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Thursday, November 13, 2014
ALL DAY.
2 Tribune
The Golden Eagle
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Men’s squad shooting for postseason berth
Photo by Valeria Cardenas/valeria.cardenas@marquette.edu
The Marquette Golden Eagles will have a big man by committee approach to its center position, as sophomore Luke Fischer (far right) will be ineligible until the team faces Arizona St.
Golden Eagles using transitional year to improve young talent
By Matt Barbato
matthew.barbato@marquette.edu
The 2014-15 Marquette Golden Eagles are a tricky team to project. Former coach Buzz Williams, acclaimed seniors Chris Otule, Davante Gardner and Jamil Wilson and wouldbe senior guard Todd Mayo are all out. In are rookie head coach Steve Wojciechowski, senior Brigham Young transfer Matt Carlino and sophomore Indiana transfer Luke Fischer (after the first semester). It will be a transitional season for Marquette, but one that should not be viewed just as the year before Henry Ellenson’s arrival. The Golden Eagles will be better than expected this season and it certainly cannot get any worse than it did last season. The team could not live up to lofty expectations and failed to make any postseason tournament after a dismal 17-15 season, which prompted the departures of Williams and then Mayo. Many believe Mayo’s absence will be a big loss for Marquette and that is true in the shortterm. But, looking down the road, Mayo fleeing for possibly not-so-greener pastures could be one of the best things to happen to the program. Yes, Mayo would have been Marquette’s top returning scorer.
Yes, he was fabulous down the stretch, but that was packaged with frustrating inconsistency. Keep in mind, Mayo primarily came off the bench and had a tendency to be in hot water for misbehavior off the court. Most importantly, Mayo’s absence frees up a lot of minutes for some of Marquette’s exciting young guards to take advantage of. Carlino should provide leadership and more consistent production, whether it be at the point or off the ball. Redshirt freshman Duane Wilson, who missed last season with a leg injury, could have a great chance to blossom either as a starter or off the bench as the sixth man. Sophomores Jajuan Johnson and John Dawson showed potential in limited action last season and could provide nice depth off the bench. There will be growing pains. With youth and potential come turnovers and poor shooting performances, but if the youngsters can work out the kinks in the early going, the Golden Eagles’ backcourt could get into a nice groove. Steady guard play will be especially vital this season. Marquette is not just undersized; it also has a limited frontcourt. Throw in Fischer, who is not eligible to play until the Dec. 18 game against Arizona State, and Marquette will play with five “big men.” Fischer is 6-foot11, but the next tallest player is Steve Taylor Jr., who is 6-foot-7, while Juan Anderson and Sandy Cohen are only 6-foot-6. Deonte Burton is 6-foot-4 and is listed as a guard and a forward.
Wojciechowski preaches a collective attitude and the motif around the team is they will provide more mismatches for opponents than opponents will cause for them, but how that belief is actually executed will be crucial. The road to a successful season is a challenging one. After its home opener against Tennessee-Martin, Marquette concludes its home-and-home series with Ohio State in Columbus, Ohio, against the Buckeyes, who are ranked 20th in the USA Today preseason poll. After two home games against Nebraska-Omaha and New Jersey Institute of Technology, the Golden Eagles face another big test Thanksgiving weekend in the Orlando Classic. Marquette tips off in Orlando against Georgia Tech, with potential matchups looming against Michigan State, Kansas or Tennessee. It does not get any easier for Marquette once they return to Milwaukee, as the team squares off against in-state rival Wisconsin-Madison, who returns most of its key players from last season’s Final Four squad. 10 days later, Marquette hosts Arizona State for the second game of a home-and-home series with the Sun Devils. After a few softer home match-ups, the Golden Eagles kick off Big East play on New Year’s Eve on the road against DePaul. The conference slate will provide a variety of challenges for Marquette. Favorite Villanova returns four starters from last year’s unit. Georgetown could
be reloaded and has the Big East Preseason Player of the Year in D’vauntes Smith-Rivera. St. John’s possesses arguably the most talented roster from top to bottom and has a few players who could play professionaly. Xavier has arguably the conference’s best big man in center Matt Stainbrook. Defending conference tournament champion Providence won’t have Bryce Cotton and has seven incoming freshmen, but should be carried by forward LaDontae Henton. Seton Hall could be the biggest sleeper in the conference led by Sterling Gibbs and head coach Kevin Willard’s top-15 recruiting class, which is led by fivestar prospect Isaiah Whitehead from nearby Brooklyn. Butler should be better, but could be without head coach Brandon Miller, who took a medical leave of absence. Creighton will be learning what life without Doug McDermott is like. DePaul is still DePaul, but the Blue Demons nearly beat Marquette twice last season. The Big East should be improved this season. Most of Marquette’s foes, with the exception of Creighton, Providence and DePaul, should be significantly better or similarly successful. How the Golden Eagles can match-up against talented big men in Stainbrook, Henton, Villanova’s JayVaughn Pinkston and St. John’s Chris Obekpa, among others, will be crucial to their success during conference play. The league is too competitive to circle any specific games
on the calendar, but the most important slate of the schedule begins at the end of January and ends in early February. The Golden Eagles begin the stretch with a road contest against St. John’s then play three straight home games against Georgetown, Seton Hall and Butler, before concluding the pivotal five-game stretch on the road against Villanova. A positive record during this middle portion of the season could catapult Marquette into a momentous finish to conference play. A poor showing could derail the season if the team struggles mightily. Marquette is projected by most pundits between fifth and seventh place in the Big East, but there is more upside with this club than the experts think. Carlino’s presence will prove to be vastly important, while talented underclassmen Duane Wilson, Deonte Burton and Fischer take the next step toward being great college basketball players. However, Taylor must hold down the fort in the paint until mid-December against some talented non-conference opponents. Another injury to him and Marquette could be in a perilous situation. It can only go up for the Golden Eagles. A return to the NCAA Tournament could be a stretch under a first-year coach, but it would not be stunning to see Marquette back in the upper half of the conference and in the mix for a tournament spot.
