KAEO Tafara Gapare

[natwam2547]

Yeah but....DUNKS!

[UMass'96]

With him, I think that it's just a matter of time before we are asking the question, "Why can't we get players like that?!"

I think that we have to remember, he was just a freshman last year. And, thrown into Div 1 Basketball within hours (days really) of landing on a plane from New Zealand. No real time to acclimate or adjust. Also, learning on the fly with again, no real time to adjust - only pressure to deliver from the fans, coach and likely himself. Not to mention, academic responsibilities. I don't know too many people that would have done much better in that situation, and he is still a teenager.

I think him having a fresh start with a new coach and school will do him a lot of good. He now has a better understanding of the game at this level, academic requirements, and probably just has on overall comfortability with his situation, than he did when he arrived in Amherst.

He clearly has skill and seemingly unlimited potential. He moves smoothly for an athlete his size. I wouldn't be surprised if he becomes something quite special over the next few years. I'm just disappointed that it won't be at UMass.

[Floyd]

We'll see. Great athleticism doesn't always equate to great player. Didn't work out here, time to move on

[inthescoop]

Yeah but....DUNKS!

Did you see how high he got on that missed block!?!

[69MG]

He just transferred from Georgia Tech to Maryland. 3 schools in 3 years. Great athlete, mediocre BB player. His stats this year were 5.1 points, 3.5 boards and 17% from 3. On top of that, he decommitted from GW and DePaul before he even got to UMass.

[JoleonLescottsHair]

It’s what portal era kids do. Pathetic. Those of us who are critical of the constant movement are told we object to a player making money. We are grumpy old men. Anyone think Gapare is pulling a boatload more at Maryland than Georgia Tech? This is just about a once in a lifetime chance to make major coin? The reality is that these kids lack focus, love the social media buzz of being recruited, and, at best, can pull a few extra bucks. It is utterly embarrassing.

[69MG]

^ In this case, I'm not sure it is about the money coming from Maryland. I have a feeling that the GA Tech NIL felt they didn't get their money's worth, and the coaching staff didn't see a player who was going to be a major factor. It may have been a mutual parting of the ways. But as I always say regarding transfers, you never know why.

[Floridafan71]

Floyd said it right when he said Great athleticism doesn’t equate to great basketball Talent or
game skills missing.Gapare has no feel for the game and Maryland is probably wasting their time or dreaming big with a guy like Gapare. He couldn’t make it at UMass or Georgia Tech and Vegas odds would be he’s going to be the same at Maryland.

[DoctorJ]

Kid would have been better off to have started in the America East and been a standout. Stay two years and cash in on schools that drool over stats and don't watch full games and take chances. I feel like he's trying to move up to fast.

[Floyd]

This is a perfect example of a kid who would have been better off choosing a school based off playing for a coach who is a great teacher of the game and sticking there for a few years to learn the game. Not chasing NIL money or a big stage. Kid undoubtedly has great physical tools, but compare him to a kid like Cohen who does not, but knows how to play the game, create his shot, and maximize his ability. Who would you take of the 2? So much of the game is above the shoulders

Hope he finds a spot that works out for him, be a shame to see those skills not reach the potential

[InnervisionsUMASS]

He just transferred from Georgia Tech to Maryland. 3 schools in 3 years. Great athlete, mediocre BB player. His stats this year were 5.1 points, 3.5 boards and 17% from 3. On top of that, he decommitted from GW and DePaul before he even got to UMass.

Wonder if Ricky had anything to do with getting him there.

[inthescoop]

He just transferred from Georgia Tech to Maryland. 3 schools in 3 years. Great athlete, mediocre BB player. His stats this year were 5.1 points, 3.5 boards and 17% from 3. On top of that, he decommitted from GW and DePaul before he even got to UMass.

Wonder if Ricky had anything to do with getting him there.

Definitely.

[stevemaz]

Im not sure what language they speak in New Zealand, but Im pretty sure their translation for clueless on the basketball court is Tafara Gapare..

[inthescoop]

Im not sure what language they speak in New Zealand, but Im pretty sure their translation for clueless on the basketball court is Tafara Gapare..

You really can’t fix stupid.

[WillHerndonFan]

If it means 4 years of him starting next season rather than this one, so be it. And I'd much prefer them not bring him in for a half season either.... That didn't end up being a good idea with Walker (didn't like it at the time either).

You've definitely been consistent on that, and I'll be consistent that if he's available for second semester (assuming he isn't available for the first) I want him added and available. With the transfer portal the way it is, there's no guarantee that a player will stay any longer than the one year they're committed. Also, I think that this team is going to struggle to click early, and then improve and be a beast by March. If they can add Gapare in as a role player, even if it's only for Jan/Feb/March, I think that helps.

Let’s not waste our resources and time on Gapare. He is an overrated player who is overvalued for
His height and athleticism. Let’s take a pass on this guy and find players like Hankins who may not have the height but is physically and mentally tough.