Free year of eligibility/Roster management

[D-West & PO-Z]

I brought this up in the shootout thread and it got some discussion and someone suggested maybe it needed its own thread and I agree.

Don't want to shootout thread to be overtaken.

I think this year being basically a free year for every player is great but also complex. I know we are just starting this season so no real reason to think about next or beyond yet but I am sure Steele and staff have thought of it as it relates to roster management.

Not that this would or should happen but essentially every single player who wanted to come back next year and that Steele wanted back could come back. That is kind of crazy. I think we have some who will take advantage and others, like Scruggs, who I am sure will be excited to move on professionally and make some money.

I don't follow recruiting closely so I don't know who or how many we have coming in next year but I am sure Steele has a good idea on who he thinks will stay for that extra year and who wont and is planning accordingly. Will Nate Johnson stay? Griffin? Carter? Who knows?

Also for Steele to consider as years move on is which younger guys will end up staying for that 5th year. Usually the really talented players are probably ready to go make some money in whatever professional league by the end of 4 years, sometimes 3, but will be interesting to see.

[xavierj]

I brought this up in the shootout thread and it got some discussion and someone suggested maybe it needed its own thread and I agree.

Don't want to shootout thread to be overtaken.

I think this year being basically a free year for every player is great but also complex. I know we are just starting this season so no real reason to think about next or beyond yet but I am sure Steele and staff have thought of it as it relates to roster management.

Not that this would or should happen but essentially every single player who wanted to come back next year and that Steele wanted back could come back. That is kind of crazy. I think we have some who will take advantage and others, like Scruggs, who I am sure will be excited to move on professionally and make some money.

I don't follow recruiting closely so I don't know who or how many we have coming in next year but I am sure Steele has a good idea on who he thinks will stay for that extra year and who wont and is planning accordingly. Will Nate Johnson stay? Griffin? Carter? Who knows?

Also for Steele to consider as years move on is which younger guys will end up staying for that 5th year. Usually the really talented players are probably ready to go make some money in whatever professional league by the end of 4 years, sometimes 3, but will be interesting to see.

I would imagine Carter and Scruggs would move on, Johnson maybe and I think Griffin will come back. Have two guys coming in and have no idea if Ramsey will ever play. There is always a chance someone transfers. I think next year they will use 12 scholarships but can use much more if everyone wanted to come back, due to the free year and not having those count against the usual limit.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I would imagine Carter and Scruggs would move on, Johnson maybe and I think Griffin will come back. Have two guys coming in and have no idea if Ramsey will ever play. There is always a chance someone transfers. I think next year they will use 12 scholarships but can use much more if everyone wanted to come back, due to the free year and not having those count against the usual limit.

Wait are you saying that the guys who come back for the extra year don't count against the scholarship limit? Are you sure about that? Is it only the guys coming back for the "extra year" who otherwise wouldn't have been able to come back that dont count against it or everyone? Whats the limit you can have? Are guys allowed to transfer to use this extra year or can they only use it at the school they played for this year?

If it is true they don't count against the scholarship limit that makes the roster much easier to manage. Not that you still dont have to manage things but def easier.

[xavierj]

Wait are you saying that the guys who come back for the extra year don't count against the scholarship limit? Are you sure about that? Is it only the guys coming back for the "extra year" who otherwise wouldn't have been able to come back that dont count against it or everyone? Whats the limit you can have? Are guys allowed to transfer to use this extra year or can they only use it at the school they played for this year?

If it is true they don't count against the scholarship limit that makes the roster much easier to manage. Not that you still dont have to manage things but def easier.

Yes I believe they are relaxing the limits for one year only and then you need to get back to the limit. Coaches will have to be strategic in who they allow to return. Since Xavier only has two guys coming in, they should be good to bring in three or four for the 22 class.

[XUGRAD80]

X has a 6-7 wing and a 6-10 power forward/center coming in next year.

Something to consider is that EVERYONE gets an extra year of eligibility. This year doesn’t count against anyone’s 4 years. So there will be an effect on the rosters for many years to come, not just next year. There’s also about a 99% certitude that the NCAA is going to start allowing ALL players to transfer 1X in there college years, and not have to sit out for a year. While I’m not crazy about that rule change, it’s something every coach is going to have to take into consideration when recruiting freshman. I’d think that everyone of them will keep at least on scholarship free to use on a transfer should a top player fall into their laps.

I see Scruggs, Carter, and Johnson moving on. I think that between Griffin and Stanley, one stays and one goes. Possible that one of the young guards/wings decides to transfer out, but I hope not. If 4 players leave and 2 freshman come in, that still leaves X with flexibility to snare a top transfer or two.

[D-West & PO-Z]

X has a 6-7 wing and a 6-10 power forward/center coming in next year.

