Quote from: Viper on January 15, 2026, 03:42:58 PMMaybe the big adjustment required in order to land top recruits, i.e. Kon, is how MU pays. If Shaka has a tiered system built to retain, highly touted guys do not want that, especially when other schools pay top shelf upfront.

Agree with this.
Was at the practice where Kon practiced with the team. Sat next to Kon's Parents.  Kon and Tyler went around the world shooting 5 3s at each of the 5 locations. They each made like 24/25 3s. Awesome shooting which easily would have won an NBA 3 point shooting contest. As I recall it seemed like Kon's Dad wanted Kon to go to Marquette.But....

Kon wore a Marquette Basketball T Shirt at the NBA Draft before changing into his Draft Suit. My understanding is we were willing to pay but Duke has even more resources. Marquette Recruiting is up there in resources but there are those out there with more resources.

That said this hinges on the Portal too.  Some rich friends of mine said they wish Shaka would use the Portal a year ago. They are very close with the richest in the program. Which leads to speculating Shaka could use the Portal the resources are there.

Quote from: Viper on January 15, 2026, 09:15:31 PMthe Scoop unifier is we all want MU basketball to dominate. It's a season of embarrassment and everyone handles it their own way. I admit I can hardly watch this team. Rather, I'll take in the game with Homer & TSmith. At least with Smith, he gives a solid assessment, and can relate since he played 3 of his seasons for Dukiet. (Committed to Majerus but honored the commitment when Majerus was 'encouraged' to depart). I sit in my rec room listening to the games. My wife tells me I keep mumbling 'why' 'how' and 'what the helll' a lot. Is what it is, Muggs.

I get that Viper.  No honest person could have expected this dumpster 🔥.   But giving up isn't a solution.  And I still think that growth and development can happen the remainder of the season.  If we don't have major roster overhaul March-Nov it will be totally inexcusable.  For now I will hope and believe Shaka can turn things around. 

Quote from: wadesworld on January 15, 2026, 10:18:54 PMYeah, the Brewers definitely aren't affected by teams being able to outbid them.

If you want to feel even worse, they are paying $126M a year for Tucker with the 110% luxury tax penalty.

Quote from: TallTitan34 on January 15, 2026, 10:12:33 PMI'm amused the Brewers fans here are upset at the deal and not the Cubs fans who lost their player.

Yeah, the Brewers definitely aren't affected by teams being able to outbid them for their best players.

I'm amused the Brewers fans here are upset at the deal and not the Cubs fans who lost their player.

Quote from: Pakuni on January 15, 2026, 10:07:20 PMSounds like a lot of the money is being deferred, though.

Only $30M.

Quote from: wadesworld on January 15, 2026, 09:31:49 PMTucker was projected to get around $40MM AAV. Mets shocked people with a shorter term, $50MM AAV offer. All the Dodgers gave him was $60MM AAV.

All good.

Sounds like a lot of the money is being deferred, though.

Mediocre Dave Roberts will be an even greater manager now.     

Jimmy Butler steals a pass intended for Kolek and scores over him on the other end. "Marquette on Marquette crime!" goes the announcer.

Friday, January 16

Creighton at Providence - 5:30 p.m. (FS1)
Alex Faust and Emeka Okafor
Line: Creighton  -1.5/162.5

Marquette at DePaul - 7:30 p.m. (FS1)
Trent Rush and LaPhonso Ellis
Line: DePaul  -3.5/142.5