Hoopaholic’s Gazette: Total Makeover ‘26

Allow me to get my recantation out of the way forthwith.

Then we can move on.

Mingling in the Commentariat, as I always do, I have joined recent exuberance in the threads as Coach Pat Kelsey has been piecing together next campaign’s fascinating roster.

As obsessives are wont to do, there has been much conjecture about who will start, how the pieces will fit together, who might be on the court at the same time — especially in the front court — and at which position.

At most every mention that Flory Bidunga, former Kansas Jayhawk, reeigning Big 12 DPOY, will see action at the 4, alongside either of the Cards new 7 footers, I have balked.

Strong if not so sturdy of opinion, I’ve shouted something which can be translated as, “He’s a 5, strictly a 5, never seen him play the 4. He’ll never play out on the court. And any of you who are regurgitating that nonsense haven’t the slightest idea what you are talking about.”

Let’s just say I have received some heated feedback, and leave it at that.

I now withdraw those opinions.

My apologies to all whose perspective and intelligence I’ve questioned.

Mea culpa maxima.

* * * * *

I stand by my observations that I’ve never seen Bidunga play out on the floor.

However, in addictive mode, I have been consuming every available word about U of L’s bountiful harvest, and thus must temper — and alter — my thoughts.

College basketball experts I admire have mused about Bidunga venturing away from the hoop.

Then, after his commitment, I watched videos of orange-thwarting, thunder-jamming Obinna Ekezie Jr.

My heart beats in unhealthy anticipation of what might be.

Those videos also reveal that our incoming former St. Raphael Giant has a handle, and from the top of the key can deliver a dime or whirl it to the hoop.

As a 4. Inside out.

Oh the possibilities are multitudinous.

Even this shall be available: Say the Cards are playing a team considered Goliathan. Insert 7-5 Gabe Dynes along with the other twosome for a Maginot Line/ Berlin Wall/ Krak des Chevaliers.

Which is to confirm that Cardinal mentor Kelsey was well aware of last season’s structural flaws. (Even though I imagine there are those who actually believe PK altered his thinking based upon chat room jabber.)

* * * * *

Let me add a couple of things about Ekezie, which must be credited to an article by Hoops HQ’s Alex Squadron, who interviewed the kid at an all-star camp in February.

OE: I just want to go to a place (where I can) showcase my talent and play through my mistakes. I’m not a finished product, so I just want to keep getting better and play for a fan base that loves to have me.

Trust me on this, fella, we love ya.

His coach at that camp, Scotty Hopson: He approached everything that we were doing really well. You could tell that he had been coached up really well and had some people who knew the game in his ear.

* * * * *

Kelsey, to his credit, to his understanding that he’s still in learning curve phase at this level of hoops, is adapting.

Two new coaches with fresh voices and more expansive expertise than those they replaced.

A roster set up — so far — distinctly different than his first two seasons.

Going BIG. Which is the trend, given how the tourney played out.

The other day I saw a segment on ESPN with NBA savant Brian Windhorst, talking about this year’s playoffs.

“When games matter, size matters.

“What was true in 1946 is true now, size and skill.”

The other guy on the panel — name escapes me — offered, “Of the top 10 three point teams in the league, only one made it past the first round.”

The Cards still need roster fill out.

Shooters. Wings. Practice dudes. There are spots available.

But — to coin a phrase — the die is cast.

Cards be playin’ inside out in ’26-’27.

* * * * *

Let me just give a shout out to a couple of additions who haven’t gotten as much mention at the others.

Brandon Marks, national scribe who knows his stuff, believes PG Jackson Shelstead is the steal of the portal.

That’s nice to hear.

6-4 De’Shayne Montgomery is a defensive ace. One of the top pocket pickers in the land.

Calm down, my man, calm down.

Oh yeah. Adrian Wooley. Karter Knox. Alvaro Folgueiras.

* * * * *

If you are as pumped as I am, my admonishment to us is this. (Listen to yourself, schmuck.)

Bidunga is still in the draft. Though he’s way more than likely to be Cardinal next year.

It’s only the week after Derby. Ya know, early.

This hoopaholic needs a meeting.

— c d kaplan