Yes, early to discuss this topic...but this season is clearly toast. Still rooting HARD for the guys! Gotta also look forward as well. Gives us some glimmers of hope. Poor Chase. He's a top 2-3 player in the BEAST, while having an awesome SR season...but might not even make the NIT. He will be missed. Gold is also gone. He will not be missed. Guys I want back next year:
Nigel, of course.
Stevens
Phillips
Sheek
Clark...even if he hardly plays next season, some long term upside there.
Everybody else: K-bye. Best of luck. Recruit/transfer portal over all of them. Tough choices, but the right thing to do for the program, Shaka. You can't finish bottom 4 in the conference in year 5 without some major, major changes. Relationships, Growth, and Victories only go so far without basketball talent. Need a few veteran bigs for sure (not named Ed Morrow please). BTW, big Shaka fan who would love to see him adjust his philosophy after this season.
Go Marquette!!!
The only thing with this is if you run this exercise last year you're likely including Owens and Parham. If we put all our eggs into freshmen we're constantly running the game of "grass is greener with the young ones"
Now yes Tre probably shouldn't return, nor should Caedin or Sean. That said I think it's too early to throw out the sophomores and Zaide, despite having some issues, has been decent enough.
Offer Big bucks to Nolan Minessale if in the portal is a start Go Marquette!
IMO, need to replace at least 3 upperclassmen with better players to have much of a chance next year. Too much complacency now within the program.
Quote from: Galway Eagle on November 28, 2025, 11:43:31 PMThe only thing with this is if you run this exercise last year you're likely including Owens and Parham. If we put all our eggs into freshmen we're constantly running the game of "grass is greener with the young ones"
Now yes Tre probably shouldn't return, nor should Caedin or Sean. That said I think it's too early to throw out the sophomores and Zaide, despite having some issues, has been decent enough.
Great points Galway. I threw a few Frosh in there because they've gotten so few minutes there's some upside. Bringing Lowrey back is OK with me. Versatile on D. The O is still pretty much hit a 3 or a Nigel lob or bust, but Im OK with him next season.
I'm disappointed with Zaide - really thought he was going to take a step - flashes of it (his oops have been about the only plays that have got me out of thr chair all season) but then he just dissappears. Really a back court of zaide, chase and Nigel should be one of the better ones in the BE - I'd get them as many minutes together as possible. Stevens and Phillips seem decent for backup next season.
The front court? Keep Sheek since I guess we don't know what he can do - give Clark plenty of ben and caedins minutes to see if there is any hope, but it is absolutely clear we need to grab one or two bits in the portal (just like it had been the last w seasons)
Quote from: MessWithAll on November 28, 2025, 11:25:22 PMYes, early to discuss this topic...but this season is clearly toast. Still rooting HARD for the guys! Gotta also look forward as well. Gives us some glimmers of hope. Poor Chase. He's a top 2-3 player in the BEAST, while having an awesome SR season...but might not even make the NIT. He will be missed. Gold is also gone. He will not be missed. Guys I want back next year:
Nigel, of course.
Stevens
Phillips
Sheek
Clark...even if he hardly plays next season, some long term upside there.
Everybody else: K-bye. Best of luck. Recruit/transfer portal over all of them. Tough choices, but the right thing to do for the program, Shaka. You can't finish bottom 4 in the conference in year 5 without some major, major changes. Relationships, Growth, and Victories only go so far without basketball talent. Need a few veteran bigs for sure (not named Ed Morrow please). BTW, big Shaka fan who would love to see him adjust his philosophy after this season.
Go Marquette!!!
Yeah, Shaka's not running 6 guys off. Hopefully he adds a couple of guys in the portal and some of the current guys on the roster develop.
Quote from: MessWithAll on November 28, 2025, 11:25:22 PMYes, early to discuss this topic...but this season is clearly toast. Still rooting HARD for the guys! Gotta also look forward as well. Gives us some glimmers of hope. Poor Chase. He's a top 2-3 player in the BEAST, while having an awesome SR season...but might not even make the NIT. He will be missed. Gold is also gone. He will not be missed. Guys I want back next year:
Nigel, of course.
Stevens
Phillips
Sheek
Clark...even if he hardly plays next season, some long term upside there.
Everybody else: K-bye. Best of luck. Recruit/transfer portal over all of them. Tough choices, but the right thing to do for the program, Shaka. You can't finish bottom 4 in the conference in year 5 without some major, major changes. Relationships, Growth, and Victories only go so far without basketball talent. Need a few veteran bigs for sure (not named Ed Morrow please). BTW, big Shaka fan who would love to see him adjust his philosophy after this season.
Go Marquette!!!
Marquette isn't going to get "a few veteran bigs" though the portal even if Shaka was inclined to do so.
There are realistic criticisms and then there is fantasy college basketball nonsense like this.
If we shift to more of a Purdue/UConn model, it'll likely be incremental. If anyone moves on, it'll likely be from next year's junior or senior classes. It won't be 5 or 6, it'll be 1 or 2.
The reality is if you're a big Shaka fan and want him to continue, that means taking his RGV model, maybe with some minor alterations. He's not going to flip from all HS growth to fantasy basketball in one offseason.
Right. Because you are likely going to have to deal with players who are looking elsewhere as well. Wouldn't you if you were Nigel James?
Quote from: The Sultan on November 29, 2025, 07:49:44 AMRight. Because you are likely going to have to deal with players who are looking elsewhere as well. Wouldn't you if you were Nigel James?
The thread about what to do when Jones returns...if he gets his starting job back over Nigel and/or takes away say 10 or more minutes from what Nigel's been getting with him out, I'd be out if I were Nigel. He could go anywhere he wants in the country and not play behind or share minutes with a clearly inferior player.
I still believe in Parham. He's a natural scorer with legit size and length. He'll get it going soon I feel and be one of their core players. Guys with his size, length, and scoring ability at every level are difficult to find. He'll be fine.
I like a lot about Zaide, but he really needs to attack with authority and learn to embrace contact. If he does that, he can be a big time contributor.
The rest after those two and Nigel (not including Chase since this is about after this season) little to nothing to feel excited about. I suppose maybe Phillips. He's a project at best. A ton of people were enamored with Owens this time last year.
Quote from: MessWithAll on November 28, 2025, 11:25:22 PMYes, early to discuss this topic...but this season is clearly toast. Still rooting HARD for the guys! Gotta also look forward as well. Gives us some glimmers of hope. Poor Chase. He's a top 2-3 player in the BEAST, while having an awesome SR season...but might not even make the NIT. He will be missed. Gold is also gone. He will not be missed. Guys I want back next year:
Nigel, of course.
