Shaka Smart 02/18/2026

[The Sultan]

LOL all you want.

If you think only 1-2 transfers will suffice after finishing dead last in the Big East, you might be dumber than willie.

If we keep all of the key rotation players, and lose Sean and Josh in the process, I think a Kur Kuath like big man, an Omax like wing player, and a nice back up combo guard with experience would defintely be sufficient to get us back into contention.

[MurphysTillClose]

Which is why people are saying three.  And Nigel and Royce could be two of the better players in the Big East as soon as next season.  That's a good starting point.  Add in 2 starting level players, 1 rotational level player, hang onto Stevens as well, and see what you have in Egbuonu, Sheek, and how Philips develops, and that COULD be plenty to compete.  It all depends on the caliber of transfer brought in.

Hamilton, Norman, and Jones are not HM caliber and free up NIL money. They are a better fit at the MM level.

Zaide bounced.

That's 4 spots they should fill via portal.

Having to rely on underclassmen is what led us to this awful record. Why would the staff continue to do that and expect different results? 

[Viper]

I have no doubt he'll use the portal to fill Zaide's spot.  I think the real question is, will he get rid of the dead weight on the roster - Sean, Caedin, Tre, and Josh Clark?  Heck, even DO and Michael Phillips can go.  Neither of them seem like they'll be close to ready to step into much bigger roles next year.

maybe Sean Jones...otherwise, no one is leaving. Hamilton is getting PT and paid. Same with Tre. Clark? Shaka will retain a guy 7'. Zaide's spot and if Sean moves on. Thus, 2 portal guys, max. 2 plus Nigel, Royce, Stevens, RS' and freshmen might be ok. Might.

[Jockey]

There will not be six additional transfers. There won't be four. IMO there will be two.
[/quot2-3

There will not be six additional transfers. There won't be four. IMO there will be two.

2-3 IMO.

[JTJ3]

Youre assuming guys like Tre and Hamilton would still get paid here next year.

Shakas "evolving" comments were not just about adding guys through the portal.

[panda]

As evidenced by his inability to have tough conversations with Ellis, Amadou, Itejere, and Elliot

Each of those players were more blocked than Clark, Hamilton, Jones and Norman for playing time. I could also see him showing loyalty to Jones too. Again just a gut feeling, but we are spinning our wheels if we don't make all of the necessary changes following this catastrophic season

[rocky_warrior]

Hamilton is getting PT and paid. Same with Tre.

Agreed, Shaka has been playing those two more since the portal talk started.  Common sense says that's because he believes in them.

[Vander Blue Man Group]

We're gonna finish with a 10-22 record. This staff won't run off anyone. They'll bring in two or three mid level transfers. And we'll go 16-15 next year and miss the tournment again. All because Shaka doesn't feel like evaluating his "guys".

Sure.

We'll see what happens.  I'm sure you'll be here to admit it if you're proven wrong, right? 

[The Lens]

My take...he'll only have the money for NJ, RP & AS if he goes out and get 3 solid portal guys.  He's going to need to spend some to retain some. All booster money will have strings attached. 

"You want to keep Nigel, fine, find someone to pair with him"

[Vander Blue Man Group]

LOL all you want.

If you think only 1-2 transfers will suffice after finishing dead last in the Big East, you might be dumber than willie.

Please remind me where I said 1-2 transfers would suffice, genius. 

[Hards Alumni]

LOL all you want.

If you think only 1-2 transfers will suffice after finishing dead last in the Big East, you might be dumber than willie.

Chase and Ben are gone since they're seniors.  Obviously, Zaide is gone.  I can see one more leaving (Sean), but I'd truly be shocked if it was more than that.  IMO, CH, Tre, and Josh Clark all stick around.  Teams can carry 15 players, and I think Shaka will grab two and roll out with what he has, and the best players will play the majority of the playing time available. 

[Vander Blue Man Group]

Agreed, Shaka has been playing those two more since the portal talk started.  Common sense says that's because he believes in them.

Or, in regard to Caedin, it's because Ben is hurt and Royce was in foul trouble last night. 

As for Norman, he's played 14 and 9 minutes the past two games.  He played 7 and 10 the two games prior to the portal announcement.  This team has no guard depth and Tre has played ok the last few games.  I highly doubt it's any indication he's confident in bringing him back as a key piece next season. 

Shaka does not believe either of those guys will be significant contributors next season and it would be shocking if both are back.  1, maybe. 

[Zog from Margo]

Agreed, Shaka has been playing those two more since the portal talk started.  Common sense says that's because he believes in them.

Or he's trying to get a final read in meaningless games.

[MurphysTillClose]

Chase and Ben are gone since they're seniors.  Obviously, Zaide is gone.  I can see one more leaving (Sean), but I'd truly be shocked if it was more than that.  IMO, CH, Tre, and Josh Clark all stick around.  Teams can carry 15 players, and I think Shaka will grab two and roll out with what he has, and the best players will play the majority of the playing time available.

