This is the feature that ran before the game telecast on Bein Sports.

http://www.beinsports.com/us/college-bas...kou/413027

I had two thoughts following Thursday night's game:

First, when was the last time we had a team like this that could legitimately compete with every team in the conference, and thus has a real shot at winning the conference tournament? The last time I remember that being the case was when Michael Harris and Jason McKrieth were seniors. I believe CUSA is still a one bid league, but for the first time in a long while I love that fact that going into the conference tournament I feel like we truly have a shot at winning it and making it into the NCAA tournament.

Secondly, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Egor comes back next year for his last year of eligibility. I think he has become our most valuable player, and will be a big loss if he chooses to play professionally after this season. From what I've seen in the past, 99% of college basketball players choose to leave school as quickly as they can. As soon as they get to that skill level where they are able to sign a professional contract, they bail out. Very rarely do basketball players hang around and play extra seasons - just to get their degree on time. I think Egor can play pro ball now, at least in Europe. That's why I'm a bit worried he may forego his last year and decide to go play professionally next year. Hope I'm wrong, but I am worried this will be his last year.

Egor ought to look at Malcolm Brogdon's success after staying in college a fifth season.

(01-07-2017 12:31 PM)Minnewaska Owl Wrote:  I had two thoughts following Thursday night's game:

First, when was the last time we had a team like this that could legitimately compete with every team in the conference, and thus has a real shot at winning the conference tournament? The last time I remember that being the case was when Michael Harris and Jason McKrieth were seniors. I believe CUSA is still a one bid league, but for the first time in a long while I love that fact that going into the conference tournament I feel like we truly have a shot at winning it and making it into the NCAA tournament.

Secondly, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Egor comes back next year for his last year of eligibility. I think he has become our most valuable player, and will be a big loss if he chooses to play professionally after this season. From what I've seen in the past, 99% of college basketball players choose to leave school as quickly as they can. As soon as they get to that skill level where they are able to sign a professional contract, they bail out. Very rarely do basketball players hang around and play extra seasons - just to get their degree on time. I think Egor can play pro ball now, at least in Europe. That's why I'm a bit worried he may forego his last year and decide to go play professionally next year. Hope I'm wrong, but I am worried this will be his last year.

I think a big factor could be how much Egor feels a part of building the program and taking it to the next level, as well as how close he feels to his teammates. Next year could be VERY special for Rice MBB should everyone elect to come back. Very special. And he may just want to be a part of that.

(01-07-2017 03:47 PM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(01-07-2017 12:31 PM)Minnewaska Owl Wrote:  I had two thoughts following Thursday night's game:

First, when was the last time we had a team like this that could legitimately compete with every team in the conference, and thus has a real shot at winning the conference tournament? The last time I remember that being the case was when Michael Harris and Jason McKrieth were seniors. I believe CUSA is still a one bid league, but for the first time in a long while I love that fact that going into the conference tournament I feel like we truly have a shot at winning it and making it into the NCAA tournament.

Secondly, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Egor comes back next year for his last year of eligibility. I think he has become our most valuable player, and will be a big loss if he chooses to play professionally after this season. From what I've seen in the past, 99% of college basketball players choose to leave school as quickly as they can. As soon as they get to that skill level where they are able to sign a professional contract, they bail out. Very rarely do basketball players hang around and play extra seasons - just to get their degree on time. I think Egor can play pro ball now, at least in Europe. That's why I'm a bit worried he may forego his last year and decide to go play professionally next year. Hope I'm wrong, but I am worried this will be his last year.

I think a big factor could be how much Egor feels a part of building the program and taking it to the next level, as well as how close he feels to his teammates. Next year could be VERY special for Rice MBB should everyone elect to come back. Very special. And he may just want to be a part of that.

That's what I'm hoping.

Chad Lott suited up tonight.

(01-07-2017 03:59 PM)Minnewaska Owl Wrote:  

(01-07-2017 03:47 PM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(01-07-2017 12:31 PM)Minnewaska Owl Wrote:  I had two thoughts following Thursday night's game:

First, when was the last time we had a team like this that could legitimately compete with every team in the conference, and thus has a real shot at winning the conference tournament? The last time I remember that being the case was when Michael Harris and Jason McKrieth were seniors. I believe CUSA is still a one bid league, but for the first time in a long while I love that fact that going into the conference tournament I feel like we truly have a shot at winning it and making it into the NCAA tournament.

Secondly, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Egor comes back next year for his last year of eligibility. I think he has become our most valuable player, and will be a big loss if he chooses to play professionally after this season. From what I've seen in the past, 99% of college basketball players choose to leave school as quickly as they can. As soon as they get to that skill level where they are able to sign a professional contract, they bail out. Very rarely do basketball players hang around and play extra seasons - just to get their degree on time. I think Egor can play pro ball now, at least in Europe. That's why I'm a bit worried he may forego his last year and decide to go play professionally next year. Hope I'm wrong, but I am worried this will be his last year.

I think a big factor could be how much Egor feels a part of building the program and taking it to the next level, as well as how close he feels to his teammates. Next year could be VERY special for Rice MBB should everyone elect to come back. Very special. And he may just want to be a part of that.

That's what I'm hoping.

Well he transferred from Arizona to get better academics, so my bet is he wants his degree. Maybe he will have it at the end of this year? Not sure how credits may have transferred.