KeaneyBlue - The URI Basketball Forum

I started this thread the last few years about this time, so why not begin now.
Usually, we just keep this to players that may be of interest, A10 players, or any that may be noteworthy.

Two high impact players have already made their intentions to enter the portal.

Vasean Allette (Old Dominion) - A 6'3" freshman guard from Toronto who just averaged 17.4 pts/ 5.7 rebs/ 3.1 assists.

Houston Mallette (Pepperdine) - He had originally committed to Penn State. A 6'5" junior wing averaged 14.7 pts (41.5% 3PT/81.7% FT).

Jersey77 wrote: ↑2 months ago I started this thread the last few years about this time, so why not begin now.
Usually, we just keep this to players that may be of interest, A10 players, or any that may be noteworthy.

Two high impact players have already made their intentions to enter the portal.

Vasean Allette (Old Dominion) - A 6'3" freshman guard from Toronto who just averaged 17.4 pts/ 5.7 rebs/ 3.1 assists.

Houston Mallette (Pepperdine) - He had originally committed to Penn State. A 6'5" junior wing averaged 14.7 pts (41.5% 3PT/81.7% FT).

Looks like everyone whose names end with the letters allette are transferring.

Time to monitor our assistants Twitter and Instagram followers

If everyone would like to I can create a spreadsheet again like last year

Dino611 wrote: ↑2 months ago Time to monitor our assistants Twitter and Instagram followers

If everyone would like to I can create a spreadsheet again like last year

Sure, thanks Dino

With Fuchs as possibly our only impact big returning we may be in desperate need of depth in the paint.
Bilau gone, Rory likely out, Fou hasn't seen much play lately, and Brown hasn't exactly been a fan favorite here.

Harvard grad center Justice Ajogbor (6'10"/255) recently decided he will enter the portal.
He played nearby, is a rim protector and led the Ivy in blocks.
Stats: 8.4 pts (55% FG)/ 6.5 rebs/ 2.9 blocks.

Granted he may not be the most talented or athletic, but he is smart (honors student), can provide veteran leadership, and defends well in the paint.

Obviously not everyone will start next season so we will need to develop depth.
Also based on where we currently are, I don't think we will get the cream of the crop in the portal.

I know it is early yet and there will probably be better options, but he played close, so I thought I would toss his name out.

Still hoping Fou returns.

Fou put on IG a “highlight tape” last night. IMO it’s not for URI fans.

One of the top guards in the Ivy is entering the portal.
Clark Slajchert (Penn grad) 2nd leading scorer in the Ivy averaged 18 pts/ 42% 3PT.

Honestly I expect many players on most teams to put their names in the portal. Many of those players probably will come back & play for the original team again, they just may want to see what interest is out there? Kind of like players who would put their name in the NBA draft but didn't sign with an agent.

spookydog wrote: ↑2 months ago Honestly I expect many players on most teams to put their names in the portal. Many of those players probably will come back & play for the original team again, they just may want to see what interest is out there? Kind of like players who would put their name in the NBA draft but didn't sign with an agent.

Spooky the only thing is that once a player enters the portal, they are not obligated to bring him back.
They could try and trade-up and fill that player's spot.

spookydog wrote: ↑2 months ago Honestly I expect many players on most teams to put their names in the portal. Many of those players probably will come back & play for the original team again, they just may want to see what interest is out there? Kind of like players who would put their name in the NBA draft but didn't sign with an agent.

Agree 100% Spookydog!

Folks should not overreact to PortalPalooza but fun thread idea.

It seems to me very few enter and come back.

Spook5365 wrote: ↑2 months ago Fou put on IG a “highlight tape” last night. IMO it’s not for URI fans.

I think Rory and Fou are gone. Based on their body language at the Fordham game, i wouldn’t expect them to stay. Fou was first person to pull his hand out of the huddle and walk back to the bench staring into the stands. Just didn’t seem engaged and same with Rory. Would love to see Fou stay but I think he’s gone.

Will Dubsky be here next year? Probably not. My question is, who is Rory Stewart? The guy has better stats than Dubsky.

spookydog wrote: ↑2 months ago Honestly I expect many players on most teams to put their names in the portal. Many of those players probably will come back & play for the original team again, they just may want to see what interest is out there? Kind of like players who would put their name in the NBA draft but didn't sign with an agent.

Once they do, don't coaches have to be willing to take them back?

