Messages

Too many freshman so far. Rag tag, never played together. Curb your enthusiasm until we get some players from the portal with experience and minutes playing division 1 basketball.  Feels like the Wild West at this point. Yeehaw!
Ride 'em cowboy. One advantage of the portal is getting experienced division 1 players and not having just unbridled raw talent to have to slowly ready for play. Our experience transferred out. We need some experienced transfers in.

https://youtu.be/PdpQ1E8x72c

[Testing the Waters – the NCAA Issues a Memo About Best Practices for DI Basketball Players Seeking a Career in the NBA]

Testing the Waters – the NCAA Issues a Memo About Best Practices for DI Basketball Players Seeking a Career in the NBA

https://sportslawexpert.com/2022/03/10/testing-the-waters-the-ncaa-issues-a-memo-about-best-practices-for-di-basketball-players-seeking-a-career-in-the-nba/

For top tier talent, the decision to remain in college or test the waters of the professional draft is a yearly occurrence, but for those who are on the fringe of being selected or being passed over by those in the professional ranks, such a decision is magnified. The following article addresses a best practices memorandum recently issued by the NCAA to NCAA DI athletic directors, head coaches and various other pertinent stakeholders to help guide their athletes who are considering making the jump from intercollegiate play to the professional realm.

For those on the aforementioned fringe, the memorandum serves as a guideline which will allow them to test the waters without completely forgoing their eligibility and amateurism status required by the NCAA. If they discover such a jump into the professional ranks is not in their best interest at this given time and they seek to return to the collegiate ranks, the memorandum highlights how this may be a better option.

The analysis follows:

BEST PRACTICES

As previously stated, this memorandum serves as a guideline for DI men's basketball players and their constituents to successfully navigate the NBA draft process while not completely forgoing their eligibility during the process. Nine pertinent rules are distinctly listed for athletes, their families, coaches, and all others potentially involved with such a decision to consider and abide by if they wish to avoid losing the athlete's NCAA eligibility while testing the waters. The nine rules for losing eligibility are as follows:

He enters the NBA Draft or hires an NCAA-certified agent prior to or without requesting an NBA Undergraduate Advisory Committee evaluation from the NBA.
He agrees orally or in writing to be represented by any individual other than an NCAA-certified agent.
He agrees orally or in writing to be represented by an NCAA-certified agent outside of the permissible timeframe allowed by NCAA legislation.
He accepts any benefits from an individual other than an NCAA-certified agent.
He accepts any benefits from an NCAA-certified agent that are not expressly permitted by NCAA legislation or outside of the permissible timeframe allowed by NCAA legislation.
He participates in a tryout with an NBA team that lasts longer than 48-hours (exception for the NBA Draft Combine and the G League Elite Camp held in connection with the Combine), which he has not personally financed, or his NCAA-certified agent has not financed.
He misses class to participate in a tryout, including travel to and from the tryout (exception for the NBA Draft Combine and G League Elite Camp held in connection with the Combine).
He enters the NBA Draft AND does not take the appropriate steps to withdraw and declare his intention to resume intercollegiate participation.
He enters the NBA Draft AND is drafted by a professional team.

Explanation and conclusion follows in the above-linked article.

https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2021-10-13/ncaa-certified-agents-helping-college-athletes-test-nba-draft-waters

Three years ago, the NCAA revised its rules and began implementing a certification process for agents to represent Division I men's basketball players while they weigh their prospects of trying to compete in the NBA. Under the change, if student-athletes use an NCAA-certified agent while gathering information on whether to enter the NBA draft, they retain their college eligibility if they choose to return to school.

The revised rules altered the recruitment process that agents have with prospective professional players and brought pushback from agents, as well as their clients already in the NBA.

The rules changes were spurred in 2018 when the Commission on College Basketball reported that NCAA student-athletes needed earlier professional advice to determine whether it is in their best interests to declare for the NBA draft.

As a result, the NCAA agent certification program was created. A student-athlete whose team's basketball season has concluded can start the process by requesting an evaluation from the NBA Undergraduate Advisory Committee via email at UAC@nba.com.

After an NCAA player fills out the application for feedback from the NBA, he can begin working with an NCAA-certified agent. If a player chooses to sign with an agent not certified by the NCAA, he forfeits his college eligibility.

