2025 Transfer Portal Thread

[cncchris33]

Really? How come? Barnes choice wouldn't seem to make sense unless totally focused on a offensive-minded transfer with 2 or more years of eligibility. Do you think Mashack would move on?

Disclaimer - This is complete speculation on my part, but it is based in the talk that we hear ZZ and Gainey's name tossed around a lot as candidates to potentially return, and not so much Mashack and Milicic.

I...again, personal opinion...believe the staff loves Mashack's defense, effort, and leadership. I also believe he is probably viewed as a finished product, as in he's reached his ceiling. That ceiling is that of a fantastic defender and an offensive liability. I also don't necessarily believe that the offensive hole he creates is entirely talent-driven. I think he is just very passive on that end of the floor. In today's game, you can't have someone who just won't look to score when they have an opportunity. It makes your team far too easy to defend. If Barnes and Co. believe they can find an offensive player who is 60% of the defender Mashack was, I think they'd prefer to try that route and have 5 offensive threats on the floor.

Mashack would be a great fit with San Diego St. if he chose to play a 5th year. Defensive-minded program that will appreciate his approach, his voice and leadership, and it's closer to home where his family can see him more easily.

Maybe someone like @stoernerfumbles can validate that opinion. Or blow holes in it like a 12-gauge. I'm certainly open to being wrong.

 

[CAVPUT]

He has a chronic back issue and is getting an evaluation. We (and others) will be interested depending on the results.

Already have to worry about Estrella's foot. Can't see taking a chance on a chronic back problem. Many my age know exactly what that's like and how tricky they can be.

 

[AngryButchJones]

If we land Freeman and Rice to go along with Gillespie and Carey, that would be an incredibly successful portal haul, IMO. Would like one more shooter if possible along with that group, but those 4 along with our returning front court and incoming freshmen should be a great roster.

 

[VolFan_stuck_in_the_901]

Maybe “recurring” more apt than “chronic” at his age. He returned from it last season. I think he needs a clean bill before anyone spends on him.

I feel for the young man personally if he already has back problems at such a young age. From a college basketball standpoint, I would imagine we (and other programs) will be very hesitant to spend big on him even with a clean bill of health.

 

[CAVPUT]

If we land Freeman and Rice to go along with Gillespie and Carey, that would be an incredibly successful portal haul, IMO. Would like one more shooter if possible along with that group, but those 4 along with our returning front court and incoming freshmen should be a great roster.

One would hope so, but the transition to the physicality of the SEC and playing defense the way Barnes demands is a huge change for almost anyone but especially a kid like Freeman. With a legit bench, maybe they can avoid the first year wall under Barnes or al least get thru it more quickly.

 

[walkenvol]

I'm pretty skeptical of them holding a spot for Mashack, but that may be contingent on what they can land in the portal.

I respect your opinion, but I’d be shocked if Mashack wanted to return and Barnes didn’t have/make room for him. Doesn’t mean he would promise a starting role or a certain number of minutes. Just don’t see the wisdom in cutting loose a torch bearer winner, an all conference defensive team member, a national defensive POY candidate, and probably the biggest reason is a cultural cornerstone and leader of a program that’s facing a huge roster turnover. JMO

 

[Legion of Doom]

I hope we don't leave multiple scholarships open again. I can understand leaving one open, but much more than that, and you run into a lack of depth, IMO. That's with 13 scholarships. If/when they go to 15, philosophy may be a little different .

They are holding at least 3 for the seniors we had that will not go in NBA for the 5th year. Even if that does not pass 12 is way more than teams use.

 

[MoCo_Vol]

I think it's more Mashack looking to move on than the staff, fwiw.

Last season it took some convincing after Aidoo bailed from what I recall...and part of why he stayed was to finish his degree, which he has already done. I think the other awards and recognition he has gotten this season might be the closure he was looking for as well.

 

[Nico ee-ah-MAH-LAY-ah-va]

I respect your opinion, but I’d be shocked if Mashack wanted to return and Barnes didn’t have/make room for him. Doesn’t mean he would promise a starting role or a certain number of minutes. Just don’t see the wisdom in cutting loose a torch bearer winner, an all conference defensive team member, a national defensive POY candidate, and probably the biggest reason is a cultural cornerstone and leader of a program that’s facing a huge roster turnover. JMO

I agree with this, but also with the other poster that said Jamai is a finished product. Best case if we keep him is that he focuses on being a defensive specialist surrounded by better offensive talent that can help mitigate his offensive liability.

I like the Carey pick up because part of what can help somebody like Mashack is having some interior threats that open up some midrange jumpers for him. Mashack is not a 3pt threat, but he could develop as a semi consistent midrange guy with support from aggressive rebounders at the rim to clean up anything he misses. Plus, defenses seemed to just ignore him when he had the ball unless he got into the paint. Make them suffer by making him a primary defender with the ability to pick up 6-10 points on short range jumper.

 

[Volprofch05]

Any thoughts on Skillings Jr from Cincy, now in portal?

 

[Milehigh_Vol]

To be fair, that’s a pretty big clarifier. That’s basically the only thing preventing anyone from committing anywhere right now.

Yeah, but people have come here for less money for the exposure and merchandise sales. Plus being coached by one of the greats.

 

[omghulkhands]

If we land Freeman and Rice to go along with Gillespie and Carey, that would be an incredibly successful portal haul, IMO.

Agree. And my favorite part would be that most of the players have multiples years left to play.

 

[Volprofch05]

Agree. And my favorite part would be that most of the players have multiples years left to play.

