Tarik Black to Transfer-Eligible NOW

[Masterofreality]

Would you want him?

He's graduating in May and ala Andre Walker can play next season.

6:9 260 lbs.

[DC Muskie]

Yes?

[Muskie]

Will he be as good as Andre Walker?

[GoMuskies]

Will he be as good as Andre Walker?

Is this a trick question?

[Muskie]

Is this a trick question?
Sorta?

Also do we play Memphis next year? It looks like he will not be allowed a transfer to a team on their schedule. I can't remember if we've finished that series.

[MarvAlbert]

Everything I've seen says it was just a 2 year series.

[Muskie]

Everything I've seen says it was just a 2 year series.
I saw that as well. I feel as if we've played them more than 2 times though? I'm too lazy to check the stack of media guides in my office (I'm simply waiting on MOR to log on and set me straight).

[GoMuskies]

We've just played them twice in regularly scheduled games. We also beat them in Puerto Rico (?) in the finals of a holiday tournament.

Should have won all three.

[Muskie]

We've just played them twice in regularly scheduled games. We also beat them in Puerto Rico (?) in the finals of a holiday tournament.

Should have won all three.

As far as the better than Andre Walker question. It gives me pause that he apparently just walked out of practice one day and Pastner saw fit to cut his minutes. We'll have a young impressionable team next season, and without knowing the specifics of his situation, I'm not sure how I feel.

[boozehound]

As far as the better than Andre Walker question. It gives me pause that he apparently just walked out of practice one day and Pastner saw fit to cut his minutes. We'll have a young impressionable team next season, and without knowing the specifics of his situation, I'm not sure how I feel.

I agree with Muskie in that I would only want him if he is going to set a good example for the younger players.

Let's be honest here: Tarik Black probably isn't the missing piece that is going to take next year's team on a deep run. I would be more inclined to take Tarik Black in a situation like 2 years ago when we had very good guards but needed a forward badly. Next year will still be something of a rebuilding year, and I am more interested in building a strong nucleus of young players that buy into the system and each other.

That being said if he doesn't have attitude or effort issues he is a good player and would definitely help the team.

[ammtd34]

I know nothing about him personally. Basketball wise, I would want him.

[bobbiemcgee]

Black/Stain in the post sounds intriguing.

[danaandvictory]

No brainer, you take him if you can get him. Otherwise that scholarship probably sits fallow next year, unless Vezenkov/Etou both turn up.

[Masterofreality]

Memphis was a two year deal and is up. Since Memphis is now with SucKS in the same league, we won't be playing them again for a long time.

Our chances of landing him would be tough. All the big boys will be in line for him.

[PMI]

I would take Tarik Black in a heartbeat. Dude could be a MONSTER for us in a rejuvenated situation.

[Muskie]

Anyone know what the story is with him bolting from practice?

[PMI]

Anyone know what the story is with him bolting from practice?

I'm guessing that he was in practice and had the epiphany that he was being coached by the biggest moron in college athletics who was only like three years older than him and thought to himself, "I don't have to deal with this shit. I could go anywhere else I want."

[MHettel]

As far as the better than Andre Walker question. It gives me pause that he apparently just walked out of practice one day and Pastner saw fit to cut his minutes. We'll have a young impressionable team next season, and without knowing the specifics of his situation, I'm not sure how I feel.

Stepping away from a tense situation might be teh thing he needs. Frustration is often "cumulative", so it probably was time for him to go.

If Mark Lyons can put his act together for a year, anyone can.

[bigdiggins]

Anyone know what the story is with him bolting from practice?

Coach told him to practice FTs?

[blueblob06]

Averaged 20.8 mins/gm, 8.1 pts, 4.8 rebs, 59% from the field. Pretty nice numbers.

Bad news is while only playing 21 mins a game, he averaged 3.3 fouls. He fouled out of a heck of a lot of games. And he shot 44.8% FTs. Yikes.

With the amount of new guys in the program this fall, I think Mack would really have to like a transfer to add them into the mix as well. I'm also wondering what the heck happened between him and Pastner.

[danaandvictory]

He discovered that Pastner is kind of terrible?

[ammtd34]

Is this going to be this year's Oriakhi thread?

[DC Muskie]

Is this going to be this year's Oriakhi thread?

It will be if we actually have a shot at him!

[Charlesbt4]

A frontline rotation of Stainbrook, Philmore, Reynolds, and Black certainly would be intriguing. And let's be honest, Black has enormous potential.

