In Reply to: Cronin Picks Up A Near Nobody Point Guard -Markell Alston posted by MANTIS9 on June 16, 2025 at 15:38:44
get a couple of hardworking players that are happy to be here. Get some numbers so that you can still do 5v5's even with injuries or some player fatigue. Doesn't cost you anything. And, for me, if she could pick up a couple of young players out of the portal (ya, they might cost a little, but not much), that were not big time HS players, just competent players that have logged some college minutes, that would be great.
To continue the ramble - she said in the interview that was posted, that during the final four, she was negotiating with players agents about returning. Lots of players were threatening to leave (and, leave they did). She also said that Kneepkens people were calling her. She had to tell them to hang tight, b/c she didn't know if she had an opening.
Dang, if I'm CCC, I pick one of the "leveraging" players and say "You're not sure you're returning? I'll make it easy for you. I see you as having a better path in life leading elsewhere. I want what's best for you. And, I feel like that will be at another school. I'll always be your biggest fan. Good luck! Hope you get the money/playing time you're looking for!" Immediate next call "Hello, Gianna? Welcome to UCLA!"
Why would she risk losing Kneepkens in order to keep an unproven player that was threatening to leave? Just pick one of the leveragers and send them packing. In a caring way, of course.
I gotta say, I like the attitude of the Mississippi coach who said something along the lines of "People say 'it's all about the players.' Well, let me tell you something, I'm here to go to final fours. Look at UCLA, they used the portal very effectively. I'm going to go get some players." And, she did. Still not close to the talent level on UCLA's roster, but she did some serious upgrading. It's ok for a coach to be in it to win it. Espeeeeeecially now that the players are paid professionals.