Makes sense. He was probably told that with his injury issues and inability to demonstrate that he can stay healthy, that the scholarship needs to be used elsewhere. This is going to be another side effect from the NIL age, in that teams used to keep injured kids on scholarship throughout their university experience (Emil and David Chadwick as good examples), but head coaches will now be more motivated to move those kids off scholarship to seek someone that can play now.
Wonder if Lual will play or sit out another year.
We have to suspect that his chances for a full physical recovery are pretty slim so I'll wish him the best for his difficult situation.Wonder if Lual will play or sit out another year.
He would definitely take minutes from Edwards, Stafford, and Weatherspoon. There are always situations where a taller, stronger backup point might also earn him some minutes if he can maintain his assist to turnover ratio in the process. Only a 35% 3 point shooter but looks like a good rebounder from the guard position. Worst case that might place him at #8 #9 or #10 and best case somewhat higher.Brayden O'Connor stats look solid (but not eye popping) in all categories. I think he MIGHT be a positive fit.
But would he significantly upgrade our top 8 rotation on the roster?
Seeing as we now have 2 scholarships free, I dont see why we shouldnt pick this kid up.
He would definitely take minutes from Edwards, Stafford, and Weatherspoon. There are always situations where a taller, stronger backup point might also earn him some minutes if he can maintain his assist to turnover ratio in the process. Only a 35% 3 point shooter but looks like a good rebounder from the guard position. Worst case that might place him at #8 #9 or #10 and best case somewhat higher.Brayden O'Connor stats look solid (but not eye popping) in all categories. I think he MIGHT be a positive fit.
But would he significantly upgrade our top 8 rotation on the roster?
Almost all of his offensive stats would have been top 3 or 4 on our team last year. 3rd in 3 pointers made, 4th in 3 percentage, 3rd in PPG, 1st in free throws made. Would’ve led the team in advanced defensive stats. There are A10 and WCC schools in on him as well as Bradley….this dude would easily slot in as a starter. We’d be lucky to land him
He would definitely take minutes from Edwards, Stafford, and Weatherspoon. There are always situations where a taller, stronger backup point might also earn him some minutes if he can maintain his assist to turnover ratio in the process. Only a 35% 3 point shooter but looks like a good rebounder from the guard position. Worst case that might place him at #8 #9 or #10 and best case somewhat higher.Brayden O'Connor stats look solid (but not eye popping) in all categories. I think he MIGHT be a positive fit.
But would he significantly upgrade our top 8 rotation on the roster?
Almost all of his offensive stats would have been top 3 or 4 on our team last year. 3rd in 3 pointers made, 4th in 3 percentage, 3rd in PPG, 1st in free throws made. Would’ve led the team in advanced defensive stats. There are A10 and WCC schools in on him as well as Bradley….this dude would easily slot in as a starter. We’d be lucky to land him
A test of recruitment prowess for powell if you will. Despite our lackluster facilites, we beat out most if not all of the WCC in facilities. A-10 we beat about 1/4 of them, but that leaves 3/4 of the A-10 and Bradley with better bargaining chips. Hopefully the emphasis on faith driven athletes provides dividends
Has to be a big man added at some point I would think. I will echo what others have said that we all heard Powell say behind the scenes how the portal was going to transform this team. Very underwhelming on that front thus far. I'm actually excited it seems all the freshman are returning, but even if ALL of them make an impressive second year jump, hard to see us finishing in the top half of the MVC next season without an influx of serious talent.
Its not only the faith thing. Compare the reviews on Wardle and Roger - no contest. Part of the reason so many of our kids stayed so far is they love playing for the guy. No way that will not come through during the visit. I’ve said my piece and I’m sticking to it 😜
Well our portal tracker is more populated then in years past. I assume big men have been priority since earlier this week as the news being broken to Powell was probably earlier in the week. Courtship of athletes takes time. Give Powell some room to work his magic. As for what VULB62 said, the proof of his words is in the implementation of the grit chain, and subsiquent breaking of said chain in one of the many locker room ragers thrown after a win. It takes a lot of guts and pride in ones athletes to take off your shirt and party after a win.
It is still early in the transfer portal process. 1628 D1 players in the portal, only 209 have found a new home. Things should heat up over the next two weeks.
Too bad about Manyang but his health seems like a real issue. The guy got a free year of a Valpo education and never played a single minute. Pretty good gig if you can get it. Almost guarantees a new big on the way.
Per Tjjvalpo's mention of 1628 players in the portal, I wonder how many of these kids are legit contenders to either lateral or move up a notch and actually play? It seems that any decent player has a list of suitors pursuing him, but it can't be that way for many of these guys.
https://twitter.com/RogerPowellJr/status/1779237376985813261
The Reverend hath spoken. Be on Boom alert people
Also Ola has entered the portal