Stevens
Phillips
Sheek
Clark...even if he hardly plays next season, some long term upside there.
Everybody else: K-bye. Best of luck. Recruit/transfer portal over all of them. Tough choices, but the right thing to do for the program, Shaka. You can't finish bottom 4 in the conference in year 5 without some major, major changes. Relationships, Growth, and Victories only go so far without basketball talent. Need a few veteran bigs for sure (not named Ed Morrow please). BTW, big Shaka fan who would love to see him adjust his philosophy after this season.
Go Marquette!!!
You wouldn't even give a chance of the other "freshman" class? One of our most glaring weaknesses is consistent outside shooting. Let's see if Miletic and Walker are good shooters before you write them off. Also Everyone seems to be high on Egbuono.
Quote from: brewcity77 on November 29, 2025, 07:46:47 AMIf we shift to more of a Purdue/UConn model, it'll likely be incremental. If anyone moves on, it'll likely be from next year's junior or senior classes. It won't be 5 or 6, it'll be 1 or 2.
The reality is if you're a big Shaka fan and want him to continue, that means taking his RGV model, maybe with some minor alterations. He's not going to flip from all HS growth to fantasy basketball in one offseason.
The fear is obviously that minor alterations may not be enough to have a team next year of competing for an NCAAT spot. The upper classmen just don't have the talent to compete at this level.
This year's team is looking at 18+ losses. Can the program afford to commit to two straight years of not just rebuilding but non-competitiveness? I guess we lived through the Wojo era, so two years is really nothing.
Quote from: 1SE on November 29, 2025, 01:19:41 AMI'm disappointed with Zaide - really thought he was going to take a step - flashes of it (his oops have been about the only plays that have got me out of thr chair all season) but then he just dissappears. Really a back court of zaide, chase and Nigel should be one of the better ones in the BE - I'd get them as many minutes together as possible. Stevens and Phillips seem decent for backup next season.
The front court? Keep Sheek since I guess we don't know what he can do - give Clark plenty of ben and caedins minutes to see if there is any hope, but it is absolutely clear we need to grab one or two bits in the portal (just like it had been the last w seasons)
Obviously, everyone would feel differently if MU had either split (2-2) or went (3-1) in the high major games. But for Indiana, they were all winnable games with some poor late game execution. The reason that I am slightly optimistic that things will improve is because I don't think Lowery and Gold are this bad. Lowery and Gold's shooting percentages are way down from last year which is likely due to the lack of penetration from the guards. If James and Ross can continue to get in the paint, it should open up for some better looks. Owens has been a no-show to date, so there's some potential bench contributions from his end.
Quote from: GoldenWarrior11 on November 29, 2025, 08:44:16 AMThe fear is obviously that minor alterations may not be enough to have a team next year of competing for an NCAAT spot. The upper classmen just don't have the talent to compete at this level.
This year's team is looking at 18+ losses. Can the program afford to commit to two straight years of not just rebuilding but non-competitiveness? I guess we lived through the Wojo era, so two years is really nothing.
this is trending worse than the Woj era. Wojo recruited well. Took over a garbage fire and restored some order. Just didn't win enough. His time had come, no doubt. But, this season and if RGV is the way going forward, MU starts tiptoeing into DePaulville. (I find it hard to believe Shaka won't correct course, however. I mean, he's not oblivious to this mess at this point, is he?)
Feel like Royce has shown some life lately. Still like his potential as an upperclassman.
Ben has been extremely disappointing the last couple of games, and not just from a shooting perspective. Literally jogged back on defense yesterday and a big beat him down the court for a layup. Should never happen. Needed so much more from him this season.
Quote from: Viper on November 29, 2025, 09:47:37 AMthis is trending worse than the Woj era. Wojo recruited well. Took over a garbage fire and restored some order. Just didn't win enough. His time had come, no doubt. But, this season and if RGV is the way going forward, MU starts tiptoeing into DePaulville. (I find it hard to believe Shaka won't correct course, however. I mean, he's not oblivious to this mess at this point, is he?)
This is the million dollar question. I wouldn't think so either, but pride and ego get in the way often of what's obvious to do. He might be so dug in about RGV he can't admit change is needed.
Quote from: Warrior of Law on November 29, 2025, 09:17:53 AMObviously, everyone would feel differently if MU had either split (2-2) or went (3-1) in the high major games. But for Indiana, they were all winnable games with some poor late game execution. The reason that I am slightly optimistic that things will improve is because I don't think Lowery and Gold are this bad. Lowery and Gold's shooting percentages are way down from last year which is likely due to the lack of penetration from the guards. If James and Ross can continue to get in the paint, it should open up for some better looks. Owens has been a no-show to date, so there's some potential bench contributions from his end.
Things have to improve, don't they? We are pretty low right now, yes?
Quote from: Warrior of Law on November 29, 2025, 09:17:53 AMObviously, everyone would feel differently if MU had either split (2-2) or went (3-1) in the high major games. But for Indiana, they were all winnable games with some poor late game execution. The reason that I am slightly optimistic that things will improve is because I don't think Lowery and Gold are this bad. Lowery and Gold's shooting percentages are way down from last year which is likely due to the lack of penetration from the guards. If James and Ross can continue to get in the paint, it should open up for some better looks. Owens has been a no-show to date, so there's some potential bench contributions from his end.
Things have to improve, don't they? We are pretty low right now, yes?
Quote from: Viper on November 29, 2025, 09:47:37 AMthis is trending worse than the Woj era. Wojo recruited well. Took over a garbage fire and restored some order. Just didn't win enough. His time had come, no doubt. But, this season and if RGV is the way going forward, MU starts tiptoeing into DePaulville. (I find it hard to believe Shaka won't correct course, however. I mean, he's not oblivious to this mess at this point, is he?)
Is he?
Quote from: Viper on November 29, 2025, 09:47:37 AMthis is trending worse than the Woj era. Wojo recruited well. Took over a garbage fire and restored some order. Just didn't win enough. His time had come, no doubt. But, this season and if RGV is the way going forward, MU starts tiptoeing into DePaulville. (I find it hard to believe Shaka won't correct course, however. I mean, he's not oblivious to this mess at this point, is he?)
Possibly the all-time silliest post on Scoop. Ever.
Quote from: GoldenWarrior11 on November 29, 2025, 08:44:16 AMThe fear is obviously that minor alterations may not be enough to have a team next year of competing for an NCAAT spot. The upper classmen just don't have the talent to compete at this level.
