Back in November, we compiled our predictions for Marquette's then-upcoming season. Some of us (OH HAI) drew flack for being too pessimistic about the team. Others were mocked for their overly optimistic take on the season-to-be. In the end, the dude who went Baby Bear and walked the middle of the road ended up with the most accurate predictions.
Couple notes: I didn't do this "Price is Right" closest-without-going-over style, because that would've left a whole lot of white on the page. Wherever possible, I gave credit to the person(s) who was the closest. The only exception: technical fouls for Buzz. He didn't get a single one, and nobody said he'd get less than two, so: no credit there.
In terms of individuals players: Darius Johnson-Odom led the team in scoring by the slimmest of margins: 15.8 ppg (and 584 total points) to Jimmy Butler's 15.7 ppg (and 582 points); Dwight Buycks beat out Junior Cadougan for the assists lead by a nose (3.4 apg to 3.2 apg; 121 total to 115); and Jae Crowder easily led in rebounds (6.8 rpg, 251 total). Chris Otule hit the century mark in fouls (100) and averaged 2.7 per game.
The most lopsided regular season win of the year was vs. Prairie View A&M in the opener (97-58). The most lopsided regular season loss was at Seton Hall (85-72).
For the sake of this post, we all agreed that JFB was the team's MVP; Jae was the best newcomer; and Otule was the most improved player.
Rob Frozena scored eight points this year.
Rubie Q |
Admiral Ackbar S.J. |
Warrior Brad |
Soft Pretzel With Cheese |
Superstitious Bando |
|
Overall Record |
19-12 |
21-10 |
23-8 |
21-10 |
24-7 |
Big East Record |
10-8 |
11-7 |
12-6 |
10-8 |
13-5 |
Big East Finish |
6th |
6th |
4th |
6th |
5th |
MVP |
Jae Crowder |
Jimmy Butler |
Jimmy Butler |
DJO |
DJO |
Best Newcomer |
Jae Crowder |
Jae Crowder |
Jae Crowder |
Jae Crowder |
|
Most Improved Player |
Joe Fulce |
Chris Otule |
Chris Otule |
||
Record Against Tough Non-Conf Foes (Duke, Gonzaga, Wisconsin, Vandy) |
1-3 |
1-3 |
2-2 |
2-2 |
2-2 |
Postseason Prediction |
NCAA 1st Round |
NCAA 2nd Round |
NCAA 2nd Round |
NCAA 2nd Round |
NCAA Sweet 16 |
Scoring Leader |
Jimmy Butler |
DJO |
Jimmy Butler |
DJO |
DJO |
Rebounds Leader |
Jae Crowder |
Jae Crowder |
Jimmy Butler |
Jimmy Butler |
Jimmy Butler |
Assists Leader |
Dwight Buycks |
DJO |
|||
Fouls Leader |
Jae Crowder |
Joe Fulce |
Joe Fulce |
Chris Otule |
Joe Fulce |
Most Lopsided Win |
Bucknell |
Centenary |
MVSU |
Centenary |
Longwood |
Most Lopsided Loss |
Duke |
KSU/Gonzaga |
Duke |
Pitt |
Pitt |
Buzz Williams Technical Fouls |
3 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
Total Points for Robert Frozena |
6 |
5 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
The SMARTEST MAN ALIVE Award somehow ends up in the hands of Admiral Ackbar, S.J., who tallied eight of the most accurate predictions when the smoke cleared. Congratulations, Admiral. Your room-temperature can of Bud Light and half-eaten bag of Cheetos are in the mail.
The DOUG GOTTLIEB MEMORIAL DUNCE CAP Award goes to Warrior Brad, with two of the most accurate predictions. Your I'M WITH STUPID shirt will be hand-delivered sometime in the next eight to twelve months.