[umbc32244]

With the transfer portal (seemingly) closed, a big shoutout to Ace Valentine (3rd year) and Regimantas Ciunys (4th year) for choosing to come back. While neither are likely All-Conference players, they both have carved out a nice role for themselves at UMBC and could have likely sought out other opportunities (even if at a similar level).

Appreciation for guys who make that commitment for 3 or 4 years is certainly higher than ever in this era.

 

[UMBCGRAD2015]

Marcus Banks Jr. to UMASS. I wish him the best

 

[Mr quint]

Marcus Banks Jr. to UMASS. I wish him the best

Well, at least we know he’s in good hands with Greg “Shoes” Vetrone.

 

[UVM Hoop Cat]

If I had to guess who could broker a transfer from UMBC to UMass, it would have to be Shoes Vetrone.

 

[catpower]

Laugh all you want, but I'd rather have a former D1 head coach and longtime assistant for 30+ years with a funny nickname as an advisor and agent than some fly-by-night 25-year-old who overpromises and underdelivers, at best.

Given this now is a AE to MAC move and not an AE to A10 move, I think it's a solid landing spot for Banks and he should still remain productive...having to play for Frank Martin though...have fun.

 

[UVM Hoop Cat]

Shoes Vetrone was likely able to negotiate a favorable price for his client at which point Martin becomes tolerable.

That’s the Shoes Vetrone difference.

 

[umbc32244]

YES! Let's go!!

 

[umbc32244]

Would love if Diggs followed! Not only played with Ceaser, but is also from Waldorf, MD.

 

[charliemike]

Honest question, we run an offense that is very reliant on 3-pointers and we keep recruiting guards who cannot shoot.

I'm baffled.

 

[umbc32244]

Honest question, we run an offense that is very reliant on 3-pointers and we keep recruiting guards who cannot shoot.

I'm baffled.

Lots of spots left, and Armstrong, Ceaser and Morton all can shoot the three. But we also should prioritize talent and size over pure 3-point ability (which we saw last year).

Of course, finding the perfect balance is hard, but I’m happy to be seeing some good size and good athleticism so far this cycle.

 

[charliemike]

Caesar is a 27% 3-point shooter isn’t he? Did I misread his stats from last season? Morton is 31.6%. Maybe my expectations have to change.

 

[umbc32244]

Caesar is a 27% 3-point shooter isn’t he? Did I misread his stats from last season? Morton is 31.6%. Maybe my expectations have to change.

Oh for sure - I think I use “can shoot the three” as they have shown the ability to shoot the 3 ball with prowess, but without consistency.

Ceaser seems to be more of the Bryce Johnson type in that he’ll be going downhill a lot and using his size and quickness to get high % 2s.

I think Morton has a good 3 point stroke and shooting 32% as an 18/19 y/o against older competition isn’t too surprising.

I think we’re banking on our offense giving these guys high quality 3’s through our offensive ball movement.

 

[VT Cats Fan]

Honest question, we run an offense that is very reliant on 3-pointers and we keep recruiting guards who cannot shoot.

I'm baffled.

Your team plays really fast, takes a ton of threes...that CAN work...

 

[charliemike]

Your team plays really fast, takes a ton of threes...that CAN work...

I guess so. Letting 27% shooters jack threes sounds like a recipe for failure to me. We play fast but it would take Loyola Marymount levels of pace of play to win at 27%.

 

[umbc32244]

I guess so. Letting 27% shooters jack threes sounds like a recipe for failure to me. We play fast but it would take Loyola Marymount levels of pace of play to win at 27%.

I guess I feel confident Ferry will get a roster to score somehow - we need size, length and athleticism to get us as much defensive floor as possible.

 

[umbc32244]

Johnson to UTSA and the American.

 

[charliemike]

He is a good player. I wish him luck. I can’t believe he didn’t get better offers than Chicago State out of HS.

 

[GoCatsGo]

Johnson to UTSA and the American.

Ok, but has anyone explained HOW, eligibility-wise?

 

[charliemike]

His first season was 21-22. He's played four years. I'm wondering if he got some sort of waiver for the 17 games he played before getting hurt. I agree, it would seem his eligibility is over.

 

[umbc32244]

Ok, but has anyone explained HOW, eligibility-wise?

He's still seeking eligibility, supposedly.