JR Hamilsbach

The message board geniuses twitter account was also preemptively mocking posters stating with certainty Wade would be returning to LSU. The account is wrong with some regularity. It blocked me when I tagged old takes exposed for a different wrong Wade take after the fact when what it was mocking proved to be true.

Bad for player possibly, but good for leverage of the program to keep it private. If player were to use the program for leverage, that might indicate they’re not the type of team player that would be ideal so maybe easier to pass on a player in that type of situation.

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Mind you their complete meltdown was me just posting this thread that a target committed to Arkansas

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I interpret the nature of this thread to be more gloating from the anti-Wade faction of fans dunking on him early in the process considering he has yet to sign someone. I’m not observing any melting.

I’m a big pro-Wade guy and have expressed my opinion that the quiet start to the LSU portal season is related to sophisticated execution of purposeful strategy. I’m certainly not melting, but can’t speak for others.

Seems to be. I’m expected out of nowhere signings for us similarly considering the lack of rumors. Think the quietness is a symptom of quiet portal strategy with some big lands soon.

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It's been very quiet. That's okay. I'll come back next week and check again...

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Insinuating Wade is getting skunked in the transfer portal is laughable. He just signed a bad arse expensive coaching staff. He supposedly has more NIL than last year. I think that class was 15 with a terrible coach putting that roster together.

You literally have a decade of examples of him doing the exact opposite of what you are suggesting. The lack of leaks or you not knowing what he’s doing is bc he’s a pro and will be signing dudes with precision when the time comes. He’s keeping everything quiet to increase his leverage in negotiations with players and keep other teams in the dark with who he is targeting to prevent poaching. We probably end up with a top 10 transfer class when it’s all done.

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unless you thought guys like Martin, Mickey, Quarterman, Simmons, Blakeney, etc came to LSU just out of the love for the school

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I think a lot of people legitimately believe this and that this is a key element of the sophomoric Will Wade hate takes.

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LSU basketball is in tatters. Nwoko is gonzo. And Dedan Thomas Jr is heading to a MBB power, University of Houston. And no one of any significance has been recruited to replace them.

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It’s week 1 of the portal. Hardly anyone has signed. Wade has a history of being a roster construction and scheduling savant years ahead of others. LSU with supposed improved NIL and a motivated Wade unlikely to finish outside the top 20 in transfer rankings when it is all said and done. With McMahon’s history, we know rankings don’t necessarily translate to on court success, where Wade again has also excelled, especially at LSU.

Even if Wade whiffs in the portal, which I think is highly unlikely, we’re obviously in a much better situation where Wade at LSU has the best record by far of any coach here in the modern era. There is a 0% chance he wins 3 or fewer SEC games and finishes with a losing record next year, which is where program was without him.

I think Thomas is the player most associated with McMahon since he was the prized recruit who was going to turn it around so probably best for him to start fresh somewhere else. He was the best player on the tea last year, but I did question his grit and toughness. I think Wade could have coached him up if he stayed and bought in.

I’m surprised he went to Houston bc those teams are tough and gritty too, which I perceive as misaligned with his style. With that being said, I believe his growth would be best to improve in that capacity so here’s to him buying in to the Houston program and to be a complete player.

Would have loved him to do that here, but with all the extenuating circumstances prob best for him and maybe everyone to fully cut ties and move on.

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Well this is embarrassing…

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How is it embarrassing? Seems like he leveraged a good offer from LSU and got a big bag. It’s the state of the current situation with NIL. It’s not like we’re not recruiting other high profile dudes.

Wade did say he’d find a role for anyone wanting to stay so I don’t believe he’ll be processed. However, NIL funds might be more meager than if he transfers although I’m sure his bag would be smallish anywhere due to his injury history. Hope he stays and Wade strengthens his body and he has a successful injury free season for a change. Conditioning certainly appeared significantly different for Wade coached v McMahon coached teams.