Lockett and Jackson leaving program

[gmujim92]

Believe me, I get the sentiment, but it still sucks. I really liked Jackson. I thought he was going to be a star at Mason before it was all said and done.

I liked all of our young guys. Hope they all go on to have successful careers.

I also hope the staff doesn't reach on a bunch of 2015 guys to fill out the roster.

Sign up 2-3 grad transfers who'll be able to play right away but won't occupy a scholarship when it's time for the 2016 class to come in.

 

[gmutom]

What I can't figure out is why these players are transferring or decommitting after two consecutive 20-loss seasons. I understand that they committed to play for Hewitt, but with Paulson they had an opportunity for a fresh start and a brighter future at Mason.

Somebody here suggested Paulsen would instill a work ethic and focus on fundamentals they weren't accustomed to under Hewitt. I'd hate to think that scared them off, but I don't want them here if that is the case.

 

[gmujim92]

What I can't figure out is why these players are transferring or decommitting after two consecutive 20-loss seasons. I understand that they committed to play for Hewitt, but with Paulson they had an opportunity for a fresh start and a brighter future at Mason.

Somebody here suggested Paulsen would instill a work ethic and focus on fundamentals they weren't accustomed to under Hewitt. I'd hate to think that scared them off, but I don't want them here if that is the case.

Playing for an intense guy like DP must be a culture shock when compared to Hewitt.

He might not be for everybody. So be it. I'm not losing sleep over anyone we've lost so far.

 

[Pikapppatri8]

Not really surprised this happened. As someone mentioned - the new regime coming in represents a large culture change and some guys won't be able to handle it or agree to it. If it speeds the transition I am fine. Would rather have a team full of men buying into the program.

From their perspective it seems odd they would leave when they knew what kind of season they would have under Hewitt.

 

[Son-of-a-Gunston]

GMUJim I believe nailed it. Hewitt said he wanted to run a pro-set offense and concentrate on individual player development. That's what these kids were buying into — the prospect of a pro basketball career. Look at all the guys he sent to the NBA while at G-Tech. He sold his Mason recruits on being developed to go pro. Now that Paulsen is chief these players are not keen on going into a style that they didn't buy. They bought into Hewitt. It certainly explains the close loyalty of Hewitt's recruits even through disastrous results on the court.

 

[gmujim92]

So here's who we have returning -- pending any further attrition, of course:

Starters
C -- Thompson. I feel worst for him. Hopefully he has a monster year and becomes a lottery pick.
PF -- Marko. One guy on our roster who's a better fit for DP than Hewitt.
SF -- Jenkins. Something tells me DP's gonna help him become player we all know he can be.
SG -- Holloway. Another guy who should benefit from structured offense.
PG -- Moore. Must learn how to run a halfcourt system other than iso/screen-roll.

Bench
C -- Dixon. Wish he could redshirt and get stronger, but unless we land a grad transfer, looks unlikely.
PF -- Royal. Bought Hewitt's sales pitch twice. Got burned both times.
SF -- Mayimba. Still holding out hope NCAA will clear him by 2054.
SF -- Rudy. Could he be in line for meaningful PT?
SG -- Tate. See above.
PG -- Murrell. Won't take long to find out if the kid can play.

Is it just me, or did we go from having four 6-6 wings to quite possibly having none in a span of six weeks?

Bottom line: We need reinforcements. If that's our bench opening the season, we're gonna be in deep doo-doo.

 

[Quentin Daniels]

Jackson and Lockett? Don't see it - I can think of two games off the bat we lose last year w/o Jackson - Wright State & Iona. Who is going to score from the guard position next year?

Please don't feed the trolls.

 

[Patriotsince81]

SF -- Mayimba. Still holding out hope NCAA will clear him by 2054.

Now starting for your George Mason Patriots. 6'7", 59 year old redshirt grandfather, Therence Mayimba.

 

[Patriotsince81]

Believe me, I get the sentiment, but it still sucks. I really liked Jackson. I thought he was going to be a star at Mason before it was all said and done.

Agreed, the Jackson we saw near the end of the year gave me hope he could truly be an impact player. I hope anyone going to the meet and greet tomorrow night, I will be stuck at work, can get some insight from Paulsen.

 

[CHRISTOPHER JAMES JOLLAY]

Well, I said Gilbert would be wise to consider PT in his decision a few weeks ago.

Now we certainly have a ton available at backup guard and especially SF.

Fine with this. 2016 we'll end up with a nice stable of young guards and SFS to compete for time. But don't expect any success to year 3 of this process barring a good amount of transfers/JUCOs.

Well get at least one sf/g this year as well. They're everywhere, even this late.

 

[JPgmuswim]

I've seen a lot of senior transfers "eligible immediately" pop up but none linked to us. I don't know if it's because they aren't interested in us or DP keeps things quiet or both.
If I had to guess we aren't exactly a destination players want to come to spend their last year of eligibility at.

 

[A.-Siegfried]

I get the impression that Paulsen isn 't into the "quick fix" routine. This is going to be a slow burn guys. We might be looking at a 5-6 win season next year. More recruits coming on campus in the next few weeks I'm sure, but there aren't going to be any "program savers" at this point.

Rudy getting meaningful minutes? NO chance.

 

[JimP]

I get the impression that Paulsen isn 't into the "quick fix" routine. This is going to be a slow burn guys. We might be looking at a 5-6 win season next year. More recruits coming on campus in the next few weeks I'm sure, but there aren't going to be any "program savers" at this point.

Rudy getting meaningful minutes? NO chance.

Tough to swallow, but if Paulson can get GMU back a little national respect by year 4, I'll sign on for further short term pain. (almost wrote year 4 or 5, but do we really have to wait that long?)

 

[JimP]

Can Paulson get GMU into the Patriot League for just one year? More wins...I could get to more games. Wouldn't mind seeing GMU play at Colgate.

 

[GreenLantern]

Best to set expectations for next year low. That way I can see what Coach P does with what he's got.

 

[Pablo]

http://www.campussports.net/isaiah-jackson-to-transfer-from-george-mason/:

"The former two-star recruit out of The Villages Charter High School, near Orlando, Florida, attracted interest from schools like Georgia Southern and Middle Tennessee State before heading to George Mason, but Jackson has yet to give an indication as to where he will transfer."

 

[CHRISTOPHER JAMES JOLLAY]

I'm looking at two years of mostly pain right now, and that's fine. Even with a dynamite freshman class next year they rarely are efficient.

But you really never know. Just Thompson taking another leap could go a long way to being at least respectable.

 

[Pablo]

Less surprised about Jackson. Will Lockett have to apply for a waiver or sit out a second year in a row?

Lockett could transfer to a JUCO and play immediately next season.

 

[Dawgs99]

You wonder if guys like Jackson and Lockett think they can transfer to a better league? Neither of these guys were highly recruited out of HS, what is there best case scenario? Especially Lockett considering he hasn't played any meaningful college ball. Will be interesting to see where these 2 end up. ODU offered Porter out of HS so that wasn't a surprise.

 

[A.-Siegfried]

I wouldnt be shocked to see them both end up at the same school if they could work it out.