Second 2027 commitment. Congrats!
Awesome news. Welcome!
Quote from: wadesworld on Today at 08:09:56 AMSecond 2027 commitment. Congrats!
Willie said we weren't recruiting. Thought he'd have more insight with his massive donations
little willie will be disappointed to hear we got a big Ndong
JB on the other hand...
Quote from: Hards Alumni on Today at 08:16:44 AMlittle willie will be disappointed to hear we got a big Ndong
JB on the other hand...
Middle school humor is a great way to start the day! :D
Quote from: Hards Alumni on Today at 08:16:44 AMlittle willie will be disappointed to hear we got a big Ndong
JB on the other hand...
Obviously I can provide a comprehensive scouting report.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on Today at 08:20:38 AMMiddle school humor is a great way to start the day! :D
You can always count on me, buddy.
Ben Steele's tweet... I hope he was very intentional with his words!!
"Philipe Ndong has seen rapid growth in his game over the last year."
So, a little research. Depending on where you look, he is a 6'7-8-9 shooting guard-wing-PF. I saw one picture of him where he looks like Oso's younger brother. 4 star. Riser. Son of an NBA player and coach.
Another 'do a little of everything' 6'8 guy?
It appears he is a project. Sure seems like Shaka will be hitting the portal end of 2026-27 season for more big men.
https://x.com/AdamFinkelstein/status/2095858651101597698
His dad is 7'. He may have some vertical growth left, as well as filling out and other metaphorical growth.
He's ranked 93 in 247's composite, 92 at Rivals.
Nigel James was ranked 89 in 247's composite just as a reference.
But predictable the people who come out and claim this kid should be going to a mid major without having seen more than 2 minutes of highlight video on him. Same people are probably complaining we're wasting time chasing the number 5 player in the country.
Quote from: MUbiz on Today at 08:32:12 AMIt appears he is a project. Sure seems like Shaka will be hitting the portal end of 2026-27 season for more big men.
https://x.com/AdamFinkelstein/status/2095858651101597698
Think this will be a regular plan moving forward.
I don't think the plan if for him to be a big man, but the scouting report made him sound like a Royce type of player at PF.
Projects aren't as valuable a proposition as they once were, but his path to immediate SF/PF playing time is practically nonexistent with (all hypothetical, due to the portal) Royce + Damarius being at MU next season and Alex, MPIII, Ethan Johnston being there for 2-3 years.
I'd love for Alex Egbuonu to put on another inch or two, but he's beefy enough to be a true PF in college. I'm expecting him to end up as Royce's long-term replacement. Maybe Phillipe Ndong will be a solid understudy to him
I just hope that by the time he arrives our summer league exhibition games are streamed live in high definition.
Welcome to MU!
Having a 7' father makes the possibility of getting taller very real. The coaches compared his feel for the game to Oso. I don't view it as a bad thing to have an abundance of 6'7/6'9 switchables.
And, I disagree with Brew's take about sending a top 100 prospect to a mid major for a couple of seasons and then grabbing him from the portal. I understand the bitter ex vibe from Sheek leaving. I just reject it.
I am excited about the potential.
Quote from: SchnitzelBoy on Today at 08:52:40 AMI don't think the plan if for him to be a big man, but the scouting report made him sound like a Royce type of player at PF.
Projects aren't as valuable a proposition as they once were, but his path to immediate SF/PF playing time is practically nonexistent with (all hypothetical, due to the portal) Royce + Damarius being at MU next season and Alex, MPIII, Ethan Johnston being there for 2-3 years.
I'd love for Alex Egbuonu to put on another inch or two, but he's beefy enough to be a true PF in college. I'm expecting him to end up as Royce's long-term replacement. Maybe Phillipe Ndong will be a solid understudy to him
A guy who already looks like a grown ass man probably isn't adding much more height.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on Today at 08:48:04 AMThink this will be a regular plan moving forward.
Yeah I think Shaka's best-case-scenario is only losing 1-2 players each season to the portal and adding 1-2 players. But if he gets to sit out a portal cycle every few years that probably means things are going well!
If Fru is allowed to stay on for the 2027-28 season, there's a world where we don't touch the portal, but that seems highly unlikely for many reasons
I hope for the best with Ndong and would love to see him thrive here and outperform the expectations Adam Finkelstein and myself have for him.
That said, I just don't get this. Recruiting is changing. Taking a project when you could redshirt them and transfers had to sit out, making the move less appealing, made sense in 2017. But now it's 2027.
Every assessment of this guy indicates he's a project. As good as Jaxson Hayes was for Shaka at Texas and as good as Oso turned out to be after barely playing his freshmen year, we've seen 5 project bigs (Keeyan, Amadou, Gold, Hamilton, Clark) and the only one to develop to even the rotation player level was Gold.
High major programs are moving away from high school players. If you can get a top-50 kid, great. But otherwise, it makes more sense to dedicate roster spots to players with a proof of concept. Everyone always asks "oh yeah, who would willingly take a bench role?" How about Fred King at Creighton, Wilson Jacques at DePaul, NJ Benson at Georgetown, Samson Aletan at Providence, and Nikolaus Chitikoudis at Xavier? All of them are more proven big bodies that are D1 ready.
