Jerome

But feel free to talk yourself into him being a cornerstone piece for Tech if you'd like. He's a significant Basile downgrade but I digress. If I'm TB looking to use the 10th scholarship and we need front court depth, A. there are limited options of players who are taking that spot and B. we could do a lot worse than a guy who shot 38% from 3 last year on 3 attempts per game. I think Tony probably saw Groves as the easier one to sell for that spot. Anyway, I look forward to Dunn matching up on whatever front court option you throw at him next year. Should be a fun matchup.

I think it's way more likely we were keeping tabs on him and in contact but preferred Groves hence why he got first visit. He's been in the portal since April 6th we've had plenty of time to get him on campus and haven't. We'll never know for sure but I strongly suspect Tony preferred a better shooter and someone who was content being Dunn's backup. Bringing in a low ceiling 5th year player who isn't a particularly good shooter to stunt Dunn's growth in a year we are probably staring down the bubble, would be really dumb.

Rumors are that Groves committed over the weekend so that's a good fit to backup Dunn when we need shooting. Doubt very seriously that Bennett pushed all that hard for Beran and if he brought in a 36% shooter from the field to come start as a 5th year at the expense of Dunn's development, I'd have serious concerns about his ability to adjust to the new era of college hoops

It's not about who is better now, it's about doing what is best for the program. It's been rumored that Tony Bennett is going to rethink his strategy going forward wrt roster development. Next year is a developmental year regardless and bringing in another 5th year to move Dunn to the bench is not a wise move long term, and I strongly believe Tony realizes this. We need depth and shooting in the front court, hence the interest, but my money is on Dunn starting at the 4 on opening day next year.

Personally I think his defensive value will outweigh anything Beran could contribute but there’s zero chance that Tony is making the same mistake again and blocking his highest upside player for a 5th year with limited ceiling. A solid player for sure but Tony absolutely loves Dunn and he’s got a year more experience in the packline. He’s the perfect 4 for us. I can’t wait to see him in that role full time We’ll probably bring in Jacob Groves and he’ll fill the backup role fine.

Staff has been raving about him and our portal activity backs this up. We went aggressively after a starting 5 (minor) and a combo guard that can shoot (Rohde). Now that both are in the fold, we’re looking for front court depth. Jarin Stevenson reclass is best bet but they’re hedging by going after Jacob Groves and Robbie Beran because both offer floor spacing. Dunn is the perfect Tony Bennett 4 and I will wager whatever you want that he will start, but we need more than 3 bodies.

Only 1 power 5 team has in the last 7 years.

** Edited by Jerome at 11/30/2022, 12:07:04 AM ** Edited by Jerome at 11/30/2022, 12:07:27 AM