Norm Peterson

What I've done with AI just kind of playing with it has been fun. I'm not going to tell you ALL of the recipes I've asked it to create, but I've tried some of them and it's worked well. Go try to find a recipe for Indian Butter Chicken the conventional way, for example, and you'll find great variation and some of it will seem sketch. Ask the Twitter AI bot and in 10 seconds you'll have a very detailed recipe with all kinds of tips and instructions. Seriously. Give it a shot. Let me know if you get any kind of fun results.

The tempo of his Drake team was reminiscent of former Iowa coach Todd Lickliter. Who was fired after three seasons.

I'm here. It's me. I started playing around with Twitter's AI bot just asking random shit like "create a recipe for Hungarian goulash." It worked remarkably well. Then I started asking like data questions that I didn't want to have to research just to see what it could come up with. So, then I started toying with these other questions. That question I posed upthread? It responded literally within 2 seconds using terminology from my question and picking up the example of the game-playing by rats. And it presented the information in kind of a conversational tone. Ask it a medical question. Compare the answer you get with whatever you find from Mayo Clinic's on-line thing. Just test it. It's really kind of cool.

I remember people saying at the beginning of the season that Meah and Berke wouldn't be on the floor at the same time. And that ended up being the case only because Meah wasn't on the floor. But, when Meah was playing, Berke was at the 4-spot next to him. Why wouldn't Berke play alongside Mast? Or, if Berke is truly just a back-up to Mast, why wouldn't we have a bouncy 4-man next to him?

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bubbling up. Let’s run with your hypothesis and flesh out how this could play out, weaving in your rat-study analogy and the idea of a fan-driven shift toward a no-pay league. The Implosion Scenario You’re spot-on that money is driving the train right now. P4 schools with NIL budgets ballooning into the $5-10 million range (projected as collectives grow and revenue-sharing kicks in post-House v. NCAA) can outbid mid-majors by orders of magnitude. Traditional basketball powers outside football conferences—like Gonzaga, Villanova, or Dayton—might hang on as outliers, leveraging history, coaching, and niche donor support. But most smaller schools (think Missouri Valley or Atlantic 10 teams) can’t match the financial firepower. Talent compression into 20-30 elite programs feels inevitable under this trajectory—think Duke, Kansas, and Kentucky rosters looking like NBA G-League teams, while mid-majors field freshmen and leftovers. The problem, as you noted, is competition. A 30-game schedule needs opponents, and if non-conference play becomes an exhibition season of blowouts, fans and TV networks might tune out. Last season, mid-majors like Charleston upset Alabama, but as NIL widens the gap, those games could turn into 30-point routs. Your rat analogy fits perfectly here: the smaller rat (mid-majors) needs a chance to win occasionally, or it stops playing. If mid-majors can’t compete—say, losing their best players annually to P4 poaching and facing unbeatable superteams—they might collectively say, “This isn’t fun anymore,” and opt out. The Rise of a No-Pay League Imagine 200+ schools from smaller conferences (e.g., Horizon, MAAC, Southern) breaking away to form a “Heritage Division” with strict rules: no NIL, no transfers, four-year commitments, and a focus on student-athletes. They’d pitch it as a return to “pure” college basketball—team-oriented, disciplined, and built on loyalty. Players wouldn’t be mercenaries chasing the next paycheck; they’d stay put, develop chemistry, and play for the school’s name on the jersey. Think 1980s-style hoops: motion offenses, gritty defense, and seniors leading the charge, not one-and-dones or portal hoppers. You’re right that this could resonate with fans. The current P4 model risks becoming a mercenary league—entertaining but soulless, with players prioritizing highlight reels for their next NIL deal or NBA audition. A Heritage Division could counter that with a nostalgic, relatable product: underdog stories, local rivalries, and cohesive teams. Picture a Murray State or Loyola Chicago sticking with their core for four years, pulling off upsets in their own tournament. The contrast might expose the P4’s excess—why watch a 40-point Kansas rout when you can see a nail-biter between two scrappy, committed squads? Fan Appeal and Tipping Point Fans might indeed find this more enjoyable, especially if the P4 product gets predictable. The NCAA Tournament’s magic has always been parity and chaos—think George Mason in 2006 or Saint Peter’s in 2022. If P4 dominance kills that, a Heritage Division could steal the spotlight by reviving it on a smaller scale. Disciplined, team-first play could also attract purists tired of the AAU-style individualism creeping into college ball. And if enough schools defect—say, 150-200 by 2035—the new league could gain critical mass, securing its own TV deal (mid-tier networks like ESPN2 or regional sports channels) and tournament hype. The P4 might scoff at first, but they’d feel the pinch. Their non-conference slate would shrink to cupcakes or each other, risking overexposure and fan fatigue. If the Heritage Division’s popularity surges—say, outdrawing P4 regular-season games in ratings—it could force a reckoning. The big schools need competition to sustain interest, but they can’t force mid-majors to stay in a system that buries them. Challenges and Feasibility The catch is execution. Smaller schools would need unity and funding to launch this, and some might resist leaving Division I’s prestige (and NCAA Tournament revenue). Players might still chase P4 money, thinning the talent pool—though a no-pay league could attract late bloomers or academics-first athletes overlooked by the mercenary system. The NCAA or courts could also intervene, arguing antitrust issues if the split disrupts the current model. But if the P4 keeps consolidating talent and mid-majors hit a breaking point (e.g., losing 80% of their stars annually), the “we can’t compete” sentiment could override those hurdles. Long-Term Outcome By 2040, we might see a bifurcated college basketball landscape. The P4 becomes a semi-pro league—high-flying, star-driven, but concentrated and predictable, with 16-20 dominant teams. The Heritage Division thrives as the “people’s game,” with 150+ schools, broader parity, and a throwback vibe. Fans split along taste: casual viewers stick with P4 spectacle, while diehards embrace the Heritage’s grit and storylines. The Heritage champ might even challenge the P4 winner in a hyped “true title” game, proving which model wins hearts. Your rat analogy could be the key: if the smaller schools refuse to play the P4’s game, they might just build a better one. I’d watch it—four-year rivalries and team-first ball sound refreshing. What do you think the tipping point would be to make schools jump ship? A 50-point average margin in P4 vs. mid-major games? A fan boycott?

