Heartbreaking loss but I believe the future is bright for us. So we know Samuel and Pullin have exhausted their eligibility, who is returning? Likely returning: - Micah Handlogten, Jr. (barring complications, leg should be healed and ready) - Will Richard, Sr. - Thomas Haugh, So. - Denzel Aberdeen, Jr. - Aleks Szymczyk, Redshirt So. - Alex Condon, So. - Kajus Kublickas, So. - Cooper Josefsberg, So. Could transfer or turn pro: - Walter Clayton, Sr. - Riley Kugel, Jr. If Clayton and Kugel return we are in great shape BUT I feel like we need to go after an experienced PG in the portal, and perhaps another F/C. Thoughts?
I certainly hope both Clayton and Kugel return; feel like Clayton is more likely but who knows. Don’t we have a 7’ 6” true freshman coming in? Likely redshirt. Any other possible impact true freshmen coming? Def think he’ll go after another PG and big from the portal.
Judging by Kugel's body language and lack of minutes all season, I'll be surprised if he returns. Clayton will be expensive to hold onto, but I think he comes back. I'm pretty sure I read that the 7'6" C you mentioned is a project and not to expect much contribution from him for while.
I would bet Clayton comes back. He's thrived in Coach Golden's offense. Not sure what Riley Kugel will do and it will be inerteresting too see if any of our other players test the portal waters. Also, will be interesting to see if Coach Golden can hit the jackpot again in the portal, especially in finding replacements for Pullin & Samuel. I'm much more positive about the basketball program now than I was before the season. Our other 3 bigs do need to hit the weight room and get stronger/tougher.
Lots to like there, more than we had to be excited about this time last year. Hopefully Golden crushes in the portal again and the rest continue to develop. Feeling good about the trajectory of the program.
I understand why people think Kugel leaves, but I think if Golden wants him back, there are some good reasons he stays. — making good NIL money — playing alongside one of his oldest and best friends in Aberdeen — two hours from home — assistant who recruited him to Miss St, then here, is still around I’ve never bought into the body language stuff (he looks the same in interviews, when he’s playing well, etc), but the diminished minutes down the stretch were concerning. But there could also be a plausible explanation. We’ll know soon enough.
I imagine Kugel will entertain different NIL offers. He reportedly has the highest NIL on our team, and he has not been worth the investment. I imagine our NIL offer next year for him will go down and he will look to see if he can get a better offer elsewhere. I'm sure we would negotiate within reason, but we will see what he does.
Given our history with injured bigs, are we sure Micah is back to start the year? Hope he doesn't get the kiss of death and "be back for SEC play"
They have no timetable yet. I have seen suggestions of anywhere between 8 and 12 months for that injury. It very well could be "ready for SEC play" lol
I would bet he plan on him not being available next year. Probably target two bigs next year. If Shimmy stays, that could change things. Too bad we lost Bol’s commitment.
I'm leaning towards no Micah next year as well, and will be glad to be wrong. We also know there will be an inexplicable transfer or two. Next year will be a bunch of new faces once again, id guess.
Need to find another international big i think there is a good 7 footer from Australia who played with Condon if im not wrong...
That’s basically college sports these days, but we should have some continuity. Condon, Haugh, Aberdeen, Richard, Clayton are pretty certain. I think Rishwain gets a medical year. Kugel, Shimmy, and Kublickas are flight risks. But I don’t see us signing 6 in the portal again. More like 3-4.
Yeah, Isaiah Brown 6-5 3 star, from film I have watched think Richard/Kegel(Clench... release) defensively and Richard offensively. Does he surprise? Perhaps when we press?
If everybody stays we have 12 schollys on the roster.. 2 GTs leaving and two freshman coming in. That leaves 1 spot for a transfer. Shymchyk is a player. We needed him against that Colorado 275 lb center in NCAA. Kajus Kublickas freshman PG did not handle the press well and I am not sure he attempted a shot all year? Can you imagine if we landed Georgia's freshman Blue Cain, who we recruited, instead? Easily a Final four team. I think Riley Kugel gets the same NIL and stays(he played AWESOME in NCAA, future NBA pick(2nd) and a "Future Gator legacy..." worth inconsistency). Kajus Kublickas leaves and we have 2 open spots for transfers. Just my guess. We can use an offensively skilled GT(or less) big and a future wing(Sophomore). Clayton, Aberdeen, Kugel can handle point guard.
Great news, Li'l Bro! I was wondering why everyone was worried about WCjr leaving. He's already The Man for this team and will get The Man NIL $$, and is not ready for the NBA.
Do we have any need for a wing right now? I was really impressed with that Townsend kid from Oakland. Listed as a forward but is 6' 6" so would project as a 2/3 in the SEC. 16 points per game, shoots 35% from 3. I can almost guarantee he tests the NIL/transfer waters after his NCAA performance. But he'd be a senior transfer, not a soph
