KSU $$ whipping guys left and right. Must be some deep pockets amongst alums

IowaBear said:

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KSU $$ whipping guys left and right. Must be some deep pockets amongst alums

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Is there a Saudi Prince KSU alum I don't know about?

Seriously, what are they doing we are not...because we can stop kidding ourselves, they are a level beyond what we are doing.

They're many levels NIL wise ahead of BU apparently. I mean they dropped 2 million alone on Hawkins. I'm sure McDaniel and the UK kid were probably north of 500k as well as Achor. I bet they've handed out a good 5 mill at least in NIL to BB players alone

IowaBear said:

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They're many levels NIL wise ahead of BU apparently. I mean they dropped 2 million alone on Hawkins. I'm sure McDaniel and the UK kid were probably north of 500k as well as Achor. I bet they've handed out a good 5 mill at least in NIL to BB players alone

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Why are we letting them get away with this?

Yeah I continue to be unimpressed with our NIL efforts. I'm really glad we added two top tier guys. I'm also really concerned we only added two guys.

IvanBear said:

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Yeah I continue to be unimpressed with our NIL efforts. I'm really glad we added two top tier guys. I'm also really concerned we only added two guys.

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Something they are doing is apparently spending significant money on bench players. Three PF and a Center aren't all playing.

how? we landed 2 of the top guys in the portal. we dont want to have too many mouths to feed

Bearsalwayswin said:

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how? we landed 2 of the top guys in the portal. we don't want to have too many mouths to feed

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We have 11 scholarship players, 7 guards 4 forwards. Any injury or foul trouble to Norchad or Josh, our frontline is a guy coming of knee surgery and a true Freshman SF. We need a backup forward. Problem is, so do a lot of people willing to pay.

As mentioned above, we need depth with the potential for development. We didn't add anyone in the portal who's playing here beyond next year, that's a problem. And we're likely to only keep two of our freshmen. We realistically could have to rebuild the entire roster for 2025-2026 like Arkansas has this season. Except our pockets aren't near as deep as theirs.

IvanBear said:

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As mentioned above, we need depth with the potential for development. We didn't add anyone in the portal who's playing here beyond next year, that's a problem. And we're likely to only keep two of our freshmen. We realistically could have to rebuild the entire roster for 2025-2026 like Arkansas has this season. Except our pockets aren't near as deep as theirs.

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Not certain that we have to match Arkansas or KSU dollar for NIL dollar... but you can't expect success competing against 500K and upward offers with a Penland meal plan.

I would also point out Baylor has reportedly invested $212.6 million on the new Basketball Pavilion, camera angles as they may be. I am reminded of the Cattle Rancher that expanded his ranch and was suddenly losing all his cattle. Seems he spent so much on the north 40 he couldn't afford the fence around it.

Meanwhile, we still don't have the other big we need to complete the '24-'25 roster and it's mid-June.

I'll be genuinely shocked if another big that is capable of earning even a Big 12 level backup role comes. End of the day seems like our budget was spent.

i mean who's left in the portal that's a quality big? i don't think it's about how big our pockets are in this situation….

Bearsalwayswin said:

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i mean who's left in the portal that's a quality big? i don't think it's about how big our pockets are in this situation….

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I saw a couple of names a while back in the portal that are still there. Apparently, its an NCAA ruling they may be waiting on. Matt and Ryan Bewley both 6-9 forwards went with Overtime Elite--a pro league at 17-18. They regretted that decision, left overtime and attempted to play at Chicago State this past season, but were never cleared by the NCAA to play. Don't know how good they were except someone thought there were good enough to go pro in high school. Apparently they are suing the NCAA for keeping them out, which immediately makes them a fan favorite in my view.

TWD 1974 said:

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Bearsalwayswin said:

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i mean who's left in the portal that's a quality big? i don't think it's about how big our pockets are in this situation….

