2024 Transfer Portal Thread

[cncchris33]

Oh gotcha that makes sense so basically Barnes wants to spend money on a guy who will buy in to the team aspect and the culture he has created first and foremost

In other words, this...

Barnes has no control over what spyre does…lol

...was wrong.

Some would even argue it was...wait for it...speculative and assumptive.

Welcome to the crew.

Speculators...

 

[GoodTimeVol]

In other words, this...

...was wrong.

Some would even argue it was...wait for it...speculative and assumptive.

Welcome to the crew.

Speculators...
View attachment 641486

Im still skeptical on that whole aspect Barnes has absolute control over visits and who he wants but as far as money figures I honestly don’t think he has a say and that’s the same for every coach…im sure he can tell spyre he doesn’t want a recruit anymore which kills the deal right then and there

 

[TheMookieMonster]

Im still skeptical on that whole aspect Barnes has absolute control over visits and who he wants but as far as money figures I honestly don’t think he has a say and that’s the same for every coach…im sure he can tell spyre he doesn’t want a recruit anymore which kills the deal right then and there

So SF just told you that Barnes has a say, after you have basically said you don't believe anything anyone says other than BTO or SF, so now you are shifting the goalposts to say you don't believe SF and actually Barnes doesn't have control over how much we pay players? Makes complete sense.

 

[berryvol]

I’m wearing out on being a guy with information. I kind of prefer being the quippy grump who can’t suffer idiots. I stumbled into the “insider” nonsense by having a friend who handles transactions for NIL and other contracts. I feel an obligation to share things, if they’re useful and potentially timely. That said, I don’t love spending time defending why the thing I shared can’t be true, is no longer true, or is made up. There are about 10-20 posters here who really love ball, and our team, and are knowledgeable about the sport and how it’s evolving. I end up learning a lot, and really enjoy the back and forth. I actually enjoy those I disagree with, and even the cranks like Cav or portal jihadis like Trippie. That said, the flat-earthers and heavy thinkers in this forum can really make sharing information exhausting. Poor me, I know. Just shut up, SF and there will be no witch trial. Point taken. This week, as some things took shape with Lanier, and I heard some of the table scrap information, I just sat on it, for the first time. I just didn’t have the stamina to handle the torch and pitchfork types that seem to only appear to celebrate failure, cheer on firings, and track planes. Well, It’s Saturday and I’m not dead or hungover so I’ll share some thoughts. I realize writing this many words with no pictures has already made enemies. Maybe I’ve weeded out some trolls from verbosity alone. Probably not.

First— Usually the earliest leaks come from agents, managers and handlers, not from staff or NIL. The sources of the best information, like Trilly etc. all have agent connections. Agents share information as a tactic to manipulate outcomes. Journalists and others, check that data with sources in NIL and staff. They have their own agendas and often correct the record (or intentionally don’t) to help their agendas. Staffs lie very rarely. It backfires. Agents lie sometimes. Handlers lie more. They are playing a short game, and they’re happy to cause trouble. They get dumped when kids turn pro. They get one shot at some new wheels. They take it.

All this leads to one thing— The market is higher this year, but the handlers are lying to make it seem even higher. Very few of the numbers we’ve heard are real, according to those I talk to.

Lanier has a serious group of professionals around him, his family, and a couple of non-professional friends. His exploration of the pros has been thoughtful and slow, and unfolded exactly as everyone expected it would. He made every relationship he could, explored every path, and didn’t string anyone on our side along. He communicated through all of it. He also, hung a do not disturb on his door when he entered the portal like he said he would. One of his (less professional) handlers/friends has been talking to NIL groups and talked to a few teams. This ended up with Arky, UK, and BYU throwing money out to disrupt things. The numbers were big enough that it couldn’t be ignored. It was our staff’s perception that Lanier would leave the draft process and he’d be ours after having to adjust numbers up a bit due to the changes in the market. Unfortunately those changes became hysterical since he is one of the last big names among a few who might not drop from the draft. Wooga and Robinson are targets, but Lanier is getting more focus. It’s also important to understand that some of the numbers being tossed around aren’t real, even though they came from NIL reps. It’s become a tactic to toss out an absurd number to get someone to the table, and then move the goalposts in the documents.

Right now, the yahoos who stirred the deal interest up, are moving back to the kids’ table, and the actual agents who have been working the NBA will look at the actual offers and judge them with Lanier. I believe this is good for us, as they’ll be judging more than the top line. They’ll be judging all the variables that improve Lanier’s chances at a pro career.

