Marquette Scouting Report

[Hey Adrien!]

Ladies and Gentlemen, here it is. The last fully new scouting report until March Madness. Arguably the biggest regular season game of the season!!!

Marquette (19-5)
#11 in KenPom
#8 EvanMiya
#10 Barttorvik
117th in D1 experience
3rd in minutes continuity (81.5%)​

22nd in Offensive efficiency

• 7th in tempo
• 12th w/ a 57.2 2P%
• 43rd in TO prevention
• 58th in A/FGA (56.6%)
• 67th in 3PA/FGA (41.7%); 123rd w/ a 35.0 3P%
• 134th w/ a 72.7 FT%, but bottom 20 nationally in FT rate
• 258th in offensive rebounding

13th in Defensive efficiency

• Tie for 1st, for slowest defensive tempo (19.2 seconds/possession)
• 13th in turnover caused rate (but national median in block rate)
• 48th in FT rate prevention
• 138th in opp. FG% (similar ranks for 2P% and 3P%)
• 197th in defensive rebounding rate
• 327th in BOTH 3PA/FGA prevention (42.6%) and A/FGM allowance (57.6%)

Eight game winning streak (6th longest in the nation…v. Nova, at St. John’s, at DePaul, v. Seton Hall, at Villanova, at Georgetown, v. St. John’s, at Butler)

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP W/ BIG EAST STATS:

Tyler Kolek 6’3 195 senior

• 17p, 4.9r. 8.6a, 1.7s, 49.6 2P%, 39.3 3P%, 86 FT%

Stevie Mitchell 6’3 200 junior

• 10.2p, 4.3r, 2.4s, 0.6a, 62.3 2P%, 39.1 3P% (¾ FGAs from 2), 64.3 FT%
• #3 most efficient defender

Kam Jones 6’4 200 junior

• 13.1p, 2.3r, 1.8a, 60.6 2P%, 31.1 3P%, 2PA/3PA split even
• #2 least efficient defender

David Jopin 6’8 225 junior

• 12.7p, 3.7r, 1.0s, 1.1b, 51 2P%, 43.4 3P%, 60% FGAs from 3, 61.5 FT%
• #1 least efficient defender

Oso Ighodaro 6’11 235 senior

• 14.7p, 8.5r, 3.2a, 58.8 2P%, 1 3PA, 70 FT%, 0.9s, 1.5b
• #2 most efficient defender

FREQUENTLY USED BENCH PIECES - 29.6% minutes (215th in nation)

Chase Ross 6’5 205 sophomore

• 4.9p, 3.0r, 1.4s, 40 2P%, 33.3 3P%, about ~ FGAs from 3
• #1 most efficient defender

Ben Gold 6’11 245 sophomore

• 4.1p, 3.2r, 0.6s, 0.6b, 32.5 3P%, 6x as many 3PAs as 2PAs

Even after losing to Michigan State in the second round of last year’s tournament, the sheer volume and quality of talent returning to Marquette (OM Prosper was the only key player who did not return, and of course, Sean Jones is out for the year, but still on the roster) rightfully called for every prognosticator to deem Marquette as one of the top teams entering this season and so far, they have certainly not disappointed.

Comparing the roster from last year and this year, the team seems stronger physically. Per listed weight, the starting backcourt of Kolek/Mitchell/Jones gained five pounds apiece while both Ighodaro and Gold gained at least 20 pounds, with both looking noticeably stronger.
Overall, even though the roster hasn’t changed much, this year’s Marquette team is much better defensively. They are rebounding better (closer to national median while last year, they were terrible), are tougher at defending shots and their interior presence means more teams are settling for perimeter threes. The signature of Smart’s defense is still there: gang aggressiveness forces teams to use a ton of clock and cough up the ball a lot, especially in Marquette’s way of using deflections, both on defense and in rebounding, to work in their favor.

Offensively, the development of Kolek, Mitchell, Joplin and Ighodaro has now allow Kam Jones to take less of an alpha-role in Big East play, while still remaining one of the more potent and efficient offensive weapons in the conference. Like last year, Marquette plays fast (7th fastest offensive tempo), shoot a ton of threes, are incredibly efficient inside the arc (12th best 2P% in the nation) and share the ball well (nearly 57% of FGAs are assisted).

As many have already shared here, like Devin Carter, Tyler Kolek has taken yet another step in his development as a gritty, creative two-way point guard who can score in a variety of ways and oozes basketball IQ. Not afraid to play the villain, Kolek is dangerous once he sees the ball go in the hoop.

One of the toughest on-ball defenders in the Big East, Mitchell leads the Big East in steal rate and is exceptionally efficient on offense (2nd lowest turnover rate and 6th best 2P% in the Big East). His toughness and defensive versatility pairs excellent with Kam Jones, who struggles defensively.

