is not the problem but, rather reaction by the player to that honesty, both in Collins' and Rice's situation. Let's look at Rice's situation first. He is told it is Pedulla's job to lose based on being the most experienced. While none of us know what else may have been said, the reaction of packing up seems unwise at best. Why not stay, compete and see how it turns out? He could still leave at the end of the year. Seems highly unlikely sitting for year was the best idea for his stock as a player. Collins' is a little more understandable, in my opinion. He has done what was asked and contributed and the potential that he was undervalued could certainly trigger a belief that any situation where he was more appreciated was preferable. Of course, if it was presented that we have to get better at your spot and will be looking to create competition by bringing someone in and may the best player win that should not deter a competitor. However, the backdrop to all this is NIL as these conversations have a different tenor if NIL is competitive as opposed to a bottom third or bottom three offering. VT men's basketball clearly has some challenges to work through and can ill afford to shoot themselves in the foot due to poorly handled conversations. Not saying that is what happened, just that there are a lot of angles to consider.