This game didn't matter at all.
It didn't keep us out of the tournament like 2018, or the postseason like 2016.
We weren't a bubble team that just ended their 2year winless streak like 2010. It wasn't embarrassing like 2020.
This game and every ensuing pathetic crap out we have is pointless.
Things that I will miss next season :
1) Chase hitting the side of the backboard.
2) Wondering how Ben Gold didn't get that rebound... or that one. Or that one two minutes ago.
3) Sean Jones' mom in the dance competition
4) Caedin checking in, while Shaka checks his bench to see who he should send to the scorers table to sub him out
5) Cheap tickets: I get those from season ticket holders. There may be far less next year.
6) Ben Gold's shot giving credibility to the flat earth theory (2" height elevation on the arc)
7) The middle aged female DePaul fan in 212 that was hooting/hollering after every made shot. I didn't have the courage to tell her that she hadn't seen her team make the tournament since she was 7.
8) Owens whispering 'I'm Batman' to each person he defends.
9) Momentum being halted from a Chase Ross heat check (spoiler : the pilot light hasn't been on all year)
10) The rush I get when determining if we'll get a shot off at the end of a half/game with 18 seconds on the clock.
11) An 8 team logjam for last place
12) Wondering what Shake Shack does when we miss two free throws.
13) Calculating how few in-game charitable donations are made this year from corporate sponsors (3's, steals, etc).
14) My nephews 1st grade team yesterday putting up the same amount of first-half points as our Alma mater.
15) The student contestant also struggling from the free throw line.
16) Layups being an adventure
In all seriousness, MUBB is a business - for enrollment, for academic donations, and should be for NIL. Not a great look in Broekers first year, which should challenge the system to change. Shaka has hinted at it, but we'll see if there is a difference in roster building next year. Keep the core couple of building blocks and surround them with experience, size and someone that can freakin box out for a change.
Quote from: Warriors, Come Out and Playeeyay on March 01, 2026, 10:58:46 PM3) Sean Jones' mom in the dance competition
You might not miss this.
I was 100% certain he was transferring last year because he wasn't willing to come back mid season. Now people are using him not coming back as proof he's gone...because he decided to sit out the rest of this season.
Sean & Shaka are buds. And he's not getting more $ elsewhere.
https://xcancel.com/Aries_Sherrie/status/2026465228410519989#m
https://xcancel.com/Aries_Sherrie/status/2019475463928787187#m
They paid him for two years, now graduating, time to move on.
Quote from: BCHoopster on March 01, 2026, 11:36:20 PMThey paid him for two years, now graduating, time to move on.
4 years!!!
Mom wouldn't be so engaged with current team if they were making plans for next year. Lol
Quote from: rocky_warrior on March 01, 2026, 11:40:39 PM4 years!!!
Mom wouldn't be so engaged with current team if they were making plans for next year. Lol
If Shaka forces Sean to leave, Sean's mom is gonna make Mrs. Ellenson look like Mother Teresa.
You guys really think Sean wants to come back to play 6-8 MPG next season, huh?
That is awesome you could find one.
Quote from: rocky_warrior on March 01, 2026, 11:40:39 PM4 years!!!
Mom wouldn't be so engaged with current team if they were making plans for next year. Lol
I could see Sean and Tre staying. However if CH, JC and DO are still here, ouch!
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on March 02, 2026, 06:33:47 AMYou guys really think Sean wants to come back to play 6-8 MPG next season, huh?
For a couple hundred grand, as opposed to whatever low major he ends up at which might pay 1/10 of that? Yeah, I'd say he might try to give it a whirl. Ten years ago, he would've been gone, no question. But there's too much money involved for him not to seriously consider staying, especially when he has no future in pro basketball.
Quote from: Biggie Clausen on March 02, 2026, 07:59:47 AMFor a couple hundred grand, as opposed to whatever low major he ends up at which might pay 1/10 of that? Yeah, I'd say he might try to give it a whirl. Ten years ago, he would've been gone, no question. But there's too much money involved for him not to seriously consider staying, especially when he has no future in pro basketball.
I have no idea why this would need to be a unilateral decision by Sean. I also have no idea why Marquette would pay him significantly.
