One Day Until Marquette Madness

As a reminder, Marquette Madness is tomorrow. Check out the
GoMarquette.com Home Page for the updated introduction video. The folks in the Athletic Department have really done a fine job in the last year in terms of making content available on the web, and this is just a continuing example.

Doors open at the Al tomorrow at 6 pm.

Season Previews are starting to roll out, and Fox Sports and Sporting News check in with their updates. The Fox Sports article by Jeff Goodman is fairly vanilla story. He picks us #18 in the country and fifth in the BE. DeCourcy has a decent article as well. It's probably the best article yet I've seen, although there is one notable issue. He fails to even mention Joe Fulce. Read the comments of the article for a nice criticism by Eric Silver.

The MUTV Sports guys are back with a Video Interview of Lazar Hayward. Good show, fellas. It never fails to impress me how well the Marquette players conduct themselves. If nothing else, the players are easy to root for.

Finally, Trevor Mbakwe committed to Minnesota and Tubby Smith last night.

Media updates

Its media update time........Canada's National Post offers a glimpse into the difficult circumstances that MU recruit Junior Cadougan escaped when his mother decided to send him to the United States to complete his high school education. Count your blessings, wow.

Also, the curious adventures of Trevor Mbakwe continue. The former Warrior is presently enrolled at Miami-Dade Community College. Although Mbakwe sparked the second greatest thread in MUScoop history, (this thread is the greatest), we're just not sure what to say about the Mbakwe situation. Probably best to leave it alone, or talk about it here on MUScoop. Still, best of luck to Trevor.

John Pudner's triumphant entry into the brave world of publishing continues to draw attention. Today, the Journal-Sentinel's Bob Wolfley takes the time to offer a synopsis of the new book, “Ultimate Hoops Guide: Marquette University.” Good stuff; buy the book here. In related news, two of the three entries from Wolfley's column were covered initially in the blogosphere. Just sayin'.

Also, if you're a Marquette student, the MU hoops team is hosting walk-on tryouts. Make sure you have proof of insurance if you want to be the next Tommy Brice or Robert Frozena, or even the incomparable Ben Peavy. If you're 6'8"+, that probably helps too.

Finally, the pre-season Rivals Marquette Team Report is up. It's always just nice to read extra information about Marquette -- this one is essentially recaps the program from April 1 until now. Of course, there are just a couple inaccuracies in their report. See if you can find them all, or just check here for the answer key.

**Thanks to Henry Sugar for his contributions to this post.
**Edit: Maybe we should have read the Rivals report more thoroughly. :)

Trevor Mbakwe transfers from Marquette - Shocker

Todd Rosiak is reporting that Trevor Mbakwe has decided to quit the team essentially days before classes are to begin. New coach Buzz Williams said he was "shocked by the news". The last minute decision leaves MU even thinner in the middle as it prepares for the 2008-09 season.

For weeks it has been rumored that Buzz has been recruiting several other players even though no scholarships are available. Some have linked Trevor's departure as a reason for Williams' continued recruiting. However, if it is true that Williams was shocked by Mbakwe's transfer, then it's obvious Williams has been recruiting for another reason the last few weeks and months. Is it simply to stay in on kids "just in case" someone doesn't make it academically or backs out of their verbal commitment? Who knows, but it seems to me that Williams recruiting of late had nothing to do with Mbakwe.

Mbakwe was rumored to transfer after Tom Crean left for Indiana, but he reaffirmed his commitment back in May to stay with Marquette. Last year he was out for most of the season due to a leg injury, but came back early after medical clearance from MU's doctors. He was raw, but showed signs of rebounding presence in several games. It appeared he would be a significant contributor to MU this season as the squad attempts to go for four straight NCAA berths.

What is even more stunning is the reason Mbakwe gave for leaving. According to Coach Williams, the reason he left was to go the junior college route. Strange indeed. I'm sure more information will come about in the coming days.

This leaves Williams in a tough spot. Things had been going very smoothly for him the last 3 months, but now this last second decision has caught him and the MU faithful off guard.

