The way too early 25-26 Off season Thread

As of today we have our whole 9 man rotatation returning, Kotecki, + 5 freshmen coming in.

We have a log jam at PG returning + Kirby & Perry

  • Cooper’s shooting came along late, and is the best defender - 2 yrs remaining
  • Ipsaro: toughest and best in the clutch - 2 yrs remaining
  • Skaljac: best shooter - 3 yrs remaining

Wings: Depth is a plus with Suder, Craft, Elmer & Byers but playing time is a tough balance + Waltz & Stowers

  • Suder - most versatile offensive player - 1 yr remaining
  • Craft - best offensive spacer - 2 yrs remaining
  • Elmer - Jack of all trades - 2 yrs remaining
  • Byers - great size and 2nd best spacer on offense - 3 yrs remaining

Bigs: Woolfolk, Potter, Kotecki + Robbins

  • Woolfolk - best big defender, a lot to be desired on offense - 1 yr remaining
  • Potter - best offensive big - 2 yrs remaining
  • Kotecki - emergency big and Bench MVP - 2 yrs remaining

Imagine a lot of tough conversations will be had this week. I hope everyone returns with a goal to wreak havoc every game

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Pretty accurate assessment imo. The good news is scholarships go from 13 to 15 for next year, so we have enough for everyone you listed.

The bad news is we know there will be bad news. Until it comes, I’m not going to discuss theoretical bad news.

I’d say Steele graded an A+++ on the portal last year, so at this point I’m not terribly concerned.

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Hoping we can keep at least one of Suder, Craft, Elmer

Do the walk-ons have to be released? Doesn’t everyone on the roster now have to be on scholarship/paid? Or is that still not a ruling?

Not sure about how walk-ons will count with the scholarship increase. Yofan was apparently on scholly this season but the thought was it was only for this past season.

I am not concerned about Suder or Craft leaving. Suder has his plans for next year’s housing with two players. Craft came to Miami because he believed that Coach Steele would develop his game. As long as Steele doesn’t move (he won’t), I don’t think Craft will either.
As for Elmer, I like having him, but he has not played at a level to attract major program interest. Why go laterally when he gets PT, seems to like the coaches and his teammates? Could he make some money? Is he making some at Miami? Moving just to move doesn’t seem attractive. Plus, he’s less than an hour from home.
Maybe it’s a bit of wishful thinking, but I do think we keep all three.

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For six figures I would tell my future housemates to find someone else.

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No inside information, but Pete saw how important fit is. He was at Bellarmine and they wouldn’t even let him dribble. Then he comes here and he’s first team all-MAC, first team all-tournament, and probably front runner for MAC PoY if he stays. I think its possible someone does make it known there could be some compensation for him, but I think staying at Miami may give him a chance to do something special and lay a great foundation to launch a career in Europe if thats what he wants to do after graduating with a Miami degree.

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Just a feeling, but I’m more worried about losing Byers

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I feel like it’s a matter of when not if we lose Byers, but I think we should be able to retain him for one more. Hopefully.

Not sure how much this changes as these negotiations were all happening under the table before anyways, but new change coming to NIL again!

So much for the days of $3.50

I’d be okay with that if there were paired with transparency regulations and escrow requirements. Unfortunately the NCAA is so scared of lawsuits and the inevitable power conference breakaway that they’ll never do that.

This process is probably gonna suck. But even with big departures, Steele showed this season that he can bring in some talented dudes and now has results to recruit on.

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While we assume the roster is full, it will be very interesting to see if Steele picks up someone from the portal that he can’t afford to let go.

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I’m guessing a power forward that can score and rebound is on the wish list… someone like a Paul Silas from back in the day…a little undersized mid-major guy but a baller.

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Woolfolk could be this if he puts in work this summer. Quicker decision making, shooting improvements, stronger ball handling and just in general being stronger with the ball. There’s stuff to build on for him.

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Actually we’ve needed that guy for several years. Don’t think Antwone is the answer.

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I think you just described Danny Horace!

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This team with a prime Danny Horace would basically be an overpowered video game roster.

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I don’t think we’ll be looking at a 4 unless Byers or Elmer transfer and we need a replacement.

The biggest area where we can improve is at the 5, but I can’t imagine that we’d be carrying 4 or 5 centers on a roster. Hopefully either Potter takes a leap or Robbins can come in and be that guy. I think Woolfolk pretty much is what he is at this point.

I don’t expect to see any portal movement from us unless we’re replacing departures or there’s a chance to land a superstar.

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