Hopefully, we’ll have Uve/Detlef 2.0…
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Huge upside.
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Hopefully we see the same leap from Bal that we enjoyed from Podz. Getting players from elite teams like UVA and UA, even with modest stats, makes for an encouraging off season.
Still gonna miss Carlos.[
Bal initial AU recruitment info](Adama Bal, top international prospect, commits to Arizona Wildcats)
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Good get in Bal. Jalen and Podz had to be a huge help in this one.
Some similarities in strengths/makeup with Jalen and can point to him being a lottery pick last year, great rookie season and in the discussion for Rooke of the Year (though not likely to win it). And then Podz similarly transferring from a Power 6 school and having immediate success.
Supposedly a 6-10 or 6-11 wingspan. Two years of eligibility remaining but just turned 19 in December so more similar in age to current Freshman.
Bal could play the 2 or 3…probably depends on what other guards we bring in. IMO, we desperately need a PJ Pipes v2.0…a vet or grad transfer guard who can play the point, let Knapper come off the bench one more season.
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This has to be SCU’s calling card right now (getting Bal). Are you at a major program and getting little run? Feeling like an NBA prospect who’s overlooked and undervalued? Come to Santa Clara and you’ll get your chance to show your worth and take us to an elite level.
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Agree with Betts. The Portal could turn out to be the thing for Santa Clara basketball since KK was canned.
This move also tells me that Podz is getting enough interest & intends to stay in the draft. Not sure Bal pursues if Podz is still here.
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Has anyone heard of any PG chatter as it relates to the portal? I’d like to see a grad transfer come aboard similar to PJ Pipes and have a little more depth there along with BK, and Hammond.
Jalen Benjamin announces today. Hopefully for the Broncos. Would pretty much be a lock as a double digit scorer.
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I just noticed that Tyeree retweeted the bit about Jalen Benjamin’s announcement right in between tweets about him committing to SCU.
They don’t seem to have history that I could find. Maybe there’s a chance that they have been talking and that Santa Clara lands both? That would have to be the nail in the Podz-returning coffin.
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42% on 3s last season.
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I realize everyone looks good on their highlight film, but wow he really “pops”. Smooth stroke and dynamic athlete.
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How many years would Jalen Benjamin be able to play for the Broncos? Looks like he has played 4 years already, but still gets a Covid year. Can he also play a grad xfer year for SCU?
I think that’s right. Benjamin has got one year left as a grad transfer. Same for Caffaro.
Two years remaining for both Adama and Tyree. I believe two years for O’Neil as well.
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Jalen Benjamin just committed! Gives us the experience we need at the guard position. Put up 27pts in each of his last two games against Iona to give you an idea of what he is capable of.
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We recovered quite nicely. I’m excited.
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Quite the haul the last few days.
Appears we’re maxed out at 13 scholarships and as others have noted Podz is 99.9% gone.
To LetsGo’s question…appears Benjamin has just 1 year of eligibility remaining. 4 years played to date (2 at UAB, 2 at Mount St. Mary’s)…the free COVID year buys him a 5th season of playing.
Grad transfer doesn’t buy you an extra year of eligibility in terms of actually playing (in this case a 6th year), just allows you to transfer and play immediately. Guys like Shabazz last year at USF, Braun with us, etc. get a 6th year because they redshirted one season along the way plus had a free COVID year.
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I think we recovered from losing two first team All Conference guys pretty well. Very productive off season.
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