Shaka Smart 02/18/2026

[Its DJOver]

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.

There's a balance to it though.  Shaka went all in on development and it clearly didn't work. I don't think swinging to a StJ/KSU model will happen/work either (especially with our budget).  Bring in a couple of players that you know will contribute from day one, and continue to sprinkle in development from the likes of Nash/Alex/Phillips.

[MurphysTillClose]

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.

1. I hope they take 4. Did not say they will take 4.
2. I am of the belief they will be bottom of the conference with only 1-2 transfers. If you think otherwise you do not know ball, or have been gaslit into thinking the talent is of HM caliber other than a select few.
3. If they finish bottom of the conference again, the staff would not be retained.

[Pakuni]

Is it crazy to suggest the quality of transfers matters more than the quantity?
Two high-quality transfers, preferably a big and a 3-and-D wing who are capable of starting for most good P5 programs, would help this team far more than four depth pieces.

[Its DJOver]

Is it crazy to suggest the quality of transfers matters more than the quantity?
Two high-quality transfers, preferably a big and a 3-and-D wing, would help this team far more than four depth pieces.

Ding, ding ding. That's what Mr. Murph here is not getting. We can take less than 4 transfer and not be a bottom half of the conference team.

[Hards Alumni]

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.

This is a reality check for you.  What I'm suggesting is what will likely happen, not what I think should happen.

Also, somewhat funny to predict what any team might finish in next year's standings since we haven't even had any off season 

If you think two portal players can't fix the roster (I'd assume a guard and a big) then you're crazy.  Remember, every guy you add to your roster from the portal increases the chance that you lose guys from your team as well.  If Shaka grabs a couple of guards does Adrien or Royce see their minutes impacted by a player who might only be around a year and leave too?

This is what a lot of people here do not think about and do not consider.  Our players could easily portal for better money/opportunity.

If you think keeping Nigel, Royce, and Adrien is a guarantee you're nuts.

[panda]

There's a balance to it though.  Shaka went all in on development and it clearly didn't work. I don't think swinging to a StJ/KSU model will happen/work either (especially with our budget).  Bring in a couple of players that you know will contribute from day one, and continue to sprinkle in development from the likes of Nash/Alex/Phillips.

I am not advocating for wholesale changes every year and frankly do not like/appreciate that model. However, when a chunk of your team last place in conference team has proven they cannot hack it, larger than usual changes are necessary.

[rgoode57]

Now that Shaka has indicated he is now open to using the transfer portal on some level, I am amazed that some people think he should bring in four or five transfers for next year. That is not going to happen.

Shaka knows better than any of us just how much he needs an effective big man. That is bound to be his top priority. But, those just don't grow on trees and the good bigs all have multiple suitors each year.

He also has to find a way to give Nigel James some rest. Either a back-up point guard or a combo guard who can play on the ball for limited stretches is the second priority. Which way he goes probably depends on what is happening with Sean Jones. If Jones wants to come back in a back-up role to NJ, Shaka may well be ok with that. If not, then he has to find a combo guard transfer who can play starter minutes and shoot effectively.

That's probably the end of the transfer list for next year. Yes, a really good wing would be nice, but I just can't see Shaka going that deep into the transfer pool in what is, for all practical purposes, his first time out.

[Its DJOver]

I am not advocating for wholesale changes every year and frankly do not like/appreciate that model. However, when a chunk of your team last place in conference team has proven they cannot hack it, larger than usual changes are necessary.

As long as the players that have proved that can't contribute are 11-15 on the depth chart does it matter?

[rocky_warrior]

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.

I really hope Shaka gets this right.  He needs to.

But your fantasy version of what he's saying and doing so far doesn't match up with what he's actually saying and doing.

Shaka has always been very clear about his intentions for the team.  I'm suggestion that hasn't changed.

[MurphysTillClose]

This is a reality check for you.  What I'm suggesting is what will likely happen, not what I think should happen.

Also, somewhat funny to predict what any team might finish in next year's standings since we haven't even had any off season 

If you think two portal players can't fix the roster (I'd assume a guard and a big) then you're crazy.  Remember, every guy you add to your roster from the portal increases the chance that you lose guys from your team as well.  If Shaka grabs a couple of guards does Adrien or Royce see their minutes impacted by a player who might only be around a year and leave too?

This is what a lot of people here do not think about and do not consider.  Our players could easily portal for better money/opportunity.

If you think keeping Nigel, Royce, and Adrien is a guarantee you're nuts.

"Remember, every guy you add to your roster from the portal increases the chance that you lose guys from your team as well."

This was the same tiresome reply from previous offseasons. No crap guys can transfer out. That's why priority #1 is always retaining your best talent.

You supplement HS recruiting misses with the portal. This is fact. This is what serious programs do, and is what programs that have been successful over the past few seasons have done. They focus their efforts on retaining their best from HS recruiting, while supplementing the misses with the transfer portal.

This staff had two straight bad recruiting classes. They did not pan out as expected. We've seen that play out in real time this season.

Nigel is not going to transfer out solely because Shaka brought in select guys to compliment him and Royce. What even is that response?

[panda]

As long as the players that have proved that can't contribute are 11-15 on the depth chart does it matter?

Yes - those spots should be held for guys who show promise but may not be ready for the bright lights yet. Or as another poster suggested, leave the spot(s) empty. This isn't a charity - those guys are proven deadweight and will do nothing to change the fortunes of this team/program. Fresh start after this years calamity.

[MurphysTillClose]

Yes - those spots should be held for guys who show promise but may not be ready for the bright lights yet. Or as another poster suggested, leave the spot(s) empty. This isn't a charity - those guys are proven deadweight and will do nothing to change the fortunes of this team/program. Fresh start after this years calamity.