Some services have Ndong top-100. That's fine for him, but I'm of the opinion that the lowest level of high school players we should target are in the Egbuonu range. This just feels like we're trying to build rosters the same way we always did. It garnered mixed results before and seems likely to only push is further back if we stick with it going forward.
^^^ We have 15 roster spots. Having some guys who sit and hopefully grow actually makes a lot of sense to me.
Quote from: Jay Bee on Today at 09:48:25 AM^^^ We have 15 roster spots. Having some guys who sit and hopefully grow actually makes a lot of sense to me.
Especially one who has a dad who turned into a strong professional player..after not getting recruited much because he was skinny.
Build your team with recruits and fill in the gaps with NIL.
MU will find a roster spot if it needs to.
I am far less concerned about cutting a player than I used to be. With NIL and instant transfers, players have more options.
Building and developing are part of the coach's DNA and traditional recruiting will remain his focus.
Quote from: Jay Bee on Today at 09:48:25 AM^^^ We have 15 roster spots. Having some guys who sit and hopefully grow actually makes a lot of sense to me.
2-3? Sure. But this year alone we have 7 for which my expectations are zero or barely above that.
Crowdis, Miletic, and Walker all sound like guys that probably shouldn't be playing much.
Hamilton and Clark are guys who we've watched and would generally prefer they not play much without seismic leaps.
Johnston and Egbuonu are unknowns but I'm not expecting much out of them either.
And all 7 are eligible to return in 2027-28. We don't need more projects.
Is it really a safer bet to go the Yaxel route over the Oso route?
And, just because other programs do it, is it the right choice for MU?
The Dodgers, Brewers analogy seems to fit here. How many years did the Dodgers have the highest payroll and not win? How about those Yankees and Mets? How many teams went all in on the portal and didn't win the title or even get better? Growing and developing your own can still lead to success. Going after every free agent is no guarantee.
I think Shaka stays in his niche while at MU. I think he will continue to recruit high schoolers and develop them, only hitting the portal when he has to, while continuing to develop his recruits. And I think that approach will continue to resonate.
Quote from: brewcity77 on Today at 09:58:06 AM2-3? Sure. But this year alone we have 7 for which my expectations are zero or barely above that.
Crowdis, Miletic, and Walker all sound like guys that probably shouldn't be playing much.
Hamilton and Clark are guys who we've watched and would generally prefer they not play much without seismic leaps.
Johnston and Egbuonu are unknowns but I'm not expecting much out of them either.
And all 7 are eligible to return in 2027-28. We don't need more projects.
I'd suspect Crowdis (practice player), Fru (pro), and Hamilton (graduates) won't be back next year (just speculating here) based on the idea that many here are holding to that MU is still targeting a PG and Center.
Quote from: tower912 on Today at 09:58:29 AMI think Shaka stays in his niche while at MU. I think he will continue to recruit high schoolers and develop them, only hitting the portal when he has to, while continuing to develop his recruits. And I think that approach will continue to resonate.
I see what you have written as RGV 2.0.
I get both Brew's take and this one. As long as Shaka is our coach, it will be an academic discussion.
I don't disagree.
Quote from: tower912 on Today at 09:58:29 AMI think Shaka stays in his niche while at MU. I think he will continue to recruit high schoolers and develop them, only hitting the portal when he has to, while continuing to develop his recruits. And I think that approach will continue to resonate.
As long as it works, that's fine. But it feels like he's been operating behind the curve for a couple of years now, and last year it bit him.
Quote from: The Sultan on Today at 10:13:23 AMAs long as it works, that's fine. But it feels like he's been operating behind the curve for a couple of years now, and last year it bit him.
Yeah the seat is certainly warm. All that matters are W's.
Hitting the portal will be a yearly thing from now on
Quote from: JakeBarnes on Today at 09:53:39 AMEspecially on who has a dad who turned into a strong professional player..after not getting recruited much because he was skinny.
Scoopers thought we should have recruited Marcus Jordan too.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on Today at 08:20:38 AMMiddle school humor is a great way to start the day! :D
My Ndong is getting excited too. Some say he is a project. Well Hamilton and Clark were also projects and look how well they are turning out. Shaka once again proving that he is a savant on the recruiting trail, when he tries real hard....Look, here comes Reeker with some snarky comment...proving once again that I live rent free in his gourd. The guy literally lurks out there waiting for my posts.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on Today at 10:17:14 AMYeah the seat is certainly warm. All that matters are W's.
If Shaka was worried about his seat being warm, he wouldn't be signing HS players.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on Today at 08:20:38 AMMiddle school humor is a great way to start the day! :D
My Ndong is getting excited too. Some say he is a project. Well Hamilton and Clark were also projects and look how well they are turning out. Shaka once again proving that he is a savant on the recruiting trail, when he tries real hard....Look, here comes Reeker with some snarky comment...proving once again that I live rent free in his gourd. The guy literally lurks out there waiting for my posts.
