In regard to the $20.5 million each University can spend on paying their players; this does not rule out additional privately acquired and managed NIL money going to certain players.  It seemed from the previous conversation that there might be a notion that the $20.5 million was somehow limiting the players earning power to the Universities direct payment.  The NIL will still be kicking in big private funds into the player pool.  So, I’m not seeing how that “levels the field” in terms of money changing hands.

The outlook does look very optimistic for several A-10 teams, so the Dukes will be facing some tough competition in their attempt to gain status in the league.  It looks like George Mason might be one of the teams to beat along with Dayton, St Louis, and VCU, and with SBU, Duquesne and GW hoping to make some noise.  Mason could be the most talented team, with VCU losing Max Shulga and transitioning to a new coach and faster style of play.  Can Dayton bounce back from a subpar performance last season?  Duquesne and SBU both defended well last season, but can they find ways to put the ball in the basket? Lots of questions to be answered in the A-10 this season.

Yes, you’re right about the money, but before NIL and recent agreement the money was actually “Under the Table”; and now it’s “On the Table”! 
Just trying to laugh through this very dark “Loss of Independence Weekend”!
Enjoy the chaos, folks!

https://triblive.com/sports/stars-come-out-as-new-kensington-dedicates-jfk-park-courts-to-valley-basketball-greats-flenory-pipkins/
A very nice ceremony and reception yesterday in New Kensington honoring Baron Flenory and Tom Pipkins with dedication of two beautiful basketball courts in their names. 
There were lots of Dukes fans former players, and former Valley High players along with local officials.  Sadly, there was no representation, no congratulatory message; nothing from the Duquesne Athletic Department to congratulate Tom or B.B.  It would have been a great opportunity for Duquesne to show some class.

Other than in highlight video, I’ve never seen Alex Williams play, so it’s hard to rate his ability.  I do know that Jake is a guy who can make the team better, so whether he starts or comes in off the bench he will get his minutes provided he is healthy.

Did anyone else notice a post I saw recently regarding Vanessa leaving the Duquesne Coaching Staff to take an Asst Coaching job at St. John’s? This seems like a significant loss for the Dukes staff.

It looks like Peyton Gerald would be a perfect fit for the Dukes.

He has some Tre Clark attributes on both offense and defense.  I like the fact that he was awarded for his defense! The defense at the guard spot and his ability to penetrate, get to the basket and finish the play are all important qualities for this team.

Briscoe looks like an athletic 6’8” forward, similar to David Dixon.  Definitely not a PG, but does make sense with the departure of Chabi Barre. 
In regard to the need for a PG, Dru has Dom Aekins and possibly Arness Lawson, if Lawson is cleared to play.  Maybe that fill the need.

Dave seems to use the same responses for all of the questions.  His interviews are some of the least interesting in sports.  Just the same words in different combinations.

Thanks Lucky, also if $20.5 million is the ceiling; is there a “floor,” or a minimum amount that every participating school must spend in order to be included in D-1 athletics?

Is the projected $20.5 million in direct payments spread across all sports?  If a P-4 school had to spread that out over football, basketball, wrestling, baseball etc. it would dilute their payments to a far greater level than for predominantly basketball schools.  Football rosters were capped at 105-players, but that would put a big dent in the $20.5 million.

That’s true Styles; but the way Jazz is making a strong comeback in Pittsburgh, I’m hoping we see the third version of the Crawford Grill sometime soon.