One of most interesting developments in RP era for me has been CRP's initial choice of Traore as one of cornerstones of his program. There has not been much, one way or another, to evaluate Traore, who hasn't played much since having been beaten out by Omar Stanley in CMA rotation. Does anyone have any insights on this situation? Is it possible that RP had recruited Traore while coaching Iona? As I recall, this kid was recruited by some lower level programs, including maybe Northeastern and Stony Brook after strong HS career at LI Lutheran, so SJU may have been considered a bit of a stretch at that point. Coach may disagree, and we all hope it works out- this young man will be easy to root for!
RP and Traore
- Thread starter VinceM
- Start date
At the time of Drissa's signing, I remember JPM praising him for his attitude, work ethic and commitment to team.
I was high on him and disappointed he hasnt played that much. I have no idea what his skill level is at this point or where he projects in Rick's system.
But he's a really good kid by all accounts, the type you want somewhere on your team regardless of talent.
I was high on him and disappointed he hasnt played that much. I have no idea what his skill level is at this point or where he projects in Rick's system.
But he's a really good kid by all accounts, the type you want somewhere on your team regardless of talent.
I think it was a move about culture and continuity first and foremost. Any on the court contributions are a plus, but it’s important in rebuilding the culture to have a solid foundation of guys who are team first and work hard, and are okay not playing if it’s good for the team.
For starters I have no doubt that Rick got a great report on Traore from Van. My sense is that he knew he'd need some end of the bench(for now) players, so why not hold on to a hard working, high quality young man. Especially one from one of the top high school programs in the country. What I'm still baffled by is the fact that he didn't also keep Stanley, who by all accounts is also a wonderful young man and who worked hard and showed some skills during his time here.
We simply don’t know what was happening behind the scenes. Maybe not going to class, or any myriad of things. He was certainly purposeful about who he kept and who he didn’t.
Stanley very well could have wanted a new place regardless. Would have liked to keep him as well.
Agree Amase. Not placing blame on Rick, but Stanley is the one kid who left that I felt could have been retained at a reasonable cost, and who would have been a valuable contributor next season.
Def have no idea about what went on behind the scenes, but didn't hear anything negative about Omar during the season or after.
JPM=?
Mullins Revenge
Well-known member
It was a character thing. I dont see Traore’s role changing much under Pitino.
He was kept because he did everything right off the court. You can’t get rid of 10 kids for not doing things the “right” without keeping the ones who did.
Elite coaches know how important the end of the roster kids are and go out is their way to find kids that will help the culture and effort.
Keita may have some use on the court.
Elite coaches know how important the end of the roster kids are and go out is their way to find kids that will help the culture and effort.
Keita may have some use on the court.
SJU threw his PSA AAU program a bone, nice kid/teammate, undersized power player, not recruited by any programs of substance for a reason. Really end of bench guy imo.
Did not agree he could never finish around the rim!
I was just thinking today, is that rule still in place if a HS coach is hired in a non recruiting assisting role, they can’t bring in player from their school for 2 years? I’d really like Reid too but maybe with the rumors of Jay David coming he is off limits?
L J S A
Well-known member
No clue on the rule anymore. It's total Wild West with NIL anyway so rules like that should go away in my opinion. Might make more sense that the school needs to retain/pay the non-recruiting coach for a certain amount of years beyond the player leaving. Might make schools think twice about hiring just anybody.
Omar shot 65% from the field last season. Not bad for a guy who couldn't finish around the rim and who had no outside game to speak of.
And they ran zero plays for him in the post