College Basketball Transfer Portal 2024-2025

[MHettel]

https://www.on3.com/transfer-portal/news/florida-transfer-riley-kugel-trims-list-to-four-top-basketball-schools/

Yeah, this florida transfer is down to Kansas, Houston, Arizona…and Uconn.

Maybe he is just putting Uconn on the list to hope they reach out?

I dont know man. Thats a conundrum.

Do I trust a direct quote from the head coach, or that link? Man. tough one

[XUBison]

I wonder what the last 4 years coincides with? Hmmm? Oh yeah, NIL and immediate transfer rule.

So a team who had not been to the sweet 16 in about 20 years, and 13 years before that (so not a regular player in the ncaa tournament in terms of runs), has now become somewhat of a power house in terms of tourney success with the implementation of new rules in which some claimed only those who had been having success would have success and those who weren’t would get even further behind.

So thank you for pointing out the 3 in the last 4 years which completely highlights my point even more.

Your point is that greater parity exists because schools with the biggest athletic budgets can now by their way to becoming a powerhouse basketball program?

[D-West & PO-Z]

yeah, never mind Rick Pitino turning down the NIT and saying they need to shift their focus to next years roster. Why didn't you just tell him that he can do the normal game prep that his staff would do AND he could commit 100% of his effort to the portal? Either he's not as smart as you are, or he realizes that 100% of your time is actually capped at 100%.

Try again because I literally have no idea of your point.

We have many team still playing actively reaching out AND securing commitments from players in the portal. So again, what is your point?

PS, I would never doubt Pitino and would ALWAYS take him at his word. He has such a long track record of being an honest, fair, stand up guy.......just ask his wife.

[Xavier]

I dont know man. Thats a conundrum.

Do I trust a direct quote from the head coach, or that link? Man. tough one

You were probably shocked when Thad left to OSU after saying he wasn’t a candidate. Lol, it’s ok to say you were wrong sometimes. Even with proof you still can’t do it.

[Xavier]

Your point is that greater parity exists because schools with the biggest athletic budgets can now by their way to becoming a powerhouse basketball program?

Don’t look too deep into the UCLA powerhouse teams…

[Xville]

I dont know man. Thats a conundrum.

Do I trust a direct quote from the head coach, or that link? Man. tough one

Yeah coaches never lie lol you’re a joke

[Xville]

Try again because I literally have no idea of your point.

We have many team still playing actively reaching out AND securing commitments from players in the portal. So again, what is your point?

PS, I would never doubt Pitino and would ALWAYS take him at his word. He has such a long track record of being an honest, fair, stand up guy.......just ask his wife.

Here’s hett talking out of both sides of his mouth again. Trying so hard to be right and twist narratives and ends up contradicting himself over and over. It’s hysterical to watch.

The original contention was that the big dogs aren’t actively recruiting which is complete baloney seeing as to how almost all of them are and some have committed to those types of schools. Hett steps in it talking about one team who may or may not be and so to him that translates to the narrative he is trying so hard to prove.

[MHettel]

You were probably shocked when Thad left to OSU after saying he wasn’t a candidate. Lol, it’s ok to say you were wrong sometimes. Even with proof you still can’t do it.

so you are making a point by talking about something that happened 20 years ago and speculating about what I was thinking?

Matta being dishonest about his interest in OSU is pretty much par for the course in all coaching situations....you never get a straight answer and sometimes is a straight up lie. but I can at least see WHY they would do that. Why piss off the fan base telling them that you might leave and then if you ultimately don't leave, you have a big mess to deal with.

So what would be Hurley's motivation to mislead or lie about whether or not they are actively working the portal? why would he lie about that?

And I'll also refer back to what I contended when this topic came up weeks ago. A team thats still playing can certainly find a little bit of time to keep an eye on the portal and might even make a few calls here and there (in a case like AJ Storr). But they arent laser focused on it like the XU staff currently probably is. And they arent setting up any visits that would occur while they are still alive in the dance. Its not a discussion about whether you cant do a little bit of portal work. Its a discussion about WHEN you can fully commit to doing the portal work.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Your point is that greater parity exists because schools with the biggest athletic budgets can now by their way to becoming a powerhouse basketball program?

My point being I was assured by some that the teams who have always been at the top and the winners in college basketball would only continue to be so and widen the gap even more and college basketball would be ruined. I and some others on here actually saw an opportunity for more parity, for more teams to start having more success in college basketball and that is exactly what has happened.

We are going to have our 2nd straight tournament with a 1st time Final 4 participant. 3 years ago we had 2 teams in it who, while not their 1st appearance, was the first appearance for one in almost 40 years and the other their first appearance in over 70 years.

Last year 3 teams made the final 4 for the 1st time. This year at least 1 will and possibly more.

[D-West & PO-Z]

You were probably shocked when Thad left to OSU after saying he wasn’t a candidate. Lol, it’s ok to say you were wrong sometimes. Even with proof you still can’t do it.

Beating a dead horse with that one......

[D-West & PO-Z]

So what would be Hurley's motivation to mislead or lie about whether or not they are actively working the portal? why would he lie about that?



Easy, him and most coaches don't like that they have to do it while the season is still ongoing and he's trying to enact change. He wants the masses to think man, how unfair, UConn isn't getting a chance to work the portal bc they are still playing.

If you think UConn isn't working the portal, you are crazy.

[MHettel]

Beating a dead horse with that one......

yeah, I get it. It must be difficult to engage in a debate with someone that is bringing facts, logic and stats to the discussion while you are equipped emotion, feelings and fandom.

between you, XVille and Xavier its like 3-on-1, and yet I'm torturing you.

[MHettel]

Easy, him and most coaches don't like that they have to do it while the season is still ongoing and he's trying to enact change. He wants the masses to think man, how unfair, UConn isn't getting a chance to work the portal bc they are still playing.

If you think UConn isn't working the portal, you are crazy.

If its not a problem, then why would he want it changed?

[Xville]

yeah, I get it. It must be difficult to engage in a debate with someone that is bringing facts, logic and stats to the discussion while you are equipped emotion, feelings and fandom.

between you, XVille and Xavier its like 3-on-1, and yet I'm torturing you.

Because people are shocked at how ignorant you are about how the world of college basketball works even when it’s right in front of your face.

I’d love to know where all these facts and logic are… it’s very low on your debate scale

[bjf123]

You were probably shocked when Thad left to OSU after saying he wasn’t a candidate. Lol, it’s ok to say you were wrong sometimes. Even with proof you still can’t do it.

My wife is still pissed at Thad for saying he wasn’t a candidate at the Butler County Steak Fry that evening and being announced as the OSU head coach the next day.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Xavier]

yeah, I get it. It must be difficult to engage in a debate with someone that is bringing facts, logic and stats to the discussion while you are equipped emotion, feelings and fandom.

between you, XVille and Xavier its like 3-on-1, and yet I'm torturing you.

“The coach said they aren’t, why wouldn’t I believe him”

You believed matta? “I mean Of course coaches lie sometimes”

“They don’t have time to look in the portal” *player in portal commits to school still playing “ok well sometimes they have time”

Too easy with you

[xuphan]

X isn't getting three quality bigs in the portal so if you believe that's what X needs, you're going to be disappointed. We already have Free, and Hunter should be ready by conference play. I know we can't "count on them," but guys in the portal want playing time whether it is starting minutes or a productive rotational amount. I think the best X can hope for is 2...one legitimate and one rotational dude.

LetÂ’s take a look at our Big East ready front court brought to you by verbal commits.

Zach Freemantle- Ongoing foot issue - May or may not be able to contribute this upcoming season.
Kachi Nzeh - transfer
Sasha Ciani - transfer
Lazar Dokovic - transfer
Abou Ousmane - transfer
Logan Duncomb- other health reasons/transfer

Guys that could fill a roll in the front court.
Jerome Hunter - Heart Problems: May or may not be able to contribute this upcoming season
Dailyn Swain - more of a small forward but could fill in as a power forward in a pinch.

So, that leaves us with 1 small forward, and 2 guys with significant health issues. The rest are gone not including guys like Edwards, Tucker, and Miles who left last season. Now, I am not saying that all of these guys shouldnÂ’t have left and I think itÂ’s best for both parties that they all left. However, the front court numbers above speak for themselves. To say we only need 1 impact transfer and 1 rotation dude is very dangerous given the state of our front court currently. We need atleast 3 guys who can impact this program going forward in the front court. A starting center, a rotational center and a 4 especially given the conditions of Free and Hunter. If not, we are bound to repeat what happened last year. I trust Miller but I am cautious after what happened last spring. Again, we will only go as far as our front court will take us. Which wasnÂ’t very far this past year.

[Xville]

“The coach said they aren’t, why wouldn’t I believe him”

You believed matta? “I mean Of course coaches lie sometimes”

“They don’t have time to look in the portal” *player in portal commits to school still playing “ok well sometimes they have time”

Too easy with you

It’s hysterical. A walking contradiction

[D-West & PO-Z]

In the previous 15 tournaments before NIL/transfers there were 60 final 4 spots. 7 of those 60 were occupied by 1st time final 4 participants which is 11.7%.

Since NIL/transfer 3/12 spots (and will be at least 4/16 including this year) are 1st time FF participants for at minimum (maybe more depending this year) 25%.

[D-West & PO-Z]

yeah, I get it. It must be difficult to engage in a debate with someone that is bringing facts, logic and stats to the discussion while you are equipped emotion, feelings and fandom.

between you, XVille and Xavier its like 3-on-1, and yet I'm torturing you.

Absolutely hysterical......

[Xville]

LetÂ’s take a look at our Big East ready front court brought to you by verbal commits.

Zach Freemantle- Ongoing foot issue - May or may not be able to contribute this upcoming season.
Kachi Nzeh - transfer
Sasha Ciani - transfer
Lazar Dokovic - transfer
Abou Ousmane - transfer
Logan Duncomb- other health reasons/transfer

Guys that could fill a roll in the front court.
Jerome Hunter - Heart Problems: May or may not be able to contribute this upcoming season
Dailyn Swain - more of a small forward but could fill in as a power forward in a pinch.

So, that leaves us with 1 small forward, and 2 guys with significant health issues. The rest are gone not including guys like Edwards, Tucker, and Miles who left last season. Now, I am not saying that all of these guys shouldnÂ’t have left and I think itÂ’s best for both parties that they all left. However, the front court numbers above speak for themselves. To say we only need 1 impact transfer and 1 rotation dude is very dangerous given the state of our front court currently. We need atleast 3 guys who can impact this program going forward in the front court. A starting center, a rotational center and a 4 especially given the conditions of Free and Hunter. If not, we are bound to repeat what happened last year. I trust Miller but I am cautious after what happened last spring. Again, we will only go as far as our front court will take us. Which wasnÂ’t very far this past year.

Im just giving you the reality of the situation. We aren’t getting 3 legitimate big guys. A 18 to 22 year old see free and hunter on the roster… 5th year guys who if healthy are going to take up a whole lot of minutes. Yes there are some minutes available for a legitimate 5. Outside of that, how are you selling a legitimate big to come to x when school a,b, c is offering a lot of minutes at a program just as good?

[MHettel]

Because people are shocked at how ignorant you are about how the world of college basketball works even when it’s right in front of your face.

I’d love to know where all these facts and logic are… it’s very low on your debate scale

13-7 baby. GUARANTEED.

you know why? Cause I'm a FAN dammit. and I hate when people point out whats ACTUALLY happening.

I HATE when the roster is garbage and the coach is held responsible for that.

and I HATE when a player that sucks and hasn't shown any potential isnt as good as I wanted them to be. And somebody points that out!! ATTACK!

and I really HATE the reality that all these "player friendly" changes that went into place have other consequences. and whether intended or not, the other consequences were foreseeable and are widely viewed as negative and damaging to the sport......but not to me.

[Xville]

13-7 baby. GUARANTEED.

you know why? Cause I'm a FAN dammit. and I hate when people point out whats ACTUALLY happening.

I HATE when the roster is garbage and the coach is held responsible for that.

and I HATE when a player that sucks and hasn't shown any potential isnt as good as I wanted them to be. And somebody points that out!! ATTACK!

and I really HATE the reality that all these "player friendly" changes that went into place have other consequences. and whether intended or not, the other consequences were foreseeable and are widely viewed as negative and damaging to the sport......but not to me.

You don’t even know what’s happening. You’re a walking contradiction that gets so twisted up trying to be right about everything and sadly you end up being wrong about everything. I mean did you not just see Xavier’s post? You don’t even know what side is up

As someone else said it’s ok to admit you’re wrong sometimes. No one will think less of you, at least not anymore than they do right now

[xuphan]

Im just giving you the reality of the situation. We aren’t getting 3 legitimate big guys. A 18 to 22 year old see free and hunter on the roster… 5th year guys who if healthy are going to take up a whole lot of minutes. Yes there are some minutes available for a legitimate 5. Outside of that, how are you selling a legitimate big to come to x when school a,b, c is offering a lot of minutes at a program just as good?

Fair point but that is Miller’s problem and he is paid a lot of money to fix that problem. Miller’s front court recruiting has been atrocious since coming back to X. I am not sure why as his backcourt recruiting has been really good but he doesn’t seem to be able to identify and bring in quality front court talent. Every single one of his front court guys he has recruited haven’t been good enough and have transferred. Now he is stuck with a depleted front court roster hoping that two of his options can stay healthy after significant career altering injuries. Miller in my opinion needs to put the backcourt on the back burner and put all his marbles on the front court. It’s a daunting task for sure but it is of his own doing and he has to bring in 3 quality Bigs to rebuild the front court as he can’t rely on Free and Hunter lasting the season. I really hope I eat crow and you are right XVILLE but I am really worried about the front court going into next season. Hopefully Miller brings the necessary players in to compete near the top of the Big East and make the tournament next season.

[MHettel]

You don’t even know what’s happening. You’re a walking contradiction that gets so twisted up trying to be right about everything and sadly you end up being wrong about everything. I mean did you not just see Xavier’s post? You don’t even know what side is up

As someone else said it’s ok to admit you’re wrong sometimes. No one will think less of you, at least not anymore than they do right now

I did see Xaviers post. it doesnt represent my point of view at all. It was an attempt to paraphrase what I said, but you could just read what I said instead.

Matta had a reason to lie.

Hurley has none.

Unless of course Hurley's reason to lie is to push out the portal opening until after the tournament. Which actually makes my point that you cant be in the tournament and ALSO give full attention to the portal.

So there is that.

[Xville]

Fair point but that is Miller’s problem and he is paid a lot of money to fix that problem. Miller’s front court recruiting has been atrocious since coming back to X. I am not sure why as his backcourt recruiting has been really good but he doesn’t seem to be able to identify and bring in quality front court talent. Every single one of his front court guys he has recruited haven’t been good enough and have transferred. Now he is stuck with a depleted front court roster hoping that two of his options can stay healthy after significant career altering injuries. Miller in my opinion needs to put the backcourt on the back burner and put all his marbles on the front court. It’s a daunting task for sure but it is of his own doing and he has to bring in 3 quality Bigs to rebuild the front court as he can’t rely on Free and Hunter lasting the season. I really hope I eat crow and you are right XVILLE but I am really worried about the front court going into next season. Hopefully Miller brings the necessary players in to compete near the top of the Big East and make the tournament next season.

You really should stop trying to take last year and extrapolate that into some kind of consistent problem with miller because that’s just being dishonest. Last year was a crazy offseason. I think if we get a legitimate 5 and a rotational 4/5 x will be good. Frontcourt is a concern, miller isn’t stupid, he knows that.

This isn’t Steele, last year was the aberration.

[Xville]

I did see Xaviers post. it doesnt represent my point of view at all. It was an attempt to paraphrase what I said, but you could just read what I said instead.

Matta had a reason to lie.

Hurley has none.

Unless of course Hurley's reason to lie is to push out the portal opening until after the tournament. Which actually makes my point that you cant be in the tournament and ALSO give full attention to the portal.

So there is that.

Yet somehow Illinois did… oh oops!

