[Cactus Jack]

Jasper Johnson, Malachi Moreno, and Acaden Lewis are in. Wondering how the rest of the class takes shape and how Pope plans to use Garrison next year if he's back. His offense looks like it relies on a five who can either handle, pass, or shoot really well, is at least above average for his position at another and passable at minimum for the least of his skills.

What's the deal with Caleb Wilson? Honestly impressed with Pope just being in the picture considering that this was originally a Calipari offer on a Top 5-10 level talent that we don't have anyone on staff with an obvious tie to (unless there's something I'm missing).

Don't see how we can't bring Oweh back. He's one of my favorite players on this team and I hope he makes it in the NBA, but there are handfuls of guys with better physical measurables in the D-League hoping for a two-way contract and chance to play themselves in. In the NIL world, it's probably a better financial and strategic decision to get the kind of NIL money that he deserves before risking it on the NBA, D-League, or one of the Euro leagues. (Tangent, but Oweh is the kind of guy that made me a fan of college players getting paid-- lays it all on the line for his team and brings them tons of revenue but probably won't have an NBA career where he really gets a bag... still worth much more to a college program than a scholarship and whatever any big program might have previously provided under the table.

If we're going into next season with Garrison as a back-up five who plays a lot for his defense and athleticism that could work, but I'd think you are in a bit of a bind as far as promising him what he probably wants (or could get from another school) and also bringing in a recruit or someone in the transfer portal that's a better fit for Pope's system to play over him.

Assuming that none of the incoming signees back-out, and that Moreno, Noah, and Perry aren't going to be ready to see anything more than spot duty. Also assuming that Chandler will be back (could see a transfer to BYU or somewhere closer to home) and that he could figure things out as he gets back into shape and catches up to the speed of the game.

Whether through recruiting or the portal, think we probably bring in:
- Back-up PG, probably someone out of the portal that's experienced and defensive-minded
- 3 and D wing
- Stretch 4 and/or Stretch 5... at least one will be a facilitator more like Williams than Carr
- SHOOTERS (that one probably goes without saying)


Pope offers that I'd mentioned in the first post who've now signed:
Peterson - Kansas
Dybantsa - BYU
Mullins - UConn
Reibe - UConn
Bundalo - Washington
Cenac - Houston
Yessoufou - Baylor

Think Yesoufou is a great pick-up for Baylor. He's the kind of player that they had during their championship run. That was one of the tougher defensive teams that actually won it that I've seen in awhile. Was hoping that Hart's California connection could reel him in. Would have liked to see him coming off the lifts and getting downhill attacking the rim.


Pope offers mentioned above who are uncommitted or unsigned:

Brayden Burries - has removed UK from his official list per most sources

Nate Ament - going on an official to Chapel Hill in Feb. for the UNC/Duke game, we'll probably have some ground to make up if we miss on Wilson and try to go all-in on him. Virginia is the only non-blue blood that I'd give a real shot-- will be interesting to see if the hometown school's new staff makes a big play. He's also signed a deal with Reebok-- I heard Georgetown (which is in the DMV area but doesn't have a new coach) had a guy named Iverson that people may have heard of. He was the face of Reebok at one point. This is entirely me reading tea leaves, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Hoyas put on a full court press and get into the picture.