What's the word on Garcia?

[The Sultan]

Is this a fact?  I heard from someone who works at MU that he registered for summer classes and was seen on campus with backpack in tow (a few weeks ago)

I'm pretty sure this is not the case.

[4everwarriors]

Let me know when he doesn't get the green weenie on someone better than Garcia

I'm not begging any 18 yo kid to accept a $200-250k free ride and all the perks  that go with it including being BMOC. Like I said before, uck 'em, fay, hey?

[HutchwasClutch]

Would be very surprised if he ends up back with MU.  Also don't think he'll stay in the draft.  He'll pick another school and bolt to NBA next year seems most likely scenario.

He wants to move on, fine and good luck. Just stop playing with MU already. So tired of today's athletes and their bulls*** will I or won't I game and stringing everyone along ad nauseam.

[romey]

I'm pretty sure this is not the case.

Fair enough.  I had heard that a couple weeks ago, so that's why I was asking.

[The Lens]

Would be very surprised if he ends up back with MU.  Also don't think he'll stay in the draft.  He'll pick another school and bolt to NBA next year seems most likely scenario.

He wants to move on, fine and good luck. Just stop playing with MU already. So tired of today's athletes and their bulls*** will I or won't I game and stringing everyone along ad nauseam.

Don't let it sweat you.  Shaka knows what's up.  His team is in the gym.

[BallBoy]

Lens,

There is no middle ground anymore.  You are either far left or far right in everything.  The far right MU fans were disgusted with Wojo and that irritated the far left.  Now the far left is getting their jabs in on anything negative they perceive about Shaka (most of it just to annoy the fair right just as they were with constant jabs at Wojo). 

The middle just has to put up with the BS and continue rooting for whoever the current MU coach is because that is good for everyone.

I think it has to do with proving to everyone they are right.  The big reason to stick with Wojo was to keep the core roster together.  Though we can't see whether Wojo would have been able to do that, it appears that Shaka was not able to keep 2/3s of that together and lost arguably the best player in the incoming class.  This proves to this group that they were "right."

On the flip side, Shaka has brought in a good amount of talent and is a more established coach.  If he wins quick, the results above no matta and the other side will say they were "right".  It if takes 3-5 years to rebuild, then the group above will say "they were right." 

What matters is that Shaka is our coach and we all want MU to win so it doesn't matta who was "right".

[Uncle Rico]

I think it has to do with proving to everyone they are right.  The big reason to stick with Wojo was to keep the core roster together.  Though we can't see whether Wojo would have been able to do that, it appears that Shaka was not able to keep 2/3s of that together and lost arguably the best player in the incoming class.  This proves to this group that they were "right."

On the flip side, Shaka has brought in a good amount of talent and is a more established coach.  If he wins quick, the results above no matta and the other side will say they were "right".  It if takes 3-5 years to rebuild, then the group above will say "they were right." 

What matters is that Shaka is our coach and we all want MU to win so it doesn't matta who was "right".

Correct

[GoldenWarrior11]

It frightens me to imagine what a Wojo-led team would have been next year, especially without Dawson or DJ returning.

[Galway Eagle]

It frightens me to imagine what a Wojo-led team would have been next year, especially without Dawson or DJ returning.

And apparently Lewis? Would've been painful.

[4everwarriors]

It frightens me to imagine what a Wojo-led team would have been next year, especially without Dawson or DJ returning.

This is nothing to be frightened over or to pray about, hey?

[Pakuni]

I think it has to do with proving to everyone they are right.  The big reason to stick with Wojo was to keep the core roster together.  Though we can't see whether Wojo would have been able to do that, it appears that Shaka was not able to keep 2/3s of that together and lost arguably the best player in the incoming class.  This proves to this group that they were "right."

On the flip side, Shaka has brought in a good amount of talent and is a more established coach.  If he wins quick, the results above no matta and the other side will say they were "right".  It if takes 3-5 years to rebuild, then the group above will say "they were right." 

What matters is that Shaka is our coach and we all want MU to win so it doesn't matta who was "right".

I don't know who you're including here, but I was 100% on board with Wojo being fired. And if Dawson were to have entered the transfer portal shortly thereafter, or decides to turn pro, that wouldn't be at all on Shaka & Co.
But if your best returning player chooses another school, after three months of MU being the only program allowed to communicate with him, and after him saying repeatedly that he's considering a return to MU, that's an 'L.' Just as Dawson returning to MU would be a 'W.'