Quote from: tower912 on Today at 09:58:29 AMIs it really a safer bet to go the Yaxel route over the Oso route?
Who's talking about Yaxel? If we're dedicating a spot to a reserve big, there are plenty of bench bigs that transferred to Big East programs and didn't cost a fortune.
King at Creighton, Jacques at DePaul, Aletan at Providence, Chitikoudis at Xavier, all came in to be bench contributors. NJ Benson is going to Georgetown for that kind of role showing that there are still 5/5 guys (like Porter) that could help.
And next year the options will be far, far greater. Because of 5/5 going fully into effect, the only 2026-27 players that won't be eligible to return for 2027-28 are the fifth year players currently challenging the NCAA ruling in court and a few older Euro players like Quinn Ellis.
If there was ever a year to not remotely consider a project, 2027 is it.
Quote from: willie warrior on Today at 10:24:30 AMMy Ndong is getting excited too. Some say he is a project. Well Hamilton and Clark were also projects and look how well they are turning out. Shaka once again proving that he is a savant on the recruiting trail, when he tries real hard....Look, here comes Reeker with some snarky comment...proving once again that I live rent free in his gourd. The guy literally lurks out there waiting for my posts.
I'm just waiting for you to share your yearly donations to the program so I can match. If you're too modest to share, send a DM and I'll keep it confidential.
Quote from: tower912 on Today at 10:24:15 AMIf Shaka was worried about his seat being warm, he wouldn't be signing HS players.
He brought in transfers last year, and by all indications, will continue to do so. I know he is in Kimo's good graces, but that only lasts until the money shuts off.
KA-FRICKING-BOOM!!!!
LFG!!!
Quote from: The Sultan on Today at 10:27:22 AMHe brought in transfers last year, and by all indications, will continue to do so. I know he is in Kimo's good graces, but that only lasts until the money shuts off.
It also assumes that the seats over his head aren't also getting warm.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Dc3b5R3EYcI/?igsi=MXd2ZnU3Z3hsbGtrcQ==
Quote from: The Sultan on Today at 10:27:22 AMHe brought in transfers last year, and by all indications, will continue to do so. I know he is in Kimo's good graces, but that only lasts until the money shuts off.
The two things we said are not contradictory. He is going to be Shaka. If it doesn't work and he and MU part, life will continue.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on Today at 08:20:38 AMMiddle school humor is a great way to start the day! :D
Will his nickname be the Donger?
Quote from: wadesworld on Today at 08:46:39 AMHe's ranked 93 in 247's composite, 92 at Rivals.
Nigel James was ranked 89 in 247's composite just as a reference.
But predictable the people who come out and claim this kid should be going to a mid major without having seen more than 2 minutes of highlight video on him. Same people are probably complaining we're wasting time chasing the number 5 player in the country.
Tre Norman was ranked 98 in composite symir Torrence was 75. I'm not hyped or down on the guy but I think history has shown that after the top 50ish players rankings aren't exactly always the most accurate indicator for success.
I'm wary about the lack of other big name teams offering him but think if we trim some of the other roster fat next year he's worth while taking on as a project for a few years.
Quote from: tower912 on Today at 10:24:15 AMIf Shaka was worried about his seat being warm, he wouldn't be signing HS players.
Consider that he is a very stubborn man.
Quote from: tower912 on Today at 10:33:39 AMThe two things we said are not contradictory. He is going to be Shaka. If it doesn't work and he and MU part, life will continue.
You were using as evidence that bringing in a high schooler means his seat isn't warm. I think using this recruitment as evidence for a cold seat doesn't make a lot of sense considering that he brought in transfers last year.
Quote from: brewcity77 on Today at 09:58:06 AM2-3? Sure. But this year alone we have 7 for which my expectations are zero or barely above that.
Crowdis, Miletic, and Walker all sound like guys that probably shouldn't be playing much.
Hamilton and Clark are guys who we've watched and would generally prefer they not play much without seismic leaps.
Johnston and Egbuonu are unknowns but I'm not expecting much out of them either.
And all 7 are eligible to return in 2027-28. We don't need more projects.
Completely different discussion. We have multiple questionable roster decisions embedded in our 2026-27 bench. I'm speaking to Ndong specifically. This year's "projects" or "likely not helpful" are far too plentiful. But a guy like Ndong, viewing only him and not the rest of the roster, I'm quite agreeable to.
Do we need to churn after this year? Hell yes.
Quote from: The Sultan on Today at 10:41:30 AMYou were using as evidence that bringing in a high schooler means his seat isn't warm. I think using this recruitment as evidence for a cold seat doesn't make a lot of sense considering that he brought in transfers last year.
Stunningly, we disagree. Also, stunningly, yawn.
Quote from: Jay Bee on Today at 10:41:36 AMBut a guy like Ndong, viewing only him and not the rest of the roster, I'm quite agreeable to.
