If the landscape shakes out as it looks now--Jason Carter, Teyvion Kirk and Antonio Cowart moving on, with everyone else staying--I can envision Jeff Boals bringing in as many as seven new players for next season. And, to me, the difference between six or seven could come down to his evaluation of one player. More about that later.

Why seven? We're losing three wings (Gavin Block, James Gollon, Cowart) and a wing/backup point guard (Kirk). In the best of all worlds, Lunden McDay maintains his commitment and I can see Boals taking both Ben Roderick and Morgan Safford if they want to come, as well as a grad transfer (hint, hint) true small forward.

Gotta bring in a stretch-four with size (Zane Meeks?) to go along with Ben VanderPlas, right? (Don't know if long-range shooting is in Mason McMurray's repertoire.)

We definitely need a starting-caliber center, as we have none. He'll probably have to come from the JC ranks, because it's hard to get a plug-and-play freshman at that position in the MAC.

Which brings me to Nate Springs. How the coaching staff evaluates his ability to play meaningful minutes next season could be the determining factor whether a second center is brought in, probably a freshman, or they elect to sit on that scholarship.

Just one person's projective thoughts...

+1. He put up some nice numbers and good games last year.

He can sell playing time with recruiting. This will even make high star players aleast consider. Which is a good thing. I cant wait to see how this plays out.

Very good point. That's why this is going to be fascinating, to me. If the first recruit is a "splash" signing, that could aid greatly in getting other players to come. Also, don't rule out the possibility of him signing a three or even four-star kid from an unlikely location, like in Texas, California or somewhere way way out in the midwest.


Now, from what I've seen of Morgan Safford on film, this guy sure looks like a real athletic baller who has fallen through the cracks. He's not alone. Just like there are over-recruited players all over the place, the same rings true of under-recruited players. Remember Caris LeVert? Jordy Dartis? C.J. Massinburg? They're out there.

Hope coach Boals can find and land at least one of them.

If he could get two grad transfers of Yeboah's caliber, retain McDay and everyone else currently here who hasn't entered the portal, he could sell them on winning right now. Or I think so anyway.