The New Year brings a new conference and hopefully a new Marquette

First, Happy New Year everyone, we at Scrambled Eggs hope the new year brings you joy, happiness and a lot of Marquette wins. This is actually going to be one of our longer efforts because we had a lot to discuss and let's face it, we wondered around more than usual. We discuss the critical Champion Baptist - Southern game right off the bat. Why you ask, because it's our podcast and we can....that and the hilarity of it all. We spend a little time discussing the official word of a Duane Wilson redshirt. Next on the docket is the Samford and New Mexico analysis and a discussion of why we really really really want Burton and Jajuan Johnson to get more minutes. Putting our reputation on the line (does it count if we don't really have one?) we forecast the conference season, Joe is a little more pessimistic than Phil. Lastly we discuss a bunch of random topics including Vander Blue, Deonte Burton's first of many likely posterizations and Luke Fisher to close out the last Scrambled Eggs podcast in 2013. Once again, happy new year and we'll chat again next year. Download this episode (right click and save)

Happy Holidays from Scrambled Eggs and Cracked Sidewalks

It is the holiday season, and we've got a holiday podcast. Or at least a podcast about Marquette basketball in which we wish you happy holidays. They are basically the same thing. Anyway, this episode we're talking about the improvement we've seen the last couple of games against admittedly inferior competition, the New Mexico game, and Duane Wilson's return but then not so much. Lastly we discuss whether either of us is qualified to be the Athletic Director at Marquette with the somewhat surprising departure of Larry Williams. It's an upbeat look at Marquette basketball, having long forgotten that loss to the hated rodents of the west. So while you are driving to that holiday party, pop on the podcast and enjoy a little Marquette basketball cheer. Happy Holidays everyone! Download this episode (right click and save)

They are who they thought they were, its not good, but its not all bad

The Wisconsin loss is a tough one to swallow, nobody like to lose to a stinkin' badger. So this podcast will be a lot of discussion about disappointment. As an example how disappointed it is to have yet another issue with Todd Mayo. We talk about what it means, and how short of a leash he should have from here on out. We also talk about the game itself and whether there was anything positive. We also talk non-conference schedule and where we think the team goes from here. It's an interesting discussion, give it a listen and let us know what you think. Download this episode (right click and save)

Mixed results in California and all in for Badger Hate Week

It's time for another Scrambled Eggs podcast and this time we're talking the results of the Wooden Classic. We discuss whether it means something good, something bad, or really somewhere in the middle. We also talk about Deonte Burton stepping out as a legitimate player and where are problems are bigger: Jamil Wilson or the 2 guard position. Joe brings some non-sponsors to the podcast to support Badger Hate Week and we talk about the game in Madtown against the loathed red rodents. So listen, enjoy, and please keep calm, we have at least 3 months of roller coaster to go. Download this episode (right click and save)

Giving thanks for an offense that looked competent and some potentially corner turning performances

First, happy early Thanksgiving to everyone out there that listens to this podcast, it's one of the things we're thankful for here at Scrambled Eggs. Second, we're going to discuss the surprising (to us anyway) results of the Arizona State game. Did Derrick Wilson turn a corner? Do we have better clarity at the 2 guard? Does this game mean any more in a good way than the Ohio State game meant in a bad way? Most importantly, where do we see this taking the team in the next week as they play in the Wooden Classic. Join us on this audio adventure as you prepare your Thankgiving activities and Ring out Ahoya! Download this episode (right click and save)

Ummm, yeah, that was....unpleasant

If you are a Marquette fan you are well aware of what happened yesterday and are probably grossed out by it. As a Marquette fan, you are also probably sitting in one of two camps, that was a disaster and this team is going to be terrible, or that was a disaster and let's see a couple of more weeks before we hit the panic button. Either way it was a disaster and we at Scrambled Eggs break it down as that is our job. Well, not really job because we don't get paid, but we like to pretend. We discussed all aspects of the game, what it means, who's to blame, and where do we go from here. Just to cleanse the pallet, we discuss the positive news on the recruiting trail. So buckle up and give it a listen. Trust us, we can't be nearly as listening to our podcasting as it was watching that game. Download this episode (right click and save)

Third longest home winning streak in MU history ended today. Time to start a new one

