'19 MD PF Olivier Robinson-Nkamhoua (Signed 5/8/2019)

#151
#151
SmokyRiverDog said:
Pember's ceiling is the guy cheered by the student section hoping he scores his first points on a shot with 7 seconds remaining against West Citadel Tech.
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I don’t think that is accurate. If that was the case they wouldn’t have wasted a scholarship on him. He’s 6-9 and can shoot the three, id say he will see some meaningful minutes eventually.
 
#154
#154
Where ORN finishes in final recruiting rankings:

247: 153rd
Rivals: 150th
247 Composite: 110th

We have people on here complaining about Barnes' recruiting, and he goes out and gets a borderline top-100 guy. And people complain about that, too.

Legion of the Miserable, indeed.
 
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#155
#155
VOLINVONORE said:
This class is the cloest we have been to those schools since Bruce was here. I am not worried where we are. Bruce is likely the best coach of the four you mentioned ahead of us.
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I agree...but we also can't assume that we're in a vacuum on talent level in SEC. Barnes crept up on every one two years ago...but talent across the board continues to get better and better, matching the better coaches being hired by most all SEC schools. It's going to get tougher and tougher. I really like where Barnes has brought the team, on the shoulders of lower rated, but well developed players...however, you get to the post season, and you start to see where teams like Auburn and KY had superior athlete depth, which paid off. We need to keep pace, but just think, unless Grant and/or Bone comes back, we're probably looking at a 4-6th finish in SEC next year, unless something changes with another addition or two (when Grant/Bone declare). We aren't going to be able to bang away at everyone w/ Admiral and probably Grant gone, and we don't have an outstanding perimeter game, as it stands right now. We aren't devoid of talent, but Barnes has his work cut out for him.
 
#156
#156
AngryButchJones said:
Where ORN finishes in final recruiting rankings:

247: 153rd
Rivals: 150th
247 Composite: 110th

We have people on here complaining about Barnes' recruiting, and he goes out and gets a borderline top-100 guy. And people complain about that, too.

Legion of the Miserable, indeed.
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Can't speak for anyone else, but I'm glad to get this guy...seems like good one! That being said, any time that any one goes out and leverages themselves a TOP 3 salary contract nationally, there is inherent pressure that comes along with it. In theory, a top 3 salaried coach should sign at least a top 10-15 class most every year...and that's just going to come with the territory, along with pressure to maintain top tier performance in wins.
 
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#157
#157
njvols said:
I agree...but we also can't assume that we're in a vacuum on talent level in SEC. Barnes crept up on every one two years ago...but talent across the board continues to get better and better, matching the better coaches being hired by most all SEC schools. It's going to get tougher and tougher. I really like where Barnes has brought the team, on the shoulders of lower rated, but well developed players...however, you get to the post season, and you start to see where teams like Auburn and KY had superior athlete depth, which paid off. We need to keep pace, but just think, unless Grant and/or Bone comes back, we're probably looking at a 4-6th finish in SEC next year, unless something changes with another addition or two (when Grant/Bone declare). We aren't going to be able to bang away at everyone w/ Admiral and probably Grant gone, and we don't have an outstanding perimeter game, as it stands right now. We aren't devoid of talent, but Barnes has his work cut out for him.
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If Grant and bone leave, it's a rebuild. NIT would be a nice season but I'm not expecting it next year. We will need another really good recruiting class this year and a year of seasoning. I'm thinking 2 years before we can really expect an NCAA caliber product at UT.
 
#158
#158
CAVPUT said:
If Grant and bone leave, it's a rebuild. NIT would be a nice season but I'm not expecting it next year. We will need another really good recruiting class this year and a year of seasoning. I'm thinking 2 years before we can really expect an NCAA caliber product at UT.
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I think you’re right, which is going to make it extremely difficult for Barnes to keep the fan base happy. We had a great season this year, but ultimately didn’t accomplish anything for the program. That’s a harsh take, but I just mean no championships or a deep tourney run. However, Barnes then gets into this fiasco with UCLA and who knows the truth there, but he ultimately received a $1 mil plus increase in his salary from us. Now he’s likely going to follow that up with one or two mediocre seasons while being paid as a top three coach in basketball. If you’re a top three coach then you don’t have “rebuilding” years anymore. Plus you’re expected to make it to the NCAA tourney each and every season. I think Barnes’ decision is going to cost him some good will with our fan base.
 
