by Bigdfromuic » August 26th, 2022, 11:29 am
Damaria is tremendously talented and I’d rather have him than not (and I think Yak would too), but he is extremely sloppy/undisciplined and was a TO machine last year, which I know had to frustrate Yak.
No idea what happened. Maybe left because Dee Brown left? He also did try the NBA thing before coming back, so maybe someone is in his ear telling him he needs to show something on a bigger stage to improve his stock.
Whatever happens, I agree the portal needs to be more time-restrictive. UIC was entering its first year in the MVC in decent shape. Two late transfers (Tyler Stevenson to Mississippi St, and now Damaria) just can’t be reasonably replaced so close to the season. Stevenson’s replacement is a 6’10” freshman project…no way he’s going to be as productive as Stevenson. Similarly, there’s no way to replace last year’s leading scorer and rebounder (Damaria).
Reduce portal time. Otherwise, there needs to be some penalty to player/destination school and/or compensation to the source school when transfers happen this late.