NYGFan_Section208 wrote: ↑2 months ago

spookydog wrote: ↑2 months ago Honestly I expect many players on most teams to put their names in the portal. Many of those players probably will come back & play for the original team again, they just may want to see what interest is out there? Kind of like players who would put their name in the NBA draft but didn't sign with an agent.

Once they do, don't coaches have to be willing to take them back?

Yes, that's the risk they take when entering the portal.

Jersey77 wrote: ↑2 months ago

NYGFan_Section208 wrote: ↑2 months ago

spookydog wrote: ↑2 months ago Honestly I expect many players on most teams to put their names in the portal. Many of those players probably will come back & play for the original team again, they just may want to see what interest is out there? Kind of like players who would put their name in the NBA draft but didn't sign with an agent.

Once they do, don't coaches have to be willing to take them back?

Yes, that's the risk they take when entering the portal.

What are the parameters around this free agency window?
I'm guessing players have to declare that they are in it, by a certain date?
Do they have to be signed with another team by a certain date?

Portalpalooza!

NYGFan_Section208 wrote: ↑2 months ago

Jersey77 wrote: ↑2 months ago

NYGFan_Section208 wrote: ↑2 months ago

Once they do, don't coaches have to be willing to take them back?

Yes, that's the risk they take when entering the portal.

What are the parameters around this free agency window?
I'm guessing players have to declare that they are in it, by a certain date?
Do they have to be signed with another team by a certain date?

Portalpalooza!

Yeah there are dates that the portal opens and closes , Jersey usually knows them

I would think in most cases the coach and player meet and decides what’s best for the player , the player may want to leave and the coach may not want him back stuff like that

NYGFan_Section208 wrote: ↑2 months ago

Jersey77 wrote: ↑2 months ago

NYGFan_Section208 wrote: ↑2 months ago

Once they do, don't coaches have to be willing to take them back?

Yes, that's the risk they take when entering the portal.

What are the parameters around this free agency window?
I'm guessing players have to declare that they are in it, by a certain date?
Do they have to be signed with another team by a certain date?

Portalpalooza!

Official portal date March 18 - May 1st.
No specific deadline to sign with the school.

Jersey77 wrote: ↑2 months ago

NYGFan_Section208 wrote: ↑2 months ago

Jersey77 wrote: ↑2 months ago

Yes, that's the risk they take when entering the portal.

What are the parameters around this free agency window?
I'm guessing players have to declare that they are in it, by a certain date?
Do they have to be signed with another team by a certain date?

Portalpalooza!

Official portal date March 18 - May 1st.
No specific deadline to sign with the school.

So, possible to sign a guy up til September?

NYGFan_Section208 wrote: ↑2 months ago

Jersey77 wrote: ↑2 months ago

NYGFan_Section208 wrote: ↑2 months ago

What are the parameters around this free agency window?
I'm guessing players have to declare that they are in it, by a certain date?
Do they have to be signed with another team by a certain date?

Portalpalooza!

Official portal date March 18 - May 1st.
No specific deadline to sign with the school.

So, possible to sign a guy up til September?

Yes, but since transfers have to enter the portal by 5/1, they would want to settle in and practice with their new team for summer workouts. Also be able to join the team if they have summer trips.

Very rare that they would wait that long before signing.
Many are approached by programs almost immediately when entering the portal.

I think some coaches want to set a standard and are not willing to be played. Thinking the coach makes it clear to the player what his status is and that if the player puts his name in the portal, many coaches will not take them back. Good for them !

McRam wrote: ↑2 months ago I think some coaches want to set a standard and are not willing to be played. Thinking the coach makes it clear to the player what his status is and that if the player puts his name in the portal, many coaches will not take them back. Good for them !

I agree. Would be interesting to know how many players enter the 'plooza and re-up with the same team. 10%? 20? 0?

Jersey77 wrote: ↑2 months ago

NYGFan_Section208 wrote: ↑2 months ago

Jersey77 wrote: ↑2 months ago

Official portal date March 18 - May 1st.
No specific deadline to sign with the school.

So, possible to sign a guy up til September?

Yes, but since transfers have to enter the portal by 5/1, they would want to settle in and practice with their new team for summer workouts. Also be able to join the team if they have summer trips.

Very rare that they would wait that long before signing.
Many are approached by programs almost immediately when entering the portal.

