Talent drop-off after Kolek, Oso and Kam Jones is gigantic

[NolongerWarriors]

Zero talent on MU after those 3. 

A .500 conference record would be an achievement next year without Kolek.

[MUfan12]

I usually don't like your schtick but this is correct. If all three leave it's gonna be a rocky year.

[AlienWarrior]

Sorry, I don't see much difference in this years team from last years. We added more guards! We have too many guards. We needed beef down low via transfer, but wait a minute, we don't use the transfer portal, only other teams do and from what I've seen, many have improved.

[Mu8891]

Maybe not Zero talent... but VERY little talent after top 3

And ... yes ... it's becoming clear that Shaka F'd up by not adding a big and a shooter in the portal

[Newsdreams]

Sorry, I don't see much difference in this years team from last years. We added more guards! We have too many guards. We needed beef down low via transfer, but wait a minute, we don't use the transfer portal, only other teams do and from what I've seen, many have improved.

It's a guards game.

[The Sultan]

I don't mind the guards. I mind that they can't shoot consistently.

[Newsdreams]

I don't mind the guards. I mind that they can't shoot consistently.

Kolek & Kam?

[PointWarrior]

after watching the Wisconsin, St Thomas, and tonight's game, I am not sure you have to worry about anybody leaving to the NBA...

[Goose]

Point

Just to be clear, do you think there are NBA players on this team or not? I think 4-5 guys have a chance to play in the NBA in the next couple of years and the games you noted does not change my thinking.

There were several games last year when the announcers commented on nba scouts at the game to watch Omax and a good number of scoopers laughed at that. NBA scouts really do not care how MU plays and they are looking at the kids that interest them. Ironically, a couple of those games Omax showed little to the average MU fan and laughing about scouts watching him was easy for those fans.

For the record, I still believe that Ben Gold is the best long term NBA prospect on the team. Time will tell,  and MU could use the NBA prospect Ben Gold the rest of the way. He might end up being the difference between a good, very good or great year this year.

[The Sultan]

 Ben Gold? He can't defend anyone, has little quickness and is too inconsistent offensively. If we are hoping for him to save the season...

Honestly I think the chances are greater that he's not on the roster next year than he makes the NBA.

[Goose]

Sultan

I do not think the season needs to be saved and if they want to achieve lofty goals it is going to take everyone.

As for Gold, he has a long way to go but I believe the potential is there. I would be extremely happy if he just got things rolling on offense at this moment.

[tower912]

I think Ben Gold has all of the talent he needs.   I think he missed two month of offseason conditioning and skill development.   Right now, he needs a confidence boost and a swift kick in the tush.

St. Thomas and Providence guarded Sean like he was a 5'9 Derrick Wilson.  Providence didn't even bother rotating when he drove through the lane.

[NCMUFan]

No Longer: Oso, Kam and Stevie (out last night) were Wojo recruits.  Need to get Wojo back ASAP before the sky falls.

[PointWarrior]

Goose - right now, Ross and Gold look like they have the either the athleticism, skills, size, and shooting for the NBA.  Kolek/Kam/Oso are missing 1 or more of these attributes. 

I should have said, don't worry about anybody leaving for the NBA next year.  It is possible Kolek/Kam/Oso could leave to go to Europe (or do they stay one more year for NIL money?).  If any do leave, there is a huge drop-off right now. 

Point

Just to be clear, do you think there are NBA players on this team or not? I think 4-5 guys have a chance to play in the NBA in the next couple of years and the games you noted does not change my thinking.

There were several games last year when the announcers commented on nba scouts at the game to watch Omax and a good number of scoopers laughed at that. NBA scouts really do not care how MU plays and they are looking at the kids that interest them. Ironically, a couple of those games Omax showed little to the average MU fan and laughing about scouts watching him was easy for those fans.

For the record, I still believe that Ben Gold is the best long term NBA prospect on the team. Time will tell,  and MU could use the NBA prospect Ben Gold the rest of the way. He might end up being the difference between a good, very good or great year this year.