Something to consider is that EVERYONE gets an extra year of eligibility. This year doesn’t count against anyone’s 4 years. So there will be an effect on the rosters for many years to come, not just next year. There’s also about a 99% certitude that the NCAA is going to start allowing ALL players to transfer 1X in there college years, and not have to sit out for a year. While I’m not crazy about that rule change, it’s something every coach is going to have to take into consideration when recruiting freshman. I’d think that everyone of them will keep at least on scholarship free to use on a transfer should a top player fall into their laps.

I see Scruggs, Carter, and Johnson moving on. I think that between Griffin and Stanley, one stays and one goes. Possible that one of the young guards/wings decides to transfer out, but I hope not. If 4 players leave and 2 freshman come in, that still leaves X with flexibility to snare a top transfer or two.

I love the transfer rule change. You are right that is definitely something coaches will have to plan for.

I am guessing you only think Stanley might go if he ends up becoming eligible this year after the NCAA considers that "make all transfers eligible" recommendation that was made. Otherwise would be weird for him to transfer here then never play.

[xukeith]

With all those players/students getting another year, who pays for their new scholarship, room, food, tuition and books?

I suspect some colleges/universities are struggling financially with students staying closer to home during covid 19.

Life is expensive, who pays the tab?

[boozehound]

With all those players/students getting another year, who pays for their new scholarship, room, food, tuition and books?

I suspect some colleges/universities are struggling financially with students staying closer to home during covid 19.

Life is expensive, who pays the tab?

I would think that in terms of the budget for a big time basketball program those numbers are probably not that significant. I don't know for sure, though.

This change will make things very interesting. I imagine Scruggs will be gone, but not sure who else.

[XUGRAD80]

There are always going to be players that leave, the question will be what then? Do you bring in more players, or do you stand pat? I doubt that many programs will have any more players on their rosters next year, than they do this year. Even though a player MAY be eligible to return, that doesn’t mean they will or that if they do, that they will be on scholarship.

Let’s say a school has a senior that wants to return, but he’s been a backup and hasn’t been a big contributor. The coach may say, “Sure, you can come back. But I don’t have a scholarship for you because it’s not in the budget.” But the player will then have the option to possibly transfer to another school and play right away, that will give them a scholarship.

[D-West & PO-Z]

There are always going to be players that leave, the question will be what then? Do you bring in more players, or do you stand pat? I doubt that many programs will have any more players on their rosters next year, than they do this year. Even though a player MAY be eligible to return, that doesn’t mean they will or that if they do, that they will be on scholarship.

Let’s say a school has a senior that wants to return, but he’s been a backup and hasn’t been a big contributor. The coach may say, “Sure, you can come back. But I don’t have a scholarship for you because it’s not in the budget.” But the player will then have the option to possibly transfer to another school and play right away, that will give them a scholarship.

Are we 100% positive that this extra year can be used at a school other than the one you were at for the "free" year? I seem to feel like I remember that wasn't allowed. I could be wrong though.

[XUGRAD80]

I hadn’t heard anything like that. Would really surprise me if that was the case.

Let me rephrase that.....if we were dealing with anyone other than the NCAA, it would really surprise me if that was the case.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I hadn’t heard anything like that. Would really surprise me if that was the case.

Let me rephrase that.....if we were dealing with anyone other than the NCAA, it would really surprise me if that was the case.

I could be making that up. I might be. So essentially Scruggs could leave after this year and go play at another school if he wanted for his 5th year? Not that he would do that but he could if he wanted?

[xubrew]

Yes I believe they are relaxing the limits for one year only and then you need to get back to the limit. Coaches will have to be strategic in who they allow to return. Since Xavier only has two guys coming in, they should be good to bring in three or four for the 22 class.

This will probably be decided at the winter meetings. To be honest I really don't know what they're going to do.

[Dblue]

It's fun to think of the talent we could have come back... until you realize every other teams what if scenario. We could get Scruggs for one more year but Nova gets a chance of one more year with Gillespie.

It's just one example, but there are quite a few players I'd rather see graduate and move on than stick around for a fifth year.

[XUGRAD80]

I could be making that up. I might be. So essentially Scruggs could leave after this year and go play at another school if he wanted for his 5th year? Not that he would do that but he could if he wanted?


Very good question. I don’t know the answer, but I would think not unless X allowed him to do so.

[xudash]

Quotes from Steele from today's Cincy paper:

"It's nice having depth," Steele said when asked about the challenge of trying to add three newcomers into the rotation on short notice. "You look over there and we've got a lot of options now. I told our guys (Saturday) night, I met with Adam, C.J. and Colby and I said, 'Hey fellas, you're probably not going to play your normal load of minutes.'"

Steele said he didn't want the talent infusion to disrupt the rhythm of his team.

So he told them, "Our goal is to win the Big East title and we need everybody in this room to be committed to that, to be on the bus the entire time even when things may not go your way individually because we're gonna need everybody at some point on this team ... and that's already been shown this year when we had a couple of guys in quarantine."

How about this stat: Of the 10 Musketeers who touched the floor Sunday, six were making their Crosstown Shootout debut.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Very good question. I don’t know the answer, but I would think not unless X allowed him to do so.