It’s worth noting that Barnes hasn’t enjoyed how this has gone down, and others have had to keep it afloat. There are too many involved and he doesn’t usually have patience for that. On the positive side, Lanier’s top influencer is his mom. Lanier is a good kid too. Both of them like and trust Barnes. They’ve told him we’ll get the last meeting, and the last chance to offer. One monkey wrench— If the NIL numbers are way out of line, we won’t counter. We may not even take the visit. Sorry to those who want us to do “anything”. Barnes and staff have values and strategic ideas they won’t corrupt for one player. Like it or not, that’s real.

Finally, they do have options and communication channels beyond Lanier. Unlike UK, they aren’t playing everyone at once. They are holding up their end with Lanier and hope that has value when they sit down.

Sorry for the long post. I know this is more nuanced than some scorched-earthers would like. I probably won’t do a Q&A or a defense of this. I just wanted to share what I’ve heard.

I think we have a shot at the last sitdown, but it’s possible we’ll let that go.

Fantastic update, thank you SF. Love and appreciate you and the info you bring.

 

[LaagerVol]

I am not suggesting Barnes doesn’t want to win. Of course he does. He stated last season that the team’s goal is to be the only one standing in April. And that’s a primary reason why he’s still coaching. Does he need to complement his roster? Yes. Does it have to be Chaz? No, imo.

My comment was agreeing with the poster about winning & the goal of winning it all, NOT NIL or paying Chaz. As a fan, I don’t want to hear “we will take w step back. While that may be the case though Barnes has NOT said that, Barnes’ has two-three yrs left, max, imo.

Yes, I posted in the portal thread and responded to the discussion regarding Chaz and NIL. My wording could have been different, but I was referencing the “winning now” mentality and agreeing that Barnes has a limited window. And yes, that means bldg a roster.

Then I reiterated my point by listing coaches and athletes who have the same burning desire: Saban, Tiger, Belichick, Saban, and MJ. Bill did more with less than any other coach and still won Super Bowls. Saban had a stout roster but he expected championships each yr.

So that’s my explanation.

That’s fair. I didn’t intend to come off as harshly as maybe I did. Maybe I misinterpreted your post based on who you were responding to and lumped your opinion in with theirs. So many on here basically want to demand that coaches in all sports should shell out whatever it takes to buy the best roster and that will cure all. As of the team that has the highest payroll is guaranteed a national championship. Then they want to accuse the coaches of not being fully invested in winning if they have a different philosophy on team building.

It gets tiresome because some do it because they are just negative people, some do it just to troll, some may be young kids and don’t understand how things work.

This current administration and these current coaches are committed to winning at a high level. From the top down I feel like they university has a clear plan on how they want to do things and they execute that plan to the best of their ability. That’s why the “I want championships now or else” chatter gets lost on me.

This isn’t directed at you if that isn’t the way you feel, and I apologize if I misrepresented your intentions with the post I responded to.

 

[berryvol]

I like your dual-personality, so keep bringing the quippy old man thoughts and the info and ignore the haters and losers. Football season will be here soon and the doom-and-gloom crowd will travel back home to their troll hole football forum.

The offseason really is the best, most chill time in here. Somehow the portal season has usurped the game threads as the worst time for the bball forum regulars.

 

[berryvol]

So SF just told you that Barnes has a say, after you have basically said you don't believe anything anyone says other than BTO or SF, so now you are shifting the goalposts to say you don't believe SF and actually Barnes doesn't have control over how much we pay players? Makes complete sense.

He was dying on the “Barnes isn’t pissed about what happened with Lanier” hill yesterday. BTO told him Barnes was not happy about it in the regulars thread and he essentially responded with “so he wasn’t pissed”

 

[LaagerVol]

Hey Stoener can you clarify this statement… So if Barnes doesn’t feel he is worth a certain number he will cancel the visit because “team chemistry” i am assuming you are talking about which is the same thing VQ is speculating about because i have no clue what you mean by “values and strategic ideas”…what values and strategic ideas are being thrown out for a higher NIL contract?

Or is Barnes just aware of a budget number where he has a set amount to spend because telling a business like spyre they can not make a counter offer and he will cancel the visit is a little weird without some more context here…am I interpreting this all wrong or what?

Logically thinking…. Why would spyre want to pay more for a player than the coach is willing to pay? I don’t mean this to sound ugly but in what world would a college coach not have say over his roster?

