DocCas86

My view is similar to you, I will be optimistic and hope for the best come November when we find out for sure what type of team we have. Right now I have the view that Batchelor will be an improvement over what we saw from Adams, Dunn will be an improvement as primary ballhandler, the returning players will be better than last year, the bench is deeper and they will play better team ball. We will see what they do with last two scholarships, but I believe the team will be better. That said I support those who are less optimistic than I am and have no problem with them expressing their view. I am glad that they care enough to stay interested and contribute.

Settling to me implies they aren't trying, and I don't see evidence that there isn't enough effort. I guess we define settling a little differently. The question will end up being, was it the right effort. If Dunn is not successful, ultimately Halcovage will be accountable.

I feel the coaching staff is striving to get the best player and don't think they are just settling. Here are the ballhandlers that they have pursued and who committed elsewhere: Given the current situation, it is not surprising to me that these players chose the other teams (and better conferences). I don't know if there will be a huge drop off with what these players would have been able to contribute at UB vs what Dunn can contribute. Unfortunately, UB needs to take some steps forward to get back to where they can compete for players with schools of this caliber again.

Coming off such a poor season and not having a NIL collective (coming???) likely meant we had to go 'off the beaten path'. UB was in contact with a couple of PGs that recently committed to Arkansas St (yeah that Ark St.) and Davidson (a D2 pickup from Bentley), but neither worked out for UB. The staff could continue to chase the 'has heard from (list of 15 schools) guys' or try to dig a little deeper and find under the radar talent. I am not sure how it will work out. Personally I will wait and see who else they bring in and see what they look like in November, before I make up my mind. I am an optomistic fan, but I get where you are coming from.

I guess the Bulls have their PG. Very little to go on as to how his skills will translate to D1 in US. The Western Mustangs were the best team in OUA West division and they lost in semifinals of OUA tournament. I am really curious to see how this team plays in November.

Something to consider? Continue with the international flair of this team?

Leffew and Montgomery are both hearing from P5 schools.

I agree very little chance, but I am always willing to hope.

Any chance he comes to Buffalo to get more playing time?

Batchelor committing to UB and Green committing to BGSU have a similar feel to me. Both players looking for a new opportunity who didn't get much playing time at P5 schools. We will have to wait and see how they fare in MAC.

A former top 150 recruit but got only about 5 minutes per game at ASU this past year.

A little MAC sweepstakes on this guy. Definitely some decent numbers as a freshman, ASUN all freshman team.

I searched notable alumni of Incarnate Word and David Robinson came up. He got a master's there in 2011. Maybe a source of some NIL funds?

I must be missing something. Incarnate Word is annually ranked near bottom of D1...They have a NIL up and running?

Lack of NIL will be a factor, but I would prefer that the third scholarship go toward a player who can help UB next season, which means a player who is either a junior or sophomore next year.

That is a pretty good bet.

I wouldn't be surprised to see McCollum moving up again in 3-5 years.

Still a couple of pieces to add. Hopefully one of them is the ball handler - that grad transfer from Bentley is an intriguing option. I realize he won't put up 20 ppg - but he could produce at a level similar to Foster.

Trying to get some perspective on latest commit. Here is a breakdown of LI Lutheran roster sorted by PPG. You can see that this roster is loaded and full of P5 caliber players. Michaels' stats are most similar to Tajae Jones (RPS on verbalcommits of 3.04) who has offers from Quinnipiac and NIU. The potential seems to be there to play in the MAC - time will tell how he contributes.

It will be interesting to see how recruiting the under the radar international players translates onto the court. I for one, am hoping the staff found some talented players.

20 ppg, shot nearly 40% from 3 and 4.3 assists per game. https://www.bentleyfalcons.com/sports/mbkb/2023-24/players/zachlaputd13c

https://www.bannersontheparkway.com/2023/11/9/23954175/kam-craft-could-be-done-for-the-season-xavier-basketball-redshirt Seems like he had a knee injury in his freshman year - had surgery but had an issue again last year. If he is healthy, maybe a good pickup for Miami (OH).

I agree - the MAC has 37 (or 36 - depending B. Artis White - is he staying at WMU?) - this represents approximately 21% of MAC players in the portal - with likely more to come. Ball St picks up Sparks, but the next day Jaylin Anderson indicates he is going into the portal.

I know I won't be saying this when the Bulls are playing Ball St., but in a way I am glad to see some talent returning to the MAC.

The make up of roster suggests an additional transfer is forthcoming, but if Adams stays he will have to play similar role to this year and they would need a rebounder / shot blocker.