Given the situation, I'll admit that MM isn't exactly stepping up. This team desperately needs some tenacity down low and there's zero tenacity to his game. Seems like he's constantly on cruise control, and shows no hunger, hustle or even a shred of aggression in the paint.
At the same time, I gotta cut the kid some slack. Even though he hasn't impressed in the "next man up" department, he was never supposed to. He is who is. I will give him the benefit of the doubt as I honestly believe the skill set that he DOES bring to the court is under-appreciated. He's super efficient offensively and has a really sweet touch. The MM we have now would be a very serviceable backup w/ spot minutes. I realize that's not the case, but his intended role on this team would otherwise be served really well...it's a similar idea with Tate.
You don't recruit players to be career backups in D1 basketball. At some point they are expected to develop and contribute. That should happen by Junior year. If we can get Thorne back next year, Mav should be encouraged to find a better fit.