A good run, unfortunately ended today to Ohio State

81 games  1967 to 1973  Coach Al McGuire
28 games  2001 to 2003  Coach Tom Crean
27 games 2012 to 2013 Coach Brent Buzz Williams
24 games  1977 to 1979  Coaches Al McGuire and Hank Raymonds
23 games  1958 to 1960  Coach Eddie Hickey
22 games  1974 to 1976  Coach Al McGuire
20 games  1995 to 1996  Mike Deane

My eyes....my eyes. MU winning streak over, sets new record for futility on offense set in 1948

That was difficult to watch.  In the span of about 2 hours, the longest home winning streak (27 games) in the nation came crashing down in thumping fashion as the Warriors managed to only score 35 total points while losing to Ohio State 52-35.

The game was actually tied at the half at 19-19, before Ohio State asserted themselves with a balance of inside and outside scoring.  For the Warriors, guard play and terrible shooting was their nemesis all game long.  MU finished shooting just 5.6% from beyond the arc on 1 of 18 shooting.  For the game, MU shot under 20%.

MU's point guard play needs significant improvement if they plan to win the Big East conference as the experts have predicted.  Only one assist from Derrick Wilson.   As a team, twenty turnovers to only four assists is a recipe for disaster.

The 35 points scored at home was a record low during the shot clock era for Marquette.  The only performance that rivaled it was last year's NCAA loss to Syracuse when MU managed to score 38, but that was on a neutral court site.   The last time MU scored fewer than 36 points at home was in 1948 when MU lost at home to Wisconsin and managed only  34 points..



AP Recap

Boxscore

Finally we get to watch some basketball instead of just talking about it

You're looking live at Marquette basketball in the Bradley Center! (all credit to Mr. Musburger) The Scrambled Eggs crew is very excited to finally see some actual basketball played. We touch on the opening two games, Southern and Grambling, what we want to see and what we expect. Based on the opponent quality we move pretty quickly to predictions on the season and the roster. We discuss starting line-up, especially given an article written by the beat report of the local paper of record(Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel). We then make some predictions on the players themselves, where one of us may or may not go off the reservation a little bit. We close out on the whereabouts of former Marquette players. Buckle in, the season is on the way. Download this episode (right click and save)

Geez, that whole week was pretty unpleasant

We're back, and way faster than we thought. Our last podcast was all about Marquette Madness and excitement for the Ahmed Hill commitment. That exuberance was short lived when 72 hours later Jameel McKay took to twitter to say he was leaving Marquette for unknown and sure to be wildly speculated reasons. We came up off the mat with the news of Marial Shayok's commitment, adding him to the embarrassing riches of switchables at Marquette. But then, we got pushed right back down with the word that Duane Wilson is taking part in the annual Marquette walking boot tradition due to a stress fracture that will keep him out "multiple" weeks. We don't know what that means either, but we're going to talk about that and everything else that happened this week. We talk how these changes will impact the roster, starters, and minutes. We'll also wrap up with recruiting discussions and how we see this week shape the next year. This is the last pod before the season starts....we think....unless one of us ends up in a walking boot or something. Download this episode (right click and save)

Podcasting the Madness

The season is nearly upon us and it's Madness time.  We talk the take aways from this year's Marquette Madness.  It's a very small sample size but the interwebs are all about rampant uneducated speculation, so we discuss who shined and who might need a little more work before the start of the season.  We also spend some time discussing the big recruiting get in Ahmed Hill and what if anything the Malik Harris news means.  We're getting prepared for the start of the season, the excitement is palpable.

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The schedule is out, so let’s talk wins and losses

It's been a while since you've heard the dulcet tones of a Scrambled Eggs podcast, so we are correcting that now.  The full basketball schedule for Marquette is out so we are making snap judgements on how the schedule shakes out, so you don't have to worry about actually watching the season.  We'll also spend a little time talking about yet more Marquette alum in the NBA.  Lastly, we briefly touch on the latest recruiting news, including whether it's time to get in a bomb shelter because we don't have a "tall" player committed and if you were 14 would you have committed to Marquette.  So get your Marquette fix as we prepare for the full immersion into the season on October 11th.