This year's team is looking at 18+ losses. Can the program afford to commit to two straight years of not just rebuilding but non-competitiveness? I guess we lived through the Wojo era, so two years is really nothing.
We've got 4 already and road games against the rodents and Purdue almost certainly means 6 going into BE play. Maybe BE is down this year, although we are too clearly, so 8-12 and there's 18 losses. Not far fetched at all anymore. A little worse than that in conference regular season and loss in BET and it's a 20 loss season.
In other words, way more than simply a down year.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on November 29, 2025, 10:15:47 AMFeel like Royce has shown some life lately. Still like his potential as an upperclassman.
I would absolutely agree. I'd probably keep Royce and Zaide in addition to the original list. Not sure what's happening with Owens but he surely is in Coach Shaka's Doghouse. I'd probably take a flyer on him (maybe even redshirt this year) and hope for the best next year.
Quote from: Elonsmusk on November 29, 2025, 10:26:19 AMPossibly the all-time silliest post on Scoop. Ever.
Well...it's Viper.
Quote from: HutchwasClutch on November 29, 2025, 10:31:23 AMWe've got 4 already and road games against the rodents and Purdue almost certainly means 6 going into BE play. Maybe BE is down this year, although we are too clearly, so 8-12 and there's 18 losses. Not far fetched at all anymore. A little worse than that in conference regular season and loss in BET and it's a 20 loss season.
In other words, way more than simply a down year.
This is what scares me:
Where are the eight wins in BE play coming from?
We don't have shooting. We don't have defense. We don't have experience. And we clearly don't have a go-to guy in late situations when we are tied.
And we have also been limited in injuries this season so far. If Ross gets injured? Or James?
There is definitely a pathway where this is the worst MUBB season in a very long time.
Quote from: dgies9156 on November 29, 2025, 10:31:37 AMI would absolutely agree. I'd probably keep Royce and Zaide in addition to the original list. Not sure what's happening with Owens but he surely is in Coach Shaka's Doghouse. I'd probably take a flyer on him (maybe even redshirt this year) and hope for the best next year.
Redshirt??? I don't think you can redshirt a player after 25% of the teams games have been played.
Look, Owens is one of Shaka's highest ranked recruits, being a Top 75. He is now at end of bench and starting to lose his minutes to freshman Phillips. If this trend continues throughout the season, I would be completely shocked if he stays at MU. There would be many suitors for him. Maybe in the next few weeks, he gets to see the floor and a reversal starts, but I think it's too late. One of the most mysterious players in Shaka tenure.
Quote from: GoldenWarrior11 on November 29, 2025, 10:48:59 AMThis is what scares me:
Where are the eight wins in BE play coming from?
We don't have shooting. We don't have defense. We don't have experience. And we clearly don't have a go-to guy in late situations when we are tied.
And we have also been limited in injuries this season so far. If Ross gets injured? Or James?
There is definitely a pathway where this is the worst MUBB season in a very long time.
Yes, agree. I was being charitable giving them 8 conference wins.
Quote from: dgies9156 on November 29, 2025, 10:31:37 AMI would absolutely agree. I'd probably keep Royce and Zaide in addition to the original list. Not sure what's happening with Owens but he surely is in Coach Shaka's Doghouse. I'd probably take a flyer on him (maybe even redshirt this year) and hope for the best next year.
Owens can't redshirt now.
Quote from: nyg on November 29, 2025, 10:51:48 AMRedshirt??? I don't think you can redshirt a player after 25% of the teams games have been played.
Redshirt = you cannot play a single second.
Quote from: The Sultan on November 29, 2025, 10:57:11 AMOwens can't redshirt now.
I don't believe this is accurate. He would need a valid reason, such as injury, but he was a DNP yesterday. He's only appeared in 7 games. If they can provide a medical rationale and he doesn't play again, he would fall under the 25% threshold.
Quote from: brewcity77 on November 29, 2025, 10:59:28 AMI don't believe this is accurate. He would need a valid reason, such as injury, but he was a DNP yesterday. He's only appeared in 7 games. If they can provide a medical rationale and he doesn't play again, he would fall under the 25% threshold.
Does coach being butthurt he isn't trying hard enough at practice qualify under plausible medical rationale?
No idea if that's the case, just wondering
Quote from: DoctorV on November 29, 2025, 11:01:05 AMDoes coach being butthurt he isn't trying hard enough at practice qualify under plausible medical rationale?
No idea if that's the case, just wondering
Butthurt? Wierd word to use here.
A major red flag your program and roster has not been managed well when you're debating post Thanksgiving redshirts so next season isn't awful too.
Quote from: brewcity77 on November 29, 2025, 10:59:28 AMI don't believe this is accurate. He would need a valid reason, such as injury, but he was a DNP yesterday. He's only appeared in 7 games. If they can provide a medical rationale and he doesn't play again, he would fall under the 25% threshold.
That's what I thought, but was unsure. I don't see it happening and we will have to see if he gets his playing time opportunities in next few weeks. If Phillips comes in before him, not a good sign. I hope he gets his opportunity.
Ha, watch he will go home to Buffalo or St Bonaventure and go for 20ppg. He is not an Al Amadou.
Quote from: The Sultan on November 29, 2025, 11:02:25 AMButthurt? Wierd word to use here.
Weird way to spell weird.
Quote from: brewcity77 on November 29, 2025, 10:59:28 AMI don't believe this is accurate. He would need a valid reason, such as injury, but he was a DNP yesterday. He's only appeared in 7 games. If they can provide a medical rationale and he doesn't play again, he would fall under the 25% threshold.
Are you guys just trolling me now? C'mon. There is no 25% threshold.
You're referring to a hardship WAIVER (not a redshirt, but sometimes called medical redshirt by dumba$$es). However, there is no 25% threshold there either. There IS a first half of the year, and less than 30% (as defined - see calc in D-I Manual)... but it requires you be incapable of playing, per medical folks. So, sure, if he has a season ending injury that renders him unavailable to play for the remainder of the entire season (even though it's kind of over already tbh), then could be a good candidate for a medical hardship waiver.
There are no indications he has some season-ending injury though, so not sure wth we're talking about here. He can't redshirt this year - he's already played.
Quote from: Jay Bee on November 29, 2025, 11:13:25 AMAre you guys just trolling me now? C'mon. There is no 25% threshold.
