Max Mackinnon - First to Enter Portal

[elonhoops4life]

Sunday evening Max Mackinnon became the first Elon player to go into the Transfer Portal. Knew that was coming!!!

[eu96]

Yep. Can’t really blame Elon or Taylor for this. It’s the plight of ALL mid-majors right now. The real question is whether or not we can keep Dorn, Simpkins, and maybe Harrell. It’s a two way street…a program has to want you as well. Dorn would have no problem, Simpkins about the same. Pratt would be 50/50. Harrell would be mystery. I could see an A10 or American team liking his size and touch as a developmental project. Bottom line: we are going to lose guys
With that said, Elon basketball really sucks right now. The main reason (but not the only reason) is because we have TERRIBLE players. None of us should lose any sleep over ANY of them leaving.

[euphoenix99]

Where does this leave the team in terms of open scholarships? 6? I know there are two commits with O'Neil and Crump.

Go Phoenix!

[elonhoops4life]

I believe that gives them 4 open spots but I could be wrong.

[topher99]

Taken from Drexel's board, here is a current list of CAA players entered:

Out:

Delaware: Wes Peterson
Drexel: Amari Williams, Lamar Oden Jr
Elon: Max Mackinnon
Hampton: Trey Thomas, Jordan Nesbitt, Kyrese Mullen, Jerry Deng
Hofstra: Darlinstone Dubar
Northeastern: Joe Pridgen
Stony Brook: Tanahj Pettway (New Mexico State), Andrew Heiden
W&M: Charlie Williams, Jayden Lemond, Jack Karasinski,
UNCW: Nick Farrar, Eric van der Heijden

[elonhoops4life]

Since we are talking portal news - Tijuan Simpkins, the twin brother of TK Simpkins who played at the same JUCO together has signed with NC A&T. There was talk before the season started that Elon was pursuing TK's brother to join the team. I guess that fell through since he signed with A&T. Wondering if TK will join his brother with the Aggies or create an interesting rivalry between the two next season.

[epx]

Mar 17, 2024 22:59:27 GMT -5 eu96 said:

Yep. Can’t really blame Elon or Taylor for this. It’s the plight of ALL mid-majors right now. The real question is whether or not we can keep Dorn, Simpkins, and maybe Harrell. It’s a two way street…a program has to want you as well. Dorn would have no problem, Simpkins about the same. Pratt would be 50/50. Harrell would be mystery. I could see an A10 or American team liking his size and touch as a developmental project. Bottom line: we are going to lose guys
With that said, Elon basketball really sucks right now. The main reason (but not the only reason) is because we have TERRIBLE players. None of us should lose any sleep over ANY of them leaving.

Frankly, I'm not horribly distraught with Max leaving. Yes he could go on crazy scoring streaks, but at the same time go on crazy turnover streaks. He definitely won us some games, but but he lost us a few too. I think Dorn, Simpkins and Pratt are important to keep, but we could lose them and others in a quick minute. I have heard through the grapevine that we are working on a version of NIL. Open your wallets up friends. We don't have a corral of sugardaddies/mommas that are going to take care of this for us at Elon. It will be a collective. 

[elonhoops4life]

I agree with the statement about Max. Early in Conference play people questioned why Max was on the bench at the end of the game. I believe it was because of his inability to take care of the ball. If you look at each individual games stats you will see in almost every game Max led the team in turnovers. He was near the top of the league in turnovers as well. At times he certainly was a liability. I cannot see him going to a league such as a Power 5. I do not think for a second he can play at that speed. I think he was a great guy and had some great games but perhaps he can be easily replaced with a goor portal find. Hopefully a defensive specialist who can score but also take care of the ball.

[epx]

I really don't like CofC Head Coach Pat Kelsey, but his formula has been successful. He has 5 players from the portal and seems to favor DII players. Frankly, I'd rather have really good players for their final two years rather than their first two years. That way you'll have seasoned players who know the deal rather than young players who think they should be starting for UCONN. If we're ever going to be able to crack into the top half of the conference, successful portal recruiting will be essential. NIL money of some shape & form will also be essential. Unfortunately, it's the way of the world today.

[fearthephoenix]

Mar 18, 2024 14:00:33 GMT -5 elonhoops4life said:

Since we are talking portal news - Tijuan Simpkins, the twin brother of TK Simpkins who played at the same JUCO together has signed with NC A&T. There was talk before the season started that Elon was pursuing TK's brother to join the team. I guess that fell through since he signed with A&T. Wondering if TK will join his brother with the Aggies or create an interesting rivalry between the two next season.

I have not seen anything that TK’s brother signed with A&T. He even posted an offer from Northern Kentucky earlier today.

[elonhoops4life]

Verbal Commits shows him on the A&T Roster - Odd then - Who knows I was just going but what I saw here.

www.verbalcommits.com/schools/north-carolina-a-t

[topher99]

But when you hover over his name it says offered. And if you click his name, it says unsigned.

[epx]

Interesting that he has not been offered by Elon???

[topher99]

Elon offered him in November.

[bjiyf]

Mar 22, 2024 8:31:47 GMT -5 topher99 said:

Elon offered him in November.

interesting. VC shows 14 offers, none from Elon.