2023 Returnees

I am ABSOLUTELY not looking past this season and what’s to come, but a Tweet from Adam Baum this morning juiced this thread.
The Potential list of returnees next year is amazing! One can dream can’t one?
-Eligible to return with Covid Years
Jack Nunge
Zach Freemantle
Jerome Hunter
Colby Jones
Des Claude
Cam Kraft
KyKyTandy
Cesare Edwards
Elijah Tucker
Dieonte Miles
Plus the 3 new recruits

Souley and Kunk are definitely done.

Who will come back?
I think Jack is definitely leaving. I think he made a pact with his wife to play one more year, this one, and go make money after he got married last summer.
I just have this feeling that Zach, Jerome and Colby may want to run it back one more time with Sean. I could be dead wrong but fingers crossed!! Like I said. One can dream!

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Originally Posted by Masterofreality

I am ABSOLUTELY not looking past this season and what’s to come, but a Tweet from Adam Baum this morning juiced this thread.
The Potential list of returnees next year is amazing! One can dream can’t one?
-Eligible to return with Covid Years
Jack Nunge
Zach Freemantle
Jerome Hunter
Colby Jones
Des Claude
Cam Kraft
KyKyTandy
Cesare Edwards
Elijah Tucker
Dieonte Miles
Plus the 3 new recruits

Souley and Kunk are definitely done.

Who will come back?
I think Jack is definitely leaving. I think he made a pact with his wife to play one more year, this one, and go make money after he got married last summer.
I just have this feeling that Zach, Jerome and Colby may want to run it back one more time with Sean. I could be dead wrong but fingers crossed!! Like I said. One can dream!

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For once, I agree with you, MOR. Nunge goes, but the other three come back.

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Originally Posted by Masterofreality

I am ABSOLUTELY not looking past this season and what’s to come, but a Tweet from Adam Baum this morning juiced this thread.
The Potential list of returnees next year is amazing! One can dream can’t one?
-Eligible to return with Covid Years
Jack Nunge
Zach Freemantle
Jerome Hunter
Colby Jones
Des Claude
Cam Kraft
KyKyTandy
Cesare Edwards
Elijah Tucker
Dieonte Miles
Plus the 3 new recruits

Souley and Kunk are definitely done.

Who will come back?
I think Jack is definitely leaving. I think he made a pact with his wife to play one more year, this one, and go make money after he got married last summer.
I just have this feeling that Zach, Jerome and Colby may want to run it back one more time with Sean. I could be dead wrong but fingers crossed!! Like I said. One can dream!

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four new recruits, I believe.

I see next year as a semi rebuilding year. Hard to say with transfer portal, but in saying that I think Freemantle/nunge/jones all leave. I’m not looking past this year. I’m really excited for the PG coming in next year and think Sean still will put a top 4 big East team together.

Just can’t see it being better than this year and that’s why those three leave. Hunter stays and is a leader next year.

There was a post earlier this week quoting a service that identified Colby as a first round draft pick. Of course, that's speculation and a lot can change in the course of a season. Nevertheless, Colby's name is consistently linked with the NBA draft and I see zero (yes, zero) probability of him returning and passing up a shot to play at that level. To the extent NBA scouts tell Colby or possibly Free that another year at the collegiate level may make them more attractive, then they may stay. However, there seems to be no chance (based upon what I've read) that Colby is not drafted so I think he heads out after this year. Free maybe stays but if I were betting, I think he's gone too and Nunge has publicly stated that he wants to play overseas next year.

I do not see much potential to play for the names after Tandy and I think even Ky Ky's opportunity is a bit dicey. I would encourage them to transfer.

So, I'm with Xavier. Next year is "semi-rebuilding" but the transfer portal changes the expectation of what that term means. Miller has stated he's going to be looking for some big bodies up front. I think X will be a very attractive place and we will likely add some good players.

I would like to see Jerome next year. He reminds me of the 2007-2008 Jason Love.
Maybe he can have some of the same success.

