2026 Transfer Portal

[Billy Hoyle]

It's a bizzaro situation.  They clearly have money to bring guys in but have watched key long-term guys walk in Hepburn and Blackwell.  The money being mentioned for Blackwell is high and maybe they feel better allocating what's available to a fuller, more well-rounded roster and understanding their ceiling.

I do wonder if Gard gets a wandering eye at some point, though, because those are program guys leaving. 

They have an older Aussie PG who originally committed to LSU coming in next year (Foxwell) and may get his younger brother, who was a stud for Portland in the WCC as a freshman (ask Gonzaga about him). Both are almost certainly cheaper than what Blackwell is likely demanding.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Owen_Foxwell

https://x.com/JonChep/status/2036786122961911861

[Nutty]

"It's a tough decision," Blackwell said. "I'm looking for a place where I can enhance my skills for the NBA and a place where I can compete for a national championship. A place where that's the standard and what we're striving for."

That might leave a mark.

Translation:  "Show me the money!!!"

[Jay Bee]

They have an older Aussie PG who originally committed to LSU coming in next year (Foxwell) and may get his younger brother, who was a stud for Portland in the WCC as a freshman (ask Gonzaga about him).

"Stud" who shot 32% from 3 in 200+ attempts and had a 47.2% eFG%. yucky

[brewcity77]

Don't care.  1-4 can play multiple positions in nearly any offense or defense and be mixed and matched.  Having 4-5 players that can only play one position and can only be played one at a time is terrible roster construction.   To me, it is equally as bad as having 4-5 sub 6 foot guards on a roster.   Too limiting.

Can Royce only play one position? Have you watched Michigan, Illinois, or Arizona? You can play 2-3 players at 6'9"+ at the same time.

[MU82]

It's just fun when a player who made a big deal out of saying he's a Weasel For Life suddenly says, "Never mind. I want to go somewhere I won't lose to High Point."

Blackwell's final Weasel memory: He had a great view of his backcourt partner making wild - and wildly unsuccessful - 1-on-1 forays into the heart of the High Point defense on the final two possessions.

[wadesworld]

Anybody do a wellness check on GE03 yet?

[tower912]

I think you're losing people when you want guard depth over a big.

Marquette didn't have an injury problem with guards this season (minus Sean deciding to leave 1/4 through) and they went 12-20, with terrible big play.

Now you're saying you want to prioritize a guard for depth over a big. They're going 12-20 again without a capable big.

Zaidde left, leaving Tre as the only guard off the bench on a 12-20 team.  3 pt shooting was the achilles.  I appreciate you making my point.

[tower912]

Can Royce only play one position? Have you watched Michigan, Illinois, or Arizona? You can play 2-3 players at 6'9"+ at the same time.

All mobile.  And I would love another mobile 6'9 guy to play with Royce. 

[Uncle Rico]

They have an older Aussie PG who originally committed to LSU coming in next year (Foxwell) and may get his younger brother, who was a stud for Portland in the WCC as a freshman (ask Gonzaga about him). Both are almost certainly cheaper than what Blackwell is likely demanding.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Owen_Foxwell

https://x.com/JonChep/status/2036786122961911861

Man, that team is going to play well with the folks in rural Wisconsin who like their population white

[Small Orange Soda]

Nope.  None of them won championships without someone getting them the ball.

MU history, what worked better, the midgets or Derrick Wilson intitiating offense to feed Gardner in the post?

Would this past season have gone better with better guards behind Chase, Adrien, and NJ?

Better players would have made the team better, yes. Better starting quality bigs would've made a much bigger difference than better backup guards. I think you're underestimating how awful we were at the center position.

It's like you're saying, 'For Thanksgiving this year we have turkey with dog food on the side. We should prioritize getting a ham in case the turkey burns'

[tower912]

How many MU teams have made the tourney with good guard play and meh bigs?

How many MU teams have made the tournament with good bigs and meh guards?

To me, it couldn't be simpler.

