Golfman25

X would have Cupps minutes had he been healthy.

Or with X hurt.

If you look at Woodson's history, he does seem to favor experienced guys. See Miller Kopp.

Too much math. :) And all good. All numbers come with a plus/minus variance. Really looking at big differences, which we don't have. All I am doing is taking a 30,000 foot look at it -- to answer the question Are we any different? Last three years have generally been a disappointment, no? Year 1: play in game, 1st round blowout. Year 2: 4th seed, 2nd round blowout. Last season: a complete miss. Is Rice "better" than X? Probably, has more upside. But he did what he did and the fact is he doesn't shoot the three as good (not saying he can't improve). Is Ballo "better" than Ware? They are different players, with similar numbers. I am really concerned we end up with two bigs under the basket clogging everything up (like Race and TJD did). So like I said, net net it looks like a push to me right now. We lost 2 good players and replaced them with 2 good players. If we had to take the floor tonight we have: Rice, Gallo, MM, Malik and Ballo. How many wins is that better than X, Gallo, MM, Malik and Ware? Does that lead to more blowouts in non-conference to improve the tournament resume? These are the big questions. Tucker and the next two players are the ones who can potentially make a difference. If we can upgrade those players that left, maybe we have something. Maybe one pushed Gallo out of the starting lineup? Maybe one can shoot? Maybe one doesn't drop off the big man play when someone is in foul trouble? Like I said, there is still a lot of work to do. Am I happy we landed these guys, yes I am. But I am not falling for the hype. Call me cautiously optimistic.

Haven't gone thru all the players in this thread. But what is the general take? Is the portal class this year stronger, weaker, or not much different than last year?

So lets just look at before and after: X (career due to injury): 40% from three; 75% free throws; 11 pts/game Rice (freshman year): 27.5% from three; 80% free throws; 15 pts/game Ware (IU only): 42% from three; 63% free throws; 16 points/game; 10 rebounds/game; 56 blocks Ballo (AZ only): 0 three; 49.5% free throws; 13 points/game; 10 rebounds/game; 45 blocks. Not sure what balances out what, but kind of looks like a push to me (it's literally a napkin analysis so take it for what it's worth). Rice gives up some 3 pct., but tends to score a few more points than X. We lose Ware's outside shot, some FT pct., but the points/boards are in line with each other. Seems to me Tucker and the next 1-2 gets will make the difference -- should be significant upgrades from those who left. Woody's got a lot more cooking to do, IMO.

Think you missed the joke.

Yeah ok. Get a clue. I do know what AH stands for.

As I understand it, foreign students on student visas can work in the US. 20 hours per week during school and 40 hours per week during breaks. When these guys do their events, that would equate to be the "working time." I don't think the law limits the compensation.

That's not true. The "bagman fans" wanted to play the game. The older guys took pride in a relatively "clean" program of the past. Now that it's in the wide open, it feels a bit "dirty." Still want guys who play for the name on the front of the jersey. But it is what it is. Let's start with making it to the second weekend of the tournament and work from there. And get off my lawn.

Not woody's job to get shooters the ball. :)

Good kid. Good player. A beast underneath. But he's got to fix the free throws. If not, he'll be a problem down the stretch -- hack a Shaq rules.

Self awareness isn't in his skillset.

There's still the hump. And they are a new team that needs to gel. And . . .

And Sparks bolted. Don't know what Walker's expectations where.

Hump is still there. :)

Guys just don't transfer to come off the bench. It's crazy to think they would.

Boosters having a _____ measuring contest ?

If Ballo leaves without a commitment and visits others, it is what it is. Got to move on to the next guys. Fill out the roster with guys willing to say yes. If you wait, you may end up with less than what you need.

Isn't that Walton money? We may be in trouble if money is the issue. Or maybe he doesn't like the cheerleader uniforms.

I guess Woody ain't cooking so much. Been all day and zero, zilch, nada, word of the big guy's commitment. That should do it for you guys. He's a lock to commit tonight. :)

Or taking other calls. Pretty easy for another team to up the anti.

3 point shooter doesn't want to go to where they don't shoot the 3 point shot -- News at 11:00. :)

Going to be watching. Looking forward to check them out.

Yeah, but there is still that hump.