**** Official 2026 MBB Spring Transfer Portal Thread ****
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We haven't had a player like Mason since Curtis/Keshon. Someone who can put the ball on the floor, create and score. He is really good in mid range off pick and roll. Also some clips of him posting up smaller guards. He isn't as athletic/quick as Keshon but shoots it better- Similar build and game to Curtis but doesn't shoot the 3 ball as well as him in my opinion.
Heard he was seen sitting behind the Penn bench at the Ivy League tourney.
Could be some tampering allegations coming from Butler
To me watching his highlight film. He is good in mid range, espically off pick and roll. Can create and make shots as the shot clock is winding down. While his 3 point percentage may not be as high, I suspect part of it is the supporting cast and the need to force shots. His stroke looks good so I think his shooting percentage from 3 will climb. I'm guessing he would have many more open looks playing with Milan and Bateman.
The best shooter in the country can and will get more money.
Buchanan is 6’11” and that can get a bag. He’s worth keeping to a certain extent too.
The strategy should be retaining guys like Milan, Buchanan, Toure, Batemon, and Pleta. Then play moneyball in the portal.
Ranked on last name, not skills- we’re on those freshmen/sophomore Top 50 lists and always slid to lower rankings but once you’re on that list at a young age, you’re never totally leaving them.
I worry more about Buchanan than Milan. MM could probably be a second rounder this year much like JJ last year. Jumping ship For a short term gain doesn’t outweigh the risk of stunting his development. He can see the path where he’s at to break into the first round next year.
Buchanan is a fantastic role player. He could be more easily tempted for a bigger paycheck and no one should blame him.
So we've went a whole year without a player like Curtis/Keshon, that's an odd statement. Not much of a drought.
Ok first off, it wasn't an insult or complaint against our current team. Secondly, you tell me who on our team was good at punishing defenses for playing drop coverage and defenders going under ball screens? Lipsey is good in screen and roll but is an inconsistent shooter both from 3 and mid range. His strength is hitting the role or getting all the way to the rim, not shooting. Third, besides Jefferson and Lipsey, who do we have that can consistently take guys off the dribble when the shot clock is low? In our losses, that's been our biggest weakness. Jefferson is good but has a tendency to overdribble and get stripped. Lipsey can but is most effective getting all the way to the rim not pulling up for a jump shot. Who do we have on the team that will hit a shot like Bradley hit against us? In my opinion, Mason will have that ability. That's what I mean when I say someone who can create their own shot and get a contested bucket from mid range or 3 when we need one.
I don’t know if he will be in the portal and I have no idea if there are ISU connections, but I really like what I saw from 6’9” 251# sophomore forward Hank Alvey who plays at Lehigh. He looked really good in the game I watched a few weeks ago. Looks like the sort of stretch 4 help that would be of help to the Cyclones next .season.
I also like Lehigh’s jr pg Nasir Witlock, originally from Minnesota.
I also like Lehigh’s jr pg Nasir Witlock, originally from Minnesota.
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I think their point was just your statement,
"We haven't had a player like Mason since," when it was just last year.
I agree that Gilbert's skill set, pre-injury, would be very useful on this year's team.
I don’t necessarily believe this, but, for the sake of argument: Milan’s defense was much better this year, but by February, teams were using the PnR to switch him on to the ball handler, and just abusing him 1-on-1. Dybantsa is a freak, but so is almost everyone else in the NBA, and he completely neutralized Milan.
One could evaluate that Milan’s likely best-case scenario is sticking for a few years after being picked in the second round. If that’s the case, one might argue that next season in college could likely be the peak for his annual earning potential, and he should take the money while he can.
Or, you know, stay in Ames, win a second natty, be a hero forever….
Ok, I should have worded haven't had a player like that since Gilbert and Jones.
Pleta has filled the 5 role for us, but that is not his profile from Europe. In his last 2 seasons in Europe, he almost shot two 3-pointers per game at 28%. That is basically Junior Joshua Jefferson from outside. He just didn't shoot outside this year because there was absolutely no reason to. Our offense always could get a better shot.
TJ also hyped up his ability to drive to the hole when he signed. That is not something we ask of our 5 man so we didn't see it this year.
I think he absolutely could be the starting 4 next year. He will be allowed to shoot threes if he can hit 30% or better. We will also likely see him take it to the whole.
He will NOT have the playmaking ability of Jefferson of course, but nobody starting at the 4 will. We won't be able to afford a guy who could, unless it's some inside connection.
How many strong rebounding stretch 4s has TJ brought in? Just Jefferson. Pleta has a shot to be that, at likely a far lesser price than a similar player on the market would cost. Plus he will be 22 and will have over a year in the system.
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This former state of Iowa star looking for a new home: https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/son-former-iowa-basketball-coach-191031708.html