[MHettel]

Fair point but that is Miller’s problem and he is paid a lot of money to fix that problem. Miller’s front court recruiting has been atrocious since coming back to X. I am not sure why as his backcourt recruiting has been really good but he doesn’t seem to be able to identify and bring in quality front court talent. Every single one of his front court guys he has recruited haven’t been good enough and have transferred. Now he is stuck with a depleted front court roster hoping that two of his options can stay healthy after significant career altering injuries. Miller in my opinion needs to put the backcourt on the back burner and put all his marbles on the front court. It’s a daunting task for sure but it is of his own doing and he has to bring in 3 quality Bigs to rebuild the front court as he can’t rely on Free and Hunter lasting the season. I really hope I eat crow and you are right XVILLE but I am really worried about the front court going into next season. Hopefully Miller brings the necessary players in to compete near the top of the Big East and make the tournament next season.

I think Nzeh can develop into a productive BE inside player. Maybe as a junior. he's probably not gonna be a "skilled" big like Nunge was (passing / deep shooting), but he could become Tyrique, right?

And Ciani wasnt terrible. Not a great year, but a backup quality guy.

Abou was not a starter at this level...but certainly capable as a backup.

you can get by with any ONE of these guys on the roster. You just cant do it with 3 of them.

But yeah, Front court will be a problem for us. And we DONT need 5th year guys or seniors. Casue next year there will be 2 CLASSES of kids moving on due to eligibility exhaustion, and yet there wont be 2 classes of kids available to fill their spots.

we will see a HUGE drop off in talent across the board next year. Not just XU, across the board. this cycle, we need to load up on 2-3 guys with 2-3 years left.

[MHettel]

Yet somehow Illinois did… oh oops!

yeah, they grabbed the #1 ranked player in the portal.

Illinois played Wisconsin twice this year, including in the B10 Tourney Final about 2 weeks ago, where Storr put up 24/5 with 3 steals.

They must have dedicated MINUTES of their time finding this guy!

[Xville]

yeah, they grabbed the #1 ranked player in the portal.

Illinois played Wisconsin twice this year, including in the B10 Tourney Final about 2 weeks ago, where Storr put up 24/5 with 3 steals.

They must have dedicated MINUTES of their time finding this guy!

Huh weird. Wisconsin must not have played anyone else this year . lol

Number one transfer recruit. I bet no one else wanted him. Yeah probably not lol

[Xavier]

I think Nzeh can develop into a productive BE inside player. Maybe as a junior. he's probably not gonna be a "skilled" big like Nunge was (passing / deep shooting), but he could become Tyrique, right?

And Ciani wasnt terrible. Not a great year, but a backup quality guy.

Abou was not a starter at this level...but certainly capable as a backup.

you can get by with any ONE of these guys on the roster. You just cant do it with 3 of them.

.

Completely agree here. Was fine seeing Abou go, but moreso to your other point- keeping one of the younger guys and let them grow for future is better than Abou getting back up minutes. Ciani had decent hands at times. Had flashes. And Nzeh I thought was down a path of something we’re all wanting- a guy very similar skill set to Jones.

[xuphan]

You really should stop trying to take last year and extrapolate that into some kind of consistent problem with miller because that’s just being dishonest. Last year was a crazy offseason. I think if we get a legitimate 5 and a rotational 4/5 x will be good. Frontcourt is a concern, miller isn’t stupid, he knows that.

This isn’t Steele, last year was the aberration.

Miller isn’t stupid but he doesn’t get a full pass for this past season. He is ultimately the coach responsible for the worst seasons in recent memory. Even Steele didn’t put up that kind of record at X. The injuries I know played a part but not bringing in a second Big from the portal after Abou also played a big part. He has struck out recruiting HS Big that are at this level and has struck out bringing quality Bigs from the portal. Even the Euro recruitment has been a big miss. Time for Miller to redeem himself and earn that paycheck. 2 Bigs isn’t going to cut it with the health concerns of Free and Hunter. It would be dangerous and stupid to do so which you said Miller isn’t which I agree so we should have a well stocked front court come next season.

[Xville]

Low D1 on a bad team but an intriguing transfer that a lot of teams are after

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/5175860/tucker-anderson

[MHettel]

Miller isn’t stupid but he doesn’t get a full pass for this past season. He is ultimately the coach responsible for the worst seasons in recent memory. Even Steele didn’t put up that kind of record at X. The injuries I know played a part but not bringing in a second Big from the portal after Abou also played a big part. He has struck out recruiting HS Big that are at this level and has struck out bringing quality Bigs from the portal. Even the Euro recruitment has been a big miss. Time for Miller to redeem himself and earn that paycheck. 2 Bigs isn’t going to cut it with the health concerns of Free and Hunter. It would be dangerous and stupid to do so which you said Miller isn’t which I agree so we should have a well stocked front court come next season.

he brought in Logan Duncolmb last year too. That dude quit / retired before the season even started which in turn became a roster spot for one of teh Euros.

Strangely, Duncolmb is in the portal again this year. Wonder what the real story is with him....

[Xville]

Miller isn’t stupid but he doesn’t get a full pass for this past season. He is ultimately the coach responsible for the worst seasons in recent memory. Even Steele didn’t put up that kind of record at X. The injuries I know played a part but not bringing in a second Big from the portal after Abou also played a big part. He has struck out recruiting HS Big that are at this level and has struck out bringing quality Bigs from the portal. Even the Euro recruitment has been a big miss. Time for Miller to redeem himself and earn that paycheck. 2 Bigs isn’t going to cut it with the health concerns of Free and Hunter. It would be dangerous and stupid to do so which you said Miller isn’t which I agree so we should have a well stocked front court come next season.

You're ignoring quite a bit of reality with the information in this post so I guess we will just agree to disagree on this one. Two things I will point out is that 1.) only five on the court play at a time, 2 bigs at most.

2.) You can't just discount the fact that Free/Hunter are on this roster, and Miller and staff know more about both of their situations more than anyone on this board combined.

with that, I'll bow out of the topic because it's become redundant.

[MHettel]

Low D1 on a bad team but an intriguing transfer that a lot of teams are after

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/5175860/tucker-anderson

Stretch 4 that can shoot. More than half of the attempts from 3. Slight build at 6'9" 190. 3 years eligibility left.

Maybe he's BE caliber, maybe not. But worth the chance in my opinion....if he's cheap.

[xuphan]

he brought in Logan Duncolmb last year too. That dude quit / retired before the season even started which in turn became a roster spot for one of teh Euros.

Strangely, Duncolmb is in the portal again this year. Wonder what the real story is with him....

Ya, I don’t get that situation. Thought he transferred back to be close to home, then left the program early on for mental health reasons and now is back and is transferring. Another front court guy that was a miss. Wonder the real story is there.

[xuphan]

Stretch 4 that can shoot. More than half of the attempts from 3. Slight build at 6'9" 190. 3 years eligibility left.

Maybe he's BE caliber, maybe not. But worth the chance in my opinion....if he's cheap.

Looking at the list of programs who have contacted this kid, I don’t see it happening for us.

[xuphan]

You're ignoring quite a bit of reality with the information in this post so I guess we will just agree to disagree on this one.

Fair enough. Hopefully we will be celebrating the strong depth of our front court at the end of the transfer window.

[muskiefan82]

Fair enough. Hopefully we will be celebrating the strong depth of our front court at the end of the transfer window.

We celebrated a little last year and...well.....you know. Still my team so I will hope whoever is here can play and it works. It's mostly a crapshoot anyways.

[D-West & PO-Z]

yeah, they grabbed the #1 ranked player in the portal.

Illinois played Wisconsin twice this year, including in the B10 Tourney Final about 2 weeks ago, where Storr put up 24/5 with 3 steals.

They must have dedicated MINUTES of their time finding this guy!

You're only accounting for half the battle in securing these guys. You cannot be this dense.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Ya, I don’t get that situation. Thought he transferred back to be close to home, then left the program early on for mental health reasons and now is back and is transferring. Another front court guy that was a miss. Wonder the real story is there.

Nowhere I ever saw did it say mental health reasons. Source?

I only saw health reasons and I remember the guy was out an entire year at IU due to sinus issues and surgery.

[xuphan]

Nowhere I ever saw did it say mental health reasons. Source?

I only saw health reasons and I remember the guy was out an entire year at IU due to sinus issues and surgery.




Thought it was mental health but just says health reasons.

https://sports.yahoo.com/former-moeller-high-school-xavier-134448717.html#:~:text=Less%20than%20two%20months% 20later,life%20for%20over%20a%20decade.

[XU_Lou]

Nowhere I ever saw did it say mental health reasons. Source?

I only saw health reasons and I remember the guy was out an entire year at IU due to sinus issues and surgery.

That came from Ville.. go figure? He also said X would go 13-7 in BE.

[Xville]

That came from Ville.. go figure? He also said X would go 13-7 in BE.

Remember when you were going to come back here and tell me how wrong I was when Steele got us to the 2nd weekend? Yeah pot meet kettle dumbass. 13-7 was a hope, but why would I expect you to understand context?

[Xville]

Also pointing out it could have been mental health. We don’t know, and it really doesn’t matter.

[kane79]

Miller isn’t stupid but he doesn’t get a full pass for this past season. He is ultimately the coach responsible for the worst seasons in recent memory. Even Steele didn’t put up that kind of record at X. The injuries I know played a part but not bringing in a second Big from the portal after Abou also played a big part. He has struck out recruiting HS Big that are at this level and has struck out bringing quality Bigs from the portal. Even the Euro recruitment has been a big miss. Time for Miller to redeem himself and earn that paycheck. 2 Bigs isn’t going to cut it with the health concerns of Free and Hunter. It would be dangerous and stupid to do so which you said Miller isn’t which I agree so we should have a well stocked front court come next season.

you keep arguing in circles. We all get that we want 3, hell even 4 or 5 quality bigs just incase. But think of it from the kids perspective. Do i blindly agree to go to X where i could get minutes if Free and Hunter aren't able to go all year, or i could waste a year of eligibility sitting the bench if they are healthy. What kid is going to be agree to that when they can go to another school where they know they will get their minutes? Just saying Miller should make it happen and be prepared either way is unrealistic.

[xuphan]

you keep arguing in circles. We all get that we want 3, hell even 4 or 5 quality bigs just incase. But think of it from the kids perspective. Do i blindly agree to go to X where i could get minutes if Free and Hunter aren't able to go all year, or i could waste a year of eligibility sitting the bench if they are healthy. What kid is going to be agree to that when they can go to another school where they know they will get their minutes? Just saying Miller should make it happen and be prepared either way is unrealistic.

I am not sure how I am arguing in circles as you say. The fact is we just experienced the worst Xavier team in recent memory. It was due to injuries and not signing an impact 5 from the portal. Injuries happen and last season is still on Miller. So we are going into another offseason that there are questions about the health of Free and Hunter and we have transferred out the rest of our front court. 8 front court players in the last two years have left with not 1 still on the roster. Whose fault is that? Whose fault is it that our front court recruiting has been atrocious over the past few seasons? Steele and Miller deserve the blame. Miller has to fix which means bringing in atleast 3 Bigs. Maybe he needs to guarantee rotation minutes to them and move Hunter to the 3 but he can’t have a repeat of last season bringing in 2 bigs that neither panned out from the portal and the Euro mess that was. It sounds like some of you want to gamble on Free and Hunter being healthy enough to make it through the season. I hope that happens but I am not holding my breath on it. We also need to bring in depth for the following season as well. Don’t get why the fan base doesn’t expect more from Miller. We are not Dayton.

[xuphan]

Also pointing out it could have been mental health. We don’t know, and it really doesn’t matter.

Xavier has also contacted Minnesota transfer Pharrel Payne. Seems to move very well for being a big guy. Averaged 10 points 6 rebounds a game while shooting below 50% from the free throw line.

[GoMuskies]

I'll give Miller a pass given the prior year and his history at X. But he's far from infallible. He kind of stunk at Arizona by the end.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

I am not sure how I am arguing in circles as you say. The fact is we just experienced the worst Xavier team in recent memory. It was due to injuries and not signing an impact 5 from the portal. Injuries happen and last season is still on Miller. So we are going into another offseason that there are questions about the health of Free and Hunter and we have transferred out the rest of our front court. 8 front court players in the last two years have left with not 1 still on the roster. Whose fault is that? Whose fault is it that our front court recruiting has been atrocious over the past few seasons? Steele and Miller deserve the blame. Miller has to fix which means bringing in atleast 3 Bigs. Maybe he needs to guarantee rotation minutes to them and move Hunter to the 3 but he can’t have a repeat of last season bringing in 2 bigs that neither panned out from the portal and the Euro mess that was. It sounds like some of you want to gamble on Free and Hunter being healthy enough to make it through the season. I hope that happens but I am not holding my breath on it. We also need to bring in depth for the following season as well. Don’t get why the fan base doesn’t expect more from Miller. We are not Dayton.

I think you're a bit tough on Miller but your assessment, if worded a bit less aggressively toward Miller, isn't far off. The truth is that Miller, as coach, is ultimately responsible for everything that occurs to and within Xavier basketball. That's everything-----the good, the bad and the ugly.

I don't think he deserves "blame" for last year since he didn't directly cause the injuries to Free and Hunter. But, as coach, he had responsibility to fix the lineup problems those injuries created and they didn't really get fixed, did they? Miller reacted quickly, I think, once Free, then Hunter went down. But his solutions did not provide the intended result. I think you can make a pretty good case that he did what he could given the circumstances. But the other side of that argument offered by some on this board, is that Miller did not have the depth he needed before those injuries occurred and was forced into suboptimal personnel decisions by his own lack of adequate caution. In the end, no matter what the timing of the events and whether he has good or bad luck, Miller remains responsible for all that happens.

Me, I feel pretty good that we have Miller at the helm during this tumultuous time in Xavier basketball history. But as you, I think, noted in an earlier post, he is now under enormous pressure to right the ship for next year.

[xuphan]

I think you're a bit tough on Miller but your assessment, if worded a bit less aggressively toward Miller, isn't far off. The truth is that Miller, as coach, is ultimately responsible for everything that occurs to and within Xavier basketball. That's everything-----the good, the bad and the ugly.

I don't think he deserves "blame" for last year since he didn't directly cause the injuries to Free and Hunter. But, as coach, he had responsibility to fix the lineup problems those injuries created and they didn't really get fixed, did they? Miller reacted quickly, I think, once Free, then Hunter went down. But his solutions did not provide the intended result. I think you can make a pretty good case that he did what he could given the circumstances. But the other side of that argument offered by some on this board, is that Miller did not have the depth he needed before those injuries occurred and was forced into suboptimal personnel decisions by his own lack of adequate caution. In the end, no matter what the timing of the events and whether he has good or bad luck, Miller remains responsible for all that happens.

Me, I feel pretty good that we have Miller at the helm during this tumultuous time in Xavier basketball history. But as you, I think, noted in an earlier post, he is now under enormous pressure to right the ship for next year.

I think this is a fair analysis of the whole situation. I just don’t see why people think we will only need to bring in two post players when we have transferred out 8 post players in the past two seasons and only have two (significant injury concerns) I might add as options left. Miller gets paid a lot of money and will hopefully earn that money by rebuilding the front court and add pieces to the back court during the transfer window. The expectation is to compete in the Big East and make the NCAA tournament at a minimum. To do that, you have to construct the roster that is capable of doing that.

[A Fan]

As I mentioned earlier, if during the 2023 portal period, Miller relied on Freemantle, who underwent his second major reconstructive surgery on his left foot in January, to return in September without seeking a replacement, anticipating Freemantle to play 30 minutes or more per game, it would constitute coaching malpractice.Period. Now, some posters argue that despite Freemantle's third surgery, Miller is still hindered from acquiring a solid front court due to Freemantle's presence, despite the fact that he hasn't played for two years and has significant metal in his foot, posing a risk of long-term damage if fractured again. . Miller made a tactical error, which could prove costly for multiple seasons, and it's his responsibility to rectify the situation. Rectifying the situation means he creates a roster that is objectively ready to compete in the Big East and be tournament ready. He needs as many qualified Bigs necessary to get through a long season. We all hope he will take the necessary steps to do so, and no one has to now create false justifications if he fails.

