Tiny bright spot

[Billy Hoyle]

The issue at hand for Sean would be the Five-Year Rule.

Eligibility for a hardship waiver re: the current season looks like a SLAM DUNK. Easy. However, that doesn't get you anywhere. Once initial eligibility is exhausted (e.g., after NEXT season, which is year 5 for him), then his current institution could apply for a waiver of the Five-Year Rule.

In some circumstances, the likelihood of a waiver is very easy to ascertain. Here, it's a tough road because it's been widely discussed that he chose to not play last season. The facts are such that he's not a candidate for an additional year "by the book". Of course, the NCAA doesn't always do things by the book, so anything's possible.. but I think it would not be known until AFTER year 5. (You can still practice with your team for a period of time - I believe 30 days - in a situation where a Five-Year Rule waiver has been submitted, but not yet answered).

So, if I'm team X looking at Sean for next season, my thought is either (a) we're gonna get him for a year and that's it, or (b) there's a slim chance we can get him for 2 years, but we won't know until after year 1.

you are correct. One only qualifies for an extension of eligibility waiver (what Sean would be petitioning for) if the athlete had two missed participation opportunities outside the athlete's control. If Sean was practicing or if he wasn't but had cleared to return by the doctors, he would be automatically ineligible for that year to be considered. In all likelihood, next year is it for Sean's college career; better to go to an Ohio school in the MAC or Horizon to start and play 30 minutes a game if that's his motivation; playing time. He'll have his MU degree.

[#UnleashJosh]

This game and every ensuing pathetic crap out we have is pointless.

It's kind of sad how little I care about the games at this point. Being down 10 against DePaul doesn't phase me, I don't give a shot anymore.

[hawk]

Shaka likes to play his starters 25- 32 mminutes a game.  James is tired becoase he is getting 34 or more a lot.  If Jones stays to be the backup he'd be plenty capable of filling that roll.  What upper class point guard would be happy to play behind a second year player who is obviously the starter?  Just as well to keep Sean.  Norman might want to go because there is no real roster spot for him, if that happened Shaka could recruit a freshman  point guard to groom as a replacement.  15 players on a roster is a lot of players, the 12-15 guys aren't likely to play anyway so no harm if Tre stays either.  Doesn't hurt the team and shows Shaka is loyal to his ethos.  win,win.

[willie warrior]

No question that this season is/was a debacle.  It stands as a failure to properly evaluuate talent and shines a light on the problems of not using all tools available to build a team.  It is also ta testament to the success of the last four years.  Five guys into the NBA is a lot of talent to pass through a program.  That said I am optimistic about next season.  Parham,James,Stevens and Owens are forming the basis for the next big leap in the progam.  I expect Shaka will bag a starting center for next season to solidify the post that along with the four reurning key players makes MU instantly back in the pictuue.  Given the players coming in next season I seee no particular reason why MU should nt bee back in the NCAA.  If either Sean or Tre decide to leave the program I'd expect shaka to pick up a point guard in the portal as well.  If they both stay that is still probably enough to get back to the dance.  Whatever the case turns out to be I am confident that SDhaka knows what needs to be done and will act accordingly.  His name is Shaka Smart not Shaka idiot. 

Night leap for next year? That would be nice, but the bar is so low right now, so a .500 season could be a "big leap" but is not acceptable for MU basketball.