You're referring to a hardship WAIVER (not a redshirt, but sometimes called medical redshirt by dumba$$es). However, there is no 25% threshold there either. There IS a first half of the year, and less than 30% (as defined - see calc in D-I Manual)... but it requires you be incapable of playing, per medical folks. So, sure, if he has a season ending injury that renders him unavailable to play for the remainder of the entire season (even though it's kind of over already tbh), then could be a good candidate for a medical hardship waiver.
There are no indications he has some season-ending injury though, so not sure wth we're talking about here. He can't redshirt this year - he's already played.
Thanks, the other poster said redshirt him. All you had to say was last sentence.
Quote from: HutchwasClutch on November 29, 2025, 08:06:13 AMThe thread about what to do when Jones returns...if he gets his starting job back over Nigel and/or takes away say 10 or more minutes from what Nigel's been getting with him out, I'd be out if I were Nigel. He could go anywhere he wants in the country and not play behind or share minutes with a clearly inferior player.
Kind of worried other teams trying to poach him away. What happens when k state offers 900k to the kid?
Quote from: Johnny B on November 29, 2025, 11:26:59 AMKind of worried other teams trying to poach him away. What happens when k state offers 900k to the kid?
Relationships are invaluable, bro.
Quote from: nyg on November 29, 2025, 11:09:28 AMThat's what I thought, but was unsure. I don't see it happening and we will have to see if he gets his playing time opportunities in next few weeks. If Phillips comes in before him, not a good sign. I hope he gets his opportunity.
Ha, watch he will go home to Buffalo or St Bonaventure and go for 20ppg. He is not an Al Amadou.
Not that'd make a difference but I'd rather have amadou out there than Hamilton
Quote from: Johnny B on November 29, 2025, 11:40:19 AMNot that'd make a difference but I'd rather have amadou out there than Hamilton
I'd rather have sultan out there than Hamilton
At some point, we may want to consider just putting 4 guys out on the floor, aina? Might throw off the other team.
Quote from: Elonsmusk on November 29, 2025, 10:26:19 AMPossibly the all-time silliest post on Scoop. Ever.
how so?
Quote from: panda on November 29, 2025, 11:41:52 AMI'd rather have sultan out there than Hamilton
I'm more of a stretch 4.
Quote from: The Sultan on November 29, 2025, 10:57:11 AMOwens can't redshirt now.
Fair enough. He's played so little I thought, maybe!
Quote from: The Sultan on November 29, 2025, 12:06:59 PMI'm more of a stretch 4.
You're in luck - we need that too lol
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on November 29, 2025, 10:15:47 AMFeel like Royce has shown some life lately. Still like his potential as an upperclassman.
Ben has been extremely disappointing the last couple of games, and just from a shooting perspective. Literally jogged back on defense yesterday and a big beat him down the court for a layup. Should never happen. Needed so much more from him this season.
Agree wholeheartedly on Ben. He needed to make the leap to alpha or at least a steady beta. He is neither so far. His defense has been fine but he looks offensively bankrupt right now. He should have been a pressure release for this team by hitting a good percentage of his open threes and his layups as a senior. But with every wide open miss he adds to the pressure. He adds to the burden of winning. Chase needs to get in his face and have a come to Jesus talk. His offense has been crippling the team.
I had such high hopes Ben would turn into our kaminsky or happ
Quote from: Galway Eagle on November 29, 2025, 01:17:34 PMI had such high hopes Ben would turn into our kaminsky or happ
Wasn't Kaminsky POY?
You are right...those were high hopes.
Quote from: GoldenWarrior11 on November 29, 2025, 10:48:59 AMThis is what scares me:
Where are the eight wins in BE play coming from?
We don't have shooting. We don't have defense. We don't have experience. And we clearly don't have a go-to guy in late situations when we are tied.
And we have also been limited in injuries this season so far. If Ross gets injured? Or James?
There is definitely a pathway where this is the worst MUBB season in a very long time.
There's also a pathway where they improve on the margins, win 11 or 12 BE games, and it's a disappointing season but not a disastrous one. Let it play out.
Quote from: Shooter McGavin on November 29, 2025, 01:14:29 PMAgree wholeheartedly on Ben. He needed to make the leap to alpha or at least a steady beta. He is neither so far. His defense has been fine but he looks offensively bankrupt right now. He should have been a pressure release for this team by hitting a good percentage of his open threes and his layups as a senior. But with every wide open miss he adds to the pressure. He adds to the burden of winning. Chase needs to get in his face and have a come to Jesus talk. His offense has been crippling the team.
His rebounding has improved and his D is solid, for the most part (aside from that lackadaisical play yesterday).
But 31% from 3 and only 38% overall is not going to cut it. There was a play yesterday where he drove and put it what was sort of like a floater and missed the rim entirely.
Feels like he just doesn't have the mentality. Really, the only guys that feel like they have that mentality are Chase and Nigel.
Quote from: BM1090 on November 29, 2025, 02:32:23 PMThere's also a pathway where they improve on the margins, win 11 or 12 BE games, and it's a disappointing season but not a disastrous one. Let it play out.
The further we get into the season the harder it gets to see that as a possibility.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on November 29, 2025, 02:39:40 PMThe further we get into the season the harder it gets to see that as a possibility.
Eh. Lot of average teams in the Big East. And ultimately I don't think they reach 11 or 12 Big East wins.
If Dayton and Oklahoma had swung our way a lot of people would have hope for that total. But nothing is significantly different about this team without those two wins. Need to learn how to close games and fix some of these droughts. There are countless examples every year of teams that improve as the year goes on.
We're 356th in luck on Kenpom. I don't think it's actually luck, it's lack of execution in big situations. But if that improves then the results will come with it.
Quote from: BM1090 on November 29, 2025, 02:46:06 PMEh. Lot of average teams in the Big East. And ultimately I don't think they reach 11 or 12 Big East wins.
If Dayton and Oklahoma had swung our way a lot of people would have hope for that total. But nothing is significantly different about this team without those two wins. Need to learn how to close games and fix some of these droughts. There are countless examples every year of teams that improve as the year goes on.
We're 356th in luck on Kenpom. I don't think it's actually luck, it's lack of execution in big situations. But if that improves then the results will come with it.
Big East is definitely mediocre but we've had nice leads against Maryland, Dayton, and Oklahoma and found ways to lose them all with extremely poor play, bad decision-making, and bad coaching.
I love Shaka and am probably one of the more optimistic posters here but I haven't seen anything yet that makes me feel like we'll have the consistency to win more than 8 Big East games. Really, really hope I'm wrong on that.