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.r-vkv6oe{min-width:40px;} .r-vlxjld{color:rgba(247,249,249,1.00);} .r-vqxq0j{border:0 solid black;} .r-vrz42v{line-height:28px;} .r-vvn4in{background-position:center;} .r-wy61xf{height:72px;} .r-x3cy2q{background-size:100% 100%;} .r-x572qd{background-color:rgba(247,249,249,1.00);} .r-xigjrr{-webkit-filter:blur(4px);filter:blur(4px);} .r-yc9v9c{width:22px;} .r-yfoy6g{background-color:rgba(21,32,43,1.00);} .r-yy2aun{font-size:26px;} .r-yyyyoo{fill:currentcolor;} .r-z7pwl0{max-width:700px;} .r-z80fyv{height:20px;} .r-zchlnj{right:0px;} @-webkit-keyframes r-11cv4x{0%{transform:rotate(0deg);}100%{transform:rotate(360deg);}} @keyframes r-11cv4x{0%{transform:rotate(0deg);}100%{transform:rotate(360deg);}} .r-94m00{position:absolute;visibility:hidden;top:0;width:50px;pointer-events:none} .r-94m00.loaded{visibility:visible;top:50vh;width:50px} That's my thought -- that the current model will implode under its own weight. My guess is smaller conference schools simply will not be able to compete with NIL budgets of the larger conference schools. There will be some outliers -- schools that have been traditional powers in basketball outside the football-conference schools. But, by and large, money will drive the train. And, if that happens, it stands to reason that talent will compress into fewer and fewer schools. But the problem for the big NIL budget schools is that there needs to be competition or the system will falter. They have a 30-game schedule. Who are they going to play? The non-conference part of the schedule might turn into exhibition season where the mid-major programs have virtually zero chance of going in and winning. There was a study about the play of rats and it found that the bigger rat needed to let the smaller rat win every once in awhile or the smaller rat would just refuse to play. If the other 250 schools can't afford to compete for the high-level talent and, therefore, start their own no-pay league, fans might find that brand of basketball more appealing. The players wouldn't be mercenaries transferring each season to play for the highest bidder. Instead, they'd be playing for the love of the game. Probably more disciplined basketball, more team-oriented play, more enjoyable product to watch than the mercenaries trying to set themselves up for their next pay day. If enough schools say "we can't compete, it's not fun" and start their own division, it could end up more popular than the division where the players get big money but play for the name on the back of the jersey rather than the name on the front.

