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Let's consider a scenario where the present "State of the Program" not only does not surprise Dan Hurley, but fulfills a precisely-executed plan to the point of near perfection.
Step back to April of last year. Dan Hurley knew he had three potential NBA-ers returning -- Sanogo, Hawkins and Jackson. He knew that all might declare in the spting of '23. How to maximize their last year?
He had two exceptional freshmen coming in -- Clingan and Karaban. Clingan would back up Sanogo, Karaban would back up Johnson at the 4. What did he need? He needed mature guard play and shooting at the wings. He made a decision. No more freshmen. He would go to the portal for experienced hands -- one and dones. To that extent, he would stake the pile on the 22-23 season.
We know what happened. Except for the Johnson injury, forcing Karaban into the starting lineup. it all worked as planned. The Natty was not necessarily expected, but it was planned for -- the path was laid open.
Fast forward to now. Sanaogo, Hawkins and Jackson have declared. Surprise! Three of the four one and dones look like they're one and done. Surprise! And, look here, we have a Top Five freshmen class, a class consisting of five guys recruited against one open scholarship. Repeat: Five guys recruited against one open scholarship. In other words, the current exodus is no surprise. It is one great big DUH!
Where do we go from here? We have the Fab Five Freshmen (with our burger PG) and two All-East (if not All-American) Sophs returning. We will likely have a healthy Johnson back. Dan Hurley can now work the portal to fill in the gaps as he did last year. Jackson and Newton are wildcard possibilities.
Doesn't look like a shoo-in year for the 6th Natty, but that was never Dan Hurley's plan. He staked the pile on 22-23 and won. His hope, no doubt, is for an NCAA showing this year and a sophomore-junior powerhouse next year. And if there's an NBA declaration or two in April 2024, I'll lay you it will be "No Surprise."
Step back to April of last year. Dan Hurley knew he had three potential NBA-ers returning -- Sanogo, Hawkins and Jackson. He knew that all might declare in the spting of '23. How to maximize their last year?
He had two exceptional freshmen coming in -- Clingan and Karaban. Clingan would back up Sanogo, Karaban would back up Johnson at the 4. What did he need? He needed mature guard play and shooting at the wings. He made a decision. No more freshmen. He would go to the portal for experienced hands -- one and dones. To that extent, he would stake the pile on the 22-23 season.
We know what happened. Except for the Johnson injury, forcing Karaban into the starting lineup. it all worked as planned. The Natty was not necessarily expected, but it was planned for -- the path was laid open.
Fast forward to now. Sanaogo, Hawkins and Jackson have declared. Surprise! Three of the four one and dones look like they're one and done. Surprise! And, look here, we have a Top Five freshmen class, a class consisting of five guys recruited against one open scholarship. Repeat: Five guys recruited against one open scholarship. In other words, the current exodus is no surprise. It is one great big DUH!
Where do we go from here? We have the Fab Five Freshmen (with our burger PG) and two All-East (if not All-American) Sophs returning. We will likely have a healthy Johnson back. Dan Hurley can now work the portal to fill in the gaps as he did last year. Jackson and Newton are wildcard possibilities.
Doesn't look like a shoo-in year for the 6th Natty, but that was never Dan Hurley's plan. He staked the pile on 22-23 and won. His hope, no doubt, is for an NCAA showing this year and a sophomore-junior powerhouse next year. And if there's an NBA declaration or two in April 2024, I'll lay you it will be "No Surprise."