We can't shoot from 3, we can't convert in the paint, we can't defend, and we can't turnover good teams. Other than that, everything is great.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on November 29, 2025, 02:51:05 PMBig East is definitely mediocre but we've had nice leads against Maryland, Dayton, and Oklahoma and found ways to lose them all with extremely poor play, bad decision-making, and bad coaching.
I love Shaka and am probably one of the more optimistic posters here but I haven't seen anything yet that makes me feel like we'll have the consistency to win more than 8 Big East games. Really, really hope I'm wrong on that.
We can't shoot from 3, we convert in the paint, we can't defend, and we can't turnover good teams. Other than that, everything is great.
100%. And those things you mentioned need to improve a lot. To me, it's 50/50 whether they do or not.
Quote from: BM1090 on November 29, 2025, 02:54:11 PM100%. And those things you mentioned need to improve a lot. To me, it's 50/50 whether they do or not.
I'm more 31/69.
I doubt this happens (I really hope it doesn't), but currently Torvik has Marquette losing every away game this year. That would be crazy.
Quote from: rocky_warrior on November 29, 2025, 03:41:04 PMI doubt this happens (I really hope it doesn't), but currently Torvik has Marquette losing every away game this year. That would be crazy.
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTskBYdapL5VQGYD1ms0lbjqakj3XTX7folY0NjQoCFqg&s=10)
Quote from: The Sultan on November 29, 2025, 07:28:10 AMThere are realistic criticisms and then there is fantasy college basketball nonsense like this.
Come on, now. Get with the program!
The only players Shaka should bring back are Sheek and Miletic, because we need to at least see them be horrible before we start crapping on them. The rest are lost causes that Shaka needs to jettison.
I look forward to him doing a 180-degree turn on his philosophy, because that happens so often with coaches, and I can't wait to see the dozen basketball studs he brings in via the portal for next season. Only then can we have the kind of sensational success that Porter Moser has had at Oklahoma.
Quote from: We R Final Four on November 29, 2025, 02:01:08 PMWasn't Kaminsky POY?
You are right...those were high hopes.
Ok jr year kaminsky, yes Sr year would've been lofty
Quote from: GoldenWarrior11 on November 29, 2025, 10:48:59 AMThis is what scares me:
Where are the eight wins in BE play coming from?
We don't have shooting. We don't have defense. We don't have experience. And we clearly don't have a go-to guy in late situations when we are tied.
And we have also been limited in injuries this season so far. If Ross gets injured? Or James?
There is definitely a pathway where this is the worst MUBB season in a very long time.
Follow the yellow brick road?
This could be a very frustrating season to try and gauge development. A lot of times you see teams find their groove and it is easy to see development as teams start to win.
In this current state of the Big East, we may end up winning some games just based on the fact that the conference sucks.
Against good teams we have no chance, against solid teams we will always come up short because Caedin Hamilton (and most of our front court) is that bad and that much of a hole in our lineup. So we will need to be careful on just looking at wins and losses to determine whether these guys are progressing or not.
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on November 29, 2025, 07:32:21 PMThis could be a very frustrating season to try and gauge development. A lot of times you see teams find their groove and it is easy to see development as teams start to win.
In this current state of the Big East, we may end up winning some games just based on the fact that the conference sucks.
Against good teams we have no chance, against solid teams we will always come up short because Caedin Hamilton (and most of our front court) is that bad and that much of a hole in our lineup. So we will need to be careful on just looking at wins and losses to determine whether these guys are progressing or not.
Thanks for keeping us in check.
Quote from: The Sultan on November 29, 2025, 07:28:10 AMMarquette isn't going to get "a few veteran bigs" though the portal even if Shaka was inclined to do so.
There are realistic criticisms and then there is fantasy college basketball nonsense like this.
"A few" was a bold statement. But there are programs equal to, or less than, Marquette who are currently starting veteran transfer bigs as we speak.
Quote from: MessWithAll on November 29, 2025, 08:37:44 PM"A few" was a bold statement. But there are programs equal to, or less than, Marquette who are currently starting veteran transfer bigs as we speak.
Well, why just not say that in the first place?
Quote from: The Sultan on November 29, 2025, 08:38:43 PMWell, why just not say that in the first place?
Didnt think it was needed. I'll be more descriptive next time.
For example, Butler brought in 3 veteran transfer bigs this offseason, 2 from P6s/Gonzaga. But it's "fantasy basketball nonsense?" Butler.
Quote from: MessWithAll on November 29, 2025, 09:06:51 PMDidnt think it was needed. I'll be more descriptive next time.
For example, Butler brought in 3 veteran transfer bigs this offseason, 2 from P6s. But it's "fantasy basketball nonsense?" Butler.
Oh. I assumed you meant *quality* veteran bigs.
My bad.
Quote from: BM1090 on November 29, 2025, 02:32:23 PMThere's also a pathway where they improve on the margins, win 11 or 12 BE games, and it's a disappointing season but not a disastrous one. Let it play out.
Love the optimism. I really do. Our season thus far has shown:
We have no big. We have no outside shooting. We have no proven facilitators. We have no defense. We don't really have a bench. And we don't have much experience.
The deficiencies cannot be fixed overnight. The team lacks high level talent and the schedule will only get tougher. There's a reason advanced metrics showing us losing every away game in conference. Obviously, we may win one here or there, but I still struggle seeing us winning 8 BE games.
This is a 20-loss team. Hope I'm wrong.
Quote from: The Sultan on November 29, 2025, 09:11:45 PMOh. I assumed you meant *quality* veteran bigs.
My bad.
Unfortunately, the bar is so low that it wouldn't take much to upgrade.
Quote from: MU82 on November 29, 2025, 04:03:24 PMCome on, now. Get with the program!
The only players Shaka should bring back are Sheek and Miletic, because we need to at least see them be horrible before we start crapping on them. The rest are lost causes that Shaka needs to jettison.
I look forward to him doing a 180-degree turn on his philosophy, because that happens so often with coaches, and I can't wait to see the dozen basketball studs he brings in via the portal for next season. Only then can we have the kind of sensational success that Porter Moser has had at Oklahoma.
...even Egbuonu? I would even give Walker a shot to see if he is the sharp shooter as advertised.
Quote from: GoldenWarrior11 on November 29, 2025, 09:24:03 PMLove the optimism. I really do. Our season thus far has shown:
We have no big. We have no outside shooting. We have no proven facilitators. We have no defense. We don't really have a bench. And we don't have much experience.
The deficiencies cannot be fixed overnight. The team lacks high level talent and the schedule will only get tougher. There's a reason advanced metrics showing us losing every away game in conference. Obviously, we may win one here or there, but I still struggle seeing us winning 8 BE games.
