Portal is a necessity

[Ihawkhoops]

I hope Fran is watching these games. If he is and he doesn't see a glaring need to recruit more athletes, then he has clearly embraced the "Hey, I am not Lickliter' mentality that is so pervasive among the fan base. To say Iowa is grossly deficient in the athleticism department would be an understatement--specifically at the guard spots. Fran's system exacerbates this problem as he thinks getting into an up and down game against teams with multiple slasher / driver / shooter types makes sense.

Fran needs to hit the portal and bring in a couple guys. Too many unknowns other than Murray given Nunge / CJ recurring injuries, JW's status and some young promising talent but emphasis on 'young'. Sandfort does not appear to be college ready and would be a prime red shirt candidate IMO. Getting a couple of experienced grad transfers in to balance the young guys seems like a no brainer, but in saying that, I am sure Fran will take another pass. MSU went to the portal to get the guard from Northeastern and other B1G teams have expressed interest in other guys.

There is no better defense in Iowa's future if Fran doesn't get some guys physically capable of playing better D. Pretty stark contrast between Iowa and all the Sweet 16 teams minus Loyola-Chicago. Michigan minus Livers made the Elite 8 with a grad transfer PG in Mike Smith and Chaundee Brown -grad transfer from Wake Forest and a freshman big. It appears Fran has a good foundation, but needs a couple veteran guys.

 

[MAXIMUSHAWKEYE]

Are Junior colleges no longer recruited since the portal became a thing? One of the best pg Fran has had was Bryce Cartwright.

 

[Hawksfinal4]

I don’t agree other than some question marks but that’s expected. I’m very happy to roll the dice with the players we’ve got. I think they are a tourney team next year, but work to do.Go Hawks

 

[icwesthawk]

I don’t agree other than some question marks but that’s expected. I’m very happy to roll the dice with the players we’ve got. I think they are a tourney team next year, but work to do.Go Hawks

We might be a tourney team next season. But why try to improve your team, especially if it's a senior transfer, 1 year transfer? A big would help Nunge by not having to play so many minutes and if said person was a 4/5, Josh will see the floor too. Just won't have to play Murray out of position at the 5.

 

[Hawksfinal4]

We might be a tourney team next season. But why try to improve your team, especially if it's a senior transfer, 1 year transfer? A big would help Nunge by not having to play so many minutes and if said person was a 4/5, Josh will see the floor too. Just won't have to play Murray out of position at the 5.

I’m guessing Fran may or may not seek out a grad transfer but should a player contact Fran about a roster spot I’m sure Fran would explore it. I know many coaches are out trying to sell their program to portal transfers , it’s a method of forming your team. I’m of mixed emotions. You’ve invested in a high school kid and then pass him over for a one season transfer. I’m not sure Iowa has a need at this point, Fran would know, but it seems we have players and backups at every position, how they are developing well we see next season

 

[BlackNGoldBleeder]

I hope Fran is watching these games. If he is and he doesn't see a glaring need to recruit more athletes, then he has clearly embraced the "Hey, I am not Lickliter' mentality that is so pervasive among the fan base. To say Iowa is grossly deficient in the athleticism department would be an understatement--specifically at the guard spots. Fran's system exacerbates this problem as he thinks getting into an up and down game against teams with multiple slasher / driver / shooter types makes sense.

Fran needs to hit the portal and bring in a couple guys. Too many unknowns other than Murray given Nunge / CJ recurring injuries, JW's status and some young promising talent but emphasis on 'young'. Sandfort does not appear to be college ready and would be a prime red shirt candidate IMO. Getting a couple of experienced grad transfers in to balance the young guys seems like a no brainer, but in saying that, I am sure Fran will take another pass. MSU went to the portal to get the guard from Northeastern and other B1G teams have expressed interest in other guys.

There is no better defense in Iowa's future if Fran doesn't get some guys physically capable of playing better D. Pretty stark contrast between Iowa and all the Sweet 16 teams minus Loyola-Chicago. Michigan minus Livers made the Elite 8 with a grad transfer PG in Mike Smith and Chaundee Brown -grad transfer from Wake Forest and a freshman big. It appears Fran has a good foundation, but needs a couple veteran guys.

Yes, this is obvious to anyone with a functioning brain. Fran will not change.