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I saw a couple of names a while back in the portal that are still there. Apparently, its an NCAA ruling they may be waiting on. Matt and Ryan Bewley both 6-9 forwards went with Overtime Elite--a pro league at 17-18. They regretted that decision, left overtime and attempted to play at Chicago State this past season, but were never cleared by the NCAA to play. Don't know how good they were except someone thought there were good enough to go pro in high school. Apparently they are suing the NCAA for keeping them out, which immediately makes them a fan favorite in my view.

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Given all of the other can or worms currently creating havoc, does society really need a "my pro $ dried up, I should be able to litigate my way to reversing to a NIL payday" can of worms opened?

Picturing college coaches scouting the G league & B12 games featuring 28 year old failed First Round picks.

And does anyone really want to see a USC MBB game where the Trojans are led by 65 year old Lebron and 42 year old Bronny?

Not a lot, but budget dried up a long time ago after our two signings. Not criticizing the work we did, just concerned about Drew's strategy here, I don't feel like it's the optimal way to build a team and I'm not convinced we've added enough pieces to take us to a contender status.

IvanBear said:

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Not a lot, but budget dried up a long time ago after our two signings. Not criticizing the work we did, just concerned about Drew's strategy here, I don't feel like it's the optimal way to build a team and I'm not convinced we've added enough pieces to take us to a contender status.

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We have a top 10 or top 5 preseason roster. Curious what else we would need in your opinion to be considered a contender?

Adriacus Peratuun said:

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TWD 1974 said:

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Bearsalwayswin said:

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i mean who's left in the portal that's a quality big? i don't think it's about how big our pockets are in this situation….

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I saw a couple of names a while back in the portal that are still there. Apparently, its an NCAA ruling they may be waiting on. Matt and Ryan Bewley both 6-9 forwards went with Overtime Elite--a pro league at 17-18. They regretted that decision, left overtime and attempted to play at Chicago State this past season, but were never cleared by the NCAA to play. Don't know how good they were except someone thought there were good enough to go pro in high school. Apparently they are suing the NCAA for keeping them out, which immediately makes them a fan favorite in my view.

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Given all of the other can or worms currently creating havoc, does society really need a "my pro $ dried up, I should be able to litigate my way to reversing to a NIL payday" can of worms opened?

Picturing college coaches scouting the G league & B12 games featuring 28 year old failed First Round picks.

And does anyone really want to see a USC MBB game where the Trojans are led by 65 year old Lebron and 42 year old Bronny?

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This is a kid out of the High School class of 2023, signed with Overtime elite, for whatever reason did not stay any length of time with Overtime, unsure what he was paid if anything. This is a kid who made a decision at 17 he regretted. He and his brother spent the entire 2023-24 season trying to get approval to play college ball at Chicago State. NCAA said no. Why is the 17 year old overtime elite decision a lifetime decision? If this goes to court, does anyone think the NCAA will prevail? Remember when they used to talk about the NCAA's overriding concern for the student athlete?

Depth. One injury or one guy not performing as expected and I do not remotely believe we've got depth to not immediately fall out of being any kind of legitimate threat.

I'm also not sold on our front court rotation, I think it's thin, and if Josh O gets in foul trouble we have no height to put in.

Not to say I don't expect big things, but also every major piece of this team next year is a rental I expect it to be a gamble on if we gel correctly. There's a lot of gamble in this roster we constructed.

TWD 1974 said:

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Adriacus Peratuun said:

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TWD 1974 said:

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Bearsalwayswin said:

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i mean who's left in the portal that's a quality big? i don't think it's about how big our pockets are in this situation….

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I saw a couple of names a while back in the portal that are still there. Apparently, its an NCAA ruling they may be waiting on. Matt and Ryan Bewley both 6-9 forwards went with Overtime Elite--a pro league at 17-18. They regretted that decision, left overtime and attempted to play at Chicago State this past season, but were never cleared by the NCAA to play. Don't know how good they were except someone thought there were good enough to go pro in high school. Apparently they are suing the NCAA for keeping them out, which immediately makes them a fan favorite in my view.