Yep

 

[bleedingTNorange]

I hope we still have a chance with Alvaro Folgueiras

IMO that feels like Carey took that spot, not that they’re similar at all, but Alvaro is a 4/5, I don’t see much room in the frontcourt currently

 

[bleedingTNorange]

Agree. And my favorite part would be that most of the players have multiples years left to play.

In theory if this 5th year passes, even for next years class, everyone will have multiple years.

 

[Ghost of Archvol]

Yep
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Well, UF's best player and arguably the reason they are in this thing is a transfer so there's just as much merit to me on what you can actually bring in in the portal vs. retention. I think the retention argument is more coincidence, but a mix of both is good.

 

[Volprofch05]

Well, UF's best player and arguably the reason they are in this thing is a transfer so there's just as much merit to me on what you can actually bring in in the portal vs. retention. I think the retention argument is more coincidence, but a mix of both is good.

Yeah, but Clayton has been there for 2 years. I don't think that statement (from Rothstein) is necessarily an argument against any transfers, it just states that it is preferable to have a group who plays together for a significant amount of time (more than 1 year) to build cohesion.

 

[cncchris33]

I respect your opinion, but I’d be shocked if Mashack wanted to return and Barnes didn’t have/make room for him. Doesn’t mean he would promise a starting role or a certain number of minutes. Just don’t see the wisdom in cutting loose a torch bearer winner, an all conference defensive team member, a national defensive POY candidate, and probably the biggest reason is a cultural cornerstone and leader of a program that’s facing a huge roster turnover. JMO

I don't disagree with any of this in the sense that Jahmai Mashack is everything that is right with college athletics in 2025.

I also think that it likely won't come down to him wanting to return and Rick Barnes telling him, "No". I think Mashack may be ready for his next move, as well. An amicable parting of ways if you will. It just seems like the right time for both parties to forge their own paths on their own. I can't really put in to words why I feel that applies to Mashack and not Zeigler, it's just how things feel to me.

 

[rdk4121]

Well, UF's best player and arguably the reason they are in this thing is a transfer so there's just as much merit to me on what you can actually bring in in the portal vs. retention. I think the retention argument is more coincidence, but a mix of both is good.

You know Walter Clayton was at Florida last year as well right? Which entirely plays into the retention aspect.

 

[VolsNetClippers2025]

IMO that feels like Carey took that spot, not that they’re similar at all, but Alvaro is a 4/5, I don’t see much room in the frontcourt currently

Hope I'm wrong, but how does this work with fitting in Ament at the 4? Feels like not much room at all.

 

[cncchris33]

Hope I'm wrong, but how does this work with fitting in Ament at the 4? Feels like not much room at all.

Carey is a back to the basket 4/5. Ament is a wing that can play the 3 or stretch 4. There may be a plan to redshirt Dewayne Brown, as well, though the 5-yr rule would eliminate redshirts, so who knows. I am guessing they may be overloading with an eye on JP's foot and possibility he may never be the same.

 

[VolsNetClippers2025]

Carey is a back to the basket 4/5. Ament is a wing that can play the 3 or stretch 4. There may be a plan to redshirt Dewayne Brown, as well, though the 5-yr rule would eliminate redshirts, so who knows. I am guessing they may be overloading with an eye on JP's foot and possibility he may never be the same.

Yeah, realize they play very differently, just feel like both occupy the 4 spot in a roster. Thought Ament was viewed as a 4 and not really a 3, but shows how little I know!

 

[MoCo_Vol]

I don't disagree with any of this in the sense that Jahmai Mashack is everything that is right with college athletics in 2025.

I also think that it likely won't come down to him wanting to return and Rick Barnes telling him, "No". I think Mashack may be ready for his next move, as well. An amicable parting of ways if you will. It just seems like the right time for both parties to forge their own paths on their own. I can't really put in to words why I feel that applies to Mashack and not Zeigler, it's just how things feel to me.

I feel this as well. Mashack is a different type of athlete than most. Some athletes get one gift and that is what they focus on...some athletes are gifted in so many different ways and sports become the doorway to reaching goals in other areas.

Like the trip the team took to Europe a few years ago...most the team was just excited to travel and be somewhere they hadn't. Shack was standing in places like the Galleria Borghese, Vatican, or Uffizi Gallery experiencing Botticelli and da Vinci in person for the first time and THAT was what he enjoyed.


Not everyone is a "ball is life" type I guess is my point. DK, Chaz, ZZ, and other former players their life centers around basketball and family. From what I've heard and seen of the young man, Mashack was blessed with some God given talent athletic (that whole family is) his dad played college ball, mom ran track, older brother played CB, younger sister is running track.

But Shack is far more likely to be a leader of men off the court moving forward. The question is really how soon does he plan to start down that path.

 

[ochocinco]

I think it's more Mashack looking to move on than the staff, fwiw.

Last season it took some convincing after Aidoo bailed from what I recall...and part of why he stayed was to finish his degree, which he has already done. I think the other awards and recognition he has gotten this season might be the closure he was looking for as well.

Unfortunately, that could make sense. The staff would absolutely love to have him another year. He will have a spot if he wants it and the NCAA allows. Tony Allen averaged 8.1 ppg for his career in the NBA and you’d better believe he always had a roster spot.

 

[Luke Joiner]

I know his name hasn’t been mentioned anywhere and he didn’t play a lot the second half of the year, but what about Elijah Moore from Syracuse? He lit us up early in the year and plays with a lot of energy. I know his numbers aren’t great, but it seemed to me that he was a better shooter than 31%. I’m sure he would want a decent role, so he will probably go to a smaller school, but he shot the ball really well against us. He was also only a freshman this past year