Basketball Transfer Portal Thread

[Tater]

You?re an idiot if you believe this would happen and especially for those reasons you listed.

K

[StarkVegasSteve]

Back to the original topic: seems like Tayton Connerway from Troy will be our next commit.

[Tater]

Back to the original topic: seems like Tayton Connerway from Troy will be our next commit.

His constant 3 pt % decline is concerning and going to drive folks on here mad. He needs to be the "true point with great defense" next to Hubbard.

But it is interesting we're going heavy on 23 year olds so far.

Connerway - Hubbard - 3&D - 3&D - Ballard
Warren - McGhee - Jones - Post Scorer - Chol/Paymon/Davis-Fleming

Who are we looking at getting to round out the roster? I don't think Connerway - Hubbard - Jones - Murphy - Ballard is a winning starting lineup if our next and only move is to bring murphy back.

[DEDawg]

Ole Miss is more likely to get left out than us because they aren't as easy of a win and also bring nothing else to the table.

Party school, Racist name, etc. - lots of reasons to get rid of them.

If you're kicking one mississippi school out, it's them. 4D chess by our admin to suck to make us more desirable to have than OM in a future conference. Free win + no baggage + same TV footprint and market.
I don?t think this would happen, but I?ve brought this up before and think our administration has done an awful job of not leaning into this. It shouldn?t even be an official campaign or anything but our AD, presidents, and admin should occasionally be making those gibes and talking about how we are a Ulysses Grant presidential library while they hang nooses on James Meredith statue. Trash ass school and we don?t even lean into it.

[Coach34]

Hubbard needs to play PG to have any chance at the NBA. Surprised we arent going after a 6'5 SG

[Goldendawg]

Hubbard needs to play PG to have any chance at the NBA. Surprised we arent going after a 6'5 SG

Hubbard shot 205 more times than the next nearest player, Murphy. If we try to run the same type offense around him in the next season, it will be a repeat of the season just finished. We need to find more shooters that can score and run a balanced attack on offense.

[BeardoMSU]

Hubbard needs to play PG to have any chance at the NBA. Surprised we arent going after a 6'5 SG

Don't think that's likely even if he did.

[Tater]

Hubbard needs to play PG to have any chance at the NBA. Surprised we arent going after a 6'5 SG

Hubbard needs age cap removed in college sports. Which at the rate we're moving might just happen. Otherwise he's playing overseas.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Hubbard needs to play PG to have any chance at the NBA. Surprised we arent going after a 6'5 SG

You are not wrong that Hubb’s best chance at the league is PG, but he plays better as a SG at this level. I think this is why we are going after Melvin Council Jr and Connerway. Big guards who play the point well and can run the show so Hubb can roam and get his shot.

[Coursesuper]

Ole Miss is more likely to get left out than us because they aren't as easy of a win and also bring nothing else to the table.

Party school, Racist name, etc. - lots of reasons to get rid of them.

If you're kicking one mississippi school out, it's them. 4D chess by our admin to suck to make us more desirable to have than OM in a future conference. Free win + no baggage + same TV footprint and market.

This is so out of touch with reality I don’t know where to start.

[Tater]

This is so out of touch with reality I don’t know where to start.

Ok

[Coach34]

You are not wrong that Hubb’s best chance at the league is PG, but he plays better as a SG at this level. I think this is why we are going after Melvin Council Jr and Connerway. Big guards who play the point well and can run the show so Hubb can roam and get his shot.

agree on that. If we get a baller PG it would make us tough to defend. Just needs to be a guy with some size. We cant be midgets in the back court

[Coach34]

We have a number out there to keep Murph. If Bama/Aub or anybody beats it so be it. Our money guys are doing their part

[ZedFedder]

Derrion Reid from Bama just got in the portal. I know we were on him in high school. He is a former 5 star. Any chance?

[Tater]

Derrion Reid from Bama just got in the portal. I know we were on him in high school. He is a former 5 star. Any chance?

He'd be a depth piece next year. His best bet is getting some run with a mid major and using consistent time to flash better potential. But he showed nothing of being a good role player this year. Not worth the price tag for us likely.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Derrion Reid from Bama just got in the portal. I know we were on him in high school. He is a former 5 star. Any chance?

UGA bound. That is where his mom wanted him out of HS and that is where he will end up. Outside shot that NC State gets in and muddies the water, but I believe he'll be in Athens.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Per Paul Jones this morning, we are not expecting Keyshawn Murphy to return. I would expect it's an Auburn or Alabama thing. I really don't know how he fits at Bama so Auburn may be the move.

[Coach34]

Per Paul Jones this morning, we are not expecting Keyshawn Murphy to return. I would expect it's an Auburn or Alabama thing. I really don't know how he fits at Bama so Auburn may be the move.

Heard we were willing to go about 1.5 for him but after that it was "c'ya"

[StarkVegasSteve]

Heard we were willing to go about 1.5 for him but after that it was "c'ya"

I haven't heard that high, I heard 1.2-1.3, but I don't doubt it. If Nwoko got 600K from LSU then Murphy will easily get 7 figures from someone.

[msstate7]

Is this money paid 1099?

[StarkVegasSteve]

Is this money paid 1099?

Yes. But I know taxes are already taken out for our guys. Charlie and his team take care of them on that side. They set them up with tax guys and advisors to make sure they're not dodging taxes.

[Goldendawg]

The average salary for year one in the NBA is about $1.6 million. NFL for year one is $795K. This is insane with NIL and especially the portal. They are in no way "student athletes". Family bought 8 FB season tickets for consecutive 58th year. If there is not contracts and a salary cap soon, 59 is seriously in doubt.

[msstate7]

Yes. But I know taxes are already taken out for our guys. Charlie and his team take care of them on that side. They set them up with tax guys and advisors to make sure they're not dodging taxes.

Good deal. I couldn't imagine being blind sided by 1 million paid 1099

[Rawdawg]

1.5 is the number I was told.

[gtowndawg]

We have a number out there to keep Murph. If Bama/Aub or anybody beats it so be it. Our money guys are doing their part

Excellent

[msstate7]

The average salary for year one in the NBA is about $1.6 million. NFL for year one is $795K. This is insane with NIL and especially the portal. They are in no way "student athletes". Family bought 8 FB season tickets for consecutive 58th year. If there is not contracts and a salary cap soon, 59 is seriously in doubt.

It's just stupid. Even in pro sports where there is no salary cap, you can at least level the field with a draft, set number of years a player has before FA, and trades to build for future. This set up has nothing to balance the field. It will ruin college sports if it hasn't already. The college sports we grew up loving are no more.

[StarkVegasSteve]

It's just stupid. Even in pro sports where there is no salary cap, you can at least level the field with a draft, set number of years a player has before FA, and trades to build for future. This set up has nothing to balance the field. It will ruin college sports if it hasn't already. The college sports we grew up loving are no more.

The Iamaleava stuff was the first public crack in the dam for the players. These schools, and donors who are giving the big time money, are about to start realizing they are the ones with all the power in these situations. They are the ones just handing over money with no guarantees. I have a feeling we will look back in 5-10 years at this saga and see that it was the first step towards players being under contract.

[maroonmania]

It's just stupid. Even in pro sports where there is no salary cap, you can at least level the field with a draft, set number of years a player has before FA, and trades to build for future. This set up has nothing to balance the field. It will ruin college sports if it hasn't already. The college sports we grew up loving are no more.

Basketball will quickly consolidate all the top talent to a few programs because those programs will get the top HS recruits plus they can pluck the best college players that developed later from other programs. It's already being seen as 4 #1 seeds made up the Final Four this year. Deep Cinderella runs will become much more rare. Football and baseball have a LOT more variables and a larger number of players involved so it won't be quite as bad. But it's going to be where the basketball money goes nuts because one or two players in basketball can turn an entire team into a major contender.

[MoreCowbell]

Anybody know how much we gave Cam for NIL this past year? Just curious

[38843dawg]

Per Paul Jones this morning, we are not expecting Keyshawn Murphy to return. I would expect it's an Auburn or Alabama thing. I really don't know how he fits at Bama so Auburn may be the move.

It?s been one of those two since the get go. Once he entered it was over (for state), regardless of what some would say. Is what it is.

[msstate7]

It?s been one of those two since the get go. Once he entered it was over (for state), regardless of what some would say. Is what it is.

Then we have a good chunk of money for someone else. I hate losing him, but we can't do anything about it.

What's our big board look like?

[StarkVegasSteve]

Then we have a good chunk of money for someone else. I hate losing him, but we can't do anything about it.

What's our big board look like?

One of either Melvin Council Jr or Tayton Connerway, Maliq Ewin, Corey Washington, and Sam Walters. Everyone else we're mentioned with are below those 5 guys

[sleepy dawg]

The average salary for year one in the NBA is about $1.6 million. NFL for year one is $795K. This is insane with NIL and especially the portal. They are in no way "student athletes". Family bought 8 FB season tickets for consecutive 58th year. If there is not contracts and a salary cap soon, 59 is seriously in doubt.

795k was the minimum salary for a rookie in the nfl in 2024, not the average.

[NCMSTFAN]

Keyshawn Murphy to Auburn. He will be good for Bruce Pearl and I hate it!

