Two corrections. One, Schwartz never played in an NCAA tournament game at Rice (although it wasn't her fault the 2020 tournament was canceled). And women's basketball has 15 scholarships (the men have 13) so actually we have 5 open spots (4 if Wiggins stays).

(05-21-2021 04:59 PM)Fort Bend Owl Wrote:  Two corrections. One, Schwartz never played in an NCAA tournament game at Rice (although it wasn't her fault the 2020 tournament was canceled). And women's basketball has 15 scholarships (the men have 13) so actually we have 5 open spots (4 if Wiggins stays).

I always make that mistake, appreciate the correction. Fixed the post. And yeah I added the "so much else" for Schwartz's sake. WNIT championship and all of that.

I understand that there was a lot of interest in Schwartz once she entered the portal including a number of major programs. She was gone when Tina left. It’s very disappointing but time to move on.

(05-21-2021 09:02 PM)Houston Owl 2 Wrote:  I understand that there was a lot of interest in Schwartz once she entered the portal including a number of major programs. She was gone when Tina left. It’s very disappointing but time to move on.

Of course there was a lot of interest. Who wouldn't want a 20 point scorer and solid all-around player?

We have no choice but to move on, but it means we're once again in a total rebuild mode. Unless Edmonds can land a couple big time, proven transfers, next year is going to be painful. Swayze and Crothwait are nice pieces, but they can't create their own shot, and neither are good ball handlers. At least Crothwait can rebound, as well as hit from outside. We've lost virtual all our defense, which was our calling card under Langley, all our ball handlers (assuming Wiggins leaves) and 90% of our offense.

(05-21-2021 09:27 PM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(05-21-2021 09:02 PM)Houston Owl 2 Wrote:  I understand that there was a lot of interest in Schwartz once she entered the portal including a number of major programs. She was gone when Tina left. It’s very disappointing but time to move on.

Of course there was a lot of interest. Who wouldn't want a 20 point scorer and solid all-around player?

We have no choice but to move on, but it means we're once again in a total rebuild mode. Unless Edmonds can land a couple big time, proven transfers, next year is going to be painful. Swayze and Crothwait are nice pieces, but they can't create their own shot, and neither are good ball handlers. At least Crothwait can rebound, as well as hit from outside. We've lost virtual all our defense, which was our calling card under Langley, all our ball handlers (assuming Wiggins leaves) and 90% of our offense.

I'm going to invoke F1 because I think the analogy works. In F1, there are car regulation changes being implemented in 2022. And so a bunch of teams have basically come out and announced that they'll make smaller changes to their 2021 cars, but have shifted almost all of their focus to their 2022 car. That almost has to be our mindset moving forward. Hopefully add 3-4 helpful transfers or HS recruits this offseason. But the main focus has to be about maximizing the new coach recruiting boon and building one of the best mid-major 2022 classes. That might mean targeting senior transfers this year as almost stopgaps, so that we'll have as many spots open for 2022. That's not to say this year will be a throwaway. As Walt said, we have some good pieces. But as to expectations, anything more than treading water this year will probably be a win.

(05-21-2021 10:05 PM)elw4796 Wrote:  

(05-21-2021 09:27 PM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(05-21-2021 09:02 PM)Houston Owl 2 Wrote:  I understand that there was a lot of interest in Schwartz once she entered the portal including a number of major programs. She was gone when Tina left. It’s very disappointing but time to move on.

Of course there was a lot of interest. Who wouldn't want a 20 point scorer and solid all-around player?

We have no choice but to move on, but it means we're once again in a total rebuild mode. Unless Edmonds can land a couple big time, proven transfers, next year is going to be painful. Swayze and Crothwait are nice pieces, but they can't create their own shot, and neither are good ball handlers. At least Crothwait can rebound, as well as hit from outside. We've lost virtual all our defense, which was our calling card under Langley, all our ball handlers (assuming Wiggins leaves) and 90% of our offense.

I'm going to invoke F1 because I think the analogy works. In F1, there are car regulation changes being implemented in 2022. And so a bunch of teams have basically come out and announced that they'll make smaller changes to their 2021 cars, but have shifted almost all of their focus to their 2022 car. That almost has to be our mindset moving forward. Hopefully add 3-4 helpful transfers or HS recruits this offseason. But the main focus has to be about maximizing the new coach recruiting boon and building one of the best mid-major 2022 classes. That might mean targeting senior transfers this year as almost stopgaps, so that we'll have as many spots open for 2022. That's not to say this year will be a throwaway. As Walt said, we have some good pieces. But as to expectations, anything more than treading water this year will probably be a win.