 

[RocknRollface]

I hope Fran is watching these games. If he is and he doesn't see a glaring need to recruit more athletes, then he has clearly embraced the "Hey, I am not Lickliter' mentality that is so pervasive among the fan base. To say Iowa is grossly deficient in the athleticism department would be an understatement--specifically at the guard spots. Fran's system exacerbates this problem as he thinks getting into an up and down game against teams with multiple slasher / driver / shooter types makes sense.

Fran needs to hit the portal and bring in a couple guys. Too many unknowns other than Murray given Nunge / CJ recurring injuries, JW's status and some young promising talent but emphasis on 'young'. Sandfort does not appear to be college ready and would be a prime red shirt candidate IMO. Getting a couple of experienced grad transfers in to balance the young guys seems like a no brainer, but in saying that, I am sure Fran will take another pass. MSU went to the portal to get the guard from Northeastern and other B1G teams have expressed interest in other guys.

There is no better defense in Iowa's future if Fran doesn't get some guys physically capable of playing better D. Pretty stark contrast between Iowa and all the Sweet 16 teams minus Loyola-Chicago. Michigan minus Livers made the Elite 8 with a grad transfer PG in Mike Smith and Chaundee Brown -grad transfer from Wake Forest and a freshman big. It appears Fran has a good foundation, but needs a couple veteran guys.

Picking up a big or preferably 2 is pretty important.

But do you realize next years team will be completely different from this years?

It doesn't sound like you do.

If Iowa was returning the same players your post would make sense.

But, given the fact that Iowa should have one of its most athletic and best defensive teams in decades it doesn't make any sense. The guard spots should be particularly athletic.

Perkins, Ulis, Toussaint, both Murrys and Pat are not athletic? What?

 

[fecal particulate]

Picking up a big or preferably 2 is pretty important.

But do you realize next years team will be completely different from this years?

It doesn't sound like you do.

If Iowa was returning the same players your post would make sense.

But, given the fact that Iowa should have one of its most athletic and best defensive teams in decades it doesn't make any sense. The guard spots should be particularly athletic.

Perkins, Ulis, Toussaint, both Murrys and Pat are not athletic? What?

I agree, the makeup of this team next year at the guard and forward positions will be very different. Without JBo and maybe Wieskamp next year, that probably means better athletes and defenders start to get more minutes.

That's Toussaint, Perkins, Ulis, Keegan, PMac, and maybe Kris Murray specifically.

But yes, it would be nice to get a solid contributor in the post from the transfer portal.

 

[Eternal Return]

If Joe W is gone, need an athletic defenders who can shoot. The only proven perimeter shooters on next year's team is CJ and he's been hurt down the stretch of the last two seasons. Nunge is arguably the next most proven 3-point shooter. Not good.

The other option is that Keegan, Patrick, Perkins, Joe T, and/or Ulis improve their outside shots dramatically. All of those guys can drive, but can they finish consistently when teams don't have to worry about 3-point shots? Need some shooters to step up next year or need to find some through the portal.

 

[Hawksfinal4]

I’m thinking they can all shoot just deferred to the upperclassman, but I could be wrong. Let’s wait and see

 

[moondog24]

I’m thinking they can all shoot just deferred to the upperclassman, but I could be wrong. Let’s wait and see

If deferring to the upperclassman was their reason for not shooting, they aren’t shooters or if that was what the coaches told them, the coaches don’t care about winning.

 

[RocknRollface]

If Joe W is gone, need an athletic defenders who can shoot. The only proven perimeter shooters on next year's team is CJ and he's been hurt down the stretch of the last two seasons. Nunge is arguably the next most proven 3-point shooter. Not good.

The other option is that Keegan, Patrick, Perkins, Joe T, and/or Ulis improve their outside shots dramatically. All of those guys can drive, but can they finish consistently when teams don't have to worry about 3-point shots? Need some shooters to step up next year or need to find some through the portal.

I would bet there's no chance Fran brings in more guards unless transfers happen.

The only ones that need to improve their shots dramatically are probably Perkins and Toussain and im not even sure that applies to Perkins.

The Murrays and Pat can shoot well enough, they don't need to be %40 shooters, just hit enough to not get the Connor treatment. As far as I know Ulis is a good enough shooter too.

Iowa will have to be a defense and transition team next year but they have the players to do it.

 

[RocknRollface]

If deferring to the upperclassman was their reason for not shooting, they aren’t shooters or if that was what the coaches told them, the coaches don’t care about winning.

Lol, really?

Im pretty sure when you're a freshman seeing sporadic minutes once every few games, generally inserted to play defense you don't develop the best rhythm or confidence for shooting.