Quote from: Biggie Clausen on March 02, 2026, 07:59:47 AMFor a couple hundred grand, as opposed to whatever low major he ends up at which might pay 1/10 of that? Yeah, I'd say he might try to give it a whirl. Ten years ago, he would've been gone, no question. But there's too much money involved for him not to seriously consider staying, especially when he has no future in pro basketball.
Except we don't know what Marquette is paying him, would consider paying him next season, and what he could get from another program.
I think there would actually be a market for his services at the mid-major level, especially if he were able to get a medical hardship waiver and another year of eligibility.
And again, why would the program intentionally put the news out there on a national broadcast that their roster building strategy has evolved if they only plan to fill Zaide's open spot?
I keep asking that question for those here that think that's what is going to happen and have yet to get an answer.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on March 02, 2026, 08:27:41 AMExcept we don't know what Marquette is paying him, would consider paying him next season, and what he could get from another program.
I think there would actually be a market for his services at the mid-major level, especially if he were able to get a medical hardship waiver and another year of eligibility.
And again, why would the program intentionally put the news out there on a national broadcast that their roster building strategy has evolved if they only plan to fill Zaide's open spot?
I keep asking that question for those here that think that's what is going to happen and have yet to get an answer.
Because Shaka taking one transfer is a radical departure from the RGV brand MU has cultivated and promoted with a "this makes us more virtuous than everyone else" approach. And, even if taking just one, it allows Shaka and MU say "see, we're evolving, we took one guy from a low major where in the past we would have brought in a project who didn't have offers from any other school to redshirt However, everyone else is back so keep buying those RGV golf shirts, pint glasses, and keychains."
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on March 02, 2026, 08:27:41 AMExcept we don't know what Marquette is paying him, would consider paying him next season, and what he could get from another program.
I think there would actually be a market for his services at the mid-major level, especially if he were able to get a medical hardship waiver and another year of eligibility.
And again, why would the program intentionally put the news out there on a national broadcast that their roster building strategy has evolved if they only plan to fill Zaide's open spot?
I keep asking that question for those here that think that's what is going to happen and have yet to get an answer.
In one thread, you're completely discounting what Shaka says in post game pressers, and yet you're banging the drum about an in-game sideline report. That sideline report might as well have been Walter Cronkite telling the nation about JFK's death, for how much it's gone down in program history.
Quote from: Biggie Clausen on March 02, 2026, 09:07:12 AMIn one thread, you're completely discounting what Shaka says in post game pressers, and yet you're banging the drum about an in-game sideline report. That sideline report might as well have been Walter Cronkite telling the nation about JFK's death, for how much it's gone down in program history.
Give me a f'n break. You've got people analyzing his choice of polos right now, that's how ludicrous this has become.
Nothing he has said in a post-game presser since the sideline report has indicated they won't use the portal. In fact, he's reiterated as much when asked about it since the report.
Quote from: Billy Hoyle on March 02, 2026, 08:53:48 AMBecause Shaka taking one transfer is a radical departure from the RGV brand MU has cultivated and promoted with a "this makes us more virtuous than everyone else" approach. And, even if taking just one, it allows Shaka and MU say "see, we're evolving, we took one guy from a low major where in the past we would have brought in a project who didn't have offers from any other school to redshirt However, everyone else is back so keep buying those RGV golf shirts, pint glasses, and keychains."
"Radical departure". That's just hyperbole as is the "more virtuous" nonsense.
Your whole post is nonsense. Essentially you're saying that Shaka is ok with getting fired as long as he maintains his "virtuous" roster-building strategy.
I'll be the first to admit I was wrong if that's what comes to pass but, at this point, I think that expectation is batsh*t.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on March 02, 2026, 08:27:41 AMI think there would actually be a market for his services at the mid-major level, especially if he were able to get a medical hardship waiver and another year of eligibility.
Can't do dat yet. Need to wait another year.
It's not going to be up to Sean and Tre if they return.
Quote from: Jay Bee on March 02, 2026, 09:26:27 AMCan't do dat yet. Need to wait another year.
So he can't apply for that until his current eligibility runs out?