Todd Rosiak's blog with this entry can be found here.

http://blogs.jsonline.com/muhoops/archive/2008/08/24/mbakwe-quits-team.aspx

Mbakwe, Taylor updates

Read Rosiak, folks.........great reporting by Todd again today.

Bob Hurley takes a few more swings at MU

.....even though NCAA regulations prohibit Marquette from granting a release to Tyshawn Taylor just because his high school coach says he wants one.

Oustanding work by Todd Rosiak......this is quite a soap opera.

"It's a stall, there's no doubt about it," he said. "If they say otherwise...if this was St. Anthony's High School, and a young man's family came to me and told me that they were unhappy and would I sign our state waiver so that they would be eligible to play someplace else, if I'd done the best I could coaching and it wasn't working, I would sign it and they'd be gone and I'd wish them the best of luck.

Of course, the "young man's family" has not made the request -- so the grandstanding high school coach maintains his faux platform. Thankfully, MU's Mike Broeker correctly addresses the crux of the matter:

"Our obligation is to the student-athlete," said deputy athletic director Mike Broeker. "And up to this point, neither Tyshawn nor his family has informed us of his decision."

Talk about it here at MUScoop.


TREVOR MBAKWE UPDATE
Charley Waters from TwinCities.com reports that Trevor Mbakwe will stay at Marquette:

Former St. Bernard's and Henry Sibley basketball star Trevor Mbakwe, who considered transferring from Marquette after his freshman season this year, has decided to remain with the team. The Gophers were expected to pursue the 6-foot-8 forward if he had made himself available.

There's been no official confirmation from MU regarding Mbakwe.

Rosiak details the search; Transfer rumors and more

UPDATED
Todd's latest blog is in the spotlight today.......check it out for details on the coaching search. Talk about it here at MU Scoop. Rosiak also reports on yesterday's introduction.

Rosiak had the scoop on a possible Trevor Mbakwe transfer last week, and now the Minnesota boards are buzzing about it per this thread. One down?

We linked to this last night, but in case you missed it -- Buzz Williams will try and retain Tyshawn Taylor when he visits Jersey City on Friday.

Bob Wolfley speaks with Buzz Williams mentors and former bosses in his latest column.

Chas Rich at AOL Fan House evaluates MU's decision to hire Buzz Williams -- another fine blog by Chas.

And dont forget.......Please click on this link to land over at the eBay auction for a pair of tickets to the sold out Marquette Basketball Banquet. All proceeds go to a great cause -- Camp Anokijig, a non-profit youth and family camp located in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.

Trevor Mbakwe cleared to play

OK, I guess it's rip the redshirt off of this talented kid and play for keeps the rest of the way......

For Immediate Release

Freshman Trevor Mbakwe Cleared To Play

Forward Could Make Golden Eagle Debut Friday Night Against Pittsburgh

Milwaukee – Freshman forward Trevor Mbakwe has received medical clearance for game competition and is available for this evening’s contest with Pittsburgh. Mbakwe had been sidelined since November following surgery to repair an isolated fibular collateral ligament sprain to his left knee.

“Trevor has made excellent progress in rehabilitation of his knee injury and he has passed all of the necessary orthopedic and functional tests,” said team physician Dr. Ted Gertel.

He received clearance to resume basketball activities several weeks ago by the team’s medical staff.

“It got to the point that my rehab workouts were harder than actually practicing and playing. I’m glad I was finally allowed to test the knee and to be cleared. Waiting has been really hard but I knew all along that at some point I was going to be able to come back and help our team this season,” said Mbakwe.

Mbakwe (M-bahk-we), a native of St. Paul, Minn., averaged 21.6 points, 12.7 rebounds and 4.5 blocks during his senior season at St. Bernard’s High School in 2007.

“Trevor made it clear to us early in the rehabilitation process his desire to return this season and we told him that the possibility to return would be a decision made by our medical staff,” said head coach Tom Crean. “He worked extremely hard throughout his rehabilitation and our team is excited to have him back.”