[MHettel]

Cohen off the board......committed to Arkansas?

I heard he was set for ND.

Could Arkansas and ND be any MORE different in terms of schools?


$$$$????

[Xville]

As I mentioned earlier, if during the 2023 portal period, Miller relied on Freemantle, who underwent his second major reconstructive surgery on his left foot in January, to return in September without seeking a replacement, anticipating Freemantle to play 30 minutes or more per game, it would constitute coaching malpractice.Period. Now, some posters argue that despite Freemantle's third surgery, Miller is still hindered from acquiring a solid front court due to Freemantle's presence, despite the fact that he hasn't played for two years and has significant metal in his foot, posing a risk of long-term damage if fractured again. . Miller made a tactical error, which could prove costly for multiple seasons, and it's his responsibility to rectify the situation. Rectifying the situation means he creates a roster that is objectively ready to compete in the Big East and be tournament ready. He needs as many qualified Bigs necessary to get through a long season. We all hope he will take the necessary steps to do so, and no one has to now create false justifications if he fails.

Again there is a lot of not accepting reality in the above. . If you want to force free off the team to know exactly what x needs then fine if you want to create that kind of firestorm then that’s your call. However, in reality, right now he is on the roster and if healthy will be playing 30 minutes a game. With that said, There is enough minutes for a legitimate five and a rotational big with him on the roster, not just because of minutes but because players have to want to come here knowing there is free and hunter available along with all the other “stuff.”

Btw, Miller tried to get Ike in 23 and probably a few others but nil kept that from happening. Again, reality.

[Xville]

Cohen off the board......committed to Arkansas?

I heard he was set for ND.

Could Arkansas and ND be any MORE different in terms of schools?


$$$$????

You heard nd because you got the info from broering who knows as much as we do. In other words, not much.

You’d think with all these contacts that some people on this board thinks this guy has, he’d be right every once in a while. The Ohio state rumor was the biggest joke of all.

By the way the national guys made many references to Arkansas’ nil not being great and that’s why he had a down year. That of course could have changed but I will say I know he actively pursued the Louisville job. Have a feeling he wants out.

[XUGRAD80]

Some people act like if X doesn’t get their pick of players that the coaches failed. But unless the players in question actually state the reason why they decided to go to another school we really don’t know what the reason was. There is A LOT of competition for highly skilled big men and there just aren’t a lot of them out there. If X doesn’t get the players they want and ends up with just the players they can get, there can a lot of reasons for that beyond just the coaches doing a poor job of recruiting. Some kids just want to go to a bigger school or a different city, conference, climate, whatever.

[GoMuskies]

Xavier doesn't necessarily need to get their pick of players, but if the coaches don't get their fair share of quality players that enable us to win, then the coaches will absolutely have failed. That's what they get paid the big bucks to do.

[xuphan]

Some people act like if X doesn’t get their pick of players that the coaches failed. But unless the players in question actually state the reason why they decided to go to another school we really don’t know what the reason was. There is A LOT of competition for highly skilled big men and there just aren’t a lot of them out there. If X doesn’t get the players they want and ends up with just the players they can get, there can a lot of reasons for that beyond just the coaches doing a poor job of recruiting. Some kids just want to go to a bigger school or a different city, conference, climate, whatever.

The coaches have failed so far in the front court recruiting. There is no denying that. Just look at the guys who have transferred out. No one expects the coaching staff to get every player they want. That’s not realistic at almost every school in the country. However, they are responsible for fixing the awful state of the front court currently. That means bring in at least 3 front court players. 2 impactful guys and 1 rotational guy. Anything less than that is unacceptable. Will it be easy? No! Is it necessary? Absolutely if we are to achieve our yearly program goals.

[kane79]

[QUOTE=xuphan;781356]I am not sure how I am arguing in circles as you say. The fact is we just experienced the worst Xavier team in recent memory. It was due to injuries and not signing an impact 5 from the portal. Injuries happen and last season is still on Miller. So we are going into another offseason that there are questions about the health of Free and Hunter and we have transferred out the rest of our front court. 8 front court players in the last two years have left with not 1 still on the roster. Whose fault is that? Whose fault is it that our front court recruiting has been atrocious over the past few seasons? Steele and Miller deserve the blame. Miller has to fix which means bringing in atleast 3 Bigs. Maybe he needs to guarantee rotation minutes to them and move Hunter to the 3 but he can’t have a repeat of last season bringing in 2 bigs that neither panned out from the portal and the Euro mess that was. It sounds like some of you want to gamble on Free and Hunter being healthy enough to make it through the season. I hope that happens but I am not holding my breath on it. We also need to bring in depth for the following season as well. Don’t get why the fan base doesn’t expect more from Miller. We are not Dayton.[/QUO

Its not that any one wants to gamble on Free and Hunter, but they are on the team. Qualtiy bigs that are good enough to play aren't going to sign up not knowing if they are going to play or sit the bench and waste a year of eligibility. So just saying Miller has to get 3 bigs who can play is wishful thinking. You sound like its no big deal, just go pick a couple up off the shelf and we're good. No one has disagreed that production up front needs to improve but short of telling Free and Hunter they aren't welcome back so we can promise those minutes to other quality players, how do you convince people to come in. Between not enough minutes and the injuries happening so late is how we ended up with bigs that did not live up to what fans expected.

[A Fan]

Again there is a lot of not accepting reality in the above. . If you want to force free off the team to know exactly what x needs then fine if you want to create that kind of firestorm then that’s your call. However, in reality, right now he is on the roster and if healthy will be playing 30 minutes a game. With that said, There is enough minutes for a legitimate five and a rotational big with him on the roster, not just because of minutes but because players have to want to come here knowing there is free and hunter available along with all the other “stuff.”

Btw, Miller tried to get Ike in 23 and probably a few others but nil kept that from happening. Again, reality.

Force Free off the team ? Did I say that? Are you saying Free would enter the portal if Sean builds the roster ? After they carried him for two years through his surgeries ? Who is saying that?

[D-West & PO-Z]

Force Free off the team ? Did I say that? Are you saying Free would enter the portal if Sean builds the roster ? After they carried him for two years through his surgeries ? Who is saying that?

The implication is that Free could be a deterrent to some bigger 4/5's deciding to come to X and at the same time people don't want to count on Free being available. The easiest solution to that conundrum is Free not being on the team which obviously Miller hasn't done/doesn't want to.

[Xville]

The implication is that Free could be a deterrent to some bigger 4/5's deciding to come to X and at the same time people don't want to count on Free being available. The easiest solution to that conundrum is Free not being on the team which obviously Miller hasn't done/doesn't want to.

Exactly thank you. People seem to not understand the reality of the situation.

[IM4X]

Miller knows he owns this bad season. Even with a healthy Freemantle and Hunter, he knows he really missed on adding the kind of 5 capable of playing well at the BE level.

Sean is not okay at all with the way things turned out this year. In fact, you’d better believe he is sick about it.
He is sick about not bringing in a BE level Center.
He is sick about not getting his team into the tournament (and advancing).
He is sick about having his first losing record.
He is sick his team couldn’t win any signature games this season after beating National champion UCONN twice last year.
He is sick that none of his international players panned out this year.
He doesn’t want to feel sick anymore. He knows the stakes. He’s also has a reputation to live up to.

Sean is not going to let go of his entire front court from last year as well as Kam and Reed without being pretty damn sure of two things:
1. None of those players are going to be able to develop fast enough to play at the BE level by next year.
2. He is confident he can bring in players who can.

[xuphan]

Miller knows he owns this bad season. Even with Freemantle and Hunter healthy, he knows he really missed on adding the kind of 5 capable of playing well at the BE level.

Sean is not okay at all with the way things turned out year. In fact, you had better believe he is sick about it.
He is sick about not bring in a BE level Center.
He is sick about not getting his team into the tournament (and advancing)
He is sick about having his first losing record.
He is sick about his team this season getting thrash by UCONN knowing his team last season was the only one two beat their National Champion team twice.
He is sick about striking out with so many international players in one season.
He doesn’t want to feel sick anymore. He knows the stakes. He’s also has a reputation to live up to.

Sean is not going to let go of his entire front court from last year as well as Kam and Reed without being pretty damn sure of two things:
1. None of those players are going to be able to develop fast enough to play at the BE level by next year.
2. He is confident he can bring in players who can.

Thank you! Well said and gets to the point about how crucial this offseason is. No excuses.

[xuphan]

Exactly thank you. People seem to not understand the reality of the situation.

The reality of the situation is we have lost 8 front court players and currently have two who are coming off significant potentially career altering injuries. Would you like to share an article or information about how Free is recovering from multiple foot surgeries? Will he be ready to go to start the season? You know, since we are banking on him being healthy to lead the front court. I will say this, if Free gets injured again and Sean only brings in 2 front court players because he didn’t want to hurt Frees feelings, then Miller shoulders all the responsibility for it. No more excuses.

[Xavier]

Hasn’t he been practicing with the team for a bit now? Regardless, expecting 2-3 really solid front court players with the “hey you can play for sure if/when Freemantle gets hurt” is just not an easy sell. I wouldn’t be surprised at one really solid front court player and two that have shown good skill set but are far from sure things with the hope that the skill set translates well.

[Xville]

The reality of the situation is we have lost 8 front court players and currently have two who are coming off significant potentially career altering injuries. Would you like to share an article or information about how Free is recovering from multiple foot surgeries? Will he be ready to go to start the season? You know, since we are banking on him being healthy to lead the front court. I will say this, if Free gets injured again and Sean only brings in 2 front court players because he didn’t want to hurt Frees feelings, then Miller shoulders all the responsibility for it. No more excuses.

None of us know how free is doing. That’s my point. The other point is he’s on the roster. You are talking in circles. It has zero to do with frees feelings… what don’t you understand about it being difficult to convince a top ranked recruit of “hey you may play, not sure. We have free who is an all big East performer so if he’s healthy he will play a lot, but he may not be able to or may get hurt.. ya wanna sign?” What is so hard to understand about that? Can you get a 5, sure. Can you get a rotational 4/5 sub? Sure. You tell me how you get 3 legitimate guys in the scenario that x and miller is in. And don’t use the cop out of “oh that’s why miller gets paid the big bucks.” The reality is that you can’t because this isn’t fairytale land.

[MHettel]

Hasn’t he been practicing with the team for a bit now? Regardless, expecting 2-3 really solid front court players with the “hey you can play for sure if/when Freemantle gets hurt” is just not an easy sell. I wouldn’t be surprised at one really solid front court player and two that have shown good skill set but are far from sure things with the hope that the skill set translates well.

As an aside, I’d like a job that pays 3M a year and I don’t have to deal with things that aren’t easy. Sounds amazing.

In fact I’ll give 2M to the XU NIL fund just to make sure Millers job stays easy.

[MHettel]

None of us know how free is doing. That’s my point. The other point is he’s on the roster. You are talking in circles.

What is this fascination with “talking in circles” as a bona fide response? Is that just the adult version of “my dad can beat up your dad” when you internet argument breaks down?

[Xavier]

As an aside, I’d like a job that pays 3M a year and I don’t have to deal with things that aren’t easy. Sounds amazing.

In fact I’ll give 2M to the XU NIL fund just to make sure Millers job stays easy.

What? I don’t know what that has to do with it? If he thought he could get 3 stud guys to come in, he would.

But there are two sides to this…?

Speaking of NIL, NC state must be killing it. They spend more than Kentucky/UNC/Kansas this year? Clemson, too? Crazy how NIL has killed the parity as you predicted

[A Fan]

The implication is that Free could be a deterrent to some bigger 4/5's deciding to come to X and at the same time people don't want to count on Free being available. The easiest solution to that conundrum is Free not being on the team which obviously Miller hasn't done/doesn't want to.
Let me understand this. He said : If you ( meaning me) want to force Free off the team …….to create that kind of firestorm”. “ Fine” . And you say…no.. he just meant Free could be a deterrent to anyone coming on the team. First , if he wanted to say what you say he implied he could have, and second that is not what he said. But forget that. This whole narrative that we might not get a big because of Free’s presence and there are not a lot of bigs out there sounds like next year’s excuse for another failed season. Sean dismissed ( or could not keep ) his entire front court and then kept Free who has not played for 2 years, and now with his ass hanging out for all to see, because Free may be a deterrent , or he just can't assemble a solid front court after sending every body packing , we should just “ accept reality “ . It doesn’t work that way where I come from.

[Xville]

Let me understand this. He said : If you ( meaning me) want to force Free off the team …….to create that kind of firestorm”. “ Fine” . And you say…no.. he just meant Free could be a deterrent to anyone coming on the team. First , if he wanted to say what you say he implied he could have, and second that is not what he said. But forget that. This whole narrative that we might not get a big because of Free’s presence and there are not a lot of bigs out there sounds like next year’s excuse for another failed season. Sean dismissed ( or could not keep ) his entire front court and then kept Free who has not played for 2 years, and now with his ass hanging out for all to see, because Free may be a deterrent , or he just can't assemble a solid front court after sending every body packing , we should just “ accept reality “ . It doesn’t work that way where I come from.

Let me simplify this for you. No one is saying we can’t get a big because of free. Some on here think we can get 3 legitimate big men with free and hunter on the roster. I call that ridiculous. How is anyone even arguing the opposite? It’s insanity.. unless all of a sudden there has been a rule change and that now 7-8 guys on one team can be on the court at the same time?

[A Fan]

As an aside, I’d like a job that pays 3M a year and I don’t have to deal with things that aren’t easy. Sounds amazing.

In fact I’ll give 2M to the XU NIL fund just to make sure Millers job stays easy.

I guess we have a lot of Posters that know a lot of peeps that get paid $3M per year to make stuff happen…but get by telling the dumb ass who hired them that the performance plan is “ not reality” and since they fired all of the front line workers they should get a free pass if they whiff again. Nice.

[kane79]

People keep saying "just sign 3 quality bigs, thats millers job, no excuses" Yet none of these people have explained how they would convince good bigs to come to Xavier when you have no idea what kind of minutes you can promise them. If you promise them starter minutes but Free and Hunter end up being healthy then this player doesn't get his minutes and becomes disgruntled. Other coaches will use things like that against you when recruiting against you in the future. "you really want to go play for this coach who llies to you about how much he'll play you?" Or you tell them we can't really promise you anything more than back up minutes so they choose a school they will play at then Hunter and or Free can't play and we're short players up front again.

There has been nothing suggested about how to fix this other than telling Free and or Hunter to move along. Just its Millers job to solve, and anything less is unacceptable. I wish it were that easy, Id demand an entire roster of all Big East players every year and nothing less than a national championship would be acceptable.

[GoMuskies]

I mean, it's literally Miller's job to solve. Literally. That's what he gers paid to do. Yes, it's difficult, but he needs to assemble a winning roster. If he doesn't, it's a failure on his part.

[Xavier]

I guess we have a lot of Posters that know a lot of peeps that get paid $3M per year to make stuff happen…but get by telling the dumb ass who hired them that the performance plan is “ not reality” and since they fired all of the front line workers they should get a free pass if they whiff again. Nice.

Agreed. I have no clue why they don’t just go after the top 5 recruits every year. It’s crazy, why would they settle for less?

[kane79]

Agreed. I have no clue why they don’t just go after the top 5 recruits every year. It’s crazy, why would they settle for less?

why settle for the top 5? need contingencies for injuries or guys getting sick and needing time off, or someone just having a bad night. Plus if they are playing for us they can't play against us. Might as well bring in the top 10 each year.

[Xville]

why settle for the top 5? need contingencies for injuries or guys getting sick and needing time off, or someone just having a bad night. Plus if they are playing for us they can't play against us. Might as well bring in the top 10 each year.

Well with nil you don’t even need to worry about scholarship limits. Just bring in the top 20 or 30 and call it a day.

[Xville]

I mean, it's literally Miller's job to solve. Literally. That's what he gers paid to do. Yes, it's difficult, but he needs to assemble a winning roster. If he doesn't, it's a failure on his part.

