The retention decision was made in late March. The opportunity to go to Puerto Rico was something that recently arose. In order for the players to get the benefit of this experience, the way to pay for it was concluded to be a payday game. Too late at this point to change the coaching decision. That would not be fair to the three recruits brought on board in the spring signing period. Next March, the staff decision will once again come up. I am pretty sure no buy out will be involved if a change is made at that point. With the situation as such, I don’t understand why anyone would want to deprive our athletes of what should be a great educational experience. Focus on this decision was mainly made for the benefit of the players, not the coaches.
MAT and Mike seem to have diametrically opposing opinions on whether a money game is paying for the Puerto Rico trip. Go figure . . .
It’s just great to see there is obviously still great interest and care for hoops over in Lafayette.
I was told it was by someone I trust completely when it comes to MBB. Perhaps some funds were also raised if the road game was not enough. However, I was not asked to contribute and I have been in the past for things of this nature. Regardless, I don’t see why anyone would object to something that should provide a great experience for the players.
If it was used as a recruiting tool I'm all for it.
Generally though, great experiences should be reserved for the post season run.
Overseas trips are not available in the post season. My daughter went to PR in 2018. At that time the island was still struggling from hurricane devastation. They still are today. Benefit of a trip like this is players see people having less than they do and hopefully appreciate the good fortune they have of playing a game while on scholarship.
I imagine it helped in recruiting recently. We announce we sign a highly regarded player a week before we announce the trip. Basketball wise, the trip will help that guy due to the extra practices and games he will get to participate in. He missed most of summer workouts due to signing late. I think his name is Ratliff. He originally planned to play 2 years in prep school. When he changed his mind to play only one, it gave us the opportunity to bring him on board.
I meant post season play should be the great experience.
Great experiences should be reserved for the experience of post season play.
Keep the carrots in front not behind.
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