Congrats on win #24 which again featured a terrific game by Matt Curtis. So happy for Matt who is getting his chance to shine. His play bodes well for his and the team's confidence going into next season.
This is a big deal for he and the team regarding next year no matter what happens in the next day or so. I've always thought he could produce good things if he got the chance even though he struggled a bit at the beginning of the season when he got some playing time because of injury to others. Let's put it this way regarding next season. Adding a confident Matty as well as a healthy Mike Rogan (who showed he could score before he got hurt) becomes a nice add to the foundation of the roster next fall. So in retrospect although some were lukewarm to the Stags even playing in this event, I think it's been a good thing that they are there and helping themselves to get stronger for the future while at the same time trying to bring home a national tournament title.
No one on Seattle played more than 34 minutes yesterday. Floyd and Fields both played 40 minutes for us yesterday. Both of them also played 40 minutes against Little Rock.
Understand the consternation, but I think the CBI and CIT have historically proven their relevancy (especially CBI), although COVID did throw them for a loop. And with the NCAA rejiggering the NIT, there is a place for these tournaments. Not to mention, with an NIL pot that will grow, the tournament is great for the players.
Due to the portal mess, Fairfield also gets the added benefit of seeing Curtis shine (as people have mentioned). I understand Leach’s decision, but tough in hindsight. I am sure he wants to be with team and only trying to do right thing for his future. Portal timing should change!
Finally, by making the semis, on a light college b-ball night, Fairfield is on ESPN2. Great exposure!
Post by 01041949bob on Mar 26, 2024 6:56:33 GMT -5
Leach made a bad timing decision and also a poor decision if in fact he leaves Fairfield ; he had a great year , but realistically he is going no where and should have stayed with a program that seems to be on the rise . We have a great coach , great facility , and we are turning the corner . I wonder if he still gets NIL money because he left the team but a major contributor during the year. Just a bad decision and he should reconsider . Hope Goodine makes the right decision and stays . Shout out for Curtis for his great play and apparent future ; Fields and Yetna way to go ; same for Bleachnore and Floyd , who both should stay if they are smart . Regardless this coach has our program headed in the right direction finally !
Poor decision? He played 4 years and will graduate a Stag. What more can you ask for? That's incredibly rare nowadays! He gets a gift of a 5th year because of COVID and can go get PAID to play at a high major who covet veteran guards.
Leach probably made the right decision education wise - the Ivy’s are correct, imo, on how they handle - 4 and out
I think his risk of injury was/is minimal I don’t think playing hurts his transfer opportunities- 1 lost weekend I think he owes it to his coaches and teammates to play/finish things out These apply to Johns and Goodine too (injury sitting might be different for Goodine)
Post by dannynoonan on Mar 26, 2024 7:28:36 GMT -5
If Jalen is back at Fairfield next year (I highly doubt it), great. Wherever he ends up, I will be rooting for him. I assume he will get his degree in May and has put himself in a great place opportunity-wise, which is college's purpose. I hope he is able to take advantage of it.
Post by 01041949bob on Mar 26, 2024 7:42:49 GMT -5
My point is , most of his 4 years he was injured and therefore did not contribute much . This year he played well but realistically, he is not going to be an NBA player . Why not stay with a program on the rise ; if he goes to another mid major or higher , I don’t think he improves whatever he is trying g to do . But I could be wrong ; oh well , I think no player should quit a team until the season is totally complete , but people can differ with my opinion
Post by nashvillestag on Mar 26, 2024 8:33:49 GMT -5
My own feeling on this is that with each student-athlete and family, whatever they decide to do is their own business really, no matter what might seem best for "us" the fans of the program. So sure I agree with most that with Leach in particular, it would have been great if he had made the trip and was now down in Florida helping the Stags in this tournament, and yes the idea of walking away from his teammates and coaches might have become a bit of a moral quandary in a way. That said, I'm sure he will always be respected as a brother by the guys who he went to compete with all season. But the bright side of all of this is the opportunity that Curtis has received to show what he can do. And so far because he has come through with flying colors, that can't be a bad thing for he and the program. Quite frankly he never would have had this opportunity If Jalen and Brycen hadn't declined to play.
I won't claim to know how it will all play out, but 99% of guys that can play 5 years will be done. Players will have to make smart decisions (including if they want to get a degree or not) with only 4 years of games to play.
I won't claim to know how it will all play out, but 99% of guys that can play 5 years will be done. Players will have to make smart decisions (including if they want to get a degree or not) with only 4 years of games to play.
I think overtime there will be more evidence for players that that grass is not always greener. At the same time, there will be more opportunities as there will be 20% fewer D1 players (No more 5th year guys).
In my mind the top players from the MAAC will always be offered NIL money to go bigger. And with amounts like Supreme cooks saw it will be hard to turn that money down. But I think there are also some really good players at big programs that are not seeing time that might want to transfer down. So the transfer portal is a double edged sword for mid majors.
Regardless of the changes, with our facilities, style of play and coach, we are in the best position to compete for these players that we have been in for many years. Mahoney Arena is a game changer for Fairfield.