 

[GoodTimeVol]

So SF just told you that Barnes has a say, after you have basically said you don't believe anything anyone says other than BTO or SF, so now you are shifting the goalposts to say you don't believe SF and actually Barnes doesn't have control over how much we pay players? Makes complete sense.

Where did I disagree?

 

[GoodTimeVol]

Logically thinking…. Why would spyre want to pay more for a player than the coach is willing to pay? I don’t mean this to sound ugly but in what world would a college coach not have say over his roster?

I’m saying Barnes has no control over contracts, he can tell spyre who he wants but if he doesn’t want them then Spyre follows his lead…

 

[GoodTimeVol]

He was dying on the “Barnes isn’t pissed about what happened with Lanier” hill yesterday. BTO told him Barnes was not happy about it in the regulars thread and he essentially responded with “so he wasn’t pissed”

I wasn’t dying on any hill I was simply stating at the time BTO and Stoerner never once commented on what trilly said in the “Barnes was pissed” when I quoted said poster, until they came on and confirmed it…I wasn’t making some outlandish claim

 

[VolArmy74]

Coach Barnes has major input in every aspect of Tennessee recruiting/roster management, including NIL distribution.

He is upset about what Lainer's recruitment has turned into, understandably. Metaphorically, we talked to Chaz and family for a long time, bought him a nice tux, rented a limo and took him to the dance. After he'd promised we were the only dance partner, he started dancing with others once the dance started.

Coach Barnes puts a lot of stock into what a family tells him. Especially an upstanding family like Lanier's. Rick keeps his word and sees the best in others about that. Hopefully it can all be sorted and he ends up here still.

This is the ultimate lesson that until they sign, no recruit is 100 percent. Especially so, now that large sums of money are involved. And sums are much larger now than in the wild west days with no open NIL. Back then it was usually 5 figures and sometimes 6. Now it's high 6 or low 7. 75k here vs 50k there meant that goals, development, trust, and relationships meant more. But the difference between 750k and 1.25 million is significant and especially so for kids who in some cases, that difference is 10 years salary for a parent. For an extra 500k you can overlook some of those aspects. At least in Lanier's case they are looking at the total package of development vs raw dollar amount.

 

[OrangeBeachVol]

I’m saying Barnes has no control over contracts, he can tell spyre who he wants but if he doesn’t want them then Spyre follows his lead…

My understanding from a legal friend who works with sports agents is no one employed by the university can be directly involved with NIL stuff with recruits or existing players. Any direct involvement is an NCAA violation. Remember the NCAA is watching UT like a hawk right now. They must follow the rules exactly.

 

[GoodTimeVol]

My understanding from a legal friend who works with sports agents is no one employed by the university can be directly involved with NIL stuff with recruits or existing players. Any direct involvement is an NCAA violation. Remember the NCAA is watching UT like a hawk right now. They must follow the rules exactly.

There is contact but through middlemen most likely to keep it kosher, but very true

 

[T2P_Priceless]

I’m wearing out on being a guy with information. I kind of prefer being the quippy grump who can’t suffer idiots. I stumbled into the “insider” nonsense by having a friend who handles transactions for NIL and other contracts. I feel an obligation to share things, if they’re useful and potentially timely. That said, I don’t love spending time defending why the thing I shared can’t be true, is no longer true, or is made up. There are about 10-20 posters here who really love ball, and our team, and are knowledgeable about the sport and how it’s evolving. I end up learning a lot, and really enjoy the back and forth. I actually enjoy those I disagree with, and even the cranks like Cav or portal jihadis like Trippie. That said, the flat-earthers and heavy thinkers in this forum can really make sharing information exhausting. Poor me, I know. Just shut up, SF and there will be no witch trial. Point taken. This week, as some things took shape with Lanier, and I heard some of the table scrap information, I just sat on it, for the first time. I just didn’t have the stamina to handle the torch and pitchfork types that seem to only appear to celebrate failure, cheer on firings, and track planes. Well, It’s Saturday and I’m not dead or hungover so I’ll share some thoughts. I realize writing this many words with no pictures has already made enemies. Maybe I’ve weeded out some trolls from verbosity alone. Probably not.

First— Usually the earliest leaks come from agents, managers and handlers, not from staff or NIL. The sources of the best information, like Trilly etc. all have agent connections. Agents share information as a tactic to manipulate outcomes. Journalists and others, check that data with sources in NIL and staff. They have their own agendas and often correct the record (or intentionally don’t) to help their agendas. Staffs lie very rarely. It backfires. Agents lie sometimes. Handlers lie more. They are playing a short game, and they’re happy to cause trouble. They get dumped when kids turn pro. They get one shot at some new wheels. They take it.

