[ECC29]

I’m glad those players have given their blood, sweat, and tears. However, this is nothing personal. This is meeting the competition at that level. The small lineup may have worked in conferences like the Big South or ASUN, but if the program wants to rise up to the next level, then it must adjust to the competition. The other schools in CUSA and other G5 schools are recruiting bigger size players. We saw that this past week. We have to meet the competition. Even if McKay has to bench one of the smaller guards to meet the demands of the competition.
The old saying we were told back in college, “Your job is to make sure the coach does not find a reason to replace you. The coaches job is to find someone to replace you.”
They recruited those players for a reason.

[flamehunter]

I’m glad those players have given their blood, sweat, and tears. However, this is nothing personal. This is meeting the competition at that level. The small lineup may have worked in conferences like the Big South or ASUN, but if the program wants to rise up to the next level, then it must adjust to the competition. The other schools in CUSA and other G5 schools are recruiting bigger size players. We saw that this past week. We have to meet the competition. Even if McKay has to bench one of the smaller guards to meet the demands of the competition.
The old saying we were told back in college, “Your job is to make sure the coach does not find a reason to replace you. The coaches job is to find someone to replace you.”
They recruited those players for a reason.

So remind me again who won the CUSA regular season and tournament championships last season?

[Ill flame]

Once we get Ihnen and Smith 100% this team will look much different. Until then depth is going to continue to be an issue. Evidently we don't have 2-3 guys on our bench right now that can play defense up to HCRM's standard.

[ECC29]

I’m glad those players have given their blood, sweat, and tears. However, this is nothing personal. This is meeting the competition at that level. The small lineup may have worked in conferences like the Big South or ASUN, but if the program wants to rise up to the next level, then it must adjust to the competition. The other schools in CUSA and other G5 schools are recruiting bigger size players. We saw that this past week. We have to meet the competition. Even if McKay has to bench one of the smaller guards to meet the demands of the competition.
The old saying we were told back in college, “Your job is to make sure the coach does not find a reason to replace you. The coaches job is to find someone to replace you.”
They recruited those players for a reason.

So remind me again who won the CUSA regular season and tournament championships last season?

It really does not matter what happened last year. We are hoping the program moves upwards and not be satisfied with the same results every year. Yes the program have been winning the conferences. Correct me if I’m wrong, last year we were seeded 12th in the NCAA tournament and lost in the first round. However, the other 12 seed teams won their first round. We lost because it was obvious we were undersized against Oregon. This is what I’m talking about. If people around here are satisfied with the same results ever year, then that’s you.
Years ago, McKay played Myo Baxter a lot who had a big body but undersized at 6’6 in the post position. Now, they have several big bodies that are at least 6’8 but they are not playing as much. McKay is stuck with his undersized lineup. It’s going to show against teams like WKU who has size and they almost beat Vanderbilt.

[LU Armchair coach]

Oh absolutely, let’s all pretend last year doesn’t matter… right up until you bring up the 12-seed, the matchup, the loss, the height chart and etc.
And sure, the big guys exist — apparently as decoration. HCRM treats size the same way folks treat fancy towels: nice to have, never actually used. LOL
And don’t even get me started on the WKU warning. Every year it’s the same prophecy: ‘Size is coming. Tremble.’ WKU almost beat Vanderbilt? Incredible! Truly the stuff of legend. Please, alert the national media. How will our poor undersized heroes ever survive such mythical giants?

[Humble_Opinion]

Guys... it's early in the season. Smith and Ihnen have returned more slowly than anticipated and we lost Aquino to HPU. The only thing I agree with that I've read on this thread is with having JJ Harper (who is an upgrade over Maughmer) guarding legit centers (6'10"+). Harper is athletic and clearly has a lot of heart, but that is just too much to overcome in a position that relies on mass and leverage. Regardless, we only lost to Towson by 3 and it was due to our cold shooting.

I'm more worried about the status of Porter right now. He looked like he tweaked something that last game vs. Bradley. That likely pushes Smith into the starting line-up and makes Metheny the PG. It also forces us to keep using the Freshmen (Drain and Grimes) more, while we await the return of Ihnen. I expect us to lose at NC State and Dayton. I think this team will come together though in time for conference play and be just fine though. Outside of Porter, we just need Decker and Metheny to see more shots go down.

[LU Armchair coach]

Should be!

[olldflame]

First 2 transfers announced.
I'm loving it so far!

https://www.aseaofred.com/liberty-adds- ... gister-jr/

https://www.aseaofred.com/dii-star-dill ... o-liberty/

2 forwards; a JUCO all-american with 3 years remaining and a D2 star with 2. Size and skill.

[olldflame]

Anyone have any insight as to whether we are trying to persuade Decker to stay, or is his transferring a fait accompli?

[Ill flame]

Anyone have any insight as to whether we are trying to persuade Decker to stay, or is his transferring a fait accompli?

I’m sure Ritchie McKay is doing his due diligence but Decker is gonna get offered some big money and when you have to restock the entire starting lineup I’m not sure if that’s money well spent if it means not being able to surround him with enough talent. The current strategy of surrounding our high school recruits with top JUCO and D2 guys seems to be working.

[ballah09]

Decker is going to get paid but imo he’ll probably be coming off the bench playing 10-15 mins a game at Kentucky or some SEC school.

I think Register Jr. will put up big numbers. The dude looks nice.