[BravesDoggy]

The Iamaleava stuff was the first public crack in the dam for the players. These schools, and donors who are giving the big time money, are about to start realizing they are the ones with all the power in these situations. They are the ones just handing over money with no guarantees. I have a feeling we will look back in 5-10 years at this saga and see that it was the first step towards players being under contract.

Nico put himself in a dumb position by not fulfilling his NIL obligations and UT called him on it. But they only get to look like innocents for a minute. It?s already being floated around that they are willing to pay $4 mill next year to poach someone else?s QB with names on their wishlist like Haynes King and Sam Leavitt being floated around

[Cowbeller]

One of either Melvin Council Jr or Tayton Connerway, Maliq Ewin, Corey Washington, and Sam Walters. Everyone else we're mentioned with are below those 5 guys

You think we have a shot at any of these guys?

[BeardoMSU]

Keyshawn Murphy to Auburn. He will be good for Bruce Pearl and I hate it!

Yep. Sucks.

[PGHBulldogBG]

I am definitely a bit concerned about next years team now that Murphy is gone. Hubbard, Jones and Warren seem to be the only 3 returning with Kugel, Murphy and Nwoko all gone. I see we have 4 freshman commits in which 3 of them are 4 start players, but it will be tough starting a lot of freshmen. Anyone have a good link where we can see who we landed in the portal?

[Tbonewannabe]

795k was the minimum salary for a rookie in the nfl in 2024, not the average.

Has it went up that much since Dak was a rookie? I think his 4th round contract was worth $3 Mil total so that would be more than that for an undrafted free agent.

[StarkVegasSteve]

You think we have a shot at any of these guys?

We'll get one of Council or Connerway. I feel pretty confident that if we pushed Washington he would commit. No clue on the other two.

[sleepy dawg]

Has it went up that much since Dak was a rookie? I think his 4th round contract was worth $3 Mil total so that would be more than that for an undrafted free agent.

Yes, it goes up a good bit every year. 2025 minimum is 840k. It's expected to be over a million minimum by 2029.

[Coach34]

Murphy to Auburn

[NCMSTFAN]

Murphy to Auburn

I posted earlier..... sucks. Watch him go average 18 and 10 for Pearl.

[NCMSTFAN]

Speaking of that, how do we feel about Jans player development for the next level? Ultimately every College kid wants to play in the NBA. Tolu is our only NBA guy right now (he had 14 points and 8 rebounds the other night with the Pistons) But Tolu was a Howland recruit.

[KB21]

Speaking of that, how do we feel about Jans player development for the next level? Ultimately every College kid wants to play in the NBA. Tolu is our only NBA guy right now (he had 14 points and 8 rebounds the other night with the Pistons) But Tolu was a Howland recruit.

Honestly, Jans's style isn't very conducive to producing NBA players. It appears that his approach this year is to go back to what he's more comfortable with, which is a defense first team that is more opportunistic on offense than prolific.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I posted earlier..... sucks. Watch him go average 18 and 10 for Pearl.

He won't. He's not going to get a whole lot of touches in their offense. They need a traditional post and he's not that. Which is so funny because him being asked to play the 5 here was one of the reasons he said he was going to get in the portal.

[NCMSTFAN]

Honestly, Jans's style isn't very conducive to producing NBA players. It appears that his approach this year is to go back to what he's more comfortable with, which is a defense first team that is more opportunistic on offense than prolific.

I agree and this can hurt us in recruiting. Every kid wants to play for a coach who puts players in the NBA. Im not sure if Jans has any NBA guys as a Head Coach. He is more of a system coach, not a player development coach. And if he does revert back to defensive first type coach, it's hard to convince top talent to come in and play tough nosed defense as a recruiting pitch. Throwing NIL money at them does help but that money only goes so far and their agents are letting them know that.

[NCMSTFAN]

He won't. He's not going to get a whole lot of touches in their offense. They need a traditional post and he's not that. Which is so funny because him being asked to play the 5 here was one of the reasons he said he was going to get in the portal.

Yea I was a little sarcastic when I said that but I do think Pearl can get more out of Murphy than Jans did if given the minutes.

[EdwardDrayton]

Well we don't ever have to discuss whether Purcell or Jans can get more out of someone else's players. *****

[maroonmania]

Murphy to Auburn

Yep, for apparently north of 2.5 mil. We just can't compete when it's an all out bidding war and that's what football and basketball has become to get top.quality players.

[cheewgumm]

I would never pay $2,5 m for Murphy.

Ever

[civildawg]

2.5 million is crazy talk if that's true. College sports are broken

[maroonmania]

College sports are broken

That's a vast understatement. I mean Nwoku got nearly 1 mil from LSU for a guy that averaged like 5 points and 3 rebounds so why not 2.5 mil for Murphy. That's the kind of out of control environment we are dealing with.

[BankerDog]

We offered 1.5MM. Hubb has an offer similar to Murph?s Auburn deal from us now. So yea we can play the game

[maroonmania]

We offered 1.5MM. Hubb has an offer similar to Murph?s Auburn deal from us now. So yea we can play the game

All I know is we just got outbid by $1M on one of our top 2 players and a guy that we really wanted to keep. So yea, we are playing but at a whole different level than the top programs.

[Cowbell]

I think we need to spend basketball money on baseball and football and rent the hump out for concerts. There is no ROI here.

[Cowbell]

I would rather see us spend 1.5M on a legit Friday night starting pitcher than on a role player in basketball. This is so stupid

[msstate7]

I would rather see us spend 1.5M on a legit Friday night starting pitcher than on a role player in basketball. This is so stupid


Not I

[Coach34]

Yep, for apparently north of 2.5 mil. We just can't compete when it's an all out bidding war and that's what football and basketball has become to get top.quality players.

Yes. Yet another example of a bigger school taking something we want because they have more money.

[cheewgumm]

Save the $2.5 M for Kamari Taylor next year.

[Santiago]

I wonder if Auburn has a group that pony up the money or is it the same booster(s) from football.

[msugolf]

It looks like we are going to have to rely on the freshmen this year. This portal class is shaping up to be a pretty big disappointment. Skilled offensive players dont want to play in Jans system. And when you have a guy on the team that takes 75 percent of the shots its pretty understandable why.

[msstate7]

Are we gonna get anyone?

[TheLostDawg]

I would rather see us spend 1.5M on a legit Friday night starting pitcher than on a role player in basketball. This is so stupid

Absolutely not. No roi in baseball and we are terrible in baseball. Plus the regular fan can only get sro tickets. Put that money in a sport that generates revenue especially now

[NCMSTFAN]

Absolutely not. No roi in baseball and we are terrible in baseball. Plus the regular fan can only get sro tickets. Put that money in a sport that generates revenue especially now

Agree!!

[cheewgumm]

- Pay QBs big money .

Pay elite basketball big money

Pay starting pitchers big money

Don?t pay mid basketball players big money.

We have to be smart. What wins? QBs win. Pitching wins. Pay them.

Im disappointed that we offered Murphy $1.5m. Not close to worth it. He?s worth max $700k. Absolute max.

Who is making these decisions? That is a problem.

[cheewgumm]

Absolutely not. No roi in baseball and we are terrible in baseball. Plus the regular fan can only get sro tickets. Put that money in a sport that generates revenue especially now

We are talented in baseball and are probably about to get into the regional and do well.

We are not terrible.

[Coach34]

we are terrible in baseball.

Most successful program on campus by far. Last season we made the round of 32- something basketball hasnt done in a generation

[DawgFromOxford]

-
Im disappointed that we offered Murphy $1.5m. Not close to worth it. He?s worth max $700k. Absolute max.

Who is making these decisions? That is a problem.

The market determines worth and to Auburn he?s worth $2.5 mil.

We can try to moneyball it but the staff better be A+ overlooked talent evaluators if going that route

[Coach34]

yeah Pearl is one of the best coaches in the country and wanted Murphy. Murphy's 3-ball gets better before next season- he will be hell to deal with

Then add to it- Jan didnt want to lose Murphy. We offered as much as we could.

[gtowndawg]

Absolutely not. No roi in baseball and we are terrible in baseball. Plus the regular fan can only get sro tickets. Put that money in a sport that generates revenue especially now

100% - we have to invest in the sports that bring national recognition and TV ratings. Baseball doesn't move that needle.

edited: I don't think we are terrible in baseball, but I don't really follow it so I'll let others make that judgement.

[BankerDog]

I think we need to spend basketball money on baseball and football and rent the hump out for concerts. There is no ROI here.

Stupid talk. Just stupid. We literally lose money on baseball. $3MM to be exact.

[BankerDog]

yeah Pearl is one of the best coaches in the country and wanted Murphy. Murphy's 3-ball gets better before next season- he will be hell to deal with

Then add to it- Jan didnt want to lose Murphy. We offered as much as we could.

We could?ve gone up more but elected not to. We have Hub locked down, the transfer big we spent about $1MM or above on. At some point you have to know when to stop and be wise. You could get two players that equal Murph?s production for us.

[PGHBulldogBG]

Stupid talk. Just stupid. We literally lose money on baseball. $3MM to be exact.

A lot of our fans just don't get it. They are so blinded by us once having a good baseball team and do not understand how realignment works. Ironically, we have been better in basketball the last 4 years than baseball.

[Coach34]

A lot of our fans just don't get it. They are so blinded by us once having a good baseball team and do not understand how realignment works. Ironically, we have been better in basketball the last 4 years than baseball.

