Blackledge?

[mu_hilltopper]

My neighbor mentioned that he thought Blackledge was NOT on the MU bench today, i.e., didn't make the trip.  I spent a few minutes watching the game again, but it's pretty tough finding a good sideline shot.

Anyone else notice that?

[MarquetteBallin]

He didn't make the Louisville trip either. My guess is LB won't be around next year.

[ChicosBailBonds]

He didn't make the Louisville trip either. My guess is LB won't be around next year.

He's a junior, not many people transfer for their senior years only.

[MonsterWebWarrior]

Well, we need a spot to open up next year...

[Rocco]

I was wondering the same thing.  I really like Blackledges energy.  I was disappointed when Burke was getting the minutes over Trend.  Does anyone have any actual information regarding this?  Maybe it was grades, he hasn't played since semester?

[77ncaachamps]

When you're a rising program like MU's, the revolving door is bound to be permanent.

But that's a good thing. I hope Trend stays around, but with more signees than spots, this might be an good indicator.

[TVDirector]

if, as another poster a bit back mentioned, trend is NOT making the grade when it comes to game prep, then obviously there is an issue and he no longer has the ability nor option to contribute during any games.
does this mean certain transfer?
hard to say, as he's a juco, moved up here for his jr. year--- would he be likely to go elsewhere?
smaller school?
sit out another year?

tough questions.

[herboturbo]

Maybe it was grades, he hasn't played since semester?

Well Louisville and Pitt were the only games since the semster started so it is possible.

[Rocco]

Just realized Jamil Lott didnt play at all today either.  Anyone know why?

[StillAWarrior]

Just realized Jamil Lott didnt play at all today either.  Anyone know why?

I don't know why, but I honestly don't think Lott brings a a whole lot to the team right now.  I think Burke is quickly is getting to the point where he brings just as much to the game.  As an added bonus, with Burke, when he plays he's getting experience that will benefit the team next year.

Generally speaking, I wouldn't suggest selecting a player for playing time based upon a desire to give them experience for next year.  I think you should always play the kids that give you the best chance to win the game that you're in.  But, if two players are pretty much equal -- and I think Burke and Lott are -- then it certainly doesn't hurt to award playing time to the one who is going to suit up for you next year.

[Tulsa Warrior]

If it's academics a transfer may be a good idea.  It would give him a chance to straighten that out and work on his weight.  If it's just an issue of playing at this level D2 might be the best bet.  He worked his butt off to get the credits to be admitted to Marquette and deserves a pat on the back for that.

[Rockmic87]

Personally, I really dont think we need trend next year, and I think TC wasted a scholarship when he didn't get the Juco player that went to indiana.

[mviale]

I think Crean is a phenomenal coach, but why does he alway mess up with these last second recruits.

[Marquette84]

I think Crean is a phenomenal coach, but why does he alway mess up with these last second recruits.

ANY player has a LOT more potential to help you than an empty spot on the roster.

Its obvious when you watch the roster moves at any major program that there is no need to "bank" scholarships--a spot will open up if necessary.

Meanwhile,  if your alternative is the prospect of an open roster slot, why not give a guy like Blackledge a try?  Best case--he turns out to be a hidden gem who can really help.  Worst case, he transfers to a program more suited to his ability. 

I fail to see the harm. 

[mu_hilltopper]

Every guy you bring on your team represents a ginormous investment in time and energy, both past and future.  There is indeed a cost/benefit beyond a guy being a warm body. -- The "worst case" isn't that he transfers.  It's that he doesn't pan out, and doesn't transfer. 

.. Rosiak will have something on Blackledge in his story this week, perhaps tomorrow (Tues).  Wouldn't say what.

[Marquette84]

The "worst case" isn't that he transfers.  It's that he doesn't pan out, and doesn't transfer. 

Won't happen.

Players don't decide if their schoalrships are renewed--the coaching staff does. 

If things don't pan out and the coaching staff has a better recruit ready to sign, its a stone cold lock that the player will not be holding a scholarship the following year.

[NavinRJohnson]

Now that this comes up it certainly does lead me to believe that it is probably an academic issue. Obviously with one more signee than scholarships, someone is going to go. It also causes me to recall an exchange between Blackledge and James at the end of the WVU game when Blackledge entered the game. DJ kind of grabbed him and said something and the both had a little chuckle. Insignificant enough, yet it did cause me to take notice. In retrospect now though that would more than likely have been Blackledge's last opportunity to play with the semester starting the following week, and they would have long known of academic issues or plans to transfer because of academic struggles - and I assume the comment was probably related to that. Beyond that, transfering at semester would allow him to be eligible mid-season next year and still get his entire final year. Plus, knowing he was likely to go obviously would allow Crean to sign the extra player.

[Djgoldnboy]

DJ kind of grabbed him and said something and the both had a little chuckle. Insignificant enough, yet it did cause me to take notice. In retrospect now though that would more than likely have been Blackledge's last opportunity to play with the semester starting the following week, and they would have long known of academic issues or plans to transfer because of academic struggles - and I assume the comment was probably related to that.

You can get that all out of two people chuckling?  WOW..........

[NavinRJohnson]

You can get that all out of two people chuckling?  WOW..........

I'm quite ceratin I didn't say I got all of that from two people chuckling, but thanks for asking. You may notice I pointed out one more signess than scholarships, he hasn't been with the team since the semester started, I used words like in retrospect. I simply took it is one additional dot that could potentially be connected.

[bartmiller#1]

Something to keep in mind with the "extra" player we've signed is that the NCAA is considering awarding an extra scholarship to teams that meet certain academic standards. 

I don't know if this will happen or not, but it's a possibility.  We don't necessarily need someone to leave in order to make it possible. 

FWIW, I've heard Trend is working on his grades and isn't making trips while he's trying to catch up in the classroom. 

[NYWarrior]

FWIW, I've heard Trend is working on his grades and isn't making trips while he's trying to catch up in the classroom. 

the semester is one week old......how far behind can he possibly be?

[mu_hilltopper]

Touché, monsieur kitten cat.

[bartmiller#1]

I don't know how far behind he is. 

Maybe Crean isn't happy with how he did first semester and is making him work harder?  Just because he's not technically ineligible does not mean that Crean and the staff can't make him focus on the books. 

No idea.  Anything is possible.  I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that the guy is on the way out of town at this point. 

[PuertoRicanNightmare]

I suggested throwing a scholarship at Trend when his teammate turned us down was a complete waste of a scholarship and was vilified on this board. For all the credit Crean gets for his hard work, it was a glaring example of lazy "recruiting."

[mu03eng]

First, PRN, you are now vilifying him based on rampant speculation that could all be imagined at this point.  Second, what would you have Crean do with the scholie if he didn't extend it to Trend?  Third, would you not agree that he has show flashes of great potential?  With a scholarship that was going to be wasted anyway, why not take a flyer on a kid who would at most be here for 2 years?