The Golden Eagle
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Tribune 3
Wojciechowski brings energy, values to MU First-year coach employes fast-paced offense and stout D By Jacob Born
jacob.born@marquette.edu
Coach Steve Wojciechowski came to Marquette at a very turbulent time. He was hired just a week after Marquette hired Michael Lovell as its new president, and there was no athletic director. “Shaka Watch” was still fresh in everyone’s mind and no one knew where the program was going to go. Then, out of nowhere, came Wojciechowski. Wojciechowski is now on the cusp of his first season as a head coach. He spent 15 years under Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski before coming to Milwaukee, and brought what he learned at Duke to Marquette. Wojciechowski said he is ready for his first season as a head coach. “I’m appreciative to have the opportunity to be a head coach at a great program like Marquette,” Wojciechowski said. “I realize I’m in a special place.” Marquette did not see any student-athletes transfer out of the program, but did lose a majority of its minutes and scoring from
graduated seniors. Coming into a program and having to teach an entirely new system is tough, but Wojciechowski knows it will not happen overnight; it is a process. “We’re going to be very process-orientated with this team,” Wojciechowski said. “Our primary focus has to be getting better every day, and growing as a team and figuring out how you make the people around you better. If we’re able to do that on a day-to-day basis throughout the season, the by-product of that, in my opinion, can be something that’s up to the standards of Marquette.” Despite experiencing a decent amount of turnover, it has been a smooth transition for Wojciechowski. The entire coaching staff has gotten the players to completely buy into what Wojciechowski is trying to do. He said he wants good players, but even better leaders. “For us to be really good, we need all of our guys to be leaders and really good teammates,” Wojciechowski said. “That’s what it’s going to take.” Wojciechowski brings an up-tempo style of play to Marquette, or as sophomore Deonte Burton calls it, a stand-up, aggressive defense. Redshirt freshman Duane Wilson said Wojciechowski and his staff bring a “crazy energy” that is infectious. And everyone on the team knows that Marquette is doing something special. “For me, the main focus is … trying to help our guys and put
our program in the best position on every day to have a chance to win,” Wojciechowski said. One of the benefits of Wojciechowski’s coaching style is how fluid it is. Players can move around the court and not be limited to one position. Wojciechowski said he is not worried about the positionPhoto by Xidan Zhang/xidan.zhang@marquette.edu ing of his roster because he Coach Steve Wojciechowski has had all of his players buying into his system at Marquette. knows he has capable athletes. old, and they’re going to be around relationship with them.” “In our system, I don’t get too my team and my group a lot,” Wojciechowski came to Marcaught up in the numbering sys- Wojciechowski said. “I want to quette at a turbulent time, when tem,” Wojciechowski said. “I want know when Jack and Charlie are the type of coach would either basketball players. I want guys who around them, they’re going to be bring the team back to the top of can play multiple positions. I want around good people.” the Big East, or continue to fall to guys who can do multiple things.” On the court, Wojciechows- the bottom of the conference. WoNot just any player can fit into ki teaches his players not just jcechowski and his staff is commitWojciechowski’s coaching style, how to be good players, but to ted to winning immediately, and both on and off the court. Wo- take what they learn on the court there’s no reason to believe it won’t jciechowski does not recruit any out of the gym and into the real happen this season. kind of player; he looks for three world. Wojciechowski repeatedly “This is a school that when I specific qualities: character, talent, calls Marquette “a special place,” came here, I’d admired from a and a wish to take advantage of and he makes sure his players distance for a long time,” Woevery opportunity Marquette has remember it as well. jciechowski said. “It’s a great to offer. His team on the court, and “I really like the guys we have in school and a great community. whom he will bring in next year, our program,” Wojciechowski said. The support around this school and exemplifies those three qualities. “I like them as people, I’ve enjoyed community is big time.” “I have a six- and a four-year- being around them and building a
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The Golden Eagle
4 Tribune
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Deep backcourt takes pressure off frontcourt Guards must play two-way ball to be successful on the floor By Matt Barbato
matthew.barbato@marquette.edu
An old adage of college basketball is guard play makes or breaks a team’s season. For Marquette, guard play was the Achilles’ heel last season, as the team could not get consistent p r o duction from anyone in the backcourt. The days of Darius Johnson-Odom, Junior Cadougan or even Vander Blue running the floor are long gone. Last year’s backcourt consisted mostly of Derrick Wilson, Jake Thomas and Todd Mayo. The latter two are no longer on
the roster. Thomas graduated and Mayo left the school to pursue a professional career, and Wilson was arguably the most scrutinized player on the roster last season. Coach Steve Wojciechowski made a big addition in the offseason by landing senior Brigham Young transfer Matt Carlino, who has the inside track at starting this season. In his final season at BYU, Carlino averaged 13.7 points, 3.4 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. Marquette will need Carlino to take a big role in replacing Mayo’s erratic production. “I anticipate it (Carlino’s presence) being very impactful,” Wojciechowski said. “I think Matt’s a really good player. He gives us the ability to play him at the point and he’s comfortable playing off the ball. If there’s one guy in our program who is a proven scorer at the college level, he is it. He can score with the ball in his hands and he can score off the ball.” Those various types of scoring will be something Marquette desperately needs from Carlino. He said the best way to prepare for this featured role is to play the game as he always plays it. “(I) just (need to) be a play-maker and just be there for the younger guys on the team,” Carlino said. “Just be experienced. Play my game and
do what coach asks me.” Experience and scoring are two traits Carlino possesses and the rest of the backcourt lacks. Wilson has plenty of experience – he logged an average of 30 minutes per game last year – but averaged an anemic five points. The rest of the backcourt is loaded with scoring ability, but is raw and inexperienced. Wojciechowski acknowledged his backcourt’s youth, but expressed optimism about their potential. “I think we have a number of guys who are unproven at the college basketball level,” Wojciechowski said. “But I’m feeling we’ll have a number of guys who do prove themselves.” The most upside comes from redshirt freshman Duane Wilson, who missed his freshman campaign with a leg injury. A consensus top-100 recruit from the class of 2013, Duane Wilson could be relied upon heavily to provide a scoring punch alongside Carlino at both guard spots. He said having to know two positions in his first full season will not be a terribly difficult task to grasp. “It’s not too tough, but it’s kind of fun playing more than one position because it’s more minutes opened up for you and you’re being more versatile and can play any position,” Duane Wilson said. “I really like playing the one and the two,
I really don’t have a favorite. I just want to do whatever it takes to win.” Wojciechowski was complimentary of Duane Wilson and said he is impressed by the many ways he can put the ball in the basket in the early stages of the season. “I think Duane’s going to be a terrific player at Marquette,” Wojciechowski said. “I think he’s a guy who is capable of running a team. A lot of his best moments thus far have come with his ability to drive and score the ball. He has a knack for scoring. I think he’s at times going to be at the point guard position and at times he’s going to be off the ball. I’m excited for him.” The Golden Eagles will also need contributions from sophomores Jajuan Johnson and John Dawson, who played sparingly in their freshman seasons. Johnson is a talented player, but never earned the trust of former coach Buzz Williams. He played about 13 minutes per game, but did shoot more than 44 percent in his limited playing time. Dawson got an unexpected spike in minutes relieving Derrick Wilson at point guard after Duane Wilson went down with the injury. Dawson showed flashes as a shooter in his time on the floor, but was not a great facilitator. This season,
Dawson said he could see more time playing off the ball, which he said is perfectly fine. “With the personnel we have this year I see myself playing more at the wing than at point,” Dawson said. “I probably can shoot it better than I can pass, so I would say I’m better at the two, but I’ll play any position I can to get on the floor.” One message Wojciechowski had at media day was to not expect his guards to play only one position on the floor. “With our personnel, we have to have guys ready to play multiple positions,” Wojciechowski said. “It’s not like we have a depth chart. We have some guys, because of the limitations of our roster, who have to be prepared to play multiple positions.” Marquette may not have a depth chart, but it will need plenty of depth in the backcourt to overcome a lack of depth down low. The team could get plenty of scoring production from Carlino and Duane Wilson in extended minutes, with Wilson playing more as a defensive specialist. If Johnson and Dawson develop nicely, the Golden Eagles could have one of the deeper backcourts in the Big East and are on track to defy their lowly expectations.