This is simply untrue as I pointed out earlier. Last season's baseball team topped anything basketball has done. We won a Natty in baseball 4 years ago. Dont be surprised when this season's baseball team finishes higher than basketball did as well.

[Brobi-wan]

If we’re going to flush money down the drain and buy baseball players, just send it to my address instead. You’ll get about the same return. Maybe more because I’ll donate some to NIL and buy some season tickets for the fam. Start an elite dawgs tailgate.

[gtowndawg]

If we’re going to flush money down the drain and buy baseball players, just send it to my address instead. You’ll get about the same return. Maybe more because I’ll donate some to NIL and buy some season tickets for the fam. Start an elite dawgs tailgate.

Ha ha, sign me up so I get some of that money too. I'll be the new bagman for football and basketball.

[BigDawg81]

I’m about done with this trash. Jans lost another portal target. Florida State big man goes to Arkansas and now St.Bonnies guard goes to Kansas. I am sure we can get the other Wichita State guard and we can become Wichita State.

[GeoDawg]

What is "Return" in regards to NIL? Everyone keeps using the term, but I feel like they are using different definitions. Here are the different definitions that I "think" are being used:

1. Monetary Return - My Opinion: This is strictly in regards to the school, no one who contributes to NIL gets a monetary return. It is strictly a subsidy. Please correct me if I'm wrong and tell me what percentage they are getting.
2. Results - My Opinion: For the amount of money that is being spent on football and basketball, the "results" suck! Even though baseball loses money, the "return" has been better all though not where it should be.
3. Prestige/Ego: My Opinion: In other words, spending gobs of money guarantees continued inclusion in the best conference, which increases the university's prestige and boosts the fans ego.

Did I miss any?

[msstate7]

I’m about done with this trash. Jans lost another portal target. Florida State big man goes to Arkansas and now St.Bonnies guard goes to Kansas. I am sure we can get the other Wichita State guard and we can become Wichita State.

I really don't know if it's Jans losing them or us losing them. If offers are exactly the same, it's on Jans, but I doubt they are. This new system sorta takes the Saleman part out of the job for a coach.

[PGHBulldogBG]

This is simply untrue as I pointed out earlier. Last season's baseball team topped anything basketball has done. We won a Natty in baseball 4 years ago. Dont be surprised when this season's baseball team finishes higher than basketball did as well.

We lost a regional last year in baseball just like we lost in the NCAA tournament in the first round in hoops. We went to the NCAA tournament in hoops the last 3 years and only made a regional 1. I was referring to the 4 seasons (including this one) after the Natty. We do not get any money for baseball. It does not matter if we win a natty over and over it will not place us in a good position for realignment. If this were the case, Oregon State would be in the big 12. We need to improve in football and basketball so that we can draw more TV's and generate revenue. Those are the two sports needing our focus if we want to stay in a top conference.

[Coach34]

We lost a regional last year in baseball just like we lost in the NCAA tournament in the first round in hoops. We went to the NCAA tournament in hoops the last 3 years and only made a regional 1. I was referring to the 4 seasons (including this one) after the Natty. We do not get any money for baseball. It does not matter if we win a natty over and over it will not place us in a good position for realignment. If this were the case, Oregon State would be in the big 12. We need to improve in football and basketball so that we can draw more TV's and generate revenue. Those are the two sports needing our focus if we want to stay in a top conference.

We made the Round of 32 in baseball. Supers are the Sweet 16 of Baseball. We have yet to do that in basketball.

We finished tied for 9th in SEC basketball. We are only 2 games out of 9th in baseball with half the schedule to go. As I said- dont be surprised when we match or better that in baseball this year

[NCMSTFAN]

I’m about done with this trash. Jans lost another portal target. Florida State big man goes to Arkansas and now St.Bonnies guard goes to Kansas. I am sure we can get the other Wichita State guard and we can become Wichita State.

What does Jans have to offer these top players? His recruiting pitch still matters. Every team is paying players now so he has to evolve in other areas. Like I stated before he isn't developing players for the next level and I'm calling it now if Keyshawn Murphy gets anywhere close to the playing time he got at State under Pearl, we may see him in the NBA after next season, Pearl is a top 10 Coach in the nation so there is a reason he wanted Murphy.

What is Jans' pitch to these players? 'You can come here, be in a system, play hard nosed defense and get cussed out on National t.v. every game' ..... I'm taking my homer hat off for a second and looking at our team and Coach from a realistic standpoint and I'm not sure Jans has that it factor to reel in top players. Yes he wins some games but its a defensive minded system that I question how far it can take us.

[AROB44]

What does Jans have to offer these top players? His recruiting pitch still matters. Every team is paying players now so he has to evolve in other areas. Like I stated before he isn't developing players for the next level and I'm calling it now if Keyshawn Murphy gets anywhere close to the playing time he got at State under Pearl, we may see him in the NBA after next season, Pearl is a top 10 Coach in the nation so there is a reason he wanted Murphy.

What is Jans' pitch to these players? 'You can come here, be in a system, play hard nosed defense and get cussed out on National t.v. every game' ..... I'm taking my homer hat off for a second and looking at our team and Coach from a realistic standpoint and I'm not sure Jans has that it factor to reel in top players. Yes he wins some games but its a defensive minded system that I question how far it can take us.

Well....Jans has been here 3 years and has taken us to the Dance 3 times. Seems about right for complaining to start....always some who think we can and should do better. Unbelievable the expectations of some.

[NCMSTFAN]

Well....Jans has been here 3 years and has taken us to the Dance 3 times. Seems about right for complaining to start....always some who think we can and should do better. Unbelievable the expectations of some.

Everything I stated has context to it. I'm only stating my opinion, if you are ok with just making the Dance 3 times or getting bounced out of the tournament in round one every year I'm happy as hell for you! But I'm not and I'm only stating what I see! When I see good, I post about it... when I see things that are concerning I post about it also. I don't understand responses like this, are we all supposed to get on here and agree with every take the others post? Or can we talk about what we observe, like or dont like and concerns about our programs??

[msugolf]

We made the Round of 32 in baseball. Supers are the Sweet 16 of Baseball. We have yet to do that in basketball.

We finished tied for 9th in SEC basketball. We are only 2 games out of 9th in baseball with half the schedule to go. As I said- dont be surprised when we match or better that in baseball this year

Only 15-20 percent of schools care about college baseball so bragging about making the tournament as a baseball blue blood school is pretty lame. More recognition comes from making the basketball tournament, where 90 percent of the schools care, than making the CWS and I dont care how you spin it or what everyone?s emotional attachment to baseball is.

[NCMSTFAN]

Only 15-20 percent of schools care about college baseball so bragging about making the tournament as a baseball blue blood school is pretty lame. More recognition comes from making the basketball tournament, where 90 percent of the schools care, than making the CWS and I dont care how you spin it or what everyone?s emotional attachment to baseball is.

I understand alot of State fans really love and enjoy baseball, but this is a very true statement. It's unfortunate but baseball just doesn't garner the National attention that Basketball or Football does.

[Coursesuper]

I understand alot of State fans really love and enjoy baseball, but this is a very true statement. It's unfortunate but baseball just doesn't garner the National attention that Basketball or Football does.

More than that baseball doesn't pay the bills or keep you in line to get paid with the big boys every year.

[Turfdawg67]

We made the Round of 32 in baseball. Supers are the Sweet 16 of Baseball. We have yet to do that in basketball.

We finished tied for 9th in SEC basketball. We are only 2 games out of 9th in baseball with half the schedule to go. As I said- dont be surprised when we match or better that in baseball this year

I and 24.4 million other people can't wait to fill out our NCAA College Baseball Bracket this year. Yeah, it ain't the same.

[PGHBulldogBG]

I understand alot of State fans really love and enjoy baseball, but this is a very true statement. It's unfortunate but baseball just doesn't garner the National attention that Basketball or Football does.

Yeah that is just the facts of the world we live in with college sports. Basketball is my favorite sport, but I understand that our primary focus needs to be on football because that is what pays the bills and gets most of the TV viewership. Basketball is definitely important though and now Jans needs to take the next step to get us past the first round in the next year or two. Our baseball fans like to put blinders on though and think all is well, but in reality it is not.

[cheewgumm]

People act
Like the choice is EITHER basketball OR baseball?You can not spend on both.

Ia that true.

Cant we spend more on basketball but still be a big NIL spender in baseball?

[Coach34]

People act
Like the choice is EITHER basketball OR baseball?You can not spend on both.

Ia that true.

Cant we spend more on basketball but still be a big NIL spender in baseball?

Exactly. We have certain people that fund basketball and have since the Richard Williams days. Any funding of baseball has almost nothing to do with basketball. If you're donating big money- you can earmark where you want it to go. Donating $100/month? Then no

[StarkVegasSteve]

People act
Like the choice is EITHER basketball OR baseball?You can not spend on both.

Ia that true.

Cant we spend more on basketball but still be a big NIL spender in baseball?

Short answer, no. Now if we have some baseball boosters that step up their giving, we could do it. The problem is that we're having to use general NIL funds for baseball. We're having to tap our usual suspects for all the sports. We need these people that care only about baseball to be the one's carrying the heavy load when it comes to baseball NIL. That or we need someone like Todd Graves, Tillman Fertitta, etc. that has a damn near unlimited cash flow and can stroke a 5 million dollar check and not miss a beat.

