So the big schools have the "One and Done."
Montana introduces the "None and Done."
This plays with me the way a tongue plays over a sore tooth. Here's why.
When a Montana loses five stellar players, including likely the best backcourt in the history of the school, you think, "Rebuild!" The big schools reload. But mid-majors rebuild.
But with Miller and Samuelson joining Pridgett, Manual, Anderson and an outstanding recruiting class, I felt we were reloading, not rebuilding. Unusual for a mid-major. Testament to the great talent DeCuire and his staff have brought in.
And I saw Miller as the linchpin--an experienced front-liner with exceptional athleticism and defensive skills, who would take the pressure off Pridgett.
Poof! Gone!
I suppose we'll solve the mystery--eventually. That Miller had a personality conflict with the staff. Or didn't like Missoula. Or my hunch, got an offer--Gonzaga, maybe; they certainly know him--that he simply couldn't turn down.
Meantime, back at the ranch, we're hardly devoid of talent. More opportunity for the incoming freshman class, including Egun, to step up and assume major roles early. I still see us as a formidable team come tournament time.
But we'll definitely miss Miller--especially when we step up in class in our non-conference schedule. We play Stanford early on down here, a game I'll get a chance to see, and I was eager to watch Miller.
Hey Sayeed, Jared, DJ, Eddy. I'll still be there!