Even if players may want to be back with Casey, I’d expect a few to test the portal just to see what’s out there in terms of bigger programs and more $$, or seek pro opportunities abroad.
I feel it is almost a certainty we lose someone. But at the same time, we have a core group here that really has a chance to accomplish something if they stick together. I think some of them may recognize this. I hope they do.
Of course lots will depend on how things turn out for us in the MAAC tournament, concerning player’s decisions to continue at Fairfield or change their situation. One thing I heard in one of the Open Court podcasts which hopefully positively affects two players’ decisions —- Goodine said he knew Leach before he came to Fairfield. Since Leach is from New York and prepped in New Hampshire and Goodine is from Massachusetts and prepped in Rhode Island — I found that interesting. Obviously other factors could lead one or both of those guys to go elsewhere but I hope their friendship plus an opportunity to be on the court together for another season after enduring injuries and in Goodine’s case, two stops at high majors where he didn’t get much playing time brings these two back for another season at Fairfield.
Even if players may want to be back with Casey, I’d expect a few to test the portal just to see what’s out there in terms of bigger programs and more $$, or seek pro opportunities abroad.
I feel it is almost a certainty we lose someone. But at the same time, we have a core group here that really has a chance to accomplish something if they stick together. I think some of them may recognize this. I hope they do.
Reasonable thinking from both of you. Think of it this way: imagine yourself as a young 21 year old player (and considering at Fairfield, a decent student as well) with the new NCAA leverage available to do what you think is in the best interests of you and your family. What would YOU do? Not an easy choice, right? But as far as sticking together, certainly if Casey comes back, the chances are better that will happen. If the team keeps being successful and Chris indeed returns, that would be the best thing to happen for the program IMO.
Last Edit: Feb 7, 2024 10:28:33 GMT -5 by nashvillestag
I have heard the family has more concerns about Marciello returning than Casey coming back. Interesting comment and thinking. Things are in disarray in Albany and our facilities and situation seems to be preferred by at least some recruits. We'll see how this plays out.
In my opinion the school needs to be prepared to make a decision on Casey by the start of the MAAC tournament. I'm not saying they need to announce it publicly but they need to have their ducks and their thinking in a row. They face a dilemma like Manhattan did. They may want a higher profile name to lead the program. But if they change horses they risk player defections. If the AD knew Leach, Goodine, Floyd and Smith were committed to return regardless of coach he might move in one direction. If he thinks their return is contingent on keeping Casey he might move in another. If they are all leaving regardless of coach, that might affect his thinking too. Impact on personnel now becomes a factor in any decision.
Unfortunately the transfer portal has forever changed the game. Manhattan seemed to have lost the entire team when they changed coaches. I think they made a mistake. I'd really hate to see us starting all over next season. We have a really good group I would like to see back.
I think the Manhattan example should be a warning to Fairfield and how they want to handle this situation. The fact is most of the people who backed the Jasper program thought the former coach (Stores) did a great job under very trying circumstances last season yet they let him go to supposedly hire someone with a greater profile in John Gallagher. It's not looking so great right now, is it? To be fair though, sometimes things evolve over a few years to change the perception of how smart a decision was. But on the surface, if the Stags keep winning, bringing Casey back makes the most sense IMO.
Last Edit: Feb 7, 2024 14:36:41 GMT -5 by nashvillestag
Post by reindeerfan on Mar 26, 2024 12:29:47 GMT -5
He's listed as a guard. I think a stretch forward type player is the perfect fit for our needs / offense, a guy that can rebound and hit the three. Someone who can replace Johns and spell Louie. This might be the right kind of guy although listed at 185 he may be on the slender side.
I wonder if there is a Floyd connection to this player? Since he ownly played Juco in Florida for one year, I wouldnt imagine he would have faced Floyd. You have to think Braica would have had contact with him in high school.
He's listed as a guard. I think a stretch forward type player is the perfect fit for our needs / offense, a guy that can rebound and hit the three. Someone who can replace Johns and spell Louie. This might be the right kind of guy although listed at 185 he may be on the slender side.
I wonder if there is a Floyd connection to this player? Since he ownly played Juco in Florida for one year, I wouldnt imagine he would have faced Floyd. You have to think Braica would have had contact with him in high school.
Are you sure Bleechmore is coming back? He was honored along with Fields, Yetna, Leach, Goodine, and Brown on Senior Night.
He's listed as a guard. I think a stretch forward type player is the perfect fit for our needs / offense, a guy that can rebound and hit the three. Someone who can replace Johns and spell Louie. This might be the right kind of guy although listed at 185 he may be on the slender side.
I wonder if there is a Floyd connection to this player? Since he ownly played Juco in Florida for one year, I wouldnt imagine he would have faced Floyd. You have to think Braica would have had contact with him in high school.
Are you sure Bleechmore is coming back? He was honored along with Fields, Yetna, Leach, Goodine, and Brown on Senior Night.
I think Bleechmore has another year of eligibility. If he chooses to use it or use it at Fairfield remains to be seen. I would assume we'll get a better picture of the roster needs after the CBI. Fairfield does seem like a good fit. If he's a grad student, I don't think he's beholden to the same portal deadlines as undergrads.
He's listed as a guard. I think a stretch forward type player is the perfect fit for our needs / offense, a guy that can rebound and hit the three. Someone who can replace Johns and spell Louie. This might be the right kind of guy although listed at 185 he may be on the slender side.
I wonder if there is a Floyd connection to this player? Since he ownly played Juco in Florida for one year, I wouldnt imagine he would have faced Floyd. You have to think Braica would have had contact with him in high school.
Are you sure Bleechmore is coming back? He was honored along with Fields, Yetna, Leach, Goodine, and Brown on Senior Night.
I'm not sure anyone is coming back. Bleechmore however is not in the portal yet. And he has an option to apply for one more year of eligibility. So I suspect he may be back. Either way, we need a 4, and if he is not back we need 2.
6’7” Amarion Dickerson from Mineral Area College in Missouri was heading to Charleston. Charleston’s head coach was hired by Louisville. So Dickerson has reopened his recruitment and we have offered him. Dickerson is from Cleveland.
A new offer to a 6’3” guard at Lee Junior College (located near Houston) who hit 40% from beyond the arc this season. Apparently this was his first season at Lee and he made honorable mention on the national NJCAA all America team.
I feel it is almost a certainty we lose someone. But at the same time, we have a core group here that really has a chance to accomplish something if they stick together. I think some of them may recognize this. I hope they do. Even if players may want to be back with Casey, I’d expect a few to test the portal just to see what’s out there in terms of bigger programs and more $$, or seek pro opportunities abroad. 
Are you sure Bleechmore is coming back? He was honored along with Fields, Yetna, Leach, Goodine, and Brown on Senior Night.He's listed as a guard. I think a stretch forward type player is the perfect fit for our needs / offense, a guy that can rebound and hit the three. Someone who can replace Johns and spell Louie. This might be the right kind of guy although listed at 185 he may be on the slender side.