[Coach34]

No sport pays the bills anymore. We bring in more money in baseball than we ever have- a million per in ticket sales alone. That doesnt even get to parking and concessions revenue. Coaching salaries and such ballooning have caused that problem. I doubt football pays for itself now because its what- 10 million in coaching salaries???

What pays the bills is SEC money and advertising. So we can stop with the "baseball doesnt pay the bills". Neither do any of the other sports.

[Coach34]

Short answer, no. Now if we have some baseball boosters that step up their giving, we could do it. The problem is that we're having to use general NIL funds for baseball. We're having to tap our usual suspects for all the sports. We need these people that care only about baseball to be the one's carrying the heavy load when it comes to baseball NIL. That or we need someone like Todd Graves, Tillman Fertitta, etc. that has a damn near unlimited cash flow and can stroke a 5 million dollar check and not miss a beat.

This is correct. Baseball guys have to do what the furniture dynasty and crew does with basketball

[Homedawg]

795k was the minimum salary for a rookie in the nfl in 2024, not the average.

It's 840 for 2025

[Really Clark?]

More than that baseball doesn't pay the bills or keep you in line to get paid with the big boys every year.

What bill does basketball pay? They can't pay for themselves. Ran a $2 MIL deficit last year. I mean if that's your argument, remove the service for the debt for stadium from baseball numbers and baseball pays for itself. Heck most years they paid for themselves at a min if not a surplus before the new stadium. Now I will say that baseball lost ticket sales last year, so we need to be careful with the program and who leads it or it may get worse.

[Coach34]

plus women's basketball hemorrhages money

[NCMSTFAN]

plus women's basketball hemorrhages money

Yes it does, but Womens basketball has grown and will continue to grow and I hope we can keep up in that sport as well. I'll be the 1st to admit I rarely watched womens basketball until our two National title runs.. but I've since become a fan. 10 to 15 years ago the casual sports fan could barely name a Woman's basketball player... now their are several with household names. Alot of people still don't support it but I've grown to enjoy it.

[GeoDawg]

MSU football went 2-10 last season. First Question: How much did NIL subsidize the program and how much revenue did it generate for the university?

Second Question? How much subsidy would it take to get to 10 wins and how much revenue would it generate?

I'm trying to understand the bell curve. For example if the program was subsidized to the tune of $100 million, would it generate $100 million+ in revenue?

[msstate7]

MSU football went 2-10 last season. First Question: How much did NIL subsidize the program and how much revenue did it generate for the university?

Second Question? How much subsidy would it take to get to 10 wins and how much revenue would it generate?

I'm trying to understand the bell curve. For example if the program was subsidized to the tune of $100 million, would it generate $100 million+ in revenue?

The way it's structured now though, the ones who subsidized wouldn't reap any of the revenue, right? Unless you could satisfaction on Saturdays instead of shame

[GeoDawg]

I'm strictly talking revenue to the shool, but I get your point. I just want to know the break even point (so to speak - minimum subsidy to maximum revenue).

[NCMSTFAN]

Welp we lost out on Tayton Conerway, he committed to Indiana. I figured we had a good shot at him, Jans is gonna have to step up before all the talent gets thin

[BigDawg81]

I am calling it now. Jans will get Baker -Mazara out of the portal. He is a pos but the way the portal is going, State will get a guy that I do not want.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I am calling it now. Jans will get Baker -Mazara out of the portal. He is a pos but the way the portal is going, State will get a guy that I do not want.

That would without a doubt be the funniest thing Jans could do. Memphis seems to be the early favorite. Have also heard OM mentioned.

We probably could get him at a bit of a discount since he should be drawing social security by the time the season rolls around***

[msstate7]

I am calling it now. Jans will get Baker -Mazara out of the portal. He is a pos but the way the portal is going, State will get a guy that I do not want.

He would be a great get. I hate the dude, but he's good

[StarkVegasSteve]

He would be a great get. I hate the dude, but he's good

He's a POS, but he'd be OUR POS. I'd instantly love him.

[NCMSTFAN]

I am calling it now. Jans will get Baker -Mazara out of the portal. He is a pos but the way the portal is going, State will get a guy that I do not want.

I'm not an insider like some on here are or claim to be but would we even be on his radar? We could use a guy like him even though is a loose cannon.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I'm not an insider like some on here are or claim to be but would we even be on his radar? We could use a guy like him even though is a loose cannon.

I have no clue. I think any SEC team that is interested and willing to pay his price would be on his radar.

Sounds like our next two commits are ready to pop. Achor Achor, was at K-State last year and never really clicked but was great at Samford the year before, and Amier Ali, got some great late season run and showed a lot on a terrible Arizona St team. Ceiling on Ali is sky high and if we can get Samford Achor back then we'll be rolling. We really wanted Achor last year and Frank got him to commit to K-State. Source on that is Trilly Donovan, incredible CBB source.

Edit: And just like that, Ali has committed.

[NCMSTFAN]

StarkVegas I just saw Amier Ali committed. Was he a primary target for Jans? He has good size for a Guard at 6'8" out of Arizona State but his numbers aren't great. 5.5 ppg 3.1 rpg on 37.2%

[NCMSTFAN]

I have no clue. I think any SEC team that is interested and willing to pay his price would be on his radar.

Sounds like our next two commits are ready to pop. Achor Achor, was at K-State last year and never really clicked but was great at Samford the year before, and Amier Ali, got some great late season run and showed a lot on a terrible Arizona St team. Ceiling on Ali is sky high and if we can get Samford Achor back then we'll be rolling. We really wanted Achor last year and Frank got him to commit to K-State. Source on that is Trilly Donovan, incredible CBB source.

Edit: And just like that, Ali has committed.

Just checked his stats.. looks like he got some great early season run and then his minutes declined as the year went on. Through his first 12 games of this past season he played anywhere from 23 minutes to 39 minutes a game. After that his minutes dropped to the teens and even some single digit minute games.

[gtowndawg]

Just checked his stats.. looks like he got some great early season run and then his minutes declined as the year went on. Through his first 12 games of this past season he played anywhere from 23 minutes to 39 minutes a game. After that his minutes dropped to the teens and even some single digit minute games.

33% from three so he's just a bench player at best in my mind.

[Coach34]

33% from three so he's just a bench player at best in my mind.

pretty sure he is expected to start. Coaches expect players to get better each year in college

[StarkVegasSteve]

Just checked his stats.. looks like he got some great early season run and then his minutes declined as the year went on. Through his first 12 games of this past season he played anywhere from 23 minutes to 39 minutes a game. After that his minutes dropped to the teens and even some single digit minute games.

He averaged 28 minutes in his last 11 games.

[NCMSTFAN]

He averaged 28 minutes in his last 11 games.

Yep, your right... I looked at it in reverse. He had some solid games but doesn't appear to be much of a game changer from what little research I've done.

[NCMSTFAN]

pretty sure he is expected to start. Coaches expect players to get better each year in college

His film doesn't show an SEC starter. Not very athletic or efficient, he could be a good back up but I'm not seeing a starter.

[egriffin]

Dude was a highly-rated recruit, improved as his season went on, and put in some good performances against notable opposition while playing on a team that had some issues. I see no downsides. Not like we are asking him to be a star right out of the gate.

His 24/7 HS scouting report:

"Amier Ali is a big wing with terrific positional size, smooth mobility, and a natural shooting stroke. The intersection of those three things makes him one of the most naturally talented wings in the class. He stands right around 6-foot-8, is a fluid mover, and has an effortless release with deep range on his jumper. He's going to have extreme gravity as a floor-spacer at the next level, but is also a movement shooter who can come off various types of screening action and make tough shots. Ali owns naturally soft hands, touch, and a relatively compact release that allows him to score over top of smaller wings. He needs to continue to build up his body, maintain his balance through contact, and develop more efficiency within his overall approach, but there aren't many other players in the class who can match his sheer tools."

Sounds like we got someone who could flourish if he puts in the work. Encouraging that he played hard even in a challenging situation at ASU.

[StarkVegasSteve]

His film doesn't show an SEC starter. Not very athletic or efficient, he could be a good back up but I'm not seeing a starter.

Very high upside. I do agree at this point I don't see starter. But a really nice pickup.

Sounds like Achor Achor will be pulling the trigger by the end of the week as well.

[bullygrowl]

Sam Walters from Michigan commits

[StarkVegasSteve]

Sam Walters from Michigan commits

That's a really solid get

[ZedFedder]

Sam Walters helps us in a big way because he is a big that can shoot.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Sam Walters helps us in a big way because he is a big that can shoot.

The Jans haters are not having a fun time on the On3 board in the last couple of hours.

[PGHBulldogBG]

I trust Jans that he will coach any guys up that we can get, but he does need to start getting some better shooters and raw talent. Recruiting class looks good for the future, but not sure next year will be any better than this year unless he gets some true SEC starters.

[civildawg]

Like this pick up.

[PGHBulldogBG]

The Jans haters are not having a fun time on the On3 board in the last couple of hours.

We actually have Jans haters in our fan base? Three years and three NCAA appearances. Yes, I understand we need to start winning some March games soon, but even in this era coaches still need to lay a foundation.

[ZedFedder]

Dain Dainja and PJ Haggerty from Memphis in the portal. Andrej Stojakovic, too, from Cal. The portal is insane.

