Majerus recap

[Westy03]

Dustin has bad form and he has had bad form since day 1. Not bad form like his elbow is flailing out, he never gets set, the ball leaves his hands as quickly as he catches it, it results in him pushing the ball with a jerky motion. I would agree with Roy, if RM didn't see something he liked and didn't think he could make him a good shooter at this level, he'd be suggesting he transfer, maybe he has and DM just wants to stay at SLU and work as hard as he can to contribute ... who knows, but I like to think with what I have seen of Dustin if he's willing to work hard enough ... he should be ok

Rick needs bodies this year. If he told Dustin to transfer we would barely have enough to practice. We cant scrimmage as it is because of the lack of bodies. I know hes not shutting the door on Dustin completely but to say that since he didnt tell him to transfer he will be able to contribute is a big stretch in my opinion. Also, Roy said look at what Justin Love did after two years of JUCO. To compare Maguire to Love is pretty obsurd if you ask me. Justin Love was one of the most athletic guards to ever to play at SLU. If DM has some of his athleticism then I can see the comparison, but its obvious he doesnt.

[slufanskip]

Rick needs bodies this year. If he told Dustin to transfer we would barely have enough to practice. We cant scrimmage as it is because of the lack of bodies. I know hes not shutting the door on Dustin completely but to say that since he didnt tell him to transfer he will be able to contribute is a big stretch in my opinion. Also, Roy said look at what Justin Love did after two years of JUCO. To compare Maguire to Love is pretty obsurd if you ask me. Justin Love was one of the most athletic guards to ever to play at SLU. If DM has some of his athleticism then I can see the comparison, but its obvious he doesnt.

I get the impression RM will do what is right for the kid. Of course I don't know him, but I would be surprised if he would give Dustin the advice to stay if he really didn't believe he could help the team down the road, just so we could have more bodies at practice.

[Westy03]

I get the impression RM will do what is right for the kid. Of course I don't know him, but I would be surprised if he would give Dustin the advice to stay if he really didn't believe he could help the team down the road, just so we could have more bodies at practice.

Point taken. Who knows Majerus could have sat down with him to see what Dustin wanted to do. Try and stick it out and not get much playing time or transfer. Who knows.

[STL Hoops Insider]

Yes. Didn't we play Harris Stowe last year along with UMSL? Therefore, we are replacing Harris Stowe with Memphis this year.

Now that I think about it, now believe we may have played Harris Stowe 2 years ago and Maryville last year. Same point.

V. No insult intended toward Stowe.

I know you didn't mean anything by it Clock Tower, I just wanted to hear what you had to say. And I'm purposely ignoring the comments by others. Also check in with my website some time in the next 24 hours as I will have my interview with one of the members of SLU's new Men's Basketball coaching staff.

[slufanskip]

Point taken. Who knows Majerus could have sat down with him to see what Dustin wanted to do. Try and stick it out and not get much playing time or transfer. Who knows.

Which is what I wrote the first time, he may have told Dustin he didn't see him getting much playing time and Dustin said ... I understand, but I want to stay at SLU ... If I work hard and try and correct the problems I have is there a chance I could earn more time ... Rick says of course ... Dustin says, I'll work my butt off and lets see what happens, either way SLU is the school for me. Imo ... in that instance SLU would be wrong to not renew his schollarship ....

But .... just as easily Rick could have said Dustin ... you have some poor mechanics that are going to prevent you from becoming the shooter I knpw you can be ... imo it would be in your best interest to redshirt a year and work on correcting the flaws. I think you could be a big asset to us down the road with the proper work ... what do you think. Dustin says Hell yes coach, I want to be the best player I can be ...

And ... it might not be any of those .... Rick might have said Dustin you have to go, and Dustion says come on coach ... let me stay ... I have some connections to free Pasta and I know these girls ...

