2026 Transfer Portal Wishlist

[wadesworld]

Maybe I am missing something. Posters keep bringing up this guy Minessale and now others. Has he officially entered the portal or stated he is going to enter the portal?  What about the others being brought up now? Or is the context of the postings being if he enters, will he/they be a good fit. 

He's from Milwaukee, went to Marquette High, plays in a low major conference and is productive at that level, and his family apparently whispered into MUMike's ear that he has a big offer from Iowa State but he and his family love Marquette.

[mug644]

If the staff leaves it up to the players maybe one more.

If they take matters into their own hands there should be at least 2 more openings to give us 3 spots.

This is where the uncertainty of Shaka's evolution comes into play. It is clear that Shaka has been biased towards his own (and his assistant coaches') assessment of recruits and his ability to develop guys. At the same time, Shaka has implied that he would use the transfer portal if positions open up (and he did in his first year, then after Lewis left--though Wrightsil didn't exactly work out).

But, it has also seemed that Shaka continued to invest exclusively in development, by not saying after a year or two, "well, I don't see this working out going forward." (Though maybe he did that with Al Amadou.)

As this season has shown, that assessment and development are not guaranteed, and he'll need either notable roster turnover or remarkable development for next year to exceed this year.

Ultimately, is he going to be willing to either winnow the chaff from the team (ie, ask/tell players to move on to other places) in order to have additional roster spaces (that would hopefully be filled by transfers), or is he going to double down on his commitment to development? Said differently, is he so committed to relationships and to supporting his players that he'll be willing to keep guys (who may not play much) just because those guys want to stay, perhaps at a cost of a better season next year, with more victories than this year?

As I've said, I hope Shaka tells at least two current roster players that they should leave the program, giving him at least 3 open scholarships heading into the off-season. And, I'll be totally fine if the public explanation (spin) on that so-and-so is heading to somewhere that they can expand their wings and move forward with their b-ball "careers" on a new path is for their own development and growth, and the relationship between Shaka and that player will remain strong.

[nyg]

He's from Milwaukee, went to Marquette High, plays in a low major conference and is productive at that level, and his family apparently whispered into MUMike's ear that he has a big offer from Iowa State but he and his family love Marquette.

So no. Thanks, was curious.  Argumentaive postings over complete speculation and whispers.  I'm sure others here will just wait until the portal opens.

His next whisper will be he heard Cam Boozer might not go to draft and loves Shaka's RGV philosophy.

[JTJ3]

He's from Milwaukee, went to Marquette High, plays in a low major conference and is productive at that level, and his family apparently whispered into MUMike's ear that he has a big offer from Iowa State but he and his family love Marquette.

Haha yeah the Iowa State stuff and all the whispers from him are funny.

But from what I have heard recently, lets just say Shaka and staff are very aware of Minessale... who he is, how good he is, the fact he's gonna portal and his ties to Marquette.  Im still not sure I believe we'll get him, but the staff is well aware of him already, so including him specifically in these kinds of topics isnt unrealistic at all.

[wadesworld]

So no. Thanks, was curious.  Argumentaive postings over complete speculation and whispers.  I'm sure others here will just wait until the portal opens.

His next whisper will be he heard Cam Boozer might not go to draft and loves Shaka's RGV philosophy.

It's literally in a thread titled "2026 Transfer Portal Wishlist."  There are very few players ACTUALLY available right now.  It's just people opining how many players they would like, what positions or skillsets they would like those players to have/be, or potential names from mid or low majors that might make sense or fit.  Minessale is at least from Milwaukee so there's more of a "connection" than some of the other names listed.  And chances are pretty dang high that he'll 1) get paid more by a high major and 2) take his chances at proving he belongs as a high major player after this year.