If this extra year can be used anywhere I don't see why X would have to allow him, especially considering he will have graduated.

[XUGRAD80]

If this extra year can be used anywhere I don't see why X would have to allow him, especially considering he will have graduated.

Hers what the NCAA press release says...

“Winter sport student-athletes who compete during 2020-21 in Division I will receive both an additional season of competition and an additional year in which to complete it, the Division I Council decided. The same flexibility was provided to student-athletes after the spring season was canceled in 2020 and the fall season was seriously impacted by the COVID”

Not sure what the rule is on players transferring, but would guess that someone like Scruggs would be just like any other Grad Transfer and would be regulated by the rules regarding them. I don’t think that the BE allows grad transfers to move to another school in the conference without the school he is leaving approving it. Outside the conference would not be effected. However, I haven’t read the actual rule book or NCAA rule, so I can’t say for sure.

[XUGRAD80]

Also worth reading....including the links

https://www.ncsasports.org/coronavirus-sports/ncaa-eligibility-coronavirus

[D-West & PO-Z]

Also worth reading....including the links

https://www.ncsasports.org/coronavirus-sports/ncaa-eligibility-coronavirus

Good links, thanks.

[boozehound]

Scruggs will be 23 in March. I'd be a little surprised if he comes back to College next year in any capacity.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Scruggs will be 23 in March. I'd be a little surprised if he comes back to College next year in any capacity.

Totally agree.

[XUGRAD80]

Jason Carter will turn 23 on December 23rd. He already had his undergraduate degree when he came to X. Should have his masters after this year. Can’t see him staying for another year either.


Funny though, when I was a 5th year senior I couldn’t wait to finish up and move on. Even turned down a position as a coach that would have allowed me to begin work on my masters. Looking back, wish I had stayed and done that. School and sports was easy compared to actually trying to earn a living! :)

[xavierj]

Hers what the NCAA press release says...

“Winter sport student-athletes who compete during 2020-21 in Division I will receive both an additional season of competition and an additional year in which to complete it, the Division I Council decided. The same flexibility was provided to student-athletes after the spring season was canceled in 2020 and the fall season was seriously impacted by the COVID”

Not sure what the rule is on players transferring, but would guess that someone like Scruggs would be just like any other Grad Transfer and would be regulated by the rules regarding them. I don’t think that the BE allows grad transfers to move to another school in the conference without the school he is leaving approving it. Outside the conference would not be effected. However, I haven’t read the actual rule book or NCAA rule, so I can’t say for sure.

You can transfer. Guy on my sons football team was a 5th year senior this year. Coach told him at end of season meeting they were not going to keep him on scholarship if he wanted to take advantage of the free year so he could transfer if he wanted to try to get a scholarship somewhere else. He went in the portal today.

[D-West & PO-Z]

You can transfer. Guy on my sons football team was a 5th year senior this year. Coach told him at end of season meeting they were not going to keep him on scholarship if he wanted to take advantage of the free year so he could transfer if he wanted to try to get a scholarship somewhere else. He went in the portal today.

Good to know thanks.

I would imagine the transfer portal is going to be on steroids this offseason. Essentially every senior in the country can be a grad transfer player who can transfer anywhere and play right away for a year. I guess that might happen anyway with the new transfer rule being proposed though.

[Snipe]

I looked at the NCAA website and you guys are correct. I was telling my sons about this and they thought I was on crack. This is going to have profound implications for many years to come and might reshape college basketball. Reminding everyone that sometimes emergency procedures are kept in place because after people do it they feel like it is good practice. I don’t know what will happen, it is speculative for sure.

So Miles Redshirted last year, he could be here 6 years and get his graduate degree. Take advantage of the system when you can.

People say Scruggs won’t stay. I don’t disagree. I also will pen a love letter asking him to return for a second Big East Championship!

Every single player could come back, and we are loaded with players. If they don’t like the playing time stick around, because they all get another year of eligibility.

I want my Grown Ass Man for two years!

Kunk isn’t going to the NBA in the draft as far as I can tell, though I will root for him to do so. If not, give me three years of Kunk! Are you F-in kidding me.

I can’t wait for Jason Carter to come back just so all the haters can taste it! How does that taste haters!

Kentucky and Duke get one and dones. Xavier is gonna have 5 and 6 years seniors as we repeat as NCAA champions.

I foresee a glorious future for all involved. Get used to winning boys. This team is stacked. Ben Stanley is going to be a raging bull for perhaps three more years.

IT is good to be King!

[Snipe]

Not to mention that Odom will be our starting point guard for 5 straight years, shattering all records and getting 5 wins in the Crosstown Shootout.

[SM#24]

Scruggs won Big East title freshman year, so coming back next year will be his third after we win this year.

[Snipe]

Much love for you my friend for pointing out the error in my ways. SCRUGGS NOT DRUGS!!!!!