MU was gracious enough to let me speak with Tyler McDevitt (Pseudo-GM) and Devon Mulry (Director of Video and Analytics) about the portal process this season.
LINK HERE (https://painttouches.com/2026/05/28/inside-look-at-marquettes-transfer-portal-strategy/?utm_source=MU%20Scoop&utm_medium=Forum)
The part about Sheek's departure was actually quite helpful in getting me to put a few pieces together.
Quote from: PaintTouches on May 28, 2026, 02:18:44 PMMU was gracious enough to let me speak with Tyler McDevitt (Pseudo-GM) and Devon Mulry (Director of Video and Analytics) about the portal process this season.
LINK HERE (https://painttouches.com/2026/05/28/inside-look-at-marquettes-transfer-portal-strategy/?utm_source=MU%20Scoop&utm_medium=Forum)
The part about Sheek's departure was actually quite helpful in getting me to put a few pieces together.
Thank you
Fantastic article......thanks for doing it.
It is good to hear from members of the MU staff that they are acting thoughtfully, professionally, and with intent. I didn't read many surprises there. Thanks for the article.
Great stuff. I'm glad to see that the staff has someone dedicated to doing GM things, even though the person doesn't have the GM title.
Unfortunately, it sounds like there won't be another center added. Hopefully Hamilton and Clark make massive strides.
Good read. Thanks for posting.
This paragraph about losing Sheek stood out:
"We recruited him under the old model and that no longer was the case," McDevitt said. "We did bring in a guy that's going to play as many minutes as he could breathe at his position."
Sheek left because of $$$, sure, plus he'll get to play near where he grew up. But being told, "Son, you're not gonna start for Marquette next season because we just signed Fru," seems to have played a big part in it, too. Which makes sense.
Quote from: Juan Anderson's Mixtape on May 28, 2026, 04:29:52 PMGreat stuff. I'm glad to see that the staff has someone dedicated to doing GM things, even though the person doesn't have the GM title.
Unfortunately, it sounds like there won't be another center added. Hopefully Hamilton and Clark make massive strides.
Tyler has been working on contracts etc for quite some time. Shaka does not have the time for that stuff.
Excellent article - thanks for sharing.
Quote from: MU82 on May 28, 2026, 05:49:24 PMGood read. Thanks for posting.
This paragraph about losing Sheek stood out:
"We recruited him under the old model and that no longer was the case," McDevitt said. "We did bring in a guy that's going to play as many minutes as he could breathe at his position."
Sheek left because of $$$, sure, plus he'll get to play near where he grew up. But being told, "Son, you're not gonna start for Marquette next season because we just signed Fru," seems to have played a big part in it, too. Which makes sense.
While I'm sure not starting played a role, I disagree that it played a big part.
The reason I say that is Sheek knew the entire offseason that the staff was targeting a 5. Fru had committed a week or more prior to Sheek entering the portal.
That tells me he was comfortable with staying until he got poached at the last minute with a big overpay.
No inside info but to me it seems like money was by far the biggest reason.
I see it differently. Sheek looked at the room and thought he was going to start. No rumors. Fru signs, going to get as many minutes as possible (according to the article), Sheek gets a starters equivalent offer close to home, gone.
More minutes, more money.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on May 28, 2026, 06:57:50 PMWhile I'm sure not starting played a role, I disagree that it played a big part.
The reason I say that is Sheek knew the entire offseason that the staff was targeting a 5. Fru had committed a week or more prior to Sheek entering the portal.
That tells me he was comfortable with staying until he got poached at the last minute with a big overpay.
No inside but to me it seems like money was by far the biggest reason.
Thought 18 would leave. He didn't. This, the late timing.
Open your eyes, folks.
Quote from: tower912 on May 28, 2026, 07:37:24 PMI see it differently. Sheek looked at the room and thought he was going to start. No rumors. Fru signs, going to get as many minutes as possible (according to the article), Sheek gets a starters equivalent offer close to home, gone.
More minutes, more money.
You're making an assumption that Shaka did not communicate to Sheek that they were going after a starting 5 in the portal.
That's ludicrous.
Quote from: tower912 on May 28, 2026, 07:37:24 PMI see it differently. Sheek looked at the room and thought he was going to start. No rumors. Fru signs, going to get as many minutes as possible (according to the article), Sheek gets a starters equivalent offer close to home, gone.
More minutes, more money.
Yeah I don't think that's the case at all. Sheek wasn't going to be starting with no experience. Plus Vander is right...Shaka was talking to him throughout about his role.
He received a lucrative offer from his hometown that Marquette was unwilling to match.
The timeline is pretty straightforward. Starter arrives that is going to play as many minutes as he can. Sheek leaves. First player to be recruited over in the portal.
Read the article. Don't tell me I am wrong, tell the MU insiders they are wrong.
Meh, I am not going to make this some Hamilton-esque obsession. Couldn't care less if you disagree.
Quote from: tower912 on May 28, 2026, 08:46:04 PMThe timeline is pretty straightforward. Starter arrives that is going to play as many minutes as he can. Sheek leaves. First player to be recruited over in the portal.
