Excellent Interview with Al Amadou

[Herman Cain]

Marquette Wire publishes an excellent interview with Al Amadou . Well worth reading . Let’s give those page views to the hard working student editors .

https://marquettewire.org/4090695/sports/qa-with-marquette-basketball-2023-commit-al-amadou/

[We R Final Four]

Thanks Herman—awesome

“I don’t like Wisconsin already.”

That might not sit well with a certain scooper.

[Newsdreams]

Marquette Wire publishes an excellent interview with Al Amadou . Well worth reading . Let’s give those page views to the hard working student editors .

https://marquettewire.org/4090695/sports/qa-with-marquette-basketball-2023-commit-al-amadou/

Not elite?

[Stretchdeltsig]

Good story. Wish we could read weekly updates on the three recruits.

[Ellenson Guerrero]

Based on that stat-line from his last game, I’m worried he’s going to be an Itejere type project.

[tower912]

There is nothing wrong with project bigs as long as they ultimately develop.

[Uncle Rico]

Based on that stat-line from his last game, I’m worried he’s going to be an Itejere type project.

Have you watched him?

[Ellenson Guerrero]

Have you watched him?

Only what is available on YouTube, but I’ve watched enough of those reels to know that they can be misleading. 

I get that most bigs are projects but given that Itejere apparently is still far behind Ben Gold, we really need Amadou to hit.

[Uncle Rico]

Only what is available on YouTube, but I’ve watched enough of those reels to know that they can be misleading. 

I get that most bigs are projects but given that Itejere apparently is still far behind Ben Gold, we really need Amadou to hit.

He’ll almost certainly be a non-factor as a frosh.  I dunno, his numbers are fine.  Blocks shots and rebounds

[Newsdreams]

He’ll almost certainly be a non-factor as a frosh.  I dunno, his numbers are fine.  Blocks shots and rebounds

Why we want someone who rebounds?

[Uncle Rico]

Why we want someone who rebounds?

I’m not sure.  I can’t keep track of all of Marquette basketball’s many flaws

[Ellenson Guerrero]

He’ll almost certainly be a non-factor as a frosh.  I dunno, his numbers are fine.  Blocks shots and rebounds

I’ll be totally happy if Al comes to MU and just blocks shots and rebounds. But I get concerned when a 6’9 kid goes an entire HS game with just 5 boards. I didn’t watch the game, and it is just one game, but I hope his stat lines normally look a lot better than that one.

[Uncle Rico]

I’ll be totally happy if Al comes to MU and just blocks shots and rebounds. But I get concerned when a 6’9 kid goes an entire HS game with just 5 boards. I didn’t watch the game, and it is just one game, but I hope his stat lines normally look a lot better than that one.

They have.  Have some faith in the staff he will eventually play for instead of worrying about the coaches he is currently playing for when it comes to development is how I’d view these guys.  There could be a variety of reasons why his numbers dipped in a single game.  I’m fully confident the Marquette staff will maximize his skill set

[Juan Anderson's Mixtape]

Would not surprise me if Al redshirts next year.  Give him time to add strength.

Next year, assuming no departures, Oso starts, Gold is the backup, and Keeyan is 3rd.

Following year, I assume Oso is off to play professionally somewhere.  Gold starts as a JR, Keeyan as RS-JR and RS-FR Al compete for backup minutes.  Incoming frosh probably redshirts.  Possibly Bryce Dortch.

Shaka has been targeting long, athletic 6-9 players that need 2-3 years of development to make an impact.  Patience will be required.

[CountryRoads]

Would not surprise me if Al redshirts next year.  Give him time to add strength.

Next year, assuming no departures, Oso starts, Gold is the backup, and Keeyan is 3rd.

That’s a good prediction, though we’re one over so there will be a departure. Sounds like Al is raw offensively but could easily provide a few minutes next year if his defense is as good as advertised. Oso will get absolute max minutes next year, so I don’t think there will be many minutes to be had at the 5 anyway.

I see Gold as a guy who will likely be out there alongside another big and he’ll spend more time on the perimeter. I don’t really consider him Oso’s backup as the future, though it sort of is that way this season.

[Ellenson Guerrero]

Would not surprise me if Al redshirts next year.  Give him time to add strength.

Next year, assuming no departures, Oso starts, Gold is the backup, and Keeyan is 3rd.

Following year, I assume Oso is off to play professionally somewhere.  Gold starts as a JR, Keeyan as RS-JR and RS-FR Al compete for backup minutes.  Incoming frosh probably redshirts.  Possibly Bryce Dortch.

