Mark Wise

Bonus) Next week, the annual summer checklist for coaches. What are the decisions that need to be made now that will impact the decisions you make it February. Follow along.

OT) Even if you check every box do not leave out this important factor…..spacing. Spacing might mean making sure you have evaluating travel and practice time. Spacing might mean playing two games in a three day span to mimic the NCAAT.

5) From a resume perspective, schedule no more than one buy opponent who is ranked 300 or higher in the NET. The transfer portal makes this a more trickier proposition because of wild swings in rosters from year to year.

4) Every school should have at least one home and home series in the works each year. This is not easy to do but checks several of the earlier boxes from the non conference scheduling matrix.

3) This is the newbie to the group and yes, applies only to the power program. You better look for an event that money can be earned. It sure seems like in this day and age of skyrocketing NIL, this is becoming a higher priority.

2) I think fans deserve at least one stand out home opponent every year. This can be achieved in a variety of ways but there is no excuse not to have that one home game that just excites the fan base.

1) First and foremost, you must play at least one true road game. You do a disservice to your players come league play if you do not have that road experience. Yeah, it would be even better if it were a mid-major!

Hoopjunkies! So what makes a good non-conference schedule? The Wednesday 5 gives you some thoughts. See how many boxes your team is checking. Follow along.

Bonus) Next week, what makes a good non conference schedule? Follow along.

OT) No question, money is also involved in the portaling game. Two things would have to happen to make significant change here. One, is some sort of salary cap. Two, the escalating coaching salaries would have to slow down. Neither is happening anytime soon.

5) How about a scheduling component to the transfer from outside the Power Conferences? Everyone also agrees the mid major is getting squeezed in the scheduling department. Here is a way to address that widening gap.

4) If we go to a 5 year eligibility time frame, how about a two time transfer rule with very few waivers? No Grad transfer either. It would be better than what we have, yet would give the players more flexibility. Remember, no bad ideas for the mess we are in.

3) How about the idea that when a player transfers, monies also transfer like the soccer system in Europe. This would be especially important for the mid majors when a player transfers “up”. Not a new idea by any means, but deserves more than idle chat.

2) That is not to say it will be easy at all. Eligibility legislation could alter some thinking here, but have said for a long time we have a major transfer problem. Finally, everyone agrees. Step One. Now, some ideas.

1) First, a disclaimer. I am not a legal expert. I have no idea if some of these suggestions would hold up in court. I also want to spend zero time discussing why are we here or who is to blame. In my opinion, the easier “fix” is the portal.

#hoopjunkies In today’s Wednesday 5 we look at the transfer portal and NIL dollars asking this question; Which one is more “fixable”? Follow along.

Bonus) Next week, back on schedule, Let’s talk the portal, Rev share, and NIL. Follow along.

2OT) In summary, only time will tell how expansion will play out. But if the move from 48 to 64, 64 to 68, is any indication, it will be just fine.

OT) It will be interesting to follow, if indeed it happens, what impact this might have on the CBS contract that expires I believe after the ‘31 tourney. While that seems a long way off, it is not in terms of negotiating the next deal.

5) I do wish there was a way to ensure some bids to those outside the Power 5. It was one reason why I have supported expansion for a long time.