Post by gofairfield on Apr 4, 2019 19:13:11 GMT -5
While it sounds nice to say that Fairfield is the #1 Regional University in the North, in reality the best schools are ranked on a national list. Fairfield is not even in the top 100 in that category - probably around 150 - 200th on a national list. Fairfield needs to catch up to schools like Villanova and Fordham.
The Alvarez departure doesn't trouble me that much. I actually think Aidas is a better overall guard. No Aidas doesn't have Alvarez's speed, but Aidas is a better passer, shooter and ball handler, in my humble opinion.
While I am not surprised to see him seek a transfer or transfer, I think it is a mistake for the following reasons.
1. He excelled in the MAAC as a freshman with obvious shortcomings in his game (3pt shooting and pushing the ball too much at times and creating turnovers). But, it is a great league for him to grow! 2. Despite these shortcomings, I think with hard work under Jay, he could improve on these shortcomings to be a star in the MAAC. 3. With the coaching change & Jay Young, Ffld is actively working to improve the team. 4. Look what happened to our most recent transfers, they are transferring again! 2 transfers in college is not easy/fun. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side! 5. He can be an important part of rebuilding Ffld and finally bringing us back to the NCAA tourney.
Alternatively, it is not awful for Jay to work from a clean slate. Harder, but not awful.
Yes. Better he stays. Much better. He has an elite handle and speed and improved all season. But if he doesn’t. Move on. And BTW Taj showed at the end of the season that he can handle the ball and pressure.
IMO, I believe that 18-19 year old kids are under a world of pressure. As delighted as I am when they commit to being a Stag, I am also not upset if they believe they need to move on. Best of luck to Neftali wherever he ends up.
Based on what what be happening behind the scene (coach, parents, friends, etc), there also may be situations where a new coach determines a player does not fit his system, who knows!
I am not surprised by this at all. Coach Parrotta during pre game Stags Club talks discussed the recruiting of Alvarez . He indicated a personal connection/ promise between himself as coach and Alvarez parents to take care of Neftali was forged in order to seal the recruitment. So now that Tom is no longer with the program the bond is broken and the athlete is on the move. Recruiting these days is based more on a personal coaching connections and promised playing time then if a school is a good fit academically, socially, reputation wise and location wise. As long as this continues, high transfer rates of student/ athletes will continue to be the norm . I am sure there will be more transfers out.
Maybe Alvarez needs the attention but, if Jay snags a center, Fairfield may be Neftali’s best chance of actually playing in a NCAA tournament game.
IMO, it's personal, not business. The link was Parrotta.
If Nef stays, he would be an even bigger star with better coaching and in game decisions, guaranteed playing time and yes even a shot at a decent post season.
But, emotions run high and this is a very personal decision. If Parrotta lands a job in a decent D1 program in the next few weeks, look for Neftali to follow. It could be the piece that secures the new job.
The kid needs to be where he feels comfortable. And, I wish them both well. Even I felt a personal connection with Tom.
The question is if Neftali had made a decision even before meeting Jay Young. It certainly sounds like it. If that is the case, its unfortunate that Neftali did not give Jay Young a chance.
Jay Young will just have to get someone better than Neftali. And we should move on quickly from the players that don't want to stay. Getting a new coach is a great opportunity to get a lot of new recruits ..... maybe 5-6. And if they have already been recruiting by Jay Young, they could be Rutgers level recruits, or just 1 step below.... that would be pretty good.
Coaching changes spark transfers. If we lose a couple, there is an opportunity to reel in a couple replacements who are as good or better.
If it’s true, I think Alvarez is making a big mistake because he could be a huge part of exciting Stags transformation under Young. Nothing can dampen my new enthusiasm. Farewell Syd...that’s the best news
Coaching changes spark transfers. If we lose a couple, there is an opportunity to reel in a couple replacements who are as good or better.
If it’s true, I think Alvarez is making a big mistake because he could be a huge part of exciting Stags transformation under Young. Nothing can dampen my new enthusiasm. Farewell Syd...that’s the best news
From where? Walmart?
The Walmart of college basketball transfers, aka "the transfer portal".
Still plenty of talent out there. That's the big advantage to bringing in someone who has been recruiting high level players. He knows which ones slipped through the cracks or misjudged their situations. Bring in a couple of those and 5th year senior and you're NOT rebuilding.