[nyg]

It's literally in a thread titled "2026 Transfer Portal Wishlist."  There are very few players ACTUALLY available right now.  It's just people opining how many players they would like, what positions or skillsets they would like those players to have/be, or potential names from mid or low majors that might make sense or fit.  Minessale is at least from Milwaukee so there's more of a "connection" than some of the other names listed.  And chances are pretty dang high that he'll 1) get paid more by a high major and 2) take his chances at proving he belongs as a high major player after this year.

Sounds good

[MUbiz]

I do not understand the Minessale love on this board. MUBB already is stacked with wings and Minessale is a 29.4% 3 point shooter. I guess if we want a local kid who shoots sub 30% from 3, he is the guy.

[BM1090]

I do not understand the Minessale love on this board. MUBB already is stacked with wings and Minessale is a 29.4% 3 point shooter. I guess if we want a local kid who shoots sub 30% from 3, he is the guy.

Yeah I agree. Give me a starting center and a backup point guard. And then a wing or a shooter depth piece if we need a third scholarship filled.

[MUbiz]

Yeah I agree. Give me a starting center and a backup point guard. And then a wing or a shooter depth piece if we need a third scholarship filled.

100%. I want a Lamar Wilkerson type of guy - who can shoot 40% from 3. His xfer portal ranking was around 40 iirc. That is the type of guy I think we need to go after.

[GoldenEagles03]

I do not understand the Minessale love on this board. MUBB already is stacked with wings and Minessale is a 29.4% 3 point shooter. I guess if we want a local kid who shoots sub 30% from 3, he is the guy.

I'm not sold on him being the answer but I'd definitely take him.

What wings do we have?

Stevens, Owens, Egbuonu who is really a mesh between wing and forward. Who else? None that must play as far as I can tell. Minessale would at least push Owens for a starting spot.

Center is by far the biggest need, but we need more than that.

[JTJ3]

I get the 3 point % concerns, but if thats the only thing youre looking at I would recommend watching him play first.  There is a reason there are NBA scouts going to St Thomas games.  He's a legit 6'5 with a 6'10+ wingspan.  Finishes well at the rim, handles and creates well enough to handle some PG duties and can really lock in and use his length to make an impact defensively.

His ability to create would take a ton of pressure off Nigel, who's our only legit creator right now.  I think we can all agree having a guy in Chases spot we can trust to make decisions handling the ball would have changed a lot of our games this season.

Projecting the shooting numbers to tick up a bit in a slightly reduced role here also wouldnt be surprising.

[GoldenEagles03]

I get the 3 point % concerns, but if thats the only thing youre looking at I would recommend watching him play first.  There is a reason there are NBA scouts going to St Thomas games.  He's a legit 6'5 with a 6'10+ wingspan.  Finishes well at the rim, handles and creates well enough to handle some PG duties and can really lock in and use his length to make an impact defensively.

His ability to create would take a ton of pressure off Nigel, who's our only legit creator right now.  I think we can all agree having a guy in Chases spot we can trust to make decisions handling the ball would have changed a lot of our games this season.

Projecting the shooting numbers to tick up a bit in a slightly reduced role here also wouldnt be surprising.

Not only reduced role, but (I haven't watch St. Thomas a ton) I imagine he would be getting a lot more open looks playing alongside Nigel. Nigel is going to command so much attention that having a shooter like Adrien and a slasher like Minessale could make for a pretty strong back court. Add Owens to that group and all of a sudden we have real depth again. It would be a good move, but can't be the only move!

[BM1090]

I get the 3 point % concerns, but if thats the only thing youre looking at I would recommend watching him play first.  There is a reason there are NBA scouts going to St Thomas games.  He's a legit 6'5 with a 6'10+ wingspan.  Finishes well at the rim, handles and creates well enough to handle some PG duties and can really lock in and use his length to make an impact defensively.

His ability to create would take a ton of pressure off Nigel, who's our only legit creator right now.  I think we can all agree having a guy in Chases spot we can trust to make decisions handling the ball would have changed a lot of our games this season.

Projecting the shooting numbers to tick up a bit in a slightly reduced role here also wouldnt be surprising.