[NCMSTFAN]

Sam Walters from Michigan commits

Solid get.. I remember watching him play before. Still think we need another dynamic scorer and big but this is a solid pickup

[gtowndawg]

Sam Walters helps us in a big way because he is a big that can shoot.

Yes, I like this pickup a lot.

[BrunswickDawg]

We actually have Jans haters in our fan base? Three years and three NCAA appearances. Yes, I understand we need to start winning some March games soon, but even in this era coaches still need to lay a foundation.

Have you ever known an MSU coach not to have a group of haters? Even the Kang had people clamoring for his head so we could hire Bobby Wallace.

On3 has some legit insane basketball fans. They truly believe the we rivaled Kentucky under Stans and anything sort of that is grounds for firing the coach.

[Coach34]

Jan is the modern Richard Williams that actually likes the recruiting side of it. He's working hard and is getting most of what he needs to put a good team on the court.

Hard not to like what is going on- just need to get another consistent shooter

[cheewgumm]

Jan is the modern Richard Williams that actually likes the recruiting side of it. He's working hard and is getting most of what he needs to put a good team on the court.

Hard not to like what is going on- just need to get another consistent shooter

Yes!

Love Jan

[KOdawg1]

Need a wing who is a bucket getter and another stretch 4. I'd also add another combo guard that can defend and handle the ball.

Hubbard/Warren
Ali/McGhee/Portal CG
Portal Wing/Jones
Achor (feel like we land him)/Walters
Ballard/Chol/Bartlett

[Coach34]

Jones may start. We wont have anybody better yet

[KOdawg1]

Jones may start. We wont have anybody better yet
He might "start" like he "started" some games this year but he won't play starter minutes.

We've got some extra cash from Murph leaving so we should be able to land a solid 3

[Tater]

So to recap our roster for next year sounds like

PG - ???? / Warren / ????
SG - Hubbard / McGhee / Grace
SF - Jones / Ali / Achor*** / Paul
PF - Walters / Paymon / Davis-Fleming
C - Ballard / Chol / Bartlett

Striking out on Connerway/Council hurts. We need to bring in people who can actually play point.

(Note these are just starter guesstimates and some guys will move around. I expect something like Hub/McGhee/Jones/Ali/Walters or Hub/McGhee/Ali/Walters/Ballard to be our closing lineups)

[DEDawg]

Sam Walters from Michigan commits

This is our Murphy replacement?

[Tater]

This is our Murphy replacement?

He's more stretch 4 than Murphy who was a worse Tolu. We're not replacing 1:1 on types of players.

Pretty clear we want switchable defense and guys who can shoot above the mendoza line from 3. Murphy was not that for us. - He may become that for Auburn

[Cooterpoot]

Basketball portal recruiting sucks again! I'm not surprised at all. It's pretty much the same in other sports. Football stepped it up a little but it was so bad anything is a win there.

[NCMSTFAN]

Basketball portal recruiting sucks again! I'm not surprised at all. It's pretty much the same in other sports. Football stepped it up a little but it was so bad anything is a win there.

I'll wait to see the final team before I say it sucks but just being honest I don't see the current roster better than this past years team yet. We have some nice pieces but we still need another scorer alongside Hubbard, a true PG would be nice also and a scoring big man.

[KOdawg1]

Basketball portal recruiting sucks again! I'm not surprised at all. It's pretty much the same in other sports. Football stepped it up a little but it was so bad anything is a win there.
How about you wait until it's all over before saying stupid ****?

[NCMSTFAN]

As of now 247 sports has our transfer class ranking at #62

https://247sports.com/season/2025-basketball/transferteamrankings/

[msstate7]

As of now 247 sports has our transfer class ranking at #62

https://247sports.com/season/2025-basketball/transferteamrankings/

And on3 has it 25th. 247 didn't bother to rank Ali and Ballard. Both are 4 stars at 92 rating on on3

[StarkVegasSteve]

And on3 has it 25th. 247 didn't bother to rank Ali and Ballard. Both are 4 stars at 92 rating on on3

247's basketball coverage as a whole leaves a lot to be desired. They just do not prioritize it. The Mississippi State basketball stuff on 247 is a JOKE.

[Cooterpoot]

How about you wait until it's all over before saying stupid ****?

Why? I've seen this every year under Jans. I just hope he can get the HS class to develop, because we're about to year 4 and he hasn't got anything to show for his recruiting so far. Hubb is it and he inherited the rest. Jans is a good coach who hasn't been able to get the players necessary to move beyond a NCAA bid. Here's to hoping that changes, but I think it's a Miss State problem.

[NCMSTFAN]

And on3 has it 25th. 247 didn't bother to rank Ali and Ballard. Both are 4 stars at 92 rating on on3

I looked at on3 and didn't see us ranked at all. Can you post the link?

Nevermind found it

https://www.on3.com/transfer-portal/team-rankings/basketball/2025/

[StarkVegasSteve]

Why? I've seen this every year under Jans. I just hope he can get the HS class to develop, because we're about to year 4 and he hasn't got anything to show for his recruiting so far. Hubb is it and he inherited the rest. Jans is a good coach who hasn't been able to get the players necessary to move beyond a NCAA bid. Here's to hoping that changes, but I think it's a Miss State problem.

You don't have time to develop anymore. You just don't. Take the top 50 recruits last year and tell me how many of them are going to be playing this year at the school they signed with? I think it's less than 10.

It makes no sense to recruit HS kids at this point unless it's a sure fire difference maker. Focus on the portal.

[msstate7]

I looked at on3 and didn't see us ranked at all. Can you post the link?

Nevermind found it

https://www.on3.com/transfer-portal/team-rankings/basketball/2025/

https://www.on3.com/transfer-portal/team-rankings/basketball/2025/

[ZedFedder]

This portal class will not be better on paper, but it may fit Jans and his philosophy better.

[ZedFedder]

Also, it is insane Ballard is not ranked on 247. That is a premier get IMO.

[Cooterpoot]

You don't have time to develop anymore. You just don't. Take the top 50 recruits last year and tell me how many of them are going to be playing this year at the school they signed with? I think it's less than 10.

It makes no sense to recruit HS kids at this point unless it's a sure fire difference maker. Focus on the portal.

Well, have you seen his portal hauls? They've not been good, which takes us back to what I said. I keep waiting on good shooters and good bigs and I get two guys who sit out, an out of shape, soft big, and Claudell. Every year, the basketball crowd crows about the great class and every year, it's a big yawn. It's time to hit big on some guys. Hope it happens!

[NCMSTFAN]

Well, have you seen his portal hauls? They've not been good, which takes us back to what I said. I keep waiting on good shooters and good bigs and I get two guys who sit out, an out of shape, soft big, and Claudell. Every year, the basketball crowd crows about the great class and every year, it's a big yawn. It's time to hit big on some guys. Hope it happens!

All facts. People on this board get mad when things like this are said then label you a Jans hater but nothing you said is false. That being said I think we got some solid pickups and Jans isn't done but you are correct we need some big time players if we plan on competing in the SEC because we all see how good it has gotten.

[Coach34]

All facts. People on this board get mad when things like this are said then label you a Jans hater but nothing you said is false. That being said I think we got some solid pickups and Jans isn't done but you are correct we need some big time players if we plan on competing in the SEC because we all see how good it has gotten.

We are competing in the SEC. What we are not doing is winning the SEC. We don’t have the money to do that

[gtowndawg]

The bottom line is we CAN be middle of the pack in the SEC but middle of the pack (right now) means you're good enough to make a Sweet 16 run. I think we would all be very happy with that result right now.

As I've said before, if we can get back to 6-8 wins a year in football, go to bowls, and be a consistent NCAA team with occasional sweet 16 runs, we're in good shape. That's a SOLID athletic program in today's landscape and we are 100% capable of both those things with the right leadership. I have ZERO doubt about that.

[Cooterpoot]

All facts. People on this board get mad when things like this are said then label you a Jans hater but nothing you said is false. That being said I think we got some solid pickups and Jans isn't done but you are correct we need some big time players if we plan on competing in the SEC because we all see how good it has gotten.

Yep, I'm not saying we suck or anything, just we need to start showing some progression with the program at year 4. Id say the same about any sport. And honestly, it should happen faster in basketball than any sport if we're all honest.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Yep, I'm not saying we suck or anything, just we need to start showing some progression with the program at year 4. Id say the same about any sport. And honestly, it should happen faster in basketball than any sport if we're all honest.

Now that I can get behind. And Jans can too. He was not happy with how the season ended. The source on that is Christopher Paul Jans. Said the Bama game just killed us from a momentum standpoint. Said he thought we had it back after OM and A&M but then OU happened. Said the two losses at the end of the year to Texas and Arkansas were two of the toughest losses of his career. Said our kids fought their asses off and deserved to win both, but that's not how this sport is.

[Tripp McNeely]

Yep, I'm not saying we suck or anything, just we need to start showing some progression with the program at year 4. Id say the same about any sport. And honestly, it should happen faster in basketball than any sport if we're all honest.

I know it's not the best measure in this era of college basketball, but his hs classes have gotten better every year. You gotta think that will start showing on the court over the next couple of years, and in this version of the SEC, even a 1-2 win improvement every year is huge!

[StarkVegasSteve]

I know it's not the best sign in this era of college basketball, but his hs classes have gotten better every year. You gotta think that will start showing on the court over the next couple of years, and in this version of the SEC, even a 1-2 win improvement every year is huge!