Trevor Mbakwe to miss entire season

In a radio interview this morning on 1510 WAUK in Milwaukee, Tom Crean confirmed that freshman PF Trevor Mbakwe suffered a knee injury that will require surgery. Mbakwe will miss the entire 2007-2008 season.

Mbakwe was expected to be a major contributor in the MU frontcourt this season. Absent Mbakwe's athleticism, Tom Crean will be forced to rely more on junior PF Dwight Burke, who has been ineffective in his first two seasons. Also, this means that Crean will likely have to play Lazar Hayward at the true PF slot more than expected, and freshman PF Pat Hazel. should see more time.

Check out the info on MUScoop.

Here's the audio of the interview from 1510AM

Rosiak blogs.

The official MU release.

Mbakwe Cleared!

According to Todd Rosiak, Trevor Mbakwe has been cleared to play.

Freshman forward Trevor Mbakwe was given the all-clear by the NCAA Clearinghouse this afternoon, just three days before the official open of practice.

"Thrilled for the program, but really excited for him because it's been wearing on him," said coach Tom Crean. "He's done, in my opinion and I think in everyone else's, an incredible job of staying focused, going through the daily process of being a college student and not knowing what was next when it comes to something that he loves."

The 6-foot-7, 240-pound Mbakwe is expected to step in and play a large role for MU immediately. His academic record had been undergoing scrutiny and he had been barred from any organized team activities while the process was underway, much like Lazar Hayward a season ago.

Whew!

Open practice tonight....Mbakwe update

Updated....
Nothing official just yet, but MU's new #33 is practicing with the team this week. Here's the link and photo.

Mbakwe is not yet cleared by the NCAA, but will participate in team activities for the next two weeks per Rosiak.

And just a reminder, tonight at the Al Center is an Open Practice at 8:30. Let's get a big crowd to watch our Warriors, and give a great show to the recruits who will be in attendance (Frank Ben Eze is expected to be in the house)!

"10 extra practices, +4 games, +1 open practice + recruits = HUGE!"

Well, now we know..

Todd Rosiak blogged yesterday about a few new items from the Marquette team.

• As rumored, Damian Saunders will not be wearing a Marquette uniform this year. Marquette has denied Saunders enrollment due to academic issues.


• Trevor Mbawke is still awaiting a final determination from the NCAA Clearinghouse regarding his eligibility.


• Lawrence "Trend" Blackledge has done enough over the summer to return to MU for his senior season.


• The team will have practice open to the public on Tuesday, August 28th at 8:30 at the Al McGuire Center. Recruit Frank Ben-Eze, a 6'10" senior, is expected to attend. Cracked Sidewalks will be there.

UPDATE: Coach Rabedeaux has a new entry on his blog today, about the assistant coaching changes at MU.

Today is August 1

Do you know who your 13 scholarship players are for the 2007-2008 Marquette Golden Eagles?

Freshman orientation starts three weeks from today on August 22. Will Trevor Mbakwe and/or Damian Saunders be there? It appears that both players' transcripts are going under the microscope, and Saunders still has the legal issue to resolve.

What is the fate of Trend Blackledge? MU's second summer session concludes on August 11 or 18 (depending on the program) - - but does it really take three academic semesters (spring 07, summer I and summer II) to make a final determination about his academic eligibility and progress towards a degree? Apparently so.

This is all beginning to feel like a twisted game of Three-card Monte.

Three for two: Who's gonna be left out?

With Dr. Nicholas J. Contorno's classic pep band CD on repeat, the MU hoops version of musical chairs is on!!

Marquette is currently over-subcribed for scholarships in the 2007-2008 season and this high stakes game of chance has fallen to Trevor Mbakwe, Damian Saunders and Trend Blackledge.

Ring Out Ahoya!...Elvira.....The Final Countdown (repeat)

Round and round the players go, where they stop nobody knows!

But what we do know is that somebody won't be back this fall and in the meantime TC appears to be adept at keeping the concerned parties in the game for as long as possible.

Ring Out Ahoya!....Elvira.....The Final Countdown (repeat)

So, who's gonna be left standing along when the music stops and the chairs are taken? Who will take their eligibility somewhere else, at least for the time being?