At this point, my expectation of NEPSAC players is that they're probably going to disappoint whatever my expectations are. What makes 3-star Ndong more promising than Itejere or Amadou were?
With Fru eligible to return (by age) that means we're one over for next year. And while the staff won't say this, they absolutely are trying to add at least two more freshmen for next year.
If that comes to pass, we're running off 3 to start with. So why bring in another project at a position we've had a 20% hit rate at so far (Gold the one success)? If you're running someone off, at least do it for a contributor, which Ndong seems 3 years away from being if it all goes well.
Quote from: tower912 on Today at 10:46:04 AMStunningly, we disagree.
OK, well disagree all you want, the evidence supports my point.
Quote from: tower912 on Today at 10:46:04 AMAlso, stunningly, yawn.
I mean, you brought it up. Sorry that challenging your narrative makes you sleepy.
Quote from: brewcity77 on Today at 10:50:28 AMAt this point, my expectation of NEPSAC players is that they're probably going to disappoint whatever my expectations are. What makes 3-star Ndong more promising than Itejere or Amadou were?
With Fru eligible to return (by age) that means we're one over for next year. And while the staff won't say this, they absolutely are trying to add at least two more freshmen for next year.
If that comes to pass, we're running off 3 to start with. So why bring in another project at a position we've had a 20% hit rate at so far (Gold the one success)? If you're running someone off, at least do it for a contributor, which Ndong seems 3 years away from being if it all goes well.
This reads beyond pessimistic at this juncture. You cannot make a correlation of past MU players to current MU players based on star rankings or any other metrics. We can easily cite those who have overachieved or underachieved based on expectations or "rankings". Perhaps it would be prudent to give the young man a chance before he steps onto the court and in a MU uni?
From Finkelstein
The Fit at Marquette
It is no secret that player development and player retention are two of the focal points of Marquette's program. They are also interconnected variables. When players get better, and see an increased opportunity with each passing year, they're more likely to return. Similarly, when retention is the norm, it's easier for coaches to invest in the players who are already in their program, instead of recruiting over them out of the transfer portal.
That's why they are one of the few high-major programs that make sense for Ndong. He undeniably needs to be somewhere that will invest in his long-term development, and not just look at this as a one-year proposition. The reality is, he may not be able to help them next season. But if they can put real weight on him, get him adjusted to playing Big East caliber competition on a daily basis, acclimate him to their culture, and prepare him for minutes in the 2028-29 season, there's merit in that plan.
Long-term, he's not just someone with clear potential, but someone who fits what Marquette looks for in the frontcourt. Royce Parham, David Joplin, and Oso Ighodaro are all skilled frontcourt players that have found success under Smart, and the hope is that Ndong could be the latest to exceed external expectations along that same path
Comes from a great AAU program too
Quote from: MuggsyB on Today at 11:03:53 AMThis reads beyond pessimistic at this juncture. You cannot make a correlation of past MU players to current MU players based on star rankings or any other metrics. We can easily cite those who have overachieved or underachieved based on expectations or "rankings". Perhaps it would be prudent to give the young man a chance before he steps onto the court and in an MU uni?
Have you often found that ignoring past trends and precedents is a good way to predict future expectations?
Like I said off the bat, I hope he succeeds, but I'm not going to play ostrich and pretend there's no reason for skepticism. And knowing we're one over for 2027-28 and planning on at least two freshman additions, while probably needing to add 1-2 transfers on top of that, I just don't get bringing in another project on a team full of them.
Rivals Jamie Shaw report from July 10
4-star F Philipe Ndong (2027) had perhaps the performance of the day in his second game of the Under Armour Next Live period. The 6-foot-10 forward is thin, but he is a fluid mover. He knocked down multiple threes, both off movement and off the bounce. He also attacked the basket from the wing. The Rivals four-star will need strength and to continue to streamline his game, but the upside here is massive. Marquette's Shaka Smart was in to watch as he finished with a game-high 16 points on three threes in the Middlesex Magic win. He is Rivals' No. 95 overall player in 2027 :D :D
Quote from: brewcity77 on Today at 11:08:25 AMHave you often found that ignoring past trends and precedents is a good way to predict future expectations?
Like I said off the bat, I hope he succeeds, but I'm not going to play ostrich and pretend there's no reason for skepticism. And knowing we're one over for 2027-28 and planning on at least two freshman additions, while probably needing to add 1-2 transfers on top of that, I just don't get bringing in another project on a team full of them.
Again, "past precedents" and "trends" aren't black and white nor clearly illustrate your point. That doesn't mean you can't be skeptical, but I believe judgement should be reserved until after the kid has some playing time for us.
Brew's eeyore scenario certainly sets up what is to me a very interesting question.
After NMD in February, a poster reached out and recounted a conversation he had with high ranking MU officials.
Shaka's seat was ice cold.
MU would be active in the portal
Two were leaving. (Sheek shocked us all)
No GM.
MU would spend to keep the young stars.
The thing the high ranking official said that will be sorely tested in Brew's scenario is that MU doesn't run off players. They constantly communicate, they discuss roles and other recruits.
