Transfers in/out 2025-2026

[Tha Hound]

Oh I am absolutely not doing that.

Valuable contribution, as always!

[Small Orange Soda]

The idea that if Caedin comes back Shaka will treat him as the 15th man is absurd. He went from starter to 10 MPG. That's not nothing. If a guy is going to go from 8th man to 15th in his fourth year, there's zero reason to bring him back.

[Zog from Margo]

There are 15 scholarships. We only need 8 rotation players. That's 7 scholarships for players who we don't expect to be major contributors this season. We have plenty of room.

Also, not the point, but we could have used Itejere this year.

I get what you're saying, but MU is not building just for this season. They could use the spot for a player who could be a future contributor. From all indications, Hamilton won't be. It makes no sense to me to use a scholarship on a player that you don't expect to contribute during his entire four years at MU. They'd be better off keeping the scholarship open for an opportunity that might become available during the season. In any event, I won't belabor the point further.

[rocky_warrior]

Hm, trying to catch up and figured with so many new pages of content big things must have happened.  Nope, just DO staying and lots of Caedin talk.

(And yes, I must be new here)

[Markusquette]

Hook shot practice started the day after the tournament loss

[Vander Blue Man Group]

Really a lot of Hamilton PTSD around here still. 

[StillAWarrior]

I get what you're saying, but MU is not building just for this season. They could use the spot for a player who could be a future contributor. From all indications, Hamilton won't be. It makes no sense to me to use a scholarship on a player that you don't expect to contribute during his entire four years at MU. They'd be better off keeping the scholarship open for an opportunity that might become available during the season. In any event, I won't belabor the point further.

This will be an unpopular opinion, but what if there really is something different about the "culture" that Shaka is building at Marquette? Yes, this year was a dumpster fire and the constant harping on "RGV" - including to the point of selling merch - is tiresome. But, Shaka has done a pretty good job of retaining the talent that he wants to retain. Maybe that has something to do with the fact that he's doing things a little differently - because this year it certainly isn't because the team was winning. Clearly he needs to make some changes to his approach and manage his roster through the portal -- definitely this year and likely in future years to some extent. He's indicated that he's willing to do so and we're all anxiously awaiting proof.

That's a long-winded set up to asking, what if keeping a kid like Hamilton on scholarship at the end of the bench does help build for the future because it demonstrates a culture that could help us attract talent. The 13th - 15th scholarship players aren't going to contribute much - if anything - to the team on game day. So, what are they good for? As mentioned above, projects who might be future contributors. Maybe unique practice players who help prepare the rotation players. And maybe, they can be an example of a program's culture and values.

If No. 15 on the roster isn't going to contribute on the court on game day, I'm open to the thought that there can be value from that spot beyond potential as a "future contributor" (which likely won't pan out anyway). Hell, I'm a believer that Zach Wrightsil was a not insignificant contributor to the team's success in 2022-23 and I wouldn't have objected to having him stick around as No. 15 on the roster the following year.

What I hope will happen (as I've said in another thread): Shaka signs a solid 5 and then tells CH that he appreciates everything he's done but that he's not going to be part of the rotation next year and helps him find a program where he can contribute. But because I don't think that the last scholarship player on the bench is going to contribute to wins and losses during the season anyway, I'm not going to hate on Shaka if he sticks with a kid.

[Scoop Snoop]

Very thoughtful post StillAWarrior. Thank you.

I have been a critic of what I regard as over-the-top RGV, and the merchandise-while meaningless in the big picture of MUBB- really annoys me as Middle Schoolish. But the points you have laid out reflect a very valid counter argument to scoopers like me.

Translation-I'm not buying everything you are selling, but I enjoy reading posts like this one.

[The Sultan]

This will be an unpopular opinion, but what if there really is something different about the "culture" that Shaka is building at Marquette? Yes, this year was a dumpster fire and the constant harping on "RGV" - including to the point of selling merch - is tiresome. But, Shaka has done a pretty good job of retaining the talent that he wants to retain. Maybe that has something to do with the fact that he's doing things a little differently - because this year it certainly isn't because the team was winning. Clearly he needs to make some changes to his approach and manage his roster through the portal -- definitely this year and likely in future years to some extent.

