LFG

[Bob "Big Daddy" Wild]

We are the 300th most experienced team according to KenPom, and the 8th best...with likely 0 first round picks.

We can return everyone next year.  This isn't normal.

Not sure where this ends up, but this has been the most fun watching MU since Buzz's teams were crushing expectations.

I am feeling the same vibe.

Lol.  LFG.

[GOO]

We are the 300th most experienced team according to KenPom, and the 8th best...with likely 0 first round picks.

We can return everyone next year.  This isn't normal.

Not sure where this ends up, but this has been the most fun watching MU since Buzz's teams were crushing expectations.

I am feeling the same vibe.

Lol.  LFG.

The vibe for this team is real. A lot are feeling it.

Without knowing the actual analytics, it does not seem normal, especially for a team without highly coveted recruits. My impression of inexperienced teams that do well is they have top recruits.  But we did have the big 3 lead us to some success as freshman and underclassmen.

I don't know how Shaka keeps a team together with the new transfer rules,  but if he can, look out. There is no ceiling on what this group can accomplish if they stay together.  I am hoping for a really nice post season run this year, but that is a "crapshoot" to quote a famous poster.  The current team has more potential upside given its youth. And hopefully enough experience to get through the grind of next few months.

Also if Shaka can keep teams together, it is obvious they can develop talent, and his teams could become perennially good teams. He is trying to build off freshman four year players and retention. Against logic, but if anyone can do it, I think Shaka can.

[The Sultan]

I think this off-season could serve as an interesting test case on Shaka and MU keeping this team together. What if Memphis offers Kam $500k to "come home?" Ditto Chase Ross and some school in Texas? I wouldn't blame either one of them for considering offers because who knows what the future brings?

But I also think its not just about money. Just like in the workplace, sometimes you can't/won't match an offer. And you just have to have faith that you're going to find a replacement. Maybe even an upgrade!

[GoldenEagles03]

I think this off-season could serve as an interesting test case on Shaka and MU keeping this team together. What if Memphis offers Kam $500k to "come home?" Ditto Chase Ross and some school in Texas? I wouldn't blame either one of them for considering offers because who knows what the future brings?

But I also think its not just about money. Just like in the workplace, sometimes you can't/won't match an offer. And you just have to have faith that you're going to find a replacement. Maybe even an upgrade!

Idk people can be concerned all they want but at the end of the day these guys are close.  That's why they have Diener heading the NIL front.  The situation they are in now is working great for everyone.  There are Tweets almost every night now about NBA scouts attending these Marquette games.  Would Kam really leave a situation where he's averaging near 20 a game? Would Kolek really leave a situation that allowed him to become one of the best PGs in the country? The same for Oso? OMax and Kolek have already transferred once...idk I guess anything is possible but everything is clicking for these guys I imagine they wouldn't want to stir anything up.

Enjoy now!

[Goose]

I think MU will be very competitive in NIL, but it would not surprise me if we lost a guy in the free agent market. IMO, part of my belief of Joplin getting a very long leash is to get him ready to be a bigger scoring option next season. If I were forced to pick a guy we lose due to NIL, it would be Kam.

I 100% hope I am wrong, but I still believe Shaka wants to up the defense moving forward. Of the current guards, Kam is the weakest defender, IMO.

Of all the potential return players I think Kam could likely get the biggest unexpected payday. He could play a very big role on a team that needs one additional scorer. Again, he is the guy I will be watching after the season.

[StillAWarrior]

I think MU will be very competitive in NIL, but it would not surprise me if we lost a guy in the free agent market.

I think a key question relating to the transfer portal is who is most likely unhappy with their role on the team and may think that they can improve that by transferring. I have no inside information at all on this point...but I know who would surprise me the least among our contributors.

[Goose]

StillaWarrior

I would think if we lose a top guy it will be over crazy money thrown at them over role on the team. This is only a guess, but I would have to think there is little frustration over role on the team.

[NickelDimer]

We have a special coach and with the road he's traveled, we're likely to have him for a long time. Awesome time to be a Warrior.

[StillAWarrior]

StillaWarrior

I would think if we lose a top guy it will be over crazy money thrown at them over role on the team. This is only a guess, but I would have to think there is little frustration over role on the team.

I hope you're right.

[GoldenEagles03]

I think MU will be very competitive in NIL, but it would not surprise me if we lost a guy in the free agent market. IMO, part of my belief of Joplin getting a very long leash is to get him ready to be a bigger scoring option next season. If I were forced to pick a guy we lose due to NIL, it would be Kam.