All this leads to one thing— The market is higher this year, but the handlers are lying to make it seem even higher. Very few of the numbers we’ve heard are real, according to those I talk to.

Lanier has a serious group of professionals around him, his family, and a couple of non-professional friends. His exploration of the pros has been thoughtful and slow, and unfolded exactly as everyone expected it would. He made every relationship he could, explored every path, and didn’t string anyone on our side along. He communicated through all of it. He also, hung a do not disturb on his door when he entered the portal like he said he would. One of his (less professional) handlers/friends has been talking to NIL groups and talked to a few teams. This ended up with Arky, UK, and BYU throwing money out to disrupt things. The numbers were big enough that it couldn’t be ignored. It was our staff’s perception that Lanier would leave the draft process and he’d be ours after having to adjust numbers up a bit due to the changes in the market. Unfortunately those changes became hysterical since he is one of the last big names among a few who might not drop from the draft. Wooga and Robinson are targets, but Lanier is getting more focus. It’s also important to understand that some of the numbers being tossed around aren’t real, even though they came from NIL reps. It’s become a tactic to toss out an absurd number to get someone to the table, and then move the goalposts in the documents.

Right now, the yahoos who stirred the deal interest up, are moving back to the kids’ table, and the actual agents who have been working the NBA will look at the actual offers and judge them with Lanier. I believe this is good for us, as they’ll be judging more than the top line. They’ll be judging all the variables that improve Lanier’s chances at a pro career.

It’s worth noting that Barnes hasn’t enjoyed how this has gone down, and others have had to keep it afloat. There are too many involved and he doesn’t usually have patience for that. On the positive side, Lanier’s top influencer is his mom. Lanier is a good kid too. Both of them like and trust Barnes. They’ve told him we’ll get the last meeting, and the last chance to offer. One monkey wrench— If the NIL numbers are way out of line, we won’t counter. We may not even take the visit. Sorry to those who want us to do “anything”. Barnes and staff have values and strategic ideas they won’t corrupt for one player. Like it or not, that’s real.

Finally, they do have options and communication channels beyond Lanier. Unlike UK, they aren’t playing everyone at once. They are holding up their end with Lanier and hope that has value when they sit down.

Sorry for the long post. I know this is more nuanced than some scorched-earthers would like. I probably won’t do a Q&A or a defense of this. I just wanted to share what I’ve heard.

I think we have a shot at the last sitdown, but it’s possible we’ll let that go.

I very much appreciate your information and input. You’re one of the few posters I look to for updates. Great comprehensive summary here.

I don’t post much anymore and I’m certain there are many like me who value your updates and information.

 

[Volprofch05]

I’m wearing out on being a guy with information. I kind of prefer being the quippy grump who can’t suffer idiots. I stumbled into the “insider” nonsense by having a friend who handles transactions for NIL and other contracts. I feel an obligation to share things, if they’re useful and potentially timely. That said, I don’t love spending time defending why the thing I shared can’t be true, is no longer true, or is made up. There are about 10-20 posters here who really love ball, and our team, and are knowledgeable about the sport and how it’s evolving. I end up learning a lot, and really enjoy the back and forth. I actually enjoy those I disagree with, and even the cranks like Cav or portal jihadis like Trippie. That said, the flat-earthers and heavy thinkers in this forum can really make sharing information exhausting. Poor me, I know. Just shut up, SF and there will be no witch trial. Point taken. This week, as some things took shape with Lanier, and I heard some of the table scrap information, I just sat on it, for the first time. I just didn’t have the stamina to handle the torch and pitchfork types that seem to only appear to celebrate failure, cheer on firings, and track planes. Well, It’s Saturday and I’m not dead or hungover so I’ll share some thoughts. I realize writing this many words with no pictures has already made enemies. Maybe I’ve weeded out some trolls from verbosity alone. Probably not.

First— Usually the earliest leaks come from agents, managers and handlers, not from staff or NIL. The sources of the best information, like Trilly etc. all have agent connections. Agents share information as a tactic to manipulate outcomes. Journalists and others, check that data with sources in NIL and staff. They have their own agendas and often correct the record (or intentionally don’t) to help their agendas. Staffs lie very rarely. It backfires. Agents lie sometimes. Handlers lie more. They are playing a short game, and they’re happy to cause trouble. They get dumped when kids turn pro. They get one shot at some new wheels. They take it.