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Originally Posted by Jumpin_Jamal_Forever

There was a post earlier this week quoting a service that identified Colby as a first round draft pick. Of course, that's speculation and a lot can change in the course of a season. Nevertheless, Colby's name is consistently linked with the NBA draft and I see zero (yes, zero) probability of him returning and passing up a shot to play at that level. To the extent NBA scouts tell Colby or possibly Free that another year at the collegiate level may make them more attractive, then they may stay. However, there seems to be no chance (based upon what I've read) that Colby is not drafted so I think he heads out after this year. Free maybe stays but if I were betting, I think he's gone too and Nunge has publicly stated that he wants to play overseas next year.

I do not see much potential to play for the names after Tandy and I think even Ky Ky's opportunity is a bit dicey. I would encourage them to transfer.

So, I'm with Xavier. Next year is "semi-rebuilding" but the transfer portal changes the expectation of what that term means. Miller has stated he's going to be looking for some big bodies up front. I think X will be a very attractive place and we will likely add some good players.

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I see Colby going as well and if he is getting late first round early 2nd feedback, he should. He needs to really turn it on though the rest of the year. I can actually see Zach return though. Europe will always be there for him and who knows maybe an NBA takes a chance on him as a free agent type thing. He has shown he can shoot the ball and could have a role somewhere with one more year of development with Sean and the strength coach to get stronger. I see at least two transfers coming in, if not more, with the 4 recruits already signed.

Of course we have no idea what is happening at practice or what the staff is telling individuals about their potential for playing time the rest of this year, or in the future. So when talking about the backups, it’s really hard to say who might or might not stay. However, it wouldn’t surprise me if Tucker, Miles, and Tandy all went into the portal. It also wouldn’t surprise me if any of them stayed, but I doubt that all of them will. Think that Edwards and Hunter will both stay. I also see Freemantle, Nunge, and Jones all leaving after this year. It’s time for them to move on and start making some real money playing the game. They could all stay, but I highly doubt it.

The returning roster could easily be just:
Hunter
Edwards
Claude
Kraft

4 freshman recruits

A number of transfers 2-3-4? How many may depend on if one or more of the 3 backups returns. Miles being local may be the most likely. He could return, get his degree and still have a year left to go play somewhere else. Or maybe he finishes his degree work over the summer and leaves to play elsewhere for 2 years? Who knows? Same goes for Tandy. I see no scenario where Tucker stays.

It will most likely be a rebuilding year, but those can be fun too.

Not at practice so I don’t know but based on the fact that miller only plays them in absolute dire situations or not at all, I’d be shocked if miles, Tucker, Edwards are on the roster next year. Think we have seen enough to understand that Mike’s and Edwards can’t play at this level.

I’ll also be extremely surprised if free, jones come back. What would be the reason for them wanting to? Go make your money gentlemen.

Should get some great transfers in along with the recruits… I for one expect to see an almost complete overhaul of the roster next year.

Every end of season for past 5 years has had similar predictions for multiple players to transfer. It commonly is stated that "these players who don't play much will likely transfer".

But other than Ben Stanley and Odom, everybody returned for this season.
And surprisingly the 2021 off-season didn't have many players transfer.
Same could be said for 2020 and 2019 offseason. For whatever the reason, X retained a good amount of players who didn't paly much.

I think Sean puts his stamp on the roster next year. I think players that get limited minutes like KyKy, Edwards, Tucker and Miles will be gone. Nunge, Free, Colby, and Hunter will return if they want to. Will probably see a couple stay and a couple go. I know the draft boards have Colby creeping in the first round - but I'm skeptical. At a minimum, he's making alot of money in Europe. Probably all of those 4 will.

Cam Kraft will get his shot next year, as will the new recruits. They will absolutely need his shooting. Claude will be have an expanded role undoubtedly in the starting line-up. The transfer portal will fill the gaps.

"Rebuilding year" should not be in the vocabulary anymore. Same expectations of making the tournament and periodic runs should exist for everyone. I can guarantee you Sean expects this and will to get us a roster to get us there.

A deep tournament run this year will further open up the transfer interest. The obvious need in my eyes will be more shooters - losing Kunk and Souley is huge from an outside threat perspective.

