This feels like a situation where Russell thought he was going to be a go-to guy the moment he arrived on campus but Toole wanted him to round out his game. So he's decided to leave.
DJ Russell transferring
- Thread starter ColonialInsider
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Russell has looked good but he’s going up against Mendy who has taken a nice step up this year & is contributing well both offensively & defensively.
It’s a real shame with players these days & giving up so soon. Russell could’ve easily been the starter next year if he put in the work. Not good he just decided to call it quits.
Ugh.
Any idea what's up with Brahma? He had a Twitter post saying "I'm done" a few days ago. No context, just that.
My thoughts: toole plays defense bball first, and half court O. Most kids want to run and gun, but if they win playing another way they can be happy. When you play slow/ solid d approach but it's not working, you are going to loose a lot of kids.
I'd start Hawkins, bramah (if option) Mendy, McEwen or Tracey, and Josh W. First guard sub would be which either of McEwen or Tracey didn't start. Bain for the bigs.
I'd start Hawkins, bramah (if option) Mendy, McEwen or Tracey, and Josh W. First guard sub would be which either of McEwen or Tracey didn't start. Bain for the bigs.
It is only the first week of December and the Colonials are to down to nine healthy scholarship players. That includes Olisa who will likely be needed, so forget about him getting better prepared for the future by redshirting this year. He does have size and talent, so hopefully, he will blossom quickly. That also includes Bramah who did not play in the last game and considering his recent tweets seems to be doing some self-reflection, so who knows about his future status. I sure hope he is doing okay and stays with the team. There is walk-on Terrell Brown who has seen a few minutes of playing time in three games so far, which is more than typically expected from a freshman walk-on. Coach Toole seems to do his best coaching when he has a limited roster and does not have to deal with players demanding more playing time. However, it's still early in the season, he cannot afford to lose any more players.
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Sometimes I wonder how some of these guys are going to handle being in the real world.
I'll never get on someone for deciding that a place isn't what they hoped it would be or someone who needs a change. But why not wait until the end of the season? Why not work to try and see if something changes?
Like Russell - you're 10 games into the season. The team is struggling. Why not work hard in practice, do what the coaches suggest even if it's not your ideal thing, and see if your minutes go up?
Washington's a freshman. Ten games into the season - not even that, because I don't think he's been around the past 3-4 games - and you bail?
I know Toole is a demanding coach, but all accounts are that he's not demeaning or doing anything different than hundreds of other coaches at all levels of basketball. Just seems counterproductive to leave midseason.
I'll never get on someone for deciding that a place isn't what they hoped it would be or someone who needs a change. But why not wait until the end of the season? Why not work to try and see if something changes?
Like Russell - you're 10 games into the season. The team is struggling. Why not work hard in practice, do what the coaches suggest even if it's not your ideal thing, and see if your minutes go up?
Washington's a freshman. Ten games into the season - not even that, because I don't think he's been around the past 3-4 games - and you bail?
I know Toole is a demanding coach, but all accounts are that he's not demeaning or doing anything different than hundreds of other coaches at all levels of basketball. Just seems counterproductive to leave midseason.
I agree. Maybe if someone like Washington leaves during the first semester they can save a year, for example play one year JC then transfer to another 4 year school with sophomore eligibility?
By the way, one reason to keep an open scholarship is to be able to take a transfer. Back in the Jarrett Durham coaching days almost all of our star players were local guys who went away then transferred back closer to home.
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