All this leads to one thing— The market is higher this year, but the handlers are lying to make it seem even higher. Very few of the numbers we’ve heard are real, according to those I talk to.

Lanier has a serious group of professionals around him, his family, and a couple of non-professional friends. His exploration of the pros has been thoughtful and slow, and unfolded exactly as everyone expected it would. He made every relationship he could, explored every path, and didn’t string anyone on our side along. He communicated through all of it. He also, hung a do not disturb on his door when he entered the portal like he said he would. One of his (less professional) handlers/friends has been talking to NIL groups and talked to a few teams. This ended up with Arky, UK, and BYU throwing money out to disrupt things. The numbers were big enough that it couldn’t be ignored. It was our staff’s perception that Lanier would leave the draft process and he’d be ours after having to adjust numbers up a bit due to the changes in the market. Unfortunately those changes became hysterical since he is one of the last big names among a few who might not drop from the draft. Wooga and Robinson are targets, but Lanier is getting more focus. It’s also important to understand that some of the numbers being tossed around aren’t real, even though they came from NIL reps. It’s become a tactic to toss out an absurd number to get someone to the table, and then move the goalposts in the documents.

Right now, the yahoos who stirred the deal interest up, are moving back to the kids’ table, and the actual agents who have been working the NBA will look at the actual offers and judge them with Lanier. I believe this is good for us, as they’ll be judging more than the top line. They’ll be judging all the variables that improve Lanier’s chances at a pro career.

It’s worth noting that Barnes hasn’t enjoyed how this has gone down, and others have had to keep it afloat. There are too many involved and he doesn’t usually have patience for that. On the positive side, Lanier’s top influencer is his mom. Lanier is a good kid too. Both of them like and trust Barnes. They’ve told him we’ll get the last meeting, and the last chance to offer. One monkey wrench— If the NIL numbers are way out of line, we won’t counter. We may not even take the visit. Sorry to those who want us to do “anything”. Barnes and staff have values and strategic ideas they won’t corrupt for one player. Like it or not, that’s real.

Finally, they do have options and communication channels beyond Lanier. Unlike UK, they aren’t playing everyone at once. They are holding up their end with Lanier and hope that has value when they sit down.

Sorry for the long post. I know this is more nuanced than some scorched-earthers would like. I probably won’t do a Q&A or a defense of this. I just wanted to share what I’ve heard.

I think we have a shot at the last sitdown, but it’s possible we’ll let that go.

You are appreciated SF, both for the info you bring and for your grumpy posts that knock the malcontents down a few pegs!

 

[pimo1]

I’m wearing out on being a guy with information. I kind of prefer being the quippy grump who can’t suffer idiots. I stumbled into the “insider” nonsense by having a friend who handles transactions for NIL and other contracts. I feel an obligation to share things, if they’re useful and potentially timely. That said, I don’t love spending time defending why the thing I shared can’t be true, is no longer true, or is made up. There are about 10-20 posters here who really love ball, and our team, and are knowledgeable about the sport and how it’s evolving. I end up learning a lot, and really enjoy the back and forth. I actually enjoy those I disagree with, and even the cranks like Cav or portal jihadis like Trippie. That said, the flat-earthers and heavy thinkers in this forum can really make sharing information exhausting. Poor me, I know. Just shut up, SF and there will be no witch trial. Point taken. This week, as some things took shape with Lanier, and I heard some of the table scrap information, I just sat on it, for the first time. I just didn’t have the stamina to handle the torch and pitchfork types that seem to only appear to celebrate failure, cheer on firings, and track planes. Well, It’s Saturday and I’m not dead or hungover so I’ll share some thoughts. I realize writing this many words with no pictures has already made enemies. Maybe I’ve weeded out some trolls from verbosity alone. Probably not.

First— Usually the earliest leaks come from agents, managers and handlers, not from staff or NIL. The sources of the best information, like Trilly etc. all have agent connections. Agents share information as a tactic to manipulate outcomes. Journalists and others, check that data with sources in NIL and staff. They have their own agendas and often correct the record (or intentionally don’t) to help their agendas. Staffs lie very rarely. It backfires. Agents lie sometimes. Handlers lie more. They are playing a short game, and they’re happy to cause trouble. They get dumped when kids turn pro. They get one shot at some new wheels. They take it.

All this leads to one thing— The market is higher this year, but the handlers are lying to make it seem even higher. Very few of the numbers we’ve heard are real, according to those I talk to.