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6 Tribune
The Golden Eagle
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Golden Eagles embracing a younger squad
MU doesn’t view youth, inexperience as a disadvantage By Jacob Born
jacob.born@marquette.edu
Normally a squad of upperclassmen with lots of experience, the Marquette men’s basketball team enters the season with a lot of new, young faces. Paired with a relatively inexperience coaching staff, the Golden Eagles will have a lot to prove this season, and the squad is up to the task. On the court, the Golden Eagles have seven underclassmen on the roster. Sandy Cohen III, the lone recruit of former coach Buzz Williams to stay at Marquette, enters the season as the team’s only true freshman. Duane Wilson redshirted last season after suffering a foot injury, which means 2014 will essentially be his freshman season. Then there are sophomores John Dawson, Deonte Burton and Jajuan Johnson, all of whom saw some playing time last season. The team may be youthful in age, but not experience. Burton said the age of the players does not mean much on the court. “I feel being young doesn’t necessarily mean anything,” Burton said. “It’s how mature you are as a player. I feel like we have a mature team and will be just fine having younger players.” The challenge will be for these young players to step up and take
over a significant amount of time and minutes. The loss of graduated seniors Davante Gardner, Jamil Wilson, Jake Thomas and Chris Otule, along with Todd Mayo foregoing his senior season to play professional basketball, leaves Marquette without 71 percent of its scoring and 61 percent of its minutes from a year ago. In order for the team to succeed, the underclassmen, namely the sophomores, will have to collectively replenish those lost minutes and scoring. Johnson and Burton will be the two who must step up significantly. Burton is the team’s leading returning scorer, but averaged just 6.9 points per game last season. Johnson averaged 4.3 points per game and saw more average playing time than Burton did, but in 11 fewer contests. This season, the two will be primarily coming off the bench to provide scoring, and could see some time in the starting lineup. Burton and Johnson’s experience should help them make the transition into becoming impactful players. Wojciechowski said in college basketball, experience leads to better basketball, which is an advantage for guys like Johnson and Burton. “The more experience you have the better,” Wojciechowski said. “The experience they got last year, I think, will hopefully help them this year.” Wilson and Cohen III have the most to prove, as neither played under Williams. Not playing under Williams’ system helps the two
Photo by Valeria Cardenas/valeria.cardenas@marquette.edu
Graduate student Matt Carlino (middle) will provide mentorship for the younger players like Duane Wilson (left.)
acclimate to Wojciechowski’s playing style even quicker. At the same time, the lack of playing experience could be a significant disadvantage. Johnson said Cohen III has played well in practice and does not show the signs of a first-year player. “We’ve only got one freshman, and he’s not playing like a freshman right now,” Johnson said. “We’re going to be ready to go.” The Golden Eagles view their majority of underclassmen positively. The underclassmen don’t know how to play badly and they don’t
know they’re supposed to lose. But most importantly, the younger players buy into the system because they haven’t been taught how to play any other way. Duane Wilson said the style Wojciechowski brings to the program excites his teammates. “The energy around here is crazy,” Duane Wilson said. “I feel like we’re going to have a very good team. As a team, we’ve got a chip on our shoulder.” Marquette is a young team, but the youth ignites the team.
Wojciechowski brings an intense style of play and having young guys with lots of energy and a willingness to learn helps the system work. Duane Wilson said while the team may not have the most experience, it is still expecting to win. “We don’t have too much experience this year,” Duane Wilson said. “Most of the young guys haven’t played in the NCAA Tournament. We’re going to be good, but this year is going to be more of a learning, more of a building season.”
Transfers help bridge gap for men’s basketball Carlino, Fischer fill roles Golden Eagles desperately needed By Jack Goods
jack.goods@marquette.edu
Coach Steve Wojciechowski had some roster spots to fill when he arrived on campus, but he made it clear he would not pick up players just to fill those voids. The players would need to fit a certain mold, and fit into the overall plan he’s putting into place at Marquette. Wojciechowski added three to the roster this offseason; senior point guard Matt Carlino, junior guard Wally Ellenson, and sophomore Gabe Levin (who has since transferred to Long Beach State). He also received a gift from former coach Buzz Williams before his departure, as sophomore and former Indiana center Luke Fischer will make his Marquette debut in December. Carlino, one of the oldest players on this year’s roster, has been called the team’s most proven scorer by Wojciechowski. He had his best scoring season last year at Brigham Young, averaging 13.7 points a game. Likely Marquette’s starting point guard this season, the coaching staff expects immediate production. Despite being a new face on the roster, Carlino is already taking on a leadership role. “Being one of the older guys, that just comes with the territory,”
Carlino said. “Guys come to you because you have the experience.” Wojciechowski said he told Carlino scoring will be his major role on this squad. “I anticipate (him) being very impactful,” Wojciechowski said. “He can score with the ball in his hands, and he can score off the ball.” Carlino said he understands the offensive expectations that are being placed on him. “That’s why I came here, that’s why (Wojciechowski) brought me here,” Carlino said. “I’m excited for the challenge.” Carlino is no novice when it comes to changing programs. He started his freshman year at California-Los Angeles, but suffered a concussion early in the season and faced heavy ridicule from teammate Reeves Nelson, according to a Sports Illustrated report. Carlino left UCLA for BYU, a program that he felt fit him much better. He said he doesn’t want to think about the past, instead focusing on the things he likes about the Marquette program. Although he will only be on the team for one season, Carlino is excited for the future of Marquette basketball. “I’m a part of this program now,” Carlino said. “I want to stay connected to this program for the rest of my life.” Wally Ellenson has been overlooked by many and is simply looked at as a step toward earning a commitment from his brother Henry. However, Ellenson began turning heads at Marquette Madness, dazzling the audience with a
sensational dunk and one of the best performances in the inter-squad scrimmage. He’s beginning to prove himself as one of the most athletic members of this year’s roster. Ellenson transferred to Marquette from Minnesota this summer after two seasons with the Golden Gophers. He averaged two points per game last season. “I’m so happy I made this move,” Ellenson said. “I’m really loving it here. I’ve made great friendships. (Wojciechowski), he’s an outstanding coach. You couldn’t ask for anything better.” Besides basketball, Ellenson is also well known for his track and field performance. A twotime All-American in the high jump, Ellenson finished second in the 2014 Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Wally knows he’s going to have to answer a lot questions about his brother during the coming months. He says he and Henry had talked about the possibility of playing together at Marquette for a while, and he’s very happy Henry chose to commit. Fischer joined Marquette midway through last season when he decided to transfer away from Indiana and closer to home. He has said on numerous occasions that he has no hard feelings for former Marquette and current Indiana coach Tom Crean, saying he was simply missing home. “It feels good to play for a school you grew up cheering for, playing in Milwaukee in a place that I’m familiar with,” Fischer said. “It’s
Photo by Valeria Cardenas/valeria.cardenas@marquette.edu
Point guard Matt Carlino is expected to play well both on and off the ball.
nice to be around people who have watched me my whole life.” When Wojciechowski was hired, he became Fischer’s third coach in two years. Fischer isn’t too worried about adjusting to another playing style. “It’s a fresh start,” Fischer said. “So far (Wojciechowski’s) system is really easy to pick up. It’s free flowing basketball.” The 2013 Wisconsin Mr. Basketball recipient, Fischer could develop into the best player on the current roster. He was ranked 34th in the country by ESPN in last year’s recruiting class, the fourth highest ranked center. Fischer, standing at 6-foot-11 and 240 lbs., is the only pure big man on the roster this season. He’ll likely have to take on a hefty amount of minutes, but doesn’t think the added pressure will hurt his play.
