Saw former Cyclones Nojus committed to Cal today
**** Official 2026 MBB Spring Transfer Portal Thread ****
- Thread starter LLCoolCY
- Start date
Looks like Prather will be the biggest question mark for next season's team based on that defensive rating. Either he makes a huge leap defensively and I could see him starting, or he doesn't get up to speed and isn't in the rotation, or anywhere in between.
Along with Prather's athleticism/defensive issues, also a big question mark regarding Johnson's game at 5-9 successfully translating to the B12.
I think this is accurate - he's also the one who's production differs the most from his ranking / evaluation in the portal (fwiw)
I do think his ability to get on the court defensively will be hugely important for the offensive production of the team.
I think the question with Johnson is whether he's a ~15mph backup to Toure or a 25mph co-PG with Toure. He's going to play either way - I'd be shocked if he isn't in the rotation.
Ironically, KSU just signed his 5'7" backup at Bradley: https://www.on3.com/rivals/montana-wheeler-236619/
Prather seems like the perfect gunner/shooter instant offense guy off the bench when we need a scoring spark like Batemon was last year. Hopefully he shoots with the same confidence with no hesitation.
That is the question, but with Bateman also getting 20-25 minutes the 3 will be starter minutes regardless who is out for the tip off. I understand the concerns with Johnson's height but he is strong and shouldn't have issues with the physicality of the B12. ISU needed a 2nd ball handler on next years team and JJ was identified early by TJ as Tamin's replacement. Doesn't hurt that he got DPOY in the MVC at 5'10", defensive effort will translate and earn minutes in ISU's system.
I foresee Johnson stripping the ball from so many bigs down in the paint if/when they bring the ball down
Individual defensive metrics are pretty hard to extrapolate from one team to another because personnel and scheme changes everything about what's needed from a player to not have a terrible +- on that end.
Prather definitely struggles with lateral quickness but he's tall, strong, sturdy and smart. ISU had a #1 defense with freshman Milan at the 3. It helps that we pressure the ball with + defenders at every other position and use help. If his offense (quick release shooting and secondary playmaking) meets expectations, he'll play a lot
I think we could see Prather running some point this year too. Highest assist/turnover ratio in the nation. At 6'5 he could be our next Deandre Kane
I know it's difficult to determine from video clips but does Prather look to anyone else like he may need to tone up a bit?
I'm curious how much advantage it is to be a for-profit university, as it pertains to sports and recruitment budget. I haven't explored (m)any details about that aspect.
Regardless, GC has made a swift climb from D2 to "high mid-major" level.
They typically made good moves in the portal, they've had a lot of decent former p5 kids. Getting bumped up a level to the mwc probably helped even more. Wouldn't surprise me to see them end up in the PAC 12 eventually.
They’re a very attractive mid major program. Awesome campus and arena plus a very active fan base.
Looks like Iowa got a fall back commit from Ty’reek Coleman a pg/cg from Illinois State after missing out on their priority guy Ace Glass who committed to Vandy. Coleman really just had a decent year at Illinois State. I’d be pretty nervous if I were a Hawk fan thinking this is their guy replacing stirtz. As of right now it’s looking like:
Coleman
Combs
Sage
Koch
Mckeever (that 7’2 center from st Mary’s).
That lineup really isn’t scary at all. I’m expecting them to play hard and bleed out the clock to stay in games.
Coleman
Combs
Sage
Koch
Mckeever (that 7’2 center from st Mary’s).
That lineup really isn’t scary at all. I’m expecting them to play hard and bleed out the clock to stay in games.
I think Coleman is a good pickup, but he had some turnover issues.
As for McKeever, he doesn’t really impress me. At 7’2 only shot 50% from the field and had less dunks than Toure. He’s just Adam Woodbury reincarnated. Drew Scharnowski from Belmont would have been a better fit in his system.