Lanier has a serious group of professionals around him, his family, and a couple of non-professional friends. His exploration of the pros has been thoughtful and slow, and unfolded exactly as everyone expected it would. He made every relationship he could, explored every path, and didn’t string anyone on our side along. He communicated through all of it. He also, hung a do not disturb on his door when he entered the portal like he said he would. One of his (less professional) handlers/friends has been talking to NIL groups and talked to a few teams. This ended up with Arky, UK, and BYU throwing money out to disrupt things. The numbers were big enough that it couldn’t be ignored. It was our staff’s perception that Lanier would leave the draft process and he’d be ours after having to adjust numbers up a bit due to the changes in the market. Unfortunately those changes became hysterical since he is one of the last big names among a few who might not drop from the draft. Wooga and Robinson are targets, but Lanier is getting more focus. It’s also important to understand that some of the numbers being tossed around aren’t real, even though they came from NIL reps. It’s become a tactic to toss out an absurd number to get someone to the table, and then move the goalposts in the documents.

Right now, the yahoos who stirred the deal interest up, are moving back to the kids’ table, and the actual agents who have been working the NBA will look at the actual offers and judge them with Lanier. I believe this is good for us, as they’ll be judging more than the top line. They’ll be judging all the variables that improve Lanier’s chances at a pro career.

It’s worth noting that Barnes hasn’t enjoyed how this has gone down, and others have had to keep it afloat. There are too many involved and he doesn’t usually have patience for that. On the positive side, Lanier’s top influencer is his mom. Lanier is a good kid too. Both of them like and trust Barnes. They’ve told him we’ll get the last meeting, and the last chance to offer. One monkey wrench— If the NIL numbers are way out of line, we won’t counter. We may not even take the visit. Sorry to those who want us to do “anything”. Barnes and staff have values and strategic ideas they won’t corrupt for one player. Like it or not, that’s real.

Finally, they do have options and communication channels beyond Lanier. Unlike UK, they aren’t playing everyone at once. They are holding up their end with Lanier and hope that has value when they sit down.

Sorry for the long post. I know this is more nuanced than some scorched-earthers would like. I probably won’t do a Q&A or a defense of this. I just wanted to share what I’ve heard.

I think we have a shot at the last sitdown, but it’s possible we’ll let that go.

Bro keep doing what you're doing how you do it. Its nice you broke it all down but those that know, know. We all know who you are and what you're about. You contribute what you know based on the information you have.. anyone that's a realist knows when you're talking about situations like these, where many people are involved in the decision making it gets messy. I was watching an interview today on club shayshay with Kel Mitchell talking about the whole Kenan and Kel breakup.. and the real reasons it went down was not secondary or tertiary but off the charts nothing to do with them crap. People don't realize that sometimes these types of deals going one way or the other can come down to someone's cousin's, sister's chihuahua being sick.

 

[VolArmy74]

There is contact but through middlemen most likely to keep it kosher, but very true

After the NCAA injunction, the process is essentially you describe, collective A reps for instance, can speak to coaches/staff about recruits and directly to the recruits/agents a about NIL opportunities. It's a collaborative process. The next step will likely be the end of the need for a go-between. It's gonna take the NCAA pulling its head out of its behind.

 

[vol9799]

I’m wearing out on being a guy with information. I kind of prefer being the quippy grump who can’t suffer idiots. I stumbled into the “insider” nonsense by having a friend who handles transactions for NIL and other contracts. I feel an obligation to share things, if they’re useful and potentially timely. That said, I don’t love spending time defending why the thing I shared can’t be true, is no longer true, or is made up. There are about 10-20 posters here who really love ball, and our team, and are knowledgeable about the sport and how it’s evolving. I end up learning a lot, and really enjoy the back and forth. I actually enjoy those I disagree with, and even the cranks like Cav or portal jihadis like Trippie. That said, the flat-earthers and heavy thinkers in this forum can really make sharing information exhausting. Poor me, I know. Just shut up, SF and there will be no witch trial. Point taken. This week, as some things took shape with Lanier, and I heard some of the table scrap information, I just sat on it, for the first time. I just didn’t have the stamina to handle the torch and pitchfork types that seem to only appear to celebrate failure, cheer on firings, and track planes. Well, It’s Saturday and I’m not dead or hungover so I’ll share some thoughts. I realize writing this many words with no pictures has already made enemies. Maybe I’ve weeded out some trolls from verbosity alone. Probably not.