This current class we are bringing in is far and away the best. There's multiple guys who can actually contribute. This is the best class we've had ratings wise since the Peters, Wright, Kegler, Carter, Ado, Herard class. I think it has the ability to be the best class we've had contribution wise since the Perry, Woodard, Stewart class in 18.

[NCMSTFAN]

We are competing in the SEC. What we are not doing is winning the SEC. We don’t have the money to do that

Of course we competed, you know exactly what point I was trying to make. We finished 8-10 for 10th place in the SEC. Yes I understand how loaded it is but its not going to get any easier anytime soon.

[Coach34]

Of course we competed, you know exactly what point I was trying to make. We finished 8-10 for 10th place in the SEC. Yes I understand how loaded it is but its not going to get any easier anytime soon.

No but my point was middle of the pack of the SEC is what we are going to be. We cant afford to be Top 3 in the SEC. Auburn just bought our 2nd best player and potential All-SEC guy away from us for a million more than we could afford. That is life in the SEC in all sports for us.

[StarkVegasSteve]

No but my point was middle of the pack of the SEC is what we are going to be. We cant afford to be Top 3 in the SEC. Auburn just bought our 2nd best player and potential All-SEC guy away from us for a million more than we could afford. That is life in the SEC in all sports for us.

I'll push back on that one. Oscar and Richard will fund whatever we need. We weren't paying Murphy 2.5 million because he's not worth anything near that. We could've if we wanted to though.

[Coach34]

They are doing a helluva job but we dont have Kentucky, Tenn, or UPig basketball money. Cal is making a big move in the portal this year after getting a late start last year.

And say what you want- Murphy will be one among league's best next year. He made great strides this year. He just needs to get a better 3 ball and then he will really tough to guard

[Cooterpoot]

I know it's not the best measure in this era of college basketball, but his hs classes have gotten better every year. You gotta think that will start showing on the court over the next couple of years, and in this version of the SEC, even a 1-2 win improvement every year is huge!

1-2 wins don't matter unless they're in the big dance. His teams collapse every season and do just enough. Again, not saying I want to fire Jans or the program is terrible, but just looking for advancement. OM has no problem with it. We only had two good players back and one (Murphy) transferred to Auburn. We've signed a couple bigs and a guard. Let's see where it all goes.

[BolognaSandwich]

We are competing in the SEC

Are we though

[cheewgumm]

Murphy might end of being player of the year and I?ll be wrong. I also would encourage anyone to take an extra million of you get the chance. Cant pass that up.

However I would not pay him $2.5m. I dont see him as a difference maker like that.

As we?ve said in here before and Bo Boinds reiterated in a recent show - the most important part of coaching now FOR State - is talent evaluation.

Find underrated players and make them great.

That?s Mullen.

Is it Jans? Don?t know yet.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Murphy might end of being player of the year and I?ll be wrong. I also would encourage anyone to take an extra million of you get the chance. Cant pass that up.

However I would not pay him $2.5m. I dont see him as a difference maker like that.

As we?ve said in here before and Bo Boinds reiterated in a recent show - the most important part of coaching now FOR State - is talent evaluation.

Find underrated players and make them great.

That?s Mullen.

Is it Jans? Don?t know yet.


You're thinking like it's 2019. You can't think that way anymore. Because the minute we make them great, they'll get into the portal and we'll have to replace them Do we have to get lucky with players like that and hope we get the best out of them? Yes. But we also have to win some battles like we did with Quincy Ballard. We need to win a couple of more battles this portal cycle as well.

[NCMSTFAN]

You're thinking like it's 2019. You can't think that way anymore. Because the minute we make them great, they'll get into the portal and we'll have to replace them Do we have to get lucky with players like that and hope we get the best out of them? Yes. But we also have to win some battles like we did with Quincy Ballard. We need to win a couple of more battles this portal cycle as well.

Good point.. agreed

[cheewgumm]

You're thinking like it's 2019. You can't think that way anymore. Because the minute we make them great, they'll get into the portal and we'll have to replace them Do we have to get lucky with players like that and hope we get the best out of them? Yes. But we also have to win some battles like we did with Quincy Ballard. We need to win a couple of more battles this portal cycle as well.

But we have to be selective in who to pay what.

You don?t just pay people because they ask for money. I know that?s not what you?re saying but I think you have to decide by player.

For instance if we can pay the center we got
Or Murphy, I would pay the new center if he is a shot blocker and good defensively down low.

We have to make those type decisions, right?

Seems the alternative is if someone asked for money, you pay them or you?re losing.

I disagree with that. I would try to pay what I seen them worth.

[cheewgumm]

Also on talent evaluation, it seems it?s more important now than 2019z

This seems like a cutting edge thought to me now.

We got a lot of player on basketball last year.

Did we evaluate them well?

[StarkVegasSteve]

But we have to be selective in who to pay what.

You don?t just pay people because they ask for money. I know that?s not what you?re saying but I think you have to decide by player.

For instance if we can pay the center we got
Or Murphy, I would pay the new center if he is a shot blocker and good defensively down low.

We have to make those type decisions, right?

Seems the alternative is if someone asked for money, you pay them or you?re losing.

I disagree with that. I would try to pay what I seen them worth.

Which is what we did with Murphy. We offered him 1.5. Could we have offered 2.5? Yes. But we didn't see him as a 2.5 million type player.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Also on talent evaluation, it seems it?s more important now than 2019z

This seems like a cutting edge thought to me now.

We got a lot of player on basketball last year.

Did we evaluate them well?

I personally think we evaluated them perfectly. We knew exactly what they were going to give us.

[cheewgumm]

Which is what we did with Murphy. We offered him 1.5. Could we have offered 2.5? Yes. But we didn't see him as a 2.5 million type player.

I feel good about it then .

People can disagree for sure

[cheewgumm]

I personally think we evaluated them perfectly. We knew exactly what they were going to give us.

Yea and I liked them before
The season and don?t think they weee terrible.

Just think evaluating talent is the biggest advantage now if you can do it. I advocated for Mullen to be our coach before we hired Lebby ( though he may be great at it too, we will see) so not jumping on the Bo Bounds wagon, but listened to his podcast yesterday and they talked about it so reminded me.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Yea and I liked them before
The season and don?t think they weee terrible.

Just think evaluating talent is the biggest advantage now if you can do it. I advocated for Mullen to be our coach before we hired Lebby ( though he may be great at it too, we will see) so not jumping on the Bo Bounds wagon, but listened to his podcast yesterday and they talked about it so reminded me.

Kugel-We knew he was a headcase who could give us 2 or 12. That's exactly what he was.

Harris-We knew he was an average 3 pt shooter who could give us 15-20 minutes a night and maybe he would heat up. That's exactly what he was.

Melendez-We knew he was a streaky 3 pt shooter but a good defender. That's exactly what he was.

Clary-We knew he had issues and we'd have to corral those for him to contribute. When we had him corralled, he contributed.

[msstate7]

What about Achor achor? Why did he only play 7 games this season? Assuming it wasn't disciplinary, I want em

[Coach34]

But we have to be selective in who to pay what.

You don?t just pay people because they ask for money. I know that?s not what you?re saying but I think you have to decide by player.

For instance if we can pay the center we got
Or Murphy, I would pay the new center if he is a shot blocker and good defensively down low.

We have to make those type decisions, right?

Seems the alternative is if someone asked for money, you pay them or you?re losing.

I disagree with that. I would try to pay what I seen them worth.

But its also about what's in your bank account. We didnt pay Murphy 2.5 because we really couldnt afford to do that and get other players that we need. Auburn has a bigger bank account and they afford to pay the 2.5 and still get top notch players.

Thats the difference.

[Tater]

They are doing a helluva job but we dont have Kentucky, Tenn, or UPig basketball money. Cal is making a big move in the portal this year after getting a late start last year.

And say what you want- Murphy will be one among league's best next year. He made great strides this year. He just needs to get a better 3 ball and then he will really tough to guard

Find me a player who goes up 20%+ on 3 point % in a year that isn't one of the best. ****in giant leap we're talking about here.

And do you honestly think Murphy would make that leap for us? lol. I wanted Murphy back but if it was Murphy or 2-3 rotation pieces, I'm taking the latter.

[maroonmania]

But its also about what's in your bank account. We didnt pay Murphy 2.5 because we really couldnt afford to do that and get other players that we need. Auburn has a bigger bank account and they afford to pay the 2.5 and still get top notch players.

Thats the difference.

Bruce Pearl has whatever he wants in the bank account. Reports are he offered Flagg from Duke 5 million dollars to transfer to Auburn.

[Coach34]

And do you honestly think Murphy would make that leap for us? lol. I wanted Murphy back but if it was Murphy or 2-3 rotation pieces, I'm taking the latter.

I'm not disagreeing with you that for us- it was better to let him go and use the money we have for a couple of other pieces. But what would have been better than that is to have kept him and added 2-3 more pieces. But with our pocketbook- we were unable to do that. Make no mistake- we didnt want him to leave

[PGHBulldogBG]

I'm not disagreeing with you that for us- it was better to let him go and use the money we have for a couple of other pieces. But what would have been better than that is to have kept him and added 2-3 more pieces. But with our pocketbook- we were unable to do that. Make no mistake- we didnt want him to leave

This sounds very accurate. Murphy showed tremendous improvement, but we can?t spend that kind of money on 1 player if we want to field a full competitive team. Especially since I?m sure we are paying Hubbard basically what he wants

[DEDawg]

Achor commits

[msstate7]

Achor commits

Like this

[cheewgumm]

If we don?t make it we should offer Sully.

