Sorry to start a thread after bad loss, I never start threads, but had this on my mind after Ross injury. This has nothing to do with the underwhelming bench play, that has been discussed in regurgitation mode.
MU recruited the three freshmen, Norman, Lowery and Amadou. All were ranked around and above the 100 in the country in various recruiting services and that's a good thing In beginning of the year, they got a few minutes against the blowout teams, especially the Southern game, where posters were saying Lowery is the next NBA roster maker. Since then, all three basically do not play, except Norman who may get a few minutes like today and is yanked after a shot a grade school child would not even attempt.
So, the season is half over and these three recruits have not even got on the court. After the Ross injury, I expected some to play, but Norman played one minute and Lowery played 10 seconds. Amadou has been a ghost. Without Ross, that left Sean and Gold and the others sat on bench. Gold's game is stand outside wait for a three and shoot. That is it, he is foul machine and is the slowest player in BE. There is no way he is making any NBA roster or G league spot.
Back to freshman. Are these three so bad that they can't see any court time in any game, especially now that Ross is out. Do they suck in practice? Other NCAA teams have freshmen playing such as Castle at UCONN, Burton at ND, etc, don't want to make lengthy list, who have been productive for the team. Ross and Sean played a lot as freshman, but these guys do not and have zero input in any games.
What does Shaka say to them about not playing and if they cannot even see the floor in games where MU has an injury issue, such as Mitchell/Ross.
What happens next year with Oso gone, Kolek probably gone and who knows about others. These freshmen will be relayed upon to take significant roles, unless Shaka goes to portal, which he said he doesn't like. They get no court experience now for next year.
Does he find some leftover 2024 recruits and then over recruit?
Just some noted thoughts and curious if others see it the same way.
Did you totally miss Tre's drive and wild shot that led to a run out layup?
Quote from: IrwinFletcher on January 06, 2024, 02:02:44 PM
Did you totally miss Tre's drive and wild shot that led to a run out layup?
Nope, read what I wrote.
Only 200 minutes to go around. I think these recruits knew what they signed up for though and knew playing time would be hard to get in year one.
Quote from: CountryRoads on January 06, 2024, 02:08:44 PM
Only 200 minutes to go around. I think these recruits knew what they signed up for though and knew playing time would be hard to get in year one.
Let's face it, the freshman class is of now very below average. Sophomore class is very average as Gold has done nothing lately. When you go into the portal like St. John's you get experienced kids who you have some idea what they can do. Next year will be interesting.
The eternal struggle. Buzz with JaJaun, Deonte, and Dawson. If the coach thinks they are ready, they will play. Last season, there was no other options, so Gold, Sean, and Chase had to play. This season, the coach thinks his 8 returnees are better.
Quote from: nyg on January 06, 2024, 02:07:12 PM
Nope, read what I wrote.
You wondered why the freshman weren't playing.
I posted that Tre was inserted the lineup and made a horrific decision, demonstrating why he wasn't playing.
Shaka wanted to play cute and be the special culture that doesn't use transfers. this is essentially the same team as last year with no o max. May cost them big time.. oh well
agreed, we better enjoy this year for what it is... soph and fresh classes so far look like misses...
Quote from: BCHoopster on January 06, 2024, 02:22:17 PM
Let's face it, the freshman class is of now very below average. Sophomore class is very average as Gold has done nothing lately. When you go into the portal like St. John's you get experienced kids who you have some idea what they can do. Next year will be interesting.
Quote from: IrwinFletcher on January 06, 2024, 02:24:15 PM
You wondered why the freshman weren't playing.
I posted that Tre was inserted the lineup and made a horrific decision, demonstrating why he wasn't playing.
Yes, got it. That's the point of the thread. Are they that bad and what to do next.
Quote from: PointWarrior on January 06, 2024, 02:28:05 PM
agreed, we better enjoy this year for what it is... soph and fresh classes so far look like misses...
You're on a roll today.
Wisconsin brought in AJ Storr which was a great portal pickup, MU did nothing and it shows
Johnny / I agree ... I think Shaka REALLY screwed himself and the team by not going to the Portal.
He did not replace OMAX, and has 3 frosh that he won't play. The team is very thin , and it only gets worse when Stevie or Chase gets hurt ... they then play w / one and a 1/2 ( Ben ) bench players
This season ( since Maui ) has not been good.
At this point... talk of a FF is laughable
Quote from: BCHoopster on January 06, 2024, 02:38:56 PM
Wisconsin brought in AJ Storr which was a great portal pickup, MU did nothing and it shows
Returning 8 rotation players from a 29 win team. ::)
Even though he prefers development and improvement from the players he has, I think Shaka is going to have no choice but to shop the portal for at least one and maybe two players.
See what Storr has done for Wisconsin and what St. John's is doing.
Quote from: PointWarrior on January 06, 2024, 02:50:11 PM
Agree, I am...
You should probably take the rest of the day off.
