Zippy87

I'm not down on him, it's more: A) I don't think it's realistic to expect him to go from not seeing the floor in big games to starter. If we bring in a transfer PG and Clarke also stays, it seems likely one of Tavari/Garvin wouldn't play much. Personally, I'd rather bet on the upside of Tavari and let Garvin go find a better fit.

I'd be stunned if Kobe Mitchell is back. He seemed to get a shot to play in the first half of the year then fell out of the rotation. I also think either Garvin or Tavari leave. Neither did enough to be a starting guard next season and only one will play as backup. That would open two scholarships - one for a starting guard, the other (IMO) for another big.

I looked back to see what Groce said about Ryan Prather Jr when he signed, and he sure does sound like what we need next year: "Ryan is an extremely talented versatile guard with great size, length and toughness," Groce said. "He is an elite shooter that can create opportunities for himself and his teammates with his playmaking skills. Ryan is also a high-level defender that plays with motor and physicality."

To me, the great unknown for 23-24 is what the young players on the roster can produce. The Zips only played 7 guys most big games and we're losing 2 of them, so while we need to add some instant impact with the portal, we also need some internal options to produce. I think/hope Nate Johnson can be a productive rotation player, possibly more. The game sped up on him at times but he also showed flashes of being a really good player. Amani Lyles should be fine as a rotation big with upside. I think it's fair to say both Johnson/Lyles will at least be playable next season. Is Garvin Clarke a D1 guard? Is Kobe Mitchell good enough to play? Is Ryan Prather Jr capable of stepping in and providing outside shooting help we so desperately need? Do the coaches believe in Tavari? Can Mosengo help Freeman down low? Will Baker contribute right away?

That may be correct. It looks like he'd have to apply for a waiver?

I have no idea on his academic status, but he's been in college four years. Could he be a potential grad transfer?

This is exactly why I wouldn't be surprised if he gets looks. Not saying 1st Round, but as a bench role player? I can see.

Better vs a potential fit in the NBA is very different IMO. I think with a strong senior year Freeman could absolutely get looks as an energy bench big.

Freeman, Hunter, Tribble locked in. Guessing we should hear soon on at least 1 or 2 leaving. Need to be aggressive in the transfer portal.

We have nothing but time until we get actual news

Not saying this is happening/will happen, but would you welcome Ali back?

I think he'd be fine at a P5 school, but he wouldn't be a focal point of an offense like he is here. I think a strong senior season here plus continued improvements could lead him to get some legitimate looks from NBA scouts.

I don't think Barstool is typically a great source, but he does have a NIL deal with them so I'd guess there's at least some relationship there.

Is there a link where you can see every player in the portal?

I wish I was this confident regarding UA Athletics' financial picture.

Looking at Freeman's Instagram it appears he had a partnership with Barstool

They were clearly the better team in the game at their place...that went to OT?

Who and what?

I really didn't want Sincere Carry to make it to The Dance. Can't stand that dude.

Akron's Athletic Department botched the rebrand rollout and doesn't even try with promotions anymore, I'm not holding my breath on them finding NIL opportunities for their student athletes.

This is where having a winning culture will matter. Players can go to Akron, Kent, Toledo, and Ohio and expect to be on good teams. Not so much with CMU, EMU, etc. Doesn't mean we won't lose players, but I think they're less likely to bolt right away vs those types of schools.

I haven't seen much from UA on NIL opportunities aside from OpenDorse, which basically looks like Cameo. https://gozips.com/news/2022/12/9/general-akron-athletics-partners-with-opendorse-for-official-marketplace-for-zips-student-athletes

Buffalo loses a talented player.