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#159
#159
Orange&White said:
I think you’re right, which is going to make it extremely difficult for Barnes to keep the fan base happy. We had a great season this year, but ultimately didn’t accomplish anything for the program. That’s a harsh take, but I just mean no championships or a deep tourney run. However, Barnes then gets into this fiasco with UCLA and who knows the truth there, but he ultimately received a $1 mil plus increase in his salary from us. Now he’s likely going to follow that up with one or two mediocre seasons while being paid as a top three coach in basketball. If you’re a top three coach then you don’t have “rebuilding” years anymore. Plus you’re expected to make it to the NCAA tourney each and every season. I think Barnes’ decision is going to cost him some good will with our fan base.
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Yes, it's an interesting dilemma. Barnes quality character and how he likes to build his teams into his system reminds me of Jay Wright of Nova (except he won 2 NC's), where guys learn and develop over a few years. I think most fans can tolerate an "average" season this coming year (would still like to see NCAA bid), as long as young guys are competing and that 2020 class continues to build towards a top 10 class.
 
#162
#162
SmokyRiverDog said:
Sorry you don't like truth. Just watch him play. He is a wasted scholarship. No way around it. He's a giant reach.
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I love the truth. But, the truth will be discovered a few years down the road when he does or does not produce. You have no way of saying what the truth is right now. It is your opinion, your projection at this point. I value people's opinions, and certainly, you could be correct, but I never underestimate people.
 
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#164
#164
cardvolfan said:
I love the truth. But, the truth will be discovered a few years down the road when he does or does not produce. You have no way of saying what the truth is right now. It is your opinion, your projection at this point. I value people's opinions, and certainly, you could be correct, but I never underestimate people.
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Go and watch him play somewhere. He committed when recruiting was bleak. A turnaround occurred soon after and I would be surprised if there were not regrets.
 
#167
#167
SmokyRiverDog said:
Go and watch him play somewhere. He committed when recruiting was bleak. A turnaround occurred soon after and I would be surprised if there were not regrets.
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Oh, believe me, I know plenty about the kid. The facts are 5-stars can be busts occasionally, and there are no guarantees. We can't predict what will happen in life. My point was, and is, that harshly judging someone before your reality becomes actual fact is not fair for a young man.
 
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#168
#168
Orange&White said:
I think you’re right, which is going to make it extremely difficult for Barnes to keep the fan base happy. We had a great season this year, but ultimately didn’t accomplish anything for the program. That’s a harsh take, but I just mean no championships or a deep tourney run. However, Barnes then gets into this fiasco with UCLA and who knows the truth there, but he ultimately received a $1 mil plus increase in his salary from us. Now he’s likely going to follow that up with one or two mediocre seasons while being paid as a top three coach in basketball. If you’re a top three coach then you don’t have “rebuilding” years anymore. Plus you’re expected to make it to the NCAA tourney each and every season. I think Barnes’ decision is going to cost him some good will with our fan base.
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Fans complain about UT being cheap. Several folks had no problem over paying Barnes. In their minds, it sent a message that we were willing to pay crazy sums of money like other programs are doing. Never understood the logic of paying for perception vs value.

Regardless, it's done. Can't really complain about having a couple of down years while his "projects" develop. Everyone knew how Barnes was doing things. Can't expect a huge contract to change him. If anything, he has zero incentive to change due to that massive contract. Fans got what they wanted....UT paying top dollar and not being seen as "cheap". Mission accomplished. As for being seen as fiscally irresponsible/foolish...well....
 
#169
#169
cardvolfan said:
Oh, believe me, I know plenty about the kid. The facts are 5-stars can be busts occasionally, and there are no guarantees. We can't predict what will happen in life. My point was, and is, that harshly judging someone before your reality becomes actual fact is not fair for a young man.
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It is fair in terms of the ability of Barnes to live up to new expectations after he strong armed the salary of an elite college basketball coach. Like it or not, Barnes created a more critical view of his recruiting and expectations of no let down in program results.
 
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#170
#170
SmokyRiverDog said:
It is fair in terms of the ability of Barnes to live up to new expectations after he strong armed the salary of an elite college basketball coach. Like it or not, Barnes created a more critical view of his recruiting and expectations of no let down in program results.
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That statement is irrelevant to my comment. Is holding a "grudge" part of your daily repertoire? Give a guy a chance, and if he doesn't succeed to your level, then blast him if that is your MO. I feel quite sure that perfection is the gift you've been granted.
 
#171
#171
cardvolfan said:
That statement is irrelevant to my comment. Is holding a "grudge" part of your daily repertoire? Give a guy a chance, and if he doesn't succeed to your level, then blast him if that is your MO. I feel quite sure that perfection is the gift you've been granted.
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You started askew, but you finished with remarkable accuracy.
 
#172
#172
People are really complaining about landing a 4* guy who is a borderline top 100 recruit?
 
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