Woh! Evan Maxwell is transferring! I didn't see that coming. He was a huge part of the team success this year. I am eager to find the story behind this. I thought he would play a big/important role on the team next year as well.

Hansel Atencia is transferring as well. That is not a surprise. He seemed overwhelmed by the competition, even at the Big South Conference level.

Sad news but I wish them well. Hopefully McKay has something in the works for a replacement. We were such a young team that we should just improve by being a year older. I still expect a lot of improvement next season.

Wonder if the kid coming in from Bradley had anything to do with the transfer?

Atencia: not DI caliber
Maxwell: about to be tossed for disciplinary reasons according to sources

We have several possible transfers coming in in addition to our guy from Bradley who could actually be considered a walk-on since his mom is a prof at LU. A 6' 7" kid who was All-SoCon Freshman Team for Samford is visiting this weekend.

I'm really hopeful of the direction of the program. I hope we can build upon what we have and not be a flash in the pan. I have more faith in McKay than I did in Layer. Coach Layer had his moments but just couldn't take the next step and then we hit rock bottom.

we certainly can't afford rock bottom again in basketball. To be honest the athletic depart is struggling in the major sports. Baseball has regressed over the last two years. Football had one magic season, to even reach the playoffs. Other than that, it's been very mediocre, unless we are playing an FBS or top ranked team. Basketball has been really bad. Those are your money makers. The only redeeming semi major program has been women's basketball, and this year didn't turn out as well as we'd hoped. I'd say it's a very crucial period for the athletic department.

We spend way to much money for the return on investment were getting. Now that Coastal is leaving we should win conference titles in almost every sport.

(04-21-2016 09:29 PM)Libertygrad01 Wrote:  We spend way to much money for the return on investment were getting. Now that Coastal is leaving we should win conference titles in almost every sport.

I've held this opinion for a while now. Based on our budget and expectations, there is no reason we shouldn't win the Sasser Cup every year and there is no reason we should finish less than top 3 in each sport, much less near the bottom. Even with Coastal in the conference, we have better resources than everyone. Baseball has slowly decayed the last few years after seemingly turning a corner. Basketball makes the NCAA tournament and then craps the bed. Football is similar to basketball. Has Liberty hit its ceiling under Jeff Barber?

Evan Maxwell transferring to Kansas. Wow, big step up. Best of luck to the young man. Hope he excels.

Good luck to Evan. Doesn't feel good for us but it feels less "back stabby" than Seth Curry leaving. Hopefully McKay doesn't also leave now... (Just a joke but not impossible)

(04-22-2016 10:23 PM)GE and MTS Wrote:  

(04-21-2016 09:29 PM)Libertygrad01 Wrote:  We spend way to much money for the return on investment were getting. Now that Coastal is leaving we should win conference titles in almost every sport.

I've held this opinion for a while now. Based on our budget and expectations, there is no reason we shouldn't win the Sasser Cup every year and there is no reason we should finish less than top 3 in each sport, much less near the bottom. Even with Coastal in the conference, we have better resources than everyone. Baseball has slowly decayed the last few years after seemingly turning a corner. Basketball makes the NCAA tournament and then craps the bed. Football is similar to basketball. Has Liberty hit its ceiling under Jeff Barber?

Hot seats anyone? GEandMTS mentions an interesting point. LU is at a crossroads with the development of it's athletic programs. At this point and time, the facilities excel the major program accomplishments excepting women's basketball.

Let's let McKay have 3 recruiting classes before final judgment is passed. Gill may have been the best pick at the time he was chosen, but if he does not win this year, and make the playoffs, there're likely to be justified rumblings and questions if he's the best fit now.

The baseball program also has nose dived after tempting LU fans with post season play finally beating Coastal. Then the program lays eggs last year and this year.

And about AD Barber, he's got to be feeling the heat. LU is a program starved for recognition and success and that equates to winning. Winning that goes well beyond the Big South. With facilities most all FCS schools would droll over, and equal to and exceeding several FBS schools, it's time for LU to let it's on field actions and success be the story rather than it's facilities and potential.