Monmouth basketball season prediction, key games as young stars vie for NIL era options

WEST LONG BRANCH – Any success Monmouth has this season will hinge in great part on the play of redshirt sophomore forward Jaret Valencia and sophomore guard Abdi Bashir Jr.

But there’s more to it in college basketball during the era of NIL and the transfer portal. It’s an open market for talent, with big bucks at stake, placing incredible pressure on young talent from coast-to-coast.

The 6-9 Valencia, a preseason All-CAA second teamer after making the All-Rookie team a year ago, and the 6-7 Bashir, who flashed his sharpshooting ability as a freshman, had opportunities elsewhere last offseason but opted to stay.

Bashir drained one 3-pointer after another during Monday’s practice at OceanFirst Bank Center, after shooting 39.2 percent from deep last season.

Monmouth’s Abdi Bashir Jr. launches a 3-pointer against Manhattan on Dec. 21, 2023 in West Long Branch, N.J.

“It’s supposed to be a big year for him. I’m hoping he’s not putting too much pressure on himself,” Monmouth head coach King Rice said. “But these guys understand if they have a good year their lives could be changed.

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“I’m a little concerned just with the state of our game. Everybody is trying to play for a contract. We all did that when we were playing trying to make it to the pros. Now it’s the state of affairs, so that’s what they should be trying to do. But I’m a 100 percent believer in how you get that, by handling what’s in front of you first. But I think our society is a little impatient.”

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Bashir averaged 6.4 points in 13 minutes off the bench last season, but a lot more will be expected of him this season as he steps into the starting backcourt, both scoring and on the defensive end. His brother, Abdul, plays at Casper (Wy.) Community College and has multiple high-major offers, including from Arizona State, Kansas…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/monmouth-basketball-season-prediction-key-091332103.html

Author : App.com | Asbury Park Press

Publish date : 2024-10-30 09:13:00

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