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Originally Posted by drudy23

I think Sean puts his stamp on the roster next year. I think players that get limited minutes like KyKy, Edwards, Tucker and Miles will be gone. Nunge, Free, Colby, and Hunter will return if they want to. Will probably see a couple stay and a couple go. I know the draft boards have Colby creeping in the first round - but I'm skeptical. At a minimum, he's making alot of money in Europe. Probably all of those 4 will.

Cam Kraft will get his shot next year, as will the new recruits. They will absolutely need his shooting. Claude will be have an expanded role undoubtedly in the starting line-up. The transfer portal will fill the gaps.

"Rebuilding year" should not be in the vocabulary anymore. Same expectations of making the tournament and periodic runs should exist for everyone. I can guarantee you Sean expects this and will to get us a roster to get us there.

A deep tournament run this year will further open up the transfer interest. The obvious need in my eyes will be more shooters - losing Kunk and Colby is huge from an outside threat perspective.

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I 100% agree with the bold. Turning it around quickly and a nice tournament run would help Sean sell the program immensely!

There’s nothing wrong with saying rebuilding, when that’s exactly what it is. The reason that it is rebuilding and not reloading is because of where the roster is. There just aren’t quality underclassmen on the roster right now that are probably coming back, other than Claude and possibly Kraft. The others….Miles, Tandy, Tucker, and maybe Edwards…are misses. (I still have some hope that Edwards can develop, and think that he will be back.) They will have to rebuild using the transfer portal and the freshman class. But even if they bring in 4 new all-American transfers they still have to be built into a cohesive TEAM. Give Miller another year or so to get the recruiting pipeline up and rolling and they can go back to reloading again, but there have been a few years of missed classes (other than 2 players) and it will take a little time for them to overcome that. Let’s remember that 4 of their current top 6 players are transfers!

I think Nunge, Jones, and Freemantle are all gone assuming some NIL situation doesn't come up. Depending on how the season ends for Hunter I think that could go either way. Claude I would have to assume will come back, and I hope that's true for Kraft as well and he isn't mad about playing time. Not sure what to think of Tandy, Edwards, Tucker, and Miles. Those guys may as well transfer since they basically have gotten no playing time.

If someone holds a gun to my head, like some on this board would love to, I think that Elijah and Dieonte will leave with a 50/50 or more chance that Cam does to. He’s getting zero time now in a situation where we REALLY could use some depth and Sean obviously recruited over him with Ducharme, who seems to be the exact same player. Plus he will be “Sean’s guy”.
I know Dionte wants to stay close to home but I could see him easily reuniting with The Former Guy in Oxford or going to NKY. Size is always in demand so I doubt he would have a problem finding a home.
Edwards is at least getting a look, but only in necessity. At this point, I think KyKy stays. I’m still bullish on Jerome and Colby staying. Zach? Hard to tell.

I hope Ducharme is going to be ready. He would be IMO a replacement for Colby. I mean the regular Colby, not the NIT Ray Allen clone Jones.
He is a good defenders and a shooter.

Edwards might blossom with Miller, I would like to see him work with Jerome, Des and Reid.

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Originally Posted by drudy23

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"Rebuilding year" should not be in the vocabulary anymore. Same expectations of making the tournament and periodic runs should exist for everyone. I can guarantee you Sean expects this and will to get us a roster to get us there.

A deep tournament run this year will further open up the transfer interest. The obvious need in my eyes will be more shooters - losing Kunk and Colby is huge from an outside threat perspective.

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The expectation is always making the tournament. Rebuilding year as in not expecting much once you do. That’s a semi rebuilding year in my eyes.

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Originally Posted by drudy23

I know the draft boards have Colby creeping in the first round - but I'm skeptical. At a minimum, he's making alot of money in Europe. Probably all of those 4 will.

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A lot can obviously happen rest of season, tournament, combines, etc. but I looked at 5 mock drafts just now all done this month, and 4 out of the 5 have Colby as a 1st round pick. Highest was #22, lowest (and only 2nd rd) was 38. The average number of all 5 was 27.8. So definitely borderline 1st at this point but probably hard to resist if that close. Never know though. Would love to see him come back.

