Now that new first-time hires and coaches moving to different teams have had time to get settled, they are looking to set their new culture. Culture has become a buzzword in the industry. It is really all about players. These new coaches need players that demonstrate to the nation that this team is legitimate. This will set the foundation for having key players return and lure high school and transfer prospects.
There are 5 additions (4 transfers, 1 high school recruit) that stand out to our staff as the most impactful moves both on-court and for developing the new coaches’ culture/system.
Jake Stephens to Chattanooga (New Coach: Dan Earl)
Dan Earl landing his former VMI big man is a massive move for his new Chattanooga program. Stephens ranks 6th overall in our transfer rankings. He could’ve started anywhere, but he chose to remain with Earl and now this Chattanooga team can be really good. Jake Stephens will be 1st team all-conference and would’ve made an all-conference team in any conference. If Malachi Smith returns, they will have 2 of the better players in the country. If Earl can round out the rotation with a couple of floor spacers they are a top 25 threat.
NCAA Championship Betting Odds: +50000
D’Moi Hodge to Missouri (New Coach: Dennis Gates)
Similar to Stephens, D’Moi Hodge follows his old coach from Cleveland State to Missouri when he could’ve gone anywhere. Hodge is in the top 20 of our transfer rankings and is one of the better 2-way players in the country. Hodge will help establish the culture that Dennis Gates wants at Missouri.
NCAA Championship Betting Odds: +25000
Ryan Pettit to Lafayette (New Coach: Mike Jordan)
Mike Jordan needs to establish a culture of toughness at Lafayette. Ideally, he needed a point guard, a leader, and someone who wants to establish a culture themselves. He got all of that…in one player. Rutgers Prep’s Ryan Pettit is a winner. Not just for Rutgers Prep, but he wins everywhere he plays. It’s nice to land a highly touted recruit with an awesome highlight reel, but a player like Pettit does things for a program that are almost immeasurable. He’ll take charges, get a high rate of steals, make smart decisions with the ball, etc.
NCAA Championship Betting Odds: N/A
Will Richard to Florida (New Coach: Todd Golden)
Will Richard is one of the better 2-way players in the country and despite not being a consensus NBA draft prospect, we have him as an NBA impact player. We have Richard as a first-round pick – probably even in the lottery. His length and athleticism translate to the SEC and his shot selection pairs nicely with what Todd Golden prefers. This will be an easy transition for him in terms of league and head coach. Richard will help Golden establish that analytical culture as well with length, shot selection, and tempo.
NCAA Championship Betting Odds: +8000
Justice Hill to LSU (New Coach: Matt McMahon)
Justice Hill is another example of a premier transfer choosing to play with his coach at a new location. Similar to Stephens and Hodge, Hill could’ve played anywhere. He’s a 2 way on-ball playmaker, who can get to the rim with ease or hit NBA 3s. However, he followed McMahon from Murray State to LSU. He perfectly fits want Matt McMahon wants to do at LSU.
NCAA Championship Betting Odds:+150000
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