"ding, ding, ding"

[Shooter McGavin]

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"

Interesting take.  This makes sense to me.

[Vander Blue Man Group]

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.

It's not complicated.

Nigel, Royce and Adrien have already shown considerable improvement in-season.  It's reasonable for them to take another leap this offseason.  And unlike guys like Tre, Sean, Zaide, etc., they've already shown they can compete at this level.

The reason this team is not winning games is because the junior class is  a complete zero and the senior class are a couple of role players miscast as impact guys who have not played well. 

Yes, guys like Sheek and Egbuonu are unknowns but it shouldn't be surprising if they help this team win next year.

And as for the portal, are only highly-paid stars available?  That's a narrow view of what is available in the portal.  You don't have to break the bank to find really good players and really good fits. 

And that's one of the reason Shaka specifically mentioned data/metrics - what are the skillsets that can best fill the needs of this team that the returnees, redshirts, and incoming freshman don't have. 

Someone doesn't have to be a star to to be a good player and significantly impact winning. 

[Billy Hoyle]

does this mean the Spirit Shop is going to have a huge clearance sale on RGV items? I've been needing some new pint glasses, keychains, and coffee mugs, but $18.00? Come on...

[Hards Alumni]

"Remember, every guy you add to your roster from the portal increases the chance that you lose guys from your team as well."

This was the same tiresome reply from previous offseasons. No crap guys can transfer out. That's why priority #1 is always retaining your best talent.

You supplement HS recruiting misses with the portal. This is fact. This is what serious programs do, and is what programs that have been successful over the past few seasons have done. They focus their efforts on retaining their best from HS recruiting, while supplementing the misses with the transfer portal.

This staff had two straight bad recruiting classes. They did not pan out as expected. We've seen that play out in real time this season.

Nigel is not going to transfer out solely because Shaka brought in select guys to compliment him and Royce. What even is that response?

It's reality.  There is zero guarantee that we retain ANY player on the roster.  Teams will absolutely come for Nigel James.  If you prioritize keeping him, you have less available for others.  This isn't a zero sum game.

Furthermore, guys have to agree to come.  They will want money, and they will want guaranteed playing time.

Sounds really cool and simple to just say, 'grab some really good players from the portal'. 

Literally, every team will be doing that exact same thing.  Marquette isn't exempt from losing players, nor is it a destination that every kid will want to play at.  FURTHERMORE, Prior success is not a guarantee of future results.  A bunch of people here are clamoring for player x or player y.  But a lot of those guys are playing low major ball, and when they move up no one knows if the success continues.

That's all I'm saying.  There are zero guarantees.

[Tha Hound]

I don't care which of the three bottom 5 or so players (including Sean) on this team leave, but it has to happen. If they don't want to go, tough crap, Shaka needs to have that conversation.

From there, bring in at least two immediate impact starters to play alongside our young core. I could see one more mid-level, high upside transfer. That, coupled with the growth of NJ and Parham, should make us very competitive. Basically, the number of transfers doesn't matter, its all about quality. I'd much rather 2 starters than 4 unproven guys.

If we are only in for Kur Kuath-level transfers, it's almost certainly not going to work and Shaka will lose his job. Things are more dire than most here would like to admit. But its fixable!

[Its DJOver]

Yes - those spots should be held for guys who show promise but may not be ready for the bright lights yet. Or as another poster suggested, leave the spot(s) empty. This isn't a charity - those guys are proven deadweight and will do nothing to change the fortunes of this team/program. Fresh start after this years calamity.

So you'd rather run it back with an empty chair than someone who's been in the program for years?

[Vander Blue Man Group]

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.

I trust you'll show up here and admit you were wrong if this doesn't come to fruition, right? 

And when you say 4 transfers, my assumption is you mean 4 guys that would be in the regular rotation. 

[panda]

So you'd rather run it back with an empty chair than someone who's been in the program for years?

Yes - there is no benefit to keeping any of Hamilton, Clark, Jones, Norman. None are particularly talented, none show much of any potential and none are looked upon as leaders. It's not the nicest thing to say, but there is a reason we are having such a poor season and a lot of it is because of those names.

[Vander Blue Man Group]

I really hope Shaka gets this right.  He needs to.

But your fantasy version of what he's saying and doing so far doesn't match up with what he's actually saying and doing.

Shaka has always been very clear about his intentions for the team.  I'm suggestion that hasn't changed.

Fair enough - we'll see what happens.

[Its DJOver]

Yes - there is no benefit to keeping any of Hamilton, Clark, Jones, Norman. None are particularly talented, none show much of any potential and none are looked upon as leaders. It's not the nicest thing to say, but there is a reason we are having such a poor season and a lot of it is because of those names.

Very much disagree. Even if it doesn't always show up in a box score, there's a benefit to having experience on the roster.

[panda]

Very much disagree. Even if it doesn't always show up in a box score, there's a benefit to having experience on the roster.

What benefit does a bunch of deadweight "experience" bring to a team that needs change in a bad way?

[jfp61]

Sure.

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

I won't run to Scoop to say it, but i'll be happy.

[Its DJOver]

What benefit does a bunch of deadweight "experience" bring to a team that needs change in a bad way?

That it's not an empty chair. Players can practice and help the underclassmen. They can be called upon, if needed, to perform a role.

To be clear, transfers are needed, but kicking players off the team and only carrying 12-13 scholarship players is a mistake.

Shaka has an idea of how many players he wants to fill out the roster. Cutting 5 players and only filling 2-3 is just leaving meat on the bone. If you have 15 scholarships, you should fill 15 scholarships.