2025 Transfer Portal Thread

[T2P_Priceless]

Could it be that CRB’s salary is affecting the team’s NIL budget? I suspect the next HC will be paid less upon arrival. I’m very happy that we have CRB, but if the staff salaries will be reduced by a few million while the NIL budget is increased, they could be related. That said - another way of thinking is if you’ll invest that much in a staff, why not spend enough to help them get who they n

NIL is not funded by the school, so it has no effect. I can’t believe people are still confused by this.

 

[hUTch2002]

Who's writing them off? I think we'll be a tough, scrappy bunch of high character kids. We just won't have that superstar or sharp shooter who can take over games. My big point is Barnes is gonna be Barnes. When you get to our age, the hay is in the barn. You are who and what you are. Such a radical change as Basilio is claiming...well...let's just say I don't agree or see that happening.

He already has adjusted though. It’s no accident we’ve been top 30 in offense the last 2 years (top 20 this year). He won’t move off of prioritizing defense I would guess but he seems to be adjusting offensively.

 

[JelloPuddinPup]

I’d be happy to bump the “Kentucky has lost” thread if this portal season plays out well.

 

[sami]

Houston's biggest guy was 6'9 and they were constantly out jumping our taller players for ORebs. Physical height is less important than athleticism and physicality, and Carey has both IMO.

And technique as well. I saw Carey twice against us last year and that was enough to sell me on the kid. Anytime he entered the game he made an impact on both ends. Guy competes like crazy, and he would thrive here.

 

[CAVPUT]

Know Ament is THE thing this year, but I gotta wonder how he'll hold up physically in this league playing defense the way Barnes demands? Or does Barnes kinda give him a pass on the defensive end?

 

[TechnoVol]

I’m not sure how I feel about Carey. He’s not that exciting of an addition honestly.

Is his game similar to Awaka?

 

[CAVPUT]

He already has adjusted though. It’s no accident we’ve been top 30 in offense the last 2 years (top 20 this year). He won’t move off of prioritizing defense I would guess but he seems to be adjusting offensively.

Hope you're right. At this point, I think Barnes has earned the trust. He's missed on a few guys, but overall, I can't complain about the type of players he's brought in. Hard working, character types. I will always pull for those types.

 

[omghulkhands]

Ament waiting this long clearly has things he cares about that aren’t just money IMO.

If it were just about money, he probably would have committed somewhere already.

If it’s about fit and showcasing his skills, then Duke might not be the best choice. Could be too many mouths to feed at the wing.

Arkansas or Tennessee are the better choices for him from my perspective.

 

[CAVPUT]

Is his game similar to Awaka?

He's similar in my estimation, but I think he's a bit better offensively. I'll take all the physical tough guys I can lay hands on.

 

[CornbreadVol]

Ament waiting this long clearly has things he cares about that aren’t just money IMO.

If it were just about money, he probably would have committed somewhere already.

If it’s about fit and showcasing his skills, then Duke might not be the best choice. Could be too many mouths to feed at the wing.

Arkansas or Tennessee are the better choices for him from my perspective.

And We all know who is the better developer, mentor, man, and just overall coach of those two…

 

[CAVPUT]

Ament waiting this long clearly has things he cares about that aren’t just money IMO.

If it were just about money, he probably would have committed somewhere already.

If it’s about fit and showcasing his skills, then Duke might not be the best choice. Could be too many mouths to feed at the wing.

Arkansas or Tennessee are the better choices for him from my perspective.

Calipari over Barnes? I can't think of two more different approaches to the game. I'm biased, but if Ament wants to become a better defender and a tougher player...both of which will serve him very well at the next level, the choice is clear.

 

[sami]

Is his game similar to Awaka?

To me, he's Awaka without the constant foul trouble every time he steps on the floor. Carey impacts the game on both ends with his defense and rebounding and he's a bit of an enforcer. There might be more offensive upside as well.

 

[omghulkhands]

Calipari over Barnes? I can't think of two more different approaches to the game. I'm biased, but if Ament wants to become a better defender and a tougher player...both of which will serve him very well at the next level, the choice is clear.

It’s because Cal is known to make promises and guarantees about starting and minutes to players etc..

Rick doesn’t do that.

And Cal has a record of picks that is second to none. So it’s not that simple.

 

[VolsAgainstTheWorld15]

I’m not sure how I feel about Carey. He’s not that exciting of an addition honestly.

As a starter? I agree. As a bench player? I’ll gladly take a physical post player who plays with an enforcer’s mentality.

 

[omghulkhands]

Here is a helpful guide to understand why money matters less than fit for these guys projected as high draft picks.

The difference in contract value is HUGE in the lottery. Averaging around $2.5M per slot.

So who cares if one schoool might pay you $1M more when another gives you a better chance to go higher

 

[i2amavol]

As a starter? I agree. As a bench player? I’ll gladly take a physical post player who plays with an enforcer’s mentality.

Hope he ups his free throw percentage. Otherwise, seems like a solid addition.

 

[StPeteVFL]

Know Ament is THE thing this year, but I gotta wonder how he'll hold up physically in this league playing defense the way Barnes demands? Or does Barnes kinda give him a pass on the defensive end?

LOL at Barnes giving anybody a “pass” on the defensive end.. come on man… That is not in Barnes’ DNA

 

[CAVPUT]

It’s because Cal is known to make promises and guarantees about starting and minutes to players etc..

Rick doesn’t do that.

And Cal has a record of picks that is second to none. So it’s not that simple.

Good points.

 

[CAVPUT]

LOL at Barnes giving anybody a “pass” on the defensive end.. come on man… That is not in Barnes’ DNA

Neither is "offense first" but according to basilio, that's what's taking place now.

 

[PackersVols91]

Hope he ups his free throw percentage. Otherwise, seems like a solid addition.

The rebounding would be very nice. Along with him being a junior and able to develop more

 

[Lankykong]

I mean he’s fine, but he doesn’t have great size so he can’t play the 5 to spell Okpara. I’m sure he’s just a depth piece, but we dont have any proven post scorers, a guy you can just toss down into the post and get a bucket. I’m not really sure he’s that guy, but I guess we’ll see.

I know people will point to his two big games against us, but those were more of the exceptions not the rule.

I think he’s a matchup/bench player. We need a short thick guy so we can match up against short thick players. I think we missed a guy like Awaka against Houston

 

[Batman1948]

Jakobi is so elite but am i the only one who isn’t that impressed with Rice? Just feel like we could do better at the SG spot but maybe they want to be a package deal who knows

Watch his highlight video, it just may change your mind

 

[Batman1948]

Know Ament is THE thing this year, but I gotta wonder how he'll hold up physically in this league playing defense the way Barnes demands? Or does Barnes kinda give him a pass on the defensive end?

Has he ever given anyone a pass on playing defense

 

[Stoked]

Has he ever given anyone a pass on playing defense

DK somewhat.

 

[All Vol!]

I think he’s a matchup/bench player. We need a short thick guy so we can match up against short thick players. I think we missed a guy like Awaka against Houston