WHO STAYS AND WHO GOES?

[MSU01]

The only impediment to building a roster for next year is the amount of time it will take to make a new hire. Utah State drug the process out a week. Anyone who has followed MSU for fifty or sixty years understands how long the hiring process gets drug out. These coaching changes have a head start on the recruiting process via the portal:

https://www.cbssports.com/college-baske ... bs-filled/

Wow, we really are behind the curve. USU was no help. 55 head coaching changes, and all except 4 including MSU, have been filled. Pickings might be pretty slim on coaches, and slim to none on players. More than ever, I hope our players will stay. Thinking academics, it would probably be pretty easy for student-athletes to transfer to USU which is another Land Grant school.

I don't think we're necessarily as behind the curve as it might seem. Players are still entering the portal daily and only 10% of those who have entered have committed to another school so far, many of which are the Power 5 transfers that MSU never had a chance at landing anyway. There will be plenty of talent available in the portal as more players enter and guys who declared hoping for a Power 5 offer don't get one and lower their sights a little. The number of additional players MSU loses will of course play a major role though - if it's one or two I think they'll be just fine but if it's a Wyoming-style mass exodus (I do not expect this) then we'll be in for a long offseason.

[BelligerentBobcat]

If we hired a coach from a lesser school, I wonder how many here would complain if his good players followed? I’m going to guess none.

[Cat Grad]

The only impediment to building a roster for next year is the amount of time it will take to make a new hire. Utah State drug the process out a week. Anyone who has followed MSU for fifty or sixty years understands how long the hiring process gets drug out. These coaching changes have a head start on the recruiting process via the portal:

https://www.cbssports.com/college-baske ... bs-filled/

Wow, we really are behind the curve. USU was no help. 55 head coaching changes, and all except 4 including MSU, have been filled. Pickings might be pretty slim on coaches, and slim to none on players. More than ever, I hope our players will stay. Thinking academics, it would probably be pretty easy for student-athletes to transfer to USU which is another Land Grant school.

I don't think we're necessarily as behind the curve as it might seem. Players are still entering the portal daily and only 10% of those who have entered have committed to another school so far, many of which are the Power 5 transfers that MSU never had a chance at landing anyway. There will be plenty of talent available in the portal as more players enter and guys who declared hoping for a Power 5 offer don't get one and lower their sights a little. The number of additional players MSU loses will of course play a major role though - if it's one or two I think they'll be just fine but if it's a Wyoming-style mass exodus (I do not expect this) then we'll be in for a long offseason.

You mention Wyoming. Two years ago they won 27 games. Linder brought in three Cali kids off the portal even though he had virtually the entire roster back, Ike breaks his foot and is lost for the season. Cali kids were poison to the team chemistry and they struggled to replicate two years ago, let alone work toward making the final four as that was what the entire program's expectations were. Clean house, talk to Bohl about learning how to placate the crybabies and look for an entirely new roster next year.

I respond only because I have no idea who on staff is recruiting right now. I've personally tempered my expectations for next year.

Edit* They won 25 games two years ago.

[MSU01]

The only impediment to building a roster for next year is the amount of time it will take to make a new hire. Utah State drug the process out a week. Anyone who has followed MSU for fifty or sixty years understands how long the hiring process gets drug out. These coaching changes have a head start on the recruiting process via the portal:

https://www.cbssports.com/college-baske ... bs-filled/

Wow, we really are behind the curve. USU was no help. 55 head coaching changes, and all except 4 including MSU, have been filled. Pickings might be pretty slim on coaches, and slim to none on players. More than ever, I hope our players will stay. Thinking academics, it would probably be pretty easy for student-athletes to transfer to USU which is another Land Grant school.

I don't think we're necessarily as behind the curve as it might seem. Players are still entering the portal daily and only 10% of those who have entered have committed to another school so far, many of which are the Power 5 transfers that MSU never had a chance at landing anyway. There will be plenty of talent available in the portal as more players enter and guys who declared hoping for a Power 5 offer don't get one and lower their sights a little. The number of additional players MSU loses will of course play a major role though - if it's one or two I think they'll be just fine but if it's a Wyoming-style mass exodus (I do not expect this) then we'll be in for a long offseason.

You mention Wyoming. Two years ago they won 27 games. Linder brought in three Cali kids off the portal even though he had virtually the entire roster back, Ike breaks his foot and is lost for the season. Cali kids were poison to the team chemistry and they struggled to replicate two years ago, let alone work toward making the final four as that was what the entire program's expectations were. Clean house, talk to Bohl about learning how to placate the crybabies and look for an entirely new roster next year.

