2019 Class

[bluejayfan00]

Are we still in the running for any 2019 recruits or transfers? I haven’t seen our name mentioned with anyone for quite some time. But, we obviously still have roster needs, especially if Martin leaves (as is expected).

Why is it expected now that Martin will leave?

I suspect our recruiting strategy would look a lot different if we thought he was not going to be here this fall.

If Martin is back, I think it makes sense to hold onto the last scholarship for next year. More people will have graduated and more playing time will be available

Maybe some Michigan players will now enter the portal

[vivid_dude]

Why is it expected now that Martin will leave?

I think this has been expected by most, since he made the announcement. All the reasons have been articulated - age, injury history, he graduated, etc. You can't imagine many in his inner circle would be telling him to come back. I wouldn't. At the end of the day, it's his decision, but by a weight of the evidence, it is much more likely he is leaving than staying.

That's not to say he's definitely leaving, but IMO, that's the more reasonable expectation. As a Creighton basketball fan only, I selfishly want him to stay. But removing that hat, if he asked me (so far, I haven't received a call), I'd tell him to go earn mid-six figures playing basketball.

[#RollJays]

Why is it expected now that Martin will leave?

I think this has been expected by most, since he made the announcement. All the reasons have been articulated - age, injury history, he graduated, etc. You can't imagine many in his inner circle would be telling him to come back. I wouldn't. At the end of the day, it's his decision, but by a weight of the evidence, it is much more likely he is leaving than staying.

That's not to say he's definitely leaving, but IMO, that's the more reasonable expectation. As a Creighton basketball fan only, I selfishly want him to stay. But removing that hat, if he asked me (so far, I haven't received a call), I'd tell him to go earn mid-six figures playing basketball.

He might make six figures but mid six figures is a stretch. Top leagues are usually between $5k & $10k per month for the average player.

[Outlaw_Wales]

Why is it expected now that Martin will leave?

I think this has been expected by most, since he made the announcement. All the reasons have been articulated - age, injury history, he graduated, etc. You can't imagine many in his inner circle would be telling him to come back. I wouldn't. At the end of the day, it's his decision, but by a weight of the evidence, it is much more likely he is leaving than staying.

That's not to say he's definitely leaving, but IMO, that's the more reasonable expectation. As a Creighton basketball fan only, I selfishly want him to stay. But removing that hat, if he asked me (so far, I haven't received a call), I'd tell him to go earn mid-six figures playing basketball.

He might make six figures but mid six figures is a stretch. Top leagues are usually between $5k & $10k per month for the average player.

This.

I think people are vastly overestimating the amount of money that he is likely to get immediately if he goes to Europe. Initial contracts for most players over there are nothing like NBA contracts. Top guys in Europe make good money -- but I would be shocked if he somehow was offered a mid six figure contract for next year.

That's a big part of why I've always thought it was a closer call than many seem to think on whether he would go. It's not remotely the same putting off earnings for one year at European starting pay vs. putting off earnings for one year with a guaranteed NBA contract. It's still a consideration, for sure, especially with the age, prior injuries, etc., but it's a very different balance, as far as I can tell.

[bluejayb13]

I would be shocked if he wasn't offered a 6 figure salary. Mid six is high but a six fig Euro contract straight out of college is nothing to scoff at. Also, I don't see how that contract offer improves much with another year at Creighton unless he got legit feedback that he would be a potential draft pick at 25 next year. In my mind it really comes down to if he thinks him coming back can lead this program to the second weekend and if he wants to be the guy who came back and led the team to just that.

[Chicagojayfan]

...

I think this has been expected by most, since he made the announcement. All the reasons have been articulated - age, injury history, he graduated, etc. You can't imagine many in his inner circle would be telling him to come back. I wouldn't. At the end of the day, it's his decision, but by a weight of the evidence, it is much more likely he is leaving than staying.

That's not to say he's definitely leaving, but IMO, that's the more reasonable expectation. As a Creighton basketball fan only, I selfishly want him to stay. But removing that hat, if he asked me (so far, I haven't received a call), I'd tell him to go earn mid-six figures playing basketball.

He might make six figures but mid six figures is a stretch. Top leagues are usually between $5k & $10k per month for the average player.

This.

I think people are vastly overestimating the amount of money that he is likely to get immediately if he goes to Europe. Initial contracts for most players over there are nothing like NBA contracts. Top guys in Europe make good money -- but I would be shocked if he somehow was offered a mid six figure contract for next year.

That's a big part of why I've always thought it was a closer call than many seem to think on whether he would go. It's not remotely the same putting off earnings for one year at European starting pay vs. putting off earnings for one year with a guaranteed NBA contract. It's still a consideration, for sure, especially with the age, prior injuries, etc., but it's a very different balance, as far as I can tell.

This is exactly correct. The average starting salary over there is closer to the 65K to 100K range. A center like Martin could make more than that, but he's not going to be one of the top paid guys over there at this stage either.

The other side of the coin is that he's already graduated and is a very good student. I believe he's a Marketing major who has already graduated and by starting this summer could likely wrap up a very big part of an MBA (if not the entirety of it) by the time he leaves. The cost of the MBA might even be more than he would earn in a first year in Europe.

NBA, sure. He's gone, but Euro Contract.. not nearly so clear cut there.

[go_jays]

Said it before and will say it again. His best bet is to come back and expand his game so that he can play the 4 at the next level. If he can prove that next year, he MIGHT, I say MIGHT have a shot at an NBA contract. Otherwise, no way.

So risk/reward here is...

Minimum Risk... Take a Euro contract and be satisfied with decent money, but never realize your dream of playing NBA ball. Maybe go back after your Euro career and get your MBA.

Maximum Risk... Come back, get injured and never play again.. but have a great head start on a Marketing/MBA degree, that in the long run, will pay more than a Euro contract would.

Moderate Risk... come back but no injury, maybe not get picked in the draft, but get on with someone who is willing to work with him and give him a shot. If it doesn't pan out, get your MBA and move forward with your life. At least you won't have to be doubting yourself for the rest of your life saying... I wonder...

It's a tough call. But I know what I would do. Go for it, baby!!!!!

[Django]

So now our #1 recruiting target is.... Tini

[Venturajay]

From what I hear is that Martin and Mac are really close, almost like father and son. So I hope Martin sticks around because he loves CU, Mac , and Omaha it could be wishful thinking on my part. However, his tweet to CU fans when he announced he was entering the NBA draft was not very encouraging. Yes Martin is our number one recruit.

[drbluejay]

Tomorrow is the last day to sign a letter of Intent. If you don't sign tomorrow, you can't sign until the first day of school. It looks like CU could be done signing recruits for 2019 unless something magical happens.
I still think CU will be better next year with or without Tini but I sure hope he returns.