Really we just don't know .... lets let it play out and trust RM knows what he is doing

[ACE]

Roy, I am curious why you were so critical of Ahearn and thought Soderberg was correct in not offering him, yet you are urging patience with Maguire... "i still saw that he can make shots when he has the time. the trick is that you have to make that happen in less time and take out that feeling of fragmentation. remember, dustin has shot it like that for probably 12 years. now we expect him to switch that in one or two summers? not going to happen."

Ahearn was an effective shooter right from the get-go as a freshman, but you didn't think we could have used him?; yet we are supposed to wait for a guy who is supposed to be a shooter, but is still looking for his shot entering his sophomore season? I guess I do expect a so-called sharpshooter to be able to shoot right away, because if he can't do that, what does he offer? He's not going to be a great rebounder, shotblocker, playmaker or defensive stopper.

Even if all goes well with Maguire, isn't the best we could hope for is that he would develop into another Ahearn?

[slufanskip]

Roy, I am curious why you were so critical of Ahearn and thought Soderberg was correct in not offering him, yet you are urging patience with Maguire... "i still saw that he can make shots when he has the time. the trick is that you have to make that happen in less time and take out that feeling of fragmentation. remember, dustin has shot it like that for probably 12 years. now we expect him to switch that in one or two summers? not going to happen."

Ahearn was an effective shooter right from the get-go as a freshman, but you didn't think we could have used him?; yet we are supposed to wait for a guy who is supposed to be a shooter, but is still looking for his shot entering his sophomore season? I guess I do expect a so-called sharpshooter to be able to shoot right away, because if he can't do that, what does he offer? He's not going to be a great rebounder, shotblocker, playmaker or defensive stopper.

Even if all goes well with Maguire, isn't the best we could hope for is that he would develop into another Ahearn?

I know you weren't responding to me ....

except Dustin is 3-4 inches taller. I don't know that we can assume he won't develop into a good rebounder, and even if all we ended up with was a taller Blake .... I'd call that a good thing.

[3star_recruit]

Majerus has a reputation as a straight shooter. If he's giving off vibes that we'll be pretty mediocre this year it's because he thinks we will be. As for Tommie, I understand that RM wants to help him take his game to another level but if Tommie doesn't embrace this tough love we will be worse than mediocre.

[ACE]

I know you weren't responding to me ....

except Dustin is 3-4 inches taller. I don't know that we can assume he won't develop into a good rebounder, and even if all we ended up with was a taller Blake .... I'd call that a good thing.

I would also call that a good thing, but at this point in his career, Ahearn wasn't still trying to find his shot.

[moytoy12]

I would also call that a good thing, but at this point in his career, Ahearn wasn't still trying to find his shot.

Great point. Is he really a sharp-shooter if he's still developing his shot during his sophomore year?

At the end of the day, I don't think DM will make or break us.

[slufanskip]

I would also call that a good thing, but at this point in his career, Ahearn wasn't still trying to find his shot.

You are right, Blake was as good a shooter as I have ever seen. His shot was flawless.

But DM is here, we recruited him. He's ours and imo he should be here as long as he works hard and gives his best effort. If he does develop into 75% of the shooter Blake was at 3-4 inches taller we will be glad we have him.

[moytoy12]

And I'm purposely ignoring the comments by others.

By stating that you are ignoring them are you actually ignoring them? Who knows...

[kshoe]

Roy, I am curious why you were so critical of Ahearn and thought Soderberg was correct in not offering him, yet you are urging patience with Maguire... "i still saw that he can make shots when he has the time. the trick is that you have to make that happen in less time and take out that feeling of fragmentation. remember, dustin has shot it like that for probably 12 years. now we expect him to switch that in one or two summers? not going to happen."

Ahearn was an effective shooter right from the get-go as a freshman, but you didn't think we could have used him?; yet we are supposed to wait for a guy who is supposed to be a shooter, but is still looking for his shot entering his sophomore season? I guess I do expect a so-called sharpshooter to be able to shoot right away, because if he can't do that, what does he offer? He's not going to be a great rebounder, shotblocker, playmaker or defensive stopper.

