[olldflame]

Would this suit work if you cited a whole lot less $$$ NCAA was keeping you from making at Liberty?

Not as well, for sure.
Maybe not at all.

I would think the money we can pay is much more comparable to a 9-5 job for a college grad.

[LU Armchair coach]

My source in ACC is these schools are using like Liberty’s collective Flames Rising in addition to the revenue share that will come in June/July.

[LU Armchair coach]

Aquino also officially in the portal now.

I really don't understand that choice from him. He's a solid big that plays good defense, but at 6'8" he's not an overwhelming presence down low. He had times where he appeared that he could play a larger role in scoring, but others where he was timid or too quick to defer to a pass. He only avg'd 8 ppg this year, so not sure where he thinks he's going to find a better place than LU. It's unfortunate, but it seems like we have some candidates in the pipeline that could replace his production.

Camper is a logical replacement for Maughmer, who wound up being our best perimeter defender. If he learns the system, he could be even better than Maughmer was. I do worry about his offensive production a little, especially since we're losing so much with Peter leaving. McKay probably thinks he can get quality minutes from Decker and the new kid coming in.

The last paragraph about HCRM thinking if you’ve been around some time and I think you have. Do you really think LU will be really relying on a freshman to come in and score the ball? Decker IMO was very good offensively but the real reason he didn’t play was he didn’t defend. Carter has been told if that’s whom you are referring he shouldn’t worry to much offensively this summer but to learn the defensive scheme. If he can do that and it’s a big if he get minutes.

[jcmanson]

The Brzovic case will be similar to the Pavia case. If he is approved to play, it will become increasingly more difficult to tell others what they can earn isn’t good enough.

[olldflame]

Aquino also officially in the portal now.

I really don't understand that choice from him. He's a solid big that plays good defense, but at 6'8" he's not an overwhelming presence down low. He had times where he appeared that he could play a larger role in scoring, but others where he was timid or too quick to defer to a pass. He only avg'd 8 ppg this year, so not sure where he thinks he's going to find a better place than LU. It's unfortunate, but it seems like we have some candidates in the pipeline that could replace his production.

Camper is a logical replacement for Maughmer, who wound up being our best perimeter defender. If he learns the system, he could be even better than Maughmer was. I do worry about his offensive production a little, especially since we're losing so much with Peter leaving. McKay probably thinks he can get quality minutes from Decker and the new kid coming in.

The last paragraph about HCRM thinking if you’ve been around some time and I think you have. Do you really think LU will be really relying on a freshman to come in and score the ball? Decker IMO was very good offensively but the real reason he didn’t play was he didn’t defend. Carter has been told if that’s whom you are referring he shouldn’t worry to much offensively this summer but to learn the defensive scheme. If he can do that and it’s a big if he get minutes.

In referring to Carter, you pointed out exactly how Grimes and/or Drain could earn minutes as FR. With Aquino gone, 2 of our 4 returning forwards have sketchy health histories and Yates is really a role player. If you look at the FR who have made an impact over the last several years, all bur one of them played because of defense. Porter was the exception because Ritchie desperately wanted a true PG, and he has fit that bill from day 1, while working hard to hold his own on defense.. Otherwise we are talking about defensive guys like Cleveland, Venzant, and Cuffee. Even Warfield somewhat fits that role, although he played less as a FR.

Grimes and Drain are both long and athletic. Maybe a bit skinny at this point, but they have 4 good knees between them, whereas Ihnen and Smith have........................ one?.................................maybe?

I think there's a good shot at least one of those 2 will catch on to the pack line quickly and be a factor on D.

[olldflame]

I really don't understand that choice from him. He's a solid big that plays good defense, but at 6'8" he's not an overwhelming presence down low. He had times where he appeared that he could play a larger role in scoring, but others where he was timid or too quick to defer to a pass. He only avg'd 8 ppg this year, so not sure where he thinks he's going to find a better place than LU. It's unfortunate, but it seems like we have some candidates in the pipeline that could replace his production.

Camper is a logical replacement for Maughmer, who wound up being our best perimeter defender. If he learns the system, he could be even better than Maughmer was. I do worry about his offensive production a little, especially since we're losing so much with Peter leaving. McKay probably thinks he can get quality minutes from Decker and the new kid coming in.

The last paragraph about HCRM thinking if you’ve been around some time and I think you have. Do you really think LU will be really relying on a freshman to come in and score the ball? Decker IMO was very good offensively but the real reason he didn’t play was he didn’t defend. Carter has been told if that’s whom you are referring he shouldn’t worry to much offensively this summer but to learn the defensive scheme. If he can do that and it’s a big if he get minutes.

