New head coach Kim English wasn’t able to hold on to A-10 rookie of the year Tyler Kolek, who announced yesterday he’ll be transferring to Marquette. He’ll join new coach there Shaka Smart, so in case you’re keeping score Mason lost their top transfers to Jim Larranaga and one time VCU coach Smart. That stings! Despite losing their most promising player from the Dave Paulsen era, Mason still looks to be locked and loaded for next season with the incoming talent English has brought in. The transfer market has been insane this offseason given the free extra year of eligibly and no one who does transfer having to sit out next season. It was inevitable that there was going to be some roster turnover.

DeVon Cooper and D’shawn Schwartz are elite shooters who will certainly fill the shooting void left my Javon Greene and Kolek. English has done a good job bringing in guys who will be instant contributors next season and in some cases an upgrade of talent. Losing Miller and Kolek isn’t great but it’s nothing to cry about and could argue replacing Josh Oduro’s spot could have been more difficult. They still have Xavier Johnson and Jamal Hartwell in the backcourt who could thrive in English’s system also.