Omax declares

[1318WWells]

Though, the first year was more out of necessity. Last year was no big splash with Wrightsil coming from an NAIA school. And, nothing yet this year.

Unfortunately we didn’t get to see what kind of splash Wrightsil was brought in for due to injury. At a minimum, he pushed players to get better over last summer thinking they were competing with him for playing time.

Keep bringing in as much talent as you can and let them compete for playing time. Injuries will happen, need depth behind. No guarantees on playing time. Should all be part of the culture to continue improving.

[94Warrior]

I didn’t read thru all 11 pages, but is there any possibility of Wrightsil returning to eat some of O-Max’s mins?

Obviously Shaka felt good enough about Zach to bring him here in the first place, why not??? 

[Jay Bee]

I didn’t read thru all 11 pages, but is there any possibility of Wrightsil returning to eat some of O-Max’s mins?

Obviously Shaka felt good enough about Zach to bring him here in the first place, why not???

That as before he was out almost all year with a knee; couple of surgeries, etc

[StillAWarrior]

I didn’t read thru all 11 pages, but is there any possibility of Wrightsil returning to eat some of O-Max’s mins?

Obviously Shaka felt good enough about Zach to bring him here in the first place, why not???

Honestly, watching Wrightsil on the bench and seeing him in the locker room with the guys, if Shaka finds himself with an open scholarship, I'd have no objection to him using it on Zach even if he's not going to play next year. I think he contributed quite a beat to the team this past season even without being on the floor. I think he was my wife's second favorite player on the team (behind Kam).

I suspect Zach might be looking for something more, however.

[bilsu]

Yeah, if Chase and Jop are a net positive over OMax, what the hell was Shaka doing this year? I really like Chase and Jop, but there is a reason OMax was starting.

It is not last year, it is next season. If could very well be that Jop and Ross are a net positive next year.
Just like last year's team did not need Lewis.

Besides Jop and Ross it gives some freshmen a chance to play.

Omax was the player that frustrated me the most, so I am not crying if he leaves.

[Tha Hound]

Yet he's used it both of his off-seasons here.

Lol, neither situation was remotely comparable.

First year - Brand new coach coming in, had no existing relationships from which he could build. Used to portal to build a long-term core of the team.
Second year - Brought in one D2 guy who absolutely no one had penciled in jumping any player from the original core team

[tower912]

Typical MU fan.    I didn't like the guy with the best chance of playing in the league.   Better off without him.     Except, the qualities that are most desirable to NBA teams are what next year's team will miss the most.     6'8 players who can guard 5 positions and also throw an inbounds pass and get then get the game winning follow tip-in 6 seconds later are not a dime a dozen. 

[Hards Alumni]

Typical MU fan.    I didn't like the guy with the best chance of playing in the league.   Better off without him.     Except, the qualities that are most desirable to NBA teams are what next year's team will miss the most.     6'8 players who can guard 5 positions and also throw an inbounds pass and get then get the game winning follow tip-in 6 seconds later are not a dime a dozen.

Correct.

If Omax is gone we are losing our 2nd best player.

Sorry guys, its going to be very difficult to replace him with anyone on the roster, and I doubt anyone that would be getting a call from the portal would be better than he is.

The mental gymnastics that people go through around here are hilarious.  Omax is a borderline NBA player.  Those dudes don't just fall out of the sky.

[panda]

I’d be a lot more concerned if we lost Tyler or oso. There is no suitable replacement for those two whereas we have three capable replacements which all bring varied looks on both ends of the floor. None of those three can replicate his defensive length but they will offer at minimum, a net neutral and imo a net positive impact as a whole.

[Vander Blue Man Group]

Correct.

If Omax is gone we are losing our 2nd best player.

Sorry guys, its going to be very difficult to replace him with anyone on the roster, and I doubt anyone that would be getting a call from the portal would be better than he is.

The mental gymnastics that people go through around here are hilarious.  Omax is a borderline NBA player.  Those dudes don't just fall out of the sky.