First— Usually the earliest leaks come from agents, managers and handlers, not from staff or NIL. The sources of the best information, like Trilly etc. all have agent connections. Agents share information as a tactic to manipulate outcomes. Journalists and others, check that data with sources in NIL and staff. They have their own agendas and often correct the record (or intentionally don’t) to help their agendas. Staffs lie very rarely. It backfires. Agents lie sometimes. Handlers lie more. They are playing a short game, and they’re happy to cause trouble. They get dumped when kids turn pro. They get one shot at some new wheels. They take it.

All this leads to one thing— The market is higher this year, but the handlers are lying to make it seem even higher. Very few of the numbers we’ve heard are real, according to those I talk to.

Lanier has a serious group of professionals around him, his family, and a couple of non-professional friends. His exploration of the pros has been thoughtful and slow, and unfolded exactly as everyone expected it would. He made every relationship he could, explored every path, and didn’t string anyone on our side along. He communicated through all of it. He also, hung a do not disturb on his door when he entered the portal like he said he would. One of his (less professional) handlers/friends has been talking to NIL groups and talked to a few teams. This ended up with Arky, UK, and BYU throwing money out to disrupt things. The numbers were big enough that it couldn’t be ignored. It was our staff’s perception that Lanier would leave the draft process and he’d be ours after having to adjust numbers up a bit due to the changes in the market. Unfortunately those changes became hysterical since he is one of the last big names among a few who might not drop from the draft. Wooga and Robinson are targets, but Lanier is getting more focus. It’s also important to understand that some of the numbers being tossed around aren’t real, even though they came from NIL reps. It’s become a tactic to toss out an absurd number to get someone to the table, and then move the goalposts in the documents.

Right now, the yahoos who stirred the deal interest up, are moving back to the kids’ table, and the actual agents who have been working the NBA will look at the actual offers and judge them with Lanier. I believe this is good for us, as they’ll be judging more than the top line. They’ll be judging all the variables that improve Lanier’s chances at a pro career.

It’s worth noting that Barnes hasn’t enjoyed how this has gone down, and others have had to keep it afloat. There are too many involved and he doesn’t usually have patience for that. On the positive side, Lanier’s top influencer is his mom. Lanier is a good kid too. Both of them like and trust Barnes. They’ve told him we’ll get the last meeting, and the last chance to offer. One monkey wrench— If the NIL numbers are way out of line, we won’t counter. We may not even take the visit. Sorry to those who want us to do “anything”. Barnes and staff have values and strategic ideas they won’t corrupt for one player. Like it or not, that’s real.

Finally, they do have options and communication channels beyond Lanier. Unlike UK, they aren’t playing everyone at once. They are holding up their end with Lanier and hope that has value when they sit down.

Sorry for the long post. I know this is more nuanced than some scorched-earthers would like. I probably won’t do a Q&A or a defense of this. I just wanted to share what I’ve heard.

I think we have a shot at the last sitdown, but it’s possible we’ll let that go.

Thank you!

 

[vol94]

That’s fair. I didn’t intend to come off as harshly as maybe I did. Maybe I misinterpreted your post based on who you were responding to and lumped your opinion in with theirs. So many on here basically want to demand that coaches in all sports should shell out whatever it takes to buy the best roster and that will cure all. As of the team that has the highest payroll is guaranteed a national championship. Then they want to accuse the coaches of not being fully invested in winning if they have a different philosophy on team building.

It gets tiresome because some do it because they are just negative people, some do it just to troll, some may be young kids and don’t understand how things work.

This current administration and these current coaches are committed to winning at a high level. From the top down I feel like they university has a clear plan on how they want to do things and they execute that plan to the best of their ability. That’s why the “I want championships now or else” chatter gets lost on me.

This isn’t directed at you if that isn’t the way you feel, and I apologize if I misrepresented your intentions with the post I responded to.

Thanks for response. I went back earlier today and edited some of the my negative commentary regarding your initial repsonse. Regardless of what is said, I try to take the high road, but I fail many times. Thanks again and I agree our Administration wants to win championships in every sport.

 

[VolGee4]

My understanding from a legal friend who works with sports agents is no one employed by the university can be directly involved with NIL stuff with recruits or existing players. Any direct involvement is an NCAA violation. Remember the NCAA is watching UT like a hawk right now. They must follow the rules exactly.

Except that state law allows the coaching staffs to communicate directly with the collectives. So, they do communicate even if the collectives are the ones who offer the contract and execute what the coaches want.