He?s probably ready to go somewhere else.

[KOdawg1]

Murphy is a better player than both Walters and Achor.

But both of them combined are better fits of what we're wanting to do at the 4 position. You've got two guys who can space the floor and provide a 3 pt shooting threat. Murph couldn't do that. He and Ballard would've clogged the inside.

[NCMSTFAN]

Achor commits

Another solid pickup.. all of these guys Jans has gotten are solid but we still need scorers and a true PG

[KOdawg1]

PG: ???/McGhee/Warren
SG: Hubb/Ali/Grace
SF: ???/Jones/Paul
PF: Achor/Walters/JDF
C: Ballard/Chol/Bartlett

Need a ball controlling guard with some size to offset Hubb at the 2 and then a wing who can score and defend.

Do those two things and I'll really like what we've got. Good combination of size/length and shooting.

[maroonmania]

This sounds very accurate. Murphy showed tremendous improvement, but we can?t spend that kind of money on 1 player if we want to field a full competitive team. Especially since I?m sure we are paying Hubbard basically what he wants

Well, we certainly won't get anyone out of the portal as good as Murphy. But I agree it was going to take more than Hubbard, Murphy and a bunch of role players to win next season.

[Cooterpoot]

Another solid pickup.. all of these guys Jans has gotten are solid but we still need scorers and a true PG

He's the leader in the clubhouse to be the player most likely to sit out this year

[NCMSTFAN]

He's the leader in the clubhouse to be the player most likely to sit out this year

It wouldn't surprise me. To be honest from what I've seen all of these pickups are solid but I'm waiting on that splash player. But Jans does like defensive tough minded players who will get after it and that's what these guys will do.

[msstate7]

He's the leader in the clubhouse to be the player most likely to sit out this year

Why would he sit out?

[KOdawg1]

Why would he sit out?
He's just saying Jans has had guys in back to back portal classes sit out/quit. The white kid from Marshall 2 years ago and Clary last year.

[NCMSTFAN]

He's just saying Jans has had guys in back to back portal classes sit out/quit. The white kid from Marshall 2 years ago and Clary last year.

Anyone know what ever happened to the Marshal kid? Where is he?

[KOdawg1]

Anyone know what ever happened to the Marshal kid? Where is he?

He had all sorts of mental issues. He's no longer playing.

[ZedFedder]

Wow. Just saw where in his last year at Samford, Achor shot 43% from three as a big.

[msstate7]

I don't see anchor listed on 247 or on3

[KOdawg1]

Wow. Just saw where in his last year at Samford, Achor shot 43% from three as a big.

Potential is there

[Goldendawg]

I don't see anchor listed on 247 or on3

Are we required to sign a player with issues from his previous team in every portal class?****

[Coach34]

Are we required to sign a player with issues from his previous team in every portal class?****

We take them because they come at a discount price

[msstate7]

Are we required to sign a player with issues from his previous team in every portal class?****

What was the issue? Wasn't sure if disciplinary or injury

[NCMSTFAN]

Shakeel Moore is back in the portal. How many years does he have left, goodness.

[KOdawg1]

Shakeel Moore is back in the portal. How many years does he have left, goodness.

I don't see how he has any. He's played 5 years with the Covid year, but he played full seasons in all 5 so idk where he thinks he's getting an extra year from.

[msstate7]

Are we done?

[HoopsDawg]

I don't see how he has any. He's played 5 years with the Covid year, but he played full seasons in all 5 so idk where he thinks he's getting an extra year from.

A lot of players with no eligibility are entering the portal...just in case I guess.

[maroonmania]

I don't see how he has any. He's played 5 years with the Covid year, but he played full seasons in all 5 so idk where he thinks he's getting an extra year from.

Its the final step in helping the poor, mistreated student athlete. First came the unlimited payments with NIL, second was the open-ended free transfer after every semester to go back on the open market to extort even more money, and now FINALLY comes the ......ENDLESS ELIGIBILITY. As long as the athlete is signed up for a class on campus somewhere his eligibility will never run out. How awful it was that players have been forced out of college. Just think, from now on, a player will be able to go straight from college athletics to retirement and social security!

[NCMSTFAN]

Are we done?

We have 4 Freshman coming in (All 4 star players) 5 transfers and 5 returners (unless something happens like Hubbard stays in the draft or Chol, Warren, Paymon, Jones leaves). Unless I missed something we have 14 players right now and can carry up to 15. Looks like we are close to being done with a potential to add another player. Here is what we have coming in

https://247sports.com/college/mississippi-state/Season/2025-Basketball/Commits/

We actually have a really good Freshman class coming in but basketball has changed so much that unless it's a special Freshman like Hubbard was, high school players are an after thought now.

We definitely have some size now after looking at our 9 newcomers all together but we still lack that true PG and that's probably what we add if Jans still plans on adding any more players

[Tater]

Its the final step in helping the poor, mistreated student athlete. First came the unlimited payments with NIL, second was the open-ended free transfer after every semester to go back on the open market to extort even more money, and now FINALLY comes the ......ENDLESS ELIGIBILITY. As long as the athlete is signed up for a class on campus somewhere his eligibility will never run out. How awful it was that players have been forced out of college. Just think, from now on, a player will be able to go straight from college athletics to retirement and social security!

You joke but this is how a school like Mississippi State competes. Look at BYU.

Having a team of fringe NFL prospects just stay at state instead of the surefire 3 years and NFL draft guys would allow you to build a long-term contender. Just the NFL antitrust is gonna come knocking soon.

Team of 25-35 year old "practice squad at best" guys who have multiple years of chemistry beat the hired gun surefire nfl talents that bounce every year for a paycheck and get drafted.

Think in basketball if we were to run out a lineup of

Hubbard - Peters - Stewart - Perry - Smith
Molinar - Jeffries - Matthews - Holman - Bell

Yes other teams would be "better" as well. But it'd feel more sustainable to lock guys into hubbard like contracts. Unlimited eligibility and contracts are coming. Just a matter of time.

[99jc]

We take them because they come at a discount price

Marron and white light special at K-Mart!

[StarkVegasSteve]

Are we done?

No. Still want to find a CG to pair with Hubbard and maybe one more guy. I still think either Warren or Chol get into the portal before it closes.

[mparkerfd20]

Apparently Sam Walters said not so fast.

[msstate7]

Apparently Sam Walters said not so fast.

That sucks. Achor achor must have been a deal breaker

ETA... Nevermind, thought he was PF

[gtowndawg]

Apparently Sam Walters said not so fast.

Headed to SMU apparently

[BulldogBear97]

Sam wasn’t gonna be a great style fit and I think Achor is exactly the type of guy that I’d yes Jans system. He didn’t leave KState for disciplinary issues either so no real concern there. I don’t think we done in the portal only at 13 on roster rn and we know how Jans like to redshirt those guys that are no gonna be in rotation. So I’d expect us to bring in 2/3 more players still. In particular #1 prospect in state Davis-Fleming defiantly needs a redshirt and I’d expect Chol or Tee Bartlett to get one also. This year will be different folks not real pecking order or who guaranteed to be rotation

[NCMSTFAN]

No. Still want to find a CG to pair with Hubbard and maybe one more guy. I still think either Warren or Chol get into the portal before it closes.

With Sam Walters deciding to flip on us thats potentially 3 more additions. Definitely need another guard/ball handler who can actually run offense. Getting another hybrid big wouldn't hurt either now the Walters decided to flip on us

[BulldogBear97]

We gotta find guys at this point who are okay with the idea of potentially not starting. Or guys that wanna prove they belong in the rotation. Makes it very hard to get established players this late in the portal. We know how Jans plays guys. Hubbard, Shawn Jones, Ballard & Achor will be starters. And the last spot is VERY likely to be Amier Ali or Jaborri McGhee with the other being a scoring spark plug off the bench. Jans only runs an 8/9 man and that’s 6 already. I think we can count on Paymon & Dellquan both being in the rotation as well. I believe that King Grace, Tee Bartlett will be given opportunities to get play time as well. Guys like Chol, Davis-Fleming & Cameron Paul are all potential redshirts

[BulldogBear97]

I’d imagine it will be depth more than anything at this point. Starting lineup feels like it’s alresdy got 7 guys competing for 5 spots and I’m sure Jan’s will want to redshirt some young guys. Hard to get guys to come soemheee when we lack NIL and they probably wouldn’t start. I’m not as heartbroken about the Walter’s thing as a lot guys are. He wasn’t a great fit to begin with

[ZedFedder]

That stinks but at the same time, we would have been his 3rd school in 3 years. Seems like he wants it his way.

[NCMSTFAN]

That stinks but at the same time, we would have been his 3rd school in 3 years. Seems like he wants it his way.