To get any kind of impact player from the portal, you have to pay them. If you pay them more than some of the current players, you risk creating internal friction. If you pay them less, how much of an impact player can you be getting? Using the portal is not easy.
Quote from: tower912 on January 06, 2024, 02:40:35 PM
Returning 8 rotation players from a 29 win team. ::)
Wouldve loved a strong slasher/scorer type to step in the omax void.
It sounds great to bet on your guys, but you're taking a huge risk hoping young guys will take big leaps when most of your competition is getting older proven talent.
Quote from: rgoode57 on January 06, 2024, 03:33:25 PM
To get any kind of impact player from the portal, you have to pay them. If you pay them more than some of the current players, you risk creating internal friction. If you pay them less, how much of an impact player can you be getting? Using the portal is not easy.
Loser mentality
Quote from: panda on January 06, 2024, 03:36:42 PM
Loser mentality
You will need at least one potential starter in the portal next year, mainly a guard
Quote from: BCHoopster on January 06, 2024, 04:02:52 PM
You will need at least one potential starter in the portal next year, mainly a guard
At least 1. Competition breeds success. No one should be afraid of bringing in a highly talented transfer.
He won't.
Quote from Shaka in the Athletic article from June.
"We've never really believed in ever prioritizing someone that's not worn our jersey over guys who have been here and built our program and been receptive, been recruited by us to come in here, build relationships and grow and win."
Will Shaka walk that back and go to the portal? First of all, assuming Oso and TKo leave and nobody transfers out, there is only one scholarship open next year. If TKo stays, none. In which case there will be nothing from the portal. I absolutely cannot picture somebody being Smart-assed off the roster and replaced with a player from the portal. So, one at most. Barring a lot of tranfers out, I am just not feeling transfers in.
Quote from: tower912 on January 06, 2024, 04:45:29 PM
Quote from Shaka in the Athletic article from June.
"We've never really believed in ever prioritizing someone that's not worn our jersey over guys who have been here and built our program and been receptive, been recruited by us to come in here, build relationships and grow and win."
Will Shaka walk that back and go to the portal? First of all, assuming Oso and TKo leave and nobody transfers out, there is only one scholarship open next year. If TKo stays, none. In which case there will be nothing from the portal. I absolutely cannot picture somebody being Smart-assed off the roster and replaced with a player from the portal. So, one at most. Barring a lot of tranfers out, I am just not feeling transfers in.
In terms of the portal, Out-Smarted rolls more naturally for someone forced out of the program.
Quote from: We R Final Four on January 06, 2024, 04:40:25 PM
He won't.
If Kolek and Kam decide to leave, MU would have the least experienced backcourt in years, Jones, Ross or Mitchell do not excite me, and the 2 freshman, well what can you say.
Quote from: tower912 on January 06, 2024, 04:45:29 PM
Quote from Shaka in the Athletic article from June.
"We've never really believed in ever prioritizing someone that's not worn our jersey over guys who have been here and built our program and been receptive, been recruited by us to come in here, build relationships and grow and win."
Will Shaka walk that back and go to the portal? First of all, assuming Oso and TKo leave and nobody transfers out, there is only one scholarship open next year. If TKo stays, none. In which case there will be nothing from the portal. I absolutely cannot picture somebody being Smart-assed off the roster and replaced with a player from the portal. So, one at most. Barring a lot of tranfers out, I am just not feeling transfers in.
If Kolek leaves, I think they add a starter caliber player from the portal. If he stays, I think they add no one. Though I think Shaka will add quality players from the portal in years where the team is young. Shouldn't be the case next year at least.
Yes Tower....as much as scoopers wanna bitch about getting transfers next year on Jan 6th.....Shaka will put his energy into Zaide and Tre....not trying to fund a player to overstep a player we already have.
I don't understand why scoopers don't understand this....even though Shaka has described his approach publicly.
I like it. Out-Smarted it shall be.
Quote from: BCHoopster on January 06, 2024, 04:48:26 PM
If Kolek and Kam decide to leave, MU would have the least experienced backcourt in years, Jones, Ross or Mitchell do not excite me, and the 2 freshman, well what can you say.
Cam Davis will most likely be back.
(Bush league announcing today).
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on January 06, 2024, 04:50:43 PM
Cam Davis will most likely be back.
Let's hope not. That Davis guy couldn't hit water if he fell out of a boat.
MU is a name right now, lots going for them, so the opportunity to get a good player is pretty high, rather have somebody you will know can play then those 2 freshman that have done absolutely nothing.
Quote from: BCHoopster on January 06, 2024, 04:48:26 PM
If Kolek and Kam decide to leave, MU would have the least experienced backcourt in years, Jones, Ross or Mitchell do not excite me, and the 2 freshman, well what can you say.
I dont think Shaka is interested in what excites you about next years team.
Quote from: BCHoopster on January 06, 2024, 04:53:41 PM
MU is a name right now, lots going for them, so the opportunity to get a good player is pretty high, rather have somebody you will know can play then those 2 freshman that have done absolutely nothing.