So no entering til Monday after selection Sunday.
Then no more entering after May 1st

But if I enter Portal and commit to a team but then that team adds 8 more via Portapalooza and it looks like I’m collecting splinters next year can I reenter Portapalooza? Can I reenter how late in the transfer season? October?

ramster wrote: ↑2 months ago

Jersey77 wrote: ↑2 months ago

NYGFan_Section208 wrote: ↑2 months ago

So, possible to sign a guy up til September?

Yes, but since transfers have to enter the portal by 5/1, they would want to settle in and practice with their new team for summer workouts. Also be able to join the team if they have summer trips.

Very rare that they would wait that long before signing.
Many are approached by programs almost immediately when entering the portal.

So no entering til Monday after selection Sunday.
Then no more entering after May 1st

But if I enter Portal and commit to a team but then that team adds 8 more via Portapalooza and it looks like I’m collecting splinters next year can I reenter Portapalooza? Can I reenter how late in the transfer season? October?

Players can transfer later, but I think they are not eligible to play for that season and would have to sit.

Jersey77 wrote: ↑2 months ago

ramster wrote: ↑2 months ago

Jersey77 wrote: ↑2 months ago

Yes, but since transfers have to enter the portal by 5/1, they would want to settle in and practice with their new team for summer workouts. Also be able to join the team if they have summer trips.

Very rare that they would wait that long before signing.
Many are approached by programs almost immediately when entering the portal.

So no entering til Monday after selection Sunday.
Then no more entering after May 1st

But if I enter Portal and commit to a team but then that team adds 8 more via Portapalooza and it looks like I’m collecting splinters next year can I reenter Portapalooza? Can I reenter how late in the transfer season? October?

Players can transfer later, but I think they are not eligible to play for that season and would have to sit.

So when is the final deadline to commit and be eligible to play in November?
And if I’m an incoming freshman but many Portapaloozza Transfers get signed by my team and my playing time odds look bad I can de-commit and sign with another team up until what date?
Suppose Archie signs a veteran PG who looks like a sure starter? Or Kenny J takes a job elsewhere, Hammond can leave and keep eligibility right?

ramster wrote: ↑2 months ago

Jersey77 wrote: ↑2 months ago

ramster wrote: ↑2 months ago

So no entering til Monday after selection Sunday.
Then no more entering after May 1st

But if I enter Portal and commit to a team but then that team adds 8 more via Portapalooza and it looks like I’m collecting splinters next year can I reenter Portapalooza? Can I reenter how late in the transfer season? October?

Players can transfer later, but I think they are not eligible to play for that season and would have to sit.

So when is the final deadline to commit and be eligible to play in November?

Not sure probably by the enrollment period.

I believe once a player signs with a school and later changes their mind that player is no longer in the portal and needs to go through that process again.

Seems like it's gonna be a few months of wide open cluster...

Not surprising, but too bad, I do feel like there is some potential there.

adam914 wrote: ↑1 month ago Not surprising, but too bad, I do feel like there is some potential there.

Ya, we all knew this was happening. Good luck to Fou.

Assuming Rory will be next.

What a waste. Very disappointed.

Now that Fou is gone should we look for another young raw replacement to go along with Fuchs and maybe Brown.
Or do we go with an immediate impact veteran possibly a 1-year loaner.

I know based on our recent history we aren't going to get the top bigs in the portal.
So we probably have to be a little realistic.

Here is another name that is entering the portal;

Grad center Amari Williams from Drexel (6'10"/250) averaged 12 pts/ 8 rebs.

First of several to come.

What level of transfer we bring in to replace the departures will tell us a lot.

Higher level of player will indicate that there is more NIL money to distribute.

If not, then another shitty season awaits.

Be interesting to see where Big Fou lands

Hope he finds a decent spot seems like a good kid

rambone 78 wrote: ↑1 month ago First of several to come.

What level of transfer we bring in to replace the departures will tell us a lot.

Higher level of player will indicate that there is more NIL money to distribute.

If not, then another shitty season awaits.

I expect our NIL to be at least competitive with programs at our level.

If it just comes down to the highest bidder, it will be tough to compete with the power conferences.

We wont be able to compete with top P5 programs for recruits. That's a fact that wont change no matter how much NIL money we could offer them.

We have to win a few battles against our peers, the Daytons and VCU's of the world. Adam just made that point.

That's top of our league. Not the top of the sport.

Spook5365 wrote: ↑1 month ago What a waste. Very disappointed.