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economic incentives, and the sport’s evolving structure. Let’s break this down based on your specific questions, using observable patterns and logical extrapolation as of March 26, 2025. Will More Talent Be Concentrated in Fewer Programs? Yes, it’s likely that talent will increasingly concentrate in fewer programs, particularly those in Power 4 (P4) conferences—ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC—due to their superior NIL budgets and resources. Since the NCAA lifted NIL restrictions in 2021, programs with deep-pocketed boosters and established collectives (third-party groups that pool donor money to pay athletes) have gained a recruiting edge. Top-tier programs like Kentucky, Alabama, and Kansas can offer seven-figure NIL deals, while mid-major schools often operate with budgets in the low six figures—or less. The transfer portal amplifies this: a record 1,962 men’s basketball players entered it in the 2024 offseason, and high-major programs frequently poach proven talent from smaller schools. For example, players like Oscar Tshiebwe (who returned to Kentucky for a $2 million NIL package) illustrate how financial incentives keep or attract elite players to big programs. Over time, this could create a self-reinforcing cycle where P4 schools stockpile talent, leaving fewer standout players for mid-majors. However, there’s a counterpoint: NIL and the portal also allow mid-tier P4 or high mid-major programs (e.g., Gonzaga, St. John’s) to compete if they strategically leverage their budgets. Parity isn’t entirely dead—look at San Diego State and Florida Atlantic reaching the 2023 Final Four—but the overall trend favors concentration as the financial gap widens. Will It Tend to Negate Parity? Partially, yes. Historically, college basketball thrived on parity through Cinderella runs in the NCAA Tournament, driven by mid-majors with cohesive, veteran rosters. The transfer portal and NIL disrupt that. Mid-major stars now often transfer up after breakout seasons—think Great Osobor moving from Utah State to Washington for a reported $2 million deal. This talent drain reduces the ability of smaller schools to build multi-year chemistry, a key ingredient for upsets. Meanwhile, P4 teams can reload annually with transfers and freshmen, smoothing out roster gaps that once leveled the playing field. Yet, parity isn’t fully negated. The portal’s fluidity means some P4 teams misfire on transfers (e.g., Kansas State’s uneven 2024-25 season despite heavy spending), while smart mid-majors can still exploit undervalued talent. The 2023 tournament’s chaos suggests upsets will persist, but their frequency may decline as P4 dominance grows. Coaches like San Diego State’s Brian Dutcher have noted more parity recently, but that could reflect a transitional phase before NIL budgets fully stratify the sport. Are Smaller Schools Becoming Feeder Programs for Larger Schools? This is already happening and will likely intensify. Smaller schools—especially in low- and mid-major conferences—are increasingly functioning as developmental leagues. A player shines at a school like Buffalo or Furman, gains attention, then transfers to a P4 program with a bigger NIL package. Data backs this: of the 1,962 transfers in 2024, many moved from mid-majors to high-majors, lured by money and exposure. Coaches at smaller programs lament losing players like Pharrel Payne (Minnesota to Texas A&M) after investing in their growth. The dynamic mirrors professional sports farm systems, except here, the “farm” teams get no compensation for losing talent. Mid-majors can still compete by outworking P4 schools in high school recruiting or finding overlooked transfers, but the poaching trend is clear. P4 teams with NIL budgets in the $3-5 million range (versus $300,000-$500,000 for mid-majors) have the upper hand, and this gap will widen as donor fatigue hits smaller programs harder. Could Smaller Conferences Start a Separate Division Where Players Aren’t Paid? This idea has merit but faces steep hurdles. Smaller conferences (e.g., Ohio Valley, Horizon) might push for a division where NIL is banned or capped, aiming to retain players for all four years and restore traditional college basketball’s appeal—team loyalty, gradual development, and upset potential. It could attract players who prioritize education or stability over immediate cash, creating a niche product distinct from the P4’s semi-professional model. Imagine a “heritage division” with strict eligibility rules, no transfers, and no pay, marketed to fans nostalgic for the pre-NIL era. However, practicality is the issue. The NCAA’s current structure doesn’t easily support splitting Division I, and smaller schools rely on the prestige (and revenue) of competing with P4 teams in the tournament. A separate division risks isolating them further, reducing visibility and funding. Plus, enforcing a no-pay rule is tricky—underground NIL deals could still emerge, and top talent would likely opt for paid opportunities in the P4 anyway. The House v. NCAA settlement (pending final approval in April 2025) may allow direct revenue sharing of $20.5 million annually across sports, locking in a pay-for-play reality that smaller schools can’t escape without massive restructuring. A separate division might emerge in 10-20 years if parity collapses entirely, but for now, it’s a long shot. Broader Future Outlook By 2030, college basketball could resemble a two-tier system within Division I: a P4-dominated upper crust with concentrated talent and professionalized rosters, and a broader base of mid- and low-majors struggling to keep pace. Smaller schools won’t vanish—they’ll still produce occasional tournament surprises—but their best players will be siphoned off yearly. NIL budgets will dictate success more than coaching or tradition, though savvy programs can buck the trend with efficiency (think Moneyball-style roster building). The NCAA might impose caps or revenue-sharing rules to curb runaway spending, but legal challenges (e.g., Tennessee’s lawsuit against NCAA recruiting restrictions) suggest athlete freedom will prevail. Fans may see less “madness” in March as P4 teams solidify their grip, but the sport’s unpredictability won’t disappear entirely—coaching, chemistry, and luck still matter. Smaller conferences might lobby for protected tournament bids or financial incentives to stay viable, but a separate unpaid division feels like a distant dream unless the current model implodes under its own weight. What do you think—would you watch a no-NIL division if it meant more four-year players and classic rivalries?