But the decision to stay or go is the player's.
The information turned out to be pretty good. Will that part of Shaka's/MU's philosophy change?
Quote from: MuggsyB on Today at 11:03:53 AMThis reads beyond pessimistic at this juncture. You cannot make a correlation of past MU players to current MU players based on star rankings or any other metrics. We can easily cite those who have overachieved or underachieved based on expectations or "rankings". Perhaps it would be prudent to give the young man a chance before he steps onto the court and in a MU uni?
The current admin messed with brew's happy, and he's kinda been like this for a year or so now.
Welcome Philipe!
Quote from: tower912 on Today at 11:34:13 AMBrew's eeyore scenario certainly sets up what is to me a very interesting question.
After NMD in February, a poster reached out and recounted a conversation he had with high ranking MU officials.
Shaka's seat was ice cold.
MU would be active in the portal
Two were leaving. (Sheek shocked us all)
No GM.
MU would spend to keep the young stars.
The thing the high ranking official said that will be sorely tested in Brew's scenario is that MU doesn't run off players. They constantly communicate, they discuss roles and other recruits.
But the decision to stay or go is the player's.
The information turned out to be pretty good. Will that part of Shaka's/MU's philosophy change?
I do think that Shaka's smart enough to strongly encourage a guy to leave without "running him off" so that he can keep his hands technically clean but still encourage transfers.
Like you can say "we've fielded calls from XYZ that are looking to offer you $$ and we're only going to pay $ given what you've shown and the MPG you're expected to play are dropping considering this other guy just leaped you. You know you're welcome back but this is the reality and I encourage you to make the best choice for your love of playing basketball and financial situation"
Does anyone know how he'd fit into Brian Wardle's offensive system?
Quote from: Galway Eagle on Today at 11:44:56 AMI do think that Shaka's smart enough to strongly encourage a guy to leave without "running him off" so that he can keep his hands technically clean but still encourage transfers.
Like you can say "we've fielded calls from XYZ that are looking to offer you $$ and we're only going to pay $ given what you've shown and the MPG you're expected to play are dropping considering this other guy just leaped you. You know you're welcome back but this is the reality and I encourage you to make the best choice for your love of playing basketball and financial situation"
I think this is 100% accurate.
Quote from: MuggsyB on Today at 11:19:41 AMAgain, "past precedents" and "trends" aren't black and white nor clearly illustrate your point. That doesn't mean you can't be skeptical, but I believe judgement should be reserved until after the kid has some playing time for us.
I reserved judgment for Hamilton twice when the staff said he'd have a major impact. I reserved judgment when the staff said that Josh Clark was either an amazing find and everyone would regret letting him come here or they'd look stupid. I reserved judgment for Keeyan and Amadou and Gold. The only one to pan out was Ben, who basically developed into a replacement level player but never took that final step.
Once bitten, twice shy. Four times bitten, maybe it's your fault for sticking your hand in the shark's mouth so many times.
Quote from: brewcity77 on Today at 11:55:48 AMI reserved judgment for Hamilton twice when the staff said he'd have a major impact. I reserved judgment when the staff said that Josh Clark was either an amazing find and everyone would regret letting him come here or they'd look stupid. I reserved judgment for Keeyan and Amadou and Gold. The only one to pan out was Ben, who basically developed into a replacement level player but never took that final step.
Once bitten, twice shy. Four times bitten, maybe it's your fault for sticking your hand in the shark's mouth so many times.
I respectfully disagree with your analogy Brew. Let me explain why:
You're 1000% correct about these colossal whiffs by Shaka. There's no sugarcoating it and we all saw the utter futility of these players on the floor. I will even take it a step further and reiterate that if "26-27 is another disaster for MU hoops, a contingent of Scoopers should show Shaka the door.
Here's my retort: You must take into account the really great/good decisions Shaka has made roster wise during his tenure at MU. You cannot discuss this in a two year window vacuum, or from player to player comps, that seemingly validate a particular narrative. The success or failure of the new players on our roster have absolutely nothing to do with Caedin, Josh, Al, Tyko, OMax, Nigel, or anyone else we've had in past seasons.
Quote from: MuggsyB on Today at 12:35:29 PMI will even take it a step further and reiterate that if "26-27 is another disaster for MU hoops, a contingent of Scoopers should show Shaka the door.
;D ;D ;D
Hamilton and Amadou didn't work out, therefore the guy who was right about Kolek, Oso, Kam, OMax, Parham and James should never be trusted again.
(https://media.tenor.com/h0pmoG-PWswAAAAM/16-candles.gif)
Every coach recruits guys who don't pan out.......and others who exceed projections.
It happened with Buzz, Crean, Bo Ryan, Hurley......and yes it's happened with Shaka.
Many thought Tyler was a bust after year 1.........some thought we needed to go to the portal when Kur graduated......Shaka said Oso would be fine.
He was wrong on Keeyan, Amadou and probably Hamilton.......not ready to right off Clark yet.
