Disappointed about Farmer. He keeps getting better. None of these portal entries are set in stone. Guys do enter to see what their options are and then go from there. Farmer is a D1 starter for sure as an upperclassman. ANy MAC level program looking for an athletic wing would sign him for that role. P6 programs that have had a lot of turnover might be interested too. Turn Farmer loose and he's a 15 ppg scorer and excellent rebounder.

Some guys will take visits and realize they prefer where they're at-not sure if that applies to any UT players. It seems Jacobi and Wilson understand their place on the roster and want to play. Farmer stuck in a logjam at sg of guys all in the same class.

Agree with the earlier post that it's tough to have these meetings a day or two after a disappointing end to the season. Emotions can get in the way on both ends. Then again, the portal is hot and guys feel some pressure to get attention before teams fill rosters.

TK sat Farmer on the bench for a reason.

I think a lower horizon league type team, he could excel and yes average in double figures and getting about 6 rebounds a game.

(03-17-2023 11:47 AM)inductchuck16 Wrote:  TK sat Farmer on the bench for a reason.

Please explain...

I thought Farmer had potential and he definitely is athletic. In his time at UT he has made some progress and had 1 game with 19 points. When you consider the number of points needed to replace Shumate and Milner, I am not convinced Farmer is a 20 point a game guy. He would again contribute from the bench. The observation of him driving the length of the floor against Michigan with total disregard for his teammates on a pivotal possession and not finishing at the rim was telling for me. I’d love to have him return, but more development is needed. Regardless of his path I wish him and the other players well.

Maybe Farmer changes his mind and removes his name from the portal.

You never know who is in someone's ear.... If RJ stays, I think it would be good for Farmer's development should he stay. He's not going to find that kind of mentoring anywheres, even if it means more playing time. Transfer after that maybe. His life. Never had to make that kind of career choice until after getting my degree so who am I to talk.

Interesting transfer news coming from Western Michigan. 6-7 Forward Markeese Hastings is now in the Portal. While he only averaged 8.3ppg, he was an elite rebounder for his size at 9.3rpg. He shot 47% from the field but only 20% from 3 and 69% from the free throw line. I am not saying he is our answer on the interior, but he would be someone to consider based on his rebounding abilities that we know translate to the MAC. A transfer from Butler prior to the 2021-22 season, my understanding is he has 2 years of eligibility remaining. If we did decide to go after Hastings, I think it would be with the understanding that we would need to recruit another interior player with better scoring ability.

(03-19-2023 11:55 AM)Basketball Jones Wrote:  Interesting transfer news coming from Western Michigan. 6-7 Forward Markeese Hastings is now in the Portal. While he only averaged 8.3ppg, he was an elite rebounder for his size at 9.3rpg. He shot 47% from the field but only 20% from 3 and 69% from the free throw line. I am not saying he is our answer on the interior, but he would be someone to consider based on his rebounding abilities that we know translate to the MAC. A transfer from Butler prior to the 2021-22 season, my understanding is he has 2 years of eligibility remaining. If we did decide to go after Hastings, I think it would be with the understanding that we would need to recruit another interior player with better scoring ability.

Need somebody like Jordan Minor.

(03-19-2023 11:55 AM)Basketball Jones Wrote:  Interesting transfer news coming from Western Michigan. 6-7 Forward Markeese Hastings is now in the Portal. While he only averaged 8.3ppg, he was an elite rebounder for his size at 9.3rpg. He shot 47% from the field but only 20% from 3 and 69% from the free throw line. I am not saying he is our answer on the interior, but he would be someone to consider based on his rebounding abilities that we know translate to the MAC. A transfer from Butler prior to the 2021-22 season, my understanding is he has 2 years of eligibility remaining. If we did decide to go after Hastings, I think it would be with the understanding that we would need to recruit another interior player with better scoring ability.

Wouldn’t he have to sit out a year unless Western’s coach left?

(03-19-2023 01:34 PM)WHRocket Wrote:  

(03-19-2023 11:55 AM)Basketball Jones Wrote:  Interesting transfer news coming from Western Michigan. 6-7 Forward Markeese Hastings is now in the Portal. While he only averaged 8.3ppg, he was an elite rebounder for his size at 9.3rpg. He shot 47% from the field but only 20% from 3 and 69% from the free throw line. I am not saying he is our answer on the interior, but he would be someone to consider based on his rebounding abilities that we know translate to the MAC. A transfer from Butler prior to the 2021-22 season, my understanding is he has 2 years of eligibility remaining. If we did decide to go after Hastings, I think it would be with the understanding that we would need to recruit another interior player with better scoring ability.

Wouldn’t he have to sit out a year unless Western’s coach left?

It's the Wild, Wild, West anymore.

Here's my take on the post season transfer news if I put on a TK and the staff hat. I base it on his words over the years describing how he holds post season one on ones with each player. Straightforward: player analysis, role, probable playing time next year

Dennis '24, Moss '25, Maddox '25 this is clear and easy. no one wants to leave. the staff wants everyone back.