Once the player selects the agent to help explore his NBA draft prospects, the work goes to the stage of obtaining individual workouts and invitations to the NBA Draft Combine or G League Elite Camp.

The agents don't make the final decisions on whether a player should pursue a professional career or head back to campus. They offer advice, and the player makes the call on which route to take.

Per NCAA rules, players face a deadline of 10 days after the conclusion of the NBA Draft Combine to withdraw from the process and return to school. In this time frame, players also receive more feedback from the NBA Undergraduate Advisory Committee.

[I'm excited to be supported by such a vibrant fan base]

Krikke shared his thoughts on joining the Hawkeyes, too.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to become a Hawkeye. I am excited to get to campus. I can tell the school is rich in tradition and history and is serious about success both academically and athletically. I'm excited to be supported by such a vibrant fan base and get to be a part of such a great community. I want to do everything I can to help the team win games and contribute to the school's legacy.

"I enjoyed getting to know the coaching staff over my recruitment process and respect them both on and off the court. They want to win and so do I. They are genuine people that are dedicated to seeing their players succeed. I also enjoyed getting to meet the players when I visited. I can tell they are serious about success both on and off the court and many of us approach the game with a similar mindset. We all want to work and push each other to get better," Krikke said.

[KANSAS]

Top 25 And 1 rankings
BIGGEST MOVERS
6 KANSAS   2 UCLA

1   
team logo
KANSAS   This ranking is based on the Jayhawks returning two starters - Dajuan Harris and K.J. Adams - from a team that won the Big 12 regular-season title before securing a No. 1 seed in the 2023 NCAA Tournament. Bill Self has reshaped the roster with a top-10 recruiting class highlighted by former Michigan All-American Hunter Dickinson, former Towson sharpshooter Nick Timberlake, former McDonald's All-American Arterio Morris and five-star freshman Elmarko Jackson.    6   28-8
2   
team logo
UCONN   This ranking is based on the Huskies returning four of the top six scorers from a team that won the 2023 NCAA Tournament - specifically everybody except Jordan Hawkins and Adama Sanogo, both of whom are expected to remain in the 2023 NBA Draft. That core combined with a top-five recruiting class should have UConn as a real contender to win back-to-back national championships.    1   31-8
3   
team logo
PURDUE   This ranking is based on the Boilermakers returning six of the top seven scorers - everybody except Brandon Newman - from a team that won the Big Ten regular-season title and the Big Ten Tournament before securing a No. 1 seed in the 2023 NCAA Tournament. CBS Sports National Player of the Year Zach Edey has a decision to make, obviously, but for now I'm projecting him to return to Purdue.    1   29-6
4   
team logo
MARQUETTE   This ranking is based on the Golden Eagles returning every relevant player from a team that won the Big East regular-season title and the Big East Tournament before securing a No. 2 seed in the 2023 NCAA Tournament. Tyler Kolek and Kam Jones should provide Shaka Smart with a core capable of competing for a national championship.    1   29-7
5   
team logo
DUKE   This ranking is based on the Blue Devils returning the top four scorers - Kyle Filipowski, Jeremy Roach, Tyrese Proctor and Mark Mitchell - from a team that finished 10-1 in its final 11 games and won the ACC Tournament. Duke is also enrolling a top-two recruiting class and will be among the most talented teams in the country, per usual.    1   27-9
6   
team logo