Quote from: brewcity77 on March 02, 2026, 09:31:35 AMIt's not going to be up to Sean and Tre if they return.
Is it 100% Shaka's decision or do those who are writing the checks have a say?
Quote from: brewcity77 on March 02, 2026, 09:31:35 AMIt's not going to be up to Sean and Tre if they return.
Thank you
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on March 02, 2026, 09:35:28 AMSo he can't apply for that until his current eligibility runs out?
The issue at hand for Sean would be the Five-Year Rule.
Eligibility for a hardship waiver re: the current season looks like a SLAM DUNK. Easy. However, that doesn't get you anywhere. Once initial eligibility is exhausted (e.g., after NEXT season, which is year 5 for him), then his current institution could apply for a waiver of the Five-Year Rule.
In some circumstances, the likelihood of a waiver is very easy to ascertain. Here, it's a tough road because it's been widely discussed that he chose to not play last season. The facts are such that he's not a candidate for an additional year "by the book". Of course, the NCAA doesn't always do things by the book, so anything's possible.. but I think it would not be known until AFTER year 5. (You can still practice with your team for a period of time - I believe 30 days - in a situation where a Five-Year Rule waiver has been submitted, but not yet answered).
So, if I'm team X looking at Sean for next season, my thought is either (a) we're gonna get him for a year and that's it, or (b) there's a slim chance we can get him for 2 years, but we won't know until after year 1.
Nuke the roster
No question that this season is/was a debacle. It stands as a failure to properly evaluuate talent and shines a light on the problems of not using all tools available to build a team. It is also ta testament to the success of the last four years. Five guys into the NBA is a lot of talent to pass through a program. That said I am optimistic about next season. Parham,James,Stevens and Owens are forming the basis for the next big leap in the progam. I expect Shaka will bag a starting center for next season to solidify the post that along with the four reurning key players makes MU instantly back in the pictuue. Given the players coming in next season I seee no particular reason why MU should nt bee back in the NCAA. If either Sean or Tre decide to leave the program I'd expect shaka to pick up a point guard in the portal as well. If they both stay that is still probably enough to get back to the dance. Whatever the case turns out to be I am confident that SDhaka knows what needs to be done and will act accordingly. His name is Shaka Smart not Shaka idiot.
Quote from: hawk on March 02, 2026, 10:54:19 AMOwens are forming the basis for the next big leap in the progam.
If either Sean or Tre decide to leave the program I'd expect shaka to pick up a point guard in the portal as well. If they both stay that is still probably enough to get back to the dance.
1. Why? Do we watch the same sport?
2. If either are still here something has gone horribly wrong.
Quote from: hawk on March 02, 2026, 10:54:19 AMNo question that this season is/was a debacle. It stands as a failure to properly evaluuate talent and shines a light on the problems of not using all tools available to build a team. It is also ta testament to the success of the last four years. Five guys into the NBA is a lot of talent to pass through a program. That said I am optimistic about next season. Parham,James,Stevens and Owens are forming the basis for the next big leap in the progam. I expect Shaka will bag a starting center for next season to solidify the post that along with the four reurning key players makes MU instantly back in the pictuue. Given the players coming in next season I seee no particular reason why MU should nt bee back in the NCAA. If either Sean or Tre decide to leave the program I'd expect shaka to pick up a point guard in the portal as well. If they both stay that is still probably enough to get back to the dance. Whatever the case turns out to be I am confident that SDhaka knows what needs to be done and will act accordingly. His name is Shaka Smart not Shaka idiot.
You had me until you suggested the possibility of 5 and 22 both staying. IMHO - they both need to go and we need a veteran PG to back up NJ. NJ is so gassed at end of games, having a legit PG who can shoot halfway competently is a massive upgrade from 5 and 22.
Quote from: Jay Bee on March 02, 2026, 10:17:19 AMThe issue at hand for Sean would be the Five-Year Rule.
Eligibility for a hardship waiver re: the current season looks like a SLAM DUNK. Easy. However, that doesn't get you anywhere. Once initial eligibility is exhausted (e.g., after NEXT season, which is year 5 for him), then his current institution could apply for a waiver of the Five-Year Rule.
