I agree. When JC left my biggest hope was that nobody transfers... That is a realistic outlook whereas keeping all the prized recruits of the previous regime just doesn't seem to happen in these types of situations.

With our core returning next year, I still see this as a program that is positioned to win 20 games EVERY single year moving forward.

Wing is without question our area of need with all of the loses. I like that Saul recruits 4 year guys but I was excited that JC was bringing in some JUCO wings to give us some extra experience in that department. I fully expect Crute to come in and play immediately. Even with that, we will have some minutes open for wing recruits. Beyond that, give me at least 1 PG and a BIG and I'll be happy with best available.

A little birdie told me there's a decent chance that Ricardo is back. He is appealing partially on the basis of the team being so shorthanded due to JC's departure. Many around the AD seem optimistic this will happen.

He's practicing with the team right now as though he'll be a part of it. Fingers crossed, we'll see!

How does that work?  Is there precedent?  

Guys, assuming no injuries(???) going with 8 guys is fine.  Not that many teams play more than that once january rolls around.  And, I would bet Saul has a guy or two of his liking lined up.  We'll be fine.  As has been pointed out pretty much the same thing happened when JG went on to greener pastures.

The more I think about it with the group we have coming back, we will be good.  A healthy Ndour has the potential of being POY.  A focused Stevie (the opportunity of being the Bobcat with the most victories) and Campbell both have the potential of being on an all conference team.  Phillips already sounds high on Harley.  I think a top four seed is not completely out of the question.  My concerns can we adjust to a new system that puts value on possessions.  We had plenty of silly turnovers last season that cost us a couple of games.

we have 2 starting PGs, 1 starting PF and 5 question marks.

It's this that leads me to believe we'll end up somewhere in between very good and pedestrian this year.  If Ric can play that would help immensely, but I'm going to remain on the skeptical side until I hear otherwise.  The NCAA is not that predictable, and he played in more than 30% of the games last year.  Being healthy (or just healthier) next year would be huge.  We need the core of this team to stay on the floor so we don't have to rely so much on newcomers.   

Harley and Crute are new comers, Monpremier only played 74 minutes, I'd put him in the newcomer category as well. That's 3 of 8.