This kid seems to have an offensive skill set that is intriguing........just needs strength.....time will tell but let's give him a chance before trashing the commitment.
Ndong also had an offer from Creighton .........Clark and Hamilton were spring recruits without any high major offers.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on Today at 11:37:11 AMThe current admin messed with brew's happy, and he's kinda been like this for a year or so now.
I'd love to be more optimistic. As soon as the admin and staff gives me reason to be, I will. But when they move into a field of rakes and challenge each other to see who can step on the most, I'm going to call a spade a spade.
Quote from: brewcity77 on Today at 01:05:48 PMI'd love to be more optimistic. As soon as the admin and staff gives me reason to be, I will. But when they move into a field of rakes and challenge each other to see who can step on the most, I'm going to call a spade a spade.
Are rakes part of the spade family?
Quote from: Uncle Rico on Today at 01:06:22 PMAre rakes part of the spade family?
I do not dig this conversation, you best leaf it alone.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on Today at 01:08:39 PMI do not dig this conversation, you best leaf it alone.
Metal rakes can dig, but bamboo and plastic? Not so much. Spades can't really rake, so I don't think they're necessarily in the same family.
Quote from: brewcity77 on Today at 09:31:35 AMI hope for the best with Ndong and would love to see him thrive here and outperform the expectations Adam Finkelstein and myself have for him.
That said, I just don't get this. Recruiting is changing. Taking a project when you could redshirt them and transfers had to sit out, making the move less appealing, made sense in 2017. But now it's 2027.
Every assessment of this guy indicates he's a project. As good as Jaxson Hayes was for Shaka at Texas and as good as Oso turned out to be after barely playing his freshmen year, we've seen 5 project bigs (Keeyan, Amadou, Gold, Hamilton, Clark) and the only one to develop to even the rotation player level was Gold.
High major programs are moving away from high school players. If you can get a top-50 kid, great. But otherwise, it makes more sense to dedicate roster spots to players with a proof of concept. Everyone always asks "oh yeah, who would willingly take a bench role?" How about Fred King at Creighton, Wilson Jacques at DePaul, NJ Benson at Georgetown, Samson Aletan at Providence, and Nikolaus Chitikoudis at Xavier? All of them are more proven big bodies that are D1 ready.
Some services have Ndong top-100. That's fine for him, but I'm of the opinion that the lowest level of high school players we should target are in the Egbuonu range. This just feels like we're trying to build rosters the same way we always did. It garnered mixed results before and seems likely to only push is further back if we stick with it going forward.
It's possible (but maybe unlikely) that 7 of our top 8 are all back next year. So with 15 roster spots I don't really get the concern in this particular instance.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on Today at 01:09:56 PMMetal rakes can dig, but bamboo and plastic? Not so much. Spades can't really rake, so I don't think they're necessarily in the same family.
If you get a diesel powered jet blower it could probably do both jobs.
Subscribe to my podcast for more fun facts.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on Today at 01:12:33 PMIf you get a diesel powered jet blower it could probably do both jobs.
Subscribe to my podcast for more fun facts.
Have you seen diesel prices? No, thanks.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on Today at 10:17:14 AMYeah the seat is certainly warm. All that matters are W's.
I don't think the seat is remotely warm as of today.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on Today at 01:15:26 PMI don't think the seat is remotely warm as of today.
If this season tanks (it won't) they will absolutely let him go.
Missing the post season in back to back years will drive ticket sales down so far they'll be forced to make a move.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on Today at 01:11:45 PMIt's possible (but maybe unlikely) that 7 of our top 8 are all back next year. So with 15 roster spots I don't really get the concern in this particular instance.
I agree. Presuming one or two current players will leave based on limited playing time.
Ndong is a viable candidate to redshirt, put on some substantial weight and hone his skills.
Quote from: nyg on Today at 01:59:04 PMI agree. Presuming one or two current players will leave based on limited playing time.
Ndong is a viable candidate to redshirt, put on some substantial weight and hone his skills.
There are no redshirts anymore
Quote from: MuMark on Today at 02:00:35 PMThere are no redshirts anymore
OK, thanks.
He then is #15 at end of bench and does the things I mentioned. Hope it works out better than Shaka's previous projects, one will eventually shine.
Quote from: MuMark on Today at 02:00:35 PMThere are no redshirts anymore
Time to pay a prep school to be where we stash our projects for a year.
Quote from: brewcity77 on Today at 09:58:06 AMCrowdis, Miletic, and Walker all sound like guys that probably shouldn't be playing much.
Hmmm, anti-traditional bias, Brew?
Seriously, I'm basically with you on the projects. Let's hope the development happens.
Quote from: brewcity77 on Today at 10:50:28 AMAt this point, my expectation of NEPSAC players is that they're probably going to disappoint whatever my expectations are. What makes 3-star Ndong more promising than Itejere or Amadou were?
With Fru eligible to return (by age) that means we're one over for next year. And while the staff won't say this, they absolutely are trying to add at least two more freshmen for next year.
