Bill Fennelly

[rosshm16]

Just my two cents here (note that the actual value is around 1.85 cents): I believe Audi will finish her undergrad degree. I do not know if it will be at ISU. It seems she truly loves this university, but the personal goals in the back of her mind may go unrealized if she remains (league titles, advancing past round one, etc.). I'd heard she was offered a lot of money after the Stanford game to play in the SEC, then offered an obscene amount of money to play at a different SEC school after last year. I'm sure there will be another big offer thrown her way this year. It might be hard to turn down the opportunity to try something new just to see what it's like and to experience some things I'm sure she expected here, but so far has not seen, especially if the price is right. Addy (and Jada) are likely in the same boat. Both could be huge to another program looking for that final piece to their puzzle. I hope we don't lose any of them, but I also would never blame them for taking a chance on a change of scenery based on the results they've seen so far.

As a fan it would suck to lose her, but if I'm Audi I'd absolutely take the bag.

The W is a really hard league to make it in. Ashley Joens is a good analogy. She was also an elite scorer in college but an overall much more versatile player than Audi, and she couldn't make it.

 

[Nutt3r_Butt3r]

As a fan it would suck to lose her, but if I'm Audi I'd absolutely take the bag.

The W is a really hard league to make it in. Ashley Joens is a good analogy. She was also an elite scorer in college but an overall much more versatile player than Audi, and she couldn't make it.

It really is going to come down to two things - is the money worth it & how much does she want to stay around family (like she wanted when she was recruited).

If I had to imagine the schools that will offer the bag are not going to be border states with Iowa meaning lots of miles between her & family. I do think she should explore it regardless, she deserves it.

CBF has underperformed year after year recently, given the amount of talent we have had recently we should have made a run at least once. We haven't, we've went from highly ranked in the AP Poll to begin the year to a low seed in the NCAAT to end the year & an early exit to boot.

Do I think a new coach will solve it? Maybe. Regardless, those conversations should be had between the new President & Jamie - whether that needs done or not. AND for the love of god, DO NOT give Billy the keys to this program. If anything this program needs a jump start & you're not getting it from anyone on the bench with CBF.

 

[ZorkClone]

As a fan it would suck to lose her, but if I'm Audi I'd absolutely take the bag.

The W is a really hard league to make it in. Ashley Joens is a good analogy. She was also an elite scorer in college but an overall much more versatile player than Audi, and she couldn't make it.

This is why I'm not convinced about the rumors that she's been offered a significant sum over what she is getting here. Audi is a smart, talented lady I'm sure if someone was offering Oliva Miles level of pay, she would take it. ISU isn't just a place so special that nothing will convince her to play somewhere else.

 

[Nutt3r_Butt3r]

This is why I'm not convinced about the rumors that she's been offered a significant sum over what she is getting here. Audi is a smart, talented lady I'm sure if someone was offering Oliva Miles level of pay, she would take it. ISU isn't just a place so special that nothing will convince her to play somewhere else.

I disagree, there was a reply earlier in this thread that said it best.

A majority of the other "big" teams play a different style of ball with most playing a faster pace, one that Audi is not going to be the primary piece of like she is in Ames. The rumors are likely true, the fact that she's close to home & is the primary piece on Iowa State's offense is likely what has kept her home (along with some reasonable NIL dollars).

 

[throwittoblythe]

I disagree, there was a reply earlier in this thread that said it best.

A majority of the other "big" teams play a different style of ball with most playing a faster pace, one that Audi is not going to be the primary piece of like she is in Ames. The rumors are likely true, the fact that she's close to home & is the primary piece on Iowa State's offense is likely what has kept her home (along with some reasonable NIL dollars).

I think of it like a job offer. Imagine you got an offer to 5x your salary, but you had to work your a** off to completely change the way you do your job. You're currently the top dawg and get everything you want. You love where you live. In the new job, you'll be an important, but not central piece and you'll be a long way from home.

Is it worth it? Depends on the person and their individual situation. Hard to say what AC would pick since I don't know her personally. I wouldn't be shocked if she went either direction, honestly.

 

[ZorkClone]

I disagree, there was a reply earlier in this thread that said it best.

A majority of the other "big" teams play a different style of ball with most playing a faster pace, one that Audi is not going to be the primary piece of like she is in Ames. The rumors are likely true, the fact that she's close to home & is the primary piece on Iowa State's offense is likely what has kept her home (along with some reasonable NIL dollars).

I definitely agree with that she takes a certain amount of building around her for her to work well on a team.

Maybe I just have a different mindset than these athletes, but if the pay was going to go from 300k to 750K (just making numbers up I have no idea how much Audi makes here or has been offered) I would take it. Especially since it's a job I can only do for 4 years total.

She totally could prioritize family proximity and ISU more than I do; it's just hard for me to get in that headspace. For whatever reason she's stayed I'm glad she has.

 

[AlaCyclone]

I go to one or two games a year (@ Drake and West Virginia @ Hilton this year). I just want the Cyclones WBB team to be a top 16 team each year, so they can host a regional @ Hilton. Everything else is gravy. From that perspective, this was a down year. Hopefully, they can change that for Audi's Senior season!

 

[acoustimac]

I think of it like a job offer. Imagine you got an offer to 5x your salary, but you had to work your a** off to completely change the way you do your job. You're currently the top dawg and get everything you want. You love where you live. In the new job, you'll be an important, but not central piece and you'll be a long way from home.

