There are a lot of moving parts with this roster rebuild. The sheer amount of players needed and a limited NIL budget will limit some of what you can do. So sure there are likely few folks on this site that would welcome back Celestine. But apparently while away on Spring break and consulting with family and other "advisors" he decided he was worthy of a hefty new NIL package.RedlessWardrobe said:I always find it interesting when a player is reviewed solely by statistics, how one statement can omit a significant stat and how it make only take one more stat to change the entire perspective.calumnus said:touchdownbears43 said:
He averages 8.3ppg and 3rpg. Why is it such a big loss? He is by no means a game changer. He's a modest player on a modest team. If anything, it allows Madsen to upgrade over the position.
He shot .440 from Three, highest among our starters. He was our only starter who came to Cal as a freshman and was our only starter who we thought we would have back. We never really got to see him healthy for a full season. So plenty of reason to think next year he could be better, especially with more touches, and plenty of reason for fans to be disappointed he's leaving.
I've always been a great follower of stats, but by themselves they simply don't always tell the whole story. Considering the uncertainty of this whole transfer portal situation, anyone who watched Cal play this year would certainly welcome Jalen Celestine back for another season.
So the staff while wanting to keep Jalen now needs to weigh his value to the program over what they may be able to get via the portal. Teams all the time in the professional sports world make all sorts of decisions based on the salary cap. College sports do not have a cap, but each program is only able to provide an NIL package with available funds via the donor collective. Madsen needs to determine if what Celestine needs to stay is both appropriate for his skills and what it may do to the NIL budget. Cal has cap. It is whatever the donors have done and designated for mens basketball. Cal needs several players. Not just a player or 2. So they need to make some judgements regarding value to the program.
The uncertainty of everything could lend one to think keeping a player even at an inflated value is the right thing. But we do not know the overall NIL budget nor what players the staff has contacted that have shown interest and what that cost is. But the staff does. So if we believe in Madsen and the collective we have to assume they are in better position than we to decide on how Celestine should be compensated. And we do not know what the conversations between player and staff entailed and how that plays into the decision.
As a player I believe Cal can replicate the talent. Jalen is a nice open shooter but has limitations. He is not a great ball handler nor defender. He is not great at creating his own shot nor as a facilitator for others. Not awful, but really rather ordinary athletically. Yes he had an injury and that hurt him, but it is what it is. He was loyal and that counts but at what cost.
I believe the staff wanted to keep Jalen. But there is a price point. And the difference apparently is signifcant. I think it is worth remembering while appreciating the player the team did go 13-19. And significant roster improvement is needed.
In this new world of NIL and transfer portal there is a budget. Unlike the NFL we do not know what that number is. The contracts of these players are not public knowledge. And unlike the NFL the players in college now have completely unburdened freedom of movement. They can leave whenever they choose. Players have a lot of leverage. They are exercising it. Whether it is ultimately a good decision by Jalen to leave or for Cal to not match will be determined later. By the players Cal is able to secure and where Jalen ends up and how that works out for him. But at present IMO we have little choice but to trust Madsen and the collective to use the funds in a way that best works for the program. At this time that does not mean paying Celestine the amount he wants. I wish him well. He is leaving with a Cal degree and gave his best during his time. But this is a new world now. And he is choosing to leave. The staff did not force him out. They simply do not agree on the value of that roster spot. Happens all the time in pro sports. And if we are being honest what NIL and the transfer portal has done is bring a professional element to roster building. Decisions like this one are being made all over the college sports landscape. This has become a money and value proposition. The player and the staff differ in opinion on his "value".
Thanks for everything Jalen. Good luck in your future endeavors. Go Bears.
