(08-08-2020 09:28 PM)SoCalBobcat78 Wrote:  

(08-06-2020 11:50 AM)TexanFan Wrote:  

(08-06-2020 11:33 AM)gleadley Wrote:  That's 3 of the last 5 POYs (Siakam in 2016), right?

Why do you think the players are leaving? Do they think they can develop better somewhere else?

Each of these kids has their own reason, but in the case of Milan Acquaah, he wants to play in the NBA. I think he can get there, he just needs to get lucky and find the right team. I am going to miss the kid, he was a terrific clutch player and I loved his cockiness. He was a good teammate and I thought he matured as a player last season. He was not trying to fight everyone last season. It will not be easy for CBU to replace him.

Jake Toolson of UVU, the WAC POY in 2018-2019, left as a graduate transfer to play for his coach, Mark Pope at BYU. It was the right decision, as he was first team All-WCC and the he was 2nd in the nation in 3rd point field goal percentage. Because he can shoot so well, he has a decent shot at the NBA. Like Acquaah, he needs to find the right team for his skills.

The 2017-2018 WAC POY, Jemerrio Jones of NMSU, played through his senior season. He is a beast on the boards and playing for the Lakers, he grabbed 16 rebounds in a game against the Utah Jazz. He is back in the G-League right now, but I think he will eventually find his way back to the NBA.

Pascal Siakam of NMSU, the WAC POY of 2016, has turned out to be a stud. An NBA All-Star and NBA Champion. It was obvious that he was going to be drafted, but I did not see him being this good. It is easy to love his game.

Is there a player on the CBU roster who can takeover Acquaah's mantle? Or do you see his production being absorbed by a combination of Lancer players?

Seattle U lost Terrell Brown; who did everything for the team last year. But it looks like Hayford might have found his replacement with the signing of JC All-American guard Angelo Stuart.

I think the WAC program who will show the most improvement this season is GCU. The return of Oscar Frayer has vastly improved their prospects.