2024 Transfer Portal Thread

[Stoerner Fumbles]

Hearsay I'm sure. I don't think I would believe this unless you had concrete, visual proof that a player turned down more $ to play elsewhere. "More" being a lot more. If offers are in the same neighborhood, I get it.

Visual proof? Like a stick figure drawing with two equal piles of money on a seesaw?

To be clear, players have said in interviews, “I signed with coach X to raise my draft stock. One of those players is Knecht.

 

[RudyVol]

I’ll work somewhere for less money if I prefer the people, working environment, and work assignment but I’ve worked a long time and haven’t struggled with money for a long time. Not sure what I would have done as a college student? Hopefully Lanier has good family support to help him make his best choice whether or not it’s UT.

You wouldn't work elsewhere for 100k+ less. Bingo on the college student. Pro athletes maybe turn down some decent $ to play elsewhere but not a kid.

 

[RudyVol]

Visual proof? Like a stick figure drawing with two equal piles of money on a seesaw?

To be clear, players have said in interviews, “I signed with coach X to raise my draft stock. One of those players is Knecht.

Yes exactly that visual representation.

I wouldn't expect Nico to say he went to Tennessee bc we offered him unprecedented NIL $ in an interview either.

 

[Stoerner Fumbles]

I’m curious….who would you go after IF we miss on Chaz. Just genuinely curious.

I agree with Chris that Cam Christie is the best value if he becomes available.

 

[Stoerner Fumbles]

Yes exactly that visual representation.

I wouldn't expect Nico to say he went to Tennessee bc we offered him unprecedented NIL $ in an interview either.

In the grownup world of professional sports, they spend endless hours assessing the value of the asset that is the player. If that asset can be worth more in a year, they pass on the easy money now. I’m sorry you don’t understand this, but that doesn’t make it less true.

 

[RudyVol]

If it could potentially make him more money in the future? Absolutely. He will 100% develop more under Barnes than Pope if he wants it.

We're overblowing "development" big time. The NBA drafts on potential. Every team is well aware of Lanier and what he can/can't do. Playing for x coach vs y coach is not going to make or break him on getting drafted. Good example: Bronny James.

 

[Cosmo Kramer]

I agree with Chris that Cam Christie is the best value if he becomes available.

Can portal players prove what other programs offer them? Lanier could tell TN that KY offered me $1.5 Million. Can he prove a money amount from other programs?

 

[Smokey 77]

Chaz Lanier to Tennessee or Kensucky - What we know - Facts
1. Both fan bases highly dislike each other!
2. Both schools are recruiting him.
3. It's been reported that he is visiting Tennessee this week.
4. Both schools still have a scholarship and a roster spot for him.
4. Both fan bases would lie through their teeth about the recruitment stories, NIL offer, and everything associated to the recruitment of Chaz to try to throw the other fan base off.
5. If you don't believe anything I have said here, go back to #1 and start over.
Only Chaz Lanier, his family, and Coach Barnes and staff know the real truth about his recruitment at Tennessee. We will have to just wait and see what he decides to do. Either way, we are going to have a great team next year. Go Vols!!!

 

[Weezer]

We're overblowing "development" big time. The NBA drafts on potential. Every team is well aware of Lanier and what he can/can't do. Playing for x coach vs y coach is not going to make or break him on getting drafted. Good example: Bronny James.

Right now, Chaz will not be drafted. That's why he's coming back to college. Where he ends up and how he does there will matter. DK wasn't a projected lottery pick when he came here. Now he is. Development matters.

 

[LaagerVol]

We're overblowing "development" big time. The NBA drafts on potential. Every team is well aware of Lanier and what he can/can't do. Playing for x coach vs y coach is not going to make or break him on getting drafted. Good example: Bronny James.

Bronny James is the most “one-off” example in history. Only one thing is getting him drafted and it isn’t a coach or development.

Knechts development at UT this year didn’t have anything to do with his draft stock? Is that what you are saying?

 

[Stoerner Fumbles]

Can portal players prove what other programs offer them? Lanier could tell TN that KY offered me $1.5 Million. Can he prove a money amount from other programs?

Why would they give you 1.5, Cosmo? You and a grilled cheese is worth five bucks?

They get LOI agreements for NIL.