If that comes to pass, we're running off 3 to start with. So why bring in another project at a position we've had a 20% hit rate at so far (Gold the one success)? If you're running someone off, at least do it for a contributor, which Ndong seems 3 years away from being if it all goes well.
I feel like we should have gotten in on more Middlesex Magic players from the NEPSAC. Like JP Estrella. Or Tyler Kolek.
No highlight web links?
Quote from: Hards Alumni on Today at 11:37:11 AMThe current admin messed with brew's happy, and he's kinda been like this for a year or so now.
I am with Brew here and also been "like this" for well over a year. Mubb has been basically a .500 team since Jan 1 2025. 23 wins and 20 losses if I counted correctly.
That is not acceptable. Full stop. Especially with the cash we spend.
Quote from: MUbiz on Today at 03:53:13 PMI am with Brew here and also been "like this" for well over a year. Mubb has been basically a .500 team since Jan 1 2025. 23 wins and 20 losses if I counted correctly.
That is not acceptable. Full stop. Especially with the cash we spend.
Yeah we all know. None of us like it. But you can at least agree that meaningful steps have been made to right the ship. Probably.
Quote from: Hards Alumni on Today at 03:55:14 PMYeah we all know. None of us like it. But you can at least agree that meaningful steps have been made to right the ship. Probably.
Have they? I don't have a hot dog because the marketing department stole all of them and it's physically impossible to buy anything MU related without the letters RGV on them, as you can tell from the new Championship collection. Jop just got yelled at for dribbling again, and O-Max fell down while failing to get a block. Things haven't been this bad since we were playing Derrick in front of Magic Dawson.
Keep the threes ringin'
Ring Nding Ndong! Ring a Nding Nding Nding Ndong!
Keep the threes ringin'
Ring Nding Ndong! Ring a Nding Nding Nding Ndong!
Uh yeah
Quote from: Its DJOver on Today at 04:17:46 PMHave they? I don't have a hot dog because the marketing department stole all of them and it's physically impossible to buy anything MU related without the letters RGV on them, as you can tell from the new Championship collection. Jop just got yelled at for dribbling again, and O-Max fell down while failing to get a block. Things haven't been this bad since we were playing Derrick in front of Magic Dawson.
(https://c.tenor.com/yiqn86OJtfYAAAAC/tenor.gif)
Quote from: brewcity77 on Today at 09:31:35 AMI hope for the best with Ndong and would love to see him thrive here and outperform the expectations Adam Finkelstein and myself have for him.
That said, I just don't get this. Recruiting is changing. Taking a project when you could redshirt them and transfers had to sit out, making the move less appealing, made sense in 2017. But now it's 2027.
Every assessment of this guy indicates he's a project. As good as Jaxson Hayes was for Shaka at Texas and as good as Oso turned out to be after barely playing his freshmen year, we've seen 5 project bigs (Keeyan, Amadou, Gold, Hamilton, Clark) and the only one to develop to even the rotation player level was Gold.
High major programs are moving away from high school players. If you can get a top-50 kid, great. But otherwise, it makes more sense to dedicate roster spots to players with a proof of concept. Everyone always asks "oh yeah, who would willingly take a bench role?" How about Fred King at Creighton, Wilson Jacques at DePaul, NJ Benson at Georgetown, Samson Aletan at Providence, and Nikolaus Chitikoudis at Xavier? All of them are more proven big bodies that are D1 ready.
Some services have Ndong top-100. That's fine for him, but I'm of the opinion that the lowest level of high school players we should target are in the Egbuonu range. This just feels like we're trying to build rosters the same way we always did. It garnered mixed results before and seems likely to only push is further back if we stick with it going forward.
The fact you're comparing him to Oso, Hayes, Clark, Hamilton, Keeyan, and Amadou tells me you watched even less than the 2 minute highlight film I figured you watched. He's not a 5. He's a wing whose biggest strength is his shooting. He plays like Michael Philips played.
Finkelstien also had great things to say about Tre Norman. Not super concerned with what he has to say about someone he's seen maybe a game of.
And if we're out on guys ranked in the 90s, Nigel James isn't good enough to join our program until a couple years at Iona.
I'm not saying I think this kid is a sure fire star in the making. But with 15 roster spots, not every player you bring in is going to be a rotational player year one in the program.
Most of the team is back next year, there really is not much playing time unless Fru leaves, add a center Porter leaves, Pemberton would play. Both those recruits will not play much.
Quote from: wadesworld on Today at 04:43:10 PMThe fact you're comparing him to Oso, Hayes, Clark, Hamilton, Keeyan, and Amadou tells me you watched even less than the 2 minute highlight film I figured you watched. He's not a 5. He's a wing whose biggest strength is his shooting. He plays like Michael Philips played.
Finkelstien also had great things to say about Tre Norman. Not super concerned with what he has to say about someone he's seen maybe a game of.
And if we're out on guys ranked in the 90s, Nigel James isn't good enough to join our program until a couple years at Iona.
I'm not saying I think this kid is a sure fire star in the making. But with 15 roster spots, not every player you bring in is going to be a rotational player year one in the program.