This is fair, and secondary creators are always useful. Part of the reason 2022 and 2023 were so good is because we had 3-5 guys who could go get a basket or create one for others.

[MU82]

What difference does any of this make, with Shaka always holding a grudge?

[GoldenEagles03]

What difference does any of this make, with Shaka always holding a grudge?

I think even you would agree that another year like this and Shaka won't be here anymore. Maybe not though? I'll let you speak for yourself, so that would be the difference. For me, I believe Shaka wants to be here and for him to stay employed here he will have to loosen some of his personal restrictions on the portal and all that comes with it.

He had no pressure in years past because his teams won enough to keep the pressure off...even though the Sweet 16 team could have used more depth, and last year's team definitely could have used more depth. We'll see what a year in the basement of the Big East does for his offseason strategy.

[BCHoopster]

Nolan is physically ready to move up, can score from all spots on the court, very creative in the open court, has hops, more instincts with the ball then any wing we have right now, plays D, Iowa St offered double what he is getting from St. Thomas, I do not care what level you play at and score 22 a game, your a player.  Better than Owens and Phillips, not sure about Alex but third year in college, I would take him in a heartbeat, he starts.

[brewcity77]

I cannot imagine a scenario where Shaka brings in a wing forward.
Owens Junior
Miletic Freshman
Phillips Sophomore
Johnston Freshman
Egbuono Freshman
Walker Freshman

All roughly the same height.

Give me a PG with size who can also play off the ball.   Guard depth is crucial.

I think he'd be foolish to not add an experienced wing scorer given that we have one returning player with any meaningful experience.

Starting caliber center, starting caliber scoring wing, rotation guard should be the priorities, IMO.

[panda]

I do not understand the Minessale love on this board. MUBB already is stacked with wings and Minessale is a 29.4% 3 point shooter. I guess if we want a local kid who shoots sub 30% from 3, he is the guy.

"Stacked" is very different than having lots of guys playing similar positions.

[GoldenEagles03]

I think he'd be foolish to not add an experienced wing scorer given that we have one returning player with any meaningful experience.

Starting caliber center, starting caliber scoring wing, rotation guard should be the priorities, IMO.

Do you think we do it? I think we all align on needs for the most part.

I think we all have differing opinions on whether or not they will actually do something about those needs.

[panda]

I think he'd be foolish to not add an experienced wing scorer given that we have one returning player with any meaningful experience.

Starting caliber center, starting caliber scoring wing, rotation guard should be the priorities, IMO.

Yes. Echoing my last post/thoughts exactly.

[We R Final Four]

Why wasn't a big the #1 focus this past offseason?

Gold
Hamilton
Clark
Parham

That is criminal.

Sheek and Clark are two years away from meaningful production.
We need a big next year, even more than this past year.

[panda]

Why wasn't a big the #1 focus this past offseason?

Gold
Hamilton
Clark
Parham

That is criminal.

Sheek and Clark are two years away from meaningful production.
We need a big next year, even more than this past year.

Or last year.....

[Jay Bee]

He's a legit 6'5 with a 6'10+ wingspan. 

We sure about that wingspan?

He said he spent the offseason working on the triple. No word if he made 10k shots or not.

The kid does get to the line a TON. I'd take him (pawz).

[tower912]

Why wasn't a big the #1 focus this past offseason?

Gold
Hamilton
Clark
Parham

That is criminal.

Sheek and Clark are two years away from meaningful production.
We need a big next year, even more than this past year.

There wasn't a scholarship available.

It is rare that I disagree with Brew, but if nobody else leaves the priority has to be a combo guard with size.  Because as the 26-27 roster is currently situated guards are NJ, AS, Tre, and Sean.   Injuries always happen.  You can win playing small ball, but you cannot win with poor guard play. 2003-4, Buzz's final season.

[muwarrior69]

Shaka's the coach. He needs to have the hard conversations with Hamilton, Norman and Jones. They're just not cutting it.