This is a 20-loss team. Hope I'm wrong.
This isn't a 20-loss team. I'd be surprised if we finish worse than 5th in the Big East.
Quote from: Elonsmusk on November 30, 2025, 09:24:27 AMThis isn't a 20-loss team. I'd be surprised if we finish worse than 5th in the Big East.
Quote from: Elonsmusk on November 30, 2025, 09:24:27 AMThis isn't a 20-loss team. I'd be surprised if we finish worse than 5th in the Big East.
IMO -
UConn
Creighton
St. John's
Butler
Nova
Georgetown
Seton hall
Marquette
DePaul
Providence
X
Quote from: muwarrior69 on November 30, 2025, 09:03:39 AM...even Egbuonu? I would even give Walker a shot to see if he is the sharp shooter as advertised.
All of them.
More I think about it, Sheek and Miletic have to go, too. I mean, they haven't scored a single point for this season's team!
Quote from: MU82 on November 30, 2025, 10:23:05 AMAll of them.
More I think about it, Sheek and Miletic have to go, too. I mean, they haven't scored a single point for this season's team!
Wasted scholarships
My ideal situation for next year
Starters:
Nigel
Stevens
Zaide
Parham
Portal Senior Center
Bench:
Sean?
Portal Senior Shooter Specialist
Phillips
Egbuonu
Pearson
Clark
Lower Bench:
Johnston
Miletic
Nash
Hamilton, Norman, Owens gone
Add just 2 high level players from the portal. A star center to start and a high level shooter to come off the bench. Doesn't block Pearson long-term in the front court and add much needed shooting from long range. 2 simple adds. No one is blocked from developing.
Take this roster.
Remove Chase and Ben.
Add freshmen (who almost definitely won't contribute as much as Chase or Ben).
Terrifying.
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on December 03, 2025, 01:10:43 AMMy ideal situation for next year
Starters:
Nigel
Stevens
Zaide
Parham
Portal Senior Center
Bench:
Sean?
Portal Senior Shooter Specialist
Phillips
Egbuonu
Pearson
Clark
Lower Bench:
Johnston
Miletic
Nash
Hamilton, Norman, Owens gone
Add just 2 high level players from the portal. A star center to start and a high level shooter to come off the bench. Doesn't block Pearson long-term in the front court and add much needed shooting from long range. 2 simple adds. No one is blocked from developing.
Not just a center but a STAR center ... "simple add."
Yep, can't get much simpler than adding a Kalkbrenner or Zuby. Lots of 'em out there whose programs won't fight to keep 'em.
Easy peasy!
Quote from: MU82 on December 03, 2025, 05:06:24 PMNot just a center but a STAR center ... "simple add."
Yep, can't get much simpler than adding a Kalkbrenner or Zuby. Lots of 'em out there whose programs won't fight to keep 'em.
Easy peasy!
If we are spending $6 Million on this roster? We can get an all league caliber center quite easily. Yes.
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on December 03, 2025, 06:00:54 PMIf we are spending $6 Million on this roster? We can get an all league caliber center quite easily. Yes.
Thanks. Please provide exact dollar figures (or at least ranges) for "star" centers, and also show how common it has been for a "star" center to leave one program for another. If you can, please also quantify how "easy" it's been for the new programs to lure those "star" centers.
FWIW, the much-discussed Owen Freeman, who went from Iowa to Creighton, was not even an honorable mention all-conference choice last season. So he wasn't anywhere near "star" quality by your own definition. And he was one of the few decent centers to change teams in the offseason. So I'm looking forward to seeing your research.
This already reminds me of when you predicted that the Weasels would "easily" finish top 3 in the Big Whatever last season. (They didn't, easily or otherwise.)
Like Wojo's 2015 team?
Quote from: Jay Bee on November 29, 2025, 11:44:33 AMAt some point, we may want to consider just putting 4 guys out on the floor, aina? Might throw off the other team.
Quote from: MU82 on December 03, 2025, 06:41:08 PMThanks. Please provide exact dollar figures (or at least ranges) for "star" centers, and also show how common it has been for a "star" center to leave one program for another. If you can, please also quantify how "easy" it's been for the new programs to lure those "star" centers.
FWIW, the much-discussed Owen Freeman, who went from Iowa to Creighton, was not even an honorable mention all-conference choice last season. So he wasn't anywhere near "star" quality by your own definition. And he was one of the few decent centers to change teams in the offseason. So I'm looking forward to seeing your research.
This already reminds me of when you predicted that the Weasels would "easily" finish top 3 in the Big Whatever last season. (They didn't, easily or otherwise.)
Listing names is a waste of time considering we won't be using the portal, but there were plenty of really solid centers available that would have made our team better.
A few that come to mind that I liked a lot were Moustapha Thiam, Nick Pringle, Blake Buchanan, Xavier Booker, Quincy Ballard.
There's obvious names like Morez Johnson, Henry Veesar, Jayden Quaintence, Pharrel Payne, Aday Mara and plenty others that we would never compete for, but there are always good players available.
Caedin Hamilton will do though.
You didn't say "solid," you said STAR.
And you said we could get a STAR "easily."
Talking out of your butt (again) will do though.
Quote from: MU82 on December 03, 2025, 09:14:22 PMYou didn't say "solid," you said STAR.
And you said we could get a STAR "easily."
Talking out of your butt (again) will do though.
All of those guys that I mentioned would be top 2 players on our team and all league caliber. I consider that profile a star player. Much like Oso alongside Kolek, not the best, but all league caliber. That's what we need.
We could get players like that easily.
Buddy makes a long post about next year's ideal roster, which includes two portal additions, and then says listing names is a waste of time because we won't use the portal, and then lists the names. Then he says we'd never compete for the guys that would be all league players that would be easy adds.
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on December 03, 2025, 09:20:00 PMAll of those guys that I mentioned would be top 2 players on our team and all league caliber. I consider that profile a star player. Much like Oso alongside Kolek, not the best, but all league caliber. That's what we need.
We could get players like that easily.
Spin spin spinny spin spin!
Weasels EASILY top 3.
Quote from: MU82 on December 03, 2025, 10:39:39 PMSpin spin spinny spin spin!
Weasels EASILY top 3.
There is 0 spinning. Marquette could compete for all league players in the portal. It seems pretty irresponsible that we don't when everyone else is. We did it with Morsell. Kolek became that too. Players that would undoubtedly make the team better. We can get those players.
Not sure what the last part has to do with anything related to Marquette 26-27.