Just like in the workplace, if employees are happy and feel like they are being compensated fairly, they will rarely leave for salary reasons. (Unless they are insanely different of course.)

[StillAWarrior]

Very thoughtful post StillAWarrior. Thank you.

I have been a critic of what I regard as over-the-top RGV, and the merchandise-while meaningless in the big picture of MUBB- really annoys me as Middle Schoolish. But the points you have laid out reflect a very valid counter argument to scoopers like me.

Translation-I'm not buying everything you are selling, but I enjoy reading posts like this one.

Well, one thing I'm not buying is the RGV merch. I've carefully avoided Golden Eagles merch for 30+ years, but I'd buy that before I'd buy an RGV shirt.

I'm aware that one flaw in what I'm "selling" is the very real possibility that 2, 3, 4 or even more players might covet that 15th scholarship spot. There's definitely a hard cap on the number of players that can be carried on a roster whose sole contribution is embodiment of culture and values. At some point, mistakes must be acknowledged and hard decisions must be made. That's why they pay head coaches the big bucks.

[SaveOD238]

The idea that if Caedin comes back Shaka will treat him as the 15th man is absurd. He went from starter to 10 MPG. That's not nothing. If a guy is going to go from 8th man to 15th in his fourth year, there's zero reason to bring him back.

He's not going to be end of the bench.  Caedin will probably still play 5-10 minutes a game, and I'm ok with that provided he is used to absorb some fouls, clog the lane, and let whoever our starting center is get some rest.  I just don't think he should come anywhere close to starting

[Billy Hoyle]

As we have seen, Shaka likes to take flyers on players. Wouldn't the 14th and 15th spots be where you would want to take flyers? Hamilton was a flyer and we have had three years to see what Hamilton has. Wouldn't it make more sense to use his spot for a new freshman flyer? I saw several players in the state tournament that have a good chance to develop into better players than Hamilton that MU apparently hasn't prioritized. There are likely portal players that also would be worth a flyer. If a flyer doesn't work out, why should he take a roster spot for four years? When Itejere didn't work out, he left.

Do we never need 15 on the roster?

[muwarrior69]

This will be an unpopular opinion, but what if there really is something different about the "culture" that Shaka is building at Marquette? Yes, this year was a dumpster fire and the constant harping on "RGV" - including to the point of selling merch - is tiresome. But, Shaka has done a pretty good job of retaining the talent that he wants to retain. Maybe that has something to do with the fact that he's doing things a little differently - because this year it certainly isn't because the team was winning. Clearly he needs to make some changes to his approach and manage his roster through the portal -- definitely this year and likely in future years to some extent. He's indicated that he's willing to do so and we're all anxiously awaiting proof.

That's a long-winded set up to asking, what if keeping a kid like Hamilton on scholarship at the end of the bench does help build for the future because it demonstrates a culture that could help us attract talent. The 13th - 15th scholarship players aren't going to contribute much - if anything - to the team on game day. So, what are they good for? As mentioned above, projects who might be future contributors. Maybe unique practice players who help prepare the rotation players. And maybe, they can be an example of a program's culture and values.

If No. 15 on the roster isn't going to contribute on the court on game day, I'm open to the thought that there can be value from that spot beyond potential as a "future contributor" (which likely won't pan out anyway). Hell, I'm a believer that Zach Wrightsil was a not insignificant contributor to the team's success in 2022-23 and I wouldn't have objected to having him stick around as No. 15 on the roster the following year.

What I hope will happen (as I've said in another thread): Shaka signs a solid 5 and then tells CH that he appreciates everything he's done but that he's not going to be part of the rotation next year and helps him find a program where he can contribute. But because I don't think that the last scholarship player on the bench is going to contribute to wins and losses during the season anyway, I'm not going to hate on Shaka if he sticks with a kid.

The problem is we need help now. Shaka can take a flyer on a No. 15 kid down the road and no one even me will complain.