I respond only because I have no idea who on staff is recruiting right now. I've personally tempered my expectations for next year.

Edit* They won 25 games two years ago.

I agree, perfect example of how NOT to use the transfer portal right there. Fortunately the MSU coaches have done by and large a really good job of bringing in players who will fit well within the existing team structure.

[grizzh8r]

It has very quickly become a show me the money and who gives me the biggest advantage game. I don’t like it at all, but in 2-3 years it will be the norm. Good D2 and developing NAIA kids will move up same with low level D1 kids. Those high level D1 kids that aren’t happy will move down. See, how easy it is to balance out! A full commitment will be three years.To bad when they get a real job that they won’t have that kind of freedom.

Actually people are switching jobs at a high rate too, maybe not quite 2-3 years but it’s the norm now.

...and it's a huge problem for small to mid size companies, investing heavily in someone, just getting them to where they are trained up, only for them to jump ship. Yes, you are correct that those of our generation (i know you were a mid-200's grad, as was I) switch jobs at an alarming rate. This new era of the portal further reinforces and perpetuates this disloyalty sentiment in the current batch of college students, whose reality is already heavily influenced by the instant gratification of social media, door dash, Venmo, etc.

[tetoncat]

Portal makes sense if don't like the school, don't fit in with team/coach, not getting playing time, a few with opportunity to move up. What I don't understand are those who are on top teams, get playing time or maybe even top on their team and transfer.
Graduates may be different if school doesn't offer their graduate program.
Top players will find spots. But there will always be some that don't and a few years of that may slow the portal?

[Cat Grad]

These kids hitting the portal? They've watched corporate downsizing, companies shut down and just a few mid-level supervisors offered transfers, parents expected to transfer without any say as to where they wind up or what type of new schools they'll be attending, mom and/or dad getting pink slips just before Christmas (a bizarre practice a sick middle manager human resource officer came up with about forty years ago), entire coaching staffs let go and the family spends the next year miles away from friends and family. They've watched the neighborhood they were raised in get an influx of transient workers and their parents/grandparents can no longer afford the property taxes on the house they have lived in for forty years.

Experiences have taught these kids they don't need to settle. Get the hell out if any little thing or perceived slight is being directed to them. These kids are resilient. In fact, nobody needs to put up with crap.

[CodyCat]

I love our guys and I hope they return. But, a Big Sky Championship starting five wont do much in the MW. Yes, our guys have serious talent but they are Big Sky caliber guys, not MW.

[tetoncat]

These kids hitting the portal? They've watched corporate downsizing, companies shut down and just a few mid-level supervisors offered transfers, parents expected to transfer without any say as to where they wind up or what type of new schools they'll be attending, mom and/or dad getting pink slips just before Christmas (a bizarre practice a sick middle manager human resource officer came up with about forty years ago), entire coaching staffs let go and the family spends the next year miles away from friends and family. They've watched the neighborhood they were raised in get an influx of transient workers and their parents/grandparents can no longer afford the property taxes on the house they have lived in for forty years.

Experiences have taught these kids they don't need to settle. Get the hell out if any little thing or perceived slight is being directed to them. These kids are resilient. In fact, nobody needs to put up with crap.

That is true, but do you think boosters keep kicking in money for mediocre teams with constant turnover? Sure the power teams or deep pockets groups probably continue to succeed, but how often can we go to the well for funding. Increase tickets, donate for facilities, donate for NIL, donate so we can pay coaches more. I just think it will hit a point that there are 25 D1 BB and Football schools and the rest are some level below and opportunities for athletes start going away.

[MSU01]

Portal makes sense if don't like the school, don't fit in with team/coach, not getting playing time, a few with opportunity to move up. What I don't understand are those who are on top teams, get playing time or maybe even top on their team and transfer.
Graduates may be different if school doesn't offer their graduate program.
Top players will find spots. But there will always be some that don't and a few years of that may slow the portal?

Today there are 925 players in the Transfer Portal and only 112 of them have committed to a new school. So that's 813 players still looking for a new school and the sheer numbers make it seem pretty obvious that many of them won't get the offer they were hoping for when they entered. I won't be surprised if over time, players realize that the risks of entering the portal can potentially outweigh the rewards and so become a bit more selective about when they enter.

[RickRund]

The only impediment to building a roster for next year is the amount of time it will take to make a new hire. Utah State drug the process out a week. Anyone who has followed MSU for fifty or sixty years understands how long the hiring process gets drug out. These coaching changes have a head start on the recruiting process via the portal:

https://www.cbssports.com/college-baske ... bs-filled/

Wow, we really are behind the curve. USU was no help. 55 head coaching changes, and all except 4 including MSU, have been filled. Pickings might be pretty slim on coaches, and slim to none on players. More than ever, I hope our players will stay. Thinking academics, it would probably be pretty easy for student-athletes to transfer to USU which is another Land Grant school.

