Waiver worries

It seems Xavier is preparing for a season without Zach Freemantle and Jerome Hunter. According to the Musketeer Report, the team’s expectation is that neither will be available this season. The school hasn’t confirmed anything yet, so it’s too early to consider this official. But given Freemantle’s ongoing issues from foot surgery and Hunter’s indefinite absence, an official statement might not be far behind.

Let's get to the rest of Wednesday’s news.

1. Waiver denials travel to hoops

As we discussed in yesterday’s daily, the NCAA released a statement regarding transfer waivers. It detailed why many are getting denied (without saying those words directly) and criticized coaches, officials and fans who have targeted the NCAA following waiver denials.

College hoops has joined the chat.

VCU transfer Joe Bamisile announced Wednesday that his waiver request was denied. Bamisile’s situation is a bit unique. The senior guard began his career at Virginia Tech and since made stops at George Washington and Oklahoma for a season each — and he chose VCU to be closer to his father, whom Bamisile noted is dealing with health issues.

“From an outsider perspective, I am another athlete jumping from school-to-school, Bamilsile said. In reality, I transferred home to VCU because my father had open heart surgery and since then has survived two major life-threatening scares.”

Additionally, Bamisile stated he received a waiver to play at Oklahoma last season due to mental health issues, for which he’s receiving help. However, that was before the NCAA released the current waiver guidelines, which appear to be more stringent than the previous guidelines.

It shouldn’t come as a big surprise if you follow college football, which has seen many players get denied for waivers. This was always the expected outcome for multi-time transfers who haven’t graduated. The NCAA wants to limit the amount of undergraduate transfers, and it had said it would start enforcing that approach.

That said, it’s still unknown what exactly, if anything will get multi-time transfer players a waiver. But it seems like the circumstances must be extremely uncommon to get the NCAA to change its stance.

This ruling is just the first of many that will either have fan bases ready to tweet at the NCAA — or have another reason to be excited for the college hoops season.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY CONSTANT CONTACT

Less time working, more time playing

Have more to do than ever before? There’s a solution for you.

From AI automations to content generation, Constant Contact offers a range of advanced features to help you create content and campaigns that’ll boost your business. Say goodbye to the frustration of content creation and hello to more time doing what you love with who you love.

Learn more.

2. Bright days ahead in Wilmington

Since Takayo Siddle took the UNC Wilmington job in 2020, it’s been bright times for the program. Siddle was an understudy for Kevin Keatts at UNCW from 2014-17, then followed Keatts to NC State before taking the head coaching position.

It started slow, winning only seven games in the forgettable 2020 COVID season. Since then, the Seahawks have overshot every imaginable expectation for the program — winning 27 games in 2022 and 24 in 2023.

Expect more of the same this season.

Why’s that? Defense. UNC Wilmington has developed an identity, playing stout defense and playing at a slower tempo. It’s translated to plenty of wins, and nearly got the Seahawks to the NCAA Tournament last season. It finished top-60 in KenPom’s defensive efficiency last season, the best mark in the CAA.

Returning is All-CAA performer Trazerian White, who paced the Seahawks roster with 14.2 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, while providing excellent defense on the perimeter and in the post. Like most of the team, shooting isn’t his forte, only making 28 percent of his perimeter jumpers.

Thankfully, New Mexico transfer K.J. Jenkins will assist in improving the 33.5 percent team 3-point percentage. Jenkins played an important bench role for the Lobos, shooting over 43 percent from deep on over 100 attempts. In Wilmington, Jenkins likely slides into the starting five next to point guard Donovan Newby and lengthy wing Maleeck Harden-Hayes, both of whom shot over 35 percent from deep in 2022-23. Those three will look to turn the rough shooting tide, which could be the key to improving the offense.

There are other key concerns, though.

UNCW lost top-shot blocker and post-defense stalwart Amari Kelly, which puts the front-line stability in question. However, I LOVE the addition of High Point transfer Ahmard Harvey. Harvey averaged 4.4 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks — only attempting 3.4 shots per contest. He’s totally fine not shooting the ball unless it’s a total mismatch against plodding bigs — or if it’s an offensive rebound or lob situation. He’s an ideal defensive-first player for Siddle’s system.

It’ll be a test to win the CAA. Defending tournament champion Charleston will be the favorite, while last season’s regular-season champ, Hofstra, isn’t going anywhere. We’ll see if defense can carry the day for an NCAA berth.

3. Wichita State’s bright future

It didn’t take long for new Wichita State coach Paul Mills to make his first local recruiting splash.

The 6-foot-4 wing is known for his elite athleticism, which he uses to get inside and put up some highlight plays.

In his junior season at Heights, Williams averaged 16.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.7 dimes, per MaxPreps. He spurned big name programs like Missouri, Tennessee, Texas Tech and Iowa to stay home.

It’s always important to stamp your name in the local recruiting footprint. Plus, being in an area like Kansas, where Sunrise Christian and several other big-name high school programs exist, will only enhance your ability to keep Kansas kids local.

For Williams — the home aspect played a major part in his decision. “It’s home. Honestly, that was a key factor in my decision,” Williams told the KC Star. “Not that it was all about location, but it’s hard to beat somewhere that’s a few minutes away from you and has everything you need to get done what I want to get done in my life.“

What’s he do for an encore?

Few coaches had a more impactful debut season than Kansas State’s Jerome Tang. The Wildcats went from ignored to two possessions away from a Final Four. But what about his offseason? Did K-State replenish the roster enough to compete for a Big 12 title?

Subscribe to The Field of 68 on YouTube here and subscribe here to AFTER DARK

Links as you debate whether to start Kirk Cousins in fantasy tonight.

• DePaul guard Zion Cruz left the program.

• Rodney Terry turns up the full-court press, visiting top-recruit, Tre Johnson.

• Get the popcorn. Ed Cooley returns to the Dunk on January 27.

Thanks for reading The Field of 68 Daily! If you have a news tip or feedback, email us at [email protected].