5 Things I Think I Think
Here are five things that I think I've noticed thus far, in no particular order of course:
1. Dan Fitzgerald is the most underrated player on the team.
Dan comes out and plays good defense every night, and brings a good effort off the bench despite not being the go-to guy. Anyone who thought he was incapable of shooting the rock got an awakening Wednesday against Depaul with his 6-7 shooting from long range. He's been passing up too many open looks, but hopefully that will change as he hits more shots.
2. Steve Novak's ankle is fine.
True, he had an off night as far as shooting is concerned against DePaul, but I'm attributing that to limited practice time the last few days. He was able to move up and down the court without difficulty, and was able to pull down six rebounds. I really think that he was just a bit rusty and that's why he didn't shoot well. We'll find out for sure against Pittsburgh.
3. Tom Crean gives Jerel McNeal too long of a leash.
Jerel McNeal is an extremely talented player who will be great for Marquette in the not too distant future. But right now he is young and makes mistakes. He frequently forces the ball on the drive instead of kicking it out to Novak or Fitz on the perimeter. He was blocked way too many times against Cincinatti, and it happened again against DePaul. Crean allows him to stay on the floor and make more mistakes. If Crean would take him out occaisionally and tell him to be more patient, Jerel would learn from these mistakes and would mature as a player much faster.
4. Even without Novak, next year's team could be scary.
The three freshman guards all show tremendous potential, and all can score with ease as well as play tight defense. If some of the big men can improve on their rebounding and Dan Fitzgerald can make some outside shots, this could be a team that will make a deep run in the tournament.
5. The Gold Rush turnout against DePaul was disappointing.
DePaul is Marquette's biggest rival, and only a handful of students had to sit in the upper deck. Against both UCONN and Notre Dame those upper deck sections were filled. Back in the McGuire days, there would not have been an empty seat in the house at Mecaa when DePaul came to town. I'm very disappointed in all of you that stayed home.
Those are five things I think I think. I'll be back a little later to give a preview of tomorrow's game against Pitt.
1. Dan Fitzgerald is the most underrated player on the team.
Dan comes out and plays good defense every night, and brings a good effort off the bench despite not being the go-to guy. Anyone who thought he was incapable of shooting the rock got an awakening Wednesday against Depaul with his 6-7 shooting from long range. He's been passing up too many open looks, but hopefully that will change as he hits more shots.
2. Steve Novak's ankle is fine.
True, he had an off night as far as shooting is concerned against DePaul, but I'm attributing that to limited practice time the last few days. He was able to move up and down the court without difficulty, and was able to pull down six rebounds. I really think that he was just a bit rusty and that's why he didn't shoot well. We'll find out for sure against Pittsburgh.
3. Tom Crean gives Jerel McNeal too long of a leash.
Jerel McNeal is an extremely talented player who will be great for Marquette in the not too distant future. But right now he is young and makes mistakes. He frequently forces the ball on the drive instead of kicking it out to Novak or Fitz on the perimeter. He was blocked way too many times against Cincinatti, and it happened again against DePaul. Crean allows him to stay on the floor and make more mistakes. If Crean would take him out occaisionally and tell him to be more patient, Jerel would learn from these mistakes and would mature as a player much faster.
4. Even without Novak, next year's team could be scary.
The three freshman guards all show tremendous potential, and all can score with ease as well as play tight defense. If some of the big men can improve on their rebounding and Dan Fitzgerald can make some outside shots, this could be a team that will make a deep run in the tournament.
5. The Gold Rush turnout against DePaul was disappointing.
DePaul is Marquette's biggest rival, and only a handful of students had to sit in the upper deck. Against both UCONN and Notre Dame those upper deck sections were filled. Back in the McGuire days, there would not have been an empty seat in the house at Mecaa when DePaul came to town. I'm very disappointed in all of you that stayed home.
Those are five things I think I think. I'll be back a little later to give a preview of tomorrow's game against Pitt.
posted by Rob Stack @ 2:15 PM
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