Farmer '25, "you offer a lot to our rotation. we value your contributions. your role is likely going to continue to be limited by all the other wings in the 2025 class, especially w cochran rs reclassifying back into '25 too." note: all three of those players are a year or two older than farmer but in his class. "honestly, you could use the portal to find a good program with a larger role for you. but there's a spot on the team here for next season if you are good w your limited role."
- Farmer was a great bench player once he moved out of the starting lineup about 5 games in. brought energy, played hard and stayed positive. was a really good teammate even though he may have been a little underused. He knows he has 3 years to play 2 and now is the time to make a move if he wants to be a starting D1 guard. He developed well at UT and is ready to make an impact somewhere else and likely prepared for the academic demands as well.

Cochran "the rs year - and Dante's improvement - might change some of your role, but you'll be starting or first off the bench if healthy and on your game."
- Cochran is done w transfers and happy to finish his career in whatever role the team needs at UT

Edu "You've been here 5 years and are getting a second degree. your determination to come back from the injuries and contribute is inspiring and you got a spot on the roster next year if you want to come back. however, we will recruit impact transfers to the frontcourt and Javan is competing for a starting position, so your playing time is TBD." If you need time to travel and speak with family before making a final decision, go ahead."
- Edu is thinking about staying, but may still transfer or go pro or retire.

Wilson "you will be fighting for a third string spot at the wing next season. if you want playing time as a college basketball player now is the right time to make a move."
- This was pretty obvious. Wilson is a guy who isn't gonna play here, but could thrive at the right place, at a low-mid major or D2.

Lorentsson "we like your game and growth, and there's big minutes available at your position, but you've got to work even harder and get better to play more and we are recruiting transfers in the frontcourt to play right away and Javan is competing for a starting spot."
-Lorentsson happy to be here, knows it's a good fit for him and down to be a backup forward if he doesn't win a starting job.

Jacobi: I got no clue, but the RS was a great move. He got to win another MAC championship. Improved , stayed healthy, got a year of school paid for, and still has 3 years of eligibility. Should have his pick of D2 or smaller D1 schools.

The two preferred walkons. No commitments really on either end, but those kids go into the portal now w full 4 years of eligibility (Davis) and a year of experience in a good D1 program, more ready to know where they fit in the college hoops landscape.

As a result UT now has 3 scholarships to offer. The staff can go in a direction that gets us bigger. They can balance it with a couple guys w multiple years to play and a grad transfer rental who can help now. They got a lot to sell with both starting forwards graduating on a 27 win team and a league POY pg coming back. I expect us to go hard after the top D2 frontcourt portal guys.

If Andre stays, I really think the team should consider going all-stach.

Only student-athletes that were in school during 2020-21 academic year were granted an extra COVID year. Therefore, Farmer only has two years of eligibility left. So, I am sure this is factoring in his decision, as well as, the others that came in as freshmen with him. I can't fault any student-athlete that wants to leave to go somewhere that they can play more whether it is starting or as a key rotation player.

Bringing both Cochran and Maddox in, hindsight, not making much sense to me. Wouldn't have really added anything if Cochran had stayed healthy. Can't play both. Not enought diversity of needs filled. I wonder what the thought process was there? Was Farmer planning just two years all along?

(03-19-2023 05:57 PM)eastisbest Wrote:  Bringing both Cochran and Maddox in, hindsight, not making much sense to me. Wouldn't have really added anything if Cochran had stayed healthy. Can't play both. Not enought diversity of needs filled. I wonder what the thought process was there? Was Farmer planning just two years all along?

Both Cochran and Mattox were quality wing guards when healthy. Cochran gave us good defense and a decent shot. Mattox gave us long range shooting ability and quickness.

Glad we have them back for 2 more years along with Moss.

(03-19-2023 05:57 PM)eastisbest Wrote:  Bringing both Cochran and Maddox in, hindsight, not making much sense to me. Wouldn't have really added anything if Cochran had stayed healthy. Can't play both. Not enought diversity of needs filled. I wonder what the thought process was there? Was Farmer planning just two years all along?

A back court comprised of Cochran, Maddox, Dennis and Moss makes lots of sense to me and doesn't leave a lot of minutes for Farmer if the other 4 are all healthy and returning for another season.

Farmer came in a year before Cochran and Maddox arrived on campus. He came in with his cousin, a preferred walk on Jordan Burge, who left for more playing time after one year. At Lake Erie this year Jordan averaged 26 minutes, 10.7 pts and 3.7 boards. If he doesn't come back Farmer is likely to end up somewhere he will play 30+ minutes per game.

Being from Cleveland maybe he wants to transfer back to Kent as they lose a couple guards this year. Can't see him going to a top 10 team. I could see him going to a higher mid major like Duquesne or may Pitt.

Cochran is a banger and can give other teams 4 a fit. Very handsy too. If Ray J is back I love their backcourt, but they have to get bigger inside.

Question for pono, why does UT have to recruit a a top D2 front court player in the portal, how about a top D1 front court player in the portal instead ? If, you were referring to Shumate, D11 player from Walsh, UT may not strike gold like we did with Shumate.