Unless there is an issue we are unaware of, I see no reason that Craft would leave.

All freshmen who don't play much are upset, but he knows he's up against guys with much more experience and time in the system. He knows it takes time to crack the lineup, much less become a starter.

And his fellow frosh happens to be accelerating both physically and on the court in a way Craft isn't.

That doesn't mean Miller can't help Craft develop into a good four year player.

He's learned the system and style. That's valuable even if next year's freshmen are really talented. With the two main guards leaving after this year he's due to compete.

Other players brag about him hitting shots really well in practice, so I'm guessing it's an adjustment to the size and speed. That can take a while, but he'll get stronger and learn how to handle the ball and defend better. Seems premature to think he's out the door.

Can Claude follow in Jones' steps and be a better shooter, better rebounder, and better overall guard than Colby by Claude's junior year?
They both look in control comfortable with the ball.

Can he? I fully expect him to. As for Jones- found it interesting his post game comments regarding seeing his buddy Kunkel emotional at sr night. Something along the lines of “it’s hard knowing this is his last game in the arena and he won’t be here with us next year”

Do I think he is announcing he is coming back? No. But the way he said it with no hesitation just made me think it’s still up in the air. He isn’t committed either way

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Originally Posted by Masterofreality

If someone holds a gun to my head, like some on this board would love to, I think that Elijah and Dieonte will leave with a 50/50 or more chance that Cam does to. He’s getting zero time now in a situation where we REALLY could use some depth and Sean obviously recruited over him with Ducharme, who seems to be the exact same player. Plus he will be “Sean’s guy”.
I know Dionte wants to stay close to home but I could see him easily reuniting with The Former Guy in Oxford or going to NKY. Size is always in demand so I doubt he would have a problem finding a home.
Edwards is at least getting a look, but only in necessity. At this point, I think KyKy stays. I’m still bullish on Jerome and Colby staying. Zach? Hard to tell.

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Don't think Cam leaves and don't view recruitment of Ducharme as a rejection of Craft----always need shooters and Craft has shown he can shoot. I don't see a role for KyKy but hope he finds a spot somewhere. Colby surely is gone. The risk of career ending injury looms much larger when he seems to have a pretty good chance to be drafted. If he is going to be drafted why, on earth, would he risk coming back?

I have been down on Edwards but see more potential in him the last few games. He appeared to be playing with confidence last night until he was pulled after that ridiculous call giving him his third foul. Jerome, I think, will stay and play an even bigger role. Would folks agree that Hunter is next year's S.A.K.?

Free----who knows?

Cannot wait to see our new Freshman P.G. I think he starts and runs offense from day one.

Very interested to see who Miller brings in from the transfer portal. Number One priority has to be an Aircraft Carrier---a Sanogo type player to anchor the frontcourt.

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Originally Posted by Jumpin_Jamal_Forever

Don't think Cam leaves and don't view recruitment of Ducharme as a rejection of Craft----always need shooters and Craft has shown he can shoot. I don't see a role for KyKy but hope he finds a spot somewhere. Colby surely is gone. The risk of career ending injury looms much larger when he seems to have a pretty good chance to be drafted. If he is going to be drafted why, on earth, would he risk coming back?

I have been down on Edwards but see more potential in him the last few games. He appeared to be playing with confidence last night until he was pulled after that ridiculous call giving him his third foul. Jerome, I think, will stay and play an even bigger role. Would folks agree that Hunter is next year's S.A.K.?

Free----who knows?

Cannot wait to see our new Freshman P.G. I think he starts and runs offense from day one.

Very interested to see who Miller brings in from the transfer portal. Number One priority has to be an Aircraft Carrier---a Sanogo type player to anchor the frontcourt.

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Yeah, I’ve changed on Colby. He’s going to The League. He’s just scratching his upside.
This then “may” open a door for Cam to stay. I’m convinced Jerome is back. I hear if Jack can round up enough NIL money then he will stay. He loves school, Sean and this team and rounding up enough bucks will satisfy his wife to stick around. Cesare is finally carving out a place on this team. Remember how we used to talk about Player Development?
Free is a total wild card, as he always seems to be. There are reasons for that that I really cannot disclose.

