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I can't repeat everything I have heard. But I can confirm that SLU is definitely interested in Stockard, Okoro and that Ford really likes Russell. What that means in terms of possible roster moves idk but I heard Diarra might be leaving.

Here's what would meet Frank's test of "fans should be excited," while still passing the Roy requirement of not pulling anyone's scholarship. MD sees the playing time writing on the wall and transfers to a school back east; Okoro signs on (taking the MD sch. slot) and takes next year as his redshirt leaving him with 2 yrs to play; Nesbitt verbals to SLU for the following class! (Icing on the cake-Kern verbals along with Nesbitt). That would be my dream scenario ! As Old Guy would say, "It could happen, or not."

Also if I get to choose, I’m going with okoro over stockard

Just listened to the Earl interview. Loved it. Earl lived up to his nickname as the awesome one.

Landing Kern, a player is who is potentially a starter as an upperclassman, would be good news. Re-establishing a relationship with a local school that is producing more D-1 recruits than anytime in its history, is what would make it exciting.

Even though he misses on a few predictions, I am really glad we have a prominent local sports personality like Frank who talks Billikens Basketball frequently unlike the other local radio hosts. One other TV guy who covers the Bills more than most, is Martin K on Fox 2.

Cusumano just said on his show that while he can’t get into details, “things are brewing”, not only for this recruiting class, but for the next one too, and Billikens fans should be excited about it.

Are we really chasing players out, or are we waiting to see how the outcome of French and Goodwin applying for the NBA draft works out? Coaches have to cover all angles, as you all know. I think French and Goodwin will be back for next season, but I do not believe this is a 100% certain outcome. Therefore I think Ford is well served by keeping some options open, just in case he has to exercise them. Keeping options open can be done at least for a period of time.

in the late 60's early 70's there were probably 3-4 times the number of shriners there are today. moolah would have been hopping as they and Ainad (Illinois version locally which i am a part of) were a top 10 Temples in the world back then. both outstanding buildings. the cost to replicate the ornate detail would never be done in today's world.

This is going to be a crazy couple of weeks. I am excited

if you add, "but it is your decision. we are not going to make you leave or take away your scholarship." i'd be real good with that phrasing.

Ha I went to a midnight showing of Big Lebowski at Moolah as well. I don't recall the exact year but 2008 makes sense since that would be the 10 year anniversary. Pounded white Russians the entire movie.

For what it's worth, I don't get the sense that Nesbitt is planning to commit anytime in the near future. If a 2021 guy were to commit soon, my money would be on Kern (who would be a fantastic pickup).

Looking at how adding Okoro and Nesbitt to the active 2021-22 roster would impact the Billikens "Program," getting Okoro would serve as the perfect replacement for French for 2 yrs and Nesbitt could immediately step into the Goodwin slot for the next 4. Along with all the other outstanding players who will be on those rosters (the last two years recruiting classes) and we will have turned into a Nova/Creighton/Xavier level Program!

as long as the player makes the decision. i am good with that.

My gut on Ford says he's probably real with the players on their potential to play. I believe most D1 players would think just as I do if I was in that situation. I'd rather leave and play. I know SLU is a good education, but there are plenty of schools where I can get a good education.

Bad post. Not cause you're wrong or anything, just it's so depressing to even think about.

https://www.wlky.com/article/uofl-believes-its-made-breakthrough-in-covid-19-treatment-works-to-fast-track-approval/32240538 A promising breakthrough...no side effects and can be ramped out quickly....on fast track for FDA approval

I always thought it could make a great concert venue. If you want to see some cool pictures of what midtown looked like in the late 70's and read about the history of the area, here is the link to the area's nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. The pictures start on page 43. https://dnr.mo.gov/shpo/nps-nr/78003392.pdf

Finally caught up on the Earl, Welmer and Raboin interviews. They were all strong and well-done, though you could tell Welmer probably cared less about some of those games when he was injured than we did haha. Raboin was a really good sport walking through the last two years. Earl was as classy as usual. Whatever the basketball gods did to curse us with Guy Phillips, they more than made up for it by gifting us Rammer and Earl.

Bishop had a redshirt year when he was hurt, a redshirt year when he was suspended, a redshirt year when he transferred. And yet here we are where we are not 100% convinced that Jimerson will get a redshirt.

Sounds to me that coach thinks one player is leaving, and he is telling Phil, Stockard, and Okoro that whoever wants it will need to be ready to claim it, and not wait around.

Agreed. I haven't seen Russell and have heard mixed things, so I am currently on swap Diarra for Okoro and call it a day. I know Okoro has some limitations, but he is exactly what I would target in a big, relentless rebounder and rim protector with a NBA body. And a year off will not only allow him to heal up, but also work on some of those offensive limitations. I have my mask on and the bag ready, where am I going with this?

Physically he might be borderline. Not tall. Not crazy long. Not the most explosive player on the floor. May have trouble creating his own shot in the beginning. BUT I truly think Phil is a DOG. He loves to play defense. His jumper will translate anywhere he goes. I think he works super hard on and off the floor. After seeing him play quite alot the past couple years this is the video that did it for me. Not sure exactly why. But I just love the way he plays and his attitude on and off the court.

I would think that he is. My hesitation with Russell, though, isn't specific to him. We have a PG who averaged over 31 minutes a game as a freshman. Would you really want to be another 5-10 guard in the class immediately behind him? I would want at least one class in between YC and the next true PG or it seems like a recipe for a frustrated player who would transfer in a year or two.

Crews era so toxic has to be measured in half lives.

I hope his next transfer is as successful as his last. I mean that in the bet way. Good luck to him.

And dorks like me who saw Goodwin play a lot in high school would finally get to see him truly playing the PF position which continues to best utilize his skill set! Obviously need to see those 5 playing together, but that is a really talented 5 with a lot of talent on the bench. It is going to be an awesome season, glad we upgraded our season tickets last summer! Now I just need to retain my job so we can afford them... A lot of potential lineups we can throw out there, really impressive to see the talent that Ford and his coaching staff have brought on campus.

This is fun another thread about Coronavirus and the NCAA.

A full season of Jimerson and Perkins on the floor will clear the paint significantly for Goodwin and French. Add in Collins' passing and vision and I think you have dynamic (but small) lineup. And by dynamic, I mean like a lineup that could go to the Final Four.

OK, I will be the first to say it: (at least I would guess I'm the first; I have not read through the scores of pages on here): But will there even be a season in the fall? Everyday we hear about another school committing to online fall schedules only. And phase 2 will probably be MUCH worse than this one: https://thewayofimprovement.com/2020/04/21/cdc-the-second-wave-of-the-coronavirus-could-be-deadlier/