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| This is the last time I was this mad at Marquette, last season against DePaul |
I wrote that after the Marquette got beat by Wisconsin where they looked outmatched the entire game. Well it's the middle of February and I am not laughing at myself for thinking this way in December. It became the awkward gorilla in the living room for me because I wanted to believe their close losses would figure themselves out, yet they didn't it. Now, they have 11 losses overall and a ticket to bubble watch.
The first three minutes of the second half against the St. John's Red Storm was so encouraging. After seeing Marquette lay 500 pound fart against Georgetown to lead off the second half, it seemed like they made a couple great halftime adjustments. Then things took a turn for the worse as the Johnnies kept attacking Marquette and finding easy buckets like Teen Wolf was on the roster. There is so much blame to throw around at this time, and all of the guilty parties deserve it. This is by far the ugliest lost of the season. Let's just set up a laundry list of things to go over.
1.) Dwight Buycks got exposed: 5'9 Malik Boothe exposed Buycks for being a phony at the point guard position. People feel I beat up on Buycks too much, which I admit was probably true and unneeded in the month of January. But after the last two games, I think it's deserving again. Boothe ended being the X factor last night and the reason the Red Storm won. Chris Wright of Georgetown must smell like pure garbage because that's the only way I could explain him being open the entire game... Oh wait, it's just Dwight with a lack of concepts on the defensive side of the basketball.
2.) Live by the Press, Die by the Press: I will admit, I love when teams press. It's a great thing to use, but not every team is Nolan Richardson's 40 minutes of hell teams where you press the entire game. Coaches have to condition their players in order to effectively play in that style of defense. Marquette didn't prepare the guys in the preseason therefore these players are dead tired by the 10 minute mark because they are pressing the whole game. Why do you think they miss all the late game free throws? They have no knees left to shoot the ball.
That's why they couldn't mount a comeback against the Hoyas or the Johnnies. Also let's remember Mr. Williams, the last two teams didn't have D3 quality guards playing in their backcourt. The press is good in doses for teams like Marquette, it is not a full time thing. Buzz is Gollum, and his precious is the press. If they want to win, they need to scale it back.
3.) Soft: Simply put, this team is full of mental midgets. Yes, they have made some great comebacks this season and play with some grit. But they do not have that one bad ass motha that can take over the game like Jerel, Zar, Wes, and Dom all did during their time at Marquette. I stand by my statement that Jimmy Butler, Jae Crowder, and Darius Johnson-Odom all have the ability to hit a big shot, no question about that. But none of those guys have the ability to tell the rest of the team that they are getting the damn ball on every possession. This leads to indecision in late game situations. Everyone wants to be man, but they are afraid of what others will think about their outspoken behavior. Someone even Buycks for all I care grab this team by the balls and become a leader.
Don't think for one second I have given up on the season. I want to see this team improve and win out until April, but I am pissed. I am mad that this team is playing under its potential and I expect better. I still think they will make the NCAA Tournament because the field is more diluted then the mixed drinks at some bars here in Eau Claire. I am in town this weekend and if I get offered a chance to see them go up against Seton Hall, you bet I am going.
Cheering like a mad man because I know this team can be better.
-Charlie.
