NEWS: Jerrod Calhoun to UC

[KevMan1976]

EVERYONE in this Group should be cautious. Especially with some of the players from Utah State transferring and being a to compete in the Big 12.

As Bearcatbret mentioned above, Utah State did not go through the Big 12 gauntlet. I only throw caution to the wind, because ALL of us have been disappointed over the last 6yrs.

I want Calhoun to be successful more than anybody! But I'm not going to drink the Kool-aid this time around until he proves to all of us this job is not to big for him.

As far as a complete turnover of the team, I totally believe it. I expected Abaev to be gone months ago. The only player i would count on returning is Jizzle James. For sone reason i feel he's a loyal player to the University!

Here's to a new chapter in Bearcat Basketball. I truly hope Coach Calhoun brings back Bearcat toughness and greatness .

Very well said, and I agree completely.

I know this may sound simple-minded, but bottom line: I am ready to turn the page to the next chapter of Bearcat basketball and—as of now—Coach Calhoun has not lost, so he’s doing great! lol.

Excited to see what developments take place over the coming days, weeks and months. Can’t wait to see what’s in store. Go Bearcats!

[Oldtimer_UC_fan]

I would not want to spend nearly half of our NIL budget on Thiam.

We need to get 25 BPM minimum from the starting 5. With an 8 mil budget that's $320k per BPM. A player would have to give us 11 BPM to be worth $3.5 mil. Thiam recorded 5 BPM this year. I think 7 is reasonable to assume for next year. I'd pay him 2.5 mil tops.

Thiam improved dramatically over the second half. Plus, he's 7'2".

[Oldtimer_UC_fan]

Totally agree. I'd like to keep Thiam but not at that price. There are only a handful of programs in the country that can afford to take that chance. Just ask Kansas (Peterson) and BYU (Dybantsa) how paying 1 guy that much of your budget worked out for a deep run in the tourney.

I am hoping that Calhoun is a much better judge of how to assemble a TEAM than Miller who largely seemed to just want to grab talented pieces and throw them together. That obviously did not work.

But Kansas was a 4 seed, and BYU also made the tourney. I'll take that next season. Maybe some of our "deep pockets" can dig a little deeper?

[swilsonsp4]

But Kansas was a 4 seed, and BYU also made the tourney. I'll take that next season. Maybe some of our "deep pockets" can dig a little deeper?

BYU's problem wasn't Dybantsa; it was losing Richie Saunders. The Cougars nosedived after he went down. KU, though, was a different animal. Peterson was unreliable (or, rather, unavailable) for much of the season. There were times when he seemed disinterested. He stood around a lot on offense when his teammates didn't get him the ball. Great physical abilities, but he didn't seem to fit in with four other guys on the court.

[sedz]

Thiam improved dramatically over the second half. Plus, he's 7'2".

He had a 5.8 BPM in February and March. So yes, he improved over the season. 3.1 last year, 5.0 this year. I think 7 or so is a reasonable expectation for next year if he continues to improve. I don't think that's worth half of our budget. He would have to be first team all conference to earn that.

[leo from jersey]

But Kansas was a 4 seed, and BYU also made the tourney. I'll take that next season. Maybe some of our "deep pockets" can dig a little deeper?

I think it was Chad B. who said that a few doors which have ben closed for twenty years may start opening up with this hire. It would be nice, but it may take a year I believe. Give them some wins and communication with our new coach (Maybe some with an old coach too).

[leo from jersey]

I think Roy Williams was a great coach. It was great to see him at the games and talking to WM. I think it is greater seeing Huggs at the games and talking to his old pupil.

CJC may not work out, but it is good to hope in a return to bearcat history and tradition and not just talk on an introduction speech.

Go Cats

[Rufus]

Has anyone heard yet of when CJC will be introduced to bearcat nation as the new coach?

[GoBearcats31]

Has anyone heard yet of when CJC will be introduced to bearcat nation as the new coach?

Seems like a potential press conference on Wednesday, so look for a formal announcement today?

Lenny Stokes hopped on the end of the last night's BCJ Bearcat Bounce Podcast. Sounds like he's been good friends with Calhoun for a while and is excited. Seems like Calhoun has already been talking to alums (former players), has been interested in the position for a while (maybe since November...).

[Corporateballa]

Any word on Jizzle coming back?

Jizzle is going with Wes.

[Rufus]

I like the sound of that if true. Seems like UC is his "dream job " if there is such a thing. However it may mean that if CJC has any amount of success while here it would be extremely difficult for someone else to lure him away.

[London 'Cat]

Jizzle is going with Wes.

That may be best for everyone. Wish him well.

[Gmann]

Jizzle is going with Wes.

I think that's good for Jizzle and Wes. I wish them both the best of luck.

[leo from jersey]

That may be best for everyone. Wish him well.

100% in agreement --you could see it in his freshman year - he was for himself and not the team.

[BearKatz]

That may be best for everyone. Wish him well.

Mixed emotions about this one. I was hoping James would finish his career at UC.

But James has to do what's best for him. Wish him all the best!