Read the article. Don't tell me I am wrong, tell the MU insiders they are wrong.
Meh, I am not going to make this some Hamilton-esque obsession. Couldn't care less if you disagree.
I read the nicely scripted article. I guess I am not going to be the gullible one who's repeatedly defended Shaka's portal avoidance.
I am hearing that you don't care what the de facto MUBB GM has to say about Sheek's departure.
Or what Shaka had to say in his presser or interview with Homer about the evolving approach to the portal.
Quote from: tower912 on May 28, 2026, 09:06:11 PMI am hearing that you don't care what the de facto MUBB GM has to say about Sheek's departure.
Or what Shaka had to say in his presser or interview with Homer about the evolving approach to the portal.
Do you accept that Shaka communicated to Sheek from the beginning of the process they were looking to add a starting 5?
I mean, i think it's one thing to tell a guy "Hey were actively looking for a guy to be our starting center" and another to say "Hey we've brought in one of the top 5 centers in the portal."
One is theoretical and there's still a situation where they land a lesser guy where the minutes split is going to be close to 20/20.
The other is definitive and the minute split is more likely around 27/13.
I don't know which was more important. I don't think it matters. I think you probably need both for the transfer to happen.
Quote from: Jay Bee on May 28, 2026, 08:04:23 PMThought 18 would leave. He didn't. This, the late timing.
Open your eyes, folks.
You're making it a little simplistic. Thought he'd be the first of the bench for Fru. That wasn't guaranteed. He left.
Quote from: rocky_warrior on May 28, 2026, 10:09:27 PMYou're making it a little simplistic. Thought he'd be the first of the bench for Fru. That wasn't guaranteed. He left.
Who was gonna be first off the bench for Fru then?
Quote from: Jay Bee on May 28, 2026, 08:04:23 PMThought 18 would leave. He didn't. This, the late timing.
Open your eyes, folks.
Wrong. CH never gave anyone any indication he was leaving. He was always staying.
Quote from: TAMU, Knower of Ball on May 28, 2026, 09:37:57 PMI mean, i think it's one thing to tell a guy "Hey were actively looking for a guy to be our starting center" and another to say "Hey we've brought in one of the top 5 centers in the portal."
One is theoretical and there's still a situation where they land a lesser guy where the minutes split is going to be close to 20/20.
The other is definitive and the minute split is more likely around 27/13.
I don't know which was more important. I don't think it matters. I think you probably need both for the transfer to happen.
You think he turns down a reported $1M raise over seven minutes a game? Not a chance.
Quote from: tower912 on May 28, 2026, 09:06:11 PMI am hearing that you don't care what the de facto MUBB GM has to say about Sheek's departure.
Or what Shaka had to say in his presser or interview with Homer about the evolving approach to the portal.
I don't because it's clearly a well prepared statement.
Quote from: tower912 on May 28, 2026, 08:46:04 PMThe timeline is pretty straightforward. Starter arrives that is going to play as many minutes as he can. Sheek leaves. First player to be recruited over in the portal.
Read the article. Don't tell me I am wrong, tell the MU insiders they are wrong.
Meh, I am not going to make this some Hamilton-esque obsession. Couldn't care less if you disagree.
This isn't about Caedin. If this were the case why didn't Owens jump in when we added Minessale?
It was money and starting there. It wasn't about the role here. Sheek was never going to be a starter in 2026-27 and Marquette targeting a starting five was always the plan since February.
You act like Sheek was blindsided by the Fru addition and that pushed him into the portal. That isn't accurate at all. St Louis lost their top transfer target to Duke & panic offered Sheek at the eleventh hour with an offer too good to be true, so he took it.
So, when a player commits all the paper work is completed? I ask because it was mentioned that Crowdis has not signed yet.
Quote from: brewcity77 on May 29, 2026, 05:21:58 AMThis isn't about Caedin. If this were the case why didn't Owens jump in when we added Minessale?
It was money and starting there. It wasn't about the role here. Sheek was never going to be a starter in 2026-27 and Marquette targeting a starting five was always the plan since February.
You act like Sheek was blindsided by the Fru addition and that pushed him into the portal. That isn't accurate at all. St Louis lost their top transfer target to Duke & panic offered Sheek at the eleventh hour with an offer too good to be true, so he took it.
Sultan and Brew are right IMO. Sheek would have had backup minutes at the 4 and 5 which would have been plenty with the promise of a big payday next year if he performed well. The money was too big to pass up.
Interesting that they needed a committee to discern that a big who could rebound and finish at the rim was needed. All they had to do was read Scoop.
I've got to admit that I'm somewhat reassured by the fact that MU has adopted a
business-like plan and approach to the personnel issue. Stressing retention is a good start as long as those retained come through with the G - if they do, there will be fewer
"holes" to fill in the Spring. Let's all hope this new approach (developed, one assumes, to deal with the NIL age) precludes seasons like the last one.
Quote from: tower912 on May 28, 2026, 08:46:04 PMThe timeline is pretty straightforward. Starter arrives that is going to play as many minutes as he can. Sheek leaves. First player to be recruited over in the portal.
Read the article. Don't tell me I am wrong, tell the MU insiders they are wrong.