Having multiple excellent shooters around you and one the most efficient offensive players in history on your team may cause the coaches to not look favorably on freshman taking quick shots.

 

[Eternal Return]

I would bet there's no chance Fran brings in more guards unless transfers happen.

The only ones that need to improve their shots dramatically are probably Perkins and Toussain and im not even sure that applies to Perkins.

The Murrays and Pat can shoot well enough, they don't need to be %40 shooters, just hit enough to not get the Connor treatment. As far as I know Ulis is a good enough shooter too.

Iowa will have to be a defense and transition team next year but they have the players to do it.

We'll definitely find out.

 

[Hawk68]

We might be a tourney team next season. But why try to improve your team, especially if it's a senior transfer, 1 year transfer? A big would help Nunge by not having to play so many minutes and if said person was a 4/5, Josh will see the floor too. Just won't have to play Murray out of position at the 5.

After two knee surgeries, Nunge just cannot be counted on to even make it to the start of the BIG games.

 

[BigOHawk]

Rocket Watts (Sparty) is in the portal, although a SG. These threads show up every year during tourney time, rinse and repeat. I don't disagree but it seems either the interest isn't there from Fran, he doesn't want to mess up chemistry or the transfer doesn't see much PT at Iowa.

 

[Ihawkhoops]

These threads show up every year in part because I post them every year. Fran has as many second round wins as I do since he was hired 11 years ago. I think having expectations in year 11 is reasonable. My expectation going into the season was for Fran to compete in a 2nd round game (compete not win) but he showed once again that is a bridge too far for him.

Has Fran learned anything in 11 years? It doesn't seem so as he offered another in-state kid who won't be able to take anyone off the bounce, create his own shot or defend. Fran needs to be upgrading talent not replacing with like talent. Since he can't do it in recruiting, he needs to hit the portal and get the best 1-2 players he can regardless of position. I am confident everyone on the team would be fine with less PT if it meant moving on in the tournament.

 

[kceasthawk]

After two knee surgeries, Nunge just cannot be counted on to even make it to the start of the BIG games.

We'll see of course, but as I said earlier a meniscus tear is NOT a huge deal, and its not nearly as much a structural issue as the ACL. Unless he has complications, physical or mental, he should be fine this summer......

 

[icwesthawk]

We'll see of course, but as I said earlier a meniscus tear is NOT a huge deal, and its not nearly as much a structural issue as the ACL. Unless he has complications, physical or mental, he should be fine this summer......

I think the question becomes what will "fine" look like. If he moving well, shooting well, able to fight for position in the paint, then we should be ok. Unfortunately for Jack, he has not been someone who could be counted on for an entire season. The kid needs a break and but having someone to lessen the load only makes sense.

 

[HawkLogic]

We'll see of course, but as I said earlier a meniscus tear is NOT a huge deal, and its not nearly as much a structural issue as the ACL. Unless he has complications, physical or mental, he should be fine this summer......

I think the issue is Nunge hurt his knee in very limited PT in two seasons and both times is was non-contact from just landing wrong on his own legs. He is just too long for his body and he has balance/coordination issues being around 7'0 Maybe he will be healthy for full year, he certainly has not been healthy last couple years.

looking at NCAA tourney..having a 7'0 guy is a nice luxury for limited minutes and matchup flexibility, but it is not a requisite to have a true big to do well in NCAA tourney. I think the two Murrays are more valuable at 6'8 and able to guard anybody.

 

[kceasthawk]

I think the question becomes what will "fine" look like. If he moving well, shooting well, able to fight for position in the paint, then we should be ok. Unfortunately for Jack, he has not been someone who could be counted on for an entire season. The kid needs a break and but having someone to lessen the load only makes sense.

Don't disagree with you. My biggest concern will be his mental state given the rough road he's traveled....

 

[SSG T]

I hope Fran is watching these games. If he is and he doesn't see a glaring need to recruit more athletes, then he has clearly embraced the "Hey, I am not Lickliter' mentality that is so pervasive among the fan base. To say Iowa is grossly deficient in the athleticism department would be an understatement--specifically at the guard spots. Fran's system exacerbates this problem as he thinks getting into an up and down game against teams with multiple slasher / driver / shooter types makes sense.