Very true, but at this point it really doesn't matter because we will be in full rebuild mode again next season with how College sports has become. Hopefully soon some sort of rules are made so this free for all won't continue

[Coach34]

Very true, but at this point it really doesn't matter because we will be in full rebuild mode again next season with how College sports has become. Hopefully soon some sort of rules are made so this free for all won't continue

Yep. Thats college recruiting now. More portal- less HS recruits

[NCMSTFAN]

We gotta find guys at this point who are okay with the idea of potentially not starting. Or guys that wanna prove they belong in the rotation. Makes it very hard to get established players this late in the portal. We know how Jans plays guys. Hubbard, Shawn Jones, Ballard & Achor will be starters. And the last spot is VERY likely to be Amier Ali or Jaborri McGhee with the other being a scoring spark plug off the bench. Jans only runs an 8/9 man and that’s 6 already. I think we can count on Paymon & Dellquan both being in the rotation as well. I believe that King Grace, Tee Bartlett will be given opportunities to get play time as well. Guys like Chol, Davis-Fleming & Cameron Paul are all potential redshirts
From everything I've seen and read King Grace may be ready day 1. I'm not sure how much time he gets but he's apparently pretty good. Tee Bartlett may get a little run in the post as well, Jans likes those big strong wide body post players and he is pretty skilled as well.

Unfortunately Gai Chol will probably fall down the depth chart again.. this is a case where I wouldn't be upset if he transfers and tries to find playing time elsewhere he gave everything he had for a couple seasons but it just never really worked out for him. Transferring isn't always a bad thing and in his case it would be understandable

[KentuckyDawg13]

He's going to get PT, no doubt.

[Coach34]

Saw a tweet yesterday claiming Kentucky's NIL for this coming year's team is over $20MM

[Goldendawg]

Read an article on 24/7 that listed us as one of "The Most Underwhelming Portal Classes" thus far. We were listed at number 88 and only one of the players is in the top 450. Looks like we are trying to find pieces that fit for a "blue collar team". No highly rated players at all.

[Tripp McNeely]

Read an article on 24/7 that listed us as one of "The Most Underwhelming Portal Classes" thus far. We were listed at number 88 and only one of the players is in the top 450. Looks like we are trying to find pieces that fit for a "blue collar team". No highly rated players at all.

247 hasn't rated 2-3 of our portal commits yet...hence the low ranking. Whoever wrote that article hardly did any research apparently

[ZedFedder]

247 does not even have a rating on Wuincy Ballard.

[Goldendawg]

247 hasn't rated 2-3 of our portal commits yet...hence the low ranking. Whoever wrote that article hardly did any research apparently

Good to know. Had me very concerned thus far.

[PGHBulldogBG]

It is so hard to keep up with all the moving parts. Hubbard, Jones Jr, Warren and Chol only returning players from last year? I thought I say Paymon in the portal? Then transfers we have Ballard, McGhee, Achor and Ali. Freshmen coming in are Bartlett, Davis-Fleming, Grace and C. Paul. I assume this means we still have some room? Or am I missing people?

[NCMSTFAN]

Eric Paymon is in the Portal now so that opens another spot. Jans has a few more holes to fill and hopefully we get them sooner rather than later

[NCMSTFAN]

It is so hard to keep up with all the moving parts. Hubbard, Jones Jr, Warren and Chol only returning players from last year? I thought I say Paymon in the portal? Then transfers we have Ballard, McGhee, Achor and Ali. Freshmen coming in are Bartlett, Davis-Fleming, Grace and C. Paul. I assume this means we still have some room? Or am I missing people?
We can carry 15, we have 12 right now so we can get 3 more players. Not sure if we get 3 but we need to get at least 2 more. Hubbard is technically still going through the draft process so that's still somewhat of a question even though most think he will return.

[PGHBulldogBG]

We can carry 15, we have 12 right now so we can get 3 more players. Not sure if we get 3 but we need to get at least 2 more. Hubbard is technically still going through the draft process so that's still somewhat of a question even though most think he will return.

If Hubbard does not return and somehow gets drafted, we are in big big trouble. While the high school class is good, the portal class is just bad overall. We need to be in talks to throw some big money around to some of these top guys in the portal.

[HoopsDawg]

If Hubbard does not return and somehow gets drafted, we are in big big trouble. While the high school class is good, the portal class is just bad overall. We need to be in talks to throw some big money around to some of these top guys in the portal.

We need a top line player. Very concerned right now.

[NCMSTFAN]

If Hubbard does not return and somehow gets drafted, we are in big big trouble. While the high school class is good, the portal class is just bad overall. We need to be in talks to throw some big money around to some of these top guys in the portal.

You're not wrong. People on this board were raving about the portal guys as we were getting them and I said I would wait for Jans to be done before I gave my honest opinion but as of now and what we have we are a worse team than we were last season on paper. We brought in no scoring threat and we still need a true PG, we are definitely behind the curveball right now. Let's see what we can get with these last 3 picks but he needs to go get a scorer from an SEC, ACC, Big 12 type conference, we don't need to go get a scorer from a Charleston Southern type team because that rarely translates to the SEC.

I actually do like our Freshman class though, I think Grace and Barlett will be really good and they may be counted on sooner rather than later if Jans doesn't do much else in the portal. This class reminds me of that class when we had Mario Kegler, Lamar Peters, Eli Wright etc

[maroonmania]

We need a top line player. Very concerned right now.

Yep, if we don't get another difference maker or two we are going to be bottom 1/3 of the SEC for sure. Losing Murphy was a punch to the gut. Without Murphy to complement Hubbard this past season we would in no way have made the NCAA tourney.

[NCMSTFAN]

To be honest, if Hubbard got some sort of 2nd round promise similar to what Quinndary Weatherspoon did a few years ago, I wouldn't be mad at him for pursuing the NBA. I mean he isn't getting any taller anytime soon so if he gets some sort of under the table promise why not go for it. Yes he can make money in College but he may be content with the money he has made and stable.

[Coach34]

Hubbard is going to be told to learn to play PG. He cant even defend in college. I have zero worries of him being drafted

[NCMSTFAN]

Hubbard is going to be told to learn to play PG. He cant even defend in college. I have zero worries of him being drafted
He definitely wouldn't get drafted for defense. What player his size has ever been known to defend? There have been some small players to play in the NBA so never say never. Are the odds stacked against him? Absolutely, but it doesn't mean it couldn't happen

[trob115]

Huge pickup for Jans! Jayden Epps commits.

Fills an immediate hole in our roster. Is a legit guard that can fill it up.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Huge pickup for Jans! Jayden Epps commits.

Fills an immediate hole in our roster. Is a legit guard that can fill it up.

Further proof that none of the "insiders" that cover Mississippi State know anything. This guy wasn't even on anyone's radar except within the walls of The Hump. Huge pickup for Jans and Co.

[msstate7]

Nice get

[Thick]

Epps is this year?s best portal player to this point.

[civildawg]

Is this guy a true PG?

[HoopsDawg]

Nice get

He was really good 2 years ago. Last year everything decreased a little but still had 20 on Villanova and Creighton.

[Tater]

Is this guy a true PG?

Not pure point. He was more SG for the Hoyas while Mack (6'1") was more point guard role.

He's a decent pair with Hubbard and as close as we'll get to a starting caliber guard who'd come play for us with Hubbard here.

The Hubbard - McGee - Epps lineup is going to have some EDs raging during the season for sure.

[HoopsDawg]

Is this guy a true PG?

Combo guard but he can handle the ball. He and Hubbard will be a formidable backcourt. Need to spend every last cent on the best 3 in the portal.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Combo guard but he can handle the ball. He and Hubbard will be a formidable backcourt. Need to spend every last cent on the best 3 in the portal.

Yep. We really need like a 6'7, 6'8 guy who can give us 2-4 threes a game and about 10-15 points.

[NCMSTFAN]

Solid pickup, he is another combo guard and I was hoping for a true PG but he can play that position. Now we need a stretch 4 type player

[PGHBulldogBG]

This is definitely a solid pick up and a big need. It makes me feel better about this class. It would be nice if we could get 1 more big player and I think that would move us towards the top half of the SEC.

[jdelta02]

3 of the top transfers in Miss. St men's basketball history....
1. Dontae' Jones
2 Lawrence Roberts
3 Arnette Moultrie
Quite a few fans knew that these guys were good coming in but didn't quite know how good they ultimately became. Richard Williams definitely knew regarding D. Jones. Rick Stansbury had a good idea about the potential in the Lawrence Roberts transfer. Still, no doubt that Stansbury was pleasantly surprised how things unfolded. Moultrie was expected to be good but appears to have exceeded the coaching staff 's expectations of his upside.

Top football transfers in Miss. St history... possibly Fred Smoot, Randy Thomas, few others

[Turfdawg67]

Further proof that none of the "insiders" that cover Mississippi State know anything. This guy wasn't even on anyone's radar except within the walls of The Hump. Huge pickup for Jans and Co.

They know some, can't know all. Doing their best and providing content. Similar to chat room "insiders".

[StarkVegasSteve]

They know some, can't know all. Doing their best and providing content. Similar to chat room "insiders".

Trilly Donovan has broken all but one of our transfers. Jans just plays the portal tight to the vest.

Our insiders do not know the agents and so they just are not well sourced in this day and age.

[PGHBulldogBG]

Trilly Donovan has broken all but one of our transfers. Jans just plays the portal tight to the vest.

Our insiders do not know the agents and so they just are not well sourced in this day and age.

Honestly that might be for the best. It makes me like Jans even more if he keeps things out of spotlight with some of our crazy ?insiders?

[jdelta02]

Any thoughts on Tee Bartlett?