Without some big time transfers, I don't see us treading water this coming year. Quite honestly, I don't see us winning more than one-third of our games, if that. Again, we lost almost all our defense, all our ball handling, and 90% of our scoring and rebounding...and that scoring that remains cannot create their own shot.

(05-21-2021 10:57 PM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(05-21-2021 10:05 PM)elw4796 Wrote:  

(05-21-2021 09:27 PM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(05-21-2021 09:02 PM)Houston Owl 2 Wrote:  I understand that there was a lot of interest in Schwartz once she entered the portal including a number of major programs. She was gone when Tina left. It’s very disappointing but time to move on.

Of course there was a lot of interest. Who wouldn't want a 20 point scorer and solid all-around player?

We have no choice but to move on, but it means we're once again in a total rebuild mode. Unless Edmonds can land a couple big time, proven transfers, next year is going to be painful. Swayze and Crothwait are nice pieces, but they can't create their own shot, and neither are good ball handlers. At least Crothwait can rebound, as well as hit from outside. We've lost virtual all our defense, which was our calling card under Langley, all our ball handlers (assuming Wiggins leaves) and 90% of our offense.

I'm going to invoke F1 because I think the analogy works. In F1, there are car regulation changes being implemented in 2022. And so a bunch of teams have basically come out and announced that they'll make smaller changes to their 2021 cars, but have shifted almost all of their focus to their 2022 car. That almost has to be our mindset moving forward. Hopefully add 3-4 helpful transfers or HS recruits this offseason. But the main focus has to be about maximizing the new coach recruiting boon and building one of the best mid-major 2022 classes. That might mean targeting senior transfers this year as almost stopgaps, so that we'll have as many spots open for 2022. That's not to say this year will be a throwaway. As Walt said, we have some good pieces. But as to expectations, anything more than treading water this year will probably be a win.

Without some big time transfers, I don't see us treading water this coming year. Quite honestly, I don't see us winning more than one-third of our games, if that. Again, we lost almost all our defense, all our ball handling, and 90% of our scoring and rebounding...and that scoring that remains cannot create their own shot.

There are still 482 transfers available. While it sucks that Edmonds and the staff didn't have more time with the portal at full capacity, I still think it's likely we'll land at least two players who can contribute immediately. They might not be Mulkey or Ogwumike level transfers, but the staff will find bodies.

Kind of an interesting transfer on the men's basketball front, Rice graduate Jonathan Sanchez (from the football team) is transferring to Our Lady of the Lake University (whom you might recall we played twice this year in hoops) to play basketball.

http://www.ollusaintsathletics.com/article/4213.php

(05-21-2021 11:20 PM)elw4796 Wrote:  

(05-21-2021 10:57 PM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(05-21-2021 10:05 PM)elw4796 Wrote:  

(05-21-2021 09:27 PM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(05-21-2021 09:02 PM)Houston Owl 2 Wrote:  I understand that there was a lot of interest in Schwartz once she entered the portal including a number of major programs. She was gone when Tina left. It’s very disappointing but time to move on.

Of course there was a lot of interest. Who wouldn't want a 20 point scorer and solid all-around player?

We have no choice but to move on, but it means we're once again in a total rebuild mode. Unless Edmonds can land a couple big time, proven transfers, next year is going to be painful. Swayze and Crothwait are nice pieces, but they can't create their own shot, and neither are good ball handlers. At least Crothwait can rebound, as well as hit from outside. We've lost virtual all our defense, which was our calling card under Langley, all our ball handlers (assuming Wiggins leaves) and 90% of our offense.

I'm going to invoke F1 because I think the analogy works. In F1, there are car regulation changes being implemented in 2022. And so a bunch of teams have basically come out and announced that they'll make smaller changes to their 2021 cars, but have shifted almost all of their focus to their 2022 car. That almost has to be our mindset moving forward. Hopefully add 3-4 helpful transfers or HS recruits this offseason. But the main focus has to be about maximizing the new coach recruiting boon and building one of the best mid-major 2022 classes. That might mean targeting senior transfers this year as almost stopgaps, so that we'll have as many spots open for 2022. That's not to say this year will be a throwaway. As Walt said, we have some good pieces. But as to expectations, anything more than treading water this year will probably be a win.