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It's been six weeks, we're getting the band back together for a little offseason pod

Well, we didn't apply to transfer and then not transfer, unlike half the team. So now that everything seems to have settled out, we got the podcast machine fired up to talk about everything Marquette basketball since Vander Blue declared for the NBA and Jake Thomas and Juan Anderson transferred then didn't. We talk roster, depth, starting line ups, something called ghost starters, and who gets the most minutes. We then touch on the little we know about the non-conference and facing Doug McDermott as many as 5 times. Last we play my new favorite, Joe's invention, More or less likely to be on a NBA roster at the beginning of next season than Vander Blue. Be careful its roster not drafted, if you forget that, Joe will win on a technicality because he is a dirty rotten cheater. Hope you are as excited about the offseason podcasting as we are.

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It's April that means we're talking the ever changing roster

After a bit of a hiatus where neither of us transferred or left for the NBA, we're back with 40+ minutes of Marquette podcasting. In this podcast episode, we talk about the first of the changing roster, who's leaving, who's staying, and who is both leaving and staying. We also breakdown whether Vander's decision was a good one, and what impact his leaving will have on the team next season.

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CrackedSidewalks interview with DraftExpress

I had the pleasure of speaking with Jonathan Givony today about Vander Blue and other Marquette players and their perspective NBA draft status.  Givony is the owner and founder of DraftExpress.com.  The site has information on the top high school, college and international basketball players as well as the D-League.  Part of what draws fans to their site is the mock drafts they do for the NBA.  Though it is not an exact science, Givony and his team do their best to talk to agents, GMs, coaches and others to get a feel for where a player may be drafted.

Today we caught Givony on the phone in Portland where he is attending the Nike Hoops Summit and asked him some questions about Vander Blue and other Marquette related topics.


Q:  Were you surprised to hear Vander Blue declare for the 2013 NBA Draft yesterday?

A:   I was not totally surprised because I had numerous agents call me throughout the year and especially in the month of March asking my thoughts on where he might get drafted.  They were telling me he really wanted to enter the draft and essentially didn't want to take no for an answer as he was determined to find someone to tell him he was a first round pick.  Most of the people I spoke with believe he is probably a second round pick that could work his way up, but that he would be better off going back for his senior year because he is very young for his class...he is only 20 years old.  Blue would be a young senior at 21 if he had returned.


Q: Is it your opinion that he is probably a second rounder?

A:  Tough to say what every NBA team thinks. It's very possible 25 or 26 teams feel one way, but if one or two teams like him in the first round, they might take him.  Or maybe some say they will take him early in the second round.  He was very active early on getting information about the NBA so its possible that some discussions have been had that lead to an earlier pick based on those discussions.  But my general projection is that he is a second round pick right now that could work his way up.  Depends how he does in workouts, interviews.   (EDITOR NOTE: as of today, DraftExpress has him going 26th in the second round, or the 56th overall player out of 60)


Q: What are his weaknesses or strengths?  Is size a hindrance?

A: I don't think he has bad size for a shooting guard, he doesn't have great size but he's not too small for that position. He needs to improve his shooting.  He's not a guy that can't shoot, he's made some 3's, but his shot selection isn't great, which he will have to work on.  I don't think it's out of the question that he develops and improves his shooting.  Wes Matthews, wasn't a great shooter at Marquette, but he developed into a good shooter in the NBA and is paid a lot of money as a result.  You can't rule out that Blue won't improve in this area like Matthews, but it depends on his work ethic.


Q: When you put your mock draft together, do you only focus on players that are for sure coming out or do you speculate also on those you think might come out?  Vander Blue wasn't listed in your mock draft for 2013, but is listed in 2014 as a first rounder for example.

A: We try to project who we think is going to come out based on what we are hearing.  Also some educated speculation, for example, we had Phil Pressey in our draft all year long because he is older and we expected him to go to the draft.  We also had Marcus Smart in our mock draft for 2013, but were surprised last night when he decided to go back to school so he is no longer on the board this year.  Its not an exact science. I thought Vander Blue was going to go back to school from what we heard, but then he changed his mind and decided to enter so now he is in our mock draft.


Q:  Your perception of the draft this year?  Is it weak and driving people to enter early?