[olldflame]

Decker is going to get paid but imo he’ll probably be coming off the bench playing 10-15 mins a game at Kentucky or some SEC school.

I think Register Jr. will put up big numbers. The dude looks nice.

Sad, but probably true about Decker. How much those minutes will help him in a future pro career as opposed to being a star at Liberty is up for debate, but if he hangs around for 2 years raking in that level of NIL/revenue sharing $$, he will make enough to be pretty much set for life if he plays his financial cards right.

Pretty sure Register played in the same JUCO conference as Aquino. 40%+ shooting from 3 is impressive, and it's not a tiny sample. He took almost 80.

BTW, I don't know if any work has been done on it, but I have been able to post on this forum 3 days in a row, which is the most in recent memory. Might be time for some other former regulars who have "given up" to take a few minutes and try again.

[Humble_Opinion]

Anyone seen any specifics on who potential suitors are for Decker? I'm optimistic he's going to get playing time and probably be effective still, but I don't know that he's going to put up 45%+ from behind the arc and avg 17ppg.

As far as us losing him, it sucks, but he was not the type to stay for what likely would have been a 60%+ discount. Personally, I'd rather see us have a little more depth and effectiveness available on the bench than to have all our eggs in one basket. I would like to see us find a real rim protector again.

[LUOrange]

Decker will need to work on creating his own shot better & not second guessing himself on the spot up jumper as well due to the obvious faster and more athletic players at the P5 level. But I think he'll still get double digits in scoring next year.

More importantly, are the rest of our Boys staying or are there any rumors or inclinations of the young bucks entering the evil portal?

[olldflame]

Decker will need to work on creating his own shot better & not second guessing himself on the spot up jumper as well due to the obvious faster and more athletic players at the P5 level. But I think he'll still get double digits in scoring next year.

More importantly, are the rest of our Boys staying or are there any rumors or inclinations of the young bucks entering the evil portal?

I don't think our young guys got enough exposure this past year to draw much interest. Carter will be in the rotation, and I'm hopeful that either Grimes or Drain will step up to play a role inside.

[LUOrange]

Decker will need to work on creating his own shot better & not second guessing himself on the spot up jumper as well due to the obvious faster and more athletic players at the P5 level. But I think he'll still get double digits in scoring next year.

More importantly, are the rest of our Boys staying or are there any rumors or inclinations of the young bucks entering the evil portal?

I don't think our young guys got enough exposure this past year to draw much interest. Carter will be in the rotation, and I'm hopeful that either Grimes or Drain will step up to play a role inside.

Jones is the one I'm more fearful of leaving. I think he can be a key piece of the pie if he learns to play down low on offense.

[olldflame]

Decker headed to Baylor

https://www.aseaofred.com/brett-decker- ... er-portal/

[olldflame]

Brothers Cobi and Cooper Campbell transferring to Liberty from Troy. 6'1" and 6'2" guards who started for NCAA tournament team last year.

https://www.aseaofred.com/campbell-brot ... o-liberty/

Their dad is still an assistant for Troy, which makes this move especially interesting.

I think we are now one experienced inside player away from having a solid roster. (An athletic swing guy would be nice too.)

[Baybird]

Greetings from Azerbaijan (virtually)!

Just a thought...is this part of a hire of their dad as part of the MBB or WBB staff? He has coached both sports in high school, winning three state championships with the girls' teams.

THEN, does he bring along Cobi and Cooper's sister, who is a 5'9 point guard (class of 27) who is up for Alabama 5A Player of the Year, having averaged 27.2 points? Just fodder for these kinds of forums!

[LU Armchair coach]

Decker will need to work on creating his own shot better & not second guessing himself on the spot up jumper as well due to the obvious faster and more athletic players at the P5 level. But I think he'll still get double digits in scoring next year.

More importantly, are the rest of our Boys staying or are there any rumors or inclinations of the young bucks entering the evil portal?

I don't think our young guys got enough exposure this past year to draw much interest. Carter will be in the rotation, and I'm hopeful that either Grimes or Drain will step up to play a role inside.

Jones is the one I'm more fearful of leaving. I think he can be a key piece of the pie if he learns to play down low on offense.

Jones is the one you’re worried about? That’s interesting.

I mean, sure—if he “learns to play down low on offense,” he could be a piece. But if you actually watched a few games, the bigger issue wasn’t what he was doing on that end. It was what was happening the other way—getting beat back down the floor and giving up easy looks.

Hard to be a key piece of the pie when you’re still trying to catch up to the play on defense. But yeah… let’s start with post moves.

[LU Armchair coach]

Greetings from Azerbaijan (virtually)!

Just a thought...is this part of a hire of their dad as part of the MBB or WBB staff? He has coached both sports in high school, winning three state championships with the girls' teams.

THEN, does he bring along Cobi and Cooper's sister, who is a 5'9 point guard (class of 27) who is up for Alabama 5A Player of the Year, having averaged 27.2 points? Just fodder for these kinds of forums!

Greetings from Azerbaijan—way to come in and completely clear the mental fog for half this board

I’m sure it’s all just one big master plan: hire dad, land both sons, bring in the sister, stack a few trophies, call it a day. Simple stuff. Surprised nobody else cracked the code sooner.

In all seriousness though, you just saved a lot of folks hours of “connecting the dots” that weren’t really there to begin with. Appreciate you simplifying it for the crowd.