I'm thinking here that teams that used to fill up rosters and take the whole allowed number of 13 (even though, typically, they only play 8 or 9 guys) might not bring in as many players moving forward. Bringing a guy in to develop him doesn't make as much sense anymore. Just have him go to Wyoming and, if he pans out and develops, try to recruit him when he portals. So, instead of spending your ~$3 million +/- on 13 players, you might divide that same amount among, say, 11 players. Gives you more to spend on each guy. The hundred thousand you would have spent on each of the last two guys would be two hundred thousand more to sweeten the pot for the top two guys.

I've said this a few times, not sure where all, so apologize if this seems like a broken record, but ... Berke is a good rebounder, but his strength in rebounding is not being able to elevate. It's being able to locate the ball and snare it with his hands and secure it. He's really good at that. He'll find the ball in a crowd and come away with it. Neither he nor Mast are real rim protectors, though, so our perimeter guys better be good on an island.

We need a third big in the rotation with Mast and Berke. And what we found out from our experience two years ago that Texas A&M exposed in us was that we weren't a dynamic rebounding team. Mast was getting badly beaten on the boards and we didn't have anyone who could sky for those rebounds. Berke is a good rebounder, but if you're only playing him 10 minutes/game as a backup to Mast, you still need someone else. Two years ago, we had Allick and Gary to go with Mast and we still got killed on the boards. This coming year, you're proposing we only have Mast and Berke?

Would you spend 60-70% of your NIL resources to get your top 3 players? More? Less? We need to hit the jackpot in the portal this year. And we need at least one each of a point, a scoring wing, and a big man.

How much NIL money for this P4 sophomore in the portal? GP MIN FG% 3P% FT% REB AST BLK STL PF TO PTS 37 27.8 44.5 33.7 67.0 2.9 6.2 0.3 1.1 2.8 3.1 9.4

So, about half of the veteran players (non-freshmen) in the Sweet 16 are new transfers to their program this year.

Husker volleyball doesn't have to compete for recruits with Husker men's basketball. It has to compete with other volleyball teams. If they don't get 10% of the revenue share, who's going to outspend them? Volleyball has such a committed fanbase here, they could literally run their own 1890 and be able to outspend virtually any other program in the nation.

Personally, I would prefer a rising sophomore with upside over a rising senior with 1 year of remaining eligibility unless he's clearly starter material. I want the Juwan Gary type who stays and plays 3 seasons.