You can bring in a winning roster that has something that involves reality. One legitimate 5 with a rotational 4/5, a shooter , and a healthy free and x is a tourney team.

[xuphan]

Let me simplify this for you. No one is saying we can’t get a big because of free. Some on here think we can get 3 legitimate big men with free and hunter on the roster. I call that ridiculous. How is anyone even arguing the opposite? It’s insanity.. unless all of a sudden there has been a rule change and that now 7-8 guys on one team can be on the court at the same time?

So you are saying our max roster size should be between 8-9 guys because, “we can’t guarantee minutes” to anyone else? Am I reading that right? I guess that is a win for the University to save money on scholarships each season and allow players who are here to earn more NIL money. It all makes sense now why we have so many guys transferring out and are only bringing in 1 high school kid. Thanks XVILLE for clearing that up.

[Xville]

So you are saying our max roster size should be between 8-9 guys because, “we can’t guarantee minutes” to anyone else? Am I reading that right? I guess that is a win for the University to save money on scholarships each season and allow players who are here to earn more NIL money. It all makes sense now why we have so many guys transferring out and are only bringing in 1 high school kid. Thanks XVILLE for clearing that up.

Nope not saying that at all. Try again. You said three legitimate big men. Let me back up. What does three legitimate big men mean to you? Three starter level big East players?

[kane79]

So you are saying our max roster size should be between 8-9 guys because, “we can’t guarantee minutes” to anyone else? Am I reading that right? I guess that is a win for the University to save money on scholarships each season and allow players who are here to earn more NIL money. It all makes sense now why we have so many guys transferring out and are only bringing in 1 high school kid. Thanks XVILLE for clearing that up.

80 minutes a game between the 4 and 5 positions. you can't have Free and Hunter getting 30 minutes each and promise 3 other bigs 25+ minutes a game as well, with out being a liar. You can bring in project type guys and lesser quality players with upside with no promise of minutes. The types of bigs who are going posters have been talking about, "big east type bigs" and such, aren't coming on the promise of 10 minutes a game with a chance someone gets hurt and your minutes go up.

[MHettel]

You can bring in a winning roster that has something that involves reality. One legitimate 5 with a rotational 4/5, a shooter , and a healthy free and x is a tourney team.

Yeah, I agree with this.

Unfortunately, we’ve been a “tourney team” about 80% of the time for the last 35 years.

I kinda thought the bar would be higher by now.

Is the plan just to make enough tournaments as a 3 thru 10 seed enough times and we will make a FF eventually?

What’s the plan to make a final 4? Are we gonna build a Talent pipeline and build our way there, or are we just gonna turnover the roster every year and hope we win the portal lottery with cheap overlooked guys?

[Xville]

Yeah, I agree with this.

Unfortunately, we’ve been a “tourney team” about 80% of the time for the last 35 years.

I kinda thought the bar would be higher by now.

Is the plan just to make enough tournaments as a 3 thru 10 seed enough times and we will make a FF eventually?

What’s the plan to make a final 4? Are we gonna build a Talent pipeline and build our way there, or are we just gonna turnover the roster every year and hope we win the portal lottery with cheap overlooked guys?

It’s a mixture… build pipeline, fill in with transfers.

You get in the tourney enough times, you get the opportunity to get to a final four. First step is getting back there consistently. I mean captain obvious but Steele set this program back about a decade.

[Xavier]

What do those numbers look like if you take the Steele years out? He took over a program that was a 2 seed/elite 8/ 1 seed and did a complete nose dive. Was a brutal stretch.

[XUGRAD80]

Let me just ask this…..who was the last legitimate, starter from day one, highly rated and sought after big that X brought in as a transfer? Under any coach?

And some people are demanding that X somehow land 3 this off season? That’s not very realistic.

I agree that they really need to bring in a BE level starting center, but needing it and doing are still 2 very different and difficult things. EVERY power 6 in the country is going to go after the same 10-15 players. The odds certainly aren’t in Xavier’s favor.

[Xavier]

Did nunge start right away? It’s also a different era. Free transfer opens up a lot, add NIL and it’s not unrealistic for them to bring solid big guys.

[kane79]

Did nunge start right away?

Did Nunge meet the criteria set forth? (legitimate starter, from day 1, highly sought after) Didn't he have question marks about him after multiple knee injuries he was coming back from?

[MHettel]

It’s a mixture… build pipeline, fill in with transfers.

You get in the tourney enough times, you get the opportunity to get to a final four. First step is getting back there consistently. I mean captain obvious but Steele set this program back about a decade.

Ok. Yeah. Steele was horrible. We agreee

But miller stepped into Colby, jack, kunk, free, and Hunter. Dez came in as a frosh, and miller grabbed Boum. Great job by Sean to grab that missing piece and be a far superior strategist and game coach.

But, he shoulda turned that roster over more. Miles, Tandy, Edwards and Tucker. Should’ve gone the way of Ben Stanley.

This years roster issues are connected to last years roster mismanagement that didn’t hurt last years team but did hurt us this year.

And now, we are in a more dire situation.

So we agree, the path to the Final Four is with a roster of recruited developed guys and a mix of transfers.

We don’t have the first piece. And we may not have the budget for the second piece.

[Xavier]

Did Nunge meet the criteria set forth? (legitimate starter, from day 1, highly sought after) Didn't he have question marks about him after multiple knee injuries he was coming back from?

Yeah, fair point. It’s certainly not easy, but again different era so kinda hard to compare

[Xville]

Ok. Yeah. Steele was horrible. We agreee

But miller stepped into Colby, jack, kunk, free, and Hunter. Dez came in as a frosh, and miller grabbed Boum. Great job by Sean to grab that missing piece and be a far superior strategist and game coach.

But, he shoulda turned that roster over more. Miles, Tandy, Edwards and Tucker. Should’ve gone the way of Ben Stanley.

This years roster issues are connected to last years roster mismanagement that didn’t hurt last years team but did hurt us this year.

And now, we are in a more dire situation.

So we agree, the path to the Final Four is with a roster of recruited developed guys and a mix of transfers.

We don’t have the first piece. And we may not have the budget for the second piece.


We have been over the first part. Differing views on the reality of actually being able to do that.

As far as your last two sentences, we are getting that first piece if everyone else stays. Des has developed, swain and green hopefully will make the soph jump. Heck even Dayvion developed throughout the year in his role and should be better with a second year in millers system. Gotta keep building the pipe.

In terms of transfers, x has the nil money now to compete, but it’s not all about money, and about everyone x competes with also has money. X still has to fight and claw… way it’s always been.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Sean only brings in 2 front court players because he didn’t want to hurt Frees feelings, then Miller shoulders all the responsibility for it. No more excuses.

You are completely missing the point. How did you get this out of what anyone said?

[MHettel]

Let me just ask this…..who was the last legitimate, starter from day one, highly rated and sought after big that X brought in as a transfer? Under any coach?

And some people are demanding that X somehow land 3 this off season? That’s not very realistic.

I agree that they really need to bring in a BE level starting center, but needing it and doing are still 2 very different and difficult things. EVERY power 6 in the country is going to go after the same 10-15 players. The odds certainly aren’t in Xavier’s favor.

So how many highly sought after XU transfer guys DIDNT start immediately?

Which of our transfers have been “highly sought after”?

[D-West & PO-Z]

But, he shoulda turned that roster over more. Miles, Tandy, Edwards and Tucker. Should’ve gone the way of Ben Stanley.



We made the NIT finals that year. So according to your reasoning this would have been impossible for Miller to do. Xavier had too many NIT games to focus on and couldn't work the portal.

[Xville]

We made the NIT finals that year. So according to your reasoning this would have been impossible for Miller to do. Xavier had too many NIT games to focus on and couldn't work the portal.
Ha public reps!

[A Fan]

My guess is that within the next 24 to 36 months many college basketball teams will have followed Dartmouth and unionized. So the present portal and play to play collectives will be with us until that happens and afterwards for the non unionized. How the present scheme is refined and operates will be sorted out as well.

It appears there are two models for college basketball.The first involves recruiting high school or European players, retaining, developing, and compensating them well while providing limited developmental minutes. Then, supplementing the roster by raiding the portal each year for players whose teams cannot retain them.

The second model dismisses the idea of recruiting and developing players since they seek immediate playing opportunities rather than waiting on the bench for development. Instead, teams will build a new roster through the portal annually, hoping to strike gold like some teams did in this year's tournament.

Sean Miller's track record indicates he is the ideal Model One coach. He has shown prowess in recruiting and developing players, and with sufficient resources, he can effectively utilize the portal. However, if it's true that he dismissed of his four ( only healthy) front court players, it raises questions about his commitment to Model One. If he truly favored Model One, would he not have invested in retaining players like Kachi or Lazar, who could have developed into valuable assets within a couple of years?

Beyond whatever Sean thinks or did, if it comes to pass that Model One isn't viable and Model Two becomes the norm, there's a need to reconsider the coach/player compensation structure. Paying a coach over $3 million +per year may not be smart for simply navigating the portal. Instead, reallocating those funds towards player compensation would produce better results. Over the next two years, assuming gradual unionization we'll witness which model proves superior and the corresponding adjusting needed in compensation schemes.

[XU_Lou]

This thread has descended into "can he jump-off one foot" legend and lore...

[MHettel]

We made the NIT finals that year. So according to your reasoning this would have been impossible for Miller to do. Xavier had too many NIT games to focus on and couldn't work the portal.

Except Miller wasn’t coaching XU during the NIT. And he had no contact prohibitions.

So……

[D-West & PO-Z]

Except Miller wasn’t coaching XU during the NIT. And he had no contact prohibitions.

So……

He was employed by the school.

Also did not yet have a coaching staff.

Other than that sure.

He also still got a 1st round all Big East transfer. So....

[Xavier]

Except Miller wasn’t coaching XU during the NIT. And he had no contact prohibitions.

So……

Whoops! Haha, well played.

[xuphan]

You are completely missing the point. How did you get this out of what anyone said?

No kidding I donÂ’t get your point. The only points you guys seem to make is that it is unrealistic for Sean Miller to bring in depth in the front court and Free might be turned away if we do bring in guys. The facts are that Xavier only has two front court players currently on the roster and both havenÂ’t played basketball for a year+ and no one knows if either will be able to participate throughout the season. Correct? Why is it unrealistic to bring in 3 post during the portal? We need that many to have depth for the upcoming season (Practice, foul trouble, injuries). Last year should have been a wake call of the importance of depth in the front court. So letÂ’s say you and Xville are right and Miller can only bring in 2 front court guys. Are you happy with having 4 front court guys next season with two trying to come back from potential career altering injuries? ThatÂ’s a lot to risk from a team that just came off its worst season in modern history. I am sure Miller learned his lesson from last season and will right the ship.

[UCGRAD4X]

There is always going to be uncertainty. That's what puts the Madness into March. I'm thinking; "That's why they play the games."

I keep hearing stuff about Miller being or not being able to promise players minutes. I'm pretty sure he has never and hopefully will never make any such guarantee. I can certainly see him alluding to the aforementioned uncertainty.

"We really like your game and think you would fit our program and our needs. We are going to play hard and fast and that requires a quality rotation at all positions, especially in our frontcourt. We see you as a crucial part of that. There is always some uncertainty about the availability and durability of certain players on every team. Particularly with our style of play, we have an even greater need to maintain the health and vitality of our players. Returning to and maintaining the high level of play needed in the best most competitive conference in college basketball is always going to be a challenge. I am not in the business of guaranteeing minutes to any present or future player. The cream is going to rise to the top. That is what I can guarantee. Anyone who is ready to play, ready to compete at the highest level expected in the Big East, to maintain and continually build on that quality of team play, the grit, consistency and determination we see in you, will play. That I can promise.

We are going to build something great here at Xavier. We want this to be the best team in the great history of a storied program in the best conference. We are building competitors. We are building winners. How big a part of that do you want to be?"

[XUGRAD80]

No kidding I donÂ’t get your point. The only points you guys seem to make is that it is unrealistic for Sean Miller to bring in depth in the front court and Free might be turned away if we do bring in guys. The facts are that Xavier only has two front court players currently on the roster and both havenÂ’t played basketball for a year+ and no one knows if either will be able to participate throughout the season. Correct? Why is it unrealistic to bring in 3 post during the portal? We need that many to have depth for the upcoming season (Practice, foul trouble, injuries). Last year should have been a wake call of the importance of depth in the front court. So letÂ’s say you and Xville are right and Miller can only bring in 2 front court guys. Are you happy with having 4 front court guys next season with two trying to come back from potential career altering injuries? ThatÂ’s a lot to risk from a team that just came off its worst season in modern history. I am sure Miller learned his lesson from last season and will right the ship.

It’s not unrealistic to bring in THREE post players……unless you think it’s realistic to bring 3 Top Quality Big East Ready post players. THAT is unrealistic. Especially when you realize that Xavier has never brought in even ONE of those players that everyone knew was a slam dunk from the start. If history is any indication of what to expect in the future, it’s unrealistic to expect a big change overnight. They might…might…get One (It’s reported that X has reached out to around 20 at this point) that can come in and compete with the best that the BE has to offer. But for various reasons (many of which others have pointed out) it’s unrealistic to expect them to get 3.

Sure, IDEALLY they would get some kind of 3-headed monster that would allow them to substitute freely and see no drop off in talent. But that’s in an ideal world. Not a realistic one. If it was easy as some seem to think it is, everyone would do it. Can you name me even ONE team that has 3 top quality bigs? Almost EVERY team in the country is looking for a top quality big and you expect X to land 3? Just because they need them doesn’t mean they are going to get them. Nobody is denying that they NEED more. We are only saying that it’s unrealistic to EXPECT it. They may well being in 3 bigs (I hope they do and wouldn’t be shocked if it happens), but at least one of them I would expect to more of a depth piece that has project written all over him. I really expect 2 posts and 2-3 that are more power forward/small forward type players. They still need at least one good shooting guard too.

[UCGRAD4X]

Excuse my ignorance (I am a UCGrad) but some of the discussion here and elsewhere include how much NIL$$$ Xavier has or doesn't have, and what Miller can offer a certain player, present or future.

There is also discussion about how a player is going somewhere because they have been offered a certain amount or because a school has a certain amount in their NIL war chest.

First, how do we know about any of these numbers? Who is in charge of the money? Who has the authority to distribute, how much, to whom and in what structure?

Then, if little to none of this is under the authority on the university and, more importantly, the coach, how exactly is Sean going to negotiate this with a prospective player? My guess is he really can't (or can he?). So, what would that look or sound like (theoretically)?

This is such a huge topic of discussion and debate in many all of these threads. It is hard to have any kind of input into the back and forth without any understanding of the real mechanics. Maybe it is because "no one really knows" that drives a lot of the division (divisiveness).

Honestly, I see so much hostility, which I suppose is somewhat understandable considering the promise of Miller's return and the subsequent historic downturn. With and the general uncertainty of this brave new world of college sports (NIL, transferability, conference implosion/explosion, etc), I'm hoping some of you more reality based posters can educate me.

[XU_Lou]

Excuse my ignorance (I am a UCGrad) but some of the discussion here and elsewhere include how much NIL$$$ Xavier has or doesn't have, and what Miller can offer a certain player, present or future.

There is also discussion about how a player is going somewhere because they have been offered a certain amount or because a school has a certain amount in their NIL war chest.

First, how do we know about any of these numbers? Who is in charge of the money? Who has the authority to distribute, how much, to whom and in what structure?

Then, if little to none of this is under the authority on the university and, more importantly, the coach, how exactly is Sean going to negotiate this with a prospective player? My guess is he really can't (or can he?). So, what would that look or sound like (theoretically)?

This is such a huge topic of discussion and debate in many all of these threads. It is hard to have any kind of input into the back and forth without any understanding of the real mechanics. Maybe it is because "no one really knows" that drives a lot of the division (divisiveness).

Honestly, I see so much hostility, which I suppose is somewhat understandable considering the promise of Miller's return and the subsequent historic downturn. With and the general uncertainty of this brave new world of college sports (NIL, transferability, conference implosion/explosion, etc), I'm hoping some of you more reality based posters can educate me.

