Paul - Return or Leave

[Yeah Baby]

Broken ribs, injured shoulder, broken nose, black eye and missed 2 games. Yeah he checked out lmao.

He was here 4 years and all we did was win big games. A lot of wins. Everyone says winning matters and then it seems the same folks like to take shots at the guys who led us to those wins.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

160/6 = 26.66666

 

[RUisB1Gtime]

From a pure basketball stand point, I could only see Paul back in a complimentary role. He can not be a primary ball handler.

From an overall RU hoops perspective, he had a very good career.

 

[AreYouNUTS]

Some of the assumptions in this thread are interesting to say the least. Kid was beat up this year and still didn’t show signs of “checking out” the 2 games prior to Hofstra (don’t blame anyone for doing so that day). Just got back from Spring Break. I love how Pikes is playing this with both Paul AND Cliff. Give them time and space to make their decisions. Also, weren’t indications prior to the NCAA “snub” that he WAS expected back?

I’m not sold that he’s gone but who knows? Nobody here that’s for sure.

 

[ScooterSports]

I definitely want Paul back. Carried us the 2nd half at MSG and late in the game @ Purdue.

 

[MiloTalon13]

I don’t see Ulis is an upgrade over PM.

That's the wrong way to look at it.

Having someone different than Paul at PG in 23-24 allows Pike to do different things with the team offensively and defensively than they did in 22-23.
The team will be better with someone like Ulis than Paul at PG in 23-24

I admire the loyalty towards Paul, he was a warrior for Rutgers and moved the program forward on and off the court.

 

[needmorecowbell]

That's the wrong way to look at it.

Having someone different than Paul at PG in 23-24 allows Pike to do different things with the team offensively and defensively than they did in 22-23.
The team will be better with someone like Ulis than Paul at PG in 23-24

I admire the loyalty towards Paul, he was a warrior for Rutgers and moved the program forward on and off the court.

There will be trade offs when Paul leaves. Yes, the team may be able to play faster but I suspect turnovers will go up and the team loses a ton of intangibles due to PM being a 5th year player. PM is a winner and leader. That why some of us like him so much. There is no denying that fact. Anyone brought in next year to fill his shoes will have a difficult job bringing that.

 

[AshCatchEm]

Pro what?

 

[AshCatchEm]

Please share how RU can get more and replace a 3 year stater who lead the Big Ten in assist 21-22 and 4th 22-23. Who is playing all those minutes at PG?

Want me to go to the YMCA and find someone? Nothing Paul did the last half of the season was special. In any way, shape, or form.

 

[MiloTalon13]

There will be trade offs when Paul leaves. Yes, the team may be able to play faster but I suspect turnovers will go up and the team loses a ton of intangibles due to PM being a 5th year player. PM is a winner and leader. That why some of us like him so much. There is no denying that fact. Anyone brought in next year to fill his shoes will have a difficult job bringing that.

Plays nicely into my John Stockton point.

 

[hbbsm713_rivals]

I hope he’s back.

 

[RUJMM78]

There will be trade offs when Paul leaves. Yes, the team may be able to play faster but I suspect turnovers will go up and the team loses a ton of intangibles due to PM being a 5th year player. PM is a winner and leader. That why some of us like him so much. There is no denying that fact. Anyone brought in next year to fill his shoes will have a difficult job bringing that.

There were far too many unforced turnovers this season from the starters and bench players.

 

[Ru-baby]

A Cam Spencer level transfer for 25-32,

LOL Sure there a ton of those available. Man the acumen

 

[Rutgers25]

Complimentary role is they key here. In that role, he would be very valuable next year. Clearly he’s not a full time ball handler.

I take the phrase “checked out” to mean not caring. I think that is extremely insulting to him.

 

[needmorecowbell]

Plays nicely into my John Stockton point.

Not really. You’re looking to make early excuses for next year. It’s pretty simple… If PM leaves the team and the team is better next year due to the PG play, I will gladly say it workout out well. But if the team is not as good and or the PG play clearly suffers, it will be easy to see what was lost.