In some circumstances, the likelihood of a waiver is very easy to ascertain. Here, it's a tough road because it's been widely discussed that he chose to not play last season. The facts are such that he's not a candidate for an additional year "by the book". Of course, the NCAA doesn't always do things by the book, so anything's possible.. but I think it would not be known until AFTER year 5. (You can still practice with your team for a period of time - I believe 30 days - in a situation where a Five-Year Rule waiver has been submitted, but not yet answered).
So, if I'm team X looking at Sean for next season, my thought is either (a) we're gonna get him for a year and that's it, or (b) there's a slim chance we can get him for 2 years, but we won't know until after year 1.
you are correct. One only qualifies for an extension of eligibility waiver (what Sean would be petitioning for) if the athlete had two missed participation opportunities outside the athlete's control. If Sean was practicing or if he wasn't but had cleared to return by the doctors, he would be automatically ineligible for that year to be considered. In all likelihood, next year is it for Sean's college career; better to go to an Ohio school in the MAC or Horizon to start and play 30 minutes a game if that's his motivation; playing time. He'll have his MU degree.
Quote from: Galway Eagle on March 01, 2026, 10:05:05 PMThis game and every ensuing pathetic crap out we have is pointless.
It's kind of sad how little I care about the games at this point. Being down 10 against DePaul doesn't phase me, I don't give a shot anymore.
Shaka likes to play his starters 25- 32 mminutes a game. James is tired becoase he is getting 34 or more a lot. If Jones stays to be the backup he'd be plenty capable of filling that roll. What upper class point guard would be happy to play behind a second year player who is obviously the starter? Just as well to keep Sean. Norman might want to go because there is no real roster spot for him, if that happened Shaka could recruit a freshman point guard to groom as a replacement. 15 players on a roster is a lot of players, the 12-15 guys aren't likely to play anyway so no harm if Tre stays either. Doesn't hurt the team and shows Shaka is loyal to his ethos. win,win.
Quote from: hawk on March 02, 2026, 10:54:19 AMNo question that this season is/was a debacle. It stands as a failure to properly evaluuate talent and shines a light on the problems of not using all tools available to build a team. It is also ta testament to the success of the last four years. Five guys into the NBA is a lot of talent to pass through a program. That said I am optimistic about next season. Parham,James,Stevens and Owens are forming the basis for the next big leap in the progam. I expect Shaka will bag a starting center for next season to solidify the post that along with the four reurning key players makes MU instantly back in the pictuue. Given the players coming in next season I seee no particular reason why MU should nt bee back in the NCAA. If either Sean or Tre decide to leave the program I'd expect shaka to pick up a point guard in the portal as well. If they both stay that is still probably enough to get back to the dance. Whatever the case turns out to be I am confident that SDhaka knows what needs to be done and will act accordingly. His name is Shaka Smart not Shaka idiot.
Night leap for next year? That would be nice, but the bar is so low right now, so a .500 season could be a "big leap" but is not acceptable for MU basketball.
There are clearly going to be more transfers. There are clearly going to be multiple additions. I'm surprised this is still a conversation.
Quote from: BM1090 on March 03, 2026, 09:35:59 PMThere are clearly going to be more transfers. There are clearly going to be multiple additions. I'm surprised this is still a conversation.
But Shaka wore a shirt with an RGV patch last game to send a message...
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on March 04, 2026, 10:22:45 AMBut Shaka wore a shirt with an RGV patch last game to send a message...
That still may be true...
I don't see why RGV can't evolve as a philosophy to include transfers. Who's to say that Shaka will only bring in seniors?Maybe underclassmen will be a target and seniors will have to show that they will fit in.
Quote from: wiscwarrior on March 04, 2026, 02:12:23 PMI don't see why RGV can't evolve as a philosophy to include transfers. Who's to say that Shaka will only bring in seniors?Maybe underclassmen will be a target and seniors will have to show that they will fit in.
If Shaka brings in some portal guys this spring (as he most certainly should), I suspect they would be senior year eligibility guys and not underclassmen.
What I won't miss from this season.