So, this was kind of fun. I posed to Twitter's AI bot the following task: "Come up with a plan for how a Power 5 conference men's basketball head coach would sift through the hundreds of transfer portal prospects to find the hidden gems who have game but might be overlooked by other P5 coaches." It took about 5 seconds to get a response. 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have significant potential but might slip under the radar of other P5 programs. The goal is to find players with "game"—demonstrated ability and upside—who can contribute meaningfully to a high-major roster without competing head-to-head with every other P5 coach for the most hyped prospects. Step 1: Define Program Needs and Player Profile Assess Roster Gaps: Start by analyzing the current roster post-season. Identify specific positional needs (e.g., point guard depth, wing scoring, rim protection) and skill deficiencies (e.g., 3-point shooting, defensive versatility) based on performance data and departing players. Set a Hidden Gem Profile: Focus on players who might be overlooked due to: Playing at mid-major or low-major programs with less national exposure. Limited minutes due to depth at their previous school, not lack of talent. Raw stats that don’t pop but show efficiency (e.g., high PER, TS%, or BPM in limited roles). Late bloomers or players who improved significantly in their last season. Cultural Fit: Prioritize intangibles like work ethic, coachability, and resilience—traits that might not show in box scores but align with the program’s identity. Step 2: Leverage Data and Analytics Filter the Portal Early: Use tools like the NCAA Transfer Portal database and third-party platforms (e.g., 247Sports, Verbal Commits) to sort players by stats, position, and previous school. Narrow the initial list from hundreds to a manageable 50-75 candidates within 48 hours of portal entries. Key Metrics to Target: Efficiency: Look for high effective field goal percentage (eFG%) or true shooting percentage (TS%) in limited minutes (e.g., 15-20 MPG). Usage vs. Production: Find players with moderate usage rates (15-20%) but strong per-possession stats (e.g., points per 100 possessions, assist-to-turnover ratio). Advanced Stats: Use KenPom, Synergy, or BartTorvik data to identify players with high Player Efficiency Ratings (PER) or Box Plus-Minus (BPM) relative to their team’s strength of schedule. Defensive Impact: Seek players with above-average steal or block rates, even if their offense is underdeveloped. Red Flags to Avoid: Steer clear of players with inflated stats from weak competition unless advanced metrics suggest translatable skills, or those with a history of poor shot selection (e.g., low FG% on high volume). Step 3: Scout Smarter, Not Louder Tap Assistant Coaches and Staff: Divide the filtered list among the coaching staff. Assign each assistant 10-15 players to deep-dive into within a week, focusing on: Game Film: Watch 2-3 full games (not just highlights) to assess decision-making, motor, and fit within the team’s system (e.g., pace-and-space offense, press defense). Context: Evaluate why they’re transferring—lack of fit, coaching change, or seeking a bigger stage? Cross-reference with their team’s depth chart. Mine Mid-Major Standouts: Target players from conferences like the Missouri Valley, Atlantic 10, or WCC who posted solid numbers (e.g., 10-15 PPG, 5+ RPG) but weren’t all-conference selections. These players often fly under the radar of P5 coaches chasing 20 PPG scorers. Look for Late-Season Surges: Identify players whose stats spiked in the final 10-15 games of the season, indicating growth or a breakout that might not be reflected in season averages. Step 4: Network and Gather Intel Use Coaching Connections: Reach out to the player’s former head coach, assistants, or even opposing mid-major coaches who’ve faced them. Ask pointed questions: What’s their ceiling with better teammates? How do they handle adversity or coaching? Any off-court concerns (e.g., attitude, academics)? Graduate Assistants and GAs: Task younger staff with scouring X (Twitter) for posts from players, AAU coaches, or local beat writers hinting at work ethic, character, or unreported skills (e.g., a 6’8” forward who’s added a 3-point shot in the offseason). Talk to Teammates: If possible, discreetly contact a current or former teammate (via back channels) to gauge leadership and locker-room presence. Step 5: Prioritize Under-the-Radar Traits Versatility: Seek players who can fill multiple roles (e.g., a 6’6” wing who can guard 2-4 and shoot 35% from three) rather than one-dimensional stars who demand the ball. Physical Tools: Look for length, athleticism, or size that’s underdeveloped but projects well at the P5 level (e.g., a 6’10” sophomore with a 7’2” wingspan averaging 8 PPG at a mid-major). Situational Upside: Target players stuck behind all-conference talent at their old school (e.g., a backup point guard to an All-American) who could thrive with more minutes. Step 6: Move Fast and Build Relationships Initial Contact: Once a shortlist of 10-15 gems emerges, have assistants make first contact within days of portal entry—before the player’s stock rises. Use email or text (per NCAA rules) to express specific interest tied to their film (e.g., “We love how you attack closeouts”). Sell the Vision: During Zoom calls or visits, pitch a clear role: “You’d be our sixth man with 20 MPG and a chance to start by conference play.” Highlight development resources (e.g., strength staff, facilities) that mid-majors can’t match. Beat the Buzz: Lock in commitments before other P5 coaches catch wind. Offer NIL opportunities early if the program has them, but emphasize playing time and fit over cash alone. Step 7: Validate and Finalize Workout Auditions: If feasible, invite top candidates for on-campus workouts to test their skills against current players. Assess coachability and how they mesh with the system. Cross-Check Stats: Revisit advanced metrics post-scouting to ensure no overfitting—confirm their efficiency holds up against similar competition to your conference. Commit Decisively: Once 2-4 true gems are identified, secure them with scholarships or walk-on offers (if depth allows), leaving room for a splashier portal name if one emerges later. Example Targets Player A: 6’5” SG from a Horizon League school, 12.3 PPG, 38% 3PT, 1.5 SPG in 22 MPG off the bench. Stuck behind a senior all-league guard but flashed starter potential late in the year. Player B: 6’9” PF from the Big Sky, 9.8 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 62% FG, minimal 3-point attempts. Raw but long, with a high motor—could develop into a P5 rotation big. Player C: 6’3” PG from the CAA, 8.1 PPG, 4.2 APG, 1.8 A/TO ratio in 18 MPG. Overshadowed by a ball-dominant star but ran the offense efficiently when given chances. Timeline Day 1-2 Post-Portal Opening: Filter and assign initial list. Day 3-7: Staff scouts film and gathers intel. Day 8-14: Narrow to 10-15, make contact, and pitch. Day 15-21: Host visits, workouts, and lock in 2-4 commitments. Why It Works This plan avoids the feeding frenzy for top-100 portal names (e.g., 20 PPG scorers) that every P5 coach chases, instead exploiting inefficiencies in the market. By focusing on efficiency, context, and hustle, the coach unearths players with translatable skills who just need a bigger stage. Speed, relationships, and a clear role seal the deal before the competition wakes up. In a Power 5 league, these gems can become rotation players or starters, giving the program a talent edge at a lower recruiting cost.