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Given all of the other can or worms currently creating havoc, does society really need a "my pro $ dried up, I should be able to litigate my way to reversing to a NIL payday" can of worms opened?

Picturing college coaches scouting the G league & B12 games featuring 28 year old failed First Round picks.

And does anyone really want to see a USC MBB game where the Trojans are led by 65 year old Lebron and 42 year old Bronny?

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This is a kid out of the High School class of 2023, signed with Overtime elite, for whatever reason did not stay any length of time with Overtime, unsure what he was paid if anything. This is a kid who made a decision at 17 he regretted. He and his brother spent the entire 2023-24 season trying to get approval to play college ball at Chicago State. NCAA said no. Why is the 17 year old overtime elite decision a lifetime decision? If this goes to court, does anyone think the NCAA will prevail? Remember when they used to talk about the NCAA's overriding concern for the student athlete?

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The concept of the camel's nose under the tent flap.
You allow these kids to 180 back to college, try stopping anyone else.

They went pro. It didn't work out. But it was their choice.

Life Lesson #1: choices have consequences.
And concern for the athlete isn't a concept about one athlete but rather the collective of all amateur athletes.

The last thing our society needs is to water down consequences even further.

IvanBear said:

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Depth. One injury or one guy not performing as expected and I do not remotely believe we've got depth to not immediately fall out of being any kind of legitimate threat.

I'm also not sold on our front court rotation, I think it's thin, and if Josh O gets in foul trouble we have no height to put in.

Not to say I don't expect big things, but also every major piece of this team next year is a rental I expect it to be a gamble on if we gel correctly. There's a lot of gamble in this roster we constructed.

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Agree on serviceable depth. I have thought we need another big capable of 12-15 minutes, especially in the event of injury. Who knows, we might still have that guy in place before this month is up. Doesn't have to be a star or demand offensive touches, just a serviceable body who can rebound, set screens, and defend a little in a pinch.

Right now our frontcourt rotation looks something like this:

• Josh O / Omier holding down the 5
• Omier / Celestine / Asemota holding down the 4

Five guys holding down 2 lineups spots is not terrible depth assuming everyone stays healthy.

Crawfoso1973 said:

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IvanBear said:

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Depth. One injury or one guy not performing as expected and I do not remotely believe we've got depth to not immediately fall out of being any kind of legitimate threat.

I'm also not sold on our front court rotation, I think it's thin, and if Josh O gets in foul trouble we have no height to put in.

Not to say I don't expect big things, but also every major piece of this team next year is a rental I expect it to be a gamble on if we gel correctly. There's a lot of gamble in this roster we constructed.

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Agree on serviceable depth. I have thought we need another big capable of 12-15 minutes, especially in the event of injury. Who knows, we might still have that guy in place before this month is up. Doesn't have to be a star or demand offensive touches, just a serviceable body who can rebound, set screens, and defend a little in a pinch.

Right now our frontcourt rotation looks something like this:

• Josh O / Omier holding down the 5
• Omier / Celestine / Asemota holding down the 4

Five guys holding down 2 lineups spots is not terrible depth assuming everyone stays healthy.

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Explain that New Math to the class.

Bearsalwayswin said:

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how? we landed 2 of the top guys in the portal. we dont want to have too many mouths to feed

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I couldn't name 5 other players I'd rather have from the portal. About as good high caliber pick ups as anyone in the country. But we need one last piece.

Why come this far not get one more big/forward to make it a top national title contender. We only have one year with three of our best guys. Pick up one more guy to make the most of it

ScottS said:

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Any updates?

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I think JohnnyBear still does not understand williams' posts.

Edmond Bear said:

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ScottS said:

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Any updates?

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I think JohnnyBear still does not understand williams' posts.

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You are correct - I don't speak "William".