In referring to Carter, you pointed out exactly how Grimes and/or Drain could earn minutes as FR. With Aquino gone, 2 of our 4 returning forwards have sketchy health histories and Yates is really a role player. If you look at the FR who have made an impact over the last several years, all bur one of them played mainly because of defense. Porter was the exception because Ritchie desperately wanted a true PG, and he has fit that bill from day 1, while working hard to hold his own on defense.. Otherwise we are talking about defensive guys like Cleveland, Venzant, and Cuffee. Even Warfield somewhat fits that role, although he played less as a FR.

Grimes and Drain are both long and athletic. Maybe a bit skinny at this point, but they have 4 good knees between them, whereas Ihnen and Smith have........................ one?.................................maybe?

I think there's a good shot at least one of those 2 will catch on to the pack line quickly and be a factor on D.
All subject to change of course, depending on who we get from the portal.

[jcmanson]

I’d be shocked if we don’t add at least one big in the portal

[LU Armchair coach]

IMO if we get 2 kids from portal a wing 3 and 4-5 spot the freshman have lost what minutes they could get. I believe this I will be the case. From now on until NCAA does away with portal.

[olldflame]

A couple of CUSA bigs somewhat comparable to Aquino have committed and to be honest their new schools are

Mason Nicholson of Jax State to Vanderbilt
Khalifa Sako of Sam Houston to Houston

They are both bigger than Aquino, but stats are pretty similar, and he certainly held his own against them in CUSA play.

Seeing that there is that kind of demand for size from high major schools makes it easier to understand how we could have been outbid 3-1 for Owen. It also tells me that we are going to be hard pressed to afford experienced, proven players with size, and will need to focus on identifying younger guys who have talent, but haven't played as much for whatever reason.

[jmclaughlin]

A couple of CUSA bigs somewhat comparable to Aquino have committed and to be honest their new schools are

Mason Nicholson of Jax State to Vanderbilt
Khalifa Sako of Sam Houston to Houston

They are both bigger than Aquino, but stats are pretty similar, and he certainly held his own against them in CUSA play.

Seeing that there is that kind of demand for size from high major schools makes it easier to understand how we could have been outbid 3-1 for Owen. It also tells me that we are going to be hard pressed to afford experienced, proven players with size, and will need to focus on identifying younger guys who have talent, but haven't played as much for whatever reason.

That is puzzling / concerning.
Sako to Houston? He does fit their profile but that seems a stretch in competition level.

[LU Armchair coach]

A couple of CUSA bigs somewhat comparable to Aquino have committed and to be honest their new schools are

Mason Nicholson of Jax State to Vanderbilt
Khalifa Sako of Sam Houston to Houston

They are both bigger than Aquino, but stats are pretty similar, and he certainly held his own against them in CUSA play.

Seeing that there is that kind of demand for size from high major schools makes it easier to understand how we could have been outbid 3-1 for Owen. It also tells me that we are going to be hard pressed to afford experienced, proven players with size, and will need to focus on identifying younger guys who have talent, but haven't played as much for whatever reason.

That is puzzling / concerning.
Sako to Houston? He does fit their profile but that seems a stretch in competition level.

I can’t believe as much LU basketball as you guys watch you would definitely know by now these bigs are not what HCRM wants or recruits. Neither was as mobile as Owen. Can’t guard the ball screens like coach wants.

[olldflame]

I should have added in my earlier post that D2 and JUCO players may still be "affordable" for us, and Ritchie has shown he knows how to identify and recruit transfers from those ranks who can fit in and make us better.

[Purple Haize]

I should have added in my earlier post that D2 and JUCO players may still be "affordable" for us, and Ritchie has shown he knows how to identify and recruit transfers from those ranks who can fit in and make us better.

This is probably where folks should look to see who might be coming to LU

[olldflame]

I should have added in my earlier post that D2 and JUCO players may still be "affordable" for us, and Ritchie has shown he knows how to identify and recruit transfers from those ranks who can fit in and make us better.

This is probably where folks should look to see who might be coming to LU

There are 3 D2 players on the list Manson posted a few days ago.

The 6'6" swing from King was the most promising, but he has committed to Buffalo
6' Guard from Lubbock Christian looks like a virtual clone of Metheny, so I suspect he is out of the mix now that Kaden is returning.
6'5" guard Anthony Igiede from Southern Arkansas does not have particularly impressive numbers. Not close to what Peter or Maughmer had.