Meh, I am not going to make this some Hamilton-esque obsession. Couldn't care less if you disagree.
Wow. For once I agree with Tower. That is the highest likelihoo. Still another recruiting screwup by Shaka. Fru
better put up big numbers to bail Shaka out of this blunder
Quote from: willie warrior on May 29, 2026, 08:58:36 AMWow. For once I agree with Tower. That is the highest likelihoo. Still another recruiting screwup by Shaka. Fru
better put up big numbers to bail Shaka out of this blunder
Hopefully Willie agreeing with Tower will help him realize he's offbase on this one.
Quote from: The Sultan on May 29, 2026, 04:11:15 AMYou think he turns down a reported $1M raise over seven minutes a game? Not a chance.
I don't think that's the right way to think about it.
In my experience employees/players who are happy with their current situation usually don't go looking for other opportunities with bigger paydays. Even when the opportunity seeks them out, many who are happy with their current situation don't entertain it.
I promise you that Nigel was approached with pay raises larger than what Sheek got. He didn't give them the time of day because he's genuinely happy with his situation. Royce also likely could have gotten a similar pay raise on the open market but didn't enter the portal.
There's also the reality that if Marquette didn't land someone as good as Fru, they may have been inclined to offer Sheek more to stay.
The money obviously played a huge role, no one's arguing otherwise. But I think Fru's addition also was a part of the equation.
Quote from: willie warrior on May 29, 2026, 08:58:36 AMWow. For once I agree with Tower. That is the highest likelihoo. Still another recruiting screwup by Shaka. Fru
better put up big numbers to bail Shaka out of this blunder
Use the portal! You used the portal and a player left! You screwed up!
Quote from: willie warrior on May 29, 2026, 08:58:36 AMWow. For once I agree with Tower. That is the highest likelihoo. Still another recruiting screwup by Shaka. Fru
better put up big numbers to bail Shaka out of this blunder
Dude, Sheek better be Shaq for all the whining you have done. Nothing like getting worked up over a guy who has yet to play a single minute in CBB.
Quote from: 79Warrior on May 29, 2026, 09:44:54 AMDude, Sheek better be Shaq for all the whining you have done. Nothing like getting worked up over a guy who has yet to play a single minute in CBB.
Not worked up at all, but you are. Shaka overrecruited Sheek who would have 4 years of eligibility for Fru with one year. That is a screwup by Shaka. So quit getting worked up about criticism of your boy.
Quote from: willie warrior on May 29, 2026, 10:06:56 AMNot worked up at all, but you are. Shaka overrecruited Sheek who would have 4 years of eligibility for Fru with one year. That is a screwup by Shaka. So quit getting worked up about criticism of your boy.
So, the way you want to build a team is to recruit only high school players who must always work out and never transfer. Also, accept no transfers (no matter how badly they're needed) because we may recruit over a player who has never played a minute of college basketball.
Oh, to live in the twisted little bit of grey matter you still have for an hour to experience pure idiocy first hand.
Truly, you're a paragon of duncery, little willie.
Also, didn't Sheek offer MU a chance to match? That tells me it was about money and not playing time.
And I don't fault him at all for taking the money.
Quote from: brewcity77 on May 29, 2026, 05:21:58 AMThis isn't about Caedin. If this were the case why didn't Owens jump in when we added Minessale?
It was money and starting there. It wasn't about the role here. Sheek was never going to be a starter in 2026-27 and Marquette targeting a starting five was always the plan since February.
You act like Sheek was blindsided by the Fru addition and that pushed him into the portal. That isn't accurate at all. St Louis lost their top transfer target to Duke & panic offered Sheek at the eleventh hour with an offer too good to be true, so he took it.
And you posted this information immediately after we found out Sheek was entering the portal......including his new destination before it was public knowledge.
Quote from: TallTitan34 on May 29, 2026, 10:43:05 AMAlso, didn't Sheek offer MU a chance to match? That tells me it was about money and not playing time.
And I don't fault him at all for taking the money.
Let him go develop at SLU, then if he's good bring him back with Fru's salary slot.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on May 29, 2026, 10:30:24 AMSo, the way you want to build a team is to recruit only high school players who must always work out and never transfer. Also, accept no transfers (no matter how badly they're needed) because we may recruit over a player who has never played a minute of college basketball.
Oh, to live in the twisted little bit of grey matter you still have for an hour to experience pure idiocy first hand.
Truly, you're a paragon of duncery, little willie.
Willie does like to call Shaka, "boy"
Quote from: TAMU, Knower of Ball on May 29, 2026, 09:11:03 AMI don't think that's the right way to think about it.
In my experience employees/players who are happy with their current situation usually don't go looking for other opportunities with bigger paydays. Even when the opportunity seeks them out, many who are happy with their current situation don't entertain it.
I promise you that Nigel was approached with pay raises larger than what Sheek got. He didn't give them the time of day because he's genuinely happy with his situation. Royce also likely could have gotten a similar pay raise on the open market but didn't enter the portal.
There's also the reality that if Marquette didn't land someone as good as Fru, they may have been inclined to offer Sheek more to stay.
