the eagles themselves have a larger goal in mind. A championship.
Sweet 16 teams go home and experience different types of receptions. North Carolina and Roy Williams will not be complacent in their current wins, but remain focused and ready to beat Marquette. Buzz Williams must make sure his team has that same sort of attitude.
“Grind together, Shine together” is not my favorite motto ever, but it truly does embody this Marquette team. Just think of the different heroes who’ve stepped up this year. Junior Cadougan solidified our tournament chances with a win vs. West Virginia in the Big East tournament, Butler and DJO combined their defense and offense respectably to shutdown Xavier, and Jae Crowder was sighted in the win vs. Syracuse. There’s no question: Marquette’s got the grind.
But since the shine has arrived; the ESPN interviews, the anointing’s of Cinderella, and the grandeur of the Sweet 16, will Marquette continue its run?
I picked them in the Sweet 16. No expectations have been exceeded for me, and I hope the same remains for the team.
The grind is only beginning. The shine comes after a championship.
Go Marquette!
(LOOK FOR WES’ WAYS TO WIN VS. UNC COMING SOON)
Follow me on twitter: @wild_wesley
Facebook: Wesley Herndon
Email: astead.herndon@marquette.edu
However, this is where the similarities end.
Jacob Pullen, the brilliant point guard from Chicago(best city in America nbd), takes a rushed three-pointer with two men guarding him, only to be rejected by the outstretched hand of Wisconsin’s Jordan Taylor (BOO). He missed his wide open backcourt partner Spalding, who was completely open and calling for the ball. Butler, on the other hand, penetrates the zone and passes out of the double team to an open Darius Johnson-Odom.
The rest is Marquette history.
The unselfish play of Buzz’s bunch has seen the Marquette Warriors transition from bubble team to bracketbuster, taking down 6th seeded Xavier and the 3rd seeded Syracuse Orangemen (for the second time this year). Enter Marquette and the Sweet 16, our first appearance from the DWade era of 2003. But less important than returning to national prominence is how teams such as Marquette, VCU, Richmond, Florida State, and Butler are reclaiming the glory of the five man basketball team.
Let me explain. In an era of individual superstars, the 2011 NCAA tournament has seen the true team game. Before the tournament, the talk was centered on the weakness of the bubble teams, and the real individual prowess of college basketball’s upper echelon. This year carried a different tone than tournaments of the past. There was a disbelief that upsets would even happen. Meaning JaJuan Johnson of Purdue, Austin Freeman of Georgetown, Ben Hansbrough of Notre Dame, Tu Holloway of Xavier, and Cuse’s Jardine would be too much for the “little guys” of college basketball. Yet these “little guys” have all sent the previous big boys back home quick.
Tourneybubble.com said, “What a few weeks it's been in the world of college basketball. Pretenders on the bubble are getting seperated out (Maryland, Marquette, Washington State, VCU)…”
Funny. Half those teams are in the Sweet 16.
The NCAA tournament reminds me every year of the power of team play, coaching, and effort. In a seven game series, Morehead State would probably be successfully defeated by Louisville. But that’s not what it’s about, one game and one day.
Nevertheless, these kinds of upsets are annual occurrences. It’s simple: to become tournament legends, such as George Mason and Davidson, you must move past the Sweet 16.
Marquette cannot be satisfied with what they have achieved currently. Yes, people are surprised you make it this far, however, I hope the eagles themselves have a larger goal in mind. A championship.
Sweet 16 teams go home and experience different types of receptions. North Carolina and Roy Williams will not be complacent in their current wins, but remain focused and ready to beat Marquette. Buzz Williams must make sure his team has that same sort of attitude.
“Grind together, Shine together” is not my favorite motto ever, but it truly does embody this Marquette team. Just think of the different heroes who’ve stepped up this year. Junior Cadougan solidified our tournament chances with a win vs. West Virginia in the Big East tournament, Butler and DJO combined their defense and offense respectably to shutdown Xavier, and Jae Crowder was sighted in the win vs. Syracuse. There’s no question: Marquette’s got the grind.
But since the shine has arrived; the ESPN interviews, the anointing’s of Cinderella, and the grandeur of the Sweet 16, will Marquette continue its run?
I picked them in the Sweet 16. No expectations have been exceeded for me, and I hope the same remains for the team.
The grind is only beginning. The shine comes after a championship.
Go Marquette!
(LOOK FOR WES’ WAYS TO WIN VS. UNC COMING SOON)
Follow me on twitter: @wild_wesley
Facebook: Wesley Herndon
Email: astead.herndon@marquette.edu
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