Fran needs to hit the portal and bring in a couple guys. Too many unknowns other than Murray given Nunge / CJ recurring injuries, JW's status and some young promising talent but emphasis on 'young'. Sandfort does not appear to be college ready and would be a prime red shirt candidate IMO. Getting a couple of experienced grad transfers in to balance the young guys seems like a no brainer, but in saying that, I am sure Fran will take another pass. MSU went to the portal to get the guard from Northeastern and other B1G teams have expressed interest in other guys.

There is no better defense in Iowa's future if Fran doesn't get some guys physically capable of playing better D. Pretty stark contrast between Iowa and all the Sweet 16 teams minus Loyola-Chicago. Michigan minus Livers made the Elite 8 with a grad transfer PG in Mike Smith and Chaundee Brown -grad transfer from Wake Forest and a freshman big. It appears Fran has a good foundation, but needs a couple veteran guys.

Completely serious, if they could find a big similar to Thunder Doug or Olesani who could come in and give them a few mpg of great defense and rebounding (along with a dunk or two), I'd love it.

Maybe a shooter to go along with CJ.

 

[RocknRollface]

These threads show up every year in part because I post them every year. Fran has as many second round wins as I do since he was hired 11 years ago. I think having expectations in year 11 is reasonable. My expectation going into the season was for Fran to compete in a 2nd round game (compete not win) but he showed once again that is a bridge too far for him.

Has Fran learned anything in 11 years? It doesn't seem so as he offered another in-state kid who won't be able to take anyone off the bounce, create his own shot or defend. Fran needs to be upgrading talent not replacing with like talent. Since he can't do it in recruiting, he needs to hit the portal and get the best 1-2 players he can regardless of position. I am confident everyone on the team would be fine with less PT if it meant moving on in the tournament.

If Fran refuses to bring in a big grad transfer or two then I will be with you on this narrative that he's just too stubborn, arrogant, loyal, or whatever, basically stupid.

But it sounds like he is pursuing some atleast.

Bringing in a one year big is all reward no risk.

 

[SDHawkDoc]

Agree that making the portal an important part of roster building strategy is a must. Falls under the heading of keeping up with the times.

I'm not so sure it's a necessity for Fran, though. He's nearly 62 and just got a generous extension for what he's done to date which includes 4 total NCAA tourney wins in 11 seasons. Looks like he can just keep doing what he's been doing and things will be just fine for him.

 

[Ihawkhoops]

Completely serious, if they could find a big similar to Thunder Doug or Olesani who could come in and give them a few mpg of great defense and rebounding (along with a dunk or two), I'd love it.

Maybe a shooter to go along with CJ.

Good points. Iowa would benefit greatly from a dude like Fabian White or Dejon Jarreau from Houston. Not flashy offensive players but they guard, hit the glass and make life miserable for opposing players. If Iowa as a team can't play better defense, find a guy or two capable of being a stopper or at least able to throw up a yield sign.

 

[Ihawkhoops]

Michigan State, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and Minnesota already added players from the portal. Multiple shooting guards have popped up this week. My Fran paranoia is kicking in as I see Jordan McCabe from WVU is in the portal. A 5'10 / 155lb PG who averaged 3 ppg and is from WI is right up Fran's alley.

 

[omahawki]

It makes Fran appear to be a lazy recruiter. Another poster suggested International recruits and that idea would be brilliant. Look at the NBA in the past 5-10 years there are many more international players. Gonzaga Creighton even Duke recruit very good internationally. Why not Iowa? It's part of the issue I have with Mcaffery it appears that the Iowa staff is not near as aggressive in recruiting as many top teams. On the outside it appears to be lazy recruiting. Why wouldn't Iowa be a player on the International scene since we continually hear how tough it is to get recruits to consider Iowa due to culture and climate, etc.

 

[Ihawkhoops]

It makes Fran appear to be a lazy recruiter. Another poster suggested International recruits and that idea would be brilliant. Look at the NBA in the past 5-10 years there are many more international players. Gonzaga Creighton even Duke recruit very good internationally. Why not Iowa? It's part of the issue I have with Mcaffery it appears that the Iowa staff is not near as aggressive in recruiting as many top teams. On the outside it appears to be lazy recruiting. Why wouldn't Iowa be a player on the International scene since we continually hear how tough it is to get recruits to consider Iowa due to culture and climate, etc.