Shaka has been targeting long, athletic 6-9 players that need 2-3 years of development to make an impact.  Patience will be required.

I suspect this is a position Shaka will have to address via the portal. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by Gold so far, but I have a tough time envisioning him as a primary 5 man for a successful Marquette team.

[Vander Blue Man Group]

I’m a bit surprised it’s not easier to find the stats of high school recruits.

[Juan Anderson's Mixtape]

That’s a good prediction, though we’re one over so there will be a departure. Sounds like Al is raw offensively but could easily provide a few minutes next year if his defense is as good as advertised. Oso will get absolute max minutes next year, so I don’t think there will be many minutes to be had at the 5 anyway.

I see Gold as a guy who will likely be out there alongside another big and he’ll spend more time on the perimeter. I don’t really consider him Oso’s backup as the future, though it sort of is that way this season.

I meant no departure from the 5s. There will surely be a departure.  It could be a 5, but I think it's more likely from a different position.

[Shooter McGavin]

That’s a good prediction, though we’re one over so there will be a departure. Sounds like Al is raw offensively but could easily provide a few minutes next year if his defense is as good as advertised. Oso will get absolute max minutes next year, so I don’t think there will be many minutes to be had at the 5 anyway.

I see Gold as a guy who will likely be out there alongside another big and he’ll spend more time on the perimeter. I don’t really consider him Oso’s backup as the future, though it sort of is that way this season.

Big donors better be ready to pay our starters to come back.  I hope Oso is back. The way they are playing it has to be an eye opener for many college coaches around the country.  This offseason is where the hope MU will perform well with NIL will be tested for the first time. 

[Goose]

Shooter

The amount of emails and hits on social media from MU's NIL is almost like political ads in frequency. I firmly believe MU will have the money to pay the guys their money.

[Shooter McGavin]

Shooter

The amount of emails and hits on social media from MU's NIL is almost like political ads in frequency. I firmly believe MU will have the money to pay the guys their money.

That’s good to hear Goose.  My chump change isn’t going to be the difference. 

[jfp61]

Big donors better be ready to pay our starters to come back.  I hope Oso is back. The way they are playing it has to be an eye opener for many college coaches around the country.  This offseason is where the hope MU will perform well with NIL will be tested for the first time.

My understanding is Marquette's NIL will pay their own guys. Think cheapish-cheap car per year for scholarship guys, and triple ish a modern starting salary for a guy about to leave.

Oso is going to be a closer call than people realize because i think he might have his degree at the end of the year. Plus he can find himself between the top 50-100 NBA prospects. But i think they'll look for another big if he were to leave. But this is a topic for May.

[Uncle Rico]

Shooter

The amount of emails and hits on social media from MU's NIL is almost like political ads in frequency. I firmly believe MU will have the money to pay the guys their money.

The angst here about NIL is overblown.  There aren’t that many places shelling out big money for that many players.

I’ll go out on a limb and say should any players Shaka recruits won’t be the guys with their hands out first

[CountryRoads]

Big donors better be ready to pay our starters to come back.  I hope Oso is back. The way they are playing it has to be an eye opener for many college coaches around the country.  This offseason is where the hope MU will perform well with NIL will be tested for the first time.

Honest question as I haven't followed the portal that closely, but in the last 2 years are there any other examples of a poaching to this degree occurring? Oso getting poached by another school due to NIL would seem pretty unprecedented to me. Optics would be terrible and MU would make sure to match any offer I would imagine. Oso also seems to have a lot of loyalty to MU as I assumed he was out the door when Wojo got canned. I think Oso plays 2 more seasons at MU after this one.

[Goose]

Shooter

The chump change does make a difference. It is a like a race track, they would not be open without the $2 bettor.

[Shooter McGavin]

Shooter

The chump change does make a difference. It is a like a race track, they would not be open without the $2 bettor.

Very true. I’m liking the optimistic response by many posters like you because that means  things are happening beyond what is common knowledge about this issue. 

Uncle Rico,  my only concern is it just takes one big donor and coach at another school to think Oso or Omax is the missing piece and they come up with the money.  I really hope my concern is unfounded and you are dead on. 

Anyway,  back to enjoying the season.  Tomorrow’s game should be a good one.

[Uncle Rico]

Very true. I’m liking the optimistic response by many posters like you because that means  things are happening beyond what is common knowledge about this issue. 

Uncle Rico,  my only concern is it just takes one big donor and coach at another school to think Oso or Omax is the missing piece and they come up with the money.  I really hope my concern is unfounded and you are dead on. 

Anyway,  back to enjoying the season.  Tomorrow’s game should be a good one.