Nothin like going from 11th to 8/9th place YoY.

If this is the way the staff decides to go, then YIKES.

I appreciate being admirable, but some of you need a dose of reality when it comes to the talent deficiency on this roster.

[MurphysTillClose]

Please remind me where I said 1-2 transfers would suffice, genius.

So angry all the time. Take a Xanax.

Shaka has another year below mid of the conference he's no longer the HC at Marquette. I know that makes you angry, but it's the truth. Sorry, genius.

[muwarrior69]

In regard to retention, try to use some common sense.

We have 3 really good underclassmen already in house, one of which looks like he could be a superstar. 

Shaka and staff have built relationships over years with these players.  They have bought into Marquette and its culture. 

Yet you don't think prioritizing these guys, who look like they can be difference makers, is the right decision?

What do you think similar players like that will get in the transfer portal market?  How many schools would Shaka be competing with for players like that?  And what do you think the NIL offers will be? Not prioritizing keeping your best young players is just such an inane, illogical notion. 

Also, I don't know what Marquette's NIL budget is but it is not unlimited.  They staff has to prioritize.  Now that doesn't mean they won't spend in the portal and it certainly doesn't mean they can't find some really good players to fill the gaps around what is coming back.

Marquette doesn't have to add highly-paid stars via the portal to be really good next season. If they do, great...but it is not necessary.   

I can also guarantee he's had some conversations already with players.  You think Sean Jones thinks he's coming back next season?  It couldn't be any more obvious that he's been held out so he could potentially get an extra year with via medical hardship. 

Are you kidding? These guys can't win games now. What makes you think they'll win games next season. The in coming class has yet to prove they can play high major D1 ball.

[Vander Blue Man Group]

So angry all the time. Take a Xanax.

Shaka has another year below mid of the conference he's no longer the HC at Marquette. I know that makes you angry, but it's the truth. Sorry, genius.

I'm not remotely angry.  Your idiocy is a little exhausting, though.

Again, remind me where I said 1-2 transfers will suffice.  Don't move the goalposts. 

[Johnny B]

I have no doubt he'll use the portal to fill Zaide's spot.  I think the real question is, will he get rid of the dead weight on the roster - Sean, Caedin, Tre, and Josh Clark?  Heck, even DO and Michael Phillips can go.  Neither of them seem like they'll be close to ready to step into much bigger roles next year.

I can't decide whether one or two guys need to go. I'm leaning two right now; can't have 3 of those guys back next year like why..

[MurphysTillClose]

I'm not remotely angry.  Your idiocy is a little exhausting, though.

Again, remind me where I said 1-2 transfers will suffice.  Don't move the goalposts.

I find your idiocy amusing as hell. Please keep posting. It's fun as hell to laugh at.

And if they bring in less than 4 transfers, the team will be dogcrap again, and this staff will be fired.

That was the basis of my original point. And the "1-2" was in response to many, many here. Not just you.

[Its DJOver]

And if they bring in less than 4 transfers, the team will be dogcrap again, and this staff will be fired.

I'd take the odds on that.

[79Warrior]

That is not nuance. He is prioritizing how the resources will be spent and that means not spending the resources to get the best transfers to help the team. If he were serious he would prioritize both, if he is serious about what is good for the program, which he did not explicitly say. Additionally, all this "nuance" leads me to believe he has not had those tough conversations with the players that need to take place.

Wow, you have no clue. You think he is having any tough conversations during the season with the players? Ridiculous.
Many issues will be addressed in March/April. Changes are for sure coming. Until then, relax.

[MurphysTillClose]

I'd take the odds on that.

If they do, that'd be two straight years of bottom of the conference performance. I don't think that would sit well with those in charge.

[CountryRoads]

I don't think the number of ins need to equal the number of outs necessarily. From a NIL financial standpoint, it might make more sense to drop 4 more players (5 total including Zaide), add 3 new players, and then either leave 2 spots open for a more loaded class next year or fill them with $0 NIL walkons. 15 mouths to feed is a lot, especially for 3rd and 4th year benchwarmers. Maybe they will be fine with a pay cut.

[panda]

I'd take the odds on that.

I think we run into the same depth issue we've run into the last two seasons if we don't make wholesale changes. Not enough competent players and not enough reinforcements when things don't go our way.

[Its DJOver]

If they do, that'd be two straight years of bottom of the conference performance. I don't think that would sit well with those in charge.

That's not what you said though.  I'd take the odds that they don't add 4 transfers.  I'd take the odds that their not "dogcrap" (technically a subjective term though).  And I'd take the odds of Shaka getting fired 14 months from now. Think you'll go 0-3.