[Uncle Rico]

The problem is we need help now. Shaka can take a flyer on a No. 15 kid down the road and no one even me will complain.

Sure, Jan

[BCHoopster]

You do not need 15 kids on your roster, 4 or 5 kids that do not play can save MU a million dollars to give to let's say Nigel James.  I see a 12 man roster next year. Shaka is very competitive person, he made a big mistake last year thinking his roster was good enough, realized now he has to change with the times. 
4 players signed for next year, the 5 freshman, Phillips and 2 transfers.

[Its DJOver]

You do not need 15 kids on your roster, 4 or 5 kids that do not play can save MU a million dollars to give to let's say Nigel James.  I see a 12 man roster next year. Shaka is very competitive person, he made a big mistake last year thinking his roster was good enough, realized now he has to change with the times. 
4 players signed for next year, the 5 freshman, Phillips and 2 transfers.

Source?

[MuMark]

You do not need 15 kids on your roster, 4 or 5 kids that do not play can save MU a million dollars to give to let's say Nigel James.  I see a 12 man roster next year. Shaka is very competitive person, he made a big mistake last year thinking his roster was good enough, realized now he has to change with the times. 
4 players signed for next year, the 5 freshman, Phillips and 2 transfers.

12 man roster.......would you like to wager? I'll take over 12......you get 12 or under?

We can do it for charity ......

[Scoop Snoop]

Well, one thing I'm not buying is the RGV merch. I've carefully avoided Golden Eagles merch for 30+ years, but I'd buy that before I'd buy an RGV shirt.       Love it!

I'm aware that one flaw in what I'm "selling" is the very real possibility that 2, 3, 4 or even more players might covet that 15th scholarship spot. There's definitely a hard cap on the number of players that can be carried on a roster whose sole contribution is embodiment of culture and values. At some point, mistakes must be acknowledged and hard decisions must be made. That's why they pay head coaches the big bucks.

Damn, I'm agreeing with you even more. I gotta stop doing that, because I have worked very hard on building a reputation for disagreeing with as many scoopers as possible. Crap like this will ruin my rep.

[MU82]

This will be an unpopular opinion, but what if there really is something different about the "culture" that Shaka is building at Marquette? Yes, this year was a dumpster fire and the constant harping on "RGV" - including to the point of selling merch - is tiresome. But, Shaka has done a pretty good job of retaining the talent that he wants to retain. Maybe that has something to do with the fact that he's doing things a little differently - because this year it certainly isn't because the team was winning. Clearly he needs to make some changes to his approach and manage his roster through the portal -- definitely this year and likely in future years to some extent. He's indicated that he's willing to do so and we're all anxiously awaiting proof.

That's a long-winded set up to asking, what if keeping a kid like Hamilton on scholarship at the end of the bench does help build for the future because it demonstrates a culture that could help us attract talent. The 13th - 15th scholarship players aren't going to contribute much - if anything - to the team on game day. So, what are they good for? As mentioned above, projects who might be future contributors. Maybe unique practice players who help prepare the rotation players. And maybe, they can be an example of a program's culture and values.

If No. 15 on the roster isn't going to contribute on the court on game day, I'm open to the thought that there can be value from that spot beyond potential as a "future contributor" (which likely won't pan out anyway). Hell, I'm a believer that Zach Wrightsil was a not insignificant contributor to the team's success in 2022-23 and I wouldn't have objected to having him stick around as No. 15 on the roster the following year.

What I hope will happen (as I've said in another thread): Shaka signs a solid 5 and then tells CH that he appreciates everything he's done but that he's not going to be part of the rotation next year and helps him find a program where he can contribute. But because I don't think that the last scholarship player on the bench is going to contribute to wins and losses during the season anyway, I'm not going to hate on Shaka if he sticks with a kid.

Outstanding post.

[SchnitzelBoy]

You do not need 15 kids on your roster, 4 or 5 kids that do not play can save MU a million dollars to give to let's say Nigel James.  I see a 12 man roster next year. Shaka is very competitive person, he made a big mistake last year thinking his roster was good enough, realized now he has to change with the times. 
4 players signed for next year, the 5 freshman, Phillips and 2 transfers.

