Aidoo

[jmcarr33]

I just don’t get why he transferred. Is there a story there with him an Awaka? They would be playing huge minutes right now. Just doesn’t add up unless there’s an underlying story. He has logged 7 minutes tonight up to this point for Ark.

 

[LittleCat]

I think he chased money. Turns out the grass isn’t always greener and being coached by Calipari is probably a culture shock from Rick Barnes.

 

[livefaith]

The days of a transfer being based only on the usual reasons of playing time, don't get along with the coach, moving back home closer to Mama, etc are over. Now, you have to take those factors and add NIL contract money into the equation. A player may Now be completely satisfied with all of those things in the first group, but the money factor is bigger as a different school, therefore they'll make the jump. It's no different than regular adults at their daily jobs. For a financial promotion, people will leave a job they really love. Barnes even sad as much in one interview, when he said that Jonas got an offer that was really good.

 

[BigBadVol]

It’s always about the money. One day, some of you will finally listen.

 

[Volinnooga]

while I agree it’s all about the money, I also think he was embarrassed by being benched by Barnes in last years Purdue loss.

 

[05_never_again]

I just don’t get why he transferred. Is there a story there with him an Awaka? They would be playing huge minutes right now. Just doesn’t add up unless there’s an underlying story. He has logged 7 minutes tonight up to this point for Ark.

I heard there was something between him and Awaka, but it is interesting to me that Awaka also transferred. I think it was probably about money.

Best for both sides to move on - Aidoo is not a physical player and Okpara has been an upgrade over him.

 

[esarmstrong]

Whatever. All I know is that Tennessee has upgraded significantly at that position with the addition of Felix Okpara. The difference is night and day.

 

[first time caller]

What I have seen of Aidoo this year makes me think we didn’t lose much when he bailed. Good for him for finding more money. Don’t think Ark. getting much out of it however.

 

[Sydney5000]

Would love to have had Okpara and Awaka .

 

[sami]

Would love to have had Okpara and Awaka .

Agree. I honestly didn't mind that Aidoo transferred because Estrella was up and coming and Awaka was a beast when he could stay on the floor. But damn, Okpara/Awaka would have been a beastly duo.

 

[tennrich1]

while I agree it’s all about the money, I also think he was embarrassed by being benched by Barnes in last years Purdue loss.

I too think it had a lot to do with this. CLEARLY…he had to come out of that game. I don’t recall seeing a player on that level completely lose it like Jonas did in that game. I felt sorry for him. But I think it so damaged him that leaving the Vols was best for all parties. Of course the way JA handled it wasn’t professional at all. I too feel we came out just fine in the swap. He is struggling terribly at Arkansas though.

 

[Sudden Impact]

Aidoo did not show up. Edey may have intimidated him before the game and gotten into his mind. Not sure but the difference between him and Okpara is night and day. The connection between Z and Aidoo is miles apart from Z and Okpara. I rewatched the game Awaka is good but he fouls way to much but he handled Edey much better than Aidoo. Aidoo was just taking up space in that game. The game was called decently but Aidoo was just not there. Purdue vs Tennessee Game E8. Should have won that game.

 

[livefaith]

while I agree it’s all about the money, I also think he was embarrassed by being benched by Barnes in last years Purdue loss.

As embarrassing as his performance.

 

[K-town Vol Fan]

It’s always about the money. One day, some of you will finally listen.

Didn't think teams threw big money at bench warmers...

 

[BigBadVol]

Didn't think teams threw big money at bench warmers...

It doesn’t have to be big money just more money than you are currently receiving.

 

[Volizona]

Aidoo did not show up. Edey may have intimidated him before the game and gotten into his mind. Not sure but the difference between him and Okpara is night and day. The connection between Z and Aidoo is miles apart from Z and Okpara. I rewatched the game Awaka is good but he fouls way to much but he handled Edey much better than Aidoo. Aidoo was just taking up space in that game. The game was called decently but Aidoo was just not there. Purdue vs Tennessee Game E8. Should have won that game.

They were going to call a foul against Edey every time regardless of whether or not he was touched. We should have just told Awaka to tackle him hard to the floor 5 times to send a message. He would have fouled out either way.

 

[K-town Vol Fan]

It doesn’t have to be big money just more money than you are currently receiving.

We have one of the biggest NIL funds in the country. You telling my Arky paid him more to sit on their bench than we could pay him to start? Sorry, not buying it.

 

[BigBadVol]

We have one of the biggest NIL funds in the country. You telling my Arky paid him more to sit on their bench than we could pay him to start? Sorry, not buying it.

CRB already addressed this basically stating as much so unless he’s being dishonest, I don’t know what to tell you.

 

[gohogs14]

We have one of the biggest NIL funds in the country. You telling my Arky paid him more to sit on their bench than we could pay him to start? Sorry, not buying it.

I don’t think Arkansas intended for him to be on the bench. He was hurt preseason but most thought he would be a pretty obvious starter this year, his play just hasn’t lived up to it.

Arkansas paid about a million for Johnell Davis too and isn’t getting much ROI out of that either.

 

[CAVPUT]

Count the money and be satisfied. He wasn't all that when he was here. Might have a shot in Europe, but I was never impressed with his game. Soft and inconsistent.

 

[BigOrangeTrain]

Awaka puzzles me even more than Aidoo. Was it just money? I thought Awaka could have really contributed this year.

 

[CAVPUT]

Awaka puzzles me even more than Aidoo. Was it just money? I thought Awaka could have really contributed this year.

Perhaps another Stallworth/Washington situation? Or maybe they just tired of the current situation and wanted change? Okay, okay....it's money. We all know it. Just tiptoeing around the obvious.

 

[Voljayton]

Awaka puzzles me even more than Aidoo. Was it just money? I thought Awaka could have really contributed this year.

Yeah, this one bothered me. Awaka seemed well liked by fans and the team and he was a tough player under the basket that we needed. I guess we didn't want to keep him due to his foul troubles? That doesn't seem worth it. Maybe some behind the scenes stuff. I mean we're fine anyway but I liked him as a player.