Maybe a partial (and not so good) answer:

Rick Broering
@RickBroering
An issue I've heard brought up by multiple friends who are on CBB staffs:

Boosters who are giving a lot of money to NIL are becoming increasingly brazen about their role in recruiting the transfer portal. Some going as far as saying they need to approve all transfers.

[A Fan]

Excuse my ignorance (I am a UCGrad) but some of the discussion here and elsewhere include how much NIL$$$ Xavier has or doesn't have, and what Miller can offer a certain player, present or future.

There is also discussion about how a player is going somewhere because they have been offered a certain amount or because a school has a certain amount in their NIL war chest.

First, how do we know about any of these numbers? Who is in charge of the money? Who has the authority to distribute, how much, to whom and in what structure?

Then, if little to none of this is under the authority on the university and, more importantly, the coach, how exactly is Sean going to negotiate this with a prospective player? My guess is he really can't (or can he?). So, what would that look or sound like (theoretically)?

This is such a huge topic of discussion and debate in many all of these threads. It is hard to have any kind of input into the back and forth without any understanding of the real mechanics. Maybe it is because "no one really knows" that drives a lot of the division (divisiveness).

Honestly, I see so much hostility, which I suppose is somewhat understandable considering the promise of Miller's return and the subsequent historic downturn. With and the general uncertainty of this brave new world of college sports (NIL, transferability, conference implosion/explosion, etc), I'm hoping some of you more reality based posters can educate me.

(1). How much money does Xavier’s collective have to pay the players.
If any poster knows they have not said. We do believe a large donor pledged a $ 500 K match to jump start the collective and posters have speculated that it now has on hand $2M + to pay players
.(2). Will the collective always have on hand $ 2M + plus every year to pay players ?
No one knows.But it is believed they must to be competitive .
(3). What are the mechanics as to how the players get paid and who decides
The coach decides and the peeps who manage the collective work out the term’s with the player and or his agent. The university , other than as described above) has no role. The collective concept was a contraption created to pay players who the NCAA said could not be paid. But since the NCAA created this mess by not acceding to some compensation system that if implemented might have avoided the mess, they are standing down.

[A Fan]

No where is it written that the large contributors to the Collectives can’t call the shots. Is there any one on this Board who ( hypothetically ) contributed $500 K to a collective who would not be pissed if the Collective paid out his money to a player he and “ his advisors” said was average?

[Xville]

It’s cute that Rick somehow thinks this is something new. Welcome to the 1980s rick

[xuphan]

It’s cute that Rick somehow thinks this is something new. Welcome to the 1980s rick

Xavier has reached out to Hofstra guard Darlinstone Dubar.

[xu82]

Xavier has reached out to Hofstra guard Darlinstone Dubar.

I’ll take him, even if it’s just for the name!

[XUGRAD80]

I am a small contributor to the 2%…very small contributor……thus I do get communication from them. There is person that has agreed to match all contributions for a certain length of time, up to the 500K limit. They have collected 375K so far. With the match that comes to 750K contributed to the 2% fund during this match period. I have no idea who their person is or how much total they have in the fund. Nor do I know how it will be used. I’m personally in no position to have any say in how the very small amount of money that I contribute will be used. But if I choose to I can stop contributing at any time. I’m going to wait and see how it all plays out before passing any judgement.

[A Fan]

Kachi found a home.
https://247sports.com/Article/penn-state-basketball-ncaa-transfer-portal-kachi-nzeh-229615663/

[MHettel]

Kachi found a home.
https://247sports.com/Article/penn-state-basketball-ncaa-transfer-portal-kachi-nzeh-229615663/

Yeah, makes sense. Kinda mid tier team in a high major league.

He’s the one that got away in my opinion.

[xuphan]

Yeah, makes sense. Kinda mid tier team in a high major league.

He’s the one that got away in my opinion.

100%! Especially since we don’t have any healthy post players currently for next season.

[A Fan]

Yeah, makes sense. Kinda mid tier team in a high major league.

He’s the one that got away in my opinion.

Sean gave Lazar 50 percent more playing time than Kachi for a reason. Higher potential. Not to say Kachi could not contribute. But Lazar was the biggest loss. I assume he did not retain either of them because he was confident the portal would yield superior immediate talent. I hope it’s coming.

[MHettel]

Sean gave Lazar 50 percent more playing time than Kachi for a reason. Higher potential. Not to say Kachi could not contribute. But Lazar was the biggest loss. I assume he did not retain either of them because he was confident the portal would yield superior immediate talent. I hope it’s coming.

I think Nzeh is a 5 and was 3rd on the depth chart. After Ciani and Abou proved to be ineffective, Miller made the move to get Nzeh a chance.

Lazar was a 4. Behind Gyanis and Swain when we played small.

I don’t feel like these guys were competing for minutes.

I’d be surprised if Lazar ended up in better spot that Nzeh, in terms of league / team. Although I don’t think l Nzeh will step into for sure minutes. I think it makes sense if you are going to transfer to do it to a place where minutes are likely, so you can transfer again for more money next time ( unfortunate reality)

[Xavier]

So the final four seeds are 1/1/4/11. For those saying NIL is killing the sport, especially those worried about who spend the most always winning/ a recap:


Alabama - First Ever Appearance
Purdue - First Appearance Since 1980
NC State - First Appearance Since 1983


Fresh off of a final four of seeds:4/5/5/9

Tough look for those worried that teams who spend the most will win the most.

[Xavier]

I think Nzeh is a 5 and was 3rd on the depth chart. After Ciani and Abou proved to be ineffective, Miller made the move to get Nzeh a chance.

Lazar was a 4. Behind Gyanis and Swain when we played small.

I don’t feel like these guys were competing for minutes.

I’d be surprised if Lazar ended up in better spot that Nzeh, in terms of league / team. Although I don’t think l Nzeh will step into for sure minutes. I think it makes sense if you are going to transfer to do it to a place where minutes are likely, so you can transfer again for more money next time ( unfortunate reality)

I don’t think they were competing for minutes either. And saw potential in both. Certainly not for big minutes next year, though.

[blueblood]

Tough look for those worried that teams who spend the most will win the most.

I have no dog in this fight but how do we know which teams are spending the most?

How do we know if UConn, Alabama, Purdue and NC State are at the top (or not)?

[xuphan]

So the final four seeds are 1/1/4/11. For those saying NIL is killing the sport, especially those worried about who spend the most always winning/ a recap:


Alabama - First Ever Appearance
Purdue - First Appearance Since 1980
NC State - First Appearance Since 1983


Fresh off of a final four of seeds:4/5/5/9

Tough look for those worried that teams who spend the most will win the most.

A much larger sample is needed before we can truly make judgements on NIL. We will see if this is still accurate over the next 5 or so years.

[Xville]

I have no dog in this fight but how do we know which teams are spending the most?

How do we know if UConn, Alabama, Purdue and NC State are at the top (or not)?

You think a football school like bama is spending a lot of their nil on basketball?

Ya think nc state pays more in nil or duke/unc? I mean come on pretty common sense with the first two.

Rumor is that UConn is in line with most of the other big East in the 2-3 mil range.

Purdue I have no idea. I know edey reportedly makes quite a bit. Outside of that, no idea

[Xavier]

I have no dog in this fight but how do we know which teams are spending the most?

How do we know if UConn, Alabama, Purdue and NC State are at the top (or not)?

For sure. Thought the same thing with FAU and SDST last year. Probably just spending more than everyone else. But IF we say that Alabama, Purdue and NC State just spent the most- then that’s great. NIL created three teams that haven’t that haven’t been to the final four in 30+ years. An opportunity they otherwise wouldn’t have had. That’s awesome


To be clear my argument is not that the teams that spend the most will be most talented.I’m guessing they will. Which is no different than it’s ever been...I think it ends up creating more parity. Players will stay in college longer (vs going oversees) which creates more talent spread around. Different ways you can build teams and be successful.

I’d be curious to see a stretch of pre NIL where you had a final four of 4 seed, with the rest being worse- followed by a year with 3 programs that haven’t been in over 30 years. So far, NIL hasn’t hurt the ability to be successful…..at all.

[xuphan]

For sure. Thought the same thing with FAU and SDST last year. Probably just spending more than everyone else. But IF we say that Alabama, Purdue and NC State just spent the most- then that’s great. NIL created three teams that haven’t that haven’t been to the final four in 30+ years. An opportunity they otherwise wouldn’t have had. That’s awesome


To be clear my argument is not that the teams that spend the most will be most talented.I’m guessing they will. Which is no different than it’s ever been...I think it ends up creating more parity. Players will stay in college longer (vs going oversees) which creates more talent spread around. Different ways you can build teams and be successful.

I’d be curious to see a stretch of pre NIL where you had a final four of 4 seed, with the rest being worse- followed by a year with 3 programs that haven’t been in over 30 years. So far, NIL hasn’t hurt the ability to be successful…..at all.

Sounds like Xavier has reached out to former Iowa State forward Omaha Biliew.

[MHettel]

Sounds like Xavier has reached out to former Iowa State forward Omaha Biliew.

Also known as Kachi Nzeh

[SkyWalker]

I have no dog in this fight but how do we know which teams are spending the most?

How do we know if UConn, Alabama, Purdue and NC State are at the top (or not)?

All big state schools. Not seeing a lot of smaller, private schools in that list.

[GoMuskies]

Saw on another board that this is the second straight Final Four without a McDonalds All-American.

Seems like the transfer portal and NIL have kind of made the college system go haywire, and it's going to take a bit of time for some order to be restored. But for now the best high school players aren't ending up on the best college teams.

[A Fan]

Also known as Kachi Nzeh
I get your point but not exactly. A 5 star McDonald All American.
https://athlonsports.com/college-basketball/former-mcdonalds-all-american-entering-college-basketball-transfer-portal

[xuphan]

I get your point but not exactly. A 5 star McDonald All American.
https://athlonsports.com/college-basketball/former-mcdonalds-all-american-entering-college-basketball-transfer-portal

Hopefully we lock down on one of these Bigs this week. Need to get the dominos falling on the front court.

[drudy23]

All big state schools. Not seeing a lot of smaller, private schools in that list.

Well yeah.

It's not much different than small/large market baseball. More people = more money to go around.

That's why the small market (private schools) teams have to be more strategic with their money and focus more on the development of their HS recruits.

[MHettel]

Well yeah.

It's not much different than small/large market baseball. More people = more money to go around.

That's why the small market (private schools) teams have to be more strategic with their money and focus more on the development of their HS recruits.

Ok, but won’t they just leave for the money? That’s the problem. Developing players is no longer a viable way to build a championship roster, unless you have the money to go with it.

Somebody brought up baseball.

Imagine if rookies just became free agents with no salary cap.

[GoMuskies]

Ok, but won’t they just leave for the money? That’s the problem. Developing players is no longer a viable way to build a championship roster, unless you have the money to go with it.

Somebody brought up baseball.

Imagine if rookies just became free agents with no salary cap.

I guess if the players want to be pros, we can have a draft and assign the players to the college that drafts them.

[drudy23]

Ok, but won’t they just leave for the money? That’s the problem. Developing players is no longer a viable way to build a championship roster, unless you have the money to go with it.

Somebody brought up baseball.

Imagine if rookies just became free agents with no salary cap.

If you're a small private team, what other choices do you have?

Call me skeptical, but I don't think Xavier will be very successful crowd-sourcing $3-4M every single year. You just have to hope your players believe in the developmental efforts you've put into them. Tough spot, for sure.

It's why I've been saying the NIL era is going to be very tough for schools like X.

IMO, planting a developmental seed in players early is a far better path than trying to keep up with the Jones' every year. I just don't think the pockets will be deep enough for that to be sustainable over the long-term. The city and alumni base isn't lined with billionaires.

[MHettel]

If you're a small private team, what other choices do you have?

Call me skeptical, but I don't think Xavier will be very successful crowd-sourcing $3-4M every single year. You just have to hope your players believe in the developmental efforts you've put into them. Tough spot, for sure.

It's why I've been saying the NIL era is going to be very tough for schools like X.

IMO, planting a developmental seed in players early is a far better path than trying to keep up with the Jones' every year. I just don't think the pockets will be deep enough for that to be sustainable over the long-term. The city and alumni base isn't lined with billionaires.

I agree 100%, and you could see this coming from a hundred miles away.

I don’t think it’s viable to ask a kid to forego a big NIL payout for the opportunity to develop them. Because the teams with the big NIL can offer development too. It’s not a trade off. They can have it both ways

[drudy23]

I just find it hard to believe they'll be able to sustain $2-4M per year in NIL. Maybe I'm wrong - but it seems unlikely.

It's year one, and it seems it's already tough.

[Xville]

X can develop while paying these guys money. Geezus some of you act like we are west Carolina tech valley state

[Xville]

I just find it hard to believe they'll be able to sustain $2-4M per year in NIL. Maybe I'm wrong - but it seems unlikely.

It's year one, and it seems it's already tough.

It’s year 4

[xuphan]

It’s year 4

It’s 2-4 million now. Who is to say it’s not 4-8+ million in 5 years. Hopefully Congress steps in but I highly doubt it.

[Strange Brew]

NM.

[Xuperman]

I am in the "it's bad for the sport" group think.

The lack of transparency is really irritating. Are these NIL $$$ deals ever going to be more widely known to the public. One would think legal contracts will be necessary. If so, those terms are usually made public in professional sports.

Or will it be more corporate leaning....like the common policy of never discuss "salaries" with the other "employees"?

[Xuperman]

You would have to back up the truck for this guy.

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4700818/vladislav-goldin

But if at all possible, he is EXACTLY what fixes the root problem. Just image having our very own GIANT....flanked by a healthy ZFree and Hunter!!!!

[MHettel]

I am in the "it's bad for the sport" group think.

The lack of transparency is really irritating. Are these NIL $$$ deals ever going to be more widely known to the public. One would think legal contracts will be necessary. If so, those terms are usually made public in professional sports.

Or will it be more corporate leaning....like the common policy of never discuss "salaries" with the other "employees"?

I don’t know, but my guess is that we see contract details in most pro sports because there is a union involved and the rules of the NLRB require that the documents are available.

That’s why nobody knows the UFC payouts….no unions.

Just a guess

[xuphan]

You would have to back up the truck for this guy.

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4700818/vladislav-goldin

But if at all possible, he is EXACTLY what fixes the root problem. Just image having our very own GIANT....flanked by a healthy ZFree and Hunter!!!!

I would as well but I’d be surprised if he doesn’t follow his coach Dusty May to Michigan.

[Xuperman]

I would as well but I’d be surprised if he doesn’t follow his coach Dusty May to Michigan.

Oh yeah, that is exactly what will happen. Just noticed 2 other FAU guys just entered as well.

[GIMMFD]

I get your point but not exactly. A 5 star McDonald All American.
https://athlonsports.com/college-basketball/former-mcdonalds-all-american-entering-college-basketball-transfer-portal

Needs to put it together, has all the potential in the world being an athletic freak, but he just looked really... lost in the little bit I saw of him playing for Iowa State, they were sure he was going to be a one-and-done, but guess the game just hasn't slowed down for him. Would definitely be interested in the upside, and just to see if a change of scenery could help. Who knows.

[XUGRAD80]

I just saw a twitter post that said that Xavier is one of the top potential landing spots for Bronny James. My initial reactions is Oh H**L NO! We don't need that circus here! But then again....what'll y'all think about Bronny in Xavier blue?

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

I just saw a twitter post that said that Xavier is one of the top potential landing spots for Bronny James. My initial reactions is Oh H**L NO! We don't need that circus here! But then again....what'll y'all think about Bronny in Xavier blue?

Hard Pass.

[drudy23]

I just saw a twitter post that said that Xavier is one of the top potential landing spots for Bronny James. My initial reactions is Oh H**L NO! We don't need that circus here! But then again....what'll y'all think about Bronny in Xavier blue?

I took it as an April Fool's joke as I saw it yesterday as well. There have been no other reports of him being in the portal, and it would be all over the news if true.

