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Date Posted: 20:42:58 03/12/03 Wed
Author: Stag 92
Subject: Gai - Grow up or Get Out
I find that this article and quotes by Deng Gai, which were confirmecd to me today by the administration, come at the most untimely and selfish time. We are anticipating an NIT bid and hopefully, if lucky, a home game. This news only puts a damper and a dark cloud on what I found to be a very successful season, that may not be over. If it is Gai's intent to transfer, sit him out of the NIT game.
Considering the suspension, for which certain facts our known, and this so-called disruption from Mr. Gai, I (and I am not speaking for the population on this board) request that Deng either grow up, act maturely, and handle himself appropriately or get on to what he may consider to be better things.
Keep in mind, however, that although he is extremely talented, I have seen him pushed around by big men in the MAAC. What makes him think that this will change when facing even more skilled players. Again, a wonderful talent still growing and learning. A move to another level, in my opinion, will result in negative growth for Gai, not positive. How did he perform against Duke and other strong teams even as a freshman.
He is certainly not ready for the NBA now, in fact, may not even be ready to play in leagues such as the big east, big 10, or ACC. In 2 years, I would expect him to be dominating.
Very upsetting situation but we are a fine institution that is on the ups. Don't need these disruptions, like we didn't need the suspension. Hopefully, someone will talk some sense into him but if not, goodbye.
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Re: These are young men -- Stagalong, 21:29:08 03/12/03 Wed
I don't get how everyone can be so critical. He's a young man in a foreign country. Give the kid a break. I hope he makes a thoughtful decision and is successful with that decision. End of story. Let's talk abut the NIT.
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Re: These are young men -- JoeStag, 21:52:42 03/12/03 Wed
S...Long, I agree.
If most of the people on this Board were in Gai's shoes they would be thinking similar thoughts. Let's hope he makes up his own mind, and not listen to the fairy tale stories of what "Might Be" at a High Major.
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Inquiring about a Transfer is not out of the ordinary -- JoeStag, 21:42:36 03/12/03 Wed
While I am not happy that Gai is thinking of transfering, He is probably not the 1st player in the History of Mid Major Basketball to ever approach that subject of moving up to a Big Time school. I do agree that the timing of all of this is not the best because we are hopefully are about to begin our NIT Season.... especially when its also in the NewsPaper.
I do not think you can critisize a player for taking a Career Checkpoint. I would rather see him do that, than just come into TOT's office someday and say he is leaving.... doing that would show immaturity.
All I ask is that Gai evaluate his options, and talk to a lot of people about the advantages and disadvantages of Fairfield or transferring. IMO, If he does that, I believe he will stay at Fairfield. Whatever he decides, he needs to do what is best for himself, and I would never begrudge him for doing that.... If I did that I would be a hypocrite.
Again the unfortunate thing about this is the timing, we shouod be talking team issues, not individual needs..... but I blame that on adults who are puttng those thoughts in his mind, and not Deng Gai. And I would never hold him out of the exhibition game, Just because he voiced his feelings.
I do think that Gai would be making a Huge Mistake if he left Fairfield for Michigan.
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Re: Inquiring about a Transfer is not out of the ordinary -- Stag 92, 22:06:12 03/12/03 Wed
The quotes were pretty rediculous, and from what I heard, this entire situation shocked TOT, but may have originated after the first homegame against Niagara - when he pretty much got used. I want him to stay, but, unlike many posters below, will never beg him to stay. As I stated above, we are close to signing TOT, we have had a fun season and probably an NIT birth, 50/50 chance for it to be at home per Doris, and I have to read this BS in the post today with quotes from Deng Gai.
I don't want to hear about him being a young man from another country. If he wanted to play at a Michigan, he should have thought about it as a senior in high school. He made a strong choice coming to Fairfield. He is playing, and getting better. In the Big Ten, with his current abilities, I don't think he would be better off, rather, he would get pushed around. He is a force defensively in the MAAC, his offensive skills need improvement, and he needs to hit the weight room in a big way.
Ability is there, but I certainly have to question his, or anyone advising him, judgement. This puts a serious damper on what should have been a week talking about the NIT potentials.
Again, Fairfield alumni should not stoop to a level where we are begging for a player to stay. If he wants to go elsewhere, sobeit, I hope he doesn't let the door hit him in the ass.
And, for all posters saying that this thought is normal, fine, I buy it. To discuss it with the press, stupid. And all of you posting that he would be better off at a bigger school, JoeStag should delete these posts as he did when myself and free_beer suggested that Luol Deng shouldn't be considering Fairfield but rather, the major schools. Same premise here.
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Re: Inquiring about a Transfer is not out of the ordinary -- free_beer, 22:41:46 03/12/03 Wed
I'm getting tired of agreeing w/ you Stag92, but you hit the nail right on the head. Nothing wrong with exploring the idea of transferring, but how about keeping your mouth shut and finish out the season. Someone has to of been whispering sweet nothings in his ear. How good can the TOT and Amaker relationship be if Tommy pulled Gai away from FF? As for being a foreign student in an unfamiliar setting, WTF does that have to do with anything? FF doesn't need this kind of BS a few days after such a pathetic performance against Manhattan (which Deng Gai was almost invisible). If his intentions are serious, I say don't let the door hit you in the ass. He wants to leave for completely selfish reasons, considering most transfers occur due to lack of playing time or a conflict w/ the coaching staff. Be careful what you wish for Deng.
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Re: Inquiring about a Transfer is not out of the ordinary -- JoeStag, 08:08:15 03/13/03 Thu
Gai has reach a level of success where NBA Scouts and other people are feeding him information. I am sure much of that info is trying to convince Gai to move somewhere else, and are painting that situation with rose colored glasses.
IMO, Gai is hearing a lot of different things. I would not take my anger out on Gai, he is just listening to people, responding to questions, and probably being quite honest about his feelings. The people that we should be concerned about are those that are feeding him false hope.
Gai should listen to people that have cared for him. He is not selfish because he trying to do the best thing for his career. I would rather have a player like Gai that wants to have goals of someday playing in the NBA.
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