So Shaka should go full hypocrite and abandon everything he has preached about culture, growth, and relationships because you are feeling salty about this years' freshmen.
Quote from: We R Final Four on January 06, 2024, 04:55:31 PM
I dont think Shaka is interested in what excites you about next years team.
Right, he will make 3M no matter what happens!
Quote from: BCHoopster on January 06, 2024, 04:48:26 PM
If Kolek and Kam decide to leave, MU would have the least experienced backcourt in years, Jones, Ross or Mitchell do not excite me, and the 2 freshman, well what can you say.
Where the hell is Kam going to go?
Quote from: tower912 on January 06, 2024, 04:57:25 PM
So Shaka should go full hypocrite and abandon everything he has preached about culture, growth, and relationships because you are feeling salty about this years' freshmen.
The best 2 players he signed where from the portal!
Quote from: BCHoopster on January 06, 2024, 04:59:52 PM
The best 2 players he signed where from the portal!
Context matters. Want to compare the scenarios?
And? Transfers happen during coaching changes. Wrightsil came from NAIA because wanted an opportunity. And?
They'll look at guys in the portal. Whether they actually can land anyone who will make an impact is another story.
But looking at the lack of talent behind the top three guys... Unless they're okay bottoming out for a year to get Tre, Zaide, Al, and Caedin some run he's gonna have to get someone.
Quote from: tower912 on January 06, 2024, 04:57:25 PM
So Shaka should go full hypocrite and abandon everything he has preached about culture, growth, and relationships because you are feeling salty about this years' freshmen.
Boy do I have news for you - college coaches lie
Quote from: BCHoopster on January 06, 2024, 04:58:34 PM
Right, he will make 3M no matter what happens!
You should apply.
Quote from: We R Final Four on January 06, 2024, 05:12:13 PM
You should apply.
Not sure he would get fired until 2031, so I hope I am just alive at that time!
Al is raw and what I have seen from him is encouraging. MU is pretty soft in the paint and I find it hard to believe he can't help for 3-5 minute stretches. This back tap crap isn't going to cut it against these physical BE teams.
Quote from: Dr. Blackheart on January 06, 2024, 05:18:56 PM
Al is raw and what I have seen from him is encouraging. MU is pretty soft in the paint and I find it hard to believe he can't help for 3-5 minute stretches. This back tap crap isn't going to cut it against these physical BE teams.
Al has major upside and will be a player here. Zaide too. I'm struggling to see it with Tre though - like his competitive spirit and he's physical but he strikes me as more of a role player talent than a big time player.
Quote from: BCHoopster on January 06, 2024, 04:02:52 PM
You will need at least one potential starter in the portal next year, mainly a guard
How about a center? Ben Gold is not the answer. 1 rebound for a big dude? Yikes. So what he can make the occasional three. We are getting wrecked on the boards far too often. We need a big.
Quote from: 79Warrior on January 06, 2024, 06:25:30 PM
How about a center? Ben Gold is not the answer. 1 rebound for a big dude? Yikes. So what he can make the occasional three. We are getting wrecked on the boards far too often. We need a big.
Guess I am hoping Parham or Hamilton
Can play, I have said many times that Gold is not a center.
Quote from: 79Warrior on January 06, 2024, 06:25:30 PM
Ben Gold is not the answer.
You are correct. And I almost don't care what the question was. Slow, poor on D, foul-prone, and where's the shooting we've heard about?
Lets worry about one year at a time. A number of BE teams have improved and we are not hitting 3's. We continue to miss a strong power forward and the loss of Omax made matters worse. We do not play well against physical teams and we have no solution.
However, we do have some obvious strong points such as excellent passing, a great turnover differential, good D and a strong possibility that 3 point shooting will improve.
This team will need to relentlessly battle in every game to succeed. We need to faithfully support them in this effort if they are to believe in themselves. We need to play an important role if this team is going to win. It is up to us to keep our end of the deal to give the blue and gold a chance.
Quote from: tower912 on January 06, 2024, 04:57:25 PM
So Shaka should go full hypocrite and abandon everything he has preached about culture, growth, and relationships because you are feeling salty about this years' freshmen.
The irony is that the success at MU has thus far been driven by transfer players. Morsell, Kuath, Kolek and OMax have proven to be not only outstanding players for MU, but apparently completely in line with what Shaka has preached about culture, growth, and relationships. And how do you explain giving a Wrightsil a shot?
I don't get Shaka's sudden aversion to transfer players given this very recent history.
Quote from: The Equalizer on January 06, 2024, 08:13:50 PM
The irony is that the success at MU has thus far been driven by transfer players. Morsell, Kuath, Kolek and OMax have proven to be not only outstanding players for MU, but apparently completely in line with what Shaka has preached about culture, growth, and relationships. And how do you explain giving a Wrightsil a shot?
I don't get Shaka's sudden aversion to transfer players given this very recent history.
NIL happened