Yes, totally agree. Unless he was a complete team wrecker and locker room cancer. Again ya can’t teach 6’11’ freshmen with some raw skills. I would call it a stain on Archie’s resume to miss with this kid.

rambone 78 wrote: ↑1 month ago We wont be able to compete with top P5 programs for recruits. That's a fact that wont change no matter how much NIL money we could offer them.

We have to win a few battles against our peers, the Daytons and VCU's of the world. Adam just made that point.

That's top of our league. Not the top of the sport.

I think we will be able to compete with them Bone.

The rest comes down to relationships and how that player feels they will fit in and get along with the team.

More important is the staff being able to first identify players that will make an impact.

Spook5365 wrote: ↑1 month ago What a waste. Very disappointed.

Yes, I am disappointed also.

I felt when he came here and when we got our first look at him in practice, he can be a difference maker.
He has great size and athleticism, just raw, needs to be coached up and develop.

Didn’t we have someone head to the portal and then stay? This would suck.

Rhodymob05 wrote: ↑1 month ago Didn’t we have someone head to the portal and then stay? This would suck.

Ish, in '22 when Archie first arrived.
That won't be the case here.

Yes Archie will have to recruit guys who wont be a cancer in the team, be able to play defense and actually shoot FT's better than I can.

He obviously whiffed on a few he brought in for this season. Can't do that any more.

Jersey77 wrote: ↑1 month ago Now that Fou is gone should we look for another young raw replacement to go along with Fuchs and maybe Brown.
Or do we go with an immediate impact veteran possibly a 1-year loaner.

I know based on our recent history we aren't going to get the top bigs in the portal.
So we probably have to be a little realistic.

Here is another name that is entering the portal;

Grad center Amari Williams from Drexel (6'10"/250) averaged 12 pts/ 8 rebs.

How about someone like Adulokam from Loyola or Cohan from UMass. We obviously Missed on them! Were their others A10 bigs that we also missed on this pastSeason?

We desperately need a rim protector. Clearly Fuchs does not fill this need and is the reason I am not bullish on Fuchs being our savior at the 5.

McRam wrote: ↑1 month ago

Jersey77 wrote: ↑1 month ago Now that Fou is gone should we look for another young raw replacement to go along with Fuchs and maybe Brown.
Or do we go with an immediate impact veteran possibly a 1-year loaner.

I know based on our recent history we aren't going to get the top bigs in the portal.
So we probably have to be a little realistic.

Here is another name that is entering the portal;

Grad center Amari Williams from Drexel (6'10"/250) averaged 12 pts/ 8 rebs.

How about someone like Adulokam from Loyola or Cohan from UMass. We obviously Missed on them! Were their others A10 bigs that we also missed on this pastSeason?

We desperately need a rim protector. Clearly Fuchs does not fill this need and is the reason I am not bullish on Fuchs being our savior at the 5.

Yep both of them would have worked.

In '22, I really wanted Archie to go after 7' center Neal Quinn from Lafayette.
I live close and saw him play several times.
he turned out to be a pretty good get for Richmond.

Big Fou started the season really strong and had big games in the 2nd and 3rd games of the year

Wonder if him and Arch never saw things the same way ?

Foumena to the portal. Almost reminds me of a Tom Izzo type big, could make an impact as a P5 role player if given the qopportunity. Only thing lacking is his decision making. Absolutely has the athleticism and tools.

I had a man come up to me, and he said, he didn’t just say it, a man came up to me with tears in his eyes, a big man and he said “thank you for spreading the word to support URI women’s basketball”

Big Fou is a TOUGH loss, kid has real potential. Young 6’11” with a handle? Guy gets his weight up and his 3 ball going he’s a game changer. Hopefully we can keep some of the other young blood: Estevez, Fuchs etc.

reef wrote: ↑1 month ago Big Fou started the season really strong and had big games in the 2nd and 3rd games of the year

Wonder if him and Arch never saw things the same way ?

He has a highlight reel from this year on youtube. I’m not sure I would have put the 3 point bank shots on it! Too bad he’s gone though, I could see the potential.

reef wrote: ↑1 month ago Big Fou started the season really strong and had big games in the 2nd and 3rd games of the year

Wonder if him and Arch never saw things the same way ?

Yes, we will probably neva know what the issues were. I would have to think shot selection was an issue. But with those demonstrated skills amazing to me it didn’t’t work out. Unless there off court stuff that could not be resolved. After all said and done,yes can’t teach height. Someone famous said.