2nd best player?  No, strongly disagree there.  But if he goes it's a big loss, specifically on defense.  We have no one else with his combination of length and athleticism that is as versatile defensively. 

[PGsHeroes32]

Yeah, Omax definitely frustrates me the most of the regulars by far. But thats because of his skillset and overall potential.

Anyone who thinks he wouldnt be a loss or would shrug off him being gone from next years team is nuts. Completely changes the D.

And still does plenty on offense. Solid at the line, about the only guy who even got there and great inside the arc with his athleticism even if he falls over 85% of time.

Hope he returns

[Pakuni]

1. OMax not returning would be a loss.
2. Good programs lose top players every year and remain good programs.

[Nukem2]

Yeah, Omax definitely frustrates me the most of the regulars by far. But thats because of his skillset and overall potential.

Anyone who thinks he wouldnt be a loss or would shrug off him being gone from next years team is nuts. Completely changes the D.

And still does plenty on offense. Solid at the line, about the only guy who even got there and great inside the arc with his athleticism even if he falls over 85% of time.

Hope he returns

I do as well. He is an integral part of the success of this 22-23 team. But, of course, that’s his decision and his future. But would surely love to have him back for another run.

[brewcity77]

I love O-Max and what he does for this team. I think he's the difference between the #1 overall and merely a top-10 ranking. That said, I think Kolek & Oso are the most irreplaceable players. Joplin & Gold would ease that blow. The strength of this team is still the team.

[SonOfWarrior]

Everyone is replaceable.  You need to trust in the system and the ability for everyone to adapt. 

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

nm

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

Second year - Brought in one D2 guy who absolutely no one had penciled in jumping any player from the original core team

I don't know how you are defining "original core team," but I think plenty of people thought he would play a major role on this team.

[Viper]

Shaka doesn’t recruit. Shaka selects. Winning.

[panda]

I love O-Max and what he does for this team. I think he's the difference between the #1 overall and merely a top-10 ranking. That said, I think Kolek & Oso are the most irreplaceable players. Joplin & Gold would ease that blow. The strength of this team is still the team.

1000%

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

I don't know how you are defining "original core team," but I think plenty of people thought he would play a major role on this team.

So lawdog found the minutes distribution topic.  Of the eight people who made specific guesses three picked him in the top five, three picked him sixth, one seventh and one eighth.

Seems like a lot of people viewed him as jumping a "core player" before he got here.

[MUBurrow]

Watching OMax this year and projecting his development reminds me a lot of junior year Wes.  Earlier in his MU career, Wes was third fiddle behind Dom and Jerel, and sometimes looked to be moving through cement compared to the dynamicism of the other two. But he had an NBA frame and a ton of hustle and heart, and as he got older and stronger it clicked and he became a great defender and NBA prospect.  Considering that Omax has an extra 3 inches on Wes and averaged an extra 3PA per game last year vs Wes, and shot a higher %, I can see why he would be bullish on his prospects as an NBA wing.

[MU82]

1. OMax not returning would be a loss.
2. Good programs lose top players every year and remain good programs.

This.

I love O-Max and what he does for this team. I think he's the difference between the #1 overall and merely a top-10 ranking. That said, I think Kolek & Oso are the most irreplaceable players. Joplin & Gold would ease that blow. The strength of this team is still the team.

And this.

[warriorchick]

I recall all the wailing and gnashing of teeth a year ago when Justin left.  Somehow we managed to win the conference without him or any transfers that got playing time.

I trust Shaka to make it work.

[StillAWarrior]

I recall all the wailing and gnashing of teeth a year ago when Justin left.  Somehow we managed to win the conference without him or any transfers that got playing time.

I trust Shaka to make it work.

Amen, Chick. Amen.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

I think Omax is sore important piece than people are giving him credit for. Removing the best defender from an average defense is usually not a good thing. Joplin improved defensively towards the end of last season but I don't think he can get to OMaxs level defensively.

I still think the answer is to get a Kur. Whether or not Omax comes back