Alphawalt wrote:I wonder what percentage of players will find the portal a disappointing experience? It will be rewarding for players like Nembhard, Dickinson, Abmas, but stark reality will set in for middle to lower level power conference players. The grass is not always greener on the other side, although I suspect NIL deals in general are going up in amounts. But you would think NIL money would end up being comparable at power schools for middle to lower level players, and playing time the only real issue for most lower end players. With so many in the portal, I don’t see how many of these players will indeed get more playing time (always will have a few exceptions who want to play for a top team, and are willing to play less minutes if NIL money is same or greater).
On another note, I am surprised on many comments on this board that seem to be selling Traudt short. If Kaluma is gone, I see Traudt as a clear starter, Miller and Green would be coming off the bench. Dude has some skills, with height and tenacity.
I am really high on Traudt. I honestly feel like he will bring some things to the table that we've been lacking -- some size and physicality at the 4, as well as the ability to shoot from there.
But he has played exactly zero minutes of Division 1 basketball. Miller has been here, in our system, working with our coaches and strength guys for two years and played some meaningful minutes last year. Add in who he is -- with the NBA dad, uncle on the coaching staff, etc. -- and I don't think you can automatically jump Traudt into the starting lineup ahead of him. It totally could happen if Traudt picks everything up quickly, impresses, etc. But if you told me I had to pick our game 1 starting lineup today without Art, I'd probably pencil in Miller as the starter and Traudt coming in off the bench. I could be totally wrong, but that's how I'd see it today.