Six open spots?

We have 9 committed. so depending on how many walk-ons probably close to 4 open spots.

I can't remember the details, but I believe one of the requirements to join the Mountain West was to expand our men's basketball budget. I'm curious if there are any immediate impacts.

https://nevadasportsnet.com/news/reporters/ranking-mountain-west-athletic-departments-from-best-to-worst-in-the-new-look-league

10. UC Davis: The Aggies won a pair of Big West titles this season, tied for second fewest in the league. Those came in men's water polo (tournament) and women's volleyball (regular season). UC Davis was the most head-scratching inclusion in the MW rebuild. The Aggies won't bring their football program to the league, which will remain in the FCS. From a financial standpoint, the Aggies face a huge mountain entering the MW. UC Davis' budgets are well below the league averages. The Aggies are generally in the 150-200 range in the RPI in most sports, including men's and women's basketball; baseball; and softball. UC Davis' women's volleyball and women's golf are solid adds. But this will take some long-term building to be competitive.

Sure doesn’t look like it. Things are not well.

I think we're trying to satisfy this clause:

"UC Davis agreed to spend a minimum figure in men's basketball game guarantees for "winnable home games;" that benchmark was redacted."

I copied this from an article:

UC Davis agreed to increase its annual men's basketball expenses to certain financial levels in 2026-27, 2027-28 and 2028-29; those specific benchmarks were redacted.

Reportedly, we are paying for these pre-conference, home games so far:

Incarnate Word on 11/11- $75,000
Alabama State on 11/17 - $80,000
Cal Baptist on 12/17 - $45,000

That's $200,000 that we're already paying for just 3 games so it does seem like we have increased the funding for men's basketball significantly.

We need some big moves. Not sure we have replaced Wilson or Cooper just yet.

Consider last year’s home games included NDSU, Seattle and Louisiana.

A commitment:

Rough.

https://youtube.com/shorts/fEjXyL0GYLM?is=6AIOt7mVkFk-UhQM

Same St. Mary's High that Mark Payne went to?

Mark went to the St Mary’s in Stockton along with Joe Harden. Looks like this kid was in AZ.

Good length for a wing.

Looks like we missed a commit who isn't on verbalcommits

https://www.instagram.com/p/DXeRj_bDuN_/

6'10 F/C Nnadalu Noble commits to UC Davis
- originally from Austria
- boasts on his twitter page a 7'2 wingspan

He looks like he's the big man, rim protector we've been waiting for.

This post on X says he is 6'10 with a 7'6 wingspan and a 9'2 standing reach!

NNADALU NOBLE SIGNS WITH UC DAVIS

APRIL 27, 2026ANNOUNCEMENT

After a lot of interests and multiple offers, Nnadalu decided to continue his basketball journey at NCAA D1 UC Davis. The Aggies compete in the Mountain West Conference and have big expectations out of our centre.

Nnadalu joined our program in September and immediately impacted our team‘s success. An elite rim defender, often noting more than 4 blocked shots in games, started altering opponents shots and locking down the paint. Although elite on the defensive end, his offensive ability made him very efficient on that end of the court. His relentlessness was also at display on the rebounding end as he averaged a double double all season long. He has great work ethic, loves the game and is passionate on getting better and growing as a player. His performance also got him voted to the All NEPSAC AAA Team.

The coaching staff at UC Davis is excited to have Nnadalu on board. They look forward to work with him. We are also very proud and wish him all the luck!

https://www.internationalsportacademy.com/nnadalu-noble-signs-with-uc-davis/

Promising 'get'.

And more size https://x.com/baskethoopz/status/2066364056605463038?s=46

Margrave played his first two years years at South Alabama before being out for a year injured. He transferred to Omaha last year before entering the portal.



https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/5106459/julian-margrave

Some nice big men. I like the way Noble moves. Quick for such a big man. I just hope Les doesn't waste the big men skills. I wonder if we will have any kind of low post game or drive and penetrate or will it be all 3 pointers as usual with big men relegated to setting picks. I barely watched any games last year as I just couldn't take it any more. Hoping for something new this year.

Calling a big man's number is rare.