I 100% hope I am wrong, but I still believe Shaka wants to up the defense moving forward. Of the current guards, Kam is the weakest defender, IMO.

Of all the potential return players I think Kam could likely get the biggest unexpected payday. He could play a very big role on a team that needs one additional scorer. Again, he is the guy I will be watching after the season.

Lucky for you, you're not being forced to pick.

Shaka has said over and over that the transfer portal isn't necessarily the best route.  Player retention and development is their priority.  They will figure out ways to keep this group together however they have to.

[GB Warrior]

I've just gotten over a decade and a half of "Marquette is a stepping stone coaching job". I refuse to extend that to the players prematurely. If what they want is the bag and MU NIL can't compete, que sera sera.

[Goose]

GE

If you think MU is going to retain every star player on a regular basis, you have bumped your head. I believe Shaka will do much better than most and most guys that leave will likely leave with mixed emotions, but I am not expecting 100% retention moving forward. All of us here want the squad back next year and hope that holds true. That said, law of averages says MU will eventually lose players.

[GoldenEagles03]

GE

If you think MU is going to retain every star player on a regular basis, you have bumped your head. I believe Shaka will do much better than most and most guys that leave will likely leave with mixed emotions, but I am not expecting 100% retention moving forward. All of us here want the squad back next year and hope that holds true. That said, law of averages says MU will eventually lose players.

Where did I say they would keep every star player on a regular basis?

[Goose]

GE

Didn't you just say 5 minutes ago that Shaka would find away to keep all of the players next year?

[Uncle Rico]

Folks-

Y'all overblowing this

[GoldenEagles03]

GE

Didn't you just say 5 minutes ago that Shaka would find away to keep all of the players next year?

I said they will figure out ways to keep this group together however they have to, I said nothing about retaining every Star moving forward.

You can be nervous about losing guys all you want, but all the main contributors of this team outside of the Freshman have all been here for multiple seasons already.  I'm confident the University and it's donors/alum/community/staff/etc. understand what they have with this group.  Nothing is impossible but the Marquette Basketball Community isn't just going to let a youthful #1 Offense in America just split up.

[Goose]

GE

I have zero concern over losing players next year or beyond. I firmly believe that the talent level will continue to rise and no concern on retention. For the record, I only noted Kam because I could see him being offered a lot of money. Again, I want the program to retain any player that HC wants to retain, if that happens the future looks bright.

[GoldenEagles03]

GE

I have zero concern over losing players next year or beyond. I firmly believe that the talent level will continue to rise and no concern on retention. For the record, I only noted Kam because I could see him being offered a lot of money. Again, I want the program to retain any player that HC wants to retain, if that happens the future looks bright.

I'm just saying...if you're concerned about losing guys next year you

1) need to start enjoying THIS year more

and

2) are not giving this Program and Basketball Community enough credit

We'll be alright.  Go MU!

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

NIL basketball money won't come close to NIL football money.

I think Marquette will be able to hang with the big boys on the NIL front with Diener, Wade, etc.

[Goose]

GE

I give you the benefit of the doubt on a regular basis and will continue that trend. I will try and enjoy this season and give Shaka some credit. It will be tough for me, but willing to try.

[manny31]

We will lose someone along the way NIL money but whatever...NIL might have lost some of its luster due to the Florida fiasco.
At the end of the day I am super excited about the trajectory of MU hoops, more specifically cause of Shaka. Player development, in game adjustments, the fact that we are at least a year ahead of schedule...all point Shaka being the solution.
Also, IMO, the way Shake is emphasizing player development and retention,  the program will have a lot less trouble with kids leaving for NIL cash.
Ring Out Ahoya!!!

[Tha Hound]

Things are going great so why not start needlessly fretting over players leaving? Some of you guys are exhausting

[GoldenEagles03]

GE

I give you the benefit of the doubt on a regular basis and will continue that trend. I will try and enjoy this season and give Shaka some credit. It will be tough for me, but willing to try.

If you haven't watched this already, take 90 seconds to do so.

This was meant for you. Enjoy!

https://twitter.com/PaintTouches/status/1615464939568734214?t=IBhiSmbaWl_FKErSz5liMg&s=19

[cheebs09]

Let's not forget, Shaka could adopt someone.

[avid1010]

GE

I give you the benefit of the doubt on a regular basis and will continue that trend. I will try and enjoy this season and give Shaka some credit. It will be tough for me, but willing to try.

You're finally ready to buy in on Shaka...