Chase Ross is quickly developing into an excellent three-and-D wing who can comfortably guard us from 1-to-4. A strong, athletic specimen, Marquette’s strongest defensive lineups include a Kolek/Mitchell/Ross backcourt and like, Mitchell, Ross pairs nicely as a defensive safety value with Kam Jones.

Not a strong defender, David Joplin continues to develop as one of the most dangerous offensive forwards in the Big East in the way he can score in a variety of ways in a short amount of time and doesn’t need sets to be drawn up for him in order to make an impact on offense. He seems much stronger this season too.

Oso Ighodaro and Ben Gold make up one of the best center rotations in the Big East. Ighodaro is an excellent defender, a strong rebounder and is arguably the best passing big in the conference.

While he doesn’t shoot threes, he can convert from the high post with ease. One interesting strategic wrinkle: this year, teams are fouling Ighodaro wayyyy more than previous seasons, as he’s averaged more than double the amount of FTAs compared to last year, which is a reasonable strategy as he is only a career 62% FT shooter.

Last season, I incorrectly poo-pooed Ben Gold entering our first matchup with Marquette and he ended up scoring 12 points in just 16 minutes. Gold’s bread-and-butter is perimeter shooting, but his added strength has improved his defense, rebounding and comfort driving from the perimeter. Simply a sub for Ighodaro last season, Gold and Ighodaro have shared the floor quite a bit this season, mostly in bigger lineups with the 6’8 225 Joplin at the 3 along with the two bigs.

Similar to last year, the main weaknesses for Marquette is overall rebounding and they are not the strongest three-point shooting team (they shot under 30% from three in all but one of the team’s losses), so take that for what it is. They are also a team with clear weak-points on their roster in terms of defense: Kam Jones is not a good defender, period, and while Joplin can generate turnovers at a decent rate, his aggressiveness sometimes puts him out of position. That being said, Karaban’s savvy combined with whomever Jones guards, are potential mismatch opportunities.

 

[WhereistheDove?]

I’m guessing we see a bunch of Castle and Diarra on Kolek and then see if that combo plus DC’s drop coverage disrupts their pick and roll game. They’re a great team, but IMO this UConn squad is their nightmare matchup.

 

[REB1094]

Do not let anybody except Stephon Castle or Hassan Diarra guard Tyler Kolek.

Rough em up, stay out of foul trouble, and I feel good. From what I’ve seen of Marquette this year they struggle with physicality.

This will be a REALLY fun game.

 

[Hey Adrien!]

I’m guessing we see a bunch of Castle and Diarra on Kolek

Do not let anybody except Stephon Castle or Hassan Diarra guard Tyler Kolek.

Yes and Yes.

I love that idea, especially since Spencer/Newton, to me, should be equally effective against Jones and Mitchell.

 

[huskyharry]

Tough matchup! We will really have to be strong with the ball and keep the turnover numbers down. Kolek and Mitchell are savants at swiping the ball. Hopefully, Clingan can dominate like he did at Marquette last year, but we are doomed, clearly DOOMED!

 

[Uconn77Duke74]

If I recall they return 4 starters from last years team that went 2-1 against us. This will be a dog fight. I won't be comfortable with any lead until the buzzer sounds. We need Castle to find some room and keep driving to the rim. That was the one piece missing from last years team.

 

[TheShot1990]

Don't fall for pump fakes Donovan. Stay on your feet. Watch old videos of Emeka, he never jumped on a pump fake. Let's the guards get the fouls on Ighodaro. Shut down Kolek please Steph. Take it to the hoop Alex and SJ. Get Ighodaro and Jopin in foul trouble early.

 

[StllH8L8ner]

Don't fall for pump fakes Donovan. Stay on your feet. Watch old videos of Emeka, he never jumped on a pump fake.

Yep, just need to get in their way with arms up. And don’t bring the arms down, it’s an automatic foul if he’s not going straight up.

 

[Spaceman213J]

And overplay by a step or even 1/2 step so Kolek can't go left off the dribble. He's still a good player, but at least last year, he was deadly when he was allowed to go left. He was still good going right, but not at the same level as going left.
Also, Diarra cannot go under screens. Make it tough for TK from the start and don't let up.

 

[CardiacAndre7]

DC should be doing nothing but training post defense and Mikan drills this week. Biting on and getting fouls called on 2+ shot fakes a game is indefensible at this stage.

 

[gsmooth]

And overplay by a step or even 1/2 step so Kolek can't go left off the dribble. He's still a good player, but at least last year, he was deadly when he was allowed to go left. He was still good going right, but not at the same level as going left.
Also, Diarra cannot go under screens. Make it tough for TK from the start and don't let up.

Bingo. I posted this yesterday in another thread. Same goes for Kam Jones. Both he and Kolek are terrific finishing going to their left. They can finish going to their right, but their effectiveness diminishes greatly. Diarra and others, like you said shouldn't go under screens, but rather trail over the top of the screens and force them into Clingan's drop coverage.

