KAEO: Marcus Banks Jr.

[Juice Stand]

Hey, they tried that Robbie Avila screen play today! Jayden set the screen on the left side freeing Banks up for an open 3 attempt. It didn't go in, c'est la vie

[MikeUMA]

This was mentioned in another thread but is worth moving over here...

From a recent Minuteman Command article about the win over Ball State

Guard Marcus Banks Jr. provided a lift in the second half after dealing with lingering finger issues that affected his shooting rhythm in recent games.

“We thought he had a fractured right index finger after the Bowling Green game,” Martin said. “It’s hard to be a shooter when you can’t flick that finger.”

Martin said Banks had been pressing at times, not out of selfishness but out of urgency.

“He wants to win so bad,” Martin said. “I stopped playing him in the first half because I thought he was pressing. I just needed him to settle down.”

Interesting that the finger issue came up in the Bowling Green game. He only took 5 FG shots that day, and only 1 after halftime. He still put up shots in the next two (6-16 at Ohio, 5-12 vs Ball), and was close (but a little below) his average percentage.

I was wondering if it went further back than that, because he struggled against Kent State (1-10) and UM Boston (1-5), but I guess not.

[Juice Stand]

^ It was definitely in the Bowling Green game. I noticed him wincing and grabbing his hand multiple times following a sequence where he got whacked taking a shot, which the refs didn't make a call on.

The good news is that he seems like a gamer. Going out there, not letting it bother him too much, and not complaining about it in postgame media is a credit to him.

[Roadtrip]

ESPN listing us as UMass Lowell cannot be a good sign.

[69MG]

ESPN listing us as UMass Lowell cannot be a good sign.

Maye it was!

[MikeUMA]

Record setter.

Banks hit 10 threes tonight to set a new UMass single game record.

[JoleonLescottsHair]

Like the Carbuccia record, very happy for Banks. But Lo Sutton and Rafer Giles will long live as the deep threats.

[m626t]

^
Perhaps, but I fondly remember James Jimmy Life making it rain

[Juice Stand]

Banks was on a mission to wash the bad taste of the last game out of his mouth. I had a feeling he would bounce back, but I didn't see it being this good. That dude can shoot the rock.

[MikeUMA]

Banks got his second MAC POTW nod:
https://getsomemaction.com/news/2026/2/ ... onors.aspx
https://umassathletics.com/news/2026/2/ ... f-the-week

[Floyd]

Been a pleasure watching Marcus play this year. The kid is a real talent
Gotta give some credit to K'Jei as well. He quietly has been a pretty consistent shooter for us, giving us a nice spark off the bench. Frank likes to rip into him, but I think he's been a positive for this team. Love to see him back, but if I had to bet, I'd say he won't be

[InnervisionsUMASS]

I believe the broadcast said that Banks broke the single season 3pfg made for UMass.


EDIT: Yep, he did. 109 total, beating Pipkins who had 107 in 2017-18.

[Floyd]

I'm gonna predict Marcus has a huge game tomorrow and lights it up

[Juice Stand]

I like your style, Floyd. Nobody's perfect obviously, and everyone has off days, but he seems to me like the kind of guy that HATES losing. Hopefully this tournament atmosphere brings out the best in him.

Also, congrats to him on once again putting his name in the record books.

[Floyd]

There's really no one on this team that I dont really like or feel like they can't contribute positively. Have guys had lapses or made mistakes, sure, but who doesnt. They've all kept fighting all year, they've all had bright spots, and they all seem to care about each other & the team. Most have been called out publicly by Frank, some more often, but I haven't seen any give up. As much as I want to see them win, I'd love to see them win for themselves. I've enjoyed watching them play all year, even with the ups & downs because with just a few key stretches in a handful of games, the season would look much different. Be cool if they could rattle off a few wins to end the season tho