Kasean Pryor, you’re on the clock.

Will you stay? Or will you go?

The Cardinal Nation turns its wondering eyes to you.

By all accounts, including somewhat prevaricating statements by Pat Kelsey, the Cardinal big is trying to negotiate a bigger NIL deal from the university and 502Circle.

It is hard not to think of the analogous situation to that of former Tennessee Volunteer QB Nico Iamaleava. Which is all the buzz among those of us who can’t get enough of the turmoil enveloping the world of commerce vs. college sports.

He had a deal with Rocky Top for $2mill a year for 4 years. So it is reported. Which is actually more than the $8mill, since he started getting stipends while still a prepster. Seems he feels he’s now worth $4mill per season.

Given his good but far from top shelf stats, it appears he and his financial team are misoverestimating his value. Vols coach Josh Heupel certainly thinks so.

Sayonara, dude, best of luck to ya.

As for Pryor, it would appear obvious that any sense of loyalty is not in play. Not that it should be, I suppose. But one hopes it would play some role. You know, all the medical attention and continuing direct deposits, and rejuvenated adoring fanbase.

Pryor, it is reported, got the biggest checks last campaign. Then was hurt early on, along with Koren Johnson who has already bid the Cards adieu.

Still, “Show me the money” seems to be Kasean’s mantra.

Kelsey has not gone Heupel . . . yet. At least, as best we know.

There are many serviceable+ bigs still in the Portal, and U of L for all we know is making entreaties.

My take. The Cards fared well without Pryor. Really well. Hard to imagine he would have added any Ws. Though he might have battled the Creighton big. Maybe Oklahoma????

Though he improved somewhat while still playing, he was absolutely a ball stopper. When he was still available, the Cards O was high octane. Passing, cutting, movement. Until Pryor got the rock.

The Cards will be fine whether he stays or he goes.

In PK I trust.

 * * * * *

As I’ve often opined, during last year’s coaching search, U of L did a Quadruple Axel, landing on its feet and gliding to unimaginable heights.

Pat Kelsey was the up and comer the program needed.

Though Dusty May, who turned Michigan around, would have done it here also. With a smidge less of the rah rah razzmatazz.

All of which got me interested in how different schools have dealt with their openings.

Some went “tried and true.”

Some straddled that divide.

Some went new and fresh.

In category I, UNLV chose Josh Pastner and Penn tabbed Fran McCafferty. Tried, but not sure how true.

Villanova, having tried new and fresh, grabbed disgruntled Kevin Willard. Scorned Maryland picked peripatetic Buzz Williams, he of the “five and dive” philosophy who has had stops at New Orleans, Marquette, Virginia Tech and A&M, all in the last dozen or so years. Texas hired Sean Miller.

Straddling the divide: Indiana brought in Darian DeVries, a one and done at West Virginia. Accompanied by his son the star. UVa nabbed former slayer Ryan Odom. Pitino the Younger moved back to the big time of the Big East at Xavier.

NC State showed it cares more, making a strong ass offer to Will Wade. Who is sort of new, if not fresh. Look for them to be an ACC power sooner rather than later. The guy can coach.

The new guys among the hires by majors. Luke Loucks at Florida State. Ben McCollum at Iowa. Jai Lucas at Miami. Nico Medved at Minnesota. Bucky McMillan at Texas A&M.

Which of the newbies will stand with Kelsey and May remains to be seen.

As do those who will fade like Josh Scherz. Remember him?

 * * * * *

Kasean? Anything?

c d k