What would make you show Shaka the door in March?

[Galway Eagle]

And the second that conversation starts, as soon as Shaka says those words, he has undermined his credibility with the player, the rest of the roster, and future recruits. These people aren't stupid. They know that "amazing opportunities for you elsewhere" is just touchy-feely talk for "we're running your ass off for someone better" and that's effectively what Shaka has said for years now he isn't going to do.

He's painted himself into a corner on this. If he's going to relocate current players in order to win games, he's undermining the integrity with which he built the program. He can't have his cake and eat it too.

While this could be true it's not the only outcome. I can't imagine Tre, as a senior. Wants to only play a couple min a game. Shakas said he won't purposely recruit over his guys but if one isn't panning out with development and he's frank about it then he isn't going back on his word.

[tower912]

The fans part includes you.  I'm not saying you are wrong for staying away from scoop, but your are not immune from this.  Your absence speaks volumes.  I like that you put fans in there but only if you include yourself.

Fair. 

[1SE]

It seems as though Shaka has already changed his style of recruits.  Walker is supposed to be a shooter and Egbuonu seems big east ready.  How can a kid who's name starts woit EGB  not be a hit. With Pearson coming on board  I'd say he is recruiting for need.  Give Shaka some slack.  If you wanted to go to the portal fore next season  what would you look for?

Right - I also like the upcoming class - but this board was also excited about the junior class, and the sophomore class... the "there's always the guys coming in next year" was prime projo content. And when those guys come in and don't perform right away (because 4-start frosh usually aren't saviors) then it's the "we're young" excuse - then they still don't get better and you get our sophmore and junior classes.

What really shakes my confidence is that we're coming on a full 365 days where we've been playing significantly below our potential and significantly worse than the sum of our parts.

What really impressed me in the first 3.5 Shaka years was that his teams seemed to produce more than the sum of their parts. But looking back on that, maybe even that is a bit rose-tinged. Maybe the first 3 years of success had more to do with the fact that we had one of MUs all-time best PGs.

Is there anyone on this roster with f'em attitude?

 

[tower912]

Shaka referenced in his show that he wants that, also, and is trying to get it from them.

[willie warrior]

Right - I also like the upcoming class - but this board was also excited about the junior class, and the sophomore class... the "there's always the guys coming in next year" was prime projo content. And when those guys come in and don't perform right away (because 4-start frosh usually aren't saviors) then it's the "we're young" excuse - then they still don't get better and you get our sophmore and junior classes.

What really shakes my confidence is that we're coming on a full 365 days where we've been playing significantly below our potential and significantly worse than the sum of our parts.

What really impressed me in the first 3.5 Shaka years was that his teams seemed to produce more than the sum of their parts. But looking back on that, maybe even that is a bit rose-tinged. Maybe the first 3 years of success had more to do with the fact that we had one of MUs all-time best PGs.

Is there anyone on this roster with f'em attitude?

 

Yeah. The cliche proverb "There is always next year"

[tower912]

Says nearly every fan in every sport. 

[Pakuni]

While this could be true it's not the only outcome. I can't imagine Tre, as a senior. Wants to only play a couple min a game. Shakas said he won't purposely recruit over his guys but if one isn't panning out with development and he's frank about it then he isn't going back on his word.

Regardless of how Shaka approaches it, what's the incentive for a player like Tre to leave for "other opportunities?" If MU's NIL structure is as has been reported, he's going to be doing well as a senior here ... likely much better than he would if he stepped down a level or two for more playing time. As a player who's probably going to have limited professional opportunities, why would he walk away from guaranteed money at a place where he's comfortable and has all his friends, for less money at a lesser program, with lesser facilities, worse resources and where he knows nobody?

[MU82]

Regardless of how Shaka approaches it, what's the incentive for a player like Tre to leave for "other opportunities?" If MU's NIL structure is as has been reported, he's going to be doing well as a senior here ... likely much better than he would if he stepped down a level or two for more playing time. As a player who's probably going to have limited professional opportunities, why would he walk away from guaranteed money at a place where he's comfortable and has all his friends, for less money at a lesser program, with lesser facilities, worse resources and where he knows nobody?

Legit questions, and it will be interesting to see how Shaka handles it if he decides he needs to "gently encourage" any players to leave.

[Shaka Shart]

Converting to Islam

[hawk]

I can agree that this team is less than the sum of it's parts and what is lacking is the f'em attitude and talent of Kolek.  I can also agree that there is little insentive for Norman or Lowery to leave the program.  Shaka might want both to stay just for ballist.  They have not become the players anybody thought they would but they  remain an asset in supporting roles.  Looking at next season's likely roster I like most of what I see.  I think they are solid at the point and have a small army of wings, including a couple of shooters and Egbuono who looks like an f'em poster child.  I also think that James and Stevens have that edge.  My issue with Shakas's teams has been and remains the lack of a beast in the post.  Denny Crumm always had a point guard and a tough center with an army of wings, Shaka's teams look the same way sans a beast in the post.I think Owens leaves for greener pastures after this season so Shaka will one open seat at the table.  I would hope and expect that he would find a senior or graduate post player to stabiliize the lack of post presence.