A:  You need to separate different parts of the draft.  If you are the Bobcats, Cavaliers, or Magic, for them it might be a weak draft because for them they probably won't get the return on their very high picks they would hope for.  There aren't many sure fire superstars at the top.  However, as you move
down the board there are a lot of good players, good depth.  Teams in the mid first round or later, they are excited about this draft.  They know there will a number of interesting prospects to choose from.  There's a ton of big men, which you usually don't see, some good wing players, some depth at some positions.  I think this is a pretty normal draft to be honest with you, but it depends really from where you are drafting.


Q: One final question, what are your thoughts of Davante Gardner and Jamil Wilson of Marquette and their NBA draft prospects?

A: Both of them have very interesting attributes that will be interesting for the NBA.  Wilson has great size and length for a 3, some decent versatility.  Needs to be more consistent as he can fade in some games and you wonder if he needs a bit more toughness.  I think he is someone that has a chance to help himself with a strong senior year.  Gardner, if he has a really good off-season and loses some more weight, he can be a very interesting prospect.  He is so productive, even with limited minutes.  Great hands, great touch, great feet and he's pretty skilled player offensively and rebounds, too.  If he has a good off-season and into play next year, he can creep up into some discussions.  He led the Big East in PER (Player Efficiency Rating), which is pretty impressive.

Looking at the Transfer List

Last year Marquette added Trent Lockett, who proved to be the Leatherman of basketball, chipping in a little bit in every aspect of the game. Lockett was a big addition, especially after losing do-it-all Jae Crowder to the NBA. With Jake Thomas, Jamal Ferguson, Juan Anderson, and Vander Blue all leaving Marquette, Buzz Williams finds himself with two open scholarships rather than the expected one-too-many. It seems Marquette may need a guy who is immediately eligible as all three guys leaving projected to play the 2/3 positions at MU. Here are the 5 most intriguing immediately eligible players:

1) Antonio Barton: When looking at Memphis transfers that can play next year, Barton won't be the first name most Marquette fans think of. But in terms of need, Barton fits more of a hole than #3 on this list. He is an excellent shooter from range and would fill an immediate need of providing minutes at the 1-2 positions. Also the brother of former Marquette target and current NBA player Will Barton.
2) Josh Davis: Davis is a beastly power forward that averaged a double-double at Tulane last year. While Marquette has a lot of talent in the front court Davis would allow Jamil and Taylor to play down a position. He has also shown some ability to shoot the three and has the frame to play on the wing. He would allow for some very big lineups at the BC.
3) Tarik Black: Like Davis, former Marquette recruit Black would allow guys to play down a position, but unlike Davis it's highly unlikely Black would be able to rotate out to the wing. Black would be a solid pickup, but would create more of a logjam at the 4/5 positions where MU already has Otule, Gardner, and McKay.
4) Jerron Granberry: He missed his senior season and elected to transfer instead of staying at UNF. The question would be can he contribute at the high-major level? Granberry is an efficient scorer, shoots the three well, rebounds, and makes his free throws. He might be worth a look.
5) Sheldon McClellan: Okay, I lied...McClellan isn't immediately available, but he is the most legitimate star available. The 6'4" Texas native can put up a lot of points, draws fouls, is reliable at the line, and can hit the three though isn't great from distance. Sound like someone we know? He would be well worth having on scholarship for 3 years in order to have a proven high-major player for two years after the 2013-14 season is done.

Roster transition all the Buzz

Are we done yet, or more to come?  It's that time of year and roster movements are in full swing across the country and Marquette is no exception.

Last night Vander Blue decided to forego his senior season at Marquette and enter the NBA Draft.  A risky move, but with a weak 2013 draft and a dream to pursue he felt the timing was now.

Few draft experts have Vander on their mock drafts for 2013, but many have him solidly selected in 2014.

Jeff Goodman of CBS sportsline calls the move a "head scratcher" 

Other reactions can be found linked below

NBC: Blue to declare

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:  Michael Hunt reaction

SB Nation thinks he is a late first rounder



Juan Anderson announced yesterday he would transfer to a school closer to home, presumably in California or somewhere in the Pacific time zone.

Jake Thomas recently announced his intentions to transfer for his senior year after walking on at Marquette but playing with a scholarship the last two years.

Jamal Ferguson also announced he will transfer from Buzz Williams squad when school concludes in May.