FAU   This ranking is based on the Owls returning all five starters from a team that won the C-USA regular-season title and the C-USA Tournament before advancing to the 2023 Final Four. FAU should be the AAC favorite in its first season in its new conference.    1   35-4
7   
team logo
ALABAMA   This ranking is based on the Crimson Tide returning four of the top seven scorers - everybody except Brandon Miller, Noah Clowney and Jaden Bradley - from a team that won the SEC regular-season title and the SEC Tournament before securing the No. 1 overall seed in the 2023 NCAA Tournament. Alabama should be the favorite to repeat as SEC champions.    1   31-6
8   
team logo
MICHIGAN ST.   This ranking is based on the Spartans returning five of the top six scorers - everybody except Joey Hauser -- from a team that advanced to the Sweet 16 of the 2023 NCAA Tournament. Michigan State will combine that core with a top-five recruiting class headlined by five-star prospects Xavier Booker and Jeremy Fears.   --   21-13
9   
team logo
HOUSTON   This ranking is based on the Cougars returning five of the top eight scorers - Jamal Shead, J'Wan Roberts, Emanuel Sharp, Ja'Vier Francis and Terrance Arceneaux - from a team that won the AAC regular-season title before securing a No. 1 seed in the 2023 NCAA Tournament. The addition of Baylor transfer LJ Cryer should have Houston competing for a league title in its first season in the Big 12.   --   33-4
10   
team logo
ARKANSAS   This ranking is based on the Razorbacks returning five of the top eight scorers - Trevon Brazile, Davonte Davis, Jordan Walsh, Makhi Mitchell and Jalen Graham - from a team that advanced to the Sweet 16 of the 2023 NCAA Tournament. Five-star prospects Baye Fall and Layden Blocker, plus transfers Tramon Mark and Khalif Battle, will combine with that core and give Eric Musselman a chance to make a fourth straight Sweet 16.   --   22-14
11   
team logo
CREIGHTON   This ranking is based on the Bluejays returning everybody except Ryan Nembhard and Arthur Kaluma from a team that won 24 games and advanced to the Elite Eight of the 2023 NCAA Tournament. The addition of Steven Ashworth, a transfer from Utah State, is significant considering he's a point guard who averaged 16.2 points per game for a team that made the 2023 NCAA Tournament.   --   24-13
12   
team logo
GONZAGA   This ranking is based on the Zags returning four of the top seven scorers - Anton Watson, Malachi Smith, Nolan Hickman and Ben Gregg - from a team that shared the West Coast Conference title with Saint Mary's before making the Elite Eight of the 2023 NCAA Tournament. Mark Few will combine that core with a recruiting class headlined by transfers Ryan Nembhard (Creighton), Graham Ike (Wyoming) and Steele Venters (Eastern Washington) and have a chance to finish in the top 25 at KenPom for the 13th straight season.   --   31-6
13   
team logo
MIAMI   This ranking is based on the Hurricanes returning three starters - Nijel Pack, Norchad Omier and Wooga Poplar - from a team that shared the ACC regular-season title with Virginia and advanced to the 2023 Final Four. That should be enough for the Hurricanes to compete at or near the top of the ACC once again.   --   29-8
14   
team logo
KENTUCKY   This ranking is based on the Wildcats enrolling the nation's top-ranked recruiting class featuring four five-star prospects - among them Justin Edwards, DJ Wagner and Aaron Bradshaw -- to pair with a returning core headlined by two-time All-American Oscar Tshiebwe. It's a roster that could give John Calipari a realistic chance to return to the Final Four for the first time since 2015.   --   22-12
15   
team logo
SAN DIEGO ST.   This ranking is based on the Aztecs returning four of the top six scorers - everybody except Matt Bradley and Keshad Johnson - from a team that won the Mountain West Conference regular-season title and the Mountain West Tournament before advancing to the championship game of the 2023 NCAA Tournament. Another MWC title seems likely for San Diego State.   --   32-7
