Demetri Goodson "strongly considering" Leaving Team
by Will Green on May 1, 2011 9:02 AM PDT
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According to multiple unnamed sources close to the program, junior point guard Demetri Goodson is "strongly considering" leaving the Gonzaga men’s basketball team.
Goodson, the only remaining member of the 2008 recruiting class, is said to be "seriously thinking about" pursuing football at Texas A&M University.
While it does not appear that the Aggies have offered Goodson a football scholarship, Texas A&M recruiting guru and TexAgs.com senior writer Billy Liucci wrote late Saturday night of the possibility of an impending report that Goodson could transfer.
Goodson’s brother, Carolina Panthers’ running back Mike Goodson, played football for the Aggies for three seasons between 2006 and 2008.
The news highlights the potential for yet another shift in a program that has already undergone a tumultuous spring. Last month, 6’6" sophomore wing, Mangisto Arop, confirmed widespread speculation that he would leave the program by becoming the sixth Gonzaga player since 2010 to do so.
Two days later, the team added 6’5" junior wing, Guy Landry Edi (Midland, Tx. CC ), to an already well-stocked 2011-2012 recruiting class.
Both of these roster moves came amidst the Zags’ awkward courtship of controversial USC transfer Bryce Jones, who postponed two scheduled visits to Gonzaga at the last minute.
Jones’ interest in Gonzaga was said to have lessened upon hearing that Landry, by signing with the team, had secured the Zags’ last available athletic scholarship. In multiple interviews, however, Jones has repeatedly not ruled out playing for Gonzaga next season, and now claims to be visiting the campus May 10th.
Were Goodson to leave, his departure would vacate a scholarship that could be offered to Jones immediately.
Goodson would be only the fourth junior to leave the program in the Modern Zag Era, and only the second multi-year starter (Pierre-Marie Altidor-Cespedes) ever to transfer.
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Damn...
I hate to see this, regardless of his offensive production I think we need the guy on D and I have always enjoyed the effort he has put out on the floor. Not to mention he was the only guy capable of consistently bringing the ball up the floor against a press. If this comes to fruition we can put the red-shirt Kevin Pangos ideas to rest, we’re gonna need him immediately. Here’s hoping Meech changes his mind.
Being the jersey chaser I am,
earlier this year I talked to Meech at a party. He’s a real nice guy, but he was obviously frustrated with his performance. He was partly disappointed in himself, but also said that he just doesn’t get any good looks in Few’s system. I do think that he’s a hard worker and that he tries.
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by ElliotMatheny on May 3, 2011 4:48 PM PDT up reply actions
This has got to be the least surprising surprising news ever
At this point, I would barely flinch if St. Aloysius himself transferred.
Go Zags. I guess.
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I hope not
I like meech I know he is not a great player but ive always liked him and his attitude hope he stays.
by go lions @ go zags on May 1, 2011 10:39 AM PDT reply actions
Not Good....
I hate the fact that meech would leave, especially in his senior season. I think this looks horrible, I am starting to lose count of the transfers within the last few years…not good for the program when you have multiple transfers, I dont care what anyone says about that. I dont want this to be a trend with Gonzaga recruits, now guys coming in may think twice, they may look at it as more a trial period to see if they fit in. I hope meech stays, regardless of what people think about meech, we need his leadership and veteran status.
JSH
I hope he doesn't
This sounds like he’s seriously insulted/hurt, and I think he deserves better. Hopefully he’ll stick around…
While I think the team will be ok moving forward if he does leave, and a scollie will open up, I don’t really like this.
Non-sequitor...
I remember P-MAC because of his name, but I don’t really remember him playing (or starting). What teams was he on, and when/why did he transfer?
you are being sarcastic?
PMac, he really showed glimpses, like when he took it to number 3 ranked Gtech, with Will bynum, Jarret Jack, etc, and to me looked like the quickest, most talented guard on the floor…I don’t think he was aggressive enough consistently..
