Milan Momcilovic commits to Kentucky

[FinalFourCy]

I don't disagree, but ISU isn't exempt from this same behavior. If Milan would have stayed, and shot 30% from three instead of 50, there would be plenty of vocal displeasure from the Cyclone fan base.

Of course ISU isn’t exempt. That is normal, and it’s appropriate fan behavior, even more so when resource scarcity (roster salary) is at play. That was the point

There is more fervor in this behavior at blue bloods like UK, but thankfully we have a large and passionate enough base to register as well

 

[jbhtexas]

While I don’t totally disagree, if you think the criticism here is anything like what would happen if he goes 2-10 against Louisville, then you are nuts. That fanbase is already crazy, then you add in not liking their coach, then you add in the very public knowledge that he’s making 6 million. There’s no denying that’s a whole different level of pressure compared to a place where he’s built up 3 years of goodwill.

He got paid and I don’t blame him for it. But I also hope he’s prepared for everything that comes with that kind of money and that nutty, already pissed off fan base.

And at Kentucky, not only will the fans go after him, the press and the podcasters will be right in there piling on as well.

 

[enisthemenace]

While I don’t totally disagree, if you think the criticism here is anything like what would happen if he goes 2-10 against Louisville, then you are nuts. That fanbase is already crazy, then you add in not liking their coach, then you add in the very public knowledge that he’s making 6 million. There’s no denying that’s a whole different level of pressure compared to a place where he’s built up 3 years of goodwill.

He got paid and I don’t blame him for it. But I also hope he’s prepared for everything that comes with that kind of money and that nutty, already pissed off fan base.

Yeah…he, and any other player getting paid millions, would definitely receive some backlash if not producing. Here in Ames or anywhere else. However, I’m not sure one can compare Ames and Lexington in this regard. Those hillbillies are ******* crazy.

 

[alenz95]

This sucks from an uninformed optics perspective. There are a lot of really dumb takes about this situation flying around that don't really comport with reality. We all have a lot of pride in the basketball program so its unfortunate to see players transfer for sums we probably can't afford. It sucks worse when its to a program like Kentucky that clearly has cultural issues.

That said, ISU basketball is probably better next year without Milan. It seems pretty clear that after the season there were two paths. We could either build around Milan and hope the draft didn't work out, or we could just say good bye and build a roster without him. Milan is a great player, but we've seen his limitations. I just don't think the version of the roster built around him was the way to go. What we currently have slated for next year seems to fit the defensive culture TJ has established a lot better. We are still going to be good next year, and with the way recruiting has looked we are going to be even better in the years to come.

 

[isufbcurt]

Since no one here is wishing ill will, than I'll do it. I hope he tanks at UK, destroys his draft stock, and ends up overseas

I am, but I didn't post it because to many on here get upset by that sort of thing.

 

[Pope]

So Kentucky spends $6 million to get Milan and I'm guessing TJ spends about the same to get Singleton, Bond, Johnson, and Manning (heck, maybe even more than that).

I like TJ's strategy better.

 

[Chitowncy]

lol, the pool of "ISU HoF" eligible athletes from this era is gonna be such a joke.

Everyone of note has now transferred. batting 0.1000

In fairness, this is the new era everywhere. The 4 year guys or even 3 year guys will be incredibly rare for the foreseeable future. Tough, but it's the situation we're in.

I am incredibly thankful we have Otzelberger and staff. He's done an amazing job retaining guys in this era and being practical with the budget we do have. We're still a projected top 25 team for next year. That's frankly amazing to me given losing 3 pros (euro or NBA).

Wish Milan the best. Was a fun Cyclone to watch.

 

[Kettes]

Kentucky ... clearly has cultural issues.

This is really an understatement, too. Last year's Michigan team, the starters, were ALL transfers. UK has tried this multiple times as well. Either they are over-valuing players they bring in as transfers or it is a coaching issue; i.e. having the inability to control mega-egos. The fans just take it out on the players, not the coaching and recruiting staff.

 

[Chitowncy]

So Kentucky spends $6 million to get Milan and I'm guessing TJ spends about the same to get Singleton, Bond, Johnson, and Manning (heck, maybe even more than that).

I like TJ's strategy better.

Even less, I suspect, but your point is a good one.

We're pretty darn lucky.

