MU-UW Personnel

[Phantom Warrior]

I never thought I'd say this, and it really is hard to actually express these thoughts - and, I'm sure many will take issue. But in all honesty, I think UW has the advantage at all five positions.

Point - Derrick versus Jackson: Jackson is inconsistent, but he is able to break down defenses, get into the lane, and dish to open shooters. He is also capable of double-digit scoring himself, though he is streaky and inconsistent. As for Derrick, I'm actually pleased if he makes three baskets and scores six points. Sorry, but I find that sad.

Wings - Jake & Juan versus Gasser & Brust: Brust is somewhat inconsistent, but he can cause havoc when he's on. Jake can, too, but he's much less "on" and much more "off" than Brust. Gasser is a solid all-around player. Juan hustles and gets an occasional tip in or slam and he's become a solid rebounder, but Gasser is a terrific glue guy. Even if we shift in Mayo, I'd take Brust and Gasser before Todd.

The "4" - Jamil versus Decker: Decker has only shown glimpses of his star potential so far this year, and Jamil had a terrific half (20 points), but Decker always seems to contribute, while Jamil goes into his Houdini act and disappears far too often. Bottom line: if I had a choice of which one to play major minutes at the 4, I'd probably go with Decker.

Center - Davante/Chris versus Kaminsky: A month ago, I would have said this is a no-brainer with MU on the long end. But Kaminsky has looked very, very good - far better than I ever anticipated - and it's not just his 43-point shocker. He has looked GOOD, as he did last night against Virginia. Davante has been a mild disappointment so far, though it's not all his fault. We have trouble getting him the ball on the block. It would not surprise me one bit if Kaminsky outplays our center tandem on Saturday, and that, too me, is something I would not have thought possible even a few weeks ago.

Almost every other MU-UW game I can recall in the past 10-12 years, there was probably a 3-2 or 2-3 split between the two teams in terms of which players I would say are stronger among the top five. Right now, if I had to pick a starting line up among the top six/seven players on each team, I would probably go 5-0 in favor of UW.

I'm sure others don't see it that way, and it won't surprise me if my take raises the ire among some. But I just call it the way I see it, and at this point in the season, that's how I see it. I'm hoping that as the season progresses if I looked at the UW and MU line ups, I'd see things differently.

[IrwinFletcher]

Hard to argue with any of this. I think MU will scrap and claw to stay close, but I see this being a 15 point game. Not excited at all.

To add to this....

The SDSU game has really taken a lot of my fandom out of this team. I was really encouraged with the ASU game even though it was a loss and then the first 2 games in Anaheim.

But watching this team vs. SDSU was demoralizing. Dumb plays. Dumb shots. Bad shooting. Bad FT shooting. I really think this team has some talent and leadership issues that need to be corrected soon.

[TedBaxter]

You're going to jump off the bandwagon after the team lost 3 games?

Ohio State took MU to the cleaners in the second half and there's no question about that. MU lost at Arizona State playing without Todd Mayo who had an ankle injury and lost to San Diego State with an under the weather Davante Gardner. They also lost Jameel McKay to transfer and Duane Wilson to injury before either played a game and Steve Taylor is not close to 100%.

They may not win Saturday and may struggle to make the post season, but I'm sure as hell not going to withdraw my support.

[Gato78]

I think we are better than stated and I think SDSU was better than anticipated. Let's look at this a different way--we are quicker than Bucky at every position--maybe they are quicker with Kaminsky vs our two, but I don't think so. We are a better rebounding team. We might be better defensively. Offensively, we go to the rim better, they shoot better. If they cannot shoot, hopefully because of our defense, I think we can win. I would press the Badgers as I do not think they are good ballhandlers--I mean presure the whole game, not just picking spots.

[MUMac]

Every year, the calendar turns, winter starts to chill as we begin the Christmas Season and I read on the MU Boards by the normally rational fans about how much better UW is than MU from some poster(s). About how we will be lucky to even be on the same floor as them. How has MU ever beaten bucky? I don't know what it is about MU fans and their insecurity, but it is somewhat bemusing.

