Recruiting as of 2/15/25

[BCHoopster]

I was actually wondering something about the sport back when you played. How often did you need to replace the peach baskets?

Played on glass backboards, shocking

[Newsdreams]

Good shooter as well!

But more important, could you dunk?

[Tha Hound]

He's playing against a higher level than most high school kids do, but it's still a massive jump in size, athleticism, and skill level going from even high level high school basketball to high major D1 basketball.  I think he'll be good.  I think the freshman will contribute.  But the safest thing is to expect little from freshman and trust development for them in their time at Marquette and to be real contributors as upper classmen.

Its not my first rodeo. I think Nigel will be different.

[The Sultan]

I think James' minutes will be highly dependent, not only on how he adapts to high level college ball, but on how Sean Jones does.

[tower912]

Yes.  It is unlikely Shaka will play two <6' guards at the same time, other than in specific, full out full court pressure mode.

[BCHoopster]

But more important, could you dunk?

I am 5'6" tall, more like Spud Webb then Tyrone Bogues, could touch the rim at least!

[We R Final Four]

I am 5'6" tall, more like Spud Webb then Tyrone Bogues, could touch the rim at least!

Ahh.....this checks out.

[GoldenEagles03]

Yes.  It is unlikely Shaka will play two <6' guards at the same time, other than in specific, full out full court pressure mode.

I would have to do some real digging to find it, but I am 100% certain that Shaka was asked about both individually and he said that he cannot wait to play them both on the floor together.

Maybe thats just coach-speak but he absolutely said it and seemed excited when he did.

[MU82]

Its not my first rodeo. I think Nigel will be different.

I am no expert on the kid - just seen some clips and done some reading. And I'm not one to hype incoming freshmen.

But based on the little I've seen/heard, and based on our team's needs, I also think James could get more PT right from the start of the season than the typical Shaka MU freshman.

Regardless, I'm confident that Shaka will dole out minutes appropriately, and I'm excited to see how good Nigel will become.

[MuMark]

I would have to do some real digging to find it, but I am 100% certain that Shaka was asked about both individually and he said that he cannot wait to play them both on the floor together.

Maybe thats just coach-speak but he absolutely said it and seemed excited when he did.

He did say that but seemed to suggest in limited situations.......not for huge chunks of time.......at least that was my take.

My guess is he wants to experiment with it to see how it goes.

[tower912]

He will have many tools at his disposal.  And even though James and Jones are more athletic and defense oriented than Howard and Rowsey, if MU switches everything and/or the opponents do a heavy dose of high screen and roll, the same physics issues apply.  Two small guys down low.

[Big Papi]

Who are the four?

Sean will start. Tre will be the backup.

I believe Chase and Owens will get some small run in there as well.

Nigel will get what's leftover.

Big jump from high school to college. 

[Newsdreams]

Sean will start. Tre will be the backup.

I believe Chase and Owens will get some small run in there as well.

Nigel will get what's leftover.

Big jump from high school to college. 

Chase is already getting limited use as PG

[Shooter McGavin]

Sean will start. Tre will be the backup.

I believe Chase and Owens will get some small run in there as well.

Nigel will get what's leftover.

Big jump from high school to college. 

I think this is probably right.  However, based on the videos, even the extended ones of games, he looks like he can handle the ball better than anyone on this team sans SJ. 

 I reiterate that you are probably right and lean your way on this but I am staying open minded.  Every once in a while we are going to hit on a freshman that blows us away. 

[PJDunn]

We are waaaay overdue for a freshman that blows us away. Take us home Nigel.

[tower912]

Joey, Justin, Garcia.

[PJDunn]

Ancient history. Take us home Nigel!!

[tower912]

This feels like the same hype that surrounded Sean.   Keys on day 1, TKo off the ball or to the bench.  Now some think Nigel can supplant Sean and Tre. 

[MuMark]

Shaka said tonight that if Sean wouldn't have gotten hurt the plan was for him to start this season at point guard.

Don't think that's surprising but in case there were any doubts.

[We R Final Four]

I think this is probably right.  However, based on the videos, even the extended ones of games, he looks like he can handle the ball better than anyone on this team sans SJ. 

 I reiterate that you are probably right and lean your way on this but I am staying open minded.  Every once in a while we are going to hit on a freshman that blows us away. 

It depends on can Nigel play defense the way Shaka wants. If he can learn quickly, he will play. If not, he will spot play and learn as he goes.
If he can, I would say Sean, Tre, Nigel. Just look at Tre for someone who learned the way Shaka wants to play D....it gets him on the floor. Cuz we know it isn't for his shooting.

[Shooter McGavin]

Believe me I think you guys are right. Shaka leans towards the vets. I'm just keeping an open mind on this one. As my former posts will show I'm a big Sean Jones fan so I definitely think he starts and plays well.  But James looks interesting to me. As said above, D is the key no matter how good he handles the ball his first year.  I could be way off base but fun to speculate.

[MUfan12]

Shaka said tonight that if Sean wouldn't have gotten hurt the plan was for him to start this season at point guard.

Don't think that's surprising but in case there were any doubts.

I actually think that is a bit surprising, because I don't know who sits in that scenario. I don't think it would be Stevie or Chase, and one of Jop or Ben makes that a small lineup.

[Frenns Liquor Depot]

I actually think that is a bit surprising, because I don't know who sits in that scenario. I don't think it would be Stevie or Chase, and one of Jop or Ben makes that a small lineup.

It's coach-speak. Sean was never going to play a full season so it won't upset any existing players even if it wouldn't have happened. 

[SaveOD238]

We are waaaay overdue for a freshman that blows us away. Take us home Nigel.

Isn't Michael Phillips the guy that has the highest ceiling? Why aren't we talking about him?

[MuMark]

It's coach-speak. Sean was never going to play a full season so it won't upset any existing players even if it wouldn't have happened. 

He was talking about before the injury last season........