On to the point, if Meech transfers, yes, I think KPang, and GBJ would play,,, and I think we will be fine… No diss to Meech, I have been a staunch supporter… but looking at our record with him at the helm, and the people coming in,,, life would go on.
One way or another, we will be better next year.
No
I remember him playing (around the Turiaf era perhaps?) but other than that not too much. Why did he transfer?
PMAC
Pierre entered the program in the same recruiting class as Pendo and Heytvelt, so he did play 1 year with Turiaf but was mostly with Morrison, Raivio, and Batista. He had strong years, but was one that Few didn’t use to his potential and Few rarely let him loose on the court and thus transferred to gain freedom on the court.
Still my favorite Zag…
I'd also forgotten that PMAC was ever a starter.
I agree, though, that he was a really exciting player whose Gonzaga career had a disappointing conclusion. Side note: I also really liked him from taking a class with him — he was super friendly and actively participated in class conversations, etc., which is sadly pretty freaking rare for a high-quality NCAA athlete, from what I can gather.
Wow
To transfer to play football for what, one year? He will have to sit one year? Then would have only one year to get it done on the gridiron.
I surely hope he stays and finishes out his career. Wanted so bad to see him finally hit the jumpers he is fully capable of and finish strong, proove the critics {myself included} wrong and go out on top.
If he decides to leave…GODSPEED Pangos & Bell.
He has 4 years of eligibility if he plays football
and wouldn’t have to sit out a year just look at Greg Paulus from duke, played basketball for 4 years, then went and played football at Syracuse.
Didn't Paulus play because he had graduated?
And didn’t he have to get a waiver to play? I would think Meech would get a waiver and play right away but I think he still has only 5 years to complete his sports (all), unless of injury?
Siit out one year but play 2
I think, that he is allow to play 2 years of football, but has to redshirt one year. That would be great for him in that he would get in football shape the first year and then play 2 years.
But I still hope he stays. Good luck in any decision.
That's incorrect
You have 5 years of college eligibility to play 4 years of athletics. Once you enroll in school, your clock begins, so Meech would only be able to play football for the next 2 seasons (as he’s already played 3 years of basketball)
Is this a story?
According to multiple unnamed sources close to the program, junior point guard Demetri Goodson is “strongly considering” leaving the Gonzaga men’s basketball team.
I’m not saying that he’s not leaving but “multiple unnamed sources” means nothing to me.
Yes, It Is.
The multiple unnamed sources mean a lot to me, haha. I’m sure you can guess why their names can’t be used in print.
I promise you this isn’t Kelly-Olynyk-is-leaving baseless rumor mill fare. Whether or not Demetri actually goes remains to be seen, but the sentiment that he wants to go and is considering going has been verified by multiple people closer to the situation than I.
Thanks for the clarification, makes sense.
No matter what his choice, thanks Meech!
I was under the impression
that Jones couldn’t be offered an athletic scholarship until he had been enrolled at the university for 1 year, I think that’s part of the transfer rules.
I'd watch him
if he does play football, I’ll definitely watch him take some heads off
This is not a reflection on the Gonzaga Basketball program...
If anything, this is a reflection on Meech. If he thinks it’s in his best interest to try his hand as a corner at A&M, that might be a very wise decision. Let’s face it, Meech does not have a future in basketball—whether in the NBA or overseas. With his numbers and what he has shown on the court, no senior season could turn things around. That is not to say he hasn’t had a good college career—it’s just saying he’s not an elite college guard with a basketball future. If Meech can get a look by scouts and possibly create for himself a future in the NFL, I wouldn’t blame him for putting himself out there and transferring schools and sports. The transition period might be a bit rough for the Zags, but I’m confident that we’d make due—Bell would get more time, Pangos probably wouldn’t red shirt, Carter might have to run the offense along with Stockton for a bit…Things would work out. Defense would suffer for a little while, but in the end I think this team might actually be better.
Zagnificent - GU Class of 2010
by Zagnificent on May 1, 2011 8:01 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
the kid can play FB...
the good word is this has been something he has been talked out of a few times…but with GBJ, DS and Pangos on the team…I think this has sort of forced his hand…early so to speak. For ppl close to the situation, they saw this coming.