I'm old enough to remember the revelation that was Juan Anderson's mix tape and I'm old enough to remember people telling me earlier this summer that Crowdis was going to play based on his highlights.
The problem is twofold. First, we already have 6-7 players on the roster that likely won't be rotation players this year. We don't need more of that.
Second, the only 2026-27 players that won't be coming back in 2027-28 are ones that go to the Draft, fifth years whose eligibility is still in doubt, and a few Euros born before August 1, 2003. 99% of next year's players can come back, so I think it's a poor use of resources to dedicate spots when, if things go according to plan, we need to make 3 cuts next year before looking at the portal (+1 now, looking to add PG & Nyok).
If we're comfortable running 6 players off so we can make the additions we still need and have room to work what will likely be the best portal class ever, then this is fine. But this program clearly isn't comfortable running guys off even when it's clear they aren't HM players. I've seen enough of how Shaka operates to know that we shouldn't be taking anyone who doesn't have a clear, defined role going forward.
Quote from: brewcity77 on Today at 08:11:38 PMI'm old enough to remember the revelation that was Juan Anderson's mix tape and I'm old enough to remember people telling me earlier this summer that Crowdis was going to play based on his highlights.
The problem is twofold. First, we already have 6-7 players on the roster that likely won't be rotation players this year. We don't need more of that.
Second, the only 2026-27 players that won't be coming back in 2027-28 are ones that go to the Draft, fifth years whose eligibility is still in doubt, and a few Euros born before August 1, 2003. 99% of next year's players can come back, so I think it's a poor use of resources to dedicate spots when, if things go according to plan, we need to make 3 cuts next year before looking at the portal (+1 now, looking to add PG & Nyok).
If we're comfortable running 6 players off so we can make the additions we still need and have room to work what will likely be the best portal class ever, then this is fine. But this program clearly isn't comfortable running guys off even when it's clear they aren't HM players. I've seen enough of how Shaka operates to know that we shouldn't be taking anyone who doesn't have a clear, defined role going forward.
With 15 roster spots, every single player brought in should have a "clear, defined role?!" So, just have an 8-9 player roster?
Shaka should not ditch recruiting high school players. That'd be awful. He also should continue hitting the portal. Which means most of the freshman he recruits will not be coming in with a spot in the rotation. Players retained and added in the portal will make up a large majority of the rotation. Freshman should hopefully develop into those retained players who fit into the rotation in future years.
Quote from: brewcity77 on Today at 10:50:28 AMAt this point, my expectation of NEPSAC players is that they're probably going to disappoint whatever my expectations are. What makes 3-star Ndong more promising than Itejere or Amadou were?
With Fru eligible to return (by age) that means we're one over for next year. And while the staff won't say this, they absolutely are trying to add at least two more freshmen for next year.
If that comes to pass, we're running off 3 to start with. So why bring in another project at a position we've had a 20% hit rate at so far (Gold the one success)? If you're running someone off, at least do it for a contributor, which Ndong seems 3 years away from being if it all goes well.
Three years away you say. Lord I hope that is not the case.
Quote from: brewcity77 on Today at 08:11:38 PMI'm old enough to remember the revelation that was Juan Anderson's mix tape and I'm old enough to remember people telling me earlier this summer that Crowdis was going to play based on his highlights.
The problem is twofold. First, we already have 6-7 players on the roster that likely won't be rotation players this year. We don't need more of that.
Second, the only 2026-27 players that won't be coming back in 2027-28 are ones that go to the Draft, fifth years whose eligibility is still in doubt, and a few Euros born before August 1, 2003. 99% of next year's players can come back, so I think it's a poor use of resources to dedicate spots when, if things go according to plan, we need to make 3 cuts next year before looking at the portal (+1 now, looking to add PG & Nyok).
If we're comfortable running 6 players off so we can make the additions we still need and have room to work what will likely be the best portal class ever, then this is fine. But this program clearly isn't comfortable running guys off even when it's clear they aren't HM players. I've seen enough of how Shaka operates to know that we shouldn't be taking anyone who doesn't have a clear, defined role going forward.
So if our starting 5 plus Phillips and Owens and maybe Egbuonu and Johnston all decide to come back after this season, why would there be any need to run 6 players off?
There's a good chance that's a top10-15 team right there. I'm not seeing the need to open up roster spots for a big portal haul in this scenario.
Quote from: wadesworld on Today at 08:20:43 PMWith 15 roster spots, every single player brought in should have a "clear, defined role?!" So, just have an 8-9 player roster?
Yes, when roster spots 11-15 are already essentially dead spots.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on Today at 09:16:38 PMSo if our starting 5 plus Phillips and Owens and maybe Egbuonu and Johnston all decide to come back after this season, why would there be any need to run 6 players off?
There's a good chance that's a top10-15 team right there. I'm not seeing the need to open up roster spots for a big portal haul in this scenario.
Every program in the country can bring everyone back. Retention is far less a superpower when virtually no one will have to leave through graduation.