Is it worth it? Depends on the person and their individual situation. Hard to say what AC would pick since I don't know her personally. I wouldn't be shocked if she went either direction, honestly.

One of the lessons I learned first hand in my career is that money isn’t everything and is way down the list compared to being happy with your job and the people you work with.

 

[throwittoblythe]

One of the lessons I learned first hand in my career is that money isn’t everything and is way down the list compared to being happy with your job and the people you work with.

Absolutely. You can chase the money, but know what you're signing up for. Maybe its worth it for a short period? If someone asked me to do a job I hated for $1M, I might be ok with that for one year. But there's an opportunity cost there, as well.

All about what your goal is. Kind of like the T Hunter situation a few years ago. Really didn't seem to be in his best interest from a bball standpoint to leave, but there were other factors at play (family, lack of pro prospects) that made it worth it to transfer. Can't say if it's worked out for him though.

 

[cykadelic2]

Yes, no, maybe (in that order)

Edited to expand a bit: I think there’s a world in which Pollard/whoever the AD is gives Billy a shot and tells him to bring in new assistants too so he can save a few hundred thousand dollars on coach salaries. If it works it’s a feel good story and maybe more alums stay connected to the program, if it doesn’t then move on after 4-5 years (presumably under a new AD). I don’t think it’s a good idea, but it might be the smoothest option at the end of Pollard’s tenure. Idk.

If Billy was going to succeed Bill as HC in Waiting, that would have (or should have) been done by now to salvage 2026 and 2027 HS recruiting which has essentially screeched to a halt.

 

[keepngoal]

One of the lessons I learned first hand in my career is that money isn’t everything and is way down the list compared to being happy with your job and the people you work with.

True.... but for one year, take the $, play hard, no ragrets.

 

[Cyrealist]

It really is going to come down to two things - is the money worth it & how much does she want to stay around family (like she wanted when she was recruited).

I'd add that the coach would be really important. Audi would need someone who would challenge her to improve but also appreciate who she is and what she brings to the game.

 

[HarryClone]

If Billy was going to succeed Bill as HC in Waiting, that would have (or should have) been done by now to salvage 2026 and 2027 HS recruiting which has essentially screeched to a halt.

Agreed! I think it's the path of least resistance, which might be too enticing for a non-revenue sport in the twilight of the Pollard's career (I assume)

 

[bluestarcyclone]

True.... but for one year, take the $, play hard, no ragrets.

Yeah, i feel like this is a different situation than normal 'careers' given the short term nature of sports careers in general (that can end literally any day with the wrong injury) but also the unknown of what a professional career might look like.

Could totally understand going and getting some good money her last year in college and having that banked for wherever life takes her next.

 

[acoustimac]

Yeah, i feel like this is a different situation than normal 'careers' given the short term nature of sports careers in general (that can end literally any day with the wrong injury) but also the unknown of what a professional career might look like.

Could totally understand going and getting some good money her last year in college and having that banked for wherever life takes her next.

I’ll use the situation of Denae Fritz going to Baylor. Promised big things and spent a year in misery. I’m not sure money is worth that. If you’re going to transfer, which I doubt she will, find a place that’s a fit and offers decent moolah.

 

[Challenger06]

personally her answer wasn’t vague at all. She has always been a leader and team first. She simply spoke from the heart that there are more important things to be thinking about right now. Personally, I thought even asking the question right after a tough loss was incredibly insensitive and rude.

I don’t think it was a rude question at all. Jada Williams had no problem answering it. Kudos to Tommy Birch for asking it.
Players are paid now. Answering these questions are part of their “job.”

 

[CycloneSpinning]

I’ll use the situation of Denae Fritz going to Baylor. Promised big things and spent a year in misery. I’m not sure money is worth that. If you’re going to transfer, which I doubt she will, find a place that’s a fit and offers decent moolah.

I’m also not sure these girls are being groomed to see $$$$ the way the boys are. It would be a very interesting conversation if you were able to have it with Audi to see how much she has made has already met or perhaps exceeded her expectations. I somewhat doubt she expected to be featured in Fareway commercials.

At the end of the day, she’s a gifted girl who grew up in pretty humble means in Algona, getting to play for one of the top programs in the country by many standards, is seemingly having fun…and making pretty decent money. I don’t think anyone should be too surprised if she’s very happy to let this just play out…again, where one of the guys might indeed be tempted by a doubling of their money opportunity.

I want to be very clear that I don’t think this is a poor decision on her part (if it is how she thinks) either. As others have said, sometimes more money really does come with/lead to more problems.

 

[BoxsterCy]

I don’t think it was a rude question at all. Jada Williams had no problem answering it. Kudos to Tommy Birch for asking it.
Players are paid now. Answering these questions are part of their “job.”

And their really last and only chance to ask that question this season, which is the point he made in defending the question after getting dissed by some fans.

 

[Challenger06]

And their really last and only chance to ask that question this season, which is the point he made in defending the question after getting dissed by some fans.

And his great line on X: “it’s a press conference not a funeral.”

 

[ZorkClone]

And their really last and only chance to ask that question this season, which is the point he made in defending the question after getting dissed by some fans.

Sometimes it feels like people on CF only want suck ups to write about Iowa State. I like the reporters for CF, but they aren't often critical of coaches or players.