@burnee77 To me it seems like GCU was loaded roster wise. As previously mentioned, he was the second underclassman listed on GCUs ESPN statistics list. The only other one being Duke Brennan who got 22 minutes and avged less pts than Shaw. I agree with PO here. He is a gamble, but given his history growing up with the team and with Powell. There is already a trust and sense of playstyle. He still has room to develop. Rome was not built in 1 night
I hope for the best, but the two 6'7" starters ahead of Shaw are graduating. If he is so good, he should have been next in line. Why isn't he staying at GCU? By the way, Brennan is a 6'10" center who averaged 7 pts and 7 rebs this year. I watched many of the GCU games this past season. Brennan was often a stud, Shaw usually was a bystander.
Fixed the points issue. I did see that in POs interview Shaw made mention of wanting to come to a school in a better conference. Shaw believes the MVC is better than the WAC and wanting a major role on a team. I guess Powell told him he would get that chance.
Looking on socials this kid had a following in PHX as well.
I hate to keep adding to the speculation because we are never going to guess properly, but I would like to submit a few clues. I noticed former Valpo and Arizona player Casey Jones replying to some of the speculation with the implied tone that he knows who this is, which would make sense as he’s likely still close to the program.
somebody replied to PO asking “can he shoot the three” to which Casey replied with a check mark.
somebody asked if it was Brandon Newman and he said “Much Better” (than Brandon).
Did you mean Casey Shaw in this post? If so, it would make sense he'd be checking those boxes.
I hate to keep adding to the speculation because we are never going to guess properly, but I would like to submit a few clues. I noticed former Valpo and Arizona player Casey Jones replying to some of the speculation with the implied tone that he knows who this is, which would make sense as he’s likely still close to the program.
somebody replied to PO asking “can he shoot the three” to which Casey replied with a check mark.
somebody asked if it was Brandon Newman and he said “Much Better” (than Brandon).
Did you mean Casey Shaw in this post? If so, it would make sense he'd be checking those boxes.
I actually meant Casey Schmidt. Not sure where Jones came from. Maybe I was listening to the Grateful Dead.
@rezynezy while you’re there watch the videos on Shaw instagram. You may change your attitude.
@rezynezy while you’re there watch the videos on Shaw instagram. You may change your attitude.
Change my attitude? I thought I made it clear I disagree with the hate on Shaw? He is a good player, but he didn't get minutes. If anything you prove my point. Considering you joined at about 3pm today. I assume you are one of Shaw's fans. He has potential to rival his uncle in skill level. A lot of people here are just skeptical. He deserved the hype he got IMOP.
Before you all flock to reply to my previous post, keep in mind I said POTENTIAL. He may not pan out, but he showed his skills are there.
Why do Casey Shaw and Bryce Drew believe that Roger Powell can do a better job than they of preparing him to be a feature mid major basketball player? Please spare me the fluff and the crap while explaining exactly how this might actually work best for all 4 of them. I think we already know what motivates Roger but aligning the expectations for Casey, Bryce and Isaiah is a real puzzler. 
Why do Casey Shaw and Bryce Drew believe that Roger Powell can do a better job than they of preparing him to be a feature mid major basketball player? Please spare me the fluff and the crap while explaining exactly how this might actually work best for all 4 of them. I think we already know what motivates Roger but aligning the expectations for Casey, Bryce and Isaiah is a real puzzler.
I dont think Bryce had anything to do with thinking that Powell would "Better prepare him" once a player decides to enter the portal, that's it unless they exit the portal like some Ind St guys have done. Bryce probably told him he wasnt going to get play time. Powell promised him play time. Everything else with his name is just an added bonus. In all honestly its a null for GCU and a potential win for Valpo if he pans out, but with all transfers and new recruits. You have to wait and see.
So you are saying that Isaiah doesn't like the GCU coaching staff? Got it. Now everything makes sense. 
So you are saying that Isaiah doesn't like the GCU coaching staff? Got it. Now everything makes sense.
No. He probably has nothing but respect for his uncle and the staff at GCU, but would you rather ride the pine at a low major, or would you rather play at a high mid major. It just makes more sense from an exposure standpoint. His statement of wanting to play in a more competitive conference proves this.