Give me Vlad Goldin however.

[MHettel]

I just saw a twitter post that said that Xavier is one of the top potential landing spots for Bronny James. My initial reactions is Oh H**L NO! We don't need that circus here! But then again....what'll y'all think about Bronny in Xavier blue?

I was actually just thinking about this yesterday. First question is if XU is the type of place Bronny would want to go to. Second thought was about the implications / domino effect if he did. Lots of TV coverage, that’s for sure. And maybe a talent influx that we badly need.

[GoMuskies]

USC blew goats with Bronny last year.

He's probably going to Dook. I think that's where his dad wanted to play if he didn't go straight to the NBA.

[webxu]

I woudlnt be surprised if he went to the NBA, his dad has made it well known that's how he wants to end his career, playing with his son. This years NBA draft class has been pegged as one of the worst of all time (time will tell of course) so a team may take a 2nd round flyer on him just to land Lebron for the last couple years while he is still producing at historic levels. That said if XU is an actual option and he can contribute, i would welcome it and the circus it would bring.

[Xavier]

Definitely an April fools joke.

But X is still going after shooters. Both guards and wings. One guard I’m intrigued with is Darlinstone Dubar. 6’8 guard from Hofstra. averaged 17.8 a game while shooting 39% from 3. Arkansas was the team who made biggest push but X is very much going after him too.

And I’ll be honest. Not a clue about him or his game, but I am a sucker for the taller players. Regardless, I don’t think Foster was given any sort of guarantee to be a starter. And Drudy approach appears to be what X is doing- just go after and gather as much talent as they can and then let the minutes fall into place.

[paulxu]

Perhaps Lebron would contribute to our NIL pool. He's got extra cash.

[xukeith]

Miller knows he owns this bad season. Even with a healthy Freemantle and Hunter, he knows he really missed on adding the kind of 5 capable of playing well at the BE level.

Sean is not okay at all with the way things turned out this year. In fact, you’d better believe he is sick about it.
He is sick about not bringing in a BE level Center.
He is sick about not getting his team into the tournament (and advancing).
He is sick about having his first losing record.
He is sick his team couldn’t win any signature games this season after beating National champion UCONN twice last year.
He is sick that none of his international players panned out this year.
He doesn’t want to feel sick anymore. He knows the stakes. He’s also has a reputation to live up to.

Sean is not going to let go of his entire front court from last year as well as Kam and Reed without being pretty damn sure of two things:
1. None of those players are going to be able to develop fast enough to play at the BE level by next year.
2. He is confident he can bring in players who can.

So shouldn't he get 100% grad transfers that play Miller's way? Stay away from fab frosh and growing sophomores?

[GIMMFD]

USC blew goats with Bronny last year.

He's probably going to Dook. I think that's where his dad wanted to play if he didn't go straight to the NBA.

I thought that was because of Coach K though? I wonder how much it changes with Scheyer in charge. Also, think he'd have a tough time carving out playing time with the way Duke reloads their roster. I'm sure McCain is probably gone, Tyrese Proctor had an up and down season and may be back, and I think Jeremy Roach still has a year of eligibility left and could return? He'd have to be comfortable getting minimal minutes to develop.


So shouldn't he get 100% grad transfers that play Miller's way? Stay away from fab frosh and growing sophomores?

I feel like that's tougher to do in this day and age to build a roster to your ideal wants. With the transfer portal, NIL, and all the things involved I don't really know what the best way to fill out a roster looks like, but I do know we're going to add some pieces and we only have one incoming Freshman in Powell coming in, so I assume he'd be looking for grad transfers and other transfers that match his ideals. I do agree with IM4X though, I think Miller's wayyy too competitive to not have this past season eat at him and will be looking at ways to correct that. Marcus Foster fits the older transfer mold, I think it just depends who we can realistically target and obtain through the portal and NIL, etc. Sometimes you have to settle on Option B unfortunately.

[D-West & PO-Z]

I agree 100%, and you could see this coming from a hundred miles away.

I don’t think it’s viable to ask a kid to forego a big NIL payout for the opportunity to develop them. Because the teams with the big NIL can offer development too. It’s not a trade off. They can have it both ways

Which Xavier talent in 4 years has transferred away to a bigger program or one paying more after Xavier brought them in a developed them?

[XUBison]

Jeez, looks like St. John’s has four returners left, thus far.

Edit: And DePaul might be down to one? Bonkers! I wonder who’s dumping whom in that relationship.

[xuphan]

Jeez, looks like St. John’s has four returners left, thus far.

Edit: And DePaul might be down to one? Bonkers! I wonder who’s dumping whom in that relationship.

Xavier has reached out to former Oklahoma big John Hugley. Looks like a Big body but no idea about his game or fit here at X.

[Xavier]

Which Xavier talent in 4 years has transferred away to a bigger program or one paying more after Xavier brought them in a developed them?

There isn’t one. I don’t think X has lost a player they wanted to keep because a team outbid them. In fact even pre NIL/transfer rule I don’t think X lost an impact player? (Outside of Wells but that’s a different situation) nothing jumps to mind at least.

Now X could tell someone like Odom they don’t have any NIL for him and so technically he would get paid more at Jacksonville state. But none of the guys have left bc X couldn’t afford to keep them if they wanted. The whole portal and Nil has worked out in X favor so far.

[GoMuskies]

The whole portal and Nil has worked out in X favor so far.

It's hard to square that with Xavier being in the midst of the worst 6 year run in the last 40 years of program history. Some of that is just Steele sucking and bad luck on the injury front this year. But it's tough to be too excited about what the NIL and portal era has brought for Xavier basketball.

[IM4X]

Xavier has reached out to former Oklahoma big John Hugley. Looks like a Big body but no idea about his game or fit here at X.

Not so sure how to feel about Hugley. He committed to Pitt out of high school and looked like he might become a pretty good player there. Then he was charged with a felony for being in a stolen car (charge was later dropped). He then had an injury and took time off for personal reasons.

https://www.cardiachill.com/2021/5/13/22434482/john-hugley-felony-charges-dropped-pittsburgh-panthers-basketball-power-forward-car-theft-jeff-capel

Then he transferred to OU last season where he had to have surgery before the end of the season to repair his meniscus.

https://247sports.com/college/oklahoma/article/john-hugley-knee-surgery-rivaldo-soares-ankle-update-oklahoma-sooners-227579679/amp/

We already have two bigs trying to come back from injuries. Does Sean really want to have yet another big on the roster who may miss games because of ongoing injuries (or possibly due to personal/legal issues)?

[IM4X]

Brandon Huntley-Hatfield intrigues me. I know he was on an awful team but he seems to be athletic and he averaged 13 points and 8.4 rebounds a game.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2fbbWx6w8Us


Edit: I just saw he has four schools he is considering- X is not on the list.

[Xavier]

It's hard to square that with Xavier being in the midst of the worst 6 year run in the last 40 years of program history. Some of that is just Steele sucking and bad luck on the injury front this year. But it's tough to be too excited about what the NIL and portal era has brought for Xavier basketball.

Steele was just awful. But under Sean The two most impactful players on the past two teams were transfers. It’s hard to argue X hasn’t benefited from it. We’ve only had maybe 3-4 all around better seasons than Sean’s first one back, in large part because of Boum.

[muskiefan82]

Did Lazar take his name out of the portal? He isn't showing up anymore. That would actually be good news if he is returning after all

[MHettel]

There isn’t one. I don’t think X has lost a player they wanted to keep because a team outbid them. In fact even pre NIL/transfer rule I don’t think X lost an impact player? (Outside of Wells but that’s a different situation) nothing jumps to mind at least.

Now X could tell someone like Odom they don’t have any NIL for him and so technically he would get paid more at Jacksonville state. But none of the guys have left bc X couldn’t afford to keep them if they wanted. The whole portal and Nil has worked out in X favor so far.

I would say Mark Lyons. And I didnt care for him much, but Justin Martin.

And we lost Graham Ike to Gonzaga due to NIL and had our worst season in 40 years.

[noteggs]

Just guessing but could he be going back to Serbia? Prefer your option tho…

[Xavier]

I would say Mark Lyons. And I didnt care for him much, but Justin Martin.

And we lost Graham Ike to Gonzaga due to NIL and had our worst season in 40 years.

Good call on Lyons, I thought he left as a grad transfer. He was solid. Where did Martin even end up?

Using Ike as an impactful player on Xavier roster that we lost due to transfer portal and NIL is a bit of a reach. Lol. Granted as soon as I mention this there’s some rumors that both Uconn and Alabama have been talking to Des. Bama seems odd, since a key part of his game is midrange.

*rumors are from Trilly- who had Sean going to OSU. So take it for what it’s worth. He’s a guy that throws a lot out, gets a lot right and a decent amount wrong.

[XUBison]

Good call on Lyons, I thought he left as a grad transfer. He was solid. Where did Martin even end up?

Using Ike as an impactful player on Xavier roster that we lost due to transfer portal and NIL is a bit of a reach. Lol. Granted as soon as I mention this there’s some rumors that both Uconn and Alabama have been talking to Des. Bama seems odd, since a key part of his game is midrange.

*rumors are from Trilly- who had Sean going to OSU. So take it for what it’s worth. He’s a guy that throws a lot out, gets a lot right and a decent amount wrong.

UConn? No way! Val will shut that down, sure as rain.

[GoMuskies]

Louisville picked up Terrence Edwards from JMU. Sun Belt player of the year. The initial shot of enthusiasm for Kelsey plus rumors of huge NIL money should make Louisville a big winner in the 2024 transfer portal cycle.

[Xville]

Louisville picked up Terrence Edwards from JMU. Sun Belt player of the year. The initial shot of enthusiasm for Kelsey plus rumors of huge NIL money should make Louisville a big winner in the 2024 transfer portal cycle.

Yeah the morons who said Michigan was a better job than Louisville are going to eat those words. Cal should just quit. His life is about to get very difficult

[XUBison]

It's hard to square that with Xavier being in the midst of the worst 6 year run in the last 40 years of program history. Some of that is just Steele sucking and bad luck on the injury front this year. But it's tough to be too excited about what the NIL and portal era has brought for Xavier basketball.

Yes, and as we have sucked five of the last six years, do we want to boast that no one else wants our players?

[Xville]

Sam Alexis has cut his list to five, Xavier included!

[Xville]

Trey Townsend officially in the portal

[Xville]

Yes, and as we have sucked five of the last six years, do we want to boast that no one else wants our players?

We had a really good roster as evidenced by winning the nit with an interim coach, going to sweet 16 etc. so if people didn’t want any of our players like Colby, naji, nunge, freemantle etc they are really stupid.

[MHettel]

Sam Alexis has cut his list to five, Xavier included!

I like that guy. Seems to have teh size and athleticism required in the Big East.

[GoMuskies]

Let's go get Jamal Shead out of the transfer portal. Should be cheap!

[A Fan]

Sam Alexis has cut his list to five, Xavier included!

He is from Orlando. It will be tough to beat out Florida since it is close to home and they have a well funded collective. But since he is also looking at Providence perhaps he wants to play in the Big East.

[xuphan]

Louisville picked up Terrence Edwards from JMU. Sun Belt player of the year. The initial shot of enthusiasm for Kelsey plus rumors of huge NIL money should make Louisville a big winner in the 2024 transfer portal cycle.

Not surprising given they are a basketball school and have a ton of minutes at his position available. Similar to what we have in the front court.

[X-band '01]

Good call on Lyons, I thought he left as a grad transfer. He was solid. Where did Martin even end up?

Using Ike as an impactful player on Xavier roster that we lost due to transfer portal and NIL is a bit of a reach. Lol. Granted as soon as I mention this there’s some rumors that both Uconn and Alabama have been talking to Des. Bama seems odd, since a key part of his game is midrange.

*rumors are from Trilly- who had Sean going to OSU. So take it for what it’s worth. He’s a guy that throws a lot out, gets a lot right and a decent amount wrong.

If you mean Justin Martin, he went to SMU after leaving Xavier.

[Xville]

When is the last time trilly got anything right? It’s been a minute.

[xuphan]

When is the last time trilly got anything right? It’s been a minute.

Several days ago we were talking about Josh Cohen who cancelled his visit to X and committed to Arkansas a few days later. Now, the head coach of Arkansas is interviewing for the USC job and is the lead candidate for the job. Crazy to think Cohen would commit to Arkansas without getting some sort of assurance that the head coach would be there next season. Wonder if he will end up at Notre Dame or follow the coach to USC.

[drudy23]

Trey Townsend officially in the portal

Surprised no one has responded to this. This would be awesome and exactly what we need.

The only fear is that he's kind of a Freemantle clone, and probably a bit better on the offensive end. But man, dude can score in the post.

[xuphan]

Surprised no one has responded to this. This would be awesome and exactly what we need.

The only fear is that he's kind of a Freemantle clone, and probably a bit better on the offensive end. But man, dude can score in the post.

Two reasons.

1st: He isn’t going to come here to sit behind Free and Free isn’t going to sit behind Trey. Would love to get him with Free but I doubt Miller would go there.

2nd: He is now the biggest name in the portal. He will most likely end up at a Blue Blood or Michigan/Michigan State school. We wouldn’t have a chance.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I believe he is 6'6 also, but could be wrong there.

[drudy23]

Two reasons.

1st: He isn’t going to come here to sit behind Free and Free isn’t going to sit behind Trey. Would love to get him with Free but I doubt Miller would go there.

2nd: He is now the biggest name in the portal. He will most likely end up at a Blue Blood or Michigan/Michigan State school. We wouldn’t have a chance.

Why is it now taboo to play two post guys at the same time? Oakland used Townsend and Conway together. I think Free and Townsend would be real tough to guard, and they could play off of each other. No way I would sit one.

Second point is valid. But at the same time, most blue bloods also have really good post players already in their rotations.

[xuphan]

Why is it now taboo to play two post guys at the same time? Oakland used Townsend and Conway together. I think Free and Townsend would be real tough to guard, and they could play off of each other. No way I would sit one.

Second point is valid. But at the same time, most blue bloods also have really good post players already in their rotations.

Would you play Free at the 5? I don’t think Free can guard the 5 and would be a big liability on the defensive end.

[drudy23]

Would you play Free at the 5? I don’t think Free can guard the 5 and would be a big liability on the defensive end.

There are zero people this past year and zero people on the current roster than can guard the 5.

As long as Free outscores the guy he's guarding, it's a win. College hoops has really moved to positionless basketball. I find it funny that for 100 years, teams played with two post guys, now it's like you have 3 heads if someone mentions it.

Elite scorers are 10x more valuable than elite defenders.

Not every program is going to have players as skilled and big as guys like Kalkbrenner and Clingan. There's just not enough of them to go around.

The one thing Steele did right to almost turn a season around was playing Tyrique and Hankins together. It's real tough to guard.

[MHettel]

There are zero people this past year and zero people on the current roster than can guard the 5.

As long as Free outscores the guy he's guarding, it's a win. College hoops has really moved to positionless basketball. I find it funny that for 100 years, teams played with two post guys, now it's like you have 3 heads if someone mentions it.

Elite scorers are 10x more valuable than elite defenders.

Not every program is going to have players as skilled and big as guys like Kalkbrenner and Clingan. There's just not enough of them to go around.

The one thing Steele did right to almost turn a season around was playing Tyrique and Hankins together. It's real tough to guard.

If we start Free at the 5 o would expect the opposing strategy to go right at free and either score or get him in foul trouble. Pound it inside until we take him out. That negates his offensive advantage

[drudy23]

If we start Free at the 5 o would expect the opposing strategy to go right at free and either score or get him in foul trouble. Pound it inside until we take him out. That negates his offensive advantage

Assuming the other team has a capable scoring 5. Most don't.

Kalkbrenner and Clingan are unicorns in the college game.

And like I said, who on the current roster can guard the 5 anyway?

[MHettel]

Assuming the other team has a capable scoring 5. Most don't.

Kalkbrenner and Clingan are unicorns in the college game.

And like I said, who on the current roster can guard the 5 anyway?