 

[CAVPUT]

I’m wearing out on being a guy with information. I kind of prefer being the quippy grump who can’t suffer idiots. I stumbled into the “insider” nonsense by having a friend who handles transactions for NIL and other contracts. I feel an obligation to share things, if they’re useful and potentially timely. That said, I don’t love spending time defending why the thing I shared can’t be true, is no longer true, or is made up. There are about 10-20 posters here who really love ball, and our team, and are knowledgeable about the sport and how it’s evolving. I end up learning a lot, and really enjoy the back and forth. I actually enjoy those I disagree with, and even the cranks like Cav or portal jihadis like Trippie. That said, the flat-earthers and heavy thinkers in this forum can really make sharing information exhausting. Poor me, I know. Just shut up, SF and there will be no witch trial. Point taken. This week, as some things took shape with Lanier, and I heard some of the table scrap information, I just sat on it, for the first time. I just didn’t have the stamina to handle the torch and pitchfork types that seem to only appear to celebrate failure, cheer on firings, and track planes. Well, It’s Saturday and I’m not dead or hungover so I’ll share some thoughts. I realize writing this many words with no pictures has already made enemies. Maybe I’ve weeded out some trolls from verbosity alone. Probably not.

First— Usually the earliest leaks come from agents, managers and handlers, not from staff or NIL. The sources of the best information, like Trilly etc. all have agent connections. Agents share information as a tactic to manipulate outcomes. Journalists and others, check that data with sources in NIL and staff. They have their own agendas and often correct the record (or intentionally don’t) to help their agendas. Staffs lie very rarely. It backfires. Agents lie sometimes. Handlers lie more. They are playing a short game, and they’re happy to cause trouble. They get dumped when kids turn pro. They get one shot at some new wheels. They take it.

All this leads to one thing— The market is higher this year, but the handlers are lying to make it seem even higher. Very few of the numbers we’ve heard are real, according to those I talk to.

Lanier has a serious group of professionals around him, his family, and a couple of non-professional friends. His exploration of the pros has been thoughtful and slow, and unfolded exactly as everyone expected it would. He made every relationship he could, explored every path, and didn’t string anyone on our side along. He communicated through all of it. He also, hung a do not disturb on his door when he entered the portal like he said he would. One of his (less professional) handlers/friends has been talking to NIL groups and talked to a few teams. This ended up with Arky, UK, and BYU throwing money out to disrupt things. The numbers were big enough that it couldn’t be ignored. It was our staff’s perception that Lanier would leave the draft process and he’d be ours after having to adjust numbers up a bit due to the changes in the market. Unfortunately those changes became hysterical since he is one of the last big names among a few who might not drop from the draft. Wooga and Robinson are targets, but Lanier is getting more focus. It’s also important to understand that some of the numbers being tossed around aren’t real, even though they came from NIL reps. It’s become a tactic to toss out an absurd number to get someone to the table, and then move the goalposts in the documents.

Right now, the yahoos who stirred the deal interest up, are moving back to the kids’ table, and the actual agents who have been working the NBA will look at the actual offers and judge them with Lanier. I believe this is good for us, as they’ll be judging more than the top line. They’ll be judging all the variables that improve Lanier’s chances at a pro career.

It’s worth noting that Barnes hasn’t enjoyed how this has gone down, and others have had to keep it afloat. There are too many involved and he doesn’t usually have patience for that. On the positive side, Lanier’s top influencer is his mom. Lanier is a good kid too. Both of them like and trust Barnes. They’ve told him we’ll get the last meeting, and the last chance to offer. One monkey wrench— If the NIL numbers are way out of line, we won’t counter. We may not even take the visit. Sorry to those who want us to do “anything”. Barnes and staff have values and strategic ideas they won’t corrupt for one player. Like it or not, that’s real.

Finally, they do have options and communication channels beyond Lanier. Unlike UK, they aren’t playing everyone at once. They are holding up their end with Lanier and hope that has value when they sit down.

Sorry for the long post. I know this is more nuanced than some scorched-earthers would like. I probably won’t do a Q&A or a defense of this. I just wanted to share what I’ve heard.

I think we have a shot at the last sitdown, but it’s possible we’ll let that go.

Crank? Can I transfer to the Quippy Grumps instead? My NIL value is in the red so I'd be paying to move. Deal?

 

[CAVPUT]

Don’t stop posting. Those looking for 100% concrete information are never going to be happy.

Don't worry. I'll step in and fill the void if he retires from insider trading.

 

[CAVPUT]

Fantastic update, thank you SF. Love and appreciate you and the info you bring.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

Lanier will be here Tuesday for his OV