I think the point is that’s going to be incredibly hard to pull off
**** Official 2026 MBB Spring Transfer Portal Thread ****
- Thread starter LLCoolCY
- Start date
Cyclonepride
Thought Police
I agree, and he's definitely earned a premier spot on our payroll, and there should be room freed up with the guys that are leaving.
Our biggest need by far is a traditional 4 man. Somebody who can rebound, score and defend in the paint.
Other than that, we are pretty well set. Next need probably a point guard, or a combo who can play point. Gray might fill that need, but he will be a freshman coming off an injury. Not sure about Williams ball handling ability.
More than likely a pretty smart kid if he went to Cornell. If no bites on NIL I'm guessing he'll get a good job somewhere.
I read that initially as piss pound instead of pass, rebound.
Jahvin Carter - Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Guard - ESPN
View the profile of Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Guard Jahvin Carter on ESPN. Get the latest news, live stats and game highlights.
Him and Buchanan very clearly didn't get along in their two games and Buchanan beat his ass for the most part.
Diop in two games against ISU had 20 points and 11 rebounds - a respectable 10 and 5. He also had 8 fouls and 13 TOs.
With that size and athleticism, I can see why some SEC school will over pay like crazy for him (and the assistant coach tied to him), but I feel like that is a situation that ISU is too smart to fall for.
A sneaky mismatch type of player. Like a 6’5” or 6’6” player that can hold their own rebounding and guarding the post or perimeter and use quickness to get shots up down low. Thinking like Ejim or even better a Burton. Might not be as high of price as a 6’8” 4 man.
IMO we've just seen pieces of Batemon's game. During Nov-Jan he was primarily a spot up shooter and average defender. Over the last 45 days he's become more comfortable driving the lane and his defense has become elite. By next November, expect we will see an absolute stud.
Projecting an early starting lineup:
Toure
Williams (PG2 & primary ballhandler when Toure on bench)
Batemon
Momcilovic
Buchanon or Pleta
From bench Cyclones get:
- Non-starter among Buchanon or Pleta plays 15-20mpg
- 15mpg from Gray and/or Wiggins at off guard/wing
- Kiss fills in 10mpg at PF
- Add portal athletic/physical wing who is a solid rebounder and defender
- Players like Mitchell and Rinaldo-Komlan surprise a bit (show 2027/28 potential)
I think we might find that grouping might struggle on the defensive boards. While Milan to slip to the 4 at times, I believe he would struggle to play there most of the game as that would likely lead to more foul trouble.
I think Mitchell ends up going with Blount to San Diego.
I see the starting five as Toure, Batemon, Milan, Buchanan, Pleta
Then on the bench I see Williams, Kiss, and Rinaldo-Komlan. I think Rinaldo-Komlan could be a big contributor as a freshman. He is very long and athletic, runs the floor well, and has good touch. It all depends on how quickly he adjusts to TJ's defense. We haven't had a big as athletic as R-K since TJ has been the coach.
Dom Pleta is a freshman by eligibility but also turned 21 in the fall. Hope he sticks around to become our version of BYU’s 24 year old seniors.
Toure, Batemon and Milan are musts. I like Pleta but he's replaceable, the other three would be a lot harder. I'm very bullish on Toure, I can see him making a big jump to star status in his 2nd year. TJ tends to keep a lot of his guys so I'm confident that the young core and Milan will be back although if he has a big tournament he might go pro.
Edit: And Buchanan. He fits well here but I also think he's replaceable if he decides to move on.
Last edited:
Kind of all depends on Milan. If he declares, we have a major hole to fill. We’d also have a bunch of money available. Although, the guys returning would command more than they got this year.
I think first priority is a stretch 4. That’s really the biggest need. If Milan goes, then you need to find a wing that can shoot. If not, then you’re just looking for rotation players, because the starters are pretty much set.
I think first priority is a stretch 4. That’s really the biggest need. If Milan goes, then you need to find a wing that can shoot. If not, then you’re just looking for rotation players, because the starters are pretty much set.
Cyclonepride
Thought Police
I mean, everyone is replaceable but there's not a guy on that list that you want to replace. Pleta and Buchanan have been excellent, and bringing in guys to replace them will be a crapshoot at best
Last edited:
Strange we have two all conference type players on an all American coming off the books. A. Shouldn’t we have money to spend? B. No one other than Jefferson is projected in the first round why wouldn’t they return?