“There’s going to be pressure on all of us when we get out there,” Fischer said. “Once that first game comes around and I step onto the court for the first time that’s all going to go away.” While Fischer sits out, senior Juan Anderson and junior Steve Taylor will likely split center duties. Wojciechowski was particular in the additions he made, looking for quality, not quantity. Marquette only has 11 players on the roster, two under the limit. Having fewer players may hurt the team this year, but it gave Wojciechowski flexibility in recruiting. With those open positions, he has assembled one of the strongest classes in recent Marquette history. So far it seems Wojciechowski’s plan is coming together well.
Tribune 7
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Men’s post players must overcome small lineup Lack of height could be problematic for the Golden Eagles By Matt Barbato
matthew.barbato@marquette.edu
You don’t need to tell Marquette it is a small team. Every player knows the roster is extremely undersized and aware sophomore center Luke Fischer will not be eligible to play until the team’s matchup against Arizona State Dec. 18. The Golden Eagles know even with Fischer active, they will have only two players taller than 6-foot-7 (Steve Taylor is the other), for the entire season. Coach Steve Wojciechowski has not been dealt a great hand with the lack of post players on his inaugural roster, but he emphasized a collective mentality when addressing the big men he has to work with. “Obviously we’re an under-sized team and that can affect you in a number of different areas,” Wojciechowski said at his team’s media day. “Obviously with post defense, when you’re playing against other teams with great size at multiple positions that can prove to be challenging. I think on the backboard, rebounding, that’s going to be a real challenge for us.” “We’re going to have to do it collectively,” Wojciechowski continued. “We’re going to have
to figure out ways to guard outstanding post guys collectively. We’re going to have to figure out how to rebound as a team. It’s not going to fall on any one guy’s shoulders, it’s going to fall on all of our shoulders.” Taylor will likely be the guy manning the paint for the first month of the season. He said he was not overly concerned about having to change his style of play at center because he knows he will be a problem for opponents on the other end. “(Playing center changes my style) a little bit, but it works in my favor because the five’s got to guard me so I think it’s going to be a good change for me,” Taylor said. Entering his junior season, Taylor said one of the things he emphasized during offseason workouts was post defense, specifically learning how to play more with his feet and less with his hands. He also said he hopes to be tougher during the 2014-15 season. Fellow big man Fischer has noticed a difference in Taylor’s play during practices. He said he has worked diligently on learning how to play against taller opponents. “He feels like he’s a bigger guy now,” Fischer said. “He’s been working on finishing high with hook shots and stuff like that and exploding to the rim. He’ll be going up against seven-footers for the first couple games so he’s definitely learning to play
down low more than he has been before.” The glaring issue for Taylor is his health. The forward underwent surgery to remove a benign growth on his right knee in May 2013. Taylor played in only 23 games the following season and averaged 10 minutes per game as he was in and out of the lineup. The player who could hold the key to Marquette’s season is Fischer, who was named Mr. Basketball in Wisconsin during his senior season at Germantown High School. The big man originally committed to Indiana, but transferred to Marquette after missing most of last preseason with a shoulder injury and logging only a few minutes in his freshman season with the Hoosiers. Fischer said he is very excited to begin his new chapter as a Golden Eagle, and said he is using the time off to work on getting in better shape. Fischer said the one advantage of being ineligible to play (per NCAA transfer rules) is that he gets more work in the weight room than he would have if he was on the floor every night. “I think (I’ve worked on) definitely lifting and getting stronger,” Fischer said. “Because I can’t play in the first semester, I’ll be in the weight room more than the guys who are playing right away. Hopefully that will be an advantage when I get back.” One player who is expected to take a big step in 2014 is sophomore Deonte Burton. Listed at 6-foot-4, Burton would be defined
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by some basketball pundits as a “tweener,” meaning his size and skill set enables him to play both guard and forward. Burton’s primary role will likely be at the small or power forward positions, but he said he is comfortable playing any position, since he never had a defined role for most of his career. “I see myself playing everywhere and wherever the team needs me to play I will gladly play,” Burton said. “I’m comfortable (playing multiple positions) because I’ve never really had a position, I’ve always wandered.” The other two players who will see various roles in the rotation are senior Juan Anderson and freshman Sandy Cohen III, both listed as 6-foot-6. Anderson said he expects his team to cause plenty of match up problems for opponents. “Everybody sees we’re under-sized on the defensive end, but people have to guard us as well,” Anderson said. Playing strong defense down low starts up top with the guards. Wojciechowski said he hopes his guards are able to limit opponents’ points of entry into the block. “The other thing is some of our best post defense should be our ability to put pressure on the ball,” Wojciechowski said. “We have a number of guys in our program that can put outstanding pressure on the ball and be outstanding defenders. Hopefully they can disrupt the vision of the passers and the ball handlers
enough where they maybe don’t see the guys inside.” Anderson emphasized the importance of each member of the team being ready to assume different roles within the rotation. “We’re going to do what we have to do, whether I’m at the five or the four or the three,” Anderson said. “Wherever I can be productive is where coach is going to put me.” When asked a follow up about possibly playing center, Anderson simply nodded his head and replied, “Yeah.” It is not as far-fetched as it seems. Anderson is the second-tallest player on the roster until Fischer returns, and Taylor cannot play all 40 minutes. Do not be surprised to see a lineup in the early going that features the lanky senior as the center, as bizarre as it sounds. “It is really crazy, I don’t see (Anderson) as a big man, I see him more as a three,” sophomore guard John Dawson said. “But, everybody’s willing to play any position that we need to in order to succeed.” That is the type of year it will be for the Golden Eagles. Collectivity, versatility and continuity will be essential, especially on the block, if Marquette wants to get back to the NCAA Tournament. “The best part of basketball is you have to adjust to how your team is built,” Burton said. “I think we’re going to be really good because teams still have to hold us.”
Photo by Valeria Cardenas/valeria.cardenas@marquette.edu
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8 Tribune
The Golden Eagle
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Anderson, Wilson travel similar paths at MU Seniors look to return to postseason after tough junior year By Matt Barbato
matthew.barbato@marquette.edu
Seniors Juan Anderson and Derrick Wilson handled their media day approaches differently. Anderson sat stoically on a mat underneath the hoop in the Al McGuire Center. His dialogue was nonchalant, but his answers were thoughtful. Wilson stood on the sidelines near the bleachers, contemplating questions before he answered and correcting himself as he spoke. The two arrived on campus from not-so-nearby places just a few short years ago. Anderson, the 6-foot-6 forward, hails from just outside of Oakland, Calif.; Wilson, the six-foot guard, from Anchorage, Alaska. Both came to Milwaukee from unusual places, and their collegiate paths have been just as peculiar. Anderson was a four-star recruit, Wilson a three-star. Anderson drew more hype, but both played sparingly during their freshman seasons. Wilson averaged 8.8 minutes per game, Anderson just 4.5 minutes. They averaged almost identical minutes their sophomore season, but Wilson edged out Anderson with 457 total minutes played to 455. Both were starters last year, but struggled mightily. Wilson led the team with an average of 30.8 minutes per night. Anderson started most nights at small forward, but only played around 13.5 minutes a game. Wilson was seen as the scapegoat for Marquette’s poor backcourt production. He averaged five points and shot under 40 percent from the field. Anderson’s starting role was deemed laughable by some. Marquette missed the tournament and even the NIT, and Wilson and Anderson were labeled as recruiting busts. The pair enter their final season as captains playing under a new coach. Both are coming off difficult seasons during which they assumed larger roles. They’ve gone from deep runs in the NCAA Tournament in their first two sea-
Photo by Xidan Zhang/xidan.zhang@marquette.edu
Senior Juan Anderson nearly transfered back to California after his sophomore season, but chose to finish his collegiate career at MU.
sons to the sheer disappointment of not even playing postseason basketball. The head coach who recruited them fled to Virginia Tech and another member of their recruiting class, Todd Mayo, didn’t want to stick it out for his senior season at Marquette. The passage to their senior seasons have been different, but essentially the same. A year ago, Anderson stood in a similar spot at the Al fielding questions about nearly transferring back to his native California. He said his reason for almost leaving was to play basketball closer to home. Shortly after his announcement, he had a change of heart and decided to return to Marquette. “I had an extended opportunity to discuss everything with my family and after those conversations we believed, along with the coaching staff, that Marquette was the best place for me to continue my career,” Anderson said in May 2013. At this year’s media day, Anderson spoke about his tumultuous year.
