Goodbye Baraka Okojie

[GSII]

Not just Arizona but Unc is also losing guys.

Schools need to be able to pay players from the TV money that said players generate. As for us fans, I like the old days of dropping bags of cash off at the mommy's house.

 

[GMUgemini]

Arizona is a hot mess right now anyway. Their university is running a $240 million deficit, at least $60 million (I’ve heard as much as 120 million) is from the athletics department alone. and they’re slashing every department.

Along with UCLA and UMD and West Virginia before them are all warnings that the current status quo is just unsustainable in any form.

I think everyone here is actually pretty even keeled about this. My view, and it seems like others here, is that the goal will never be achieved through asking us "mom and pop" donors to pitch in our meager amounts. I also don't believe that is successful for schools with much bigger fan bases. It's really all about going after the big fish. That's how a real difference is made....TBH, it makes me feel better that this whole nonsense can't continue when I'm seeing that a team like USF is being completed gutted or even moreso that Arizona is probably going to lose their best player to a bigger NIL deal. It's total madness and when teams like Arizona are losing guys, I just can't see it being allowed to continue for the long term.

 

[2011WinOverVillanova]

I think everyone here is actually pretty even keeled about this. My view, and it seems like others here, is that the goal will never be achieved through asking us "mom and pop" donors to pitch in our meager amounts. I also don't believe that is successful for schools with much bigger fan bases. It's really all about going after the big fish. That's how a real difference is made....TBH, it makes me feel better that this whole nonsense can't continue when I'm seeing that a team like USF is being completed gutted or even moreso that Arizona is probably going to lose their best player to a bigger NIL deal. It's total madness and when teams like Arizona are losing guys, I just can't see it being allowed to continue for the long term.

So is that former Microsoft executive I cited a big fish or do you think we need to aim higher?

 

[Jack Strop]

TBH, it makes me feel better that this whole nonsense can't continue when I'm seeing that a team like USF is being completed gutted or even moreso that Arizona is probably going to lose their best player to a bigger NIL deal. It's total madness and when teams like Arizona are losing guys, I just can't see it being allowed to continue for the long term.

This is exactly why NIL is unsustainable. Money providers will feel awfully jilted when one of their money-players splits for better deal. Why provide more funding to a clear cash-grab-and-scram charade? One would be better off burning cash in the middle of the cul-de-sac—at least one could appreciate the warmth and enjoy a weenie roast!

 

[jruby]

I think everyone here is actually pretty even keeled about this. My view, and it seems like others here, is that the goal will never be achieved through asking us "mom and pop" donors to pitch in our meager amounts. I also don't believe that is successful for schools with much bigger fan bases. It's really all about going after the big fish. That's how a real difference is made....TBH, it makes me feel better that this whole nonsense can't continue when I'm seeing that a team like USF is being completed gutted or even moreso that Arizona is probably going to lose their best player to a bigger NIL deal. It's total madness and when teams like Arizona are losing guys, I just can't see it being allowed to continue for the long term.

Part of issue is Arizona isn't in the Big10 or sec. So they are going to die. I mean yes it can't continue and why it's inevitable the Big10 and sec grab whatever they want from acc. NCAA gets really mad when ACC falls apart and then those 2 conferences form own league with whatever rules they want.

Rest of college goes back to 1 time transfers. The big10 and sec leaving with the Fall of the ACC really can't come soon enough! Then it will allow the Big East, A10, Big 12 or whatever the rest is left to be called to go back to operating somewhat normally. It's not the NIL thats the major issues it's unlimited transfers, but the NCAA has zero power and never will now. It will have to be two new orgs.

 

[GMUgemini]

Part of issue is Arizona isn't in the Big10 or sec. So they are going to die. I mean yes it can't continue and why it's inevitable the Big10 and sec grab whatever they want from acc. NCAA gets really mad when ACC falls apart and then those 2 conferences form own league with whatever rules they want.

Rest of college goes back to 1 time transfers. The big10 and sec leaving with the Fall of the ACC really can't come soon enough! Then it will allow the Big East, A10, Big 12 or whatever the rest is left to be called to go back to operating somewhat normally. It's not the NIL thats the major issues it's unlimited transfers, but the NCAA has zero power and never will now. It will have to be two new orgs.

These are laws and court rulings. The NcAA can reorganize until it’s red in the face and they’re going to have to abide by these rulings.

They have a few choices:

1) turn them into employees and let them organize

2) give the product away for free to maintain amateur status

3) eliminate intercollegiate sports

 

[tblack33]

This is exactly why NIL is unsustainable. Money providers will feel awfully jilted when one of their money-players splits for better deal. Why provide more funding to a clear cash-grab-and-scram charade? One would be better off burning cash in the middle of the cul-de-sac—at least one could appreciate the warmth and enjoy a weenie roast!

In the meantime, gotta get creative with contracts. I think collectives will start looking at back loading contracts and tying them to enrollment, so June to June to help tie guys to schools more effectively.

 

[GMU79]

Okie was fun to watch. I wish him the best wherever he ends up.

