The Odds: Kennesaw State

[Hens79]

Frankly I don’t know why Reilly hasn’t been dismissed from the program like Njoku. If I player does not want to make himself available when he has been cleared to play, how can he claim a roster spot? He should be dismissed for cause. He’s getting paid to play and refuses. We all know why but that doesn’t justify his spot on the team. There is basically zero chance he comes back to Delaware next year. If he does, MI should be fired on the spot for incompetence!

I agree. While navigating the new realities of college athletics including NIL is very challenging, you have to draw some boundaries. And it’s not like Reilly is some big time player who would be a difference maker for the Hens (on a healthy team) and one where UD would have to pay a large amount to keep him from going to a P4.

[DaveB]

UVA essentially dealt with the same issue last year regarding Bliss based off coaches comments etc

https://augustafreepress.com/news/uva-b ... .%E2%80%9D

It sucks and no idea if there are some legal
Issues involved as to why Reilly is still on team ….maybe he is doing everything asked of him except playing where as Nanna wasn’t hence the dismissal

[Hens79]

Yes, outside of H Emory (and Kebe pending on JUCO/medical waiver status) everyone has 1+ more year

Have to assume that Bliss, Fernandez, and perhaps Macon Emory will be poached by teams with more NIL money to throw around. I hope I am wrong, but that seems highly likely. Houser's injury may affect his availability well into the season. Ellison and Brown could decide to go elsewhere. UD should not offer Reilly another year after what he did in 25-26. Taylor, Kazanecki and Piper should stay around, but who knows? In short, MI is likely to have numerous roster spots open going into 26-27. Only one freshman recruit signed so far (Jafet Valencia , Small Forward | 6' 7" | 196 Lbs.)

All in all, it's a shame that UD is in such a bad spot in its ability to retain quality players. If all of the eligible players were to return (minus Reilly) and another big man could land in Newark, they might have something that could do very well next year in CUSA.

I guess somebody could pay Bliss and Fernandez Pasha type money to sit on the bench or perhaps be a 7th or 8th man on a P4 roster. These guys have played their hearts out for the Hens this year under very difficult circumstances. And they should be applauded for it. But they have glaring weakness that would limit them from being P4 contributors. But again, somebody could pay them for depth I guess. As for Macon Emory, same thing but he would be even less attractive. They could play and contribute at other CUSA schools. But if the Hens can’t compete with NIL with them, they might as well pack it in. But solid mid majors schools like Charleston and UNCW, that don’t play football, could presumably can offer more NIL $???

Anyway, UD needs to desperately change the trajectory of the basketball program. The CUSA isn’t that good. UD could be very competitive if they can get their act together.

[DaveB]

Kazanecki avg 5 ppg and 37% from 3 is pretty solid for a freshman.

As he gets stronger and can develop the ability to attack the rim, he could be a pretty good wing with his shooting.

[msbny]

The walking wounded and quitters certainly get many nice outfits and shirts to wear when they choose to show up for the games .