Think NIT is off the table. Can we make the auspicious crown?

Quote from: Zog from Margo on Today at 08:14:57 AMWe've been told guys won't leave because they make too much money. Yet, for whatever reason, Lowery did.

My statement about Zaide was incorrect, and incomplete.  I'm guessing he'll get plenty of money.

Though the other guys people hope Shaka will run off...

with a little help from Grok:
Allen Iverson's freshman season at Georgetown (1994-95) was a breakout performance. In 30 games (29 starts), he averaged 20.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 3.0 steals per game in 32.2 minutes. Shooting: 39.0% FG, 23.2% 3P, 68.8% FT. His high-volume, tough-shot style led to lower efficiency, but he was a scoring and defensive force, earning Big East Rookie of the Year and leading Georgetown in scoring while disrupting opponents (conference-high in steals).
Nigel James Jr.'s current freshman season at Marquette (2025-26), as of February 20, 2026 (post their February 18 loss to St. John's), shows him through 27 games (24 starts). He's averaging 16.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.7 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game in 28.6 minutes. Efficiency: 48.2% FG (164-340), 38.9% 3P (35-90), 69.2% FT (72-104).
Scoring: Iverson 20.4 PPG vs. James 16.1 PPG — Iverson had higher volume as the clear focal point.
Playmaking: Close (Iverson 4.5 APG, James 4.9 APG) — both primary handlers with vision; James edges slightly.
Rebounding: Similar (Iverson 3.3, James 3.2).
Defense (Steals): Iverson dominant at 3.0 SPG vs. James' solid 1.7 SPG — Iverson's quickness created more turnovers.
Efficiency: James much better (48.2% FG / 38.9% 3P) than Iverson (39.0% FG / 23.2% 3P), thanks to modern rules, spacing, and refined shooting.
Minutes/Usage: Iverson played more (32.2 vs. 28.6), in a different era; James has a major role on a struggling Marquette team (around 9-18 record).

Quote from: GoldenEagles03 on Today at 08:21:02 AMHe's an NBA talent.

I said in my original statement that he's not at the level of production of Toppin, Saunders, Wilson.

He's an NBA talent that is a massive loss.

He has the potential to be an NBA player, but he certainly isn't essential to the success of Arkansas. 

Again, Shaka saying the program will "evolve" includes the payment structure for players, not just being very active in the portal.  Everything is changing, it already is.

Quote from: The Sultan on Today at 07:04:45 AMFifth in team in minutes. Sixth in points.

You always engage in hyperbole.

He's an NBA talent.

I said in my original statement that he's not at the level of production of Toppin, Saunders, Wilson.

He's an NBA talent that is a massive loss.

Nigel James is a truly special talent. Yes, he makes some mistakes, has too many turnovers, and fails to see the open man sometimes. That's all fine - he's a freshman. He will be even better next year. I sort of feel sorry for him being asked to carry the team offensively as a freshman, but I suspect he kind of likes it that way.  I can't help wondering how it would have played out if Sean Jones had stayed healthy since NJ is clearly the better player.

Quote from: rocky_warrior on February 19, 2026, 11:24:09 PMHe chose quitting over money.

We've been told guys won't leave because they make too much money. Yet, for whatever reason, Lowery did. If Shaka is so principled that he's willing to sacrifice his career to continue his approach, then he'll retire at the end of the season. If he wants to keep coaching, he'll make room on the roster. IMO, he'd have nothing to be ashamed of if he changes his approach. He gave that approach a better go than any other D-1 coach.

Quote from: WarriorFan on Today at 12:25:35 AMThe last Big East guard with that kind of ability to get to the rim through/over/around almost anyone was named Iverson. 

I love NJ but cmon...

If they didn't use tax money on this, they'd probably just waste it on something dumb like feeding poor kids.