 

[walkenvol]

This is what teams who don't pay top NIL say to justify and make excuses to feel better about chances.

The argument that a kid can't get PAID top nil and make it to the LEAGUE at Kentucky is absurd (and I hate Kentucky with the best of them)

We don’t know anything about the current Kentucky staff’s ability to prepare players for the NBA

 

[cncchris33]

Yeah for offers in the same neighborhood. If they're offering a lot more...there's no way he's not going there. It is what it is. One season means the $ is more important imo. If he regrets his choice he knows he just has to gut it out for a few months and he'll be gone. Then again, not like players can't transfer again if they're not happy with their first transfer so it still boils down to $ first and foremost.

If the offer is astronomically higher, then yeah, it makes a difference. Your post was a little more broad-sweeping though, as if to indicate that kids are always just going to chase the highest bidder regardless of amount, and that's simply not the case.

 

[cncchris33]

I agree with Chris that Cam Christie is the best value if he becomes available.

To be fair, I think he's the best option, now. But I also understand the level of effort and care we've put into Lanier and developing that trust and relationship, so that means something, too. I wouldn't just dump on Lanier to chase Christie, but I also wouldn't go to great lengths to play the game with him if Christie showed significant, serious interest in coming to Knoxville.

 

[Vol49er]

To be fair, I think he's the best option, now. But I also understand the level of effort and care we've put into Lanier and developing that trust and relationship, so that means something, too. I wouldn't just dump on Lanier to chase Christie, but I also wouldn't go to great lengths to play the game with him if Christie showed significant, serious interest in coming to Knoxville.

Yeah. I don’t have time to scout all these dudes but just looking at Christie’s measurables and stats in year one vs Chaz’s in year four, I’m in agreement that I’d be happy with Christie over Lanier

 

[bleedingTNorange]

Yeah, but let’s be honest you also laughed at people having any concerns at all about the recruitment and threw the “but if a bag drops” as a CYA. All I’m saying is maybe you shouldn’t have told people to not be hysterical or should have just refrained from acting like it was a done deal.

So don’t act like it’s a done deal, mention that if a bag drops it could change things, but then you’ll just say that’s me covering my a$$…seems like a no win for me, got it.

People wanted to freak out because Lanier follows an assistant coach, or because Maryland folks said they were in it and it caused panic, that stuff was comical. I said all along if someone was going to drop a record number on him it could change things, sorry if I didn’t word that exactly how you wanted me to.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

I mean, look at it from his side too. If you have a coach & team that basically say “we have a spot if you want it” then what would you have to lose from getting the NBA evaluation & feedback?

I think the unexpected change here was that Kentucky would be in a situation like they are and be this desperate to add a high rated portal addition.

The big change/curveball was the requirement for graduates to enter the portal…the plan was for Lanier to still be with UNF at this point while going through the process. He would then withdraw from the draft in mid-late May and simultaneously set up a visit and likely commitment to UT much like Okpara. Having to declare a month earlier than expected caused the change.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

Don't have to assume. Pretty clear how this is playing out.

Just like how clear last years portal class was shaking out too right? And this one as well you mentioned a few weeks back? You continue to end up with egg on your face, at what point will you maybe be patient and let things shake out.

 

[SoullessGinger32_]

So don’t act like it’s a done deal, mention that if a bag drops it could change things, but then you’ll just say that’s me covering my a$$…seems like a no win for me, got it.

People wanted to freak out because Lanier follows an assistant coach, or because Maryland folks said they were in it and it caused panic, that stuff was comical. I said all along if someone was going to drop a record number on him it could change things, sorry if I didn’t word that exactly how you wanted me to.

What do people expect? Recruiting was pretty much unpredictable before NIL. Now that NIL is here its an open market. Recruit or transfer could change their mind just minutes before committing now. You're good man you always put out good info. Butthurt people you just can't talk to or help

 

[bleedingTNorange]

Can portal players prove what other programs offer them? Lanier could tell TN that KY offered me $1.5 Million. Can he prove a money amount from other programs?

No, and that’s a huge issue going on…kids agents trying to get them the most money and collectives/schools having to decide if that’s legit or call their bluff.

