I don’t think we are intentionally relying upon transfers. I’m sure the staff would much prefer to recruit high-level players from high school. And it looks like we have done that this year. Frequently, you just have to take the best you can get. Especially when you have unforeseen circumstances like Rodney Rice. Everyone would prefer to bring in high-level high school players and multiyear transfers, but there is not an unlimited supply. Also, it has proven very difficult for VT to attract elite, athletic players. We are getting players who want to be in a “system” oriented program. I agree completely that you need to mold your program around your circumstances. That being a school in a rural area without a successful basketball tradition or brand. I think, at least in the present term, Mike Young and the Mike Young system is a good fit for Virginia Tech. Until you can recruit at the highest level, if ever, a “system” approach makes a lot of sense. And maybe it always makes a lot of sense, look at Tony Bennett’s results up the road. I think this team will ultimately be pretty good once Long, Beran, and Nickel become acclimated to the system. The Auburn game was, as someone said above, a perfect storm: a very athletic, high-pressure team, playing in a very difficult gym, early in the season. Not a cause for panic. ** Edited by Squatro at 12/1/2023, 8:24:20 AM