Without some big time transfers, I don't see us treading water this coming year. Quite honestly, I don't see us winning more than one-third of our games, if that. Again, we lost almost all our defense, all our ball handling, and 90% of our scoring and rebounding...and that scoring that remains cannot create their own shot.

There are still 482 transfers available. While it sucks that Edmonds and the staff didn't have more time with the portal at full capacity, I still think it's likely we'll land at least two players who can contribute immediately. They might not be Mulkey or Ogwumike level transfers, but the staff will find bodies.

Langley did not land any transfers since Mulkey at that level either, likely one of the reasons she left now as opposed to later

And Wiggins joins Smith at SMU.

We're down to 7 players (plus 2 recruits). Yikes.

(05-28-2021 05:47 PM)Fort Bend Owl Wrote:  We're down to 7 players (plus 2 recruits). Yikes.

So much for the idea that women are more loyal to the great education and prestige Rice offers.

(05-28-2021 06:17 PM)ranfin Wrote:  

(05-28-2021 05:47 PM)Fort Bend Owl Wrote:  We're down to 7 players (plus 2 recruits). Yikes.

So much for the idea that women are more loyal to the great education and prestige Rice offers.

I've been saying that for a long time. College basketball is a dumpster fire, men and women.

(05-28-2021 05:47 PM)Fort Bend Owl Wrote:  We're down to 7 players (plus 2 recruits). Yikes.

If no one else leaves.

No point in beating around the bush, it sucks to lose both Wiggins and Smith to a Texas school that has been considerably worse than us for the past few years. But all things considered, I think this is mostly about SMU having a new HC who has brought in a very well-respected coaching staff. This isn't about a player leaving to win more or for a different/better school culture (at least I don't think it is...SMU's student culture is certainly different than Rice's but I'm not sure in a good way). All this is is a reaffirmation that kids, for the most part, commit to coaches not schools (setting aside the blue bloods).

No doubt the staff has it cut out for them. Kind of feel like the focus needs to be on building the next three classes, because it might be more difficult once the season rolls around and we aren't as competitive. Right now we can sell a great past few years and a new staff. That's a bit more difficult if we win, say 10-15 games next year.

(05-28-2021 06:59 PM)elw4796 Wrote:  No point in beating around the bush, it sucks to lose both Wiggins and Smith to a Texas school that has been considerably worse than us for the past few years. But all things considered, I think this is mostly about SMU having a new HC who has brought in a very well-respected coaching staff. This isn't about a player leaving to win more or for a different/better school culture (at least I don't think it is...SMU's student culture is certainly different than Rice's but I'm not sure in a good way). All this is is a reaffirmation that kids, for the most part, commit to coaches not schools (setting aside the blue bloods).

No doubt the staff has it cut out for them. Kind of feel like the focus needs to be on building the next three classes, because it might be more difficult once the season rolls around and we aren't as competitive. Right now we can sell a great past few years and a new staff. That's a bit more difficult if we win, say 10-15 games next year.

We’ve lost several transfers to SMU lately, including some who have been quite impactful on the hilltop. Zach Abercrumbia, Kylen Granson (who just got drafted), and Glenn Youngkin’s son (can’t remember his first name).

Say what you want about SMU.. Their students don’t fill up the stadium. But at least they tailgate and don’t have open disdain for the athletes.

(05-28-2021 06:21 PM)WRCisforgotten79 Wrote:  

(05-28-2021 06:17 PM)ranfin Wrote:  

(05-28-2021 05:47 PM)Fort Bend Owl Wrote:  We're down to 7 players (plus 2 recruits). Yikes.

So much for the idea that women are more loyal to the great education and prestige Rice offers.

I've been saying that for a long time. College basketball is a dumpster fire, men and women.

But not enough people are giving Scott Pera credit for keeping almost the entire men's team intact for 2021-22. We return our top five scorers (top 6 if you look at just conference stats), and then add two double-digit scorers (and 3 year starters) from D1 programs that are rated higher than Rice.

It may just be a 1-time deal, but if people are going to complain about the bad, then we need to reward the good accomplishments (just by buying season tickets and supporting the team).