“It’s been a whirlwind, it’s been up and down,” Anderson said. “Coming off an Elite Eight year then not making the (NCAA) tournament or NIT was very disappointing.” Wilson was highly criticized for his offensive struggles last season while playing such a high volume of minutes. Many were calling for Wilson to get minutes off the bench, or none at all. Wilson said he noticed the criticism. He read and heard plenty of poor reviews. Wilson said those criticisms are fueling him for his senior season. “You hear things,” Wilson said. “My parents talk to me about it, but it puts a chip on your shoulder. I think that really drove me to get as much shots up as I can (this offseason) and just try to better myself so I can make the team better.” The tribulations Anderson and Wilson went through made coach Steve Wojciechowski’s decision to name them captains a bit surprising. The first-year coach said he picked the duo as his captains because he knows they want to bounce back from a tough ju-
By Jacob Born
jacob.born@marquette.edu
Photo by Xidan Zhang/xidan.zhang@marquette.edu
Senior Derrick Wilson was highly scrutinized after averaging only five points per game last season.
nior season and end their careers in style. “Those guys have been a part of this program and have been good contributors and as seniors, they have a real sense of urgency to go out the right way,” Wojciechowski said. “I think they’ve provided great leadership thus far.” Anderson said his new captaincy alters how he leads, but not how he plays. “In terms of on the court, just being mature and bringing the energy everyday and keeping the team together and building camaraderie, yes (it will have an effect),” Anderson said. “In terms of getting 30 rebounds or 50 points, no. We have capable guys who can do that kind of stuff. My main concern is just winning basketball games.” Wilson said the biggest part of being a captain is bringing a daily effort and desire. “I got to be an every day guy,” Wilson said. “I got to show up every day, I got to play hard every day. I can’t take any plays off because now that you have that label other guys are looking at you. It’s a big responsibility, but I think Juan and myself can do it. Wojciechowski isn’t the only person who believes in his captains. Redshirt freshman Duane Wilson responded to critics of Wojciechowski’s decision and said his coach’s choice of captains was a great one. “A lot of people were kind of upset that Derrick and Juan were the captains, but I feel like those are our two leaders of the team and if they can bring it, everybody’s going to bring it,” Duane Wilson said. “We move as they move.” The big question for both captains is what their role will be on the floor. It’s odd for a team’s captains to log few minutes, but that may be the case for Wilson. The addition of Brigham Young transfer Matt Carlino and return of Duane Wilson from injury adds more clutter to Marquette’s backcourt. A reduction in minutes likely will not be the case for Anderson,
at least in the early going. Marquette is thin at the post position and Anderson could be used at all three frontcourt spots this season. The most common and obvious characteristic of Anderson and Wilson is both have struggled to provide much offense in their first three years. How they produce offensively could dictate how many minutes they play. With an offseason program geared more toward individual skill building, Anderson and Wilson were both able to work on their shooting extensively. “They gave us a shooting chart, so this summer I had to get up at least 2,000 shots a week,” Derrick Wilson said. “You could see guys’ shots improving. I’m very confident. When you put in the work, confidence comes through your work. This is the most work I’ve put in for any summer.” Anderson echoed that sentiment and said he feels a lot better about his shooting and even took a playful jab at his fellow captain. “I’m shooting with a lot more confidence,” Anderson said. “We shot a lot of shots this summer. Derrick shot the most.” After a largely disappointing junior season, the sense of urgency is even higher for the duo to end their Marquette careers in astounding fashion and defy their doubters along the way. How they got here might have been different, but their legacies will be intertwined. “We all know we weren’t as good as we should’ve been (last year),” Anderson said. “We all use that as motivation and at the end of the day we all want to get back to the tournament.” “Since I’ve been here I wouldn’t say it was a failure, but I would say it’s not where I wanted to be,” Derrick Wilson said. “First year, Sweet 16, then Elite Eight. It’s a big difference from going to the Elite Eight then not even making the tournament. You hear all the outside stuff. Even though it goes through one ear and out the other, you still hear it and it puts a chip on your shoulder and it just makes you want to get better.”
Tribune 9
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Staff Picks: 2014 Men’s Basketball Postseason 4th Place
Michael Gilbert, Peter Fiorentino
5th Place Jacob Born, Hank Greening, Dan Reiner, Matt Barbato, Sterling Silver
6th Place Chris Linskens, Grant Becker, Jack Goods, Michael Cianciolo
7th Place
NCAA Tournament
Chris Linskens, Peter Fiorentino
NIT Jacob Born, Grant Becker, Hank Greening, Michael Cianciolo, Dan Reiner, Michael Gilbert, Matt Barbato, Sterling Silver
None
Andrew Goldstein, Jack Goods
Andrew Goldstein
Staff Picks: 2014 women’s Basketball Postseason 4th Place Peter Fiorentino
5th Place Michael Cianciolo
6th Place
Jacob Born, Grant Becker, Hank Greening, Michael Gilbert, Sterling Silver
7th Place
Jack Goods, Dan Reiner
8th Place Chris Linskens, Andrew Goldstein, Matt Barbato
WNIT Grant Becker, Hank Greening, Michael Cianciolo, Peter Fiorentino
None Jacob Born, Chris Linskens, Andrew Goldstein, Jack Goods, Dan Reiner, Michael Gilbert, Matt Barbato, Sterling Silver
The Golden Eagle
Thursday, November 13, 2014
MUBB
10 Tribune
Freshmen and seniors discuss what they love most about MUBB
By Hanah Byron
hannah.byron@marquette.edu
Many Marquette students credit basketball games as a major part of the Marquette experience. For seniors, the upcoming basketball season marks their last year to show off their Marquette pride and scream their lungs out in the student section of the Bradley Center. For freshmen, this is their first year to put on the blue and gold, feel the goosebumps as the stadium erupts with the sounds of students cheering and the pep band playing and make their very first on jumbo-tron appearance.
Senior Tanner Burke has created quite the legacy since his freshman year. You may know him better as Goldman. As a freshman, Burke and another friend, who dressed as Blueman, would get to the front of the lines early so they could scope out the best seats in the house. Their costumes were a hit at the games, so much so they got a cult of a couple thousand people to follow them. It was not until recently that Burke revealed his secret identity to his fans. Some of his closest friends didn’t even know. “(It) always brings back good memories,” Burke said. “We were interviewed very exclusively by the Tribune my freshman year to talk about why we were doing what we were doing. The writer had no idea who we were.
