Recruiting - 2024

[godanesgo99]

2 hours ago, jimbo said:

So we still need a big and a 1. 

But only 1 spot to fill, unless something else has changed....

Updated

2024-25

1/2

• Adnan (So, 6'2")
• Strand (Jr, 6'3", JUCO)
• Linsey (Fr, 5'10")

2/3

• Marshall (Jr, 6'4", Hofstra)
• Briggs (So, 6'3", Charleston Southern)
• Langford (Sr, 6'5", BC/UCF)
• Matulu (Fr, 6'4", Walk-On)

3/4

• Reddish (Sr, 6'7")
• Neely (Jr, 6'5")

4/5

• Klaczek (Sr, 6'8", StJoes)
• Adewale (So, 6'8", Iona)
• Taylor (Fr, 6'7")
• Topuz (Fr, 6'8")
• Walker (So, 6'7", Walk-On)

5

•  

Looks like 12 Scholarships used, so that should mean 1 remaining. 

No official announcements from the following UA Players in the portal as of now:

• 1/2 - NyMire Little (Jr, 6'4")
• 3/4 - Muneer Newton (Sr. 6'5")

IMHO - The team needs a true 5 more than a PG at this moment. There are a lot of guards that can play, and while they aren't true PG's, there are some impressive athletes in that group. You can't teach size. 

Edited May 26 by godanesgo99

[UA1882]

Call me absolutely crazy and I can't believe I'm going to say this but unless they can get another big conference atheltic drop down , I would rather see them bring back Newton.  We know he can play offensively.  If we bring in some juco player, we have no idea if he can play.  

[Clickclack]

Need another true big ...

[UA1882]

5 hours ago, Clickclack said:

Need another true big ...

While I agree, I will add ...another true big with skills to help right away.  Bringing in a 7'0 freshman or something like that who will leave the following year does nothing.  At this point this team had a talent issue.  They need to bring in the BEST player available right now.  No matter what.  

[godanesgo99]

2 hours ago, UA1882 said:

While I agree, I will add ...another true big with skills to help right away.  Bringing in a 7'0 freshman or something like that who will leave the following year does nothing.  At this point this team had a talent issue.  They need to bring in the BEST player available right now.  No matter what.  

While I agree in principle, I think it's unrealistic based on how rare a real big that can contribute right away really is. That's why that 7'0" freshman is my preference, as he is not a typical freshman at 20yrs old, and looks athletic and coordinated. I'll take 1-2 years of that over someone smaller or someone who has already proven they can't catch a pass or defend.

We probably don't have a chance at him though as his recruiting is starting to heat up with higher conference offers. I'm doubting there is anyone left in the portal at 6'10" or taller that can play that we will have any shot at, but I could be wrong. 

[UA1882]

Because of the lack of proven talent on this team we need to get the best player available out there, regardless of position.  

[godanesgo99]

1 hour ago, UA1882 said:

Because of the lack of proven talent on this team we need to get the best player available out there, regardless of position.  

I disagree on the talent comment. Langford will be in the conversation for CPOY. Adewale can defend. Klaczek is proven. Marshall is returning. That's 4 proven all conference caliber players. 

Other new faces: The two juco transfers are wild cards, but one states he is defense first, and I like that. Two of my favorite Danes of all-time were juco transfers (Sanders/Singletary). Each of the three freshman were touted. These 5 players are all question marks for sure, but we are always going to have questions at our level.

Other returning players: Reddish is a talented role player that could finally take a step forward. Neely is a question mark that all depends on health. Adnan was green last year, and didn't play much. Definitely has the ability to take a step forward.

As I stated before. I like the roster at this point. Biggest questions are: 1. who is going to handle the PG duties, 2. is the team going to be able to find a 5 that can contribute right away, and 3. can DK and staff take the ingredients, put them together, and have them play as a cohesive unit and become a real team.

Edited May 27 by godanesgo99

[B9j2j6s]

Let's hope they play together and they learn to play some defense.

[cwdickens]

4 hours ago, B9j2j6s said:

Let's hope they play together and they learn to play some defense.

Sadly, after last year, and Killings pre-season assurances that playing defense was important and the general failure of last year's team to play defense, I would be surprised if this team plays any significant amount of defense.  In particular, if things go south early in conference play.  Then it will be every man for themselves.

[B9j2j6s]

I hope DK proves us wrong and he has a group that buys in more than last year.

[UA1882]

4 hours ago, B9j2j6s said:

I hope DK proves us wrong and he has a group that buys in more than last year.

That's the hope.  There is no Thomas or Beagle on this team.  That's a lot of scoring and rebounding.  Even with those 2 we were a .500 team. 

That being said every team gels differently.  We need to hope this team plays well together.  

[cwdickens]

9 hours ago, B9j2j6s said:

I hope DK proves us wrong and he has a group that buys in more than last year.

 

4 hours ago, UA1882 said:

That's the hope.  There is no Thomas or Beagle on this team.  That's a lot of scoring and rebounding.  Even with those 2 we were a .500 team. 

That being said every team gels differently.  We need to hope this team plays well together.  

I agree with both of your statements, while I never have been Killings supporter, I am hoping this group of student-athletes can play as a team and Killings and the fans in the stands and elsewhere can be satisfied at the end of the season.

The real question remains whether or not I will renew my season tickets for Football, MBB and MLAX.  There is little or no appreciation for the average fan at UAlbany.

 

 

[godanesgo99]

Looks like we got a PG instead of a 5. Vermont has shown you can win the AE without a true center, but I have my doubts....

Unless something else has changed that I am unaware of, this should fill the roster for next season.

Some people are high on him, and I'm sure he might be a great PG, but let's not let him shoot the 3. 24% from deep in 4 years, and it got worse each season. If he can handle the ball and distribute, he'll be a big help.

 

 

 

Edited May 28 by godanesgo99

[godanesgo99]

Updated - likely final without any unknown changes

Returning | Transfer | Freshman

2024-25

1/2

• Adnan (So, 6'2")
• Strand (Jr, 6'3", JUCO)
• Joshua (Sr, 5'10", Alcorn State)
• Linsey (Fr, 5'10")

2/3

• Marshall (Jr, 6'4", Hofstra)
• Briggs (So, 6'3", Charleston Southern)
• Langford (Sr, 6'5", BC/UCF)
• Matulu (Fr, 6'4", Walk-On)

3/4

• Reddish (Sr, 6'7")
• Neely (Jr, 6'5")

4/5

• Klaczek (Sr, 6'8", StJoes)
• Adewale (So, 6'8", Iona)
• Taylor (Fr, 6'7")
• Topuz (Fr, 6'8")
• Walker (So, 6'7", Walk-On)

5

•  

Looks like 13 Scholarships used, so that should mean 0 remaining. 

Edited May 29 by godanesgo99

[BestDaneSinceHamlet]

Did we lose that 7 foot dude?