Zek enters the portal

[tomahawk chop]

This stuff will have to even out eventually. Too many kids are going to jump ship and realize they made a poor decision or the NIL money wasn't actually there. Kids should figure this out at some point I would hope.

Not so sure about this evening out since you are dealing with young kids that obviously are more into money then loyalty.

[Da Coach]

Zek is a good player at Bradley but not sure if he will fit in at a bigger school because most of them makes promises and then the players end up being role type of players. I can see him and Mast getting less minutes somewhere else plus not the same fan fare that they got at Bradley. I also remember that coach took Zek as a late recruitment player because no one else was offering him a full ride.

I've heard from a couple very knowledgeable college basketball guys that they believe this as well.

[Tommy]

Zek will be interesting to watch his market and subsequent career develop. Who will be interested? Will he play much? He will have to take a BIG step forward to do so. I certainly can't see big things on a high major winner. He developed a lot last year, but will still just average at this point. He is replaceable.

I now 100% want to restate we desperately need to find AT LEAST one shooter and a point guard. We are incredibly thin at guard/wing. Hickman, Deen, and zero other guards with experience. Burch will hopefully be here as well, but I'm sure will have a learning curve on both sides of the ball in D1.

You nailed it, bro. I have a bad feeling we are going to lose out on Burch, though.

[Da Coach]

You nailed it, bro. I have a bad feeling we are going to lose out on Burch, though.

Negative Nelly!

[Tommy]

Negative Nelly!

haha! Guilty as charged! It's definitely the mood I'm in right now after this news about Zek. I just don't like losing players I've grown to love. This was tough news for me today, but I know BW will find a way to deal with it.

Thanks for keeping me in check.

[Da Coach]

haha! Guilty as charged! It's definitely the mood I'm in right now after this news about Zek. I just don't like losing players I've grown to love. This was tough news for me today, but I know BW will find a way to deal with it.

Thanks for keeping me in check.

Well, I wish I could reassure you that Burch will sign with Bradley in 2 weeks when the signing period starts. But this NIL stuff has turned the recruiting game into the wild west, kind of like recruiting was in the 1960's and earlier when there were few rules, and no enforcement of what rules there were.

It reminds me of this recruiting story that has been told for many years about Joe Stowell's recruiting of Chet Walker to Bradley-
‘Hijacked’ to Peoria: How Chet Walker became a Brave
https://www.pjstar.com/story/sports/...w/41973225007/

This NLI money now also reminds me of the University of Illinois "Slush Fund" scandal from the 1960's that resulted in Steve Kuberski transferring to Bradley.
https://ussporthistory.com/2014/10/2...al-of-1966-67/

[tomahawk chop]

Well, I wish I could reassure you that Burch will sign with Bradley in 2 weeks when the signing period starts. But this NIL stuff has turned the recruiting game into the wild west, kind of like recruiting was in the 1960's and earlier when there were few rules, and no enforcement of what rules there were.

It reminds me of this recruiting story that has been told for many years about Joe Stowell's recruiting of Chet Walker to Bradley-
‘Hijacked’ to Peoria: How Chet Walker became a Brave
https://www.pjstar.com/story/sports/...w/41973225007/

This NLI money now also reminds me of the University of Illinois "Slush Fund" scandal from the 1960's that resulted in Steve Kuberski transferring to Bradley.
https://ussporthistory.com/2014/10/2...al-of-1966-67/

They will want Burch after he proves he is a good player at Bradley.

[BradleyBiz]

If anything, Zek's departure may firm up Burch's commitment. There are more minutes available now and he can seize the opportunity if he works hard over the summer and early season.

[LittleBrave]

I wonder why there weren’t a lot of upset people when Jayson Kent, Terry Nolan, Kevin McAdoo and Antonio Davis transferred.

Those guys didn’t have the athleticism and potential that Zek has. Zek also a very good defender. He was one of my favorites last season.
Ouch

[bigjimmy]

Have to say I’m a little surprised to see Zek go elsewhere after his 2nd year, (unless there are circumstances we just don’t know about). He needs another year to get better as a player and an athlete and he’d have been one of the main focuses at BU. I just don’t think he’s a starter at a Power 5 school next season. Hopefully he finds what he’s looking for. Just have to trust Wardle and the coaching staff have been ready for all of the possibilities and that we’ll have a team that contends for another championship.

[BradleyBiz]

BW hit the nail on the head in the PJStar article on Zek:

"My concern, though, is the NCAA basketball landscape is changing from relational to transactional."

Mark Emmert ruined the NCAA. Hopefully Charlie Baker can bring it back.

[Da Coach]

Dave Eminian article about Zek transferring-

https://www.pjstar.com/story/sports/college/basketball/bradley-hoops/2023/03/28/zek-montgomery-ncaa-transfer-portal-bradley-basketball/70057637007/

Some interesting quotes from Coach Wardle -

"I hope Zek finds what he is looking for in his next school"

"Our program is going to be fine because we have that foundation to recruit to, and there are a lot of good players in the portal that are excited about Bradley."

"My concern, though, is the (NCAA basketball) landscape is changing from relational to transactional."

[Stryker]

Dave Eminian article about Zek transferring-

https://www.pjstar.com/story/sports/college/basketball/bradley-hoops/2023/03/28/zek-montgomery-ncaa-transfer-portal-bradley-basketball/70057637007/

Some interesting quotes from Coach Wardle -

"I hope Zek finds what he is looking for in his next school"

"Our program is going to be fine because we have that foundation to recruit to, and there are a lot of good players in the portal that are excited about Bradley."

"My concern, though, is the (NCAA basketball) landscape is changing from relational to transactional."

Very astute. I am also not that concerned. This may be the strongest position Wardle has been in since he has come to BU as far as recruiting goes. He can point to the 2 NCAA bids and now a MVC Championship. Attendance on the rise, NLI support etc. There shouldn't really be any reason Wardle can't recruit very well right now compared to the other MVC schools IMO. I am expecting some pretty good landings from the portal, hopefully at least 2 players that can come in and contribute in a large way right away. Wardle has already demonstrated he can do this through the portal or from JNCAA schools.

[bradleyfan124]

Have to say I’m a little surprised to see Zek go elsewhere after his 2nd year, (unless there are circumstances we just don’t know about). He needs another year to get better as a player and an athlete and he’d have been one of the main focuses at BU. I just don’t think he’s a starter at a Power 5 school next season. Hopefully he finds what he’s looking for. Just have to trust Wardle and the coaching staff have been ready for all of the possibilities and that we’ll have a team that contends for another championship.

We are all upset but imagine how upset the Bradley coaches are. They work hard to a build a team then to see it come apart by things out of their control

[bradleyfan124]

BW hit the nail on the head in the PJStar article on Zek:

"My concern, though, is the NCAA basketball landscape is changing from relational to transactional."

Mark Emmert ruined the NCAA. Hopefully Charlie Baker can bring it back.

I am thinking ( and hoping ) Charlie Baker will make some positive changes. From what I have read so far I think he is wanting to do that