I don't think we're necessarily as behind the curve as it might seem. Players are still entering the portal daily and only 10% of those who have entered have committed to another school so far, many of which are the Power 5 transfers that MSU never had a chance at landing anyway. There will be plenty of talent available in the portal as more players enter and guys who declared hoping for a Power 5 offer don't get one and lower their sights a little. The number of additional players MSU loses will of course play a major role though - if it's one or two I think they'll be just fine but if it's a Wyoming-style mass exodus (I do not expect this) then we'll be in for a long offseason.

You mention Wyoming. Two years ago they won 27 games. Linder brought in three Cali kids off the portal even though he had virtually the entire roster back, Ike breaks his foot and is lost for the season. Cali kids were poison to the team chemistry and they struggled to replicate two years ago, let alone work toward making the final four as that was what the entire program's expectations were. Clean house, talk to Bohl about learning how to placate the crybabies and look for an entirely new roster next year.

I respond only because I have no idea who on staff is recruiting right now. I've personally tempered my expectations for next year.

Edit* They won 25 games two years ago.

I may be exaggerating a small bit but maybe too many of today's athletes think they are bigger than the team.

[PapaG]

Pretty f’ing frustrating…. This team would be incredible next year.

I hope they stay, but you know sprinkle is pushing the key guys to join him. And others will probably leave cuz of the change.

This blows.

How do we know Danny is pushing “key” players to “join him?”

[mslacatfan]

Pretty f’ing frustrating…. This team would be incredible next year.

I hope they stay, but you know sprinkle is pushing the key guys to join him. And others will probably leave cuz of the change.

This blows.

How do we know Danny is pushing “key” players to “join him?”

Because he is smart.

[PapaG]

Pretty f’ing frustrating…. This team would be incredible next year.

I hope they stay, but you know sprinkle is pushing the key guys to join him. And others will probably leave cuz of the change.

This blows.

How do we know Danny is pushing “key” players to “join him?”

Because he is smart.

If he’s smart he won’t talk to any of them unless they enter the portal. He’s no longer MSU’s coach and that is an NCAA violation for him to recruit players not in the portal.

[Cat Grad]

These kids hitting the portal? They've watched corporate downsizing, companies shut down and just a few mid-level supervisors offered transfers, parents expected to transfer without any say as to where they wind up or what type of new schools they'll be attending, mom and/or dad getting pink slips just before Christmas (a bizarre practice a sick middle manager human resource officer came up with about forty years ago), entire coaching staffs let go and the family spends the next year miles away from friends and family. They've watched the neighborhood they were raised in get an influx of transient workers and their parents/grandparents can no longer afford the property taxes on the house they have lived in for forty years.

Experiences have taught these kids they don't need to settle. Get the hell out if any little thing or perceived slight is being directed to them. These kids are resilient. In fact, nobody needs to put up with crap.

That is true, but do you think boosters keep kicking in money for mediocre teams with constant turnover? Sure the power teams or deep pockets groups probably continue to succeed, but how often can we go to the well for funding. Increase tickets, donate for facilities, donate for NIL, donate so we can pay coaches more. I just think it will hit a point that there are 25 D1 BB and Football schools and the rest are some level below and opportunities for athletes start going away.

I don't doubt for a minute that we're going to have a split from the NCAA by the power conferences. One of my favorite professors rather unaffectionately referred to the UGA football team as a semi-pro team. Back in the 80s.

In fact, I hope it happens soon so we don't have to watch the After Dark conferences now referred to as the Mountain West, West Coast or pac the middle of the week unless we decide to stream their games.

[MinnesotaBobcat]

Pretty f’ing frustrating…. This team would be incredible next year.

I hope they stay, but you know sprinkle is pushing the key guys to join him. And others will probably leave cuz of the change.

This blows.

How do we know Danny is pushing “key” players to “join him?”

Because he is smart.

He is smart, but I would find it hard to believe he would tear down his legacy at MSU by gutting next year’s team. I would think the more likely scenario is he would have encouraged the players to continue what they started and go for three in a row.

[Cat Grad]

The only impediment to building a roster for next year is the amount of time it will take to make a new hire. Utah State drug the process out a week. Anyone who has followed MSU for fifty or sixty years understands how long the hiring process gets drug out. These coaching changes have a head start on the recruiting process via the portal:

https://www.cbssports.com/college-baske ... bs-filled/

Wow, we really are behind the curve. USU was no help. 55 head coaching changes, and all except 4 including MSU, have been filled. Pickings might be pretty slim on coaches, and slim to none on players. More than ever, I hope our players will stay. Thinking academics, it would probably be pretty easy for student-athletes to transfer to USU which is another Land Grant school.