If you don't like my fire then don't come around...
My sentiments exactly...
I recall when Meech committed to Gonzaga that there was a fair amount of commentary on his football ability/mentality. Only makes sense that he would give it (football) a whirl to see if he has a paying future on the gridiron. I agree with Zagnificent that it has to be obvious, even to Meech, that that is not the case for the hardwood. Good kid, good attitude, plays hard and does a lot of things the Zags need. Hate to see him leave but I applaud him for being honest with himself and taking the intitiative to make things happen for his future.
All the best Meech!
by Stonesthrower on May 2, 2011 11:38 AM PDT up reply actions
Good Job Zagnificent!
I completely agree. Let’s get away from this constant introspection and criticism of the program whenever a player wants to pursue other interests. We recruit a different type of athlete now than we did back in the earlier days. The Gonzaga roster is no longer a list of walk-ons and blue collar players. Our recruits expect to play and succeed at the major college level. If they don’t then naturally they will want to pursue other options.
Meech is a freakish athlete and maybe he can achieve more success with football. One more point- athletes get better or progress in different ways too. I can not imagine that GU lacks anything in the way of supports for the improvement of its players- coaching, facilities, competition, etc. Some players just don’t get better. They may fail to make the necessary commitment. They may not work hard enough. Sometimes they are already as good as they are going to get. As much as I have rooted for Meech over the years, he has not made the necessary improvements in his game. He is still an extremely inconsistent shooter from the field and from the free throw line. He can still be out of control on the break. He can lack discipline both on O and on D. His foul trouble vs. BYU was one of our downfalls in that game. Gonzaga Basketball has chosen to be a national program, in mad pursuit of a national championship. Sometimes it’s a cruel business at that level. Let’s accept where we are right now. It’s not all warm and fuzzy like the Casey Calvary, Santangelo days.
Keep Sticking With Us
Just talked briefly with Bryce Jones who claimed he was unaware of the entire situation, and then quickly ended our conversation.
The program is obviously keeping a tight lid on this. We might not know anything for several days.
And thanks for keeping this a civilized comment section.
Why would you bring up Bryce Jones?
Oops, maybe I should evaluate a little more. Hmmmmmmmmm? This is a fairly civilized blog already! Maybe I should’ve asked about your Journalism class a little more before opening my big mouth? So, are you a “Report and let us decide” or a “Report as you decide and tell us what to comment” jounalist?
I think that’s a fair question, how about you?
People who take journalism classes are just the worst.
but let’s not pretend that Bryce Jones is completely incidental to this discussion, particularly the way the staff seems to throw schollies around like candy the moment they open up.
It isn't journalism, it is math
Gonzaga is at scholly limit with Meech. Without Meech they are one below the limit. Bryce is still scheduled to visit. With Bryce and without Meech, Gonzaga is again at the scholly limit. Hence the mention.
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Thanks Will or Zach or whomever
You might be surprised….but I got that part of it. It’s not my brain that’s not working as well as it should at my age it’s what’s about 2 1/2 feet lower that’s causing the problems! Oh well, more Saw Palmetto for the old guy.
Who thinks basketball is his best sport?
There’s been a few players who have been drafted by the NFL after only playing basketball in college, but they tend to be the Tight End/Power Forward types. I think Goodson to be taken seriously does need to show his skill on the football field to generate interest from a NFL team. Every time I watch Goodson play I can’t help but think he’d make a great db, good feet, strong and athletic, not afraid of contact etc.
That being said, I think it’s hard to blame the kid when he’s already lost playing time to a walk-on and the team has 3 pretty good guards in the upcoming class.