I’d love for X to snag the combo guard from New Zealand, Dontae Russo-Nance. He seems to have a good game, visited X in December. He might reclassify and be able to come next year, otherwise going to Oak Hills. 6’4- can really shoot the ball and drive a little. Think him and green as the backcourt future would be fantastic mixed in with Claude. Would definitely be small but could see all three on the court at once. As for Nance- Gonzaga has also shown interest as well as Louisville.


*all my analysis of Nance is on a handful of highlight clips. : )

I get the Colby and Des comparisons at this point of their respective careers. Solid D, good drivers, and needs/needed work on outside 3’s. One big difference is Des being a true PG.

If his shot continues to improve, look out! Especially if Green comes in as advertised. Sean has said he would like to play two shooting PG’s at the same time.

So, what do you think the over/under is for Miller in the portal for next year?

Without knowing (for sure) who is leaving besides Boum and Kunk. I'm thinking 2.5

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Originally Posted by UCGRAD4X

So, what do you think the over/under is for Miller in the portal for next year?

Without knowing (for sure) who is leaving besides Boum and Kunk. I'm thinking 2.5

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We only get 1/2 a player???? :-)
If only half, give me one who is 14 feet tall!!
I actually think 2 Portal, 1 International plus our 3 new recruits. I haven’t done the math but I also figure 1 gone to the Draft, one transfer, the three signed recruits.

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Originally Posted by Masterofreality

We only get 1/2 a player???? :-)
If only half, give me one who is 14 feet tall!!
I actually think 2 Portal, 1 International plus our 3 new recruits. I haven’t done the math but I also figure 1 gone to the Draft, one transfer, the three signed recruits.

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We have 4 recruits: Green, Ducharme, Swain and Nzeh.

With those 4, and with Kunk and Boum gone for sure, we would have 14 guys on scholly next year, assuming nothing else changes.

With the Covid 5-year rule in place, I have no idea how many schollies are allowed....

Miller will get 2 transfers, one guard, and probably one big man.

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Originally Posted by XU_Lou

We have 4 recruits: Green, Ducharme, Swain and Nzeh.

With those 4, and with Kunk and Boum gone for sure, we would have 14 guys on scholly next year, assuming nothing else changes.

With the Covid 5-year rule in place, I have no idea how many schollies are allowed....

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I think 13 is still the limit on scholarships. And correct. Forgot about Nzeh. 4

What Miles and Tucker do, as far as transferring out, will greatly affect the roster for next year. Nunge, Freemantle, and Jones are also question marks. We could see as many as 9 players leaving, but I really doubt that many are gone. If I had to give a prediction I’d say that Jones goes through the draft evaluation and comes bsck, and that Freemantle comes back too. I don’t see Craft going anywhere either. I see all 3 seniors leaving, along with Miles and Tucker. That’s 5 leaving and 4 freshman coming in, which leaves room for 1 transfer big to come in.

Colby is gone. LOL. He's projected as a 1st rounder by just about every NBA draft projection site.. I expect we will only see Hunter and Claude for SURE come back.

Kraft (not sure he can play at this level)
Myles (gone and he honestly needs to play at a smaller school)
Edwards (maybe returns but I could see him leaving for a smaller school)
KyKy (gone)
Tucker (gone)
Freemantle (gone-would be shocked if he returns for a 5th year)

So the 4 frosh and Claude/Hunter return. Maybe Kraft and Edwards return. We need 4-5 MORE players I expect 1-2 more late frosh to join the class along with 3-4 transfers. Miller is going to be BUSY

Draft projection sites don’t actually draft players, do they? I’m not convinced that he is a 1st rounder just because some sites have him listed as such. Based on his selection as a 2nd team all league player, I don’t think I’m the only one that feels that way either.

I had forgotten about Tandy, he may also be someone that leaves. I don’t see Edwards going anywhere after the way that he has played this last month. Nor do I think that Kraft leaves.

I think Colby is gone.

I think Nunge is gone.

We know Kunk and Boum are gone.