 

[berryvol]

I know the numbers tossed by trilly and others have been alarming, but I’ll show another side of the coin here. Daniel Phoneman, who is a NBA certified agent and represents a ton of CBB players, did an AMA in the trilly discord this week. He said well over 60% of his clients choose less money for a better fit and better chance a developing for the NBA. Just because we won’t toss 1.5m+ at Chaz doesn’t mean we are dead here. We just gotta trust Barnes and what he has built and the way they are selling Chaz. No reason not to at this point.

 

[TheMookieMonster]

So don’t act like it’s a done deal, mention that if a bag drops it could change things, but then you’ll just say that’s me covering my a$$…seems like a no win for me, got it.

People wanted to freak out because Lanier follows an assistant coach, or because Maryland folks said they were in it and it caused panic, that stuff was comical. I said all along if someone was going to drop a record number on him it could change things, sorry if I didn’t word that exactly how you wanted me to.

It wasn’t a no-win for you. All you had to do was quite literally not belittle people’s concerns about Lanier and throw out the “if you know what I know” stuff which leads anyone on this board to believe it’s as close to done deal as it could reasonably be.

I obviously really appreciate the info you bring to the board and keeping us in the loop. I’m just saying that maybe your approach several weeks ago to addressing people’s discussions of Lanier and his recruitment could have been better. I think most people took your consistent confidence and laughing emojis as “this thing is basically done” when it’s just fairly obvious in the portal era it doesn’t matter how long one guy has been in contact with a staff and who reached out first. Nothing is ever a sure thing. Thats mostly what people were saying outside of the crazies and you seemed to disagree with that as well.

 

[CAVPUT]

It wasn’t a no-win for you. All you had to do was quite literally not belittle people’s concerns about Lanier and throw out the “if you know what I know” stuff which leads anyone on this board to believe it’s as close to done deal as it could reasonably be.

I obviously really appreciate the info you bring to the board and keeping us in the loop. I’m just saying that maybe your approach several weeks ago to addressing people’s discussions of Lanier and his recruitment could have been better. I think most people took your consistent confidence and laughing emojis as “this thing is basically done” when it’s just fairly obvious in the portal era it doesn’t matter how long one guy has been in contact with a staff and who reached out first. Nothing is ever a sure thing. Thats mostly what people were saying outside of the crazies and you seemed to disagree with that as well.

In other words, Cavput is spot on. Tenn Cup time?

 

[GoodTimeVol]

It wasn’t a no-win for you. All you had to do was quite literally not belittle people’s concerns about Lanier and throw out the “if you know what I know” stuff which leads anyone on this board to believe it’s as close to done deal as it could reasonably be.

I obviously really appreciate the info you bring to the board and keeping us in the loop. I’m just saying that maybe your approach several weeks ago to addressing people’s discussions of Lanier and his recruitment could have been better. I think most people took your consistent confidence and laughing emojis as “this thing is basically done” when it’s just fairly obvious in the portal era it doesn’t matter how long one guy has been in contact with a staff and who reached out first. Nothing is ever a sure thing. Thats mostly what people were saying outside of the crazies and you seemed to disagree with that as well.

Laughing at ppl who get worked up over speculation in recruiting isn’t “belittling”… you and the ppl who liked your post are soft. Congrats on pissing off one of the few insiders…

 

[bleedingTNorange]

It wasn’t a no-win for you. All you had to do was quite literally not belittle people’s concerns about Lanier and throw out the “if you know what I know” stuff which leads anyone on this board to believe it’s as close to done deal as it could reasonably be.

I obviously really appreciate the info you bring to the board and keeping us in the loop. I’m just saying that maybe your approach several weeks ago to addressing people’s discussions of Lanier and his recruitment could have been better. I think most people took your consistent confidence and laughing emojis as “this thing is basically done” when it’s just fairly obvious in the portal era it doesn’t matter how long one guy has been in contact with a staff and who reached out first. Nothing is ever a sure thing. Thats mostly what people were saying outside of the crazies and you seemed to disagree with that as well.

This is a quote of mine?

I said multiple times that NIL could be a gamechanger, if those posts were ignored that’s not my fault. Okpara went smoothly, this one has taken longer, welcome to the NIL era of portal recruiting. I don’t recall ever saying Lanier was a guaranteed lock or a done deal, as I’ve now said multiple times I recall making sure to state NIL could throw a wrench into things.