I do recall seeing him brood a lot and appearing just not happy. Baraka said once in a post-game presser after Coach Skinn paid him a wry compliment, "That's the nicest thing Coach has ever said to me." And Baraka was not looking at all sarcastic or playful. Who knows, those are only my observations and I'm sure I'm wrong.

Damnit. Back to square one. I said it once and I'll say it again, in this new era, teams have to find ways to encourage players (or find the ones who want to) to stick around for things other than money (although I strongly suspect that $$$ is not the case for Okie). Good luck Baraka!

I remember that comment. Kinda caught me as sideways too.

 

[GMU79]

Most definitely not lol

Terrific. Another secret that we can't tell anybody about it scenario. Not blaming anybody here, but it kinda gets old.

Slow your role here, you may not like VT but make sure you do research when trying to bash something you may think you know but really have no clue about.

VT is ranked 30th in the country in the Collective NIL "rankings." https://nil-ncaa.com
and have a very strong NIL base that continues to grow and grow. More info here: https://hokiesports.com/news/2023/6...nil-collective-named-to-prestigious-list.aspx

They pulled in over $25 million in donations in just this past year that concluded in April for certain sports designations. Trust me, I get the VT Athletics thank you letters and progress trackers in the mail once a quarter. Bottom tier of P5... Nope... the stats are there to back it up. Bottom tier Power 5 would be Boston College.

As for the VT fan base... they have one of the most loyal fan bases in the country that travel for all sports very well. They had down years in football recently but they continue to sellout games and fans travel for away games and certainly bowl games...and other sporting events in general. 35K fans attended the Military Bowl this year in a stadium that has capacity of 34,000. 32,000 of those fans were VT. I was there.... in the pouring cold rain. Womens basketball recruits have publicly said in interviews one of the reasons they come to VT is because they want to play in front of sold out home crowds. Same with VT Wrestling.

Fair weather ACC fans... nah man....you may be thinking of GT or Pittsburgh but not VT. Biggest and loyal fan base in VA.

They/VT are losing players because A. They want to win and want to join a team who consistently makes the NCAA tournament B. Want more money and/or playing time, VT has limits on what they spend for basketball. Their PG Pedulla is in the portal and said he would come back if they meet his price. C. Or want more playing time / be focus of the offense - as MJ Collins told reporters/interviewers on why he is transferring out. You can pretty much apply this formula to every P5 men's basketball team. UNC can't even keep guys.... Trimble and Love transferred, or are transferring.

It happens... its the new landscape of college bball.

Okojie can certainly join a ACC or Big 10 team, he has the quickness, work ethic/hustle and abilities to play P5. Coaches can develop a 3 point shot for him... they ain't worried about that.

Yeah, I hate VT, but having lived for 10 years in the VT region and gone to a couple of football games, I can tell you, those fans are rabid!

Let's do some simple math. If you need $200,000 to get ONE player and IF you are asking fans to pay.... you need 2,000 fans to pony up $100 or 200 fans to pay $1,000 on top of season ticket costs and/or Green and Gold Room passes. Hell, we don't have that many fans. Factor in 5 new players every year for the foreseeable future and you've got one sh&t serious show on your hands.

I donate to the Schar Cancer Center (saved my sorry a**), Saint Jude, and FCPS yearly. Far more important causes IMO. I've gone on record and I will once more, it will be a cold day in Hell before I give money to NIL to support a snot nosed, spoiled brat who thinks he's a gift to society because he can shoot a damn basketball.

The more I think about it the closer I am to just moving on to other winter pursuits. I know I'm in the minority here and that's okay. Different strokes for different folks.

As you all know, I have been a GMU Bball fan since 1975 when I could walk into the gym with fold down risers on "(Half a) Ring Road" for free. I have not made a lot of money in my now 40+ semi-retired career. I have given token amounts to the school, Patriot Club, and this site over the years. But NIL? No! Like '81, I have more important places to donate to. If people who can afford to, want to support NIL, more power to them. But in good conscience, I can't/won't.
I'm still a fan and pull for my team, but someone else is going to have to pay these young men to play a game.

 

[gmuballer14]

Terrific. Another secret that we can't tell anybody about it scenario. Not blaming anybody here, but it kinda gets old.

He's gone now. Idk why it needs to be hidden. Protecting adults that can careless about the school/program

 

[dr. gunnie]

He's gone now. Idk why it needs to be hidden. Protecting adults that can careless about the school/program

Sometimes it's not about protecting the players, sometimes people get info from sources close to the team with the understanding that it's private information not to be shared publicly. If that information is then spread on a message board or other public places, those sources might not share info in the future.

 

[mkaufman1]

Terrific. Another secret that we can't tell anybody about it scenario. Not blaming anybody here, but it kinda gets old.