Too valuable
Meech please don’t leave! To go defensively on the perimeter from Gray and Goodson to actually having neither of them would very well prove to be detrimental. I really believe we need Meech, more than even his supporters probably realize. This is my first post here ever and consider myself one of Demitri’s biggest fans. I think his football future is there whether he plays a year at Tex AM or not. I’ve been saying all along that we have a football player playing PG….but that is OK with me. I love the toughness that Demitri brings. With brother Mike already connected I really dont think a year of college ball will make or break Demitri’s ability to walk on to a pro team. Meech please stay! I dont know what else to say….please. Don’t do it for me and the rest of your fans. Do it for your teammates, coaches, and all your harshest critics. At the end of this next year how sweet would it be to hand Coach his 12th straight conference tourney trophy and to know you brought him one for every year you played…..pretty sweet. Whatever you do I wish you the very best because with your effort and heart, the best is what you deserve, sincerely.
Meech probably watched the NFL Draft last weekend,
saw 254 guys get picked, and maybe saw a few guys get drafted that he played against in Texas High School. Perhaps he thought to himself “man, I was better than that guy in high school”. I can see why he would be interested in switching to football, particularly if he had a chance to play somewhere like A&M.
I wouldn’t be mad if he left, but man… point guard would be a sieve defensively, with Stockton and presumably Pangos being subpar defenders. GBJ and Carter would have to be on the floor at all times (which isn’t a bad thing).
For all that’s said about Meech… when he got hit with that 2nd foul in the BYU game, the score was 8-8. When he got back in, it appears the score was 31-24, with Jimmer scoring 11points in that time.
Not great
but better than the point guards, yes.
We must be watching different games
MC is very average on the defensive end. IMO
Still average isn’t bad — it just isn’t good.
In all fairness, playing perimeter defense at the D-1 level is a team thing. You need to know and trust your team mates to be successful. Carter was new last year and he did show improvement as the year went on.
Hopefully he will build on that.
mjc
mjc
Ok, if he's average, he was still one of the teams best perimiter defenders.
Per KenPom:
Player Min Stl FC/40 DReb%
Gray 76.2 3.1 3.0 11.6
Goodson 56.4 1.9 3.2 11.0
Carter 47.8 2.8 3.1 7.1
Stockton 37.7 3.5 4.8 8.8
Note that I never said Carter was Tony Allen.
Don't go, Meech.
If there was a time it was after your sophomore season. You showed some really positive glimpses at the end of the year, stick it out.
Welcome to the Sound Pound...
i honestly can't tell if this is sarcastic or not....
I don't hate many things, but i do hate Boise State.
by spokanistan22yuh on May 2, 2011 4:05 PM PDT up reply actions
We need Meech
Meech should get as many, or more, minutes this year than last. I see him as both an experienced backup point guard to Stockton and a third guard—a D guard. Meech is the best point guard against the press; and he should get major minutes as a third guard against teams, like Saint Mary’s and BYU last year, that get most of their offense from their guards. There’s no reason Stockton, Carter and Meech can’t regularly be on the floor at the same time.
Whats important, though, is what’s best for Meech. If he sees himself as a DB in the NFL, there’s a DB factory in Pullman; and Aire Justin is not coming back.
Manny, sadly, didn’t react well when he had to compete for his minutes. Meech, however, will be Doweresque in his response to the challenge.
by EnlightenedRogue on May 2, 2011 7:41 PM PDT reply actions
It's all about what's best for Meech
I like Meech a lot and it would be great to have him around next year. However, he’s not going to make it at the next level as a point guard or a combo guard. He should give football a try if he has what it takes to play at the next level there. I just hope his brother and inner circle are giving him good advice. There’s also something to be said for finishing up his academics at Gonzaga and trying to land a good non-sports career after college.
by Dizzo on May 3, 2011 9:09 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
A&M is a pretty good school -- better than most.
For my money, they produce some of the best military officers out there. Meech could do much worse than A&M from an academic perspective.
But if he’s really serious about pursuing football, he should take a look at OU! Get a little national exposure! Kinda like basketball at Gonzaga !
BOOMER! SOONER!
Sorry, had to get that plug in for my other school!
mjc
Lame
Regardless of how much we analyze this, it is going to make prospects think twice about a program that has so much turnover.
done deal
Thank you Meech…best wishes.
by jomogolfpro on May 3, 2011 5:39 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
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