Blake Buchanan commits

Judging by what seemed to be a majority of posts, we were all ok with Jackson walking because Cluff was seemingly in the fold. If Cluff is out, and this is the replacement...we somehow got less athletic/skilled in the post this portal season.

If there are no other moves expected for the post then maybe this means the staff is expecting big things out of Pleta? That's a big unknown though. At this point we've brought in 3 bench players. Hoping like hell Cluff is still an option...otherwise our ceiling has dropped considerably. Going to have to go back to the smashmouth, slow it down style.
You may be correct that some thought Cluff “was in the fold”. In this day and age, never assume anything until ink is dry.

Don’t confuse athleticism with working hard. Chat worked his a$$ off man but very limited offensively. Jackson good around the basket but outside that not much else. I would argue our front court pickups are more skilled, and if they have the motor that BRE had, then these are making us better in the front court.
 
We’re the Oakland A’s. So no, it’ll be the three we’ve gotten and Rhode, sadly.

It’ll be another 20+ win season with a decent seed but no chance to advance far in the tournament.
Don’t the Oakland A’s stink? Like pretty bad? How is being consistently ranked in the top 25 close to what the A’s are.
 
We’re the Oakland A’s. So no, it’ll be the three we’ve gotten and Rhode, sadly.

It’ll be another 20+ win season with a decent seed but no chance to advance far in the tournament.
Great. Now I’m imagining the Cyclones playing in Fort Dodge temporarily while the new facility at Prairie Meadows is being built.
 
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How'd we get less athletic? Chat and Dishon were not athletes. Buchanan seems pretty athletic and fluid on defense from video I've seen
His video shows things that every 6'11" white guy should be expected to do. Dunking at that height doesn't = athleticism. He's a skinnier Chatfield. Let's not sugarcoat it, and act like we've added a big difference maker.

That is a fine role, and something our team can use for sure. But there was an outcry to get more athletic & skilled in the post this offseason. We have yet to add someone that is markedly better than this past season to say we really improved at that position.
 
So apparently honest = overly pessimistic here? Got it! Thanks for the clarification
In recruiting season you’re supposed to glaze every player we get, that’s the message board rules. We’ve grabbed average players from 2 losing teams so far, that’s just a fact. Does that mean they will be average in Ames? Absolutely not. Look at Curt Jones. They are just unknown at this time, that’s all.
 
At least this guy is from Virginia so he has proven himself in a Power 5 conference(even though the ACC is bad). I think it's been 3 years since we've even landed a player that's not a low or mid-major.

I'm kind of concerned with how bad the teams these 3 guys have come from. They aren't used to a winning culture.
Buchanan mom is a college VB coach. Williams dad coaches hoops. My guess is they impacted their son's development.

What Denver a good program. How about Seattle? If TJ, Staff, Lipsey, Jefferson, Momcilovic and Heise can't create culture we are in trouble next year.
 
His video shows things that every 6'11" white guy should be expected to do. Dunking at that height doesn't = athleticism. He's a skinnier Chatfield. Let's not sugarcoat it, and act like we've added a big difference maker.

That is a fine role, and something our team can use for sure. But there was an outcry to get more athletic & skilled in the post this offseason. We have yet to add someone that is markedly better than this past season to say we really improved at that position.
I’m sorry but who made the outcry? Fans? And TJ should listen to Twitter users and message board geniuses?
 
Nothing against Buchanan but I’m curious if this is the type of player TJ is recruiting or just who we can afford. Watching these 2nd weekend games every team has players with bounce in the paint. Would love to grab a 6-9 6-10 dude with excellent athleticism even if offensively limited. (Ward)
We will never be as athletic as these 2nd weekend teams, unless we strike lightening in a bottle
 
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His video shows things that every 6'11" white guy should be expected to do. Dunking at that height doesn't = athleticism. He's a skinnier Chatfield. Let's not sugarcoat it, and act like we've added a big difference maker.

That is a fine role, and something our team can use for sure. But there was an outcry to get more athletic & skilled in the post this offseason. We have yet to add someone that is markedly better than this past season to say we really improved at that position.
He's more athletic than a 6'11" Jackson. And it's not close. If he has Chatfield's motor- it's a win.