The money obviously played a huge role, no one's arguing otherwise. But I think Fru's addition also was a part of the equation.
Sorry, but I think if you poll the average American that says they're happy at their job and asked if they'd take a new job if they were offered to have their salary doubled to do the exact same job, I'd imagine 90%+ would take the new job, if there are no red flags about the new company.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on May 29, 2026, 10:51:46 AMLet him go develop at SLU, then if he's good bring him back with Fru's salary slot.
Nah. Good riddance.
Quote from: wadesworld on May 29, 2026, 11:11:06 AMSorry, but I think if you poll the average American that says they're happy at their job and asked if they'd take a new job if they were offered to have their salary doubled to do the exact same job, I'd imagine 90%+ would take the new job, if there are no red flags about the new company.
Yeah gotta agree here. I'm very happy at my job and would struggle turning down 10k more let alone if someone offered me a 50% increase. If someone offered to double it, I'd be gone so quick my teams status wouldn't have even gone to yellow. And even if there were red flags I'd still go thinking "if I can make it 6mo I'll have gotten what I'd have made in 12 before and can look for a new job then".
Quote from: wadesworld on May 29, 2026, 11:11:06 AMSorry, but I think if you poll the average American that says they're happy at their job and asked if they'd take a new job if they were offered to have their salary doubled to do the exact same job, I'd imagine 90%+ would take the new job, if there are no red flags about the new company.
And yet most of those 90% could probably get a better paying gig if they looked. Despite that, they don't go looking.
Most people consider multiple factors when making most big life decisions. I don't know why we feel that Sheek's decision can only be about a single factor.
Quote from: Galway Eagle on May 29, 2026, 11:35:00 AMYeah gotta agree here. I'm very happy at my job and would struggle turning down 10k more let alone if someone offered me a 50% increase. If someone offered to double it, I'd be gone so quick my teams status wouldn't have even gone to yellow. And even if there were red flags I'd still go thinking "if I can make it 6mo I'll have gotten what I'd have made in 12 before and can look for a new job then".
I agree with this. And even if it was a minority position to leave for higher may, I can't fault someone for doing so.
CREAM
Quote from: wadesworld on May 29, 2026, 11:13:37 AMNah. Good riddance.
I get that position. Totally fair.
Quote from: TAMU, Knower of Ball on May 29, 2026, 11:37:21 AMAnd yet most of those 90% could probably get a better paying gig if they looked. Despite that, they don't go looking.
Most people consider multiple factors when making most big life decisions. I don't know why we feel that Sheek's decision can only be about a single factor.
Better paying? Sure. Doubled salary? Extremely unlikely. There's a MASSIVE difference. One probably isn't going to change your quality of life. The other almost certainly is.
Did Sheek go looking, or did someone just call him with double his salary? If SLU lands Scharnowski, does Sheek enter the portal?
Of course there were multiple factors. Fru coming was a factor, but given that Sheek (allegedly) gave Marquette a chance to match SLU's monetary offer, it seems it was a much smaller factor. Just like being 5 hours from home and now being right in his home town was likely a very small factor.
The reality is, the only thing that set it in motion was the money.
Yeah, I am not looking for a job, so who knows how many job that are out there that would double my salary that I am missing out on.
However, if someone called me and said "just give us the word, and we will give you this job that doubles your salary," of course I would be interested.
Those are very different things.
Quote from: wadesworld on May 29, 2026, 12:07:35 PMBetter paying? Sure. Doubled salary? Extremely unlikely. There's a MASSIVE difference. One probably isn't going to change your quality of life. The other almost certainly is.
Did Sheek go looking, or did someone just call him with double his salary? If SLU lands Scharnowski, does Sheek enter the portal?
Of course there were multiple factors. Fru coming was a factor, but given that Sheek (allegedly) gave Marquette a chance to match SLU's monetary offer, it seems it was a much smaller factor. Just like being 5 hours from home and now being right in his home town was likely a very small factor.
The reality is, the only thing that set it in motion was the money.
Sounds like we agree then, there were multiple factors. Money was probably the biggest.
Quote from: willie warrior on May 29, 2026, 10:06:56 AMNot worked up at all, but you are. Shaka overrecruited Sheek who would have 4 years of eligibility for Fru with one year. That is a screwup by Shaka. So quit getting worked up about criticism of your boy.
The only boy here is some unknown poster spewing garbage. Good luck to you.
Quote from: TAMU, Knower of Ball on May 29, 2026, 11:37:21 AMAnd yet most of those 90% could probably get a better paying gig if they looked. Despite that, they don't go looking.
Most people consider multiple factors when making most big life decisions. I don't know why we feel that Sheek's decision can only be about a single factor.
First, I don't think comparing college basketball players in the NIL wild west is remotely equivalent to your average corporate employee.
Sheek was contacted last-minute and offered a significant increase of potentially life-changing money.
I'm relatively happy at my job. I make solid money. I'm not looking for a job, even though I could potentially find something at higher compensation. But if someone came to me and offered to double or triple my salary, I'd be out the door (assuming the opportunity and company were good).
Wades is right.