[StillWarriors]

I think Ben Gold has all of the talent he needs.   I think he missed two month of offseason conditioning and skill development.   Right now, he needs a confidence boost and a swift kick in the tush.

St. Thomas and Providence guarded Sean like he was a 5'9 Derrick Wilson.  Providence didn't even bother rotating when he drove through the lane.

Completely agree re Ben Gold. It has been so apparent the last several games that teams attack him offensively the second he comes in the game. That leads to fouls and an inability to stay on the court. I'm sure it also affects his overall confidence, which can carry over to the other end. His shot started to fall more, but has been outweighed by being exploited on the other end. We definitely need him to be a big part of boosting things on offense, so hopefully they can find a way to help him on the defensive end so he isn't so easily isolated and taken advantage of. That has to be a brutal feeling getting attacked on D like he does, but there is only one way to stop it....

[Goose]

Point

If those three leave it will be a big drop-off and transfer portal will be needed. There is no doubt in my mind that Oso ends up in the NBA a year from now and likely has a long career. I seriously doubt any guys will leave MU early to go to play in Europe, but never say never. Never thought I would see someone post such an idea and you just did. I guess anything can happen.

[Markusquette]

Gold has a long way to go to be a fringe NBA prospect let alone a good college player. He's tall but not aggressive or strong. He's pretty mobile and fairly athletic but doesn't really use it to his advantage enough. He's shooting a little better this year thankfully, but I just don't see it with him yet. I wish Amadou had a few more chances to step in and bring some energy and athleticism.

[NCMUFan]

Shame Keeyan Itejere transferred.
He had major hops and looked like an Oso in the making.
I think he could have gotten major minutes this year.
Having a decent year at Northern Kentucky.
https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4684207/keeyan-itejere

[Hards Alumni]

Shame Keeyan Itejere transferred.
He had major hops and looked like an Oso in the making.
I think he could have gotten major minutes this year.
Having a decent year at Northern Kentucky.
https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4684207/keeyan-itejere

Consider the talent level drop off of the teams he is putting up these pedestrian numbers against and then reevaluate.

[tower912]

Good for Keeyan.

[muwarrior69]

Point

If those three leave it will be a big drop-off and transfer portal will be needed. There is no doubt in my mind that Oso ends up in the NBA a year from now and likely has a long career. I seriously doubt any guys will leave MU early to go to play in Europe, but never say never. Never thought I would see someone post such an idea and you just did. I guess anything can happen.

Will only have two Schollies available if all 3 depart. So two transfers and there is no guarantee those transfers will be impact players and even if they are would they be enough to keep us competitive. Then again Ty and Kam could decide to play one more year.

[Jay Bee]

Shame Keeyan Itejere transferred.
He had major hops and looked like an Oso in the making.
I think he could have gotten major minutes this year.
Having a decent year at Northern Kentucky.
https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4684207/keeyan-itejere

Lol. No

He's a sub 15% usage & %shots guy. More than half of his makes are dunks, bc he can't shoot (6/18 from the line lol). High to% for what he does, and a sub-12% DR%

Al can do the same

[tower912]

How many teams look the same when the top three players leave?   Of course it will be different.   And less experienced.   Circle of life stuff.

[NCMUFan]

Lol. No

He's a sub 15% usage & %shots guy. More than half of his makes are dunks, bc he can't shoot (6/18 from the line lol). High to% for what he does, and a sub-12% DR%

Al can do the same

Will see how Keeyan Itejere entire college career plays out.
Keeyan is averaging 22 minutes per game this year with 4.3 rebound and 7 pts per game.  I suspect those numbers will increase throughout his college career as he gets more experience.
I am only saying he could have helped out MU this year.
Also not saying no need to have Al.

Oso's 2nd year was part time duty and primarily dunks.   Oso still struggles from the line.  Oso has the awesome benefit of Tyler.

[The Sultan]

Will see how his entire college career plays out.
Oso's 2nd year was part time duty and primarily dunks.   Oso still struggles from the line.  Oso has the awesome benefit of Tyler.

Or maybe Oso is just a lot better.