 

[Pope]

When we whipped Kentucky in the tournament a few months ago, you could see they quit in the second half. That's the type of culture you typically have when your roster is a bunch of highly paid prima donnas who are happy only when the ball is in their hands.

Milan is set for life, financially speaking, but I have a feeling his next year or two won't be a lot of fun.

 

[awd4cy]

I am, but I didn't post it because to many on here get upset by that sort of thing.

I don’t wish him to get an acl injury or anything like that, but hope he gets fat and out of shape and can’t hit the broad side of a barn for the next year.

 

[alenz95]

This is really an understatement, too. Last year's Michigan team, the starters, were ALL transfers. UK has tried this multiple times as well. Either they are over-valuing players they bring in as transfers or it is a coaching issue; i.e. having the inability to control mega-egos. The fans just take it out on the players, not the coaching and recruiting staff.

Probably a bit of both for them. Looking just at Milan, if what is being reported is true, he is the highest paid college basketball player next year. I seriously doubt he is going to end up being the best player next season. Lets say his numbers dip just a bit off last years historic season, in part due to more teams giving him the same treatment Tennessee did in the Sweet 16. What kind of an impact does that have in a locker room when all the other hired guns start to get jealous they are out performing him?

 

[cyclones122]

Well, bye. On to the 14 guys on ISU's roster currently and having a top 20 team again next year. T.J. handled this exactly right.

 

[Clone9]

This sucks from an uninformed optics perspective. There are a lot of really dumb takes about this situation flying around that don't really comport with reality. We all have a lot of pride in the basketball program so its unfortunate to see players transfer for sums we probably can't afford. It sucks worse when its to a program like Kentucky that clearly has cultural issues.

That said, ISU basketball is probably better next year without Milan. It seems pretty clear that after the season there were two paths. We could either build around Milan and hope the draft didn't work out, or we could just say good bye and build a roster without him. Milan is a great player, but we've seen his limitations. I just don't think the version of the roster built around him was the way to go. What we currently have slated for next year seems to fit the defensive culture TJ has established a lot better. We are still going to be good next year, and with the way recruiting has looked we are going to be even better in the years to come.

*Given our financial situation. We're playing moneyball while Kentucky is the Dodgers.

 

[Texbudman]

No ill will towards Milan, I hope he continues on and finds a way into the NBA. I also think TJ took the appropriate stance to make sure that next year's team wasn't hinging upon a decision here. The college system/lack thereof just sucks.

TJ got ahead of this early by getting players he wanted and could afford. Took the sting out a little bit knowing Milan was most likely gone two months ago

 

[BWRhasnoAC]

I think it's time to stop talking about it.

 

[Cydewayz]

CW/Blum mentioned how this may be the "steroid era" of college sports (we will look back and this will be a unique time and it'll level out).

With that in mind, i can't imagine how it must feel to be a former athlete even from a couple years ago that didn't have a pro career, but could have REALLY set themselves up financially (in addition to their no student debt) that missed the window by a couple years (especially basketball).

Guys like Gabe Kalscheur, Brockington, etc. that in todays market both at ISU but on the open market would have gotten good money.

 

[Clonefan32]

I'm not convinced Pope is even still coaching there in January. If they don't get off to a hot start I have to imagine thing start getting ugly for him.

 

[tzjung]

I’m not going to lie, this whole thread makes me want to vomit. **** this new reality, **** the inequities the Big10 and SEC have created, **** what it does to fans, **** what it does to our Olympic sports, and **** everyone who thought that the NCAA trying to keep a level playing field was in the wrong leading to this travesty of Greed that we see today. I do believe in amateurism and giving a living stipend or treating sports program players like student-jobs or Work-study is as far as it should have ever gone.

/Rant

 

[awd4cy]

CW/Blum mentioned how this may be the "steroid era" of college sports (we will look back and this will be a unique time and it'll level out).

With that in mind, i can't imagine how it must feel to be a former athlete even from a couple years ago that didn't have a pro career, but could have REALLY set themselves up financially (in addition to their no student debt) that missed the window by a couple years (especially basketball).

Guys like Gabe Kalscheur, Brockington, etc. that in todays market both at ISU but on the open market would have gotten good money.

I think it’s only going to get worse. Top programs spending will forever separate from the rest. This whole thing isn’t sustainable mostly for programs like us, but not for the top 15.