Quote from: willie warrior on May 29, 2026, 10:06:56 AMNot worked up at all, but you are. Shaka overrecruited Sheek who would have 4 years of eligibility for Fru with one year. That is a screwup by Shaka. So quit getting worked up about criticism of your boy.
1. Fru probably has two years.
2. We'd hope Sheek can become what Fru is. Fru is already a very good player. Sheek may be. We don't know.
Quote from: willie warrior on May 29, 2026, 10:06:56 AMNot worked up at all, but you are. Shaka overrecruited Sheek who would have 4 years of eligibility for Fru with one year. That is a screwup by Shaka. So quit getting worked up about criticism of your boy.
In a long, long history of incredibly dumb posts, you topped yourself with this one.
Yes, let's crap on Shaka for recruiting a proven post player despite the fact it was our greatest weakness. And you somehow think that having a complete unknown is better because he could be here longer? Or...and hear me out here...we could actually recruit another transfer.
Quote from: Small Orange Soda on May 28, 2026, 10:47:43 PMWho was gonna be first off the bench for Fru then?
Nothing was guaranteed. That was the problem.
Sheek will 100% start for SLU. This may make or break Shaka.
QuotePearson is the highest-rated recruit to sign with the program since Larry Hughes (1997-98).
"We are really excited to add a player and person of Sheek Pearson's caliber to our program," SLU head coach Josh Schertz said. "He's not just talented, he's super competitive and extremely ambitious with the horsepower behind it in terms of his work ethic.
"Sheek is a fantastic rim protector who rebounds on both ends of the floor," Schertz said. "He's the rare archetype who can create vertical and horizontal spacing. Sheek's combination of humility, confidence and drive will allow him to reach his immense ceiling. It is a great day for Billiken basketball."
Quote from: rocky_warrior on May 29, 2026, 10:23:23 PMNothing was guaranteed. That was the problem.
Sheek will 100% start for SLU. This may make or break Shaka.
There's a shtick around here where they call that HDS.
Quote from: Small Orange Soda on May 29, 2026, 10:58:07 PMThere's a shtick around here where they call that HDS.
People are dumb.
Quote from: rocky_warrior on May 29, 2026, 10:59:15 PMPeople are dumb.
Yeah, some people think Nigel James isn't Big East good
Quote from: Small Orange Soda on May 29, 2026, 10:58:07 PMThere's a shtick around here where they call that HDS.
Everyone wanted Sheek to stay. Everyone wanted Shaka to be active in the portal and add a big.
As long as Marquette is active in the portal, it's going to leave them vulnerable as well to losing players who see minutes possibly taken from them.
Marquette knows what it is getting with Fru. With Sheek, he hadn't proven it yet. If he went out and was a non-factor like Hamilton, then people would be outraged regardless. I think he'll be quite good and it sucks he left but that's the modern landscape. You're going to lose good players to the portal.
It's been well documented how this went down. SLU lost a player they thought they were getting to Duke. They pivoted and Marquette was the one that got blindsided. And before we have this "can't Marquette compete" argument, every major program has to be make choices on fund allocation. Think UW-Madison wanted to lose John Blackwell? He got a number they decided they didn't want to match.
We're at the point that regardless of who the coach is at Marquette, the modern landscape will lead to tough financial and roster decisions being made. You want to play in the portal? You better be ready to be bitten by the portal and put on your big boy pants and accept what can happen.
Quote from: 79Warrior on May 29, 2026, 01:15:15 PMThe only boy here is some unknown poster spewing garbage. Good luck to you.
Same to you, Garbage Guru.
Quote from: TAMU, Knower of Ball on May 29, 2026, 11:37:21 AMAnd yet most of those 90% could probably get a better paying gig if they looked. Despite that, they don't go looking.
Most people consider multiple factors when making most big life decisions. I don't know why we feel that Sheek's decision can only be about a single factor.
We are comparing apples and oranges here. If any of us were offered a huge increase in compensation from another employer and our current employer countered and we decided to stay do you really think the current employer would adjust all the compensation of its current highly valued members? I don't think so.
I agree Sheek's departure is multi-faceted, but it reveals that Marquette's financial resources are limited more than it reveals why Sheek left.
Quote from: TAMU, Knower of Ball on May 29, 2026, 01:08:03 PMSounds like we agree then, there were multiple factors. Money was probably the biggest.
Money was 99%. So I'm not sure you guys completely agree.
Quote from: rocky_warrior on May 29, 2026, 10:23:23 PMNothing was guaranteed. That was the problem.
Sheek will 100% start for SLU. This may make or break Shaka.
Based on that description, MU should have matched the money and I think if Sheek was dominating practice they would have. The players would not have minded if he upset the salary structure if they were being abused by him on a daily basis. They would have understood. I don't think Shaka lets him out of the building. Time will tell if he's that good.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on May 30, 2026, 06:02:02 AMEveryone wanted Sheek to stay. Everyone wanted Shaka to be active in the portal and add a big.
As long as Marquette is active in the portal, it's going to leave them vulnerable as well to losing players who see minutes possibly taken from them.