1. Ben Gold never having his feet set or shooting line drive 3 shots that have no arc.
2. Chase thinking he is team leader and sole scorer that is taking the last second shot for the win or loss (zero for the season successfully)
3. Shaka making excuses why we lost "that game".
4. Having 3 empty slots on the bench with non D1 players with the ability to add to the success of team that makes it to the dance.
A tiny bright spot for me was highlighted by this game. Clearly Prov has checked out and given up (why in the world would you tell a coach he's not coming back but not fire him immediately/go interim).
On Sat Jan 17th we were 6-13 (1-7) and had lost 9 of our last 10. We weren't playing like a metrical bubble. It would have been real easy for Shaka and the guys to throw in the towel at that point and slink to something like a 2-18 BE finish.
Whether or not we've been playing like a metrical bubble since then or not, we've clearly not given up - playing better ball and going 5-6 since then - still terrible, but as we've seen not markedly more terrible then the rest of the BLEAST. Shaka still has to make some major changes for next year, but the fact that he was able to stay dialed in despite this sh*tshow and, for the most part, keep the guys dialed in, gives me hope that if he goes out and gets the right pieces we can get back to talking about how he fails in the NCAAT rather than in the regular season. We're not Prov. Or Gtown. At least yet...
Quote from: brewcity77 on March 02, 2026, 09:31:35 AMIt's not going to be up to Sean and Tre if they return.
Correct, but I'm honestly not sure Shaka packs their bags.
Quote from: burger on March 04, 2026, 02:22:47 PMWhat I won't miss from this season.
1. Ben Gold never having his feet set or shooting line drive 3 shots that have no arc.
2. Chase thinking he is team leader and sole scorer that is taking the last second shot for the win or loss (zero for the season successfully)
3. Shaka making excuses why we lost "that game".
4. Having 3 empty slots on the bench with non D1 players with the ability to add to the success of team that makes it to the dance.
5. Parham never missing an opportunity to jack up a 3 when he should be down low.
6. Wondering what the 3 redshirts could have added for us this year
7. MU repeatedly missing front end of bonus FTs
8. Gold with his awesome 3 point shooting of about 22%
9. Gold repeatedly getting torched by smaller Guards on switches.
10. A 20 loss season, no dance, there is always next year, Hamilton accolades, etc., etc.
11. Willie bitching non stop
Just kidding, that happens every year. Insufferable donkey.
Willie's comment regarding Parham shows he's clearly not paying attention, which is not surprising.
Quote from: willie warrior on March 05, 2026, 09:42:25 AM5. Parham never missing an opportunity to jack up a 3 when he should be down low.
6. Wondering what the 3 redshirts could have added for us this year
7. MU repeatedly missing front end of bonus FTs
8. Gold with his awesome 3 point shooting of about 22%
9. Gold repeatedly getting torched by smaller Guards on switches.
10. A 20 loss season, no dance, there is always next year, Hamilton accolades, etc., etc.
Parham is taking less than 3 threes a game in conference play, and has made 37% of them. Not even close to an issue.
Quote from: BM1090 on March 05, 2026, 10:27:38 AMParham is taking less than 3 threes a game in conference play, and has made 37% of them. Not even close to an issue.
Willie complains a lot about inane stuff but to be fair to him in non con Royce was taking way too many and missing practically all of them. It was a good, a bit late, adjustment in his play to have him shooting less 3s.
Quote from: Galway Eagle on March 05, 2026, 10:33:37 AMWillie complains a lot about inane stuff but to be fair to him in non con Royce was taking way too many and missing practically all of them. It was a good, a bit late, adjustment in his play to have him shooting less 3s.
You're not wrong, but if it hasn't been an issue the last 20 games I guess I just don't see it as an issue.
Quote from: willie warrior on March 05, 2026, 09:42:25 AM8. Gold with his awesome 3 point shooting of about 22%
9. Gold repeatedly getting torched by smaller Guards on switches.
You're dead on correct about #8. The fact that two-thirds of Ben's shots are still coming from beyond the arc is tough to understand.
But #9 isn't a Ben problem. It's the problem of defensive scheme/rotations that ask him to defend small guards on the perimeter. Oso was special in his ability to do that. Asking the same of Ben - especially when he's been gimpy much of the season - isn't fair.