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.

[BM1090]

There are clearly going to be more transfers. There are clearly going to be multiple additions. I'm surprised this is still a conversation.

[Vander Blue Man Group]

There are clearly going to be more transfers. There are clearly going to be multiple additions. I'm surprised this is still a conversation.

But Shaka wore a shirt with an RGV patch last game to send a message...

[rocky_warrior]

But Shaka wore a shirt with an RGV patch last game to send a message...

That still may be true...

[wiscwarrior]

I don't see why RGV can't evolve as a philosophy to include transfers. Who's to say that Shaka will only bring in seniors?Maybe underclassmen will be a target and seniors will have to show that they will fit in.

[Nukem2]

I don't see why RGV can't evolve as a philosophy to include transfers. Who's to say that Shaka will only bring in seniors?Maybe underclassmen will be a target and seniors will have to show that they will fit in.

If Shaka brings in some portal guys this spring (as he most certainly should), I suspect they would be senior year eligibility guys and not underclassmen.

[burger]

What I won't miss from this season.

1. Ben Gold never having his feet set or shooting line drive 3 shots that have no arc.

2. Chase thinking he is team leader and sole scorer that is taking the last second shot for the win or loss (zero for the season successfully)

3.  Shaka making excuses why we lost "that game".

4.  Having 3 empty slots on the bench with non D1 players with the ability to add to the success of team that makes it to the dance.

[1SE]

A tiny bright spot for me was highlighted by this game. Clearly Prov has checked out and given up (why in the world would you tell a coach he's not coming back but not fire him immediately/go interim).

On Sat Jan 17th we were 6-13 (1-7) and had lost 9 of our last 10. We weren't playing like a metrical bubble. It would have been real easy for Shaka and the guys to throw in the towel at that point and slink to something like a 2-18 BE finish.

Whether or not we've been playing like a metrical bubble since then or not, we've clearly not given up - playing better ball and going 5-6 since then - still terrible, but as we've seen not markedly more terrible then the rest of the BLEAST. Shaka still has to make some major changes for next year, but the fact that he was able to stay dialed in despite this sh*tshow and, for the most part, keep the guys dialed in, gives me hope that if he goes out and gets the right pieces we can get back to talking about how he fails in the NCAAT rather than in the regular season. We're not Prov. Or Gtown. At least yet...

[Hards Alumni]

It's not going to be up to Sean and Tre if they return.

Correct, but I'm honestly not sure Shaka packs their bags.

[willie warrior]

What I won't miss from this season.

1. Ben Gold never having his feet set or shooting line drive 3 shots that have no arc.

2. Chase thinking he is team leader and sole scorer that is taking the last second shot for the win or loss (zero for the season successfully)

3.  Shaka making excuses why we lost "that game".

4.  Having 3 empty slots on the bench with non D1 players with the ability to add to the success of team that makes it to the dance.

5. Parham never missing an opportunity to jack up a 3 when he should be down low.

6. Wondering what the 3 redshirts could have added for us this year

7. MU repeatedly missing front end of bonus FTs

8. Gold with his awesome 3 point shooting of about 22%

9. Gold repeatedly getting torched by smaller Guards on switches.

10. A 20 loss season, no dance, there is always next year, Hamilton accolades, etc., etc.

[Hards Alumni]

11. Willie bitching non stop

Just kidding, that happens every year.  Insufferable donkey.

[Vander Blue Man Group]

Willie's comment regarding Parham shows he's clearly not paying attention, which is not surprising.

[BM1090]

5. Parham never missing an opportunity to jack up a 3 when he should be down low.

6. Wondering what the 3 redshirts could have added for us this year

7. MU repeatedly missing front end of bonus FTs

8. Gold with his awesome 3 point shooting of about 22%

9. Gold repeatedly getting torched by smaller Guards on switches.

10. A 20 loss season, no dance, there is always next year, Hamilton accolades, etc., etc.

Parham is taking less than 3 threes a game in conference play, and has made 37% of them. Not even close to an issue.

[Galway Eagle]

Parham is taking less than 3 threes a game in conference play, and has made 37% of them. Not even close to an issue.

Willie complains a lot about inane stuff but to be fair to him in non con Royce was taking way too many and missing practically all of them. It was a good, a bit late, adjustment in his play to have him shooting less 3s.

[BM1090]

Willie complains a lot about inane stuff but to be fair to him in non con Royce was taking way too many and missing practically all of them. It was a good, a bit late, adjustment in his play to have him shooting less 3s.

You're not wrong, but if it hasn't been an issue the last 20 games I guess I just don't see it as an issue.

[Pakuni]

8. Gold with his awesome 3 point shooting of about 22%

9. Gold repeatedly getting torched by smaller Guards on switches.

You're dead on correct about #8. The fact that two-thirds of Ben's shots are still coming from beyond the arc is tough to understand.
But #9 isn't a Ben problem. It's the problem of defensive scheme/rotations that ask him to defend small guards on the perimeter. Oso was special in his ability to do that. Asking the same of Ben - especially when he's been gimpy much of the season - isn't fair.