[wadesworld]

How many MU teams have made the tourney with good guard play and meh bigs?

How many MU teams have made the tournament with good bigs and meh guards?

To me, it couldn't be simpler.

Good news is we have good guards heading into next season.

[MuggsyB]

"It's a tough decision," Blackwell said. "I'm looking for a place where I can enhance my skills for the NBA and a place where I can compete for a national championship. A place where that's the standard and what we're striving for."

That might leave a mark.

Excellent news!!!

[tower912]

Only two of them.  Not enough to get through the season.

[Billy Hoyle]

Man, that team is going to play well with the folks in rural Wisconsin who like their population white

The Foxwells are mixed race, but whatever works for you.

[Uncle Rico]

The Foxwells are mixed race, but whatever works for you.

Rural Wisconsin can handle Asian/White

[Tha Hound]

Two of them.  Not enough to get through the season.

How do you not understand you're arguing against yourself? You admit we have two good guards heading into next season. Guess what - as of April 6th, we have exactly ZERO good bigs.

[brewcity77]

All mobile.  And I would love another mobile 6'9 guy to play with Royce. 

So...exactly what I'm saying we need?

[tower912]

So...exactly what I'm saying we need?

I have said the same. 

[tower912]

How do you not understand you're arguing against yourself? You admit we have two good guards heading into next season. Guess what - as of April 6th, we have exactly ZERO good bigs.

How do you not understand that I am saying two guards and a big.  That I worry more about having bad guard depth than I do about meh bigs.  That MU has won with meh bigs but never with meh guards.  That guard injuries are pretty common at MU.   As is making the tournament without great bigs?

I am arguing the principle that good teams start with good guard play and I want more depth.

I am actually flummoxed and gobsmacked that this is even being debated.

[Zog from Margo]

Assum

How do you not understand you're arguing against yourself? You admit we have two good guards heading into next season. Guess what - as of April 6th, we have exactly ZERO good bigs.

Assuming a player like Nash Walker can provide some guard minutes in combination with Stevens or James is a less bold assumption than assuming you will have a BE quality starting center out of Hamilton, Clark, or a freshman.

[MuMark]

https://x.com/recruits_cfb/status/2041190005696061503?s=61

[Small Orange Soda]

How many MU teams have made the tourney with good guard play and meh bigs?

How many MU teams have made the tournament with good bigs and meh guards?

To me, it couldn't be simpler.

We have good guards and unplayable bigs. Your questions don't apply.

[tower912]

We have good guards and unplayable bigs. Your questions don't apply.

Eye roll with a slight head shake and a right hand pumping motion.

[nyg]

I think you're losing people when you want guard depth over a big.

Marquette didn't have an injury problem with guards this season (minus Sean deciding to leave 1/4 through) and they went 12-20, with terrible big play.

Now you're saying you want to prioritize a guard for depth over a big. They're going 12-20 again without a capable big.

When things go bad it is always the injury excuse as one of the factors. Just this year, Owens surgery prior to freshman year, Ross wrist and shoulder, Tre's shoulder and of course Gold's shin splints from August, 2023, and then his late season, not early ankle and supposedly ribs. It's as if MU players get an injury and they never heal.

Shaka will get a bigman, just a matter of who and when.  I still can't believe one of Clark and Hamilton have not entered portal, but it is early.  One of them will be a three minute a half player, the other at end of bench.  That of course if they both stay.

As far as this guard play issue, I must be missing something.  What's the matter with the two redshirts, Nash and Militec?  They now have one full year practicing with the  team.  Yeah, some will say, they are freshmen, but so were James and Stevens, but they had no one capable on bench, and that hurt. Can these guys play basketball as a decent guard to rest both starters?  I am also convinced Shaka will bring in an experienced portal player, but are the two redshirts that bad.

As of now:
One competent bigman who can rebound, make shots within three feet of hoop and not commit two fouls in four minutes.
One experienced guard
One experienced wing, not having the vibes on Owens

Fun to begin.