It’s possible that happens.  I won’t dismiss it.  I think it’s more likely individual players or their intermediaries sniff around for big deals and seeing how Shaka and company are running the program, I’m not sure he’s recruiting this type of players.  I also think he’s experienced and savvy enough to handle this new era of college athletics

[Goose]

Interesting sidenote on the portal, I heard today that Georgia football does not have one player from the portal on their team. That is amazing for football and shows it can be done in basketball.

[Uncle Rico]

Interesting sidenote on the portal, I heard today that Georgia football does not have one player from the portal on their team. That is amazing for football and shows it can be done in basketball.

The best programs will only use the portal to supplement, not build.

[Goose]

I was a big fan on the portal idea, but after seeing what Shaka has done at MU, I have changed my mind to some degree. I prefer this over having four new starters every year.

[PGsHeroes32]

Honest question as I haven't followed the portal that closely, but in the last 2 years are there any other examples of a poaching to this degree occurring? Oso getting poached by another school due to NIL would seem pretty unprecedented to me. Optics would be terrible and MU would make sure to match any offer I would imagine. Oso also seems to have a lot of loyalty to MU as I assumed he was out the door when Wojo got canned. I think Oso plays 2 more seasons at MU after this one.

I'd be pretty stunned if Oso plays 2 more seasons of college ball.

His current development track + skillset will have him more than capable of high end pro ball somewhere by the end of next season. Don't see him wanting to do a year 5 of college. And hes already nearly graduated I believe.

[Scoop Snoop]

I'd be pretty stunned if Oso plays 2 more seasons of college ball.

His current development track + skillset will have him more than capable of high end pro ball somewhere by the end of next season. Don't see him wanting to do a year 5 of college. And hes already nearly graduated I believe.

 I really like Shaka's developing players in his system. I am also glad that there is no longer the 1 year sit out rule. For Marquette under Shaka, I think we are much more likely to prosper under the new rules. (insert Tower style joke- we have already Prospered). Sure, we may lose a player or maybe two to another school, but I think the in-transfers will either equal or surpass the out-transfers in talent. 

[PGsHeroes32]

I really like Shaka's developing players in his system. I am also glad that there is no longer the 1 year sit out rule. For Marquette under Shaka, I think we are much more likely to prosper under the new rules. (insert Tower style joke- we have already Prospered). Sure, we may lose a player or maybe two to another school, but I think the in-transfers will either equal or surpass the out-transfers in talent.

I like it too.

He knows his system is better for specific players and one that thrives off developing within it so I like that it seems that he will not use the portal much unless something really necessary comes along.

And the way he used the portal last year leaves me confident that should there come a time where we have a bunch of opening for whatever reason. That he can find the right guys to replenish.

[Juan Anderson's Mixtape]

I view NIL as a competitor to an NBA two way contract.

Top 40 picks will make too much money longterm to risk sticking around an extra year in college.  But the mid to late 2nd round and undrafted free agents are the players that you might be able to convince to stick around.

[Viper]

The best programs will only use the portal to supplement, not build.

USC football might disagree

[Uncle Rico]

USC football might disagree

Immediate fixes notwithstanding

[avid1010]

Oso takes a huge chance if he leaves MU to play elsewhere...playing at MU has helped him reach his full potential...if he goes to a big $ school, and for many posssible reasons, he doesn't play as well in their system...it's going to hurt his value on the professional market. 

I directly know of a 6'9" bruiser at a low mid-major (Atlantic Sun team) who was offered $50k from a big $ school.  He turned it down because he felt his value as an eventual pro overseas would take a hit if he was in a reserve roll.  Not that Oso would be a reserve at a big $ school, but there's a lot to think about before messing with a situation that is proving wildly successful.  Shaka seems to get this as well as anyone. Where does Oso think he can go and play point-forward for a coach that cares about him and caters to his skill-set?  He has to be thrilled with what he has gotten from MU.  Leaving for $100k would be a huge long-term risk. 

[Lennys Tap]

Oso takes a huge chance if he leaves MU to play elsewhere...playing at MU has helped him reach his full potential...if he goes to a big $ school, and for many posssible reasons, he doesn't play as well in their system...it's going to hurt his value on the professional market. 

I directly know of a 6'9" bruiser at a low mid-major (Atlantic Sun team) who was offered $50k from a big $ school.  He turned it down because he felt his value as an eventual pro overseas would take a hit if he was in a reserve roll.  Not that Oso would be a reserve at a big $ school, but there's a lot to think about before messing with a situation that is proving wildly successful.  Shaka seems to get this as well as anyone. Where does Oso think he can go and play point-forward for a coach that cares about him and caters to his skill-set?  He has to be thrilled with what he has gotten from MU.  Leaving for $100k would be a huge long-term risk.

