I noticed that AJ Casey entered the portal a while ago, transferring out of Miami. He was a highly rated Chicago guy who may be homesick. Any thoughts on him as a sorely needed big man prospect? Played at Whitney Young and exemplified the Al McGuire comment about an "all airport player" (the kind of guy whose imposing physique makes you gape if you see him going through an airport). He looked lost a few years ago downstate against Glenbard West, but perhaps maturity and a change of scenery would work wonders.

what an intriguing prospect. local kid, school we have some connections with, couple years of eligibility. I think a lot depends on how they project Miles Rubin for next year. He started this year and I am guessing they project him to start next year and to play additional minutes. Are they looking for someone with experience to continue to provide a mentor type...someone to compete with him...can this guy play the Alston position? and does he want to be behind Miles or is he looking for a chance to start?
He did not play a lot last year...no starts and 9 minutes a game.
My guess is that they are looking for a grad transfer who has one year left who can provide minutes behind Rubin Miles and hope by25-26 Breyden Young will be ready to play behind Miles and step in when he is done?
I also think the concept of a rim protector is key in what Coach Valentine likes in his defensive concept,,,,is AJ a big guy or a rim protector kind of center?

All I've actually seen of AJ on the court is that lamentable tournament performance--downstate against Glenbard West--that was probably his worst game ever. The entire Whitney Young team was overwhelmed by Braden Huff & Co. However, the NBA draft board raves about him, as he is described as a 6'8" combo forward providing great help defense and excellent timing as a shot blocker, he's also cited as being a highly reliable outside shooter with the ability to take his man off the dribble. All that sounds like at least a worthwhile inquiry. I'd hate to see the guy get scooped up and do wonders for another local school, such as Depaul.
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from your description sounds like Miles and Casey could play on the floor at the same time ?

Jhamir Brickus, PG transfer from LaSalle, had posted a top 5 with Loyola in it. The third team All-A10 PG has Loyola, Virginia, Cal, and A10 competitors Richmond and VCU as his finalists. For Loyola he says, “Coach Drew (Valentine) is a great coach. They need a guard to come in and run the offense. They play fast and they run a predominant ball screen offense. And their defense is up-tempo.”

Brickus expects to make his visits after the dead period, and to make his decision by Mid-late April.

Anyone who saw him play this year would say that he’d be a great fit, and a fantastic add, to the squad for next year. Hoping they get him.

I'd be very happy with Brickus and JQ being our primary ballhandlers next year.

Same. Brickus would be a very fine addition.

I have no doubt our last home game of the year gave him a very favorable impression of potentially playing at Loyola and representing the community. That was such an awesome time. That's an environment these recruits want.

I said a day ago that Brickus was tops on my wishlist so very pleased to see we made the top 5. He's exactly what we need IMHO... 40% from 3, 2.3 assist/turnover ratio, nasty crossover... what's not to love. Agree he'd be a perfect pairing with JQ as the bigger PG who can wreak havoc on defense.

A10 experience is a no doubt situation.
An inch or two shorter than Norris, but similar in stats and may be more athletic under the basket.

Looks like everything fell into place for Brickus one day against Temple.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vk2m-qshQcM

A proven PG is hard to get.
Agreed gents, worth a good look.



Norris
2023-24
2022-23
2021-22
2020-21
2018-19
GP MIN FG% 3P% FT% REB AST BLK STL PF TO PTS
33 34.6 44.8 42.9 85.0 3.3 4.8 0.1 1.2 1.8 1.9 9.2
31 37.3 41.6 35.8 76.6 2.6 4.0 0.0 1.1 1.9 2.3 10.9
32 32.7 44.0 43.0 78.5 2.8 3.9 0.0 1.1 1.8 2.1 10.4
31 31.0 43.8 41.0 78.0 2.9 3.2 0.2 0.7 1.9 1.6 8.5
33 35.6 45.2 48.6 74.0 2.8 5.2 0.1 1.4 2.3 1.9 8.4

Brickus
2023-24
2022-23
2021-22
2020-21
GP MIN FG% 3P% FT% REB AST BLK STL PF TO PTS
33 36.5 43.3 40.0 85.7 3.5 4.8 0.1 1.2 2.1 2.1 13.9
33 32.9 47.3 38.2 78.9 2.5 2.8 0.1 1.2 1.8 2.2 9.8
28 28.0 45.0 35.8 64.9 2.6 3.3 0.1 0.7 2.0 2.1 8.9
25 27.1 49.7 32.9 79.4 2.0 3.4 0.1 1.8 1.7 2.2 8.8

Well, my issue, as I have stated many times in the past, is getting size and length. He's a good player, but smaller than Braden. The way we switch on defense, he is gonna be put into a lot of situations where he will be overwhelmed size wise. Remember we are also losing a lot of rim protection with Phil and Dame leaving, as well as Tom and Patrick.

This portal stuff is nerve racking!