……..sipping coffee…….

………eating blueberry cake donut……

Crawfoso1973 said:

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IvanBear said:

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Depth. One injury or one guy not performing as expected and I do not remotely believe we've got depth to not immediately fall out of being any kind of legitimate threat.

I'm also not sold on our front court rotation, I think it's thin, and if Josh O gets in foul trouble we have no height to put in.

Not to say I don't expect big things, but also every major piece of this team next year is a rental I expect it to be a gamble on if we gel correctly. There's a lot of gamble in this roster we constructed.

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Agree on serviceable depth. I have thought we need another big capable of 12-15 minutes, especially in the event of injury. Who knows, we might still have that guy in place before this month is up. Doesn't have to be a star or demand offensive touches, just a serviceable body who can rebound, set screens, and defend a little in a pinch.

Right now our frontcourt rotation looks something like this:

• Josh O / Omier holding down the 5
• Omier / Celestine / Asemota holding down the 4

Five guys holding down 2 lineups spots is not terrible depth assuming everyone stays healthy.

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The only issue with this is Celestine is really not a big. He's closer to a shooting guard than a power forward. He's averaged less than three rebounds per game for his career.

If we don't add another true power forward or center, we're going to need Ndjonga to at least be serviceable or we're going to be short in the frontcourt.

Quinton said:

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Bearsalwayswin said:

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how? we landed 2 of the top guys in the portal. we dont want to have too many mouths to feed

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I couldn't name 5 other players I'd rather have from the portal. About as good high caliber pick ups as anyone in the country. But we need one last piece.

Why come this far not get one more big/forward to make it a top national title contender. We only have one year with three of our best guys. Pick up one more guy to make the most of it

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My guess is it's a money issue. We shot our wad on the three guys we added and don't have enough left in the NIL tank to add another useful piece.

If we do end up adding another player, I think he will come with big time question marks.

bear2be2 said:

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Quinton said:

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Bearsalwayswin said:

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how? we landed 2 of the top guys in the portal. we dont want to have too many mouths to feed

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I couldn't name 5 other players I'd rather have from the portal. About as good high caliber pick ups as anyone in the country. But we need one last piece.

Why come this far not get one more big/forward to make it a top national title contender. We only have one year with three of our best guys. Pick up one more guy to make the most of it

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My guess is it's a money issue. We shot our wad on the three guys we added and don't have enough left in the NIL tank to add another useful piece.

If we do end up adding another player, I think he will come with big time question marks.

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While that might be the case, given all of the investment in and commitment to bball along with the fact that we're an established national player, I have a hard time believing Drew and company can't find a way to pony up the NIL $$ to get the final piece that will make this team a legit FF/Natty contender next season.

Yeah, my first thought with Celestine is a poor-man's Jalen Bridges. More of a wing playing the 4 position in our system. He doesn't possess the length of Bridges but will probably play the same role for us primarily as a stretch 4.

My thinking is Asemota will be in line for 10-12 minutes at the 4 as well. Worst case spot minutes like Little got last year. We don't sign 4 and 5 star guys with the expectation they will redshirt or not play at all. That's why I think the 4 will be split between Omier/Celestine/Asemota and the 5 between Omier/Josh O.

If we do sign a true 5 at this point I think it would be for emergency depth only. I would love to be wrong and see us land an impact 5 out of nowhere, though.

Not really a player specific post, but NIL is new for the players too. Lots of players remain unsigned. It is pretty likely that there are many players that have way overshot their market value. Remember that just about every one of these kids was the best player on their HS team, and maybe their district or even city. I'm sure they all think (eps. younger ones) they're worth $1 million a year.

Are we going to sign a top 50 player? Probably not. But Drew would be smart to wait and pick up good fits once the market shakes out. We do have one thing to offer that most others don't, and that is a real chance at a championship or at least deep run. If you've largely crapped out on NIL and comparing remaining offers, that's significant.