2026-27 Season

[InnervisionsUMASS]

Onto next year. Discuss!

[Juice Stand]

Since Frank is probably coming back, I'll restate that my preference for this offseason is to retain as many players as possible regardless of any perceived flaws in their game. The only way Frank Martin can win is with continuity and program building. He is not capable of winning with 75% roster turnover like we've seen, and we already have a long list of graduating players. Hopefully his second year in the MAC is similar to his second year in the A10 (with better postseason results) where we won 20 games and finished in the top 100 NET. I'll stand firm and say that my standard will be top 3 in the MAC with a postseason invite, NCAA or NIT.

Potential returners:
PG: Carbuccia, Parker
SG:
SF: Ndjigue, Wimbley, Osman
F/C: Clerc, Damjanac, Outlaw

Incoming freshman per 247 sports: 6'9" Heimer Helgason, 6'9" Cheick Sylla, 5'11" Cam Hailey

As always seems to be the case, we need to get some more shooting/playmaking and improve the center position.

[Floyd]

I'll predict maybe 3 are back, maybe

[vanmeter]

I predict Carbuccia definitely gone unfortunately.

[eldonabe]

As noted, there will likely be a lot of turnover again.

1. Can Frank please [for the love of fucking god] recruit a few players with even an ounce of Basketball IQ? By far this team's biggest weakness. I am beyond shocked they pulled out that Miami win after that ridiculous and braindead ending to the first half. At least half of their other losses were a direct result of a team collective sub-80 Hoop IQ.

2. Can Frank settle down for a nano-second on the bench and instruct rather than blurt out one word turrets-aneurism words?

3. Is it possible - even a little bit - for Frank to try some positive praise rather than backing up the bus repeatedly over these players?

I have very little hope for any kind turnaround next season. Regardless of roster make up, it will still be 8 or 9 new players, Frank will still be Frank demanding accountability of everyone in that program except himself, and his kid will get far more minutes than he deserves. Adding insult to injury is that even after next year he will still be too expensive to buy out and it will be wash / rinse / repeat for at least one more year after next season.

The kids on this current roster who choose to stay will probably do so because they have no other option - which means that they are at the bottom of the rotation - which means... Oh no, we suck again! [spoken in Cajun of course]

[MikeUMA]

Incoming freshman per 247 sports: 6'9" Heimer Helgason, 6'9" Cheick Sylla, 5'11" Cam Hailey

You're missing two. I'm tracking here: https://umasshoops.com/wiki/doku.php?id=season_2026-27

As always, someone gimme a shout if I'm missing/wrong about anything.

[PreecherJenkins]

If Frank is back for a 5th season there HAS to be changes on this staff. Ryan and Thorr cannot let Frank continue with his crew. Steele, Edwards', Tony Regueira have all been here since the start. I am not saying who but we cannot role back a majority of the same staff and think things are going to change.

Penny is getting a 9th year in Memphis, but they sacked his ass't coaches and S&C coach.

[Juice Stand]

Incoming freshman per 247 sports: 6'9" Heimer Helgason, 6'9" Cheick Sylla, 5'11" Cam Hailey

You're missing two. I'm tracking here: https://umasshoops.com/wiki/doku.php?id=season_2026-27

As always, someone gimme a shout if I'm missing/wrong about anything.

Thanks for the catch. I forgot about his son (face palm) and completely missed Zemljić. Didn't know they signed him. You're doing the good work.

[Juice Stand]

Reminder that the transfer portal will open on April 7th, after the conclusion of the tournament, although players can announce their intention to transfer at any time. https://www.cbssports.com/college-baske ... ecruiting/

men's and women's basketball players will not be able to enter the portal until the day after the NCAA Tournament ends in their respective sports. Additionally, the portal will be open for 15 days from its onset, the shortest window for entry yet.

The Final Four will be held in Indianapolis on April 4 and 6, meaning the portal free-for-all will begin on April. 7.

[MikeUMA]

If Frank is back for a 5th season there HAS to be changes on this staff. Ryan and Thorr cannot let Frank continue with his crew. Steele, Edwards', Tony Regueira have all been here since the start. I am not saying who but we cannot role back a majority of the same staff and think things are going to change.

Penny is getting a 9th year in Memphis, but they sacked his ass't coaches and S&C coach.

Ryan needs to go before anyone else. Full stop.

That said, I'm not sure what good it would do to make changes under Frank. We're going to do markedly better by swapping an assistant or two? I don't see it.

Changing assistants is worth it once in a while. Tony Bergeron is the one that comes to mind. Dude was a cancer.

Tony Regueira isn't the problem, IMO. I don't think we've had major issues with strength and conditioning. We were mostly injury free all season. Not sure if S&C would have prevented Dan's tendonitis.
I still don't get why he sits in the middle of the bench though. He doesn't say/do anything during games. He should be at the end with Trainer Dave, and that's no slight on Dave.

[eldonabe]

Ryan needs to go before anyone else. Full stop.

That said, I'm not sure what good it would do to make changes under Frank. We're going to do markedly better by swapping an assistant or two? I don't see it.

Changing assistants is worth it once in a while. Tony Bergeron is the one that comes to mind. Dude was a cancer.

Tony Regueira isn't the problem, IMO. I don't think we've had major issues with strength and conditioning. We were mostly injury free all season. Not sure if S&C would have prevented Dan's tendonitis.
I still don't get why he sits in the middle of the bench though. He doesn't say/do anything during games. He should be at the end with Trainer Dave, and that's no slight on Dave.

This........ ALL of this

[InnervisionsUMASS]

Ok, so since the press conference that didn't change much, we know:

-Frank is here to stay
-No more use of offensive words
-Maybe there will be some high fives/hand shakes, but not likely
-Going to recruit a different style of player to fill a hole


Did I miss anything?

[Juice Stand]

At least Bamford didn't say that Frank's office was too far from his? I guess that's good?

[MikeUMA]

UM posted some pictures of guys in the gym. I guess they're back for next season then?
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CDzBphRS6/

[tdmass]

So much for the mass exodus some people were assuming. I think the priority now has to be getting a couple of accomplished scorers.