Just wanted to chime in here. Call it B&G colored glasses or call me crazy, but I've talked to a couple of people and Shaw isn't the typical 2.6 ppg transfer coming in. The expectation is this kid is coming in and will not only be a starter, but has a chance to be special. The word from someone not affiliated with Valpo/GCU/Drew is he is an immediate impact player for Valpo.
Take it all with a grain of salt if you'd like. I'm even in the "believe it when I see it" camp, but this kid isn't coming here just because of who his family is.
I greatly appreciate the info. Also, nicely done on the article, as always.
My comment to my fellow board members is a simple reminder. Valpo men’s bb, albeit a great program for a long time, was a pile of ashes when Roger took over a little more than 12 months ago. No players, no prospects, reputation in the toilet. Rest assured that the guy who plays the violin outside the Valpo Target has more money in his tip jar than men’s bb has for NIL. Anyone who thinks the mess that Matt and Luke left is going to get straightened out in 2 or 3 years needs to rethink. That said, we’re blessed beyond measure to have an outstanding coaching staff and an eager group of high quality young men completely bought in to righting this once proud ship. Today we added a young man who is super excited to jump aboard and get started. Instead of complaining about who he is or isn’t, let’s give him a big welcome and wish him our very best.
Welcome aboard, Isaiah! I’m thrilled that you chose Valpo. My very best to you as you embark on your new journey!
Just wanted to chime in here. Call it B&G colored glasses or call me crazy, but I've talked to a couple of people and Shaw isn't the typical 2.6 ppg transfer coming in. The expectation is this kid is coming in and will not only be a starter, but has a chance to be special. The word from someone not affiliated with Valpo/GCU/Drew is he is an immediate impact player for Valpo.
Take it all with a grain of salt if you'd like. I'm even in the "believe it when I see it" camp, but this kid isn't coming here just because of who his family is.
I greatly appreciate the info. Also, nicely done on the article, as always.
My comment to my fellow board members is a simple reminder. Valpo men’s bb, albeit a great program for a long time, was a pile of ashes when Roger took over a little more than 12 months ago. No players, no prospects, reputation in the toilet. Rest assured that the guy who plays the violin outside the Valpo Target has more money in his tip jar than men’s bb has for NIL. Anyone who thinks the mess that Matt and Luke left is going to get straightened out in 2 or 3 years needs to rethink. That said, we’re blessed beyond measure to have an outstanding coaching staff and an eager group of high quality young men completely bought in to righting this once proud ship. Today we added a young man who is super excited to jump aboard and get started. Instead of complaining about who he is or isn’t, let’s give him a big welcome and wish him our very best.
Welcome aboard, Isaiah! I’m thrilled that you chose Valpo. My very best to you as you embark on your new journey!
With this all said our starting roster is looking as such
Coop
Zai
Shaw
Center
Misc (Maybe McNair?)
I know I have been pretty negative today, but I am choosing to look at is through this lens:
Ryan Fazekas (6-8, 190) Providence stats: 4ppg in 15mpg, 35% from three. 70% of his shots were 3s --> Valpo stats: 11.2 ppg in 28mpg on 46% 3pt shooting
Isaiah Shaw (6-8, 205) GCU stats: 3ppg in 8mpg, 36% from three. 64% of his shots were threes
It is very difficult to find Shaw highlights, so I can't really tell if their play styles are similar at all, but on paper and size wise they have some similarities. A Ryan Fazekas type player is exactly what this team needs. Now I don't expect Shaw to randomly become the best 3pt shooters in the NCAA like Fazekas did, but I could definitely see a bump in his percentages from more consistent playing time, and he seems to have the confidence of his coaches to let him shoot 63% of his shots from deep.
I will stay confused as to why he was playing less this year than he was as a freshman, and to why he wasn't contributing on his own uncles low major team (albeit a very good one) if he is good enough to be a starter in the MVC. But for now I will wait for answers to those questions. I would really like to hear what actual basketball minds who have seen him play have to say about him, but I doubt we'll be privy to that info until they start having practices this summer.
Very interesting numbers when comparing Fazekas and Shaw...could we have a "Sleeper" here?
He posts highlights on his instagram page. Very unselfish playstyle.