UConn needs to attack the offensive glass-Marquette is not a good defensive rebounding team.

 

[SportsFan88]

I expect a good game, home crowd should be fired and will make a difference, let’s go!

 

[SwingDog]

We need to make Marquette very uncomfortable on offense, control the boards, and do a good job of protecting the basketball and making free throws. I am expecting this to be a real grinder from start to finish.

 

[willie99]

My eyes tell me they're pretty good. Luckily all the metrics seem to agree

In all seriousness, easily the best team we're hosting this year. Should be fun

 

[NotADime89]

XL Center is going to be rocking tomorrow, can't wait!!! Wouldn't be shocked to see Sanogo/Ajax/Hawk in the building tomorrow since the NBA is on all star break. I know Hawk is playing in the rising stars game tonight but maybe he catches a morning flight to Hartford.

 

[aburks41]

If Clingan picks up 2 early fouls, we're in serious trouble. They're going to attack him right away. He just needs to not fall for the bait. Stand tall and make them shoot over you. Don't be overly aggressive trying to block everything at the rim until the 2nd half if he has fouls to give.

I swear Marquette generates at least 10 points a game from put back dunks because the opposing center tries to block Kolek at the rim and leaves Oso uncontested at the rim.

 

[superjohn]

Put Castle on Kolek and Diarra on Kolek when he comes in. Tristen on Kam Jones, Cam on Stevie Mitchell, Karaban on Joplin, and Clingan guarding the rim. If Oso beats us with 10-12 foot jumpers and Gold beats us with threes then so be it.

 

[RichCTBB]

They will try to out-phsysical us....stick to us like glue. We need to ramp up the speed of our actions and chase them off of the 3 point line. Oh, and stay out of foul trouble. I'm already having anxiety about this one.

 

[CardiacAndre7]

Put Castle on Kolek and Diarra on Kolek when he comes in. Tristen on Kam Jones, Cam on Stevie Mitchell, Karaban on Joplin, and Clingan guarding the rim. If Oso beats us with 10-12 foot jumpers and Gold beats us with threes then so be it.

Try to work Castle in the post as well. He’s bigger and stronger than their perimeter guys.

 

[Khal Drogo]

Tough matchup! We will really have to be strong with the ball and keep the turnover numbers down. Kolek and Mitchell are savants at swiping the ball. Hopefully, Clingan can dominate like he did at Marquette last year, but we are doomed, clearly DOOMED!

20 points in that game.

 

[gsmooth]

Try to work Castle in the post as well. He’s bigger and stronger than their perimeter guys.

Very true. The game plan should also include attacking Kolek when he is on defense-he is not a good defender.

 

[Hey Adrien!]

Obviously, the most important factor to Wednesday's game is how different Marquette will look without Tyler Kolek. His absence is compounded with the fact that the team's previous backup PG, Sean Jones, is also out with an ACL tear.

Against Creighton, Marquette also did not have Oso Ighodaro, who is the team's second best passer, so just 7 of the team's 30 field goals made were assisted. Kam Jones led the team with 3 assists.

I'd expect Ighodaro back on Wednesday and Kam Jones to be the team's de factor PG and more looks for Ighodaro to distribute from the elbow and low post.

Honestly, Marquette's offensive plan of attack could look a little more like Seton Hall's style w/ guys like Kam Jones and Stevie Mitchell penetrating and attacking the rim.

The biggest change might be seen from David Joplin. This season, 60% of his shot attempts has been from three, but against Oklahoma, Joplin had a career high six two-pointers made and ten attempted and he's certainly got the strength and skills to do work at the basket.

 

[WhereistheDove?]

Obviously, the most important factor to Wednesday's game is how different Marquette will look without Tyler Kolek. His absence is compounded with the fact that the team's previous backup PG, Sean Jones, is also out with an ACL tear.

Against Creighton, Marquette also did not have Oso Ighodaro, who is the team's second best passer, so just 7 of the team's 30 field goals made were assisted. Kam Jones led the team with 3 assists.

I'd expect Ighodaro back on Wednesday and Kam Jones to be the team's de factor PG and more looks for Ighodaro to distribute from the elbow and low post.

Honestly, Marquette's offensive plan of attack could look a little more like Seton Hall's style w/ guys like Kam Jones and Stevie Mitchell penetrating and attacking the rim.

The biggest change might be seen from David Joplin. This season, 60% of his shot attempts has been from three, but against Oklahoma, Joplin had a career high six two-pointers made and ten attempted and he's certainly got the strength and skills to do work at the basket.

There is zero reason we shouldn’t win handily without Kolek. Just cant have self-inflicted loss.

 

[UCann]

It would be nice to end that consecutive loss streak on the road against ranked opponents. Seems like a "golden" opportunity with Kolek out. Even though we don't have much to play for, I'd imagine this is part of the motivation for the guys.