It's never enough for you to say something like, "Marquette could compete for good players in the portal." Which is something just about every Scooper would agree with.
You have to say they can get STARS. And not just get stars, but get them "easily."
You can't say the Weasels will contend. You have to say "top 3." And not just contend for top 3, but do so "easily."
It's silliness.
And then you get called out on your silliness, and so you quadruple down. Well done!
Quote from: MU82 on December 03, 2025, 11:11:07 PMIt's never enough for you to say something like, "Marquette could compete for good players in the portal." Which is something just about every Scooper would agree with.
You have to say they can get STARS. And not just get stars, but get them "easily."
You can't say the Weasels will contend. You have to say "top 3." And not just contend for top 3, but do so "easily."
It's silliness.
And then you get called out on your silliness, and so you quadruple down. Well done!
You are that upset about something from like 3 or 4 years ago? It's completely unrelated to Marquette 26-27.
Marquette can compete for all league players in the portal. That's the point.
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on December 03, 2025, 11:18:56 PMYou are that upset about something from like 3 or 4 years ago? It's completely unrelated to Marquette 26-27.
Marquette can compete for all league players in the portal. That's the point.
I'm not upset at all. I'm amused at how wrong you consistently are but refuse to admit it. It's not upsetting. It's laughable. And it wasn't 3 or 4 years ago, it was last season.
None of those guys is "all league." Certainly none is a "star." And you have absolutely no idea for whom Marquette could or couldn't compete - "easily" or not. But keep spinning.
Easy solution to our issues:
"We need to grow our hair out to protect our brains so we don't forget how to play like us."
PS - it is kinda funny (alarming?) that some seem to think acquiring transfers is just looking at the menu, deciding what you want (value/cost consideration).. and if you want to buy, bang, #donedeal.
Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on December 03, 2025, 09:00:21 PMA few that come to mind that I liked a lot were Moustapha Thiam, Nick Pringle, Blake Buchanan, Xavier Booker, Quincy Ballard.
We didn't necessarily need a star, we needed serviceable. If you want to make these lists, look around the Big East. We needed a second scoring option and a big man. A proven point wouldn't have hurt, but the expectations for Sean were that he'd be that, so I get where we are.
Scorers: Jaylin Sellers (Providence), Bryce Lindsay (Villanova), Michael Ajayi (Butler)
Bigs: Vince Iwuchukwu (Georgetown), Stephon Payne (Seton Hall), Duke Brennan (Villanova)
There are many more guys out there, but we certainly could've competed for this level of player. All would be improvements to our current roster. Give us one from each list and we're 8-1 and comfortably in the bubble (at worst) conversation.
Quote from: brewcity77 on December 04, 2025, 07:55:00 AMWe didn't necessarily need a star, we needed serviceable. If you want to make these lists, look around the Big East. We needed a second scoring option and a big man. A proven point wouldn't have hurt, but the expectations for Sean were that he'd be that, so I get where we are.
Scorers: Jaylin Sellers (Providence), Bryce Lindsay (Villanova), Michael Ajayi (Butler)
Bigs: Vince Iwuchukwu (Georgetown), Stephon Payne (Seton Hall), Duke Brennan (Villanova)
There are many more guys out there, but we certainly could've competed for this level of player. All would be improvements to our current roster. Give us one from each list and we're 8-1 and comfortably in the bubble (at worst) conversation.
And I think any of those guys are well within our NIL budget.
Quote from: The Sultan on December 04, 2025, 08:02:42 AMAnd I think any of those guys are well within our NIL budget.
Especially if you remove someone like Tre or Caedin or even Damarius from that budget.
I've never been in the camp of running kids off but it's now become a business, and as a business owner you must survive and adapt. The only constant is change.
The thing that I really wonder, more than anything on the financial side, is how Shaka/Marquette will distribute funds in a season like next year.
From everything we've heard, the big dog gets a nice payday and the Sr class gets compensated well for their commitment and so on and so forth down the line.
I would be willing to bet that if scoopers saw the salary that someone like Benny or SJ22 or Tre are getting this season it would lead to complete meltdown.
It's also why I feel like Shaka will spend more than he has in the past on a highly ranked freshman or two, because I just can't see how he dishes out multiple millions to the Sr class next year, so it should leave a funding surplus compared to years past for incoming recruits or a transfer
Quote from: DoctorV on December 04, 2025, 08:45:12 AMI've never been in the camp of running kids off but it's now become a business, and as a business owner you must survive and adapt. The only constant is change.
I also think if you truly believe in the RGV model, you have to acknowledge that when players aren't growing in your system, they may be better served in another system.
Greg Elliot had a decent year as a reserve in Shaka's first year, but wasn't in the plans after that which allowed him to take a starting role on a tourney team at Pitt. Had Keeyan Itejere stayed, he likely wouldn't be a three-year D1 starter. Emarion Ellis likely never would've carved out a real role here, but was able to become a spot starter at Nicholls because he left.
I really think sometimes the best thing you can do for Relationships and Growth is to help your charges to better opportunities than what you have to offer. As nice as "the only place to leave Marquette for is the NBA" that only works when all of your players are either NBA players or major contributors by their junior/senior years. When they aren't, keeping guys around who aren't good enough to contribute at this level does a disservice not just to the program but to the players who could likely be growing more somewhere else.
Quote from: brewcity77 on December 04, 2025, 07:55:00 AMWe didn't necessarily need a star, we needed serviceable. If you want to make these lists, look around the Big East. We needed a second scoring option and a big man. A proven point wouldn't have hurt, but the expectations for Sean were that he'd be that, so I get where we are.
Scorers: Jaylin Sellers (Providence), Bryce Lindsay (Villanova), Michael Ajayi (Butler)
Bigs: Vince Iwuchukwu (Georgetown), Stephon Payne (Seton Hall), Duke Brennan (Villanova)
There are many more guys out there, but we certainly could've competed for this level of player. All would be improvements to our current roster. Give us one from each list and we're 8-1 and comfortably in the bubble (at worst) conversation.
Thanks for a reasonable, well-thought-out post. We needed that here.
If everyone and especially seniors are compensated so well why would anyone leave? are guys like ham and tre, maybe owens making so much it would be a huge pay cut to go down a level? Why leave then? Might just be stuck.