I actually think Free may return now that we heard the surgery news. I imagine he will miss a lot of professional camps/tryouts/whatever and may want to rehab at X and give it another go. Could be way off base there.

The other guys it is so hard to predict who transfers. I think 100% thought Kyky was going to leave last year and he came back. Could not believe it.

I would think Tucker and Miles would want to leave but who knows?

Edwards and Craft I see both being back and contributing next year.

Did Miller give a walk on a scholly this year? Bob Nunge maybe? I seem to remember that, but could be wrong. Not getting that next year would open another scholarship opportunity.

Wouldn't want any other coach leading the program with what he may need to do roster wise for next year. Miller will get players who make this team competitive every year.

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Originally Posted by bleedXblue

Colby is gone. LOL. He's projected as a 1st rounder by just about every NBA draft projection site.. I expect we will only see Hunter and Claude for SURE come back.

Kraft (not sure he can play at this level)
Myles (gone and he honestly needs to play at a smaller school)
Edwards (maybe returns but I could see him leaving for a smaller school)
KyKy (gone)
Tucker (gone)
Freemantle (gone-would be shocked if he returns for a 5th year)

So the 4 frosh and Claude/Hunter return. Maybe Kraft and Edwards return. We need 4-5 MORE players I expect 1-2 more late frosh to join the class along with 3-4 transfers. Miller is going to be BUSY

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Its Craft and yes he can play at this level. He is 6’6” and can shoot the lights out of the ball. It’s been an adjustment for him but Sean wants him back. An off-season in the weight room will make him a different player. He played at the highest of the highest levels in high school and did very well. He can play.

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Originally Posted by xavierj

Its Craft and yes he can play at this level. He is 6’6” and can shoot the lights out of the ball. It’s been an adjustment for him but Sean wants him back. An off-season in the weight room will make him a different player. He played at the highest of the highest levels in high school and did very well. He can play.

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Absolutely! I do not understand the chatter that he cannot play at this level. He has shown he can play. Has done it on the court. But he's a freshman. Give him just a little time and I think he is important player next season.

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Originally Posted by Jumpin_Jamal_Forever

Absolutely! I do not understand the chatter that he cannot play at this level.

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There are a lot of posters on this board (and others) who think they are talent scouts and know basketball. I get it, you watch enough Xavier basketball, you think you can spot a "stud" (i hate this term, it's meant for a horse, not for a 18 year old young man playing a sport). But there is far more to these players than what we see in the 2+ hours of game time a few days a week.

I love Sean Miller, he is very calculated when using his words. I listen to what he says (or doesn't say) about a player far more than relying on what I see. The more I listened to what he had to say about Freemantle, it became clear, he wasn't going to play this season.

He has spoken very highly of Cesare Edwards in the past several weeks. I think he has plans for him and believe he will be back next season.

He has said more than once the only players that can't play next year are Boum and Kunkel. I think he will make a case to keep Nunge around next season.

NIL money changes everything. If they can make more money playing college ball than G-League or Europe, it makes it a legitimate option for guys like Freemantle. Tough to get drafted if he is recovering from surgery. Just ask Paul Scruggs.

It’s also telling when Sean doesn’t mention a player at all. He has said zero all year about Elijah Tucker or Dionte Miles. In the context of this thread, as far as returnees, it’s hard to see them sticking around unless they are satisfied with end of the bench.

NIL money & free medical care is going to keep Freemantle around one more year, IMO. The timing of his surgery is going to limit what he can do to earn a pro contract somewhere.

Even with Free coming back, Miller is going to need to go shopping in the portal for a big man -- preferably someone who enjoys the weight room and can be the kind of physical defensive presence around the rim that X hasn't had in a while.

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Originally Posted by Caveat

NIL money & free medical care is going to keep Freemantle around one more year, IMO. The timing of his surgery is going to limit what he can do to earn a pro contract somewhere.

Even with Free coming back, Miller is going to need to go shopping in the portal for a big man -- preferably someone who enjoys the weight room and can be the kind of physical defensive presence around the rim that X hasn't had in a while.

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What about overseas? Any chatter about X looking at an international player?