Even if all goes well with Maguire, isn't the best we could hope for is that he would develop into another Ahearn?

Ace, you should know better than to ever expect a logical response to a question on this board that involves the name Ahearn. No player has ever galvanized this board more than him.

As for DM, it seems to make no sense for him to redshirt this year given that 1) we barely have enough bodies as it is and 2) if he's not good enough to play now why would you want to extend his stay at SLU any further.

[Quality Is Job 1]

I recall an article where RM said this season is for setting the tone and tenor for long term gains. I don't think he plans on setting it by losing , but by putting a team on the floor that is smart, hustles, and plays above their talent level. This guy didn't post the 7th best record among active coaches by not knowing what buttons to push. That said, the news about AM is bad. I remember Mark Bavaro, Giant's TE, said one time turf toe is the most painful injury he ever played through. So a broken toe could put him out. I didn't get the DP thing either, start but sit until grades are in order? By Firday? Aren't midterms still three weeks away or so? The myster man so far is Relphorde? Don't hear anything about him. Is it just me, or wasn't he supposed to be the gem of the new guys? Looks like DM is on his way to DII ball. And DB is going to have a tough senior year. Sounds like TDell and JaleJar better pull TL aside for a long talk. How do you serve a guy from Bratland and undercooked Brat? Yet, he still ate it? Cane the chef! She's a new day at SLU for sure.

Still a lot of early-morning hand-wringing from you, 72.

[slu72]

Thicks, I don't know where the hand wringing comes in. I'm anxious, excited, and enthusiastic for the RM era to start. Even if he falls flat on his face, which I don't think will happen, I think SLU's turned a major corner. As for my player comments, just going by what everyone else was thinking/posting. Even JaleJar said it was a good thing RM's giving TL a bit of a hard road to go down. No hand wringing. RM doesn't have a thing to prove or show me. He's already a great coach.

[Westy03]

Slu72,

Maybe its a good thing that we havent heard anything about MR. If you think about it if Majerus was seeing things he didnt like he would say something in these meetings like he has done with Maguire, Husak, AK...etc. Lets hope Marcus can really help us this year, at least with our depth.

[courtside]

all i know is the students want to be included and we are hearing about being insulted with the space being reserved for students yet they do nothing to show they will be a serious attendance force when things get moved on campus. they want to b!tch about buses and inconvienence (which sorry, imo isnt an acceptable excuse.) it should be a students resposibility to get to the games. back in the day, the likes of old man Taj and myself figured out how to get to the arena which was even more inconvienent than the current scott trade. but we were there because as students we believed it was our duty to support the team.

and to say winning is required to expect student attendance? b.s. we sat thru eckerball. wtf was a win.

so along comes this event last night on campus, free food, plenty of room, hell if nothing else seniors get to mingle with alums with jobs. and the report today is a poor student turnout.

sorry if i dont get behind the "let's reserve the front row for the students" campaign.

In short, I agree w Pistol.

"We sat through Eckerball." You, and a handful of other people....if the goal is to get a handful of students to go, then I'm sure it would be similar to your collegiate experience. .....Back when you were a kid, you walked to games 50 miles both ways on your finger tips.....and so on.....

The turnout will be small anywhere around the country in similar events until several things change. That isn't the fault of the students.

[moytoy12]

In short, I agree w Pistol.

"We sat through Eckerball." You, and a handful of other people....if the goal is to get a handful of students to go, then I'm sure it would be similar to your collegiate experience. .....Back when you were a kid, you walked to games 50 miles both ways on your finger tips.....and so on.....

The turnout will be small anywhere around the country in similar events until several things change. That isn't the fault of the students.

Are these functions really geared toward the students? Or is this more of an alumni and press event?

[jimbofive]

Sorry, I had this typed out at like 11, but forgot about it, and here it is...

