2023 Portal Transfers

[MU82]

Lenny and Dr. V -- I understand what both of you are saying.

Please understand I didn't want Kolek to be hurt. I was just a fan searching for an explanation for a seemingly inexplicable turn of events.

I believe Kolek became a great player this season because his confidence had reached a sky-high level. The thumb injury took away some of his mojo, IMHO, and it affected his ability to execute. I think it was in his head more than a little bit, and it also hampered him physically, which got in his head more, etc.

Really sucked for him and the team and us fans. Looking forward to Tyler coming back with a vengeance!

[brewcity77]

Leaving for the portal, sure. Leaving at all? Omax is a pretty big deal

I'm not anticipating O-Max will be gone.

[Viper]

Interesting, yet odd take imo.

Even the greats choke.

I was definitely hoping that it wasn't serious at all, as in no surgery and no lingering issue into next season.
I'd much prefer the "choking," or "mental midget" on the big stage angle (sorry Muggsy)

Chances are that it was in his head and affected his abilities somewhat, so a little of column A and B, but often times the bright lights can change things.

I've mentioned this before but will try to not dwell on it for obvious reasons, but even Coach Shaka didn't quite look himself in Columbus.

It's a hill to climb, and it'll need to be climbed this upcoming season, but it's a hill I'd definitely die on with Shaka and TyKo.

PS- love the 'you are not serious people.'

...bright lights? Big city? No problem. But, definitely the pretty girls got to him.

[swoopem]

I'm not anticipating O-Max will be gone.

Gut feeling or is that what you've been hearing?

[brewcity77]

Gut feeling or is that what you've been hearing?

A bit of both. The former informed by the latter.

[El Guerrero 2]

I'm not anticipating O-Max will be gone.

\

If O-Max were smart he'd come back for one more year, improve his 3pt shot, and solidify himself as an ideal NBA 3 and D wing. He's young enough that another year in college won't hurt his stock. And I'm sure MU can figure out the NIL stuff to ensure he can make more in school than he would in the G League.

That being said, I fully expect O-Max to stay in the draft, not get picked, and end up in France, Spain, or Italy. And there is nothing really wrong with that; its his life to live.

[Spotcheck Billy]

"After consulting with friends and family I have decided that it is no longer in my best interest to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Thank you to Coach Gard and the rest of the staff but I will be reopening my recruitment. #respectmydecision"

Hahahaha

Noah Reynolds, Wyoming transfer quickly changes his mind and decides against UW Madison.

and already hearing badger fans thinking it was because of his academics

[Tha Hound]

A bit of both. The former informed by the latter.

We certainly deserve a break like this after a years of it going the opposite way. Fingers crossed

[We R Final Four]

A bit of both. The former informed by the latter.

My fear is NBA teams not being completely honest with players. Tell the player you love him.......hearing rumors he may go up as high as the early 2nd round.....doesn't get drafted like he was told he might.......too late to go back.......signs a two way deal, Europe, or G-league.
The best case for some clubs is to get a player like OMax, without spending a draft pick on him.
Hopefully and selfishly, I hope OMax sees the value in getting $ in coming back, making a deep run, and being honored by MU for his lifetime!

[WhiteTrash]

and already hearing badger fans thinking it was because of his academics

It could be. There is a slight possibility he has not won a Nobel prize. 

[Uncle Rico]

and already hearing badger fans thinking it was because of his academics

I'm still shocked a kid that went to a Big East school could possible have the credits to make it into UW-Madison. 

[Viper]

I'm still shocked a kid that went to a Big East school could possible have the credits to make it into UW-Madison.

the change of heart came from learning all they serve in Madison these days is Bud Light

[GoldenEagles03]

I'm not anticipating O-Max will be gone.

OMax just signed with Life Sports Agency.

Idk rules, but doesn't that mean he is gone?

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

OMax just signed with Life Sports Agency.

Idk rules, but doesn't that mean he is gone?

No. They are NCAA certified meaning he retains his eligibility. This is a positive development.

[The Sultan]

OMax just signed with Life Sports Agency.

Idk rules, but doesn't that mean he is gone?

Life Sports is NCAA certified.

https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2021-10-13/ncaa-certified-agents-helping-college-athletes-test-nba-draft-waters

[Hards Alumni]

OMax just signed with Life Sports Agency.

Idk rules, but doesn't that mean he is gone?

In 2018, the NCAA lightened that rule, allowing players to hire an agent and take the risk of making the jump to the NBA without the jeopardizing a possible return to their university if they aren't drafted.

[real chili 83]

Good news....to a degree. 

I'm guessing the agency doesn't bet paid unless Omax gets paid.

Guess what they will be whispering in his ear.....

[Shooter McGavin]

These agencies can likely facilitate NIL deals as well I would assume unless JB tells me "fake news and lies".  Would that lead to him possibly going into the portal?  The agencies most likely are at least aware of NIL deals out there whether they facilitate them or not. 

[brewcity77]

Good news....to a degree. 

I'm guessing the agency doesn't bet paid unless Omax gets paid.

Guess what they will be whispering in his ear.....

If only there were an example O-Max and the staff had to look to of the risks a player takes when they declare, are a fringe draft pick, and stay in anyway.

[StillAWarrior]

Good news....to a degree. 

I'm guessing the agency doesn't bet paid unless Omax gets paid.

Guess what they will be whispering in his ear.....

Then again, I'd imagine they might prefer to be an agent for an NBA player than a G-Leaguer and might let him know another year at MU might work in his favor.

[Herman Cain]

Good news....to a degree. 

I'm guessing the agency doesn't bet paid unless Omax gets paid.

Guess what they will be whispering in his ear.....

I agree with this analysis

[4everwarriors]

He gowne, aina?

[Herman Cain]

He gowne, aina?

Next Man Up....

[WhiteTrash]

He gowne, aina?

Yep.

Gowne to Real Chili to get lunch. 

[GoldenEagles03]

No. They are NCAA certified meaning he retains his eligibility. This is a positive development.

Nice!

I knew they could sign with agents and retain eligibility, just wasn't sure on agencies and which qualify.

Good to know!