Stomach Turning

[GemParty]

Once a Husky, always a Husky? The lines are becoming blurry for fans. I'm guessing there's a Mohegan Sun Alumni gm this Summer and maybe one more in two years (if we are lucky). Depending on which coaches are still around. Is it still a Family affair or a new Era.
What makes me sad, is Champions like Alex, Roscoe, Coombs will probably Never be back. Playing for another school, as 300 plus kids want to do this yr, is the Ultimate betrayal. Or is it? Alex for example helped us win a title. Most will never forget his contribution and I will always have fond memories. All he's trying to do is better himself and have a basketball future. Same thing Andre Drummond is doing but thru a different journey. Both contributed to the teams we loved but IMO only one will eventually return to the campus and future events as a Husky. (Andre) Sad.
Why are kids leaving? Where is the patience and loyalty? How do our Champions see a system work 2011 and feel time away from a HOF coach would be better? As fans we also want our pound of flesh and immediate results. We could get 2 new Bigs tmrw, or down the road, But who says they stay long enough to consider them a Husky? Truth is, guys like DBeverly are going to be rare going forward. You have the NBA draft guys and NBA dreamers. The High Ceiling guys are gone in one or two seasons. While the Dreamers feel a 4 yr plan with one school, is the equivolent to hand writing a letter and mailing it with a stamp. It's slow and painful. Will we see players in the future win Multiple NCAA titles at different schools? Miss the old days!

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[61cygni]

That picture is depressing. I think I read in an ESPN article that about 40% of Div. 1 basketball players transfer at some point in their career.

 

[joober jones]

I'd just about kill for another Donnell Beverly right now.

 

[dogpause]

I'm not mad at these kids, just dissapointed the program has taken such a hit this year. First, the conference loses our two biggest rivals of the past decade. Then, the APR mess, and now the depletion of our roster. These kids all aspire to play pro ball so they are doing what they believe is best for their career. We would want our kids to do the same regardless the field they're preparing for.

However, there are a few things that would give this story a happy ending:

1. With so many schollies available, maybe JC will be able to sell the idea of a Fab Five to the top 2013 prospects and go out with a bang. And a ring.

2. The only thing the media likes more than chopping down a giant, is building it backup. There's just nothing like a comeback story.

3. We land a big name college coach such as Smart and turn things around. Joining Cuse and Pitt in the ACC wouldn't be bad either. I love Kevin Ollie, but I don't think our program can take a risk on him because of all that's happened this year. We'll probably have one chance to right the ship, IMO. I think we grab the best expienced coach we can attract

 

[Kitaman]

College bball is becoming similar to the NBA nowadays. Very few 4 year players (full careers with one team), and many more transfers (trades) or declarations (early retirement). Unfortunately I don't see this changing.

 

[sportsjunky1]

I'd just about kill for another Donnell Beverly right now.

Your right about that! Donnell Beverley was a real student athlete.He could have left and went back to the west coast numerous times and there was speculation that he was.But he stuck it out and played his role and i have the up most respect for Bev! Im so glad we won the NC his senior year. #TrueChampion
And to Gem party's point has there ever been a player to win a NC with 2 different teams? If not that would be one the craziest things..

 

[traitor71]

Mark Few nailed it when I heard him on the radio the other day. These kids jump from AAU team to AAU team, from high school to high school, so why should we not expect to see so much of it on the collegiate level? The days of "sticking it out" are over.

 

[Waquoit]

How can anyone blame AO? Why should he stay through a cluster of a season when he doesn't have to?

 

[Danzz]

How can anyone blame AO? Why should he stay through a cluster of a season when he doesn't have to?

I don't blame him at all

How can anyone blame AO? Why should he stay through a cluster of a season when he doesn't have to?

I don't blame Alex at all. He doesn't like playing for JC, has 1 season left and probably thinks he isn't appreciated. No tourney next year and he can go to a better team where he is guaranteed starters minutes.
Forget loyalty as a reason to stay. Colleges only give 1 year schollys and have no problem telling kids that don't live up to expectations to move on. In our case we had a scholarship player give up his scholly so the school can sign a star and now we are scratching our heads about why he would want to transfer.
Alex doesn't owe JC or Uconn anything. Move on Alex and good luck. Uconn will rebuild and survive.

 

[Lefty2one]

They're all just kids and it's a major decision in their life that they have to make as 16 and 17 year olds. Often times things don't work out for whatever reason so why stay in a less than ideal situation when your four years of eligibility will be gone in the blink of an eye? I have nothing against kids transferring, whether it's ill-advised or not.

 

[aceboon]

Mark Few nailed it when I heard him on the radio the other day. These kids jump from AAU team to AAU team, from high school to high school, so why should we not expect to see so much of it on the collegiate level? The days of "sticking it out" are over.

That's a good point, I think Jamal Coombs-McDaniel & AO both attended 3 different schools during their prep career.