Majerus had the players come up and introduce each other, then field questions for about 20 minutes while he went on a spiritual journey to get a well-cooked brat, because Rachel brought him a raw one. (Me personally, I'd eat pig guts and pickle juice, as long as Rachel Diener brought them to me in bed)

Majerus' take, player by player from what I can remember:

Present (in order): Kevin Lisch, Dustin Maguire, Anthony Mitchell, Adam Knollmeyer, Paul Eckerle, Marcus Relphorde, Mike Jones, Danny Brown, Barry Eberhardt

Not present: Bryce Husak, Tommie Liddell, Luke Meyer, Dwayne Polk

Kevin Lisch: Majerus talked about how his dad did whatever it took to win, going from starting QB at Notre Dame to special teams for five year in the NFL, an allusion to Kevin's toughness and competitive spirit. Majerus treated him as the leader (of those present at least, and rightfully so)

Dustin Maguire: In a tight spot, going to play a lot on Friday as a test to see whether or not Majerus redshirts him this year. Too slow, not enough court vision to play the 1, not strong enough or a good enough rebounder to play the 3, not a lights out shooter (yet) at the 2, and not a defensive stopper. Basically said to Dustin and everyone else that he would have to distinguish himself as a specialist in some manner or he was through.

Anthony Mitchell: Playing well, showing a lot of heart, has a golf ball on his toe from Memphis. Majerus very pleased that Mitchell cancelled his MRI yesterday morning so that he wouldn't miss class and re-scheduled on his own. Mitchell left after his introduction for the MRI.

Adam Knollmeyer: Majerus said he was coming along nicely, Adam was nervous as hell when he had the microphone.

Paul Eckerle: Majerus said he was not very athletic, but a hard worker in the mold of Lisch. Eckerle was very well-spoken, I'll be begging him for a job one day.

Marcus Relphorde: Didn't say much, except that his main impetus for coming to SLU was the number of players Majerus had put in the NBA (interesting since he was recruited by Soderberg), the city, the education, etc. Majerus politely ripped him for this saying we don't have any pros on this team (lighting a fire under Tommie and Kevin in the process, hopefully)

Mike Jones: Mike Jones sucks. Majerus says all the walk-ons suck. Mike Jones knows he sucks, though Relphorde was conscientious enough to mention that Mike Jones is the all-time leading scorer at Trinity High School. Trinity High School must really suck. Sorry, Mike Jones.

Danny Brown: Danny said he's taking his injury day-to-day. He's having a minor procedure done soon, and Majerus made it sound as if he might be done for good. Doubt he's gonna get a medical redshirt.

Barry Eberhardt: Barry is a smartass, but I think that's good. Hopefully he's the type that will elbow a guy in the mouth and then offer him a Mentos® during the next timeout. Very confident, and extremely sexy. Between Danny Brown's deep, seductive voice and Barry's cool visage and rock hard body, I was nearly-

Majerus says we have way too many nice guys, he told some anecdotes about John Stockton and Jordan and how they were the nicest guys in the world off the court, but that they would rip your damn heart out on it. He wants more guys like that. Kevin and Luke are as close as we have to that.

Majerus responded quite tangentially at times, though his vernacular was impeccable. Usually his squirrel chases erred toward the comical side. However, at one point, he got off talking about Keith Van Horn's changing insurance companies or something. I had no damn idea what he was talking about, I was just waiting for his head or my head to explode.

I'm sure I forgot some details, and a bunch of idiots asked about Memphis about 9,000 times. Majerus made a point at the end that if anyone knew of any good recruiting prospects to please submit them - this is the only surefire way to get into one of his practices, he said. He also said that immediately afterwards (it was about 9:00 when it ended), he would go home and watch tape from practice that day for TWO TO THREE HOURS, then come prepared the next day with specific coaching for each player, and the team as a whole.

Dat doo ain lyin' - doo LUV prattice.

[bauman]

Sorry, I had this typed out at like 11, but forgot about it, and here it is...

