by JacobPadilla » Mon Apr 26, 2021 7:43 pm
It's not like Mason is a 5-star one-and-done prospect. Isn't everyone on this board freaking out about having to be so young next year and begging for transfers? What's the problem with bringing in a grad transfer at that position to give Mason the time to develop at his own pace? He'll still get a chance to play a quality role if he's ready for it.
Mac's job is to put together the best team he can. He can't not take a good player who wants to come to Creighton because Modestas Kancleris is on the roster, and that would be the case even without him coming off a torn ACL.
Don't underestimate Division II players, especially ones at a program like NWMSU. The best D-IIs would likely be able to beat a lot of low-major or low-end mid0major schools. Northwest Missouri State played two exhibition games against Duke during Hawkins' career.
As a freshman, they got blown out, but he scored 14 points on 5-7 FG (4-6 3FG) with 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 turnover and 1 steal in 14 minutes off the bench.
As a junior, the Bearcats gave the Blue Devils a scare, losing 69-63. Ryan had a tough shooting game (6-18 FG, 4-12 3FG) but was still second on the team with 16 points and added 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 turnovers and 1 steal while playing all 40 minutes.
FWIW, O'Connell was a combined 1-8 from the field for 2 points in 26 minutes in those two games.