[SixFig]

I'm thinking Stainbrook and Philmore are more traditional (ie less mobile) centers and I don't expect them to be on the floor together often. Do I trust Reynolds or Farr to be starting PF? Who knows?

Another factor when looking into the "graduate transfers" is they need to transfer to a place that has a masters program that their previous college didn't have. Coming from a large "college" like Memphis that has a ton of programs, Xavier's limited graduate school offerings might be a tough match.

[danaandvictory]

They always can work something out on that score, with an independent study or something like that. "Pedagogy in Cheese Coney Construction" or something. Besides, all of Memphis's graduate programs are in the School of Pimping.

[DC Muskie]

I have a PhD in Big Pimpin' actually.

[paulxu]

What the heck has happened with the Vez guy?

[ammtd34]

Well written press release.


"It is critical that I find a program that offers me the greatest chance of taking what I have learned over the last three years to the highest level," Black said in a press conference held at his Memphis home, attended by the Commercial Appeal. "Could I remain at Memphis and achieve the same? Quite possibly. But since as a graduate student I can play ball immediately next year, why not take advantage of this unique situation to gain a new perspective so that I can combine what I've learned at the U of M and what I will learn wherever I am next year in hopes of enhancing my versatility as a student-athlete?"

"I do not consider this a farewell," Black said."It's just a brief intermission until I come back home. I love my hometown and want you to know that wherever I go, my heart and soul will always be right here in Memphis."

[GoMuskies]

Hmm, loves Memphis. Questionable judgment.

[paulxu]

Hmm, loves Memphis. Questionable judgment.

Says a guy living in Which it Taw.

[XUFan09]

What the heck has happened with the Vez guy?

Still deciding between going pro and going to Xavier. If he commits, he commits, but there isn't much more going on. It's not like Mack can make a lot of trips out to see him or anything.

[smileyy]

Is this the guy who went 0-100 from the free throw line against Xavier? Pass.

[GoMuskies]

Says a guy living in Which it Taw.

I sure as hell wouldn't trade for Memphis.

[ballyhoohoo]

Says a guy living in Which it Taw.

You're going to let a little murder convince you otherwise?

[paulxu]

Blues, ribs and Tennessee women.

Wake up.

[blueblob06]

From Andy Katz article this morning....
http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebasketballnation/post/_/id/83564/3-point-shot-new-leagues-shining-moment

"Memphis coach Josh Pastner said he gave Tarik Black a Tuesday deadline to decide if he wanted to stay with the Tigers. He did not, even though he was graduating. "I want guys to be here with enthusiasm to be here,'' said Pastner. Black will transfer and try to play immediately next season. The Tigers also lost Adonis Thomas, who is declaring for the NBA draft. But the American-bound Tigers have one of the top recruiting classes in the country. "(Black) is a good guy and I wish him the very best. He graduated," Pastner said. "But we'll be fine. We're still really talented. We've got the main corps and we've got the No. 2 recruiting class.''

[DC Muskie]

It's funny the only time I read ESPN is on here, so thanks for the information.

It's good to know that despite the walkout, Pastner would still take him back. Of course that didn't prevent him from a backhanded compliment. Pastner will no doubt take the number 2 recruiting class and finish 5th in the AAAFFLLAACCK next season.

[Muskie]

What does the article mean by "try to play next season"? If he's graduating, wont' he be eligible automatically or does the NCAA actually have to clear him (I don't remember how it worked with Walker).

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Is this the guy who went 0-100 from the free throw line against Xavier? Pass.

Not a great FT shooter...But would definitely help
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WDq-0-8glc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8e5STZANtI

12/5 with 2 steals and 2 blocks vs VCU
13/4 vs Minnesota
21/2 with 2 steals vs Louisville
8/9 vs X
12/7 vs St Mary's

[DC Muskie]

What does the article mean by "try to play next season"? If he's graduating, wont' he be eligible automatically or does the NCAA actually have to clear him (I don't remember how it worked with Walker).

I took it as, a place where he wants to go and they want him as well. A perfect fit probably.

[danaandvictory]

He does have to get clearance from the NCAA and, I believe, Memphis.

[THRILLHOUSE]

"@GoodmanCBS: Tarik Black drawing interest from Duke, Kansas, Marquette, Miami, Tenn., FSU, UMass, 20 others -- per his AAU coach."