He's gone now. Idk why it needs to be hidden. Protecting adults that can careless about the school/program

I already explained what occurred with Dinkins. https://www.masonhoops.com/threads/goodbye-baraka-okojie.2545/post-197345

As you all know, I have been a GMU Bball fan since 1975 when I could walk into the gym with fold down risers on "(Half a) Ring Road" for free. I have not made a lot of money in my now 40+ semi-retired career. I have given token amounts to the school, Patriot Club, and this site over the years. But NIL? No! Like '81, I have more important places to donate to. If people who can afford to, want to support NIL, more power to them. But in good conscience, I can't/won't.
I'm still a fan and pull for my team, but someone else is going to have to pay these young men to play a game.

I can completely respect this point, but when we can't get good players because of lack of supplemental funds available, its stuff like this that won't help us on the court

 

[Patriot Lawdog]

I already explained what occurred with Dinkins. https://www.masonhoops.com/threads/goodbye-baraka-okojie.2545/post-197345


I can completely respect this point, but when we can't get good players because of lack of supplemental funds available, its stuff like this that won't help us on the court

I guess what I question is: How is the money that I give going to make a difference in getting players? It's not like I can afford to give $100k to "buy" a player. What am I going to pay for a late night Pizza Boli's run or two?

 

[mkaufman1]

I guess what I question is: How is the money that I give going to make a difference in getting players? It's not like I can afford to give $100k to "buy" a player. What am I going to pay for a late night Pizza Boli's run or two?

Lol, late night Pizza Bolis.

It isn't, but my general point is that anything fans come up with is supplemental and helpful. Is it going to save anything? No. But its the same reason why anything helps with the Men's basketball program. My $50 isn't going to save us either so I get it.

The big chunk has to come from elsewhere.

 

[Verdad]

To me it's not as much about 1) whether I want to contribute to the collective, or 2) whether my amount makes a significant difference; since I view it as a contribution to the success of the program.

However, my huge issue is paying players who are going to leave first chance they get. Unless we can tie the collective payments to the players staying here long term (or withholding signification portion of the payment until they "renew" each year), I can't see how to justify my or anyone else's contributions.

Without those strings attached, we are essentially just paying for the players audition for another program - like paying someone's AAU fees in high school (in addition to the scholarship).

You want to come here and get paid? Commit to being here for the rest of your eligibility.

 

[GMU79]

I already explained what occurred with Dinkins. https://www.masonhoops.com/threads/goodbye-baraka-okojie.2545/post-197345


I can completely respect this point, but when we can't get good players because of lack of supplemental funds available, its stuff like this that won't help us on the court

Oh, wow! Missed that. My bad. Thanks for the link.
I know, you are right. It's all just a shame things have devolved to this point.

 

[Patriotsince81]

To me it's not as much about 1) whether I want to contribute to the collective, or 2) whether my amount makes a significant difference; since I view it as a contribution to the success of the program.

However, my huge issue is paying players who are going to leave first chance they get. Unless we can tie the collective payments to the players staying here long term (or withholding signification portion of the payment until they "renew" each year), I can't see how to justify my or anyone else's contributions.

Without those strings attached, we are essentially just paying for the players audition for another program - like paying someone's AAU fees in high school (in addition to the scholarship).

You want to come here and get paid? Commit to being here for the rest of your eligibility.

I've had thoughts along the same line. Being a solution focused individual potential compromises could include:
1. Stay for 4 years and collect all the money after you've fulfilled your "contract." If you leave early all funds are withheld and returned to the collective. One exception in case a coach is dismissed or fired. Choose wisely young man.
2. Require that the student pay full price for all of their classes, books, room and board. Getting paid and a free education with all the academic supports that come with it is too much in my eyes. Want to get paid like it's a job then pay for yourself.
3. Tie compensation in some way to performance. Lose a game? Lose money. Miss a free throw? Lose money. LOL. That would be hilarious!!!!

I could live with either of the first 2 options. As it stands now NIL is just not sustainable. As I said in a previous post if you get 5 new kids per year and have to pay them 200 grand that's a million a year, EVERY year. I don't see individuals or corporations being able to or wanting to sustain that. In 10 years it will take 5 million a year. I'm still not giving a dime, the kid can afford his own damn pizza if he's making 200 grand a year.

I know what I proposed above won't happen. After all greed is greed. I'm waiting until August see what happens with NIL and our roster. Remain a fan or not? TBD.

 

[Falco]

To me it's not as much about 1) whether I want to contribute to the collective, or 2) whether my amount makes a significant difference; since I view it as a contribution to the success of the program.

However, my huge issue is paying players who are going to leave first chance they get. Unless we can tie the collective payments to the players staying here long term (or withholding signification portion of the payment until they "renew" each year), I can't see how to justify my or anyone else's contributions.

Without those strings attached, we are essentially just paying for the players audition for another program - like paying someone's AAU fees in high school (in addition to the scholarship).

You want to come here and get paid? Commit to being here for the rest of your eligibility.

The money is going towards having a competitive season, not for a player to stick around unfortunately.

 

[Verdad]

The money is going towards having a competitive season, not for a player to stick around unfortunately.

Exactly - that is the problem. Players sticking around leads to successful seasons.

 

[gmujim92]

Exactly - that is the problem. Players sticking around leads to successful seasons.

So does getting good players to replace them when they leave. Fortunately we have a staff capable of succeeding in the current environment.