I don't think we're necessarily as behind the curve as it might seem. Players are still entering the portal daily and only 10% of those who have entered have committed to another school so far, many of which are the Power 5 transfers that MSU never had a chance at landing anyway. There will be plenty of talent available in the portal as more players enter and guys who declared hoping for a Power 5 offer don't get one and lower their sights a little. The number of additional players MSU loses will of course play a major role though - if it's one or two I think they'll be just fine but if it's a Wyoming-style mass exodus (I do not expect this) then we'll be in for a long offseason.

You mention Wyoming. Two years ago they won 27 games. Linder brought in three Cali kids off the portal even though he had virtually the entire roster back, Ike breaks his foot and is lost for the season. Cali kids were poison to the team chemistry and they struggled to replicate two years ago, let alone work toward making the final four as that was what the entire program's expectations were. Clean house, talk to Bohl about learning how to placate the crybabies and look for an entirely new roster next year.

I respond only because I have no idea who on staff is recruiting right now. I've personally tempered my expectations for next year.

Edit* They won 25 games two years ago.

I may be exaggerating a small bit but maybe too many of today's athletes think they are bigger than the team.

That's one reason I personally have disliked the business aspect of the NFL. Everybody wants to be the center of attention unless they're just a role player and even then, when they hit free agency, they have to get a ring. Hell, look at Chris Long.

[Cat Grad]

Pretty f’ing frustrating…. This team would be incredible next year.

I hope they stay, but you know sprinkle is pushing the key guys to join him. And others will probably leave cuz of the change.

This blows.

How do we know Danny is pushing “key” players to “join him?”

Because he is smart.

He is smart, but I would find it hard to believe he would tear down his legacy at MSU by gutting next year’s team. I would think the more likely scenario is he would have encouraged the players to continue what they started and go for three in a row.

During his interviews, he stated two are planning to follow him. We'll see. If the BOR delays the hiring process again...

Why the hell does it take so long to make a hire within the Montana University System? Even at the adjunct professor level.

[mslacatfan]

Pretty f’ing frustrating…. This team would be incredible next year.

I hope they stay, but you know sprinkle is pushing the key guys to join him. And others will probably leave cuz of the change.

This blows.

How do we know Danny is pushing “key” players to “join him?”

Because he is smart.

He is smart, but I would find it hard to believe he would tear down his legacy at MSU by gutting next year’s team. I would think the more likely scenario is he would have encouraged the players to continue what they started and go for three in a row.

Obviously I hope you are right. But I think that is just wishful thinking.

Sprinkles #1 priority now is to win at Utah state. If that means bringing his top players with him, he would do it in a heartbeat.

[CelticCat]

These kids hitting the portal? They've watched corporate downsizing, companies shut down and just a few mid-level supervisors offered transfers, parents expected to transfer without any say as to where they wind up or what type of new schools they'll be attending, mom and/or dad getting pink slips just before Christmas (a bizarre practice a sick middle manager human resource officer came up with about forty years ago), entire coaching staffs let go and the family spends the next year miles away from friends and family. They've watched the neighborhood they were raised in get an influx of transient workers and their parents/grandparents can no longer afford the property taxes on the house they have lived in for forty years.

Experiences have taught these kids they don't need to settle. Get the hell out if any little thing or perceived slight is being directed to them. These kids are resilient. In fact, nobody needs to put up with crap.

That is true, but do you think boosters keep kicking in money for mediocre teams with constant turnover? Sure the power teams or deep pockets groups probably continue to succeed, but how often can we go to the well for funding. Increase tickets, donate for facilities, donate for NIL, donate so we can pay coaches more. I just think it will hit a point that there are 25 D1 BB and Football schools and the rest are some level below and opportunities for athletes start going away.

What opportunities will go away? Are you saying the other 327 D1 basketball programs are going to drop basketball?

You are right, at some point some programs will have to just raise their hands and say "I'm out" in terms of competing in the arms race, but when someone says "there will be only be 25 good D1 BB teams", I mean there are only so many roster spots. There are thousands and thousands of excellent basketball players in this country. Maybe there is a split coming and who knows what the second tier looks like, but I can't imagine a world where schools like MSU don't have any sort of collegiate basketball team, and provides scholarships to those players. Worst case scenario to me is schools that can't/won't spend the dough necessary to be a top flight program will still provide young men and women in this country and opportunity to get an education.