Majerus had the players come up and introduce each other, then field questions for about 20 minutes while he went on a spiritual journey to get a well-cooked brat, because Rachel brought him a raw one. (Me personally, I'd eat pig guts and pickle juice, as long as Rachel Diener brought them to me in bed)

Majerus' take, player by player from what I can remember:

Present (in order): Kevin Lisch, Dustin Maguire, Anthony Mitchell, Adam Knollmeyer, Paul Eckerle, Marcus Relphorde, Mike Jones, Danny Brown, Barry Eberhardt

Not present: Bryce Husak, Tommie Liddell, Luke Meyer, Dwayne Polk

Kevin Lisch: Majerus talked about how his dad did whatever it took to win, going from starting QB at Notre Dame to special teams for five year in the NFL, an allusion to Kevin's toughness and competitive spirit. Majerus treated him as the leader (of those present at least, and rightfully so)

Dustin Maguire: In a tight spot, going to play a lot on Friday as a test to see whether or not Majerus redshirts him this year. Too slow, not enough court vision to play the 1, not strong enough or a good enough rebounder to play the 3, not a lights out shooter (yet) at the 2, and not a defensive stopper. Basically said to Dustin and everyone else that he would have to distinguish himself as a specialist in some manner or he was through.

Anthony Mitchell: Playing well, showing a lot of heart, has a golf ball on his toe from Memphis. Majerus very pleased that Mitchell cancelled his MRI yesterday morning so that he wouldn't miss class and re-scheduled on his own. Mitchell left after his introduction for the MRI.

Adam Knollmeyer: Majerus said he was coming along nicely, Adam was nervous as hell when he had the microphone.

Paul Eckerle: Majerus said he was not very athletic, but a hard worker in the mold of Lisch. Eckerle was very well-spoken, I'll be begging him for a job one day.

Marcus Relphorde: Didn't say much, except that his main impetus for coming to SLU was the number of players Majerus had put in the NBA (interesting since he was recruited by Soderberg), the city, the education, etc. Majerus politely ripped him for this saying we don't have any pros on this team (lighting a fire under Tommie and Kevin in the process, hopefully)

Mike Jones: Mike Jones sucks. Majerus says all the walk-ons suck. Mike Jones knows he sucks, though Relphorde was conscientious enough to mention that Mike Jones is the all-time leading scorer at Trinity High School. Trinity High School must really suck. Sorry, Mike Jones.

Danny Brown: Danny said he's taking his injury day-to-day. He's having a minor procedure done soon, and Majerus made it sound as if he might be done for good. Doubt he's gonna get a medical redshirt.

Barry Eberhardt: Barry is a smartass, but I think that's good. Hopefully he's the type that will elbow a guy in the mouth and then offer him a Mentos® during the next timeout. Very confident, and extremely sexy. Between Danny Brown's deep, seductive voice and Barry's cool visage and rock hard body, I was nearly-

Majerus says we have way too many nice guys, he told some anecdotes about John Stockton and Jordan and how they were the nicest guys in the world off the court, but that they would rip your damn heart out on it. He wants more guys like that. Kevin and Luke are as close as we have to that.

Majerus responded quite tangentially at times, though his vernacular was impeccable. Usually his squirrel chases erred toward the comical side. However, at one point, he got off talking about Keith Van Horn's changing insurance companies or something. I had no damn idea what he was talking about, I was just waiting for his head or my head to explode.

I'm sure I forgot some details, and a bunch of idiots asked about Memphis about 9,000 times. Majerus made a point at the end that if anyone knew of any good recruiting prospects to please submit them - this is the only surefire way to get into one of his practices, he said. He also said that immediately afterwards (it was about 9:00 when it ended), he would go home and watch tape from practice that day for TWO TO THREE HOURS, then come prepared the next day with specific coaching for each player, and the team as a whole.

Dat doo ain lyin' - doo LUV prattice.