16   
team logo
TENNESSEE   This ranking is based on the Vols returning three of the top four scorers - Santiago Vescovi, Zakai Zeigler and Josiah-Jordan James - from a team that secured a No. 4 seed in the 2023 NCAA Tournament and made the Sweet 16. Chris Ledlum, a transfer from Harvard, should slide into the starting lineup beside Uros Plavsic and have the Vols in the NCAA Tournament for the fourth straight year.   --   25-11
17   
team logo
USC   This ranking is based on the Trojans returning five of the top seven scorers - Boogie Ellis, Kobe Johnson, Tre White, Joshua Morgan and Vincent Iwuchukwu - from a team that won 22 games and secured a No. 10 seed in the 2023 NCAA Tournament. USC is also enrolling a top-15 recruiting class highlighted by five-star guard Isaiah Collier, who is the No. 1 prospect in the Class of 2023, according to 247Sports.   --   22-11
18   
team logo
TEXAS A&M   This ranking is based on the Aggies returning four starters - everybody except Dexter Dennis - from a team that won 25 games and secured a No. 7 seed in the 2023 NCAA Tournament. A second straight trip to the NCAA Tournament is a likely scenario for Texas A&M.   --   25-10
19   
team logo
TEXAS   This ranking is based on the Longhorns returning two of the top five scorers - Tyrese Hunter and Dylan Disu - from a team that won the Big 12 Tournament before securing a No. 2 seed in the 2023 NCAA Tournament. The enrollment of Max Abmas, a transfer from Oral Roberts who has scored 2,562 points in four years of college, is a big addition.   --   29-9
20   
team logo
BAYLOR   This ranking is based on the Bears returning three of the top six scorers - Jalen Bridges, Langston Love and Jonathan Tchamwa-Tchatchoua - from a team that won 23 games and secured a No. 3 seed in the 2023 NCAA Tournament. The loss of Adam Flagler (NBA Draft), Keyonte George (NBA Draft) and LJ Cryer (transfer portal) will be tough to overcome but should be somewhat offset by the arrival of top-45 freshmen Ja'Kobe Walter, Yves Missi and Miro Little.    3   23-11
21   
team logo
ARIZONA   This ranking is based on the Wildcats returning two of the top four scorers - Oumar Ballo and Pelle Larsson - from a team that won the Pac-12 Tournament before securing a No. 2 seed in the 2023 NCAA Tournament. If Kylan Boswell and Alabama transfer Jaden Bradley have breakthrough sophomore seasons, Arizona should compete for the Pac-12 title.    3   28-7
22   
team logo
UCLA   This ranking is based on the Bruins returning three of the top seven scorers - Jaylen Clark, Adem Bona and Dylan Andrews - from a team that won the Pac-12 regular-season title before securing a No. 2 seed in the 2023 NCAA Tournament. That core combined with a top-15 recruiting class highlighted by four-star guard Sebastian Mack should allow UCLA to be a Pac-12 contender again.    2   31-6
23   
team logo
SAINT MARY'S   This ranking is based on the Gaels returning four of the top five scorers - everybody except Logan Johnson - from a team that shared the West Coast Conference title with Gonzaga before securing a No. 5 seed in the 2023 NCAA Tournament. Aidan Mahaney should return as one of the best point guards in the country.    2   27-8
24   
team logo
AUBURN   This ranking is based on the Tigers returning the top seven scorers from a team that won 21 games and advanced to the second round of the 2023 NCAA Tournament. Johni Broome is the best of the projected returnees after averaging a team-high 14.2 points and 8.4 rebounds as a sophomore.    2   21-13
25   
team logo
IOWA ST.   This ranking is based on the Cyclones returning five of the top nine scorers - Tamin Lipsey, Tre King, Robert Jones, Hason Ward and Demarion Watson - from a team that started 13-2 and secured a No. 6 seed in the 2023 NCAA Tournament. Iowa State is also enrolling a top-10 recruiting class highlighted by five-star prospect Omaha Biliew.

