I don’t fault the kid, I fault the rules for endorsing this. It’s gross. Sent from my iPhone using Butler Hoops
Yeah, I don’t think it’s really all that surprising that so many big name coaches are all leaving at basically the same time. I don’t think college basketball is in a healthy place. Somehow the current state actually feels *less* sustainable than the prior unsustainable state. Sent from my iPhone using Butler Hoops
I would bet a LOT this speeds up Izzo’s departure. Wouldn’t be surprised if it winds up driving out Few also.
I hate to say it but the school we all cheer for just hired a coach similar to those two… Imagine a world where the Bruce Pearl’s of the sport are more successful than the Mark Few’s not due to actual coaching ability but due to checkbook size.
If competing schools support this kind of behavior, college bball is over as we knew it. It will only get worse if the athletes think they have this kind of leverage. Let this kid leave then let him rot in the portal.
I actually think that's why Matta is at Butler and not IU or somewhere similar. He probably didn't want to get into unrestricted free agency where boosters and agents determine your team. At Butler, that is much less likely to happen. Enjoy the tournament until the TV contracts are up (2032). That just happens to be about the maximum length fans expect for Matta to be here as a coach. It's over at that time without any meaningful legislation.
So is this where we now agree that this NIL situation needs fixing? What happens if a kid does this right before the start of the season. This gotten way out of hand way too quickly. Sent from my iPhone using Butler Hoops mobile app
Problem is wealthy alumni can control who plays for a university and who doesn't. Coaches in these cases lose total control.
This John Ruiz guy is a clown, 800k for a 3 star. No one cares about Miami hoops, they literally are Depaul at the fan level, only averaged 4k fans a game. I'd transfer too if I was better and some lifepurse guy paid a transfer more than me. He is paying him 200 per fan in attendance LOL. I'd expect a 5 star, NBA level player at that price. Miami will still suck, they had a lucky tourney run as a 10 seed, just like Larrranga had a lucky run as 12 a long time ago at George Mason. Ruiz being a complete douche would make me never consider any company he owns.
This is just the beginning . Look what Florida State alumni are doing. Millions are being raised to pay players. The big five for Kentucky is supposedly going to make $2 million. Problem is it will be extremely difficult for the NCAA or any individual university or conference to control their teams. Congress is the only one that can legislate across state lines. Will they in this case?
Hell, Kentucky has figured out how to get around federal immigration law and get Tshiebwe paid on a student visa.
This is what PSU is doing: https://www.si.com/college/pennstat...s-with-honor-nil-collective-fundraising-start Ira Lubert is a big shot. These things will become more common. Honestly some prominent alums should get together and do the same for the benefit of Butler.
This is good for the players and college basketball in general. The amount of returning talent is more than ever. Players that would be in the g-league or Europe are playing extra college years. Stars and talent sell the game. The complaints are the same things that have been happening for decades. -boosters controlling programs -talented players wanting more -paid players going to certain teams -players leaving for "greener grass" with varying results citations needed If you have ever talked to an assistant coach they could list a dozen players a year lost to better deals...transfers or out of HS. Even the benchwarmers at some schools had deals. "Out in the open" just means this is announced in the media, not kept in private.
It's interesting that they aren't even trying to put a veil on these deals so that they don't have the appearance of pay for play. Aside from some language in the contracts that say it's not tied to playing for a certain school, everyone seems to be fine with the obvious connections. I won't be heartbroken if some of the players cause some of these donors to pay someone that doesn't go to the desired school. I also see absolutely zero reason why a player can't go to the NBA right out of school. Give them every option if you're gonna do this. I'm still trying to process all of it. Sent from my SM-G977U using Butler Hoops mobile app
Great thread guys! I think Butler and X are in the same boat here. But the question I’m trying to answer for myself as a 30 year season ticket holder is what exactly will I be rooting for? The Cintas Musketeers? Like many of you, Xavier(Butler) basketball has been near the top of my list of passions. But the Cintas Musketeers not so much. Help wanted!