Don't know if this guy knows anything or not, BUT ... Cluff is listed at 6'11 and 260, so he has very good size. He's also a juco product, and I'm wondering if that means he's really only a sophomore eligibility-wise rather than a senior.

We were 4-7 against teams in the field of 32. Of those 7 losses, 4 of them went down to the final minute and could have gone either way. And then a couple were blowouts. That's basically the story of our season right there.

I should say we had six one-possession losses after January 1. We had an additional 1-possession loss at the beginning of the season to a team now in the field of 32.

Don't know about the rest of you, but this is probably the most painful NCAA tourney to watch that we didn't play in. By the end of the day, it appears very likely that 4 teams we beat during the regular season will advance to the round of 32. And three more teams that were one-score losses also look to advance. Damn, this one hurts.

One of the recent lessons is good coaches who're given second chances often take full advantage of the opportunity. Chris Beard was supposedly radioactive after his domestic issue that got him fired from Texas. Ol' Miss is a 6-seed. Rick Pitino was embroiled in recruiting and other scandals when he was fired from Louisville. St John's is a 2-seed and beat UNO by 30. Kelvin Sampson received a 5-year show-cause penalty when he was dismissed from Indiana. Houston is a 1-seed. Know who else owns a 1-seed? Bruce Pearl and his Auburn Tigers. Pearl was given a 3-year show-cause when he left Tennessee. You can look down on those coaches and think you wouldn't want to get your hands dirty by having the program you cheer for hire one of those guys. But, y'know, they're winning, so ...

Texas has a job opening and, like they have in the past, they should look to hire the coach at Texas Tech.

I don't think "conference defenses had us figured out" explains our plummeting perimeter shooting accuracy after January 1. We looked good against UCLA on January 4. But blowing a 15-point lead at Iowa I guarantee hurt our psyche and probably sent us on the six-game skid. (You know how coaches always say "don't lose the same game twice;" I think we might have lost Iowa more than twice.) Anyway, we had six one-possession losses (including the Iowa OT loss, which we should have won in regulation.) A single additional made trey in any two of those games and we might well be dancing instead of watching. We were that close.

Our five highest-volume perimeter shooters first half of the season vs. second half: Through the end of December, Conner Essegian was 35/79 for 44.3% from downtown; after January 1, he was 35/109 for 32.1% from downtown. Through the end of December, Brice Williams was 20/47 for 42.6%; after January 1, he was 35/108 for 32.4%. Through the end of December, Juwan Gary was 14/43 for 32.6%; after January 1, he was 20/67 for 29.9%. Through the end of December, Berke was 8/28 for 28.6%; after January 1, he was 14/49 for 28.6% but at a higher volume for a low-percentage shooter. Through the end of December, Rollie was 5/21 for 23.4%; after January 1, he was 6/29 for 20.7%.

Just reiterating what some have probably already said: The lesson from last year is line up your dudes early. Maybe out-bid guys at the front end of the portal because the price goes up with increased scarcity at the end. It's like how it used to be before NIL when guys who were still available in the spring who had no business going to blue blood programs were being snatched up by those teams to fill their last available roster spots. Big money early gets better players than big money late. That's the lesson.