[Galway Eagle]

I don't know who you're including here, but I was 100% on board with Wojo being fired. And if Dawson were to have entered the transfer portal shortly thereafter, or decides to turn pro, that wouldn't be at all on Shaka & Co.
But if your best returning player chooses another school, after three months of MU being the only program allowed to communicate with him, and after him saying repeatedly that he's considering a return to MU, that's an 'L.' Just as Dawson returning to MU would be a 'W.'

Given a coaching change I don't think it's a big "L" maybe him and Shaka don't mesh or maybe Shaka says "my vision for you is the same as when you were in HS". If it was Wojo trying to get his recruit back it's an L for sure but coaching change makes it different 3 months or no IMO

[Shooter McGavin]

You're being silly. This has nothing to do with Wojo.
For three months, no college staff has had better (and in theory, exclusive) access to speak with Dawson about his future should be decide to return to school. And the fact that Dawson didn't enter the portal from day one shows that he was never dead-set on leaving MU.
If despite that Dawson decides to play college ball elsewhere, it's a loss for the staff. It's not the end of the world. It's not Hausershima. It's not what Shaka's tenure will be judged by. But it's a loss.
Why is that even controversial? It's common sense.
And trying to spin it as "Dawson is just another Joey" or "Shaka made the call" is ridiculous.

I think losing Garcia is one point on a big line that we don't know is going up or down yet.  You are being silly if you can't see the jabs people are taking at each other, mostly just to be douche bags. 

I agree it would be in the negative column though.  I just don't think it's worth rubbing peoples faces in it before a game is even played.  Garcia had a foot out the door already.  A coaching change occurred and he has no loyalty to that coach.  I don't think it says anything even minor about Shaka.

[Pakuni]

Given a coaching change I don't think it's a big "L" maybe him and Shaka don't mesh or maybe Shaka says "my vision for you is the same as when you were in HS". If it was Wojo trying to get his recruit back it's an L for sure but coaching change makes it different 3 months or no IMO

You'll note I didn't use the phrase "Big L" and have repeatedly said that this won't be a factor in how we ultimately judge Shaka.
That said, if Shaka and Dawson had a different vision, why did Dawson wait so long to put his name in the portal? It would seem those conversations would have been had months ago. And why is he still considering a return to MU if he and Shaka don't share a vision?
I think any effort to spin Garcia leaving as something Shaka wants (or "his call", as someone said) is very wishful thinking. Shaka wants Dawson back, for obvious reasons.

[The Lens]

He never said he'd return to MU, he gave a very luke warm nod towards MU in his announcement. 

[We R Final Four]

If the knock on Dawson is his lack of defensive with respect to the NBA, perhaps he would want to play for a defensive minded coach?
He can go somewhere else and be highlighted offensively and be right back where he is right now.

[Vander Blue Man Group]

In terms of wins and losses, Carton and Garcia staying would have been the best-case scenario.  It's silly to argue otherwise. 

DJ seemed to like Shaka but just wanted to be done with college.  Disappointing but hard to cast any blame on Shaka in this case.

As for Garcia, it would be great if he came back.  He would probably be our best player, it would be fun to watch him continue to develop under Shaka, and we would be a better team.  If he transfers, so be it.  Different situation than DJ but still hard to see it as a poor reflection on Shaka considering how common transfer out are during a coaching change. 

If he does transfer, as seems more likely now, the focus shifts even further away from our record and to development.  How much better can the team get over the course of the season?  Can these guys develop enough through this season and the next offseason to be a tourney team in 22-23? 

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

If you think Dawson has been stringing Smart along for three months,  you're mistaken. They've been talking and know exactly where things stand. If Dawson wants to buy into the culture Shaka is building,  he will be welcomed with open arms. If his camp has a different vision for him, a new coach looking to prove himself will make that deal. That's not a bad thing,  every party should do what's best for their situation.

[Shooter McGavin]

I think it has to do with proving to everyone they are right.  The big reason to stick with Wojo was to keep the core roster together.  Though we can't see whether Wojo would have been able to do that, it appears that Shaka was not able to keep 2/3s of that together and lost arguably the best player in the incoming class.  This proves to this group that they were "right."

