There are a lot of visits planned, some official, some unofficial but the new unofficial is much more serious than the old unofficial. Before it was just early interests, now they are business.
Last season, UNLV “lost” that big to UNM because of NLI deal. UNLV couldn’t budge much more, there just wasn’t enough. And it’s not like UNM pulverized UNLV’s deal. It was very doable but UNLV’s funding was on fumes.
It appears that is changing, a lot, in large part because of Lon. He’s working behind the scenes with his connections to get more and it can make a pretty big difference. Which is good, you take it wherever you can get it. Kevin helped cool Lon’s seat 15 years ago, now it’s time for Lon to do what he can to help cool Kevin’s seat.
We are, so far, in good positioning with players that would make a difference. However, it’s not over yet. There is concern that once UNLV puts their package together, you now have a going rate and schools in better position can come up with something higher. And UNLV, as of now, doesn’t have a ton of wiggle room though they feel what they’ve put together will be sufficient. But still, nothing is solid, people think it will happen but they realize it’s still potentially open.
There was a player several years ago that was offered x from a power school, very prominent school. UNLV offered the same, a significant amount, higher than any of these UNLV’s NLI’s right now. The family was shopping him around, they were going with the highest bidder. That same school that UNLV didn’t counter, they could have very easily offered more and secured the kid. They didn’t counter because although he was good and would be an addition for them, he wasn’t necessary, they were already loaded. UNLV had 40 minutes and a green light for him to do what he wanted on the court. So he chose UNLV for the same amount of money.
We might get lucky in the same regard with some players. But others may put together a better package and “steal” them late because UNLV won’t have alot left in the tank (as of now, it’s a fluid situation, trying to get more).
But it’s the best thing I’ve heard in a while. Regardless of who we get though, I’m still pretty convinced that whether they are great or mediocre, it’s going to come down to chemistry/unity.
Last season, UNLV “lost” that big to UNM because of NLI deal. UNLV couldn’t budge much more, there just wasn’t enough. And it’s not like UNM pulverized UNLV’s deal. It was very doable but UNLV’s funding was on fumes.
It appears that is changing, a lot, in large part because of Lon. He’s working behind the scenes with his connections to get more and it can make a pretty big difference. Which is good, you take it wherever you can get it. Kevin helped cool Lon’s seat 15 years ago, now it’s time for Lon to do what he can to help cool Kevin’s seat.
We are, so far, in good positioning with players that would make a difference. However, it’s not over yet. There is concern that once UNLV puts their package together, you now have a going rate and schools in better position can come up with something higher. And UNLV, as of now, doesn’t have a ton of wiggle room though they feel what they’ve put together will be sufficient. But still, nothing is solid, people think it will happen but they realize it’s still potentially open.
There was a player several years ago that was offered x from a power school, very prominent school. UNLV offered the same, a significant amount, higher than any of these UNLV’s NLI’s right now. The family was shopping him around, they were going with the highest bidder. That same school that UNLV didn’t counter, they could have very easily offered more and secured the kid. They didn’t counter because although he was good and would be an addition for them, he wasn’t necessary, they were already loaded. UNLV had 40 minutes and a green light for him to do what he wanted on the court. So he chose UNLV for the same amount of money.
We might get lucky in the same regard with some players. But others may put together a better package and “steal” them late because UNLV won’t have alot left in the tank (as of now, it’s a fluid situation, trying to get more).
But it’s the best thing I’ve heard in a while. Regardless of who we get though, I’m still pretty convinced that whether they are great or mediocre, it’s going to come down to chemistry/unity.