Good post. I listened to the pre-game for WI game there I think and Dolph / Bobby were talking to Fran about recruiting. Paraphrasing, he said Iowa has multiple great (not good) AAU teams that do well nationally and his # 1 priority is to keep that in state talent home. On one hand I get it and am sure every coach says that but go look at the top Iowa preps--Ellis to TX, Sandfort to Iowa and a couple others that are getting some attention from Valley schools but the rest are low-tier D-1 / D2 etc, prospects.

Iowa isn't going to produce enough in-state talent even if Fran gets 100% of the top prospects every year. So to your point, acknowledge that and seek to augment the team based on needs from year to year. I am not advocating an ISU, KSU or Nebraska approach of loading up on juco tumbleweeds but there is low / no risk with grad transfers and they aren't going to impact the next recruiting class because they will only have 1-year.

 

[Jizzer]

I hope Fran is watching these games. If he is and he doesn't see a glaring need to recruit more athletes, then he has clearly embraced the "Hey, I am not Lickliter' mentality that is so pervasive among the fan base. To say Iowa is grossly deficient in the athleticism department would be an understatement--specifically at the guard spots. Fran's system exacerbates this problem as he thinks getting into an up and down game against teams with multiple slasher / driver / shooter types makes sense.

Fran needs to hit the portal and bring in a couple guys. Too many unknowns other than Murray given Nunge / CJ recurring injuries, JW's status and some young promising talent but emphasis on 'young'. Sandfort does not appear to be college ready and would be a prime red shirt candidate IMO. Getting a couple of experienced grad transfers in to balance the young guys seems like a no brainer, but in saying that, I am sure Fran will take another pass. MSU went to the portal to get the guard from Northeastern and other B1G teams have expressed interest in other guys.

There is no better defense in Iowa's future if Fran doesn't get some guys physically capable of playing better D. Pretty stark contrast between Iowa and all the Sweet 16 teams minus Loyola-Chicago. Michigan minus Livers made the Elite 8 with a grad transfer PG in Mike Smith and Chaundee Brown -grad transfer from Wake Forest and a freshman big. It appears Fran has a good foundation, but needs a couple veteran guys.

It would be nice to get another Center transfer somewhere, just for insurance, but our team next year is going to be dynamically different. With Keegan, Pat, Ulis, Perkins, and Joe running this team the majority of the time, it's going to be really athletic fast team. Should be fun to be honest.

 

[SDHawkDoc]

It makes Fran appear to be a lazy recruiter. Another poster suggested International recruits and that idea would be brilliant. Look at the NBA in the past 5-10 years there are many more international players. Gonzaga Creighton even Duke recruit very good internationally. Why not Iowa? It's part of the issue I have with Mcaffery it appears that the Iowa staff is not near as aggressive in recruiting as many top teams. On the outside it appears to be lazy recruiting. Why wouldn't Iowa be a player on the International scene since we continually hear how tough it is to get recruits to consider Iowa due to culture and climate, etc.

I've brought up the potential to hit the international recruits for at least a few years. I think that lit up for me the season that St. Marys of California had two or three key players from Australia or New Zealand. One of them was Dellavedova who's hung around in the NBA for several years now.

 

[Jizzer]

Good post. I listened to the pre-game for WI game there I think and Dolph / Bobby were talking to Fran about recruiting. Paraphrasing, he said Iowa has multiple great (not good) AAU teams that do well nationally and his # 1 priority is to keep that in state talent home. On one hand I get it and am sure every coach says that but go look at the top Iowa preps--Ellis to TX, Sandfort to Iowa and a couple others that are getting some attention from Valley schools but the rest are low-tier D-1 / D2 etc, prospects.

Iowa isn't going to produce enough in-state talent even if Fran gets 100% of the top prospects every year. So to your point, acknowledge that and seek to augment the team based on needs from year to year. I am not advocating an ISU, KSU or Nebraska approach of loading up on juco tumbleweeds but there is low / no risk with grad transfers and they aren't going to impact the next recruiting class because they will only have 1-year.

I think you are very wrong here. In state talent is really good in Iowa lately, and if Fran "were" able to keep them all home, we'd be in good shape. The problem is, he isn't getting all of them to stay. If he could get the top players every year and sprinkle in other recruits, Iowa would be a very formidable team.
But here's a small list.
2023: Omaha #6, Price Sandfort
2022: Lipsey 170
2021evries top 100, Ellis 105, Sandfort 140
2020: Foster 76
2019: Carton 34, Pat 86, Murray Bros
2018: Joe 60, Green 81

Imagine a Garza, Keegan/Pat/Foster, Joe, Green, Carton starting lineup.