(05-28-2021 06:59 PM)elw4796 Wrote:  No point in beating around the bush, it sucks to lose both Wiggins and Smith to a Texas school that has been considerably worse than us for the past few years. But all things considered, I think this is mostly about SMU having a new HC who has brought in a very well-respected coaching staff. This isn't about a player leaving to win more or for a different/better school culture (at least I don't think it is...SMU's student culture is certainly different than Rice's but I'm not sure in a good way). All this is is a reaffirmation that kids, for the most part, commit to coaches not schools (setting aside the blue bloods).

No doubt the staff has it cut out for them. Kind of feel like the focus needs to be on building the next three classes, because it might be more difficult once the season rolls around and we aren't as competitive. Right now we can sell a great past few years and a new staff. That's a bit more difficult if we win, say 10-15 games next year.

10- 15 wins is quite a stretch with the current roster. Unless we can land at least one high quality recruit I don't see us winning even 8 games next year.

(05-28-2021 07:35 PM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(05-28-2021 06:59 PM)elw4796 Wrote:  No point in beating around the bush, it sucks to lose both Wiggins and Smith to a Texas school that has been considerably worse than us for the past few years. But all things considered, I think this is mostly about SMU having a new HC who has brought in a very well-respected coaching staff. This isn't about a player leaving to win more or for a different/better school culture (at least I don't think it is...SMU's student culture is certainly different than Rice's but I'm not sure in a good way). All this is is a reaffirmation that kids, for the most part, commit to coaches not schools (setting aside the blue bloods).

No doubt the staff has it cut out for them. Kind of feel like the focus needs to be on building the next three classes, because it might be more difficult once the season rolls around and we aren't as competitive. Right now we can sell a great past few years and a new staff. That's a bit more difficult if we win, say 10-15 games next year.

10- 15 wins is quite a stretch with the current roster. Unless we can land at least one high quality recruit I don't see us winning even 8 games next year.

In her interview with Kris Gardner, Edmonds said her offensive philosophy included: "try to score in transition, then move to the 4-out/1-in offense."

For the "1-in" part, what's the potential for 6-6 Arianna McCurry to blossom into a force around the basket and rim-protector?

Is there a women's equivalent of Rick Mahorn's "Big Man Camp" that Rice could send her to to learn advanced skills?

(05-28-2021 07:49 PM)Almadenmike Wrote:  

(05-28-2021 07:35 PM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(05-28-2021 06:59 PM)elw4796 Wrote:  No point in beating around the bush, it sucks to lose both Wiggins and Smith to a Texas school that has been considerably worse than us for the past few years. But all things considered, I think this is mostly about SMU having a new HC who has brought in a very well-respected coaching staff. This isn't about a player leaving to win more or for a different/better school culture (at least I don't think it is...SMU's student culture is certainly different than Rice's but I'm not sure in a good way). All this is is a reaffirmation that kids, for the most part, commit to coaches not schools (setting aside the blue bloods).

No doubt the staff has it cut out for them. Kind of feel like the focus needs to be on building the next three classes, because it might be more difficult once the season rolls around and we aren't as competitive. Right now we can sell a great past few years and a new staff. That's a bit more difficult if we win, say 10-15 games next year.

10- 15 wins is quite a stretch with the current roster. Unless we can land at least one high quality recruit I don't see us winning even 8 games next year.

In her interview with Kris Gardner, Edmonds said her offensive philosophy included: "try to score in transition, then move to the 4-out/1-in offense."

For the "1-in" part, what's the potential for 6-6 Arianna McCurry to blossom into a force around the basket and rim-protector?

Is there a women's equivalent of Rick Mahorn's "Big Man Camp" that Rice could send her to to learn advanced skills?

I don't see it. Even beyond skills she does or does not possess, she looked lost way too much on the floor last year. It felt like half the time that Langley put in her in the game, she had hooked her a couple minutes later for a miscue. I think our best hope (sans any transfers) is for a combo of Fisher and Bellamy. Fisher has good height (6-2) and is very athletic. But nobody has any clue whether she'll be ready to immediately contribute. And I think Bellamy can be a good piece if she spends a ton of time in the gym taking perimeter shots. She's obviously a huge step down from Mulkey defensively, but she plays with good energy. Just needs to develop a shot to keep defenses honest.