mike vannice

Been following the transfer portal since it opened and was writing down names of potential post players. Came up with probably 25 guys and now down to 1- Emeka Opurum is still on Mike Schuman's latest list of guys we have contacted. Pro's-7'0", athletic, rim runner, rebounder and shotblocker Cons-Not much of an offensive threat, set out last year at Auburn due to some sort of heart condition but has been cleared to play Did a deep dive in to the Euro big men available and feel like most are probably a pipe dream due to cost or NBA aspirations or other schools involved. However I did come across one fun fact: our recent addition Clemens Sokolof has the same agent as Serbian 7 footer Lazar Gacic who played for Mega Superbet (the team we played in Puerto Rico last year). Gacic is skinny but skilled and might be able to provide 10-15 minutes per game as a depth piece. Have no idea if we are in contact but thought it interesting that he has the same agent(Misko Raznatovic) as our new guy.

Part of me says WTF this guy only averaged 6 ppg om Maryland Eastern Shore what are we doing. Then I calm down and realize yep this is part of the plan. Sokolov is the developmental big. Monden is the practice player/ 3rd point guard. So the next guy is going to be #11 the rotational big we so desperately need. They had to have learned from last year, right? And now they are rounding up enough money to land one more difference maker.

And the Sleepers Media guys quoted him as saying if he was not a top 20 pick he would go the college route.

Not seeing many options left on the domestic front. Really wondering how they are going to finish out this roster. I would be satisfied with another rotational big to play the 4/5 with Aiden and Samet and then another practice player. Spend the money on someone who is going to contribute. Several Euro big men options out there but the problem is North Carolina, Kentucky, BYU, and LSU and others are chasing them too. Sorry Mr. Sokolov but would not be happy going into the season with just 3 playable bigs.

Plus we simply have no idea what the plan is with Winker. No Leaks.

A solid back-up 4/5 would give us a 9 man rotation with only Moody being counted as part of the rotation. Karvala would be mop up minutes and Manhertz and 12-13 would be practice players. Not ideal but could definitely work. 5 guards/wings and 4 bigs. Build on that next year with Branham and a couple of additional bigs.

Josiah Parker a wing from FAU that we were supposedly in contact with has comitted to Georgetown

So does anyone know if we are actually getting a visit from Ladarius Givan? And if so when? Would really like to get this kid on board. Would provide rebounding. energy, and rim protection off the bench.

Massamba Diop to Gonzaga

Has Rabby confirmed the visit or said when he will be at IU?

Did some more digging and see he has offers from BYU and UCLA. BYU offered in March so he is not an unknown quantity. Hopefully Carr and Co. are aware of him and can get on him quickly. Do we have any connections to Prolific Prep?

Did some digging and he is from Nigeria and came through the NBA Africa Academy and really blew up their. Led his team to the quarter finals of their big tournament. Not sure when he got to Prolific Prep. Definitely a name to watch. Would much rather get a kid like him over say Isiah Hill. Pair him with Chase Branham and our returnees and watch out 2027.

Man I know the no leak policy is necessary to keep other schools from swooping in and stealing a kid you are watching and in on. But it sure would be nice to know what is going on. Still quite a few potential backup forwards and centers out there granted all with warts but tons of potential. And this is Little 500 weekend, what a great time to have a kid visit- beautiful weather forecasted and the coeds will be out in force.

Hate to be that guy but it is Damon Wilkinson. He does look like a potential end of the bench contributor. 6'10" 245

Give me: Josiah Parker-wing FAU Sheek Pearson-forward-Marquette Emeka Opurum-center- Auburn Odds of that happening 0%