 

[blhawk]

I thought op's point was valid before the Nunge news but especially now....get to work, Francis!

 

[RocknRollface]

I think you are very wrong here. In state talent is really good in Iowa lately, and if Fran "were" able to keep them all home, we'd be in good shape. The problem is, he isn't getting all of them to stay. If he could get the top players every year and sprinkle in other recruits, Iowa would be a very formidable team.
But here's a small list.
2023: Omaha #6, Price Sandfort
2022: Lipsey 170
2021evries top 100, Ellis 105, Sandfort 140
2020: Foster 76
2019: Carton 34, Pat 86, Murray Bros
2018: Joe 60, Green 81

Imagine a Garza, Keegan/Pat/Foster, Joe, Green, Carton starting lineup.

Agree, he seems to get the bigs and the shooters but he keeps missing on the pgs.

If Fran could have landed Marcus Paige and Carton the trajectory of his program is probably different.

 

[moondog24]

Lol, really?

Im pretty sure when you're a freshman seeing sporadic minutes once every few games, generally inserted to play defense you don't develop the best rhythm or confidence for shooting.

Having multiple excellent shooters around you and one the most efficient offensive players in history on your team may cause the coaches to not look favorably on freshman taking quick shots.

Sounds like you’re saying they aren’t shooters. They were used for defensive purposes. I saw that as well. They were doing what they were told, they weren’t not shooting because they were “deferring” to the upperclassma.

 

[silasstarr]

It makes Fran appear to be a lazy recruiter. Another poster suggested International recruits and that idea would be brilliant. Look at the NBA in the past 5-10 years there are many more international players. Gonzaga Creighton even Duke recruit very good internationally. Why not Iowa? It's part of the issue I have with Mcaffery it appears that the Iowa staff is not near as aggressive in recruiting as many top teams. On the outside it appears to be lazy recruiting. Why wouldn't Iowa be a player on the International scene since we continually hear how tough it is to get recruits to consider Iowa due to culture and climate, etc.

Fran works his butt off in recruiting. He just doesn’t pay for them. Do you think Baylor in Waco was a top destination when Drew took over or Drew is such a charismatic recruiter that he was able to land the players he has? He pays. It’s that simple.

 

[omahawki]

Fran works his butt off in recruiting. He just doesn’t pay for them. Do you think Baylor in Waco was a top destination when Drew took over or Drew is such a charismatic recruiter that he was able to land the players he has? He pays. It’s that simple.

Can prove this? If you can, an email to the NCAA with such proof would be beneficial.

 

[cidhawkeye]

Can prove this? If you can, an email to the NCAA with such proof would be beneficial.

The NCAA has done wonders with that type of information recently. 🤪

 

[Ihawkhoops]

I think you are very wrong here. In state talent is really good in Iowa lately, and if Fran "were" able to keep them all home, we'd be in good shape. The problem is, he isn't getting all of them to stay. If he could get the top players every year and sprinkle in other recruits, Iowa would be a very formidable team.
But here's a small list.
2023: Omaha #6, Price Sandfort
2022: Lipsey 170
2021evries top 100, Ellis 105, Sandfort 140
2020: Foster 76
2019: Carton 34, Pat 86, Murray Bros
2018: Joe 60, Green 81

Imagine a Garza, Keegan/Pat/Foster, Joe, Green, Carton starting lineup.

Fair point, but as you referenced, Fran hasn't exactly been able to lock top in state talent down in 11 years and I don't see that changing. Looking at this year's class you have Ellis going to TX, Sandfort to Iowa and a handful of kids with UNI, Drake, UMKC, etc. offers. Fran would have to land the top 1-2 kids in every class because beyond that they are probably not P5 talent.

 

[EvilMonkeyInTheCloset]

Just throw that $10 million gift we got at Omaha Bilew (sp?) and profit in the form of national championships.....................................

 

[Rambler Hawk]

If Joe W is gone, need an athletic defenders who can shoot. The only proven perimeter shooters on next year's team is CJ and he's been hurt down the stretch of the last two seasons. Nunge is arguably the next most proven 3-point shooter. Not good.

The other option is that Keegan, Patrick, Perkins, Joe T, and/or Ulis improve their outside shots dramatically. All of those guys can drive, but can they finish consistently when teams don't have to worry about 3-point shots? Need some shooters to step up next year or need to find some through the portal.

well, I guess you can vacate Nunge from being in this discussion...