The fact that his father posted his list is a decent sign. I think Alvarez coming was in part because FU impressed his family and not just his coaches. That and distance gives us, IMO, a chance.
In addition to being a great player, he would be the perfect type of player, as we do need another 3G/SF. I am glad that we are still shooting high.
It is really unfortunate to hear about his Mom, but it says a lot about Mustapha and his father..... and what type of people they are. Certainly Fairfield is also a very caring school, which would help in this type of situation.
Wonder if a player has ever received a hardship waiver by transferring not to their home state? SJU is what, 1.5-2 hours from Waterbury and $10 in tolls each way.
Would give the Johnnies a nice backcourt with Ponds returning tho
And best of luck to him and his mother.
Last Edit: May 30, 2018 7:54:46 GMT -5 by mikesdad
Concussions can be awful-lingering issues such as headaches, light sensitivity, balance-it’s brain trauma. Quet and rest is the main treatment and many times it doesn’t work. I feel for the family. From a logistics standpoint/of the schools mentioned, FU is the right place for him. If they need him or he needs them, 1/2 hour isn’t too bad. From a basketball standpoint, if you’re good, they will find you.
Wonder if a player has ever received a hardship waiver by transferring not to their home state? SJU is what, 1.5-2 hours from Waterbury and $10 in tolls each way.
Would give the Johnnies a nice backcourt with Ponds returning tho
And best of luck to him and his mother.
Years ago maybe $10. Quite a bit more now actually!
And to finish the thought (at the conclusion of the USA hockey team winning the 1980 Olympics as the last few seconds counted down), "Do you believe in miracles-YES!"
Post by nashvillestag on May 30, 2018 8:54:20 GMT -5
First of all my sincere wishes to Mustopha and his family that his mom's health improves quickly. But concerning his impending transfer, I have to say that this is a kid who I have followed ever since he showed up at Sacred Heart (Waterbury), and I witnessed many of his games in person when he played for that school. I made many comments about his play on this board as a matter of fact, all positive BTW. So all I can say is, (obviously) as a Stag fan and a backer of all things regarding Fairfield University, I would be thrilled and excited if he came here. In fact if that were to occur I would say that with the returning players plus the 3 star Neftali Alvarez (plus a couple of other outstanding shooters) now on board as teammates, the Stags would most certainly jump to at of near the top of the MAAC if indeed Heron would be cleared to play next year. This guy is that good and he would be a difference maker for sure. Very, very likely that he will end up in the NBA at some point after he finishes his college career. So I am hoping, but wherever he ends up certainly family comes first, so I hope it all works out well for him!
Last Edit: May 30, 2018 9:01:51 GMT -5 by nashvillestag
In addition to being a great player, he would be the perfect type of player, as we do need another 3G/SF. I am glad that we are still shooting high.
It is really unfortunate to hear about his Mom, but it says a lot about Mustapha and his father..... and what type of people they are. Certainly Fairfield is also a very caring school, which would help in this type of situation.
Yes a 3G/SF would be the perfect fit for him on the Stags, as he really has a lot of "point forward" traits in his game. Can also be a PG too when needed. Point is though, whatever position he would play for the Stags, Mustopha is a BASKETBALL PLAYER and a VERY VERY good one. So I am hoping!
Last Edit: May 30, 2018 9:11:42 GMT -5 by nashvillestag
Mustapha has already seen a little of Fairfield basketball. Auburn/Oklahoma was the 2nd part of the Birth of Basketball Showcase - where the Stags defeated BC.
Wonder if a player has ever received a hardship waiver by transferring not to their home state? SJU is what, 1.5-2 hours from Waterbury and $10 in tolls each way.
Under the old NCAA rule, many players did. Since the rule change in 2015, it is almost impossible to get a hardship waiver to play immediately unless you were abused by a coach or something similar. The rule adopted in 2015 requires players with ill relatives etc to sit out a year but they are given an extra year to complete their four years of play. Unless Heron has a compelling reason to transfer that has nothing to do with his mother's health, it is unlikely he will be allowed to play immediately.
I will personally start a petition to have the games played in complete silence so that his mom can be in attendance without any discomfort. It'll be like the 18th green at Augusta on a Sunday in April for two straight hours in the arena if that will help land him.
From a logistics standpoint/of the schools mentioned, FU is the right place for him. If they need him or he needs them, 1/2 hour isn’t too bad. From a basketball standpoint, if you’re good, they will find you.
The Indiana Pacers found Rik Smits at Marist as Smits was the NBA's 2nd pick overall in 1988 and Marist was in the ECAC/NEC at the time (MAAC in 1997).
Maryland is one of the schools expected to show interest in Auburn transfer Mustapha Heron, Andrew Slater of The Athletic reported.
St. John’s and UConn are said to be the favorites -- Adam Zagoria reported Wednesday that Heron’s expected to take an official visit to St. John’s upon receiving his release -- but Boston College, UConn, Penn State, Texas Tech, Western Kentucky, Pittsburgh and Fairfield also have interest.
He became the first five-star recruit ever to commit to Auburn. St. John's, Mississippi State, Marquette, SMU and Alabama were his other finalists.