One somewhat minor piece of Rick-speak from Rammer on his 590 show today; Rick said if we were in the Big Ten or Big East that we would have the top recruiting class in the country most years. Not sure what the point was or in what context the statement was made, but I thought I'd share it. It makes you feel that RM believes that he and his staff are pretty good recruiters.

[NashvilleBilliken]

Thanks to everybody for there recaps. It's great.

I'll tell ya, it's a whole lot different having a coach who speaks his mind. After every event so far, i've become less and less optimistic about this season. If TL isn't playing 25+ minutes, i don't see how we can win more than 10 games. As brutally honest as he seems, I don't see how he is playing mind games with us or anyone...i think he's for real. However, I think we all know RM isn't about to break that "no losing season" streak he has going, if he can help it.

Odd comment Jimbo makes about Eckerle. Every person who has seen the kid play has posted that he is super athletic. Now Majerus says he isn't too athletic? What's that about? For those who have watched him play the past 4 years, how would you rate his athleticism compared to the other Bills players?

[Quality Is Job 1]

Barry Eberhardt: Barry is a smartass, but I think that's good. Hopefully he's the type that will elbow a guy in the mouth and then offer him a Mentos® during the next timeout. Very confident, and extremely sexy. Between Danny Brown's deep, seductive voice and Barry's cool visage and rock hard body, I was nearly-

Jimbo, based on what you wrote here, I'd have to think you are a woman (we don't have many female posters here, though they certainly are welcome). However, your profile claims you are male. DON'T JOKE LIKE THAT, MAN!

[Quality Is Job 1]

Odd comment Jimbo makes about Eckerle. Every person who has seen the kid play has posted that he is super athletic. Now Majerus says he isn't too athletic? What's that about? For those who have watched him play the past 4 years, how would you rate his athleticism compared to the other Bills players?

White Men Can't Jump. Everyone knows that. And black players are always stud athletes and white players are always heady scrappers. Perception is reality.

(In case I have to say it, this post was written with my tongue in my cheek.)

[jimbofive]

Jimbo, based on what you wrote here, I'd have to think you are a woman (we don't have many female posters here, though they certainly are welcome). However, your profile claims you are male. DON'T JOKE LIKE THAT, MAN!

I did state that I'd love to schtup Rachel Diener at the beginning of the post, didn't I? Just making sure you old-timers out there have a pulse, though judging by the jovial reactions to some of Majerus' "bastardized" comments last night, you're still kickin'...

And I was also surprised by the Eckerle comment by Majerus, but that is what he said, wasn't it, guys? I've no doubts that he's a good leaper, but I don't think that he'll be anywhere near as quick as say Polk. Quite serviceable, and a smart, tough player, can probably dunk easily on the break, but not a second oop target after Tommie for Kevin.

[cheeseman]

just a couple more thoughts to expand on from last night...

-he is not a fan of the A10 by any stretch and i got the impression he would move to the MVC if he could, but he also said he is trying to get SLU to a point where it can get with the non-football Big East schools when it breaks up

-very cool move to let the kids talk in front of people

-says he does not bash officials during the game as that can lead to excuses, that will be interesting for me to observe

-along with help from a guest made what i thought was a great point about A10 refs given that we are so far from the rest of the schools, point being the refs from MO (Doug Mac said there are 3, I only know of Pollard) probalby don't do games other than in STL and the good refs probably don't come from the east to STL to do games

-he made a point about running out of food at this event, something like why be afraid to have 20 too many brats and instread have 4 too few, a shot at changing the way the ath dept, and maybe the school, does business

-mentioned lack of tv package and how that impacts recruiting

-i have heard him speak several times now, and he does not disappoint at all, thanks to the ath dept for putting on the event

I was not at the activity last night but I have heard RM talk about the conference thing twice before and I never got the impression that he would be even remotely interested in the MVC. He always talked about bigger name conferences. So, if he said something specific about the MVC then say what it was - if you are just making a guess then my bet is that you misunderstood him.