https://twitter.com/evanmiya/status/1654161568815276032?s=61&t=rvVIRCc0Iy1MgHjjNd30UA

https://www.ncaa.org/sports/2022/4/25/transfer-portal-data-division-i-student-athlete-transfer-trends.aspx

[No match for puppy dogs.]

No match for puppy dogs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxpVMg3pbHg

[Powell gets commits from these 5 players:]

Powell gets commits from these 5 players:

Given that recruiting these days is pretty much the wild west, pay-to-play (despite calling it something else), perhaps Valpo fans and alumni can buy a whole slew of ringers and of course call it NIL.
We could get such transfers as Hunter Dickenson who hasn't yet made up his mind as well as some other top players who are in the transfer portal. Put together an instant trip to the dance and be seeded around 4 or 5.
Rinse and repeat every year. Play like the big boys really play but would never admit this approach, but who essentially are offering big money to selective portal recruits. You can say, "oh my, that's not ethical" but it is happening under the current rules. Why not?

I think it's fair to assume that the entire basketball coaching staff is out recruiting their a$$es off.  Good!

Ola looks to be a good rebounder and shot blocker after looking at his stats at CMU via Kempom.
62.8% FT
46.3% 2-pt FG%

Apparently no one listened to athlete mentioned in my OP.  Here it is:

https://twitter.com/olympics/status/1651609569855000577?s=61&t=rvVIRCc0Iy1MgHjjNd30UA

I will be disappointed if Coach Powell makes any references to "Beacons of Light" and/or the therapy dogs

https://twitter.com/rogerpowelljr/status/1651950374075367424?s=61&t=rvVIRCc0Iy1MgHjjNd30UA

Coming from someone who told ML that I thought his hire of Lottich was a good decision, it took a few years of the same old same old to realize I was wrong. But I waited to see the evidence.
An Olympic athelete responded to a question asking "do you view this season as a failure?" His response exempifies, in my view, how we should view an unsuccessful first season, or even an "unsuccessful" season the first two or three years.

https://twitter.com/willmaup/status/1651816167470952451

Brandon's assistant coach at Purdue for one year is now the head coach at Western Michigan. Relationships.

https://twitter.com/rogerpowelljr/status/1650300173321482241?s=61&t=rvVIRCc0Iy1MgHjjNd30UA

Received offer from Valpo.
https://www.loganvols.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/players/isaiahstaffordxr8f

[tweet]1649070617965076480[/tweet]?s=20

That's not Stafford, wh. That is James Dent who committed to W. Illinois. Stafford is still uncommitted.

Since Isaiah Stafford received his offer on April 19, the date of my OP, I'm guessing this might be the first offer under Powell. If there were any more offers made, it typically becomes known immediately via the player on Twitter. That we haven't heard from anyone else is a wee bit concerning. However, Powell seems to shrug off pressure to act hastily. His faith seems to drive him and he's mentioned he's always been successful when he has waited and made the right and prayerful decision. Good for him.

https://twitter.com/franfraschilla/status/1649457235431665664?s=46&t=uQUoLf5AwXnu_4U6WjN3bw

Love Fran however I think he's "too soon" with this take. This was posted the same day Gonzaga announced the signing of 3 of the better transfers in the portal. We're unlikely at the end of the talent pool in the portal particularly for non elite programs.

Fran: "Not to say that there aren't good players still left in portal."

From that point of view he's talking out of both sides of his mouth.

Strange interpretation of his words. It's not either/or, both comments he made are true. There are still good players in the portal. And the window of opportunity is closing fast at this late date which can lead to bad decisions.

Another portal list updated today sorted by guards, wings, and post:

https://theresourcenexus.com/transfer-portal-basketball/

Another good one:

https://www.on3.com/transfer-portal/wire/basketball/2023/

https://twitter.com/franfraschilla/status/1649457235431665664?s=46&t=uQUoLf5AwXnu_4U6WjN3bw

I have no idea what kind of talent is left in the portal. I have no business suggesting how to recruit for the coming season. 🤣 But I'll weigh in anyway as a fan and say that if the remaining talent with the right fit for VU is sparse, then fill out the roster as best you can while ensuring that at least 5-6 scholarship spots are open for '24-'25, when this coaching staff has a full recruiting season. Do not take chances on toxic talent. Then coach the he** out of the players you have in '23-'24 in an effort to find some diamonds in the rough and to put a team on the floor that never quits.

Here is a pretty good estimate of talent of those still in the portal. Not sure how often this is updated.

https://www.barttorvik.com/playerstat.php?link=y&xvalue=trans&year=2023&minmin=0&start=20221101&end=20230501

https://twitter.com/evanmiya/status/1649837061560745985?s=61&t=rvVIRCc0Iy1MgHjjNd30UA

Gonzaga has just announced a terrific incoming transfer class of Steele Venters, Ryan Nembhard, and Graham Ike. Apparently, Powell was the lead recruiter of Ike. I am expecting Valpo to see some of the Rev's ability to attract talent on display very soon as well.

Forget past references about Valpo as "the Harvard of the Midwest," perhaps for recruiting purposes it is time to label VU under Powell as "the Gonzaga of the Midwest."

Respectfully, these types of references have always bothered me.  I'd rather Valpo be the best Valpo, rather than the second best [somebody else].

I think that if Valpo were to thrive, it may need to take on a disruptive culture, which would suggest not following the path of anyone else.

Yes, Let's have other schools start saying they are "the Valpo of (insert region)."

ValpoZags