They're definitely rolling out 2026-27 with more than 12 dudes. They're not losing 5-6 dudes then only adding 1 or 2. I think two players or three (AT MOST) leave, but I could really see only one leave while Shaka fills out the roster with a pair of portal additions. I'm not saying that carrying 15 dudes is efficient. But if the back 4 of that are younger guys or redshirts waiting patiently for their turn while improving (key word), then that isn't horrible.

[StillAWarrior]

The problem is we need help now. Shaka can take a flyer on a No. 15 kid down the road and no one even me will complain.

I don't disagree. Shaka's job is Head Basketball Coach, not Head Culture Builder. To the extent that those two things are at odds, I 100% believe he must prioritize winning basketball games over creating a culture and "doing things differently." However, to the extent that he can do both, I personally really like the idea of Marquette doing things a little differently.

I suspect (i.e., really hope) we're going to get an infusion of at least three transfers. That would mean that at least two of the guys who have been discussed at length in this thread will need to move on. I'd love for that to be a mutual decision between the player(s) and the coaching staff. If enough players voluntarily leave to allow the coaching staff to bring in the number of transfers they think they need to bounce back next year, I have no problem if some remain on the end of the bench. If not, then ultimately the HBC is going to have to do his job.

[SchnitzelBoy]

This will be an unpopular opinion, but what if there really is something different about the "culture" that Shaka is building at Marquette? Yes, this year was a dumpster fire and the constant harping on "RGV" - including to the point of selling merch - is tiresome. But, Shaka has done a pretty good job of retaining the talent that he wants to retain. Maybe that has something to do with the fact that he's doing things a little differently - because this year it certainly isn't because the team was winning. Clearly he needs to make some changes to his approach and manage his roster through the portal -- definitely this year and likely in future years to some extent. He's indicated that he's willing to do so and we're all anxiously awaiting proof.

That's a long-winded set up to asking, what if keeping a kid like Hamilton on scholarship at the end of the bench does help build for the future because it demonstrates a culture that could help us attract talent. The 13th - 15th scholarship players aren't going to contribute much - if anything - to the team on game day. So, what are they good for? As mentioned above, projects who might be future contributors. Maybe unique practice players who help prepare the rotation players. And maybe, they can be an example of a program's culture and values.

If No. 15 on the roster isn't going to contribute on the court on game day, I'm open to the thought that there can be value from that spot beyond potential as a "future contributor" (which likely won't pan out anyway). Hell, I'm a believer that Zach Wrightsil was a not insignificant contributor to the team's success in 2022-23 and I wouldn't have objected to having him stick around as No. 15 on the roster the following year.

What I hope will happen (as I've said in another thread): Shaka signs a solid 5 and then tells CH that he appreciates everything he's done but that he's not going to be part of the rotation next year and helps him find a program where he can contribute. But because I don't think that the last scholarship player on the bench is going to contribute to wins and losses during the season anyway, I'm not going to hate on Shaka if he sticks with a kid.

Quite true. I do think it could be wasteful to keep Caedin and Josh on the roster if you're planning for a frontcourt rotation of Royce, Sheek, and portal center. BUT it does set you up for 2017-28 with a frontcourt rotation of senior Royce, soph Sheek, senior Caedin, and junior Josh. All of those guys bring something different to the table, and at that point Josh/Caedin could have really put it together to become serviceable. If you look at all the dominant bigs around college hoops, you see a ton of RS juniors and seniors who are grown-ass men. Maybe that's the vision? You can't expect this squad to do much next year without that portal addition, though. And with the core coming back, we should be expecting MU to do a whole lot more than they did this past campaign.

[BCHoopster]

Source?

3 are gone for sure maybe 4

[Its DJOver]

3 are gone for sure maybe 4

That does not answer the question.

[BCHoopster]

12 man roster.......would you like to wager? I'll take over 12......you get 12 or under?

We can do it for charity ......

If he keeps Clark might be 13, do not gamble.