• Trend Blackledge -- suspeneded for academic reasons early in the spring 2007 semester and apparently still working things out in the classroom;
• Damian Saunders -- Connecticut prep schooler with a recent legal issue;
• Trevor Mbakwe -- the highest-ceiling player of these three, a PF from Minnesota who is apparently grappling with summer school to secure eligibility.

So, which player is left out? We'll know when the music stops.

MU news and notes

Let's start with Dominic James. The always insightful Mike DeCourcy offers fresh perspective on James' draft status in his latest blog -- and makes a strong case for DJ to stick around for at least another year:

Worrying about draft position -- and relying on draft websites to dictate what that position might be -- is a huge mistake for a young prospect. It's the same silliness being pitched at Marquette's Dominic James now, that if he doesn't enter the draft this year there'll be lots of talented point guards in the next draft to make him less coveted. It's ridiculous.

James' sophomore season was below what he's capable of producing. Given his extraordinary athleticism and skills, there is no reason to believe he would not be a more valuable prospect if he were to return and perform to his standards. Being the first point guard last year did not get Rajon Rondo off the board until the 21st pick. A dearth of point guard talent is not going to make James desirable; improved performance is.

I somewhat get DeCourcy's point on Rondo - - but if the goal was to be a first round pick and secure that guaranteed contract, its hard to argue with Rondo's decision. And for what its worth, at UK Rondo struggled to shoot the ball far more than James ever has, though the Celtics rookie had other advantages to his game (ie: he's 6'1 and was a near-lockdown defender collegiately).

In other news, Todd Rosiak wraps up his updates on the incoming 2007 freshman class with a look at Trevor Mbakwe. I can't wait to see what this kid can do on the floor this fall.

CollegeHoops.net takes a very early look at best teams for 2008, and slots MU in at #12.

Trevor Mbakwe live on the Web today

MU signee Trevor Mbakwe leads St. Bernard's into the state semifinals against Ellsworth at Noon CDT today. Click here to listen to the game live on the Internet.

Looking ahead to 2007-2008

Todd Rosiak takes a much needed look ahead for the Marquette hoops program in today's Journal-Sentinel.

The priority area for improvement? No surprise, its MU's inconsistent front line.

The good news is MU will have Ousmane Barro back for his senior season. The 6'10" junior showed marked improvement last year, averaging better than 9 ppg and 7 rpg. Did Barro disappear at inopportune times last season? Sure -- but he's at least a serviceable big man.

The bad news is that Barro has litle to help to count on along the baseline. Dwight Burke will be back, but during his sophomore season he failed to seize the opportunities presented to him by an underperforminng Jamil Lott an an oft-injured Mike Kinsella. Given his size and strength there's still hope for Burke to emerge as a valuable role player -- but why couldn't he do it this past season?

Its time to look to the kids. MU has three 'big' men signed for next season: Trevor Mbakwe, Damian Saunders and Patrick Hazel. Per Rosiak, "At this point, only the 6-foot-7, 225-pound Mbakwe, a superlative athlete with a 7-2 wingspan, appears ready to make an immediate impact." Good call, Todd. Mbakwe will contribute from day one -- exactly what TC needs next season.

I think Rosiak is underestimating Hazel, a prep-school strong man from Queens. While Hazel won't score effectively as a freshman, his toughness and hustle should make a difference for the 2007-2008 team. Saunders? He's a 6'7" 190-pound forward - - he's a couple of years away from contributing.

And while James will dabble in possibly departing for the NBA -- MU has the 2006 MAC freshman of the year Maurice Acker waiting in the wings to assume the poing guard duties, and super shooter Scott Christopherson joining the backcourt mix as well.

Lots of promise in this program. If James stays and Mbakwe can contribute -- next year could be special.

Recruit report: Trevor Mbakwe video

Mark Miller at the WBBY and Wishoops.net has a couple of updates on MU signee Trevor Mbakwe -- -

click here to read the latest from Mark.

...and check out this outstanding video clip of Trevor in action. He's a playa!!