What's crazy to me is that Shaka could've used RGV *and* still taken transfers. He had a ready-made example of the kind of guy he'd take in Tyler Kolek. "We're all about Relationships, Growth, and Victory, and we want to develop guys who'll be here for the long term. We'll take a transfer, but we want to make sure it's someone like Tyler, who'll really contribute to the culture we're trying to build." And if a guy is a perfect fit but only a one year rental? "We know he'll only be here for a year, but we feel he's a perfect fit and buys in to everything we're about." Easy as that. Everyone would know the RGV thing is just a bunch of coachspeak gobbledygook, but it sounds great and gives all involved a sense of moral superiority, which is delightfully annoying to rivals and opposing fanbases.
Shaka could've had his cake and eaten it, too. Instead, for some unknown reason, he decided to take the nuclear option and not use the transfer portal at all. Doesn't make a lot of sense.
if your culture is so fragile that you can't supplement your roster with a well-vetted transfer or two to fill needs, then maybe your culture isn't all it's cracked up to be
I am less worried about some players being on next year's team that are clearly out-matched at this level, and more worried about the few bright spots on the roster that may be lured and tempted in the portal come spring.
Quote from: GoldenWarrior11 on December 04, 2025, 11:17:40 AMI am less worried about some players being on next year's team that are clearly out-matched at this level, and more worried about the few bright spots on the roster that may be lured and tempted in the portal come spring.
I'd try to see the bright side in that. Whatever it takes to get us out of this RGV fantasy, I'd be all for it.
New RGV
Recruit
Get portal guys
Validation of scoop letter writing campaign
Quote from: jfp61 on December 04, 2025, 11:26:22 AMWe have "bright spots"?
Nope. Every Marquette player is awful, and they all need to go, including the redshirts and new recruits.
Quote from: MU82 on December 04, 2025, 02:53:25 PMNope. Every Marquette player is awful, and they all need to go, including the redshirts and new recruits.
No one is saying this or even suggesting it, but by all means I guess it's your turn to play the strawman.
Quote from: Johnny B on December 04, 2025, 09:57:09 AMIf everyone and especially seniors are compensated so well why would anyone leave? are guys like ham and tre, maybe owens making so much it would be a huge pay cut to go down a level? Why leave then? Might just be stuck.
That's what I'm wondering. In the past, a guy like Norman would've certainly transferred a level down after last season. Now? Keep those checks coming.
Quote from: Small Orange Soda on December 04, 2025, 05:49:50 PMThat's what I'm wondering. In the past, a guy like Norman would've certainly transferred a level down after last season. Now? Keep those checks coming.
***GENERALLY SPEAKING, NOT NECESSARILY WITH THE CURRENT STATE OF OUR ROSTER/PROGRAM***, I'm just fine with a Tre Norman staying four years in a 15 scholarship scenario. Guy who can play bully ball and some defense, has been through it a bit, helps others, good teammate.. spot minutes here and there, insurance in case of hella injuries.. great.
And in the current state, I'm all good with him being here too.. wouldn't have him playing many minutes, but we have 15 freaking spots.
What I would do is have some guys ready to play who have a profile of being guys who need/want/can medium-high usage and it's natural and effective. We are very low on that. Lots of complementary dudes who just aren't that type of guy. Those types of players are JUST FINE and actually NEEDED. But, this team build lacks potential higher usage guys and that's tough on us.
Quote from: onepost on December 04, 2025, 05:22:59 PMNo one is saying this or even suggesting it, but by all means I guess it's your turn to play the strawman.
Someone said we have no "bright spots." Zero. So they all gotta go! You want a bright-spotless roster?
Quote from: Jay Bee on December 04, 2025, 05:57:05 PMAnd in the current state, I'm all good with him being here too.. wouldn't have him playing many minutes, but we have 15 freaking spots.
If we had 15 active, contributing players, I'd be inclined to agree. But last year (13 scholarships) we had 3 players redshirting and of our 3 freshmen, only one appeared in all 34 games and averaged over 10 mpg. So basically, 5 of the scholarships last year were non-active or emergency use only.
This year, of 15 scholarships we have 3 redshirts (including Nash) and 2 freshmen under 8 mpg, so similarly non-active or emergency only. That means that instead of 15 active scholarships, we are actually using 10 seriously.
I think it's safe to say a competitive team will have 6 starting caliber players (one in case of injury) and 1-2 additional bench players (7-8 man rotation). That doesn't allow for many recruiting misses, and makes it harder when multiple misses take up roster spots for years after they have proven themselves unlikely to contribute at this level.
^^ Maybe... but I'm leaning toward I'm fine with taking flyers on a guy or two.
The difference is, when it obviously is a miss we need to accept, admit and adjust. I think that may be our largest issue.
I come at this not knowing all the ins and outs of MU's NIL structure, but generally speaking, to me it doesn't make tons of sense to carry (i.e. pay) multiple players who aren't contributing to the team.
Assuming MU has only a certain amount of money to dole out, would it be more effective dividing it among 12ish players who are or soon will be helping the team win, rather than 15 players, several of whom are lottery tickets?
Quote from: Pakuni on December 04, 2025, 10:15:27 PMI come at this not knowing all the ins and outs of MU's NIL structure, but generally speaking, to me it doesn't make tons of sense to carry (i.e. pay) multiple players who aren't contributing to the team.
Assuming MU has only a certain amount of money to dole out, would it be more effective dividing it among 12ish players who are or soon will be helping the team win, rather than 15 players, several of whom are lottery tickets?
Very un-RGV of you.
Quote from: Jay Bee on December 04, 2025, 05:57:05 PM***GENERALLY SPEAKING, NOT NECESSARILY WITH THE CURRENT STATE OF OUR ROSTER/PROGRAM***, I'm just fine with a Tre Norman staying four years in a 15 scholarship scenario. Guy who can play bully ball and some defense, has been through it a bit, helps others, good teammate.. spot minutes here and there, insurance in case of hella injuries.. great.
And in the current state, I'm all good with him being here too.. wouldn't have him playing many minutes, but we have 15 freaking spots.
What I would do is have some guys ready to play who have a profile of being guys who need/want/can medium-high usage and it's natural and effective. We are very low on that. Lots of complementary dudes who just aren't that type of guy. Those types of players are JUST FINE and actually NEEDED. But, this team build lacks potential higher usage guys and that's tough on us.
Technical way of saying few or no alphas? Hard to believe there was no recognition that this was coming. Or it was and was deemed acceptable for one year by Shaka and staff.
Quote from: Johnny B on December 04, 2025, 09:57:09 AMIf everyone and especially seniors are compensated so well why would anyone leave? are guys like ham and tre, maybe owens making so much it would be a huge pay cut to go down a level? Why leave then? Might just be stuck.
Scholarships, and NIL can still be rescinded.