Re the player we're losing...

[GuyF]

Multiple sources indicate to me that it appears likely at this point that Rashard McGill won't be back with the team. I am hearing that there is a a family illness and that he wanted to be closer to home (Florida, I think?).

I don't believe this is completely, 100% done. But it certainly appears to be the case at this time. Hopefully it turns out to be wrong, as McGill has a nice game and would work well in Cluess's system, I think.

[ic59]

TC spoke well of him at the reception at Mo's, back in May. He expected McGill to be an All-League performer in his junior and senior years.

[Super]

Too bad--this kid had some very good minutes for us last year. He's quick and had the makings of a 3 point shooter. He reminded me of a stronger version of Dyree. Staff thought he was among the most fundamentally sound of the returning group.

[ichoops]

I've no problem here (if we get Glover). I'd much rather see Smyth, Armand and Randy with more minutes. I thought he lacked a bit of touch around the basket and didn't buy into the "he can help at the 4" argument.

I do wish him the best of luck.

[Joebird]

McGill is a very good player who was going to get much better. To me this is a bad loss. Seems like kids from out of the metro area are much more likely to transfer.

[GuyF]

Agree with Joebird. Even if we land Glover McGill would have likely seen a couple minutes here and there at the 4, but if we don't get Glover the loss is greater. I too liked his game.

I want to be clear, though: this is not 100% done.

[oldtimer]

So far we have lost Huffman and Milan to graduation...Williams and Mockford have left and now it appears McGill is gone...We have filled 3 of those spots with Armand, Kestic and the Monroe Jr. college player.....IMO that is no more then a wash trade off. Armand may turn out to be a big time player,but he is a freshman..Kestic is almost a unknown late selection, and the Jr. College player is a 23 year old wing player that does not shoot the 3.....

We have waxed enthusiastic, but playing the "Devils Advocate" I see the difference between 17-18 wins and a 23-24 season, unless we fill the open 2 spots with players of need and much better then average ability, It is cause for concern. I have however great faith, that our staff will come through.

Go Gaels!!!!!

[tau]

Any word on James Stukes?

[GuyF]

Stukes is going JUCO, I believe.

OT, you are considering the players coming and going, but not going with the assumption that the returning players are all a year older and a year better. It should also be noted that our OOC will likely be weaker than a year ago, as should be the MAAC itself.

This team should win a similar amount of games as last year as it stands now. If we add Glover and his head is screwed on right, we could be looking at a HUGE season.

[Cjb]

I too will miss McGill if he leaves... very athletic with a solid stroke that defended extremely well. Thought he played some of his best ball against some of our toughest competition. Was ROW once and has loads of potential. I hope he remains.

[ic59]

Guy, you are right on about our OOC sked and the MAAC teams being weaker than last year. Also, the key players we have returning, Machado, Smyth, McFadden, Jenkins, Dwight, Pelcher, and Fields SHOULD be improved, as will A-Rod, IF he's healthy. The three newbies are icing on the cake. The new coaching staff is a question mark, only because they are new and unfamilar with the League. A guy like Glover takes us to the next level, but even w/o him we are a 20+ win team. But a team that will have to struggle to get past FF, St. Peter's and Siena.JMO.

[epatrick]

Selfishly, I'd love for McGill to stay. He has a lot of ability and is a perfect gentleman, a combination that's hard to find.

[ichoops]

We're recruiting at a higher level. Don't sweat it.

[ichoops]

Any further news on this? If we have Glover we could use a backup to Pelch.... lol