You can attack the rim and get him in foul trouble. Doesn’t need to be a center

[Xavier]

Would you play Free at the 5? I don’t think Free can guard the 5 and would be a big liability on the defensive end.

He can’t guard the 4, either. He’s a liability no matter where you put him on that end. If we could get him, I would. I’d even consider putting him at the 3 spot if either A) Freemantle would consistently hit open 3s or B) we brought in a stretch player that could. Would be a major mismatch somewhere on the floor and think a good coach could find ways to exploit it.

But agreed, would be tough to land him IMO.

[profson]

There are zero people this past year and zero people on the current roster than can guard the 5.

As long as Free outscores the guy he's guarding, it's a win. College hoops has really moved to positionless basketball. I find it funny that for 100 years, teams played with two post guys, now it's like you have 3 heads if someone mentions it.

Elite scorers are 10x more valuable than elite defenders.

Not every program is going to have players as skilled and big as guys like Kalkbrenner and Clingan. There's just not enough of them to go around.

The one thing Steele did right to almost turn a season around was playing Tyrique and Hankins together. It's real tough to guard.


Not a good comparison. Hankins was 6’11 (or a full 6’10”) and a decent rim protector (1.5 blocks/game in fewer than full minutes). Neither Townsend nor Free is close to that profile.

[drudy23]

Not a good comparison. Hankins was 6’11 (or a full 6’10”) and a decent rim protector (1.5 blocks/game in fewer than full minutes). Neither Townsend nor Free is close to that profile.

So add a rim protector. It would be great to have a guy come off the bench that does nothing but alter shots. It's exactly what Clingan was last year.

Not every big guy has to average 16 and 10. You're assembling complementary pieces, not a bunch of guys to go get buckets.

[MHettel]

So add a rim protector. It would be great to have a guy come off the bench that does nothing but alter shots. It's exactly what Clingan was last year.

Not every big guy has to average 16 and 10. You're assembling complementary pieces, not a bunch of guys to go get buckets.

I think Abou was meant to be that exact kind of guy this year. Let Free handle the offensive responsibilities and have Abou setting screens for shooters and do some offensive rebounding.

Then defensively, we know Free was gonna get used, so Abou can be some help and muscle.

I think it would have been OK. Not great, but certainly better than that blowout diaper that we had to witness.

[MHettel]

I really do not understand the "rankings" for the players in the portal.

Kachi Nzeh is ranked 114, which is 10 spot HIGHER than Marcus Foster at 124. Now, Marcus Foster is exactly what we needed to add to this roster, but he HAS played in 112 games and scored over 1100 points. Nzeh has done essentially nothing, aside from some meaningless minutes on a team that was out of contention. Head scratcher.

Here is another example. Let say my roster is purged, and I need to rebuild using the portal. I grab the following ranked guys: #21, #71, #77, #82, #84, #90, #93, #100. So right there you've got 8 of the top 100 players in the portal. Great start, yeah? Lets add some depth with #219.

You just added 80% of all the minutes played last year at 8-24 Louisville. Was the coaching that bad? Or are these rankings so far off? Or just the wrong mix of some very good players?

[Xville]

I think transfer portal rankings are really stupid as I stated earlier. Not anything I pay attention to…Quincy and Dayvion were ranked pretty low, Boum was as well and all are/were studs , so I take zero stock in them.

[MHettel]

I think transfer portal rankings are really stupid as I stated earlier. Not anything I pay attention to…Quincy and Dayvion were ranked pretty low, Boum was as well and all are/were studs , so I take zero stock in them.

The other ranking service I found had NZeh at 266. so a massive gap between that and 114.

I can kind of get putting guys in some "tiers." The cant miss guys that have already proven it at the highest level go in the first tier. then the mid-major studs that also have proven can be in the top 1 or 2 tiers. And so on. But actually putting 300 guys in a certain order is impossible given the lack of diligence. was Nzehs 114 ranking based on potential and the fact that he has 3 years left? Casue that makes no sense because this whole thing has become a year to year situation. Just ask Kerr Krissa, who is in the portal again this year.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I see a lot of new names in the portal pretty consistently. Things have cooled off for us as of late. Miller still has a ton of work to do.

[XUGRAD80]

I see a lot of new names in the portal pretty consistently. Things have cooled off for us as of late. Miller still has a ton of work to do.


But there’s not yet a bunch of signings. One coach said, “the longer you wait, the better the price will be.” , when asked about the lack of signings.

Does make me nervous though.

[Xville]

From my understanding there is also a dead period now for a week where you can’t do in home or school visits

[xuphan]

But there’s not yet a bunch of signings. One coach said, “the longer you wait, the better the price will be.” , when asked about the lack of signings.

Does make me nervous though.

I would be somewhat nervous as well. If we only needed 1-2 more guys in the portal I’d be more relaxed. However, we are basically rebuilding a roster in the portal and we have picked up 1 guard and no front court players. The longer the portal drags on the harder it will be for us to get top talent as competition for those players will increase. We all should definitely be a bit nervous with where we currently sit.

[XUGRAD80]

From my understanding there is also a dead period now for a week where you can’t do in home or school visits

Miller is on vacation in Aruba this week.

[Xville]

Nc state just got Brandon huntley Hatfield while playing in the ff. Weird. Thought there was no time for that lol

[Xville]

Josh cohen flipped from Arkansas to usc following the miss bus. For those thinking it’s all about nil, relationships still strongly matter

[MHettel]

Josh cohen flipped from Arkansas to usc following the miss bus. For those thinking it’s all about nil, relationships still strongly matter

Well, arguably he left Umass to exploit his NIL potential and found a coach he is comfortable with. I dont think its a stretch to assume that Eric Musselman had no idea who Josh Cohen was until about 2 weeks ago. Thats a hell of a bond those 2 must have.

Likewise, Townsend just entered the portal from Oakland where he had played and started 129 games and played for that crusty old coach they had that seems to be universally loved. I'd assume that there is probably a pretty close relationship between those 2 that is apparently not quite as important as that BAG.

[Xville]

Well, arguably he left Umass to exploit his NIL potential and found a coach he is comfortable with. I dont think its a stretch to assume that Eric Musselman had no idea who Josh Cohen was until about 2 weeks ago. Thats a hell of a bond those 2 must have.

Likewise, Townsend just entered the portal from Oakland where he had played and started 129 games and played for that crusty old coach they had that seems to be universally loved. I'd assume that there is probably a pretty close relationship between those 2 that is apparently not quite as important as that BAG.

Not saying money doesn’t matter, my point is relationships are still a determining factor. Cohen could have went to five other places that offered more or the same money, but chose to follow the coach he just built some trust with.

And, there is a lot of smoke that nil wasn’t very good at Arkansas and is why muss wanted out, so I don’t think cohen was offered much in the first place.

I guarantee with Townsend, he is going to have the Oakland coach help make his decision for him, just like the rice coach helped Quincy last year.

[Final4]

Josh cohen flipped from Arkansas to usc following the miss bus. For those thinking it’s all about nil, relationships still strongly matter

How do you know that? Maybe the $ at USC was better than the $ at Arkansas.

[Xville]

How do you know that? Maybe the $ at USC was better than the $ at Arkansas.

What I know is what is a fact, that he flipped because his coach went to usc.

I also know the rumor that Arkansas’ nil wasn’t great annd why muss wanted out. But cohen still picked Arkansas in the first place when had an opportunity to make more at other schools.

[MHettel]

Not saying money doesn’t matter, my point is relationships are still a determining factor. Cohen could have went to five other places that offered more or the same money, but chose to follow the coach he just built some trust with.

And, there is a lot of smoke that nil wasn’t very good at Arkansas and is why muss wanted out, so I don’t think cohen was offered much in the first place.

I guarantee with Townsend, he is going to have the Oakland coach help make his decision for him, just like the rice coach helped Quincy last year.

The tone of your original post was that Cohen is making his transfer decision based on relationship, not money. I presume that was intended to undermine the point of view that many of us have that NIL is driving most of the decision making and that the obvious imbalance between the NIL "haves" and "have nots" will result in a negative impact to whatever degree of competitive balance that exists today.

Then I dismantled your post.

So, are you sticking with that, or what?

In your follow up post you just make crap up like "cohen could have gone to five other places that offered more or the same money", and "relationships are still a determining factor." And then you mention that "NIL wasnt very good at Arkansas" which needs some context. Its not very good in the SEC to compete with Kentucky? Or its not very good in D1? Ill put it this way.....it's good enougfh to get a kidn that grew up in New Jersey and went to school at Umass to move to Arkansas.

And what is your point about Townsend exactly? Lets say you are right. The only point I can take away from that is basically confirming my claim that the relationship IS strong between Townsend and his coach and its the prospect of NIL that is having him walk from that relationship. and that was my point.

So are you just hedging here, or what?

[Xville]

My point is that relationships matter, nil isn’t the only decision maker that you seem to have suggested several times. That’s my point. Pretty clear not sure what you aren’t comprehending

Regarding chosen I’m not making crap up, it’s all out there. Muss wanred out badly. Pretty public knowledge.
Not sure what you think you dismantled. You are wrong here very consistently.

Just pass over the fact that nc state signed a dude. Oops goes against another one of your bogus narratives

[ArizonaXUGrad]

I would be somewhat nervous as well. If we only needed 1-2 more guys in the portal I’d be more relaxed. However, we are basically rebuilding a roster in the portal and we have picked up 1 guard and no front court players. The longer the portal drags on the harder it will be for us to get top talent as competition for those players will increase. We all should definitely be a bit nervous with where we currently sit.

Why don't we let them crown a champ before we start to worry that Miller is being too slow filling out his roster for 24-25. I don't know, kind of makes a little sense for me.

[Xville]

Still waiting for that competitive balance problem you think there is. 1brand new ff team and 1 that’s been mostly irrelevant for a few decades.

[nuts4xu]

Things will heat up when the final horn sounds on Monday night, and when the current dead period expires.

If true that coach Miller is out of the country, I expect a quiet weekend on the commitment front.

[noteggs]

Why don't we let them crown a champ before we start to worry that Miller is being too slow filling out his roster for 24-25. I don't know, kind of makes a little sense for me.

Exactly

Transfer commitments to date.

- 31 players have committed
- 1 team has 3 (Louisville)
- 6 teams with 2
- 24 with 1 (obviously including X).

I think we’re ok for now.

[MHettel]

Just pass over the fact that nc state signed a dude. Oops goes against another one of your bogus narratives

open court layup on this one....

NCST signed the #24 ranked transfer from a conference rival that they played TWICE this year. Huntley put up 30 pts, 17 rebs, 5 assist, 2 blocks and 2 steals against NCST. Coming out of High School, the kid was ranked #24 in the country, #7 at his position, and #1 in his state (Pennsylvania).

I can only IMAGINE the number of hours it took for them to find this guy.

[MHettel]

Bronny to enter the portal. And the Draft, which I think is a joke. Will be interesting to see where he's ranked in the Portal, and where he lands.

just read that DUQUESNE is expected to be an option becasue LBJ played in HS with the new coach.

[Final4]

What I know is what is a fact, that he flipped because his coach went to usc.

I also know the rumor that Arkansas’ nil wasn’t great annd why muss wanted out. But cohen still picked Arkansas in the first place when had an opportunity to make more at other schools.

You have taken a position on NIL which is obviously fine…….everyone is entitled to their opinion. But you made a silly statement in an attempt to support that position and now you’re doubling down on silliness by stating it as a fact. There is no way to substantiate that (short of talking to Josh Cohen directly) and to suggest otherwise just makes you look foolish.

[GoMuskies]

Bronny to enter the portal. And the Draft, which I think is a joke. Will be interesting to see where he's ranked in the Portal, and where he lands.

just read that DUQUESNE is expected to be an option becasue LBJ played in HS with the new coach.

That would be pretty cool. That's the correct level for Bronny, too.

[MHettel]

You have taken a position on NIL which is obviously fine…….everyone is entitled to their opinion. But you made a silly statement in an attempt to support that position and now you’re doubling down on silliness by stating it as a fact. There is no way to substantiate that (short of talking to Josh Cohen directly) and to suggest otherwise just makes you look foolish.

c'mon now. Its entertaining when he does this. Lord knows the basketball wasn't worth watching this year, so i kind of just pivoted to taunting Xville. Dont discourage him

[A Fan]

c'mon now. Its entertaining when he does this. Lord knows the basketball wasn't worth watching this year, so i kind of just pivoted to taunting Xville. Dont discourage him

If you want to refine your taunting skills, choose someone who doesn't contradict themselves every other day; otherwise, you're just picking the low-hanging fruit.

[MHettel]

If you want to refine your taunting skills, choose someone who doesn't contradict themselves every other day; otherwise, you're just picking the low-hanging fruit.

yeah, but he keeps coming back for more. I feel like I have a duty

[Xville]

open court layup on this one....

NCST signed the #24 ranked transfer from a conference rival that they played TWICE this year. Huntley put up 30 pts, 17 rebs, 5 assist, 2 blocks and 2 steals against NCST. Coming out of High School, the kid was ranked #24 in the country, #7 at his position, and #1 in his state (Pennsylvania).

I can only IMAGINE the number of hours it took for them to find this guy.

Just completely disregard that other teams were recruiting him. Are you really that dumb?

Just disregard the other part of recruiting.

[Xville]

You have taken a position on NIL which is obviously fine…….everyone is entitled to their opinion. But you made a silly statement in an attempt to support that position and now you’re doubling down on silliness by stating it as a fact. There is no way to substantiate that (short of talking to Josh Cohen directly) and to suggest otherwise just makes you look foolish.

What do you think is opinion that I stated as fact? You think he just randomly went to usc because ther is more nil there after he had just committed to Arkansas or do you think it makes perfect sense that he followed the coach he just built a relationship with? Why didn’t he commit to usc the first time when they were offering more nil per your opinion? Are you that dumb?

[Xville]

If you want to refine your taunting skills, choose someone who doesn't contradict themselves every other day; otherwise, you're just picking the low-hanging fruit.

How am I contradicting myself., explain since you made a really stupid comment with zero facts.

If you really want to talk about contradiction, look no further than the person you just made a reply to

[MHettel]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1ho-nKFWw8

This guy has no idea what he's talking about at the 3:00 mark of this video.

[XU_Lou]

Very entertaining thread...

[Xville]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1ho-nKFWw8

This guy has no idea what he's talking about at the 3:00 mark of this video.

lol another dinosaur whining about working harder. Wahhhhhhh!!!!

Facts are facts. Nc state and several programs during the tournament secured commitments. I’ll take the facts over a couple of coaches whining their opinions.

[Xavier]

yeah, but he keeps coming back for more. I feel like I have a duty

Sounds like someone I know. : ) but I take it easy on you now. Rather talk about x hoops and portal guys than keep pointing out your inconsistencies.

[MHettel]

Sounds like someone I know. : ) but I take it easy on you now. Rather talk about x hoops and portal guys than keep pointing out your inconsistencies.

I'm kinda bored in this dead period. Wanna rehash anything? Lazar's "potential" and why I'm the only idiot that didn't see and why he's declared for the portal but cant be found? Or maybe the bang up job Miller did by doing NOTHING with the roster his first year and then feel all the pain this year because of it?

[MHettel]

lol another dinosaur whining about working harder. Wahhhhhhh!!!!

Facts are facts. Nc state and several programs during the tournament secured commitments. I’ll take the facts over a couple of coaches whining their opinions.

Maybe Izzo is the only coach out there not working the portal during the tournament. that could be the key to making 8 Final Fours.

Oh, and BEYOND that did you hear his comments about the VERY FIRST THING that the portal guys ask about is what kind of "package" can they get.

But I'll take YOUR word for it that relationships matter more.

[Xville]

Maybe Izzo is the only coach out there not working the portal during the tournament. that could be the key to making 8 Final Fours.

Oh, and BEYOND that did you hear his comments about the VERY FIRST THING that the portal guys ask about is what kind of "package" can they get.

But I'll take YOUR word for it that relationships matter more.

When’s the last time izzo made the final four? Five years ago before nil and the portal? I’ll hang up and listen.