It's that time of year.  Marquette was projected to be a top 15 team next year before Anderson and Blue made their announcements.  One would guess this will drop Marquette a bit, but Buzz Williams has done great things under many different circumstances.

Not the storybook ending, but it was a hell of a story

Well, it ended with a bit of a splat, but it was a fun ride for Marquette basketball fans. In this episode of Scrambled Eggs, we discuss the Syracuse game, and why it was disappointing but not catastrophic. We also touch on coaching vs execution. We then frame that bad loss in the balance of a really unexpected Marquette season with a lot of positive take-aways, not to mention a very bright future. We also keep the giggling to a minimum as we discuss a very good article from Michael Hunt at MJS about why in the world would Buzz leave anyway. The article is a good way to kick off the "Buzz to" season and familiarize any new fans to the Marquette band wagon. Lastly, we discuss the future of the podcast, what the off season holds for Scrambled Eggs and a call to our listens to give us ideas and feedback. All in all, it's a pretty good effort.

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Marquette and the Regional Finals over the years - Trip down memory lane

In Marquette's storied basketball history it has been to a number of Regional Finals with a chance to play for a Final Four.  This will be the Warriors 7th Regional Final with a record of 3-3 in the previous six.

Thought I would do a little press digging into memory lane to share some of stories about MU in those games past.

Go Warriors.


1955 Regional Final:  Marquette vs Iowa

Milwaukee Journal:  Gallant Warriors silent in defeat



1968 Regional Final:  Marquette vs Purdue

Owosso Argus Press Pre Game Story

Toledo Blade:  Marquette gets revenge on Rupp.  Purdue next

Toledo Blade: Purdue's King Dreams of Title

Schenectady Gazette:  Marquette seen tough for Purdue

The News and Courier:  Rick Mount paces Purdue to victory



1974 Regional Final:  Marquette vs Michigan

Rochester Sentinel:  McGuire thinks officials blowing whistles too early

Herald Journal:  Michigan --Warriors tangle in Mideast

Gadsden Times:  Marquette, Michigan in Mideast Finals

Herald Journal:  Marquette edges Michigan

Times Daily:  Marquette sneaks past Michigan



1976 Regional Final:  Marquette vs Indiana

Bryan Times:  Marquette, Indiana gain wins

Pittsburgh Press:  Indiana, Marquette reach showdown

Lodi News Sentinel - Top Ranked Indiana to be Challenged by Marquette

Lawrence Journal World:  NCAA Pairings second guessed

Eugene Register:  The Top 2 in NCAA meet today

Toledo Blade:  Knight, McGuire a study in contrast

Milwaukee Sentinel:  Walton ailing for the big one



1977 Regional Final:  Marquette vs Wake Forest


News and Courier:  Toone keys Marquette

Daytona Beach Morning Journal:  Not the same without UCLA

Michigan Daily:  Marquette preys upon Deacons

Schenectady Gazette:  Midwest Title to Marquette; Toone Excels

St. Petersburg Times:  Marquette, Vegas vs. the Carolinas

Telegraph Herald:  Sub Centers 3 point play gives Marquette win



2003 Regional Final:  Marquette vs Kentucky

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:  Kentucky game brings back memories

GoMarquette.com;  Marquette success conjures up memories

Herald Journal:  Marquette's run feels like McGuire

USA Today:  Wade, Marquette leave Kentucky in their wake

SI.com:  Marquette's Jackson makes name for himself

SI.com:  Wade too much

Chicago Tribune:  Marquette - Kentucky was more than a game

NY Times:  Wade and Marquette are picture of success

Cincinnati Enquirer:  Eagles abruptly end UK hopes of national title

Enter your superlative here Marquette

Holy week of basketball, MU! Raise your hand if you saw that result coming for Marquette against Miami. Yeah I didn't think so, and neither did the national media (No I'm not bitter). With another big Marquette win the podcast symbol went up so we got together to talk being Elite. We talk the Miami game, and why it was Buzz's best coaching effort to date. We also address the national media's obsession with Marquette as a "all grit, no talent" narrative. Also, if you are disappointed that Indiana lost and MU doesn't get to face the tanned one, we are too, especially Phil. Lastly, we preview the Syracuse rematch, make wild speculation of adjustments Buzz might make, and how we think the game will play out. Enjoy!

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