[BMoreX]

The competition:

Jeff Goodman ‏@GoodmanCBS 9m
Tarik Black drawing interest from Duke, Kansas, Marquette, Miami, Tenn., FSU, UMass, 20 others -- per his AAU coach Eric Robinson.

[DC Muskie]

Why does someone who has been in college still have an AAU coach?

[GIMMFD]

Why does someone who has been in college still have an AAU coach?

Probably just a friend, that he still keeps in contact with. I know a couple guys who are still close with their AAU coaches here.
He could help a lot, I just don't see us getting him at all.

[Muskie]

The competition:

Jeff Goodman ‏@GoodmanCBS 9m
Tarik Black drawing interest from Duke, Kansas, Marquette, Miami, Tenn., FSU, UMass, 20 others -- per his AAU coach Eric Robinson.

I'm calling Miami ... just on a hunch. No solid info.

[ballyhoohoo]

I'm calling Miami ... just on a hunch. No solid info.

I think they are out or even over

[DC Muskie]

Probably just a friend, that he still keeps in contact with. I know a couple guys who are still close with their AAU coaches here.
He could help a lot, I just don't see us getting him at all.

Yeah, it was more a tongue-in-cheek comment.

I'll bet that he goes to Florida State.

[GoMuskies]

Why has Snipe not taken up this cause like he did with Oriakhi? Very disappointing.

[Muskie in dayton]

What the heck has happened with the Vez guy?

Let me step back, WHO the heck is this Vez guy?

[PMI]

I'm thinking Stainbrook and Philmore are more traditional (ie less mobile) centers and I don't expect them to be on the floor together often. Do I trust Reynolds or Farr to be starting PF? Who knows?

Another factor when looking into the "graduate transfers" is they need to transfer to a place that has a masters program that their previous college didn't have. Coming from a large "college" like Memphis that has a ton of programs, Xavier's limited graduate school offerings might be a tough match.

I think if we went into next season with the exact roster we have now, which of course we will not, both Stainbrook and Philmore would start. Neither has great lift nor will they rebound much out of their areas, but I don't see who else we could start at the 4 to begin the year unless Reynolds is REALLY far along.

As for those who would choose to pass on Black just because of free throw shooting or whatever other little knocks you can find, let's just say I'm glad Mack is making the decisions and not any of you.

[ammtd34]

Yeah, it was more a tongue-in-cheek comment.

I'll bet that he goes to Florida State.

Depending on how they'd want to play, he could lose minutes there to Andrew Wiggins (assuming he goes there).

[waggy]

Black doesn't have very good rebounding numbers.

[ThrowDownDBrown]

Another factor when looking into the "graduate transfers" is they need to transfer to a place that has a masters program that their previous college didn't have. Coming from a large "college" like Memphis that has a ton of programs, Xavier's limited graduate school offerings might be a tough match.

Lol like they even care about that. These transfers pick a place based off the basketball team then find a grad program that will allow them to play right away

[smileyy]

The fact that that's even a rule (the master's program thing) and how little of an issue it is makes the rule a joke, and the NCAA a joke.

[XUFan09]

Black doesn't have very good rebounding numbers.

He's good on the offensive glass, but only okay on the defensive end. His good block rate probably hurts his numbers there a little, but still, a defensive rebounding rate of 16.0% is kinda meh for a forward. Somehow it's second-best on the team, but then no one on the team other than D.J. Stephens is a good defensive rebounder.

[XUFan09]

Let me step back, WHO the heck is this Vez guy?

Aleksander Vezenkov, Bulgarian stretch forward playing as a amateur on a Greek pro team right now.

[MuskiePimp23]

Memphis was a two year deal and is up. Since Memphis is now with SucKS in the same league, we won't be playing them again for a long time.

Our chances of landing him would be tough. All the big boys will be in line for him.

We are in the Big East now...In case you didn't know, we are a BIG BOY. We are more like a Big MAN. The Cintas Center is one of the nicest facilities in all of college basketball and now our conference matches our facilities. This should send recruiting to an even higher level. If we went after Black hard, I think we would have a great chance.

[Juice]

Depending on how they'd want to play, he could lose minutes there to Andrew Wiggins (assuming he goes there).

They don't play the same position.

[GIMMFD]

They don't play the same position.

I think he meant if they chose to go to a small line up, since Wiggins is 6'7 and could TECHNICALLY be a stretch 4ish type of person?

[ammtd34]

I think he meant if they chose to go to a small line up, since Wiggins is 6'7 and could TECHNICALLY be a stretch 4ish type of person?

Yep.