Never said relationships matter more. But go ahead and put words in my mouth. Narratives are hard

[A Fan]

Maybe Izzo is the only coach out there not working the portal during the tournament. that could be the key to making 8 Final Fours.

Oh, and BEYOND that did you hear his comments about the VERY FIRST THING that the portal guys ask about is what kind of "package" can they get.

But I'll take YOUR word for it that relationships matter more.
Did I hear Izzo correctly that the “ high school kids” and I assume he is talking 4 and 5 stars are asking triple the amount of NIL money than the same cohort was asking last year? If yes, the money may now be “ the “ priority for them. . And yes, he said the Portal guys just say “ hello” and ask for their package. So much for the tour of the campus.

[Xavier]

I'm kinda bored in this dead period. Wanna rehash anything? Lazar's "potential" and why I'm the only idiot that didn't see and why he's declared for the portal but cant be found? Or maybe the bang up job Miller did by doing NOTHING with the roster his first year and then feel all the pain this year because of it?

The roster you said was absolutely loaded? That’s the one you wanted him to gut? Interesting.

[MHettel]

Did I hear Izzo correctly that the “ high school kids” and I assume he is talking 4 and 5 stars are asking triple the amount of NIL money than the same cohort was asking last year? If yes, the money may now be “ the “ priority for them. . And yes, he said the Portal guys just say “ hello” and ask for their package. So much for the tour of the campus.

The kids themselves though, refer to that as having a "relationship."

[MHettel]

The roster you said was absolutely loaded? That’s the one you wanted him to gut? Interesting.

I dont think I wanted Miller to gut the roster. But Miles, Tandy and Edwards all transferred the following year anyway without having contributed much in Millers first year. So he could have sped that along....

[xuphan]

Things will heat up when the final horn sounds on Monday night, and when the current dead period expires.

If true that coach Miller is out of the country, I expect a quiet weekend on the commitment front.

What an odd time to be out of the country. You would think after the portal is over would be a better time. Kids are still committing even though it is a dead period. Dane Danja committed to Memphis today and NC State got the Louisville kid to commit. Seems with a roster that needs a major rebuild he would be still be in town. The nerves continue to rise each day that passes looking at what our front court currently looks like.

[Jumpin_Jamal_Forever]

Did I hear Izzo correctly that the “ high school kids” and I assume he is talking 4 and 5 stars are asking triple the amount of NIL money than the same cohort was asking last year? If yes, the money may now be “ the “ priority for them. . And yes, he said the Portal guys just say “ hello” and ask for their package. So much for the tour of the campus.

I wonder if we are approaching a top in the NIL market. Perhaps there is a parallel between what is going on with NIL and the concept of a financial market bubble. For example, a stock market top, like the dot com bubble, started with a displacement to the existing order, the introduction of technology----the internet. The introduction and adoption of the internet fueled a rise in "dot.com" stocks. In the late nineties and early 2000, every publicly traded business that adopted a website saw a huge valuation increase. The displacement of traditional sales channels by the internet fueled a euphoric rise in internet stock prices. They kept going up and up, ignoring traditional methods of valuation and seeming like they would never come down. Everybody had to get in on the action. But, at the top, everybody was in, including those with poor, unsustainable business models. That is when some insiders started bailing out of the stocks---selling into hot, frothy markets. They were the "smart money".

Then came the bust when it became obvious some equities were hugely, hugely overvalued, sometimes simply because they had introduced a website. Anybody remember Pets.com? At that point, the market crashed and stayed down for a couple of years. The same chain of events occurred with the subprime crisis and then the home exercise craze brought on by Covid. Peloton anyone? In each case, the valuation of some businesses exploded upward very quickly, fueled by some new way of doing business, some basic change in the rulebook, only to crash within a short time period.

Perhaps that is a model for what is now happening in the portal and NIL. We had a couple of key rule changes which displaced the prior way college basketball conducted itself. That has led very quickly to a mushrooming in the number of kids transferring and in demands for NIL packages. This type of activity has exploded in just the last couple of years.

What is a sign this might all be topping out? Well, maybe it is when coaches start bailing (Jay Wright, Nick Saban) or when team sponsors, like universities, throw up their hands and stop sponsoring basketball teams. My own view is that if and when annual turnover approaches a very high level, say 75% and does that every year, the fans stop paying attention. They just lose interest-----a condition Xuperman labeled "looming discomfort" in an earlier post and one for which he was attacked by those on this board who view the portal and NIL as a victory for the college athlete and anyone who questions the current state of college hoops as a mossbacked archconservative.

I don't know but just seems like this cannot go on, as it is proceeding today, without one or more of the parties, players, coaches, universities or fans throwing in the towel. It is probably not going to be the players as they are the prime beneficiaries. On the other hand, both the dot.com and subprime bubbles went on for a few years. and so may this. But, in the end, I think we see a crash of some kind in NIL values.

[MHettel]

I wonder if we are approaching a top in the NIL market. Perhaps there is a parallel between what is going on with NIL and the concept of a financial market bubble. For example, a stock market top, like the dot com bubble, started with a displacement to the existing order, the introduction of technology----the internet. The introduction and adoption of the internet fueled a rise in "dot.com" stocks. In the late nineties and early 2000, every publicly traded business that adopted a website saw a huge valuation increase. The displacement of traditional sales channels by the internet fueled a euphoric rise in internet stock prices. They kept going up and up, ignoring traditional methods of valuation and seeming like they would never come down. Everybody had to get in on the action. But, at the top, everybody was in, including those with poor, unsustainable business models. That is when some insiders started bailing out of the stocks---selling into hot, frothy markets. They were the "smart money".

Then came the bust when it became obvious some equities were hugely, hugely overvalued, sometimes simply because they had introduced a website. Anybody remember Pets.com? At that point, the market crashed and stayed down for a couple of years. The same chain of events occurred with the subprime crisis and then the home exercise craze brought on by Covid. Peloton anyone? In each case, the valuation of some businesses exploded upward very quickly, fueled by some new way of doing business, some basic change in the rulebook, only to crash within a short time period.

Perhaps that is a model for what is now happening in the portal and NIL. We had a couple of key rule changes which displaced the prior way college basketball conducted itself. That has led very quickly to a mushrooming in the number of kids transferring and in demands for NIL packages. This type of activity has exploded in just the last couple of years.

What is a sign this might all be topping out? Well, maybe it is when coaches start bailing (Jay Wright, Nick Saban) or when team sponsors, like universities, throw up their hands and stop sponsoring basketball teams. My own view is that if and when annual turnover approaches a very high level, say 75% and does that every year, the fans stop paying attention. They just lose interest-----a condition Xuperman labeled "looming discomfort" in an earlier post and one for which he was attacked by those on this board who view the portal and NIL as a victory for the college athlete and anyone who questions the current state of college hoops as a mossbacked archconservative.

I don't know but just seems like this cannot go on, as it is proceeding today, without one or more of the parties, players, coaches, universities or fans throwing in the towel. It is probably not going to be the players as they are the prime beneficiaries. On the other hand, both the dot.com and subprime bubbles went on for a few years. and so may this. But, in the end, I think we see a crash of some kind in NIL values.

There are a few parallels. Some teams certainly were early adopters of the Portal and NIL and built competitive teams before the rest of the crowd figured out the playbook. Thats the "smart money" you referred to.

Coach Cal had a fairly dominant run for a stretch of the last 15 years, bringing in elite freshmen than could beat any team that was built the "traditional" way with a mix of Freshmen, Sophs, Juniors, and Seniors. But for the last 4 years, we been seeing teams where they play almost exclusively upperclassmen and 5th year guys, many via the portal. A bunch of elite freshmen just dont have the same advantage against a roster that averages 22 years old and has played 700 career college games. Do you think Cal is going to continue to rely exclusively on Freshmen after the last few years have gone for him in the tourney? I think hes going to fir up the NIL engine and grab the elite portal talent to mix in with a couple Mickey D freshmen.

maybe you are right about the bubble, but we arent NEAR the end of it. I think it gets 5X worse before it gets better.

XU is trying to get NIL money by "passing the hat" to our 20,000 alum or whatever we have. UK wont be doing that. UK will line up national sponsorships with leading brands that want to be associated with UK and its winning tradition. They money will be coming from corporations, not individuals. UK will have a "Taco Bell Opportunity" worth $1M that is earmarked for whoever Cal wants to put in there. The kid that gets it ONLY gets it if he goes to UK. This is where the big money and blue blood brands will create the separation.

What we see happening is ALWAYS what was going to happen. But now its real. And its gaining speed not losing it.

(In spite of all this, I will note however, that Google, Amazon, Microsoft and Apple kind of rule the world. So did the tech bubble really pop?)

[Xville]

Lol so far off on cal and uk it’s not even funny. Check out his roster that lost to St. Peter’s and last year. Mostly juniors and seniors leading the way. Narratives are hard.

The rest is beyond ridiculous it’s not even worth commenting on.

[Xville]

What an odd time to be out of the country. You would think after the portal is over would be a better time. Kids are still committing even though it is a dead period. Dane Danja committed to Memphis today and NC State got the Louisville kid to commit. Seems with a roster that needs a major rebuild he would be still be in town. The nerves continue to rise each day that passes looking at what our front court currently looks like.

Worrying just for the sake of worrying. There are a ton of teams in the same boat as pointed out earlier in this thread.

Louisville has three guys on their roster. I don’t understand the daily worrying.

Some of you all need to pop a few ritalin

[MHettel]

Worrying just for the sake of worrying. There are a ton of teams in the same boat as pointed out earlier in this thread.

Louisville has three guys on their roster. I don’t understand the daily worrying.

Some of you all need to pop a few ritalin

Maybe you need to get laid.

[Xville]

Maybe you need to get laid.

Your mom was busy.

[xu82]

This just keeps getting classier…….

I think we can do better, don’t you?

[Xavier]

Worrying just for the sake of worrying. There are a ton of teams in the same boat as pointed out earlier in this thread.

Louisville has three guys on their roster. I don’t understand the daily worrying.

Some of you all need to pop a few ritalin

Yeah. I don’t worry much about portal stuff, even though I like to follow it. Boum and Quincy weren’t thought of as high portal guys. Both were all big east players. Steele brought an understandable era of pessimism. Despite Sean bringing one of the better seasons X has ever had, a season defined by injuries makes it hard for people to get past that.

I get being worried if you don’t dive deep into what happened. Even Mhett agreed we’d be a tournament team if healthy. Even just one of free/hunter. It will take a few years to get used to the turnover. But eventually people won’t look much into it.

[A Fan]

I wonder if we are approaching a top in the NIL market. Perhaps there is a parallel between what is going on with NIL and the concept of a financial market bubble. For example, a stock market top, like the dot com bubble, started with a displacement to the existing order, the introduction of technology----the internet. The introduction and adoption of the internet fueled a rise in "dot.com" stocks. In the late nineties and early 2000, every publicly traded business that adopted a website saw a huge valuation increase. The displacement of traditional sales channels by the internet fueled a euphoric rise in internet stock prices. They kept going up and up, ignoring traditional methods of valuation and seeming like they would never come down. Everybody had to get in on the action. But, at the top, everybody was in, including those with poor, unsustainable business models. That is when some insiders started bailing out of the stocks---selling into hot, frothy markets. They were the "smart money".

Then came the bust when it became obvious some equities were hugely, hugely overvalued, sometimes simply because they had introduced a website. Anybody remember Pets.com? At that point, the market crashed and stayed down for a couple of years. The same chain of events occurred with the subprime crisis and then the home exercise craze brought on by Covid. Peloton anyone? In each case, the valuation of some businesses exploded upward very quickly, fueled by some new way of doing business, some basic change in the rulebook, only to crash within a short time period.

Perhaps that is a model for what is now happening in the portal and NIL. We had a couple of key rule changes which displaced the prior way college basketball conducted itself. That has led very quickly to a mushrooming in the number of kids transferring and in demands for NIL packages. This type of activity has exploded in just the last couple of years.

What is a sign this might all be topping out? Well, maybe it is when coaches start bailing (Jay Wright, Nick Saban) or when team sponsors, like universities, throw up their hands and stop sponsoring basketball teams. My own view is that if and when annual turnover approaches a very high level, say 75% and does that every year, the fans stop paying attention. They just lose interest-----a condition Xuperman labeled "looming discomfort" in an earlier post and one for which he was attacked by those on this board who view the portal and NIL as a victory for the college athlete and anyone who questions the current state of college hoops as a mossbacked archconservative.

I don't know but just seems like this cannot go on, as it is proceeding today, without one or more of the parties, players, coaches, universities or fans throwing in the towel. It is probably not going to be the players as they are the prime beneficiaries. On the other hand, both the dot.com and subprime bubbles went on for a few years. and so may this. But, in the end, I think we see a crash of some kind in NIL values.
It is safe to say no one knows where College basketball will end up when it is all sorted out but it is safe to say it will never be the same. The reason stocks go up is there is money chasing them . Today we have well funded collectives chasing players. Schools that have a strong network of commercial and private contributors whose teams are perennial winners will succeed. Everyone else will be an annual hit or miss . Boosters are not going to annually fund collectives for teams that are in the middle to bottom of their league. It is just a bad investment and no fun. Xavier evidently had a booster that pledged a $500 K match which one poster said had produced $250 K which would total $500 K while others have suggested they have $2 M on hand. The non transparency of the system makes it hard to evaluate whether a coach is doing good. If Sean only has $500 K it would seem that would just cover his current roster. If he has $2M then the expectation is he can get a decent front court . However , if the $500 K booster was a one and done, raising $ 2M every year seems like a stretch particularly if we are not consistently winning and going to the tourney.

[Xville]

Holtman already making moves at DePaul. Picked this dude up from Covington:

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/5176795/jacob-meyer

[Xville]

open court layup on this one....

NCST signed the #24 ranked transfer from a conference rival that they played TWICE this year. Huntley put up 30 pts, 17 rebs, 5 assist, 2 blocks and 2 steals against NCST. Coming out of High School, the kid was ranked #24 in the country, #7 at his position, and #1 in his state (Pennsylvania).

I can only IMAGINE the number of hours it took for them to find this guy.

lol so in other words you can work the transfer portal and be in the tourney. Thank you for agreeing with common sense. You just contradicted yourself, again. Lol

And disregard the other side of recruiting where you gotta beat out all the other teams that wanted him. But you don’t live in reality so I guess we’ll let that one slide.

[MHettel]

lol so in other words you can work the transfer portal and be in the tourney. Thank you for agreeing with common sense. You just contradicted yourself, again. Lol

And disregard the other side of recruiting where you gotta beat out all the other teams that wanted him. But you don’t live in reality so I guess we’ll let that one slide.

This was what I said:

No, you covered it. You asserted that in the midst of practice and game prep, we could just magically create additional capacity to commit to the portal. This is not my position at all. I think any coach will focus his resources on the next game and devote very little to something that is not immediately in front of them. And yes, the portal will be fluid which I don’t really like too much. But it’s better to be early than late.

So NCST had to do "very little" to grab Huntley. And Illinois had to do "very little" to grab Storr.

Thats what I said.

In the meantime, in separate interviews Hurley and Izzo SCOFF at the idea of spending ANY time in the portal.

But you be you!

[MHettel]

Holtman already making moves at DePaul. Picked this dude up from Covington:

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/5176795/jacob-meyer

Solid looking player with 3 years left. Good first move

[Xville]

This was what I said:

No, you covered it. You asserted that in the midst of practice and game prep, we could just magically create additional capacity to commit to the portal. This is not my position at all. I think any coach will focus his resources on the next game and devote very little to something that is not immediately in front of them. And yes, the portal will be fluid which I don’t really like too much. But it’s better to be early than late.

So NCST had to do "very little" to grab Huntley. And Illinois had to do "very little" to grab Storr.

Thats what I said.

In the meantime, in separate interviews Hurley and Izzo SCOFF at the idea of spending ANY time in the portal.

But you be you!


“Very little” except all the other parts of recruiting a player like that, ya know like beating out the other teams. Damn narratives.

But you be you!