Marquette knows what it is getting with Fru. With Sheek, he hadn't proven it yet. If he went out and was a non-factor like Hamilton, then people would be outraged regardless. I think he'll be quite good and it sucks he left but that's the modern landscape. You're going to lose good players to the portal.
It's been well documented how this went down. SLU lost a player they thought they were getting to Duke. They pivoted and Marquette was the one that got blindsided. And before we have this "can't Marquette compete" argument, every major program has to be make choices on fund allocation. Think UW-Madison wanted to lose John Blackwell? He got a number they decided they didn't want to match.
We're at the point that regardless of who the coach is at Marquette, the modern landscape will lead to tough financial and roster decisions being made. You want to play in the portal? You better be ready to be bitten by the portal and put on your big boy pants and accept what can happen.
It's cool when Rico has a lucid interval.
Quote from: Shooter McGavin on May 30, 2026, 08:17:19 AMTime will tell if he's that good.
I certainly wasn't on the "sheek is the future" bandwagon. However, VBMG thinks I'm dumb, so I guess he wins.
Quote from: rocky_warrior on May 30, 2026, 09:57:58 AMI certainly wasn't on the "sheek is the future" bandwagon. However, VBMG thinks I'm dumb, so I guess he wins.
I guess I am dumb because I have no idea what your no politics ban warning actually means in the Superbar.
Quote from: muwarrior69 on May 30, 2026, 10:20:14 AMI guess I am dumb because I have no idea what your no politics ban warning actually means in the Superbar.
That makes you observant, not dumb.
Quote from: Shooter McGavin on May 30, 2026, 08:17:19 AMBased on that description, MU should have matched the money and I think if Sheek was dominating practice they would have. The players would not have minded if he upset the salary structure if they were being abused by him on a daily basis. They would have understood. I don't think Shaka lets him out of the building. Time will tell if he's that good.
If Sheek was that good, there would have been no need for a transfer. I really don't think he starts this season.
Quote from: The Sultan on May 30, 2026, 10:29:53 AMI really don't think he starts this season.
He was unlikely to start for Marquette. For St Louis, game on!
Quote from: Uncle Rico on May 30, 2026, 06:02:02 AMEveryone wanted Sheek to stay. Everyone wanted Shaka to be active in the portal and add a big.
As long as Marquette is active in the portal, it's going to leave them vulnerable as well to losing players who see minutes possibly taken from them.
Marquette knows what it is getting with Fru. With Sheek, he hadn't proven it yet. If he went out and was a non-factor like Hamilton, then people would be outraged regardless. I think he'll be quite good and it sucks he left but that's the modern landscape. You're going to lose good players to the portal.
I don't think anyone disagrees. If Shaka thought his second year center, or his third year center, or his fourth year center were good enough to start, they wouldn't have gone and gotten Fru. Sheek left, understood. But we didn't replace him and it doesn't appear we will, which means we don't have a viable backup center, and Fru averaged 22 minutes a game last year.
Quote from: rocky_warrior on May 30, 2026, 09:57:58 AMI certainly wasn't on the "sheek is the future" bandwagon. However, VBMG thinks I'm dumb, so I guess he wins.
I certainly don't think YOU'RE dumb.
If I understood your point correctly, which was that adding Fru and Sheek's unexpected departure may "make or break Shaka", I absolutely think THAT'S dumb.
If I misunderstood the point you were making, I'm more than happy to retract that statement.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on May 30, 2026, 11:16:30 AMIf I understood your point correctly, which was that adding Fru and Sheek's unexpected departure may "make or break Shaka", I absolutely think THAT'S dumb.
Well, it's true that my post overly simplified it to a couple players. This next season Shaka needs to get the team to perform to expectations. The center position is a big part of that. It was a disaster last year, we've added a good piece, lost a good piece, and have the disaster as a backup plan.
Quote from: Small Orange Soda on May 30, 2026, 11:09:18 AMI don't think anyone disagrees. If Shaka thought his second year center, or his third year center, or his fourth year center were good enough to start, they wouldn't have gone and gotten Fru. Sheek left, understood. But we didn't replace him and it doesn't appear we will, which means we don't have a viable backup center, and Fru averaged 22 minutes a game last year.
I thought the article covered the replacement part pretty well. Cost for these guys was a lot higher than they were willing to go and given the dearth of big men that were available, I get it.
I'm not convinced the off-season is done but it's getting late early
Quote from: Small Orange Soda on May 30, 2026, 11:09:18 AMI don't think anyone disagrees. If Shaka thought his second year center, or his third year center, or his fourth year center were good enough to start, they wouldn't have gone and gotten Fru. Sheek left, understood. But we didn't replace him and it doesn't appear we will, which means we don't have a viable backup center, and Fru averaged 22 minutes a game last year.
First, I do think Shaka should add a backup 4/5. However, that seems unlikely. If he doesn't, I don't see it as a huge concern.
I would expect Fru to play 26-28 MPG. I'd expect to see some small lineups with Royce at the 5.
As for Clark and Hamilton, I would expect some improvement. I get that improvement from the level they were at is not that exciting.