We interviewed in our suits; it was great.” Tour guides tell many prospective students about the lively and spirited basketball games when they first come to campus as high school students. Is the hype actually real? Well, that’s for the freshmen to decide. Freshmen Kendall Roemer, Katelyn Stamas and Haley Veres spill what they are most looking forward to this basketball season. Kendall Roemer, College of Education “I’ve never been to a college basketball game, so I’m really excited to go to my first one. I think it will be a fantastic experience. I haven’t heard much about the games, aside from that our basketball team is insanely good.
I’m sure they won’t disappoint. I also heard they are a huge event and everyone goes crazy for them. I’m sure I’ll definitely go all out for at least one game. My friends and I have already been stocking up on our blue and gold. I’m sure my floor-mates and I would find a cool place to go eat first. The Safe House would be a first choice if we could all afford it.” Katelyn Stamas College of Communication “The aspect I am most excited for is being in the fan section for MU basketball. I find it so amazing that the whole school comes together and cheers on one of the biggest sports here at Marquette. Plus the male cheerleaders are very cute. Yes, they’re for sure
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Blue/Gold Afro: Having a bad hair day on game day? No problem. Show your fanatical side by rocking a blue and gold spiky wig or afro.
my favorite part. I haven’t heard much about the games themselves, but during orientation my group leader emphasized that if you don’t dress up then you’re not doing Marquette justice. I’m going to dress up crazy! I want suspenders and face paint and colored hair! You got to go all out to support your school.” Haley Veres College of Communication “I’m most excited for the experience of a Marquette game. I love basketball, and I am ready to cheer on the team. I have heard the atmosphere at the game is thrilling, and everyone has so much fun. I am considering dressing up, but I will for sure be in Marquette gear.”
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Golden Eagle Beads: Festive beads are essential to parades and Mardi Gras and they should be for Marquette Basketball games as well. A blue and gold necklace is a more subtle way to show your Golden Eagle pride.
OLD AND NEW
Face/Body Paint: Since a yellow t-shirt sometimes just isn’t enough to show your school sprit, students can often be seen with blue and gold faces and stomachs despite the brutal cold. Get a group of friends together and designate letters for each person in order to spell out Marquette or the name of a favorite player.
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Stick-on Face Tattoos: These stick-on tattoos come in a variety of designs, including the phrase “We are Marquette,” the Golden Eagle head and the simple letters MU. Just peel it off the paper, place it on your face and you’re good to go.
WHAT TO WEAR ON GAME DAY 5
It’s time to show your Golden Eagle pride beyond sporting a classic tee or jersey. Here are some quick and easy ways to throw together your best super fan outfit yet.
Blue/Gold Knee-High Socks: Knee-high socks and shorts may not be the most fashionable choice, but they will help to stand out in the crowd. Pair one blue sock with one gold one to go beyond the average fan.
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Golden Eagle Rosette Hair clip: Want to look cute and not crazy on game day? Pick up one of these blue and gold rose clips from the spirit shop and show off your inner fashionista.
By Stephanie Harte
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Golden Eagle Winter Hat: The spirit shop sells a wide variety of Golden Eagle winter hats, allowing you to show off your school spirit and keep warm at the game.
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Blue/Gold Morph Suit: If you are looking to go all out and be head-to-toe in Golden Eagle pride, a morph suit is the best option for you. Keep the mask on or off depending if you want your friends to recognize you.
Thursday, November 13, 2014 Run This Town Jay-Z feat. Rihanna, Kanye West
i Kendrick Lamar
Tonight (Best You Ever Had) John Legend feat. Ludacris
Tribune 11
GOOD, BAD, UGLY Lecrae Otis Kanye West feat. Jay-Z, Otis Redding
What better way to start getting your game face on than listening to a song about a hostile take over? This determined anthem of territorialism is a sure starter when it comes to getting hyped for a game. With the dissonant piano and rally cries in the background, we declare along with Rihanna that we plan to run Milwaukee tonight.
The key to success on and off the court comes in a quick form of confidence. Kendrick Lamar leads by example in this upbeat, infectious tune. Jazzy guitar threads and resilient lyrics help fans remember if Kendrick can overcome it, then we dare not let a loss get us down. “Lift your head up and keep movin’!”
5 SONGS ON OUR MUBB PLAYER’S LISTS By Sarah Schlaefke
In contrast to Kanye’s ego, this synthy melody is a much-needed anchor to keep superfans and players alike out of the clouds and down to earth. While touching on the more serious side of life, this song is a foundation of focus, reminding us why we do the things that we love. It is the perfect wind-down to an aggressive warm up, readying us to take home the gold, fighting on.
This easygoing song is vital to the relaxation requirement of any superfan. Victory will come in no time if we just sit back and trust our Golden Eagles while enjoying this song’s mellow beat and John Legend’s silky smooth voice of an angel. Who knows, Wojo could be the best coach we’ve ever had! Victory will come in no time if we just sit back and trust our Golden Eagles while enjoying this song’s mellow beat.
Kanye West gives another lesson in the do’s and don’ts of reaching the top of the world. This 1960s jazz redux will make you want to stand up and dance in the stands. When we are the one’s who invented this swag, who cares who’s watching, right?
Every good practice or nail-biter game is rooted in hard work, talent and, obviously, a great soundtrack. As basketball season approaches, students are craving a playlist of high-energy songs to prepare for cheering on the Golden Eagles. The Tribune spoke with a few members of the men’s basketball team – Wally Ellenson, a junior, and sophomores Deonte Burton and John Dawson – to find out what music drives them to play at the top of their game. Check out this collection of team favorites in order to warm up for a win the Marquette way. Photos via wikipedia.org
10 big-noggins we hope to see in 2014-15 By Jack Taylor
5. Pee-Wee Herman
jack.taylor@marquette.edu
This man has been out of the spotlight for too long. Paul Reubens created the character and struck fame with the hit TV-series “Pee-wee’s Playhouse,” a children’s show with enough crude humor to draw in adults. With rumors of another Peewee film in the works, it is only fair to represent the exuberant bow-tie enthusiast at Marquette this year. “Today’s secret word is: Wojo. Ah!”
1. Fred Ferguson
This man is a stellar example of mental intimidation. He knows exactly how to get into the heads of opponents with his threatening black hoodie and menacing sunglasses. Oh, and we can’t forget that gray goatee. Ferguson’s news broadcast interruptions have become social-media-famous, and it’s time to bring him to the Bradley Center.
6. Clay Matthews (with beard)
2. Hans and Franz
These two iconic SNL characters were brought back to life this year through an Aaron Rodgers State Farm commercial. Coach Wojo and the team could use those Austrian muscles to “Pump - *clap* - MU up!”
3. Eli Manning Face
Not much is as absurdly distracting as the New York Giants quarterback pulling his signature face that rolls frustration, disappointment and misery all into one. Most students have seen this face somewhere on social media; those
Photo via youaremarquette.tumblr.com
Allison Peters (left) and Emily Benz holds a Yoshi big-noggin.
who have seen it realize that Eli could cause quite the havoc for opposing teams.
4. Lloyd Christmas (from “Dumb and Dumber”)
Jim Carrey’s classic character
returns this month in the film’s sequel, “Dumb and Dumber To.” The ex-limo driver is sure to bring lots of laughs to the Bradley Center for Marquette basketball. The building will get loud with Lloyd Christmas in the room. Let’s just hope he doesn’t drop the most annoying sound in the world.