[Nukem2]

You're going to jump off the bandwagon after the team lost 3 games?

Ohio State took MU to the cleaners in the second half and there's no question about that. MU lost at Arizona State playing without Todd Mayo who had an ankle injury and lost to San Diego State with an under the weather Davante Gardner. They also lost Jameel McKay to transfer and Duane Wilson to injury before either played a game and Steve Taylor is not close to 100%.

They may not win Saturday and may struggle to make the post season, but I'm sure as hell not going to withdraw my support.

My thoughts as well.

[warriorfan4life]

There will be a lot of mea culpas and crow eating to be had after the game Saturday. Way too many fans, most of the normally reasonable and level headed, have been very harsh on this group and and quick to give up on a great coach and a talented group of players. I thought we'd be one game better, winning Anaheim event, but also understand the tough circumstances surrounding that game did not favor us. I underestimated SDSU a bit, as they're a legit tourney team that had a home like crowd. However, we win that game if Gardner alone was healthy, much less Mayo or De Wilson. I fully appreciate why brew had to expose so many ridiculous comments last year on Scoop, as I think many people will want to take back some of their crazy posts come March.

[Phantom Warrior]

A little bit of context. I am not one who has predicted doom and gloom every year when we play the Badgers. I usually like our chances.

We usually have an advantage in the back court, and I usually am skeptical that UW's guards can defend our guards - i.e. keep them out of the paint.

I have also felt that certain years we were likely to win because of Bo's pig-headed refusal to play zone - ever. That has worked to our advantage a few times over the years.

[Alan Bykowski, "brewcity77"]

I find the "I'm actually pleased if he makes three baskets and scores six points" comment to be comical rather than sad. He is averaging 10 ppg in the past 4 games, and that includes the 9 against SDSU that would have almost certainly been more if not for the injury he took on. The only game of those 4 where he didn't score more than the 3 baskets you need to be pleased was Fullerton, and that was a blowout win where we didn't need more offense (especially with his 5 assists).

In the past 4 games, which is HALF our season so far, Derrick is averaging 10 ppg, 4.8 apg, 3.8 rpg, and 1.8 tpg. Those aren't just good numbers, those are stud numbers that border on all-conference (maybe not first team, but at least HM). What does this kid have to do for people to stop bagging on him? If you would still take Jackson, fine, whatever, that's your prerogative, but hearing so many blinding themselves to some rather stellar performances because of negative perceptions after the first few games is getting a bit tired.

The way you say Jackson "is able to break down defenses, get into the lane, and dish to open shooters. He is also capable of double-digit scoring himself" is what I find sad. What of those things has Derrick not proven he can do over the past 4 games? Break down defenses, get into the lane, dish to open shooters? Score in double digits (2/4 games)? Are you even watching the kid, or have you simply put on your anti-Derrick goggles and refused to take them off?

[IrwinFletcher]

Why is it when someone says something negative about a Marquette player, it is assumed they are wearing "anti (insert player name) goggles".

The criticism of Derrick is valid. He has certainly improved over his past two seasons and much of that is due to playing time. He has done a very good job of getting to the basket and scoring. However, I think that is all he can do offensively.

I disagree that he penetrates and dishes off. Junior was so good at that and that is something that has been lacking so far from Derrick. He has also failed to make a 3-pointer this season. Think about that. 8 games into the season, he has not made a 3-pointer. He has only taken 5 3-pointers today. Why? He knows he can't make them. And this even though defenses sag off of him. Derrick is also shooting 54% from the FT line. That is a liability for a PG and when we are in a close game, you will see he will not be the primary ball handler because teams will foul him.

Jackson is shooting worse at 36% but shoots 71% from the FT line and 41% from deep. He also has 4.6 APG vs 2.1 TOPG.

You point out what Derrick has done the last 4 games. Hopefully that is a trend and his game is improving, but you can't discount the whole season to make your stats look better.

Everyone is pulling for him as he is vital to the success of the team. I just am not confident in his offensive abilities, especially since we are lacking in other areas.