Quote from: wadesworld on February 12, 2026, 02:05:13 PMI think that was Shaka's ideal version of RGV.  Freshmen and sophomores learn from the juniors and seniors and are ready to take the reins as upper classmen.  But Kolek and Oso were "the dudes" for two years, and Kam was right there with them.  Then Kam kind of did it on his own, but Stevie was just a natural leader so he was very important last year as well.  Ben and Chase were never asked to fill that leadership or alpha role until this year.  I didn't think Chase would be Kam good, but I thought he could be an alpha.  Never saw it with Ben.  And the juniors simply haven't stepped up this year.

So by being thrown into the fire out of necessity this year, hopefully James, Stevens, and Parham grow from the experience and are ready for the moment starting next year.  As well as Shaka hopefully admitting his errors in the junior class, seeing how this year's senior class didn't fill those roles, and finds some studs in the portal to help the three young core guys.

...and that is the big if. It certainly will not happen with just one stud. It will require at least 2 if not 3.

Quote from: Small Orange Soda on February 12, 2026, 02:33:01 PMI don't disagree. That was the most frustrating thing about him. He always just did just enough to keep getting paid.

But that first year was a red flag.

Gotcha.

Quote from: Scoop Snoop on February 12, 2026, 02:00:29 PMSo he faceplants in one game at the end after being the one consistently bright spot in this year's team. He needs to leave after this season. 

Cost himself a bunch of NIL money with that performance.

Seriously, though, as good as he's been people should still expect some ups & downs (and I think most do).

Quote from: The Sultan on February 12, 2026, 02:31:09 PMThere was zero reason to fire the guy until they did. People who say otherwise are living in fantasy land.

I don't disagree. That was the most frustrating thing about him. He always just did just enough to keep getting paid.

But that first year was a red flag.

Quote from: #UnleashJosh on February 12, 2026, 12:27:37 PMNot firing him because he MADE the tournament, and for an NIT run (freakin lol mate) is the absolute peak for loving mediocrity.

Who fires coaches who make the tournament?

Quote from: Small Orange Soda on February 12, 2026, 02:23:28 PMOkay...zero tourney wins, took until the his fifth year to get a single top 25 vote, 5th year a meltdown, 2 weeks in the top 25 the next year, sub 500 and an 8.5 million dollar buyout.

I disagree with Ners on a lot of stuff, but he's not wrong about Wojo. It was clear from the start. But everyone was so angry at how Buzz left that they threw their weight behind a guy who showed from the start he wasn't capable.

There was zero reason to fire the guy until they did. People who say otherwise are living in fantasy land.

Quote from: The Sultan on February 12, 2026, 04:35:31 AMHis first season. lol. Ok...

Okay...zero tourney wins, took until the his fifth year to get a single top 25 vote, 5th year a meltdown, 2 weeks in the top 25 the next year, sub 500 and an 8.5 million dollar buyout.

I disagree with Ners on a lot of stuff, but he's not wrong about Wojo. It was clear from the start. But everyone was so angry at how Buzz left that they threw their weight behind a guy who showed from the start he wasn't capable.

Quote from: wadesworld on February 12, 2026, 02:05:13 PMSo by being thrown into the fire out of necessity this year, hopefully James, Stevens, and Parham grow from the experience and are ready for the moment starting next year.  As well as Shaka hopefully admitting his errors in the junior class, seeing how this year's senior class didn't fill those roles, and finds some studs in the portal to help the three young core guys.

Agreed!

"thrown into the fire" is accurate, but nobody should characterize it as bad. Many top programs rely on freshmen to contribute right away. Roster construction is an art, not science, that balances maturing players with young guns ready to play.

Quote from: Billy Hoyle on February 12, 2026, 01:59:26 PMThe Pacers sure aren't trying to tank, or if they are, they're doing a piss poor job of it; look at their activity at the trade deadline. 5-5 in their last 10.

"Uhh I did miss some time earlier in the year. Came back much sooner than anticipated and uh it hasn't been 100% since then. Still got some swelling and soreness in there and get it to 100%. I'll get out there when I'm fully recovered and ready to play."

Zubac well coached in what to say about his "ankle injury" that he was playing on with the Clippers...

Quote from: BrewCity83 on February 11, 2026, 02:53:33 PMThink about what this MU team might look like in 4 weeks if they improve as much as they have over the last 4 weeks...

That's why I said "No." Four weeks ago, I would have said, "Hell No." It's true that the team is improving pretty quickly, which makes me excited for next season.