In his presser, Shaka mentioned a focus was on Clark's motor, which is why I assume he wasn't getting minutes at the end of the season. That length could really make an impact as a rim protector, rebounder, and lob threat. Hopefully he can take a step forward.
Quote from: rocky_warrior on May 30, 2026, 11:24:30 AMWell, it's true that my post overly simplified it to a couple players. This next season Shaka needs to get the team to perform to expectations. The center position is a big part of that. It was a disaster last year, we've added a good piece, lost a good piece, and have the disaster as a backup plan.
See, your statement labels both Fru and Sheek as good. Except Fru is proven, will be 23 years old, and is 250 lbs.
I like Sheek and wish he was still here but he's just theoretical upside at this point.
Shaka has referenced this before. Caedin has a really good practice motor, but it hasn't translated to games. Clark does not have a high practice motor. Which, combined with absences of Gold and Parham last summer, helps explain why CH got so much time early. He probably WAS the best practice player for a lot of the offseason.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on May 30, 2026, 11:33:20 AMSee, your statement labels both Fru and Sheek as good. Except Fru is proven, will be 23 years old, and is 250 lbs.
I like Sheek and wish he was still here but he's just theoretical upside at this point.
This is kinda shocking. As I've mentioned, I wasn't all that thrilled that Sheek wasn't good enough to get his redshirt ripped off last year. However, you, Rico, and SLU saw it differently...
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on April 21, 2026, 03:54:13 PMAnd now that Fru and Sheek are on the roster you expect that to continue why?
Quote from: rocky_warrior on May 30, 2026, 11:43:51 AMThis is kinda shocking. As I've mentioned, I wasn't all that thrilled that Sheek wasn't good enough to get his redshirt ripped off last year. However, you, Rico, and SLU saw it differently...
I think the staff miscalculated the landscape keeping him redshirted versus him not being good enough to get on the floor.
Sheek was a high schooler.
Quote from: tower912 on May 30, 2026, 01:05:08 PMSheek was a high schooler.
So was Markus.
SS saw no need for Sheek last year. He had HIS GUY.
Quote from: muwarrior69 on May 30, 2026, 10:20:14 AMI guess I am dumb because I have no idea what your no politics ban warning actually means in the Superbar.
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRRrZXQtLG-S6N3LeSCvDVZLICiX9CFxKZq2LJiPgkb8zNGhepHacWP1X0&s=10)
Quote from: Uncle Rico on May 30, 2026, 12:57:06 PMI think the staff miscalculated the landscape keeping him redshirted versus him not being good enough to get on the floor.
100%. Marquettes basketball staff tried being a traditional program and it back fired immensely.
Quote from: tower912 on May 30, 2026, 01:05:08 PMSheek was a high schooler.
Yup. More like a grey shirt in college football.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on May 30, 2026, 12:57:06 PMI think the staff miscalculated the landscape keeping him redshirted versus him not being good enough to get on the floor.
The staff got caught between eras. Sheek was too skinny & not ready for the Big East even he arrived on campus. By January, he was probably the better option than CH or Josh, but the season was lost, so why burn a year?
But now a few months later, the redshirt that bought him a year under the old rules cost him a year under the new ones. And because we never saw the on court production, it was pretty much impossible to justify giving him something closer to the SLU offer.
Really just bad timing and bad luck. I don't blame Sheek or the staff for how that played out. But I do think not adding a more proven option after he left was a mistake.
Quote from: Shooter McGavin on May 30, 2026, 08:09:36 AMMoney was 99%.
Maybe. I doubt it personally though I do think money was the most important factor. And in the end it doesn't matter. Hes gone, who cares what the most important reason was? I'm just amused that so many people are claiming definitive knowledge about something that can only be known by Sheek.
Quote from: brewcity77 on May 30, 2026, 02:32:05 PMThe staff got caught between eras. Sheek was too skinny & not ready for the Big East even he arrived on campus. By January, he was probably the better option than CH or Josh, but the season was lost, so why burn a year?
But now a few months later, the redshirt that bought him a year under the old rules cost him a year under the new ones. And because we never saw the on court production, it was pretty much impossible to justify giving him something closer to the SLU offer.
Really just bad timing and bad luck. I don't blame Sheek or the staff for how that played out. But I do think not adding a more proven option after he left was a mistake.
And being 25 miles from his home in st. charles is kinda nice too.
Quote from: muwarrior69 on May 30, 2026, 07:41:01 AMI agree Sheek's departure is multi-faceted, but it reveals that Marquette's financial resources are limited more than it reveals why Sheek left.
Nvidia, Microsoft and Google are multi-trillion-dollar companies with pretty much unlimited resources, yet they make decisions all the time to NOT spend money. Hell, they're actually doing layoffs.
I know wealthy people who could easily afford to buy just about anything - jets, yachts, bazillion-dollar houses, whatever. But they choose not to for a variety of reasons.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on May 30, 2026, 11:27:23 AMI thought the article covered the replacement part pretty well. Cost for these guys was a lot higher than they were willing to go and given the dearth of big men that were available, I get it.
I'm not convinced the off-season is done but it's getting late early
I think there's a valid concern that the position that is the most expensive and has much more demand than supply has been the position Shaka has recruited very poorly during his tenure here, outside of the guy that left (which admittedly does remain to be seen).