100% agree, avid, but 100k might be low. I think someone on Scoop reported that Dawson Garcia got 600k from UNC and he’s not even very good. Who knows how much Oso might be offered?

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

He might be worth more. And he might leave and be immediately eligible elsewhere. But that's what college athletics is these days and I am sure Shaka has a very good understanding of what that means and the options available.

[Goose]

I fully believe that Shaka and you know how to the NIL game is played. If Shaka feels he needs Oso back next year, I think they will find the money, regardless of amount.

[panda]

I fully believe that Shaka and you know how to the NIL game is played. If Shaka feels he needs Oso back next year, I think they will find the money, regardless of amount.

Deep pockets paid for Wojo to take a hike. BTD has the means to keep any player that wants to stay. 

[Goose]

Panda

Everyone loves to support a winner. If this team continues to play well and has some March success, there will be money for everyone.

[panda]

Panda

Everyone loves to support a winner. If this team continues to play well and has some March success, there will be money for everyone.

Yep - and we’re right there. There should be no concerns on keeping players with NIL interests

[Goose]

I saw a great interview of Amandou on Fox News on NIL and he stated that was not a big factor in his decision making on choosing MU. The kid was great.

[TedBaxter]

Yep - and we’re right there. There should be no concerns on keeping players with NIL interests

And if there are concerns, you put them in a room with Kolek.  I'm only half joking.

[Newsdreams]

I suspect this is a position Shaka will have to address via the portal. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by Gold so far, but I have a tough time envisioning him as a primary 5 man for a successful Marquette team.

Or MU could end up playing 5 out and developing Gold as interior good D, he has shown the potential.

[avid1010]

100% agree, avid, but 100k might be low. I think someone on Scoop reported that Dawson Garcia got 600k from UNC and he’s not even very good. Who knows how much Oso might be offered?

Yeah...I have no clue what they are getting/worth.  The only actual number I'm aware of was $50-$100k to play for Kentucky in a role similar to Theo John at Duke.  I know all of one current D1 player well, and it's interesting to hear what he has been offered and what his friends are reporting being offered.  Also interesting to hear about how kids are being told to keep their mouths shut amongst themselves for obvious reasons. 

I guess I figure we can likely pay about like what we spend...so we should be competitive...and obviously have an advantage with our current players for all the other reasons stated.  I think Shaka is dead set on developing and retaining talent.  Losing a player that has developed at MU like Oso has...because of $...would essentially be the end of MU bball.

The UNC quarterback denied it...but the Pitt coach had said teams offered him $5 million.  If true, that's the annual earnings of the 12th pick in the NFL draft.  If that kind of money is out there, we should really start seeing some interesting moves from college players soon.

[Goose]

avid

I have heard that three MU players were getting $100k + this year. I make get have heard it here or somewhere else, but sounds about right to me. Let’s pay these guys some money and build a program.

[jfp61]

avid

I have heard that three MU players were getting $100k + this year. I make get have heard it here or somewhere else, but sounds about right to me. Let’s pay these guys some money and build a program.

Maybe if they count tuition room and board as 63K of that

[avid1010]

Maybe if they count tuition room and board as 63K of that

$100k to a couple guys seems very likely to me.  Omax, Kam, Tyler, Jop, Oso all had to have interest from other schools to some extent.  I spoke to a former MU player who has a good/regular relationship with TD...sounds like they have their sh1t together with the gym and NIL funds.  I don't think we will outbid UK for 1-and-done guys...but I do think the NIL will ensure Shaka can recruit and retain 4 year players.  There is purely basketball reasons for this...but also NIL reasons.  They are essentially buying cheap by not going after elite talent, and using the $ saved to ensure guys get $ as they age/develop.  It makes perfect sense at a school like MU. 

[panda]

$100k to a couple guys seems very likely to me.  Omax, Kam, Tyler, Jop, Oso all had to have interest from other schools to some extent.  I spoke to a former MU player who has a good/regular relationship with TD...sounds like they have their sh1t together with the gym and NIL funds.  I don't think we will outbid UK for 1-and-done guys...but I do think the NIL will ensure Shaka can recruit and retain 4 year players.  There is purely basketball reasons for this...but also NIL reasons.  They are essentially buying cheap by not going after elite talent, and using the $ saved to ensure guys get $ as they age/develop.  It makes perfect sense at a school like MU.

The goal isn’t to win on the transfer market with NIL but to maintain our roster construction. Solid strategy IMO