Hopefully there are more.

[jmclaughlin]

A couple of CUSA bigs somewhat comparable to Aquino have committed and to be honest their new schools are

Mason Nicholson of Jax State to Vanderbilt
Khalifa Sako of Sam Houston to Houston

They are both bigger than Aquino, but stats are pretty similar, and he certainly held his own against them in CUSA play.

Seeing that there is that kind of demand for size from high major schools makes it easier to understand how we could have been outbid 3-1 for Owen. It also tells me that we are going to be hard pressed to afford experienced, proven players with size, and will need to focus on identifying younger guys who have talent, but haven't played as much for whatever reason.

That is puzzling / concerning.
Sako to Houston? He does fit their profile but that seems a stretch in competition level.

I can’t believe as much LU basketball as you guys watch you would definitely know by now these bigs are not what HCRM wants or recruits. Neither was as mobile as Owen. Can’t guard the ball screens like coach wants.

My point was, if Sako is on level for Houston, Aquino would be at that level+. That was my "concern". I obviously don't have an accurate gauge on the market of "bigs".
My bet is this is the new trend, with post guys in particular. Let little schools develop them and the P5's suck them in for years 4 and 5. It takes much more time for post players to develop because most "development" is just filling into the frame that a Houston wants and needs. Guards are one year in and already selling their services through the portal.

[LU Armchair coach]

My Lawyer friend that works with portal kids is saying PG & bigs are the most valuable players in the portal market.

[LU Armchair coach]

3 recruits are coming to the Mountain this weekend

[olldflame]

3 recruits are coming to the Mountain this weekend

Obviously curious as to who. Kinda hoping at least 1 or 2 are names we have not heard yet.
Ritchie doesn't generally invite recruits unless he believes they are genuinely interested. Our track record of signing recruits who make it to the mountain is pretty stellar.

[LU Armchair coach]

3 recruits are coming to the Mountain this weekend

Obviously curious as to who. Kinda hoping at least 1 or 2 are names we have not heard yet.
Ritchie doesn't generally invite recruits unless he believes they are genuinely interested. Our track record of signing recruits who make it to the mountain is pretty stellar.

VA Tech, Clemson, & West Liberty kids.

[cruzan_flame13]

3 recruits are coming to the Mountain this weekend

Obviously curious as to who. Kinda hoping at least 1 or 2 are names we have not heard yet.
Ritchie doesn't generally invite recruits unless he believes they are genuinely interested. Our track record of signing recruits who make it to the mountain is pretty stellar.

VA Tech, Clemson, & West Liberty kids.

West Liberty? Well that's a first

[olldflame]

Obviously curious as to who. Kinda hoping at least 1 or 2 are names we have not heard yet.
Ritchie doesn't generally invite recruits unless he believes they are genuinely interested. Our track record of signing recruits who make it to the mountain is pretty stellar.

VA Tech, Clemson, & West Liberty kids.

West Liberty? Well that's a first

Extremely successful D2 program with a record 15 straight tournament appearances. Lost in the finals 2 years ago. They play a high tempo offense (averaged 100 ppg this year.)

[cruzan_flame13]

VA Tech, Clemson, & West Liberty kids.

West Liberty? Well that's a first

Extremely successful D2 program with a record 15 straight tournament appearances. Lost in the finals 2 years ago. They play a high tempo offense (averaged 100 ppg this year.)

Old flame with the brief summary

[olldflame]

Only 2 players from West Liberty in the portal; a 6'3" guard and a 6' guard.

[LU Armchair coach]

The other 2 are 6’7” and 6’8”

[olldflame]

Asa Thomas was a R-FR at Clemson this year. 6'7" 185 kid listed as a SG, but probably a swing F for us. Very limited play at Clemson. Multiple high major offers out of HS.
Ryan Jones Jr. is the Hokie PF mentioned earlier as a player we had reached out to. Now listed at 6'9 220, saw limited time in his year at VT, but he also had a bunch of offers from big schools out of HS.

I would think Ritchie has evaluated the skills of guys like this based on what they did in HS. What you get compared to a HS Sr is a player with an extra year or 2 of maturity who has been in a big time strength and nutrition program, gotten D1 coaching and played against really good players in practice. To be honest, I think that's about the best we can do coming from high major schools. From D2 you can get guys like Peter and Maughmer who were star players with tons of experience, but against weaker competition.