Quote from: MU82 on May 30, 2026, 06:12:07 PMNvidia, Microsoft and Google are multi-trillion-dollar companies with pretty much unlimited resources, yet they make decisions all the time to NOT spend money. Hell, they're actually doing layoffs.
I know wealthy people who could easily afford to buy just about anything - jets, yachts, bazillion-dollar houses, whatever. But they choose not to for a variety of reasons.
So Sheek isn't as good as Shaka thought and wasn't worth spending all that money from our unlimited resources?
He wasn't going to start and therefore was not worth starter money.
Quote from: muwarrior69 on May 31, 2026, 05:48:35 AMSo Sheek isn't as good as Shaka thought and wasn't worth spending all that money from our unlimited resources?
Marquette doesn't have unlimited resources. Very few teams do.
The dead horse has now been beaten to an unrecognizable bloody pulp.
Players now get to make decisions for themselves and get paid lots of money.
MU lost a player, but gained two. There will be more.
Quote from: tower912 on May 31, 2026, 06:43:55 AMHe wasn't going to start and therefore was not worth starter money.
Bingo
Quote from: TAMU, Knower of Ball on May 30, 2026, 03:12:35 PMMaybe. I doubt it personally though I do think money was the most important factor. And in the end it doesn't matter. Hes gone, who cares what the most important reason was? I'm just amused that so many people are claiming definitive knowledge about something that can only be known by Sheek.
If Titan and others are right and Sheek's camp gave MU a chance to match, it was truly all about the money. If they are not right, there is definitely more to the story. Has the matching opportunity been confirmed?
Quote from: muwarrior69 on May 31, 2026, 05:48:35 AMSo Sheek isn't as good as Shaka thought and wasn't worth spending all that money from our unlimited resources?
Nice try at sarcasm regarding unlimited sources.
At some point, you and a lot of other scoopers are (hopefully) going to put Sheek in your rearview mirrors
to the extent you are capable of doing so. JayBee is never, ever going to give it a rest. Are you?
Tower summed it up here with just a few words.
Quote from: Shooter McGavin on May 31, 2026, 09:57:08 AMIf Titan and others are right and Sheek's camp gave MU a chance to match, it was truly all about the money. If they are not right, there is definitely more to the story. Has the matching opportunity been confirmed?
Why does that confirm it was "all about the money"? When I left my last job it was for a myriad of reasons including money. I still gave them a chance to match.
This is where we will have to agree to disagree.
Quote from: muwarrior69 on May 31, 2026, 05:48:35 AMSo Sheek isn't as good as Shaka thought and wasn't worth spending all that money from our unlimited resources?
eeyore69: Please engage your brain and use some common sense. Thanks.
Quote from: rocky_warrior on May 30, 2026, 11:24:30 AMWell, it's true that my post overly simplified it to a couple players. This next season Shaka needs to get the team to perform to expectations. The center position is a big part of that. It was a disaster last year, we've added a good piece, lost a good piece, and have the disaster as a backup plan.
Jury is out on losing a good piece. Time will tell.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on May 31, 2026, 07:50:18 AMMarquette doesn't have unlimited resources. Very few teams do.
Agreed, but even more accurate to say no teams do.
(I know it feels like some do, but not truly unlimited)
Unclear playing time at MU vs clear playing time + more money = no brainer.
Quote from: muwarrior69 on May 30, 2026, 07:41:01 AMWe are comparing apples and oranges here. If any of us were offered a huge increase in compensation from another employer and our current employer countered and we decided to stay do you really think the current employer would adjust all the compensation of its current highly valued members? I don't think so.
I agree Sheek's departure is multi-faceted, but it reveals that Marquette's financial resources are limited more than it reveals why Sheek left.
Just because you CAN afford something, doesn't mean you SHOULD pay the asking price. You're not overpaying for a used car, right?
Quote from: Hards Alumni on June 04, 2026, 06:51:21 AMJust because you CAN afford something, doesn't mean you SHOULD pay the asking price. You're not overpaying for a used car, right?
Pretty sure everyone is in this economy.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on June 04, 2026, 06:51:21 AMJust because you CAN afford something, doesn't mean you SHOULD pay the asking price. You're not overpaying for a used car, right?
I'm not sure this analogy really works, but if you need a car and don't have a car, the options are paying the best rate you can find on a serviceable car or sticking with the bus or your feet.
I mean, unless there's an Uber option where we can recruit matchup dependent bigs to come off the bench every game...
Quote from: brewcity77 on June 04, 2026, 09:45:03 AMI'm not sure this analogy really works, but if you need a car and don't have a car, the options are paying the best rate you can find on a serviceable car or sticking with the bus or your feet.
I mean, unless there's an Uber option where we can recruit matchup dependent bigs to come off the bench every game...
Every high major was dealing with some serious surge pricing on bigs this year. Our local Toyota Tercel will probably get us to the same place as the Honda fit would. We don't want to drive either, but we know the Tercel functions and everyone seems to accept it for what it is. Neither of them are very sexy cars, but they just have to get us to work and back a couple of times.