Packers linebacker Clay Matthews has always been a scary dude. The beard leaves us speechless.
7. Jules Winfield (from “Pulp Fiction”)
Samuel L. Jackson’s iconic character strikes fear in anyone who crosses his path. With those bulgy eyes and booming voice, Jules’s quoting of scripture will serve as Marquette’s guiding force to victory.
8. Marquette’s “Jump Around” Guy
We don’t know much about this man, but we do know that he shows up for every Marquette basketball contest there is. Returning Marquette fans are very familiar with this man. He is most notably shown on the Jumbotron during the arena’s “Jump Around” segment. His famous mustache is enough to ignite a crowd of MU fanatics and we hope to see a Big-Noggin in his honor.
9. Nicolas Cage (Meme Face)
“You Don’t Say!” Let’s get this blown up. Seriously. This could terrify anybody who walks into the building. For all the work Nicolas Cage puts into his acting career, he deserves his very own Marquette Big-Noggin,
10. Steve from “Blue’s Clues”
We all need a piece of our childhood with us as we cheer on the Blue ‘n’ Gold. Steve puts it best when he says, “We can do anything we want to do.” Thanks for the lifelong encouragement, Steve. Let us make you into a Big-Noggin. We owe it to you.
The Golden Eagle
12 Tribune
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Golden Eagles gain advantage from Eurotrip
Photos by Valeria Cardenas/valeria.cardenas@marquette.edu
Coach Carolyn Kieger said it was a blessing to travel to Europe and play four games becuse it allowed the team to get acclimated to new coaching style and staff in the offseason.
Four games overseas allowed team to build valuable chemistry By Matt Barbato
matthew.barbato@marquette.edu
The women’s basketball team experienced a shake up this past offseason. The Golden Eagles lost 55 percent of its scoring from last season, including starters Katherine Plouffe, Katie Young and Brooklyn Pumroy. Marquette is also introducing a new head coach, Carolyn Kieger, into the program. “Transition” would be an understatement when describing the Golden Eagles’ upcoming season.
Fortunately, Kieger was given a golden opportunity to not only get to know her team on the court, but also to cultivate a strong bond off it. The Golden Eagles traveled across the Atlantic to Europe at the end of the summer for 10 days to compete in four games against teams from AMW France and the Netherlands Women’s National Team. Kieger said this trip was immensely important to the growth of her new team. “It was remarkable,” Kieger said. “It was a true blessing and a gift to walk into a program that was already going to Europe. I think the main thing it really helped was team bonding and chemistry. Our team has really grown and to see them adjust to each other, not only with my staff, but with four new freshmen has been really vital.”
tweet t e e tw
The Golden Eagles only went 1-3 during the trip, but Kieger said the trip was more about her team learning to play a new system and getting to know each other off the court. “Our chemistry has really improved,” Kieger said. “The foreign tour had a big thing to do with that (increase in team chemistry). This is our 14th practice today (on media day), but we also got 10 practices in the summer, which really helped us. Not only did I get to know the team’s strengths and weaknesses, but they got to know me from a coaching standpoint.” Seniors Apiew Ojulu and Cristina Bigica agreed with their coach. Ojulu said the trip was a great opportunity to build relationships with the new players and staff. “That was an amazing
experience,” Ojulu said. “The four freshmen are new, the whole staff is new and I think that built a relationship between us and the coaches. When we’re on the court we just got a head start.” Bigica said the trip was a nice way to begin a new season and emphasized the importance of building team chemistry. “I thought it was a good start because not everyone was together up until that point,” Bigica said. “We all banded together and we all had time to build that relationship. A lot of team building not necessarily on the court, but off the court is very important as well.” Kieger highlighted two freshmen who impressed her during the trip. “The two that really stood out were Tia (Elbert) and Kenisha
(Bell),” Kieger said. “Those two have the recipe to be great college basketball players. I think those are two people that this basketball program is going to rely on for years. They’re going to do some damage in this conference.” With the season set to begin Saturday, the trip to Europe could prove to be a big advantage for Marquette. Most teams are not given the opportunity to play against quality opponents during the summer and are merely practicing and occasionally scrimmaging against other teams. A head start for a season filled with new faces could lessen the adjustment period once the new era of women’s basketball tips off.
@muwiresports
Tribune 13
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Women’s team primed to play Big East spoiler High-energy offense and press defense highlight Kieger’s style By Hank Greening
henry.greening@marquette.edu
Last year, the Marquette women’s basketball team finished fifth in the conference, was best in the Big East in rebounding and was second best in scoring offense. However, much of that was due to veteran coach Terri Mitchell, seniors Katherine Plouffe and Katie Young and sophomore Brooklyn Pumroy, none of whom are with the team this season. Instead, the Golden Eagles will rely on first-year coach Carolyn Kieger, a Marquette alumna, and seniors Apiew Ojulu and Arlesia Morse. Morse is a Preseason All-Big East team selection at guard and was third on the team in scoring last season, averaging 11.5 points per game. Ojulu was third on the team in rebounding with five per game. Ojulu and Morse are two of four seniors on a team that has five freshmen, including 5-foot-9 guard JeTaun Rouse, McDonald’s All-American nominee in high school before a season-ending injury cut her year short with the Golden Eagles. Kieger knows that without a bonafide star on the team, she will need contributions from everyone.
“It’s definitely gonna be a different style of play,” Kieger said. “We won’t have that go-to back to the basket player... but we’re gonna do it with speed, athleticism and defense is gonna be a lot different. We’re gonna create havoc on that end to create more points for us offensively.” At this point in the season, Kieger points to rebounding and reducing turnovers as two aspects where she would like to see improvement. Rebounding was a huge strength for Marquette last season, while the team had an assist-to-turnover ratio of less than one and the second-most turnovers in the conference. However, Kieger understands her team will have turnovers early on, as it is just part of the learning curve of the offense she wants to implement. “I’m trying to get them to play faster than they ever have in their (lives), so there’s gonna be that period where they’re kind of getting used to each other and get used to the speed,” Kieger said. “Turnovers... were something that I knew was gonna be something we had to fix early on.” With DePaul being unanimously selected to win the Big East, every other team is trying to play catch-up, including Marquette. The Golden Eagles were selected to finish seventh in the conference, citing the loss of key players and having a new coach trying to rebuild.
Photos by Valeria Cardenas/valeria.cardenas@marquette.edu
Senior Arlesia Morse is the team’s leading returning scorer, averaging 11.5 points per game last season.
Kieger wants her team to take this season practice-by-practice and just get better every day, but she does have larger aspirations
down the road. “Clearly, I want to win a Big East title,” Kieger said. “But that’s something that we’re
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not overlooking and we’re not talking about that. We’re talking about one game, one practice at a time.”