On the flip side, Shaka has brought in a good amount of talent and is a more established coach.  If he wins quick, the results above no matta and the other side will say they were "right".  It if takes 3-5 years to rebuild, then the group above will say "they were right." 

What matters is that Shaka is our coach and we all want MU to win so it doesn't matta who was "right".

Agreed

[avid1010]

If you think Dawson has been stringing Smart along for three months,  you're mistaken. They've been talking and know exactly where things stand. If Dawson wants to buy into the culture Shaka is building,  he will be welcomed with open arms. If his camp has a different vision for him, a new coach looking to prove himself will make that deal. That's not a bad thing,  every party should do what's best for their situation.

How do you know they have been talking, and who is in Garcia's camp?

[MU82]

In terms of wins and losses, Carton and Garcia staying would have been the best-case scenario.  It's silly to argue otherwise. 

DJ seemed to like Shaka but just wanted to be done with college.  Disappointing but hard to cast any blame on Shaka in this case.

As for Garcia, it would be great if he came back.  He would probably be our best player, it would be fun to watch him continue to develop under Shaka, and we would be a better team.  If he transfers, so be it.  Different situation than DJ but still hard to see it as a poor reflection on Shaka considering how common transfer out are during a coaching change. 

If he does transfer, as seems more likely now, the focus shifts even further away from our record and to development.  How much better can the team get over the course of the season?  Can these guys develop enough through this season and the next offseason to be a tourney team in 22-23?

Excellent post. The first paragraph is a no-brainer, despite attempts by some to spin it as a good thing. Those who didn't think Shaka very much wanted to keep DJ and Garcia are on quaaludes or something.

I am not pining for DJ, nor will I pine for Garcia if he indeed leaves. I don't "blame" Shaka for either young man leaving. I will be cheering on Shaka and all the players under his charge. But as a Marquette fan who wants to have the best team possible every year and who thought DJ and Garcia had all-conference talent, I would have loved to have seen DJ and Garcia with another year of experience and being coached by Shaka.

That's all it is. It isn't right or left or pro-Shaka or anti-Wojo or vice versa. I just want to effen win.

And I don't think Garcia has "strung us along." He's operating within the rules and the framework allowed, trying to make the best decision for himself -- just like every coach, including Shaka, does every day of every year.

[Viper]

Would be very surprised if he ends up back with MU.  Also don't think he'll stay in the draft.  He'll pick another school and bolt to NBA next year seems most likely scenario.

He wants to move on, fine and good luck. Just stop playing with MU already. So tired of today's athletes and their bulls*** will I or won't I game and stringing everyone along ad nauseam.

100%

[Johnny B]

were gonna suck next year. accept it ppl. it happens with coaching changes. glad to have shaka

[Small Orange Soda]

In terms of wins and losses, Carton and Garcia staying would have been the best-case scenario.  It's silly to argue otherwise. 

DJ seemed to like Shaka but just wanted to be done with college.  Disappointing but hard to cast any blame on Shaka in this case.

As for Garcia, it would be great if he came back.  He would probably be our best player, it would be fun to watch him continue to develop under Shaka, and we would be a better team.  If he transfers, so be it.  Different situation than DJ but still hard to see it as a poor reflection on Shaka considering how common transfer out are during a coaching change. 

If he does transfer, as seems more likely now, the focus shifts even further away from our record and to development.  How much better can the team get over the course of the season?  Can these guys develop enough through this season and the next offseason to be a tourney team in 22-23?

Agreed. Losing good players is rarely a good thing. Bottom line, I'm not a Wojo fan, a Shaka fan, a Hauser fan, or a Garcia fan. I'm a Marquette fan, and I want them to win. Wojo's big issue was that he never accomplished enough after his grace period. Shaka's gonna get a grace period as well, but if we're gonna be bad next year, then he needs to make up for it moving forward. I think/hope he will.

[The Sultan]

Would be very surprised if he ends up back with MU.  Also don't think he'll stay in the draft.  He'll pick another school and bolt to NBA next year seems most likely scenario.

He wants to move on, fine and good luck. Just stop playing with MU already. So tired of today's athletes and their bulls*** will I or won't I game and stringing everyone along ad nauseam.

This has nothing to do with "today's athletes" other than they have more options.