The Golden Eagle
14 Tribune
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Golden Eagles utilize run-and-gun offense Freshman guards and experienced seniors look to fill scoring void By Sterling Silver
sterling.silver@marquette.edu
After losing five players from the previous season’s team, most followers of the Marquette women’s basketball team are expecting a rebuilding season. Yet, the theme around media day was of energy and excitement. Despite losing 58 percent of its scoring, new coach Carolyn Kieger expects to score, and score a lot more than last season’s team with a frantic style. “We want to score a lot of points,” Kieger said. “We want to share the basketball, we want to play disciplined, and we want to play an up-anddown style of play that the players love to play and the fans love to watch.” Kieger’s style will be based on pushing the ball and creating as many fast-break opportunities as possible. The quicker the offense, the more possessions the team can have offensively and the more scoring opportunities the team can utilize. On defense, Marquette will try to dictate and disrupt the opposing team’s tempo by applying a full-court press more often. “We want to push up to 90
to 100 possessions, and it’s all about points per possession,” Kieger said. “If we can get up there to a (about a) point per possession, 85 to 90 points, we’re sitting where we want to be.” Last season, Marquette averaged 73.3 points a game, but if Kieger achieves her ambitious points per possession goal, then the Golden Eagles could lead the Big East in points per game. The key to setting the faster offensive tone will be based on how well freshman point guards Tia Elbert, Hannah Grim and Kenisha Bell perform. Kieger said she believes the group has shown the ability to play her style of offense and the speed caters to their individual games. “It’s a unique situation to come into, to have your two point guards (Elbert and Grimm) as freshmen and have not even dressed in a Marquette uniform yet,” Kieger said. “But I think the foreign tour really prepared them. Also, you add Kenisha bell to that list and we have three guards who really push tempo and are having the seniors keep up with them in terms of a run and gun mentality.” The aforementioned European tour pitted Marquette against a French professional team and the Netherlands Women’s National Team in four exhibition contests in August. The games, along with an extra 10 practices, were a great
way for the new coaching staff to get acclimated to the team and grow closer as a unit. For the five incoming freshmen, it was a chance for Kieger to begin molding the new offense while giving the players much-needed experience in a competitive setting. One of these incoming players, freshman Tia Elbert, thought the trip gave her a chance to grow into the point guard position. “Well, the biggest thing I learned was that the game is a lot faster,” Elbert said. “I think in Europe that was one of the biggest things I noticed. You have to come out ready to play from beginning to end. Coming in here as a freshman, you can’t think of yourself as a freshman, especially on this type of level of play.” But with all the excitement around the new style, Kieger is also conscious that there will be growing pains. When asked about playing fast and managing turnovers with a young backcourt, she laughed at the proposition. “If anyone knows, please let me know because that’s (managing turnovers) the magic ticket right there,” Kieger said. “You’ll probably see a couple of our early games in high turnover numbers, but as we go and we learn and adjust to each other, we’ll cut those down.”
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Photos by Valeria Cardenas/valeria.cardenas@marquette.edu
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Tribune 15
Thursday, November 13, 2014
One-on-one with new coach Carolyn Kieger First-year coach returns to alma mater to lead women’s team By Hank Greening
henry.greening@marquette.edu
Marquette women’s basketball coach Carolyn Kieger is in her first year as the team’s coach, after being one of the best players in Marquette history. Marquette Wire: Obviously you had a lot of success here as a player, how does it feel to be back? Carolyn Kieger: It’s one of those things that you can’t really put into words. It’s a place that I’ve always wanted to be back at and the fact that it’s actually happening ... day by day I just try to take it in and realize you’re at your dream job. This program has done so much for me, personally, that the opportunity to give back is a once in a lifetime one and I know that I’m not going to take it for granted for one day. MW: Do you think that you’re more prepared to coach here because you played here? CK: I think it helps. It helps from a recruiting standpoint. I can really sell this university. I can sell the strengths of it, the classroom atmosphere and knowing what it was like, the family feel to it. When I’m actually selling recruiting, people are believing me because they know it’s hands on, I would say that’s the biggest benefit. But also these girls have adapted and bought in so quickly because I’m an alum, because they know how much I care about this place. MW: Being a new coach with mainly freshmen and seniors, how much do you rely on team leadership? CK: Huge, we just got done meeting with the captains right now. It’s something we talk about daily. We also have a leadership curriculum that we’re taking through the team all season long and each week we focus on a new leadership topic. I believe it’s really essential for a team, not just to develop your captains, but to develop leaders from the freshmen on. The whole team goes through it and I think it’s been something that’s been really valuable for them so far. MW: What’s that dynamic like having mainly seniors and freshman? CK: I think it’s perfect, honestly. The freshmen need it with this big freshman class and the seniors are able to step up and feel more ownership of the team than they have in years past, so I think it’s a perfect time to have that group of seniors and
Photos by Valeria Cardenas/valeria.cardenas@marquette.edu
Coach Carolyn Kieger returns to Marquette, replacing former coach Terri Mitchell, whom Kieger played for and became the school’s assists leader.
that group of freshmen. Now, next year will be a completely different story, but this year for my first year, I’ve been very blessed with a great senior class that has really helped me with these freshmen. MW: With the way that the previous coach left and how some of the players left with her, do you feel like it has been difficult gaining trust with some of your players? CK: Not at all. We’ve really improved the team chemistry and just the staff bonding since Europe. I think the Europe trip really helped us. We came in right away and were able to go spend 10 days together and not only learn each other, but get to know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and I think that helps from a trust standpoint and knowing what my expectations are. I think we are night and day from where we were when we first left for France that first day. MW: You played for Terri Mitchell, what’s it been like taking over her job? CK: It’s been unique. She’s always been somebody that’s
been a mentor of mine and somebody that I’ve really respected in this business and looked up to so she’s been very helpful with me. We talk on a regular basis. It’s kind of a situation where, in my mind I always wanted to take over for her at this place, at my alma mater, so everyday I’m just going to try to make her proud and put this place in the direction that she had it rolling. MW: Last year, this team was No. 1 in rebounding and No. 2 in points scored in the conference, a lot of that had to do with Katherine Plouffe. How do you replace her? CK: Hah, by committee. You definitely can’t do it with one person, just her size alone and her knack for putting the ball in the hoop is something that we’re going to have to do with multiple different players. It’s definitely going to be a different style of play and we won’t have that go-to back to the basket player like her, but we’re going to do it with speed, athleticism and I think defense is going to be a lot different. We’re going to create a lot of havoc on that end to create more points for us offensively.
MW: From what you’ve seen thus far, where do you think this team can improve most? CK: Right now I would probably say rebounding and taking care of the ball, which is expected because we’re trying to get them to play faster than they ever have in their life, so there’s going to be that period where they’re kind of getting used to the speed. Turnovers, in my mind, were something that I knew was going to be something that we had to fix early on. MW: What are some goals that you have for this year? CK: Really my goal is that we keep getting better every day. I know that’s pretty cliche, but that’s honestly what we’re striving for, to get these players to get the best versions of themselves every single day. Obviously, we have team goals that we want to accomplish and that’s in-house and we talk about that every day. Clearly, I want to win a Big East title, but that’s something that we’re not overlooking and we’re not talking about that, we’re talking about one practice at a time.
MW: Have you and men’s coach Steve Wojciechowski been working together at all? CK: Yeah, it’s been great. It’s perfect timing because we’re both going through the same things at the same time and we’ve had opportunities to ask questions and lean on each other a little bit, especially through the athletic director hiring and (University President Michael) Lovell. It’s been really good to have each other to get support from and ask questions, so for me it’s a blessing and I think he feels the same way, that this is all kind of happening at the same time and we have new coaches and new leadership. MW: Do you think that it benefits both teams as far as with the players too? CK: I do. I think the players have a new, fresh excitement and there’s a buzz around this whole building right now that’s like, fresh energy. I think everybody is benefiting from it and everybody is on the same page of “fresh start, let’s get going in the direction that we know this whole athletic department can go.”
www.marquettewire.org
Thursday, November 13, 2014
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