I root for Rutgers first and foremost. I just happen to think (along with many others here) that the team is better with PM vs without him.

 

[needmorecowbell]

There were far too many unforced turnovers this season from the starters and bench players.

I agree. It will get worse before it gets better if RU loses a senior leader at PG.

 

[MiloTalon13]

LOL Sure there a ton of those available. Man the acumen

They found Cam.

 

[Nycrusupporter]

Notwithstanding some Covid exceptions, most college basketball players aren’t looking to play 5 years, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see him go. He had a rough year because of the injuries, and seemed to lose his confidence down the stretch. Players are just starting to enter the portal, if Paul is not coming back there are a lot of minutes up for grabs so I would think we are a pretty appealing landing spot.

 

[MiloTalon13]

I agree. It will get worse before it gets better if RU loses a senior leader at PG.

What if they turn the ball over more but score more points too?
Simply by playing a faster pace, having more possessions per game, they'll turn it over more.

 

[bethlehemfan]

Paul has been a critical piece to the best four years of rutgers bball since the 70’s. He came here despite having plenty of options at a time when we were just starting to turn it around. He took a chance on Rutgers and it worked out. I hope he comes back healthy. Getting old and staying old in the ncaa is a recipe for success but regardless of his choice I am very thankful he came here and wish him the best whatever path he takes.

 

[YoucancallmeRay]

I hope Paul comes back and that he starts at PG. Check his stats for the last two games and tell me you wouldn't want that in your PG. Were our high expectations for him this year not met? Probably for many of us, but that's more on us than on him. He brings so many great qualities to the team, both offensively and defensively, that it's mind boggling how anyone with any true basketball knowledge could not want him to be our PG.

 

[needmorecowbell]

What if they turn the ball over more but score more points too?
Simply by playing a faster pace, having more possessions per game, they'll turn it over more

Who cares. Win more games is all that matters.

 

[MiloTalon13]

I hope Paul comes back and that he starts at PG. Check his stats for the last two games and tell me you wouldn't want that in your PG. Were our high expectations for him this year not met? Probably for many of us, but that's more on us than on him. He brings so many great qualities to the team, both offensively and defensively, that it's mind boggling how anyone with any true basketball knowledge could not want him to be our PG.

He didn't start at Point Guard the last two games.

 

[JavaDunk18]

Will be a drastically improved offense w Gavin coming in, especially if Paul returns healthy, & fresh for a new season. There will no longer be a need to force it into Cliff, & Cam will be getting a lot more open looks.
I do not see that much of a drop-off in defense with Caleb leaving and Mag returning. Remember Caleb did not come here as a defensive specialist, but developed into one of the best in the nation from coaching. Mag could be the next..both were needed, however, for a full effective press.

 

[needmorecowbell]

I hope Paul comes back and that he starts at PG. Check his stats for the last two games and tell me you wouldn't want that in your PG. Were our high expectations for him this year not met? Probably for many of us, but that's more on us than on him. He brings so many great qualities to the team, both offensively and defensively, that it's mind boggling how anyone with any true basketball knowledge could not want him to be our PG.

this

 

[MiloTalon13]

this

"Check his stats for the last two games and tell me you wouldn't want that in your PG"

For games Simpson started at Point Guard

 

[MLBash93]

I hope Paul comes back and that he starts at PG. Check his stats for the last two games and tell me you wouldn't want that in your PG. Were our high expectations for him this year not met? Probably for many of us, but that's more on us than on him. He brings so many great qualities to the team, both offensively and defensively, that it's mind boggling how anyone with any true basketball knowledge could not want him to be our PG.

but the last two games Simspon started at PG?

I want paul back but don't get your point?

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

Paul has been a critical piece to the best four years of rutgers bball since the 70’s. He came here despite having plenty of options at a time when we were just starting to turn it around. He took a chance on Rutgers and it worked out. I hope he comes back healthy. Getting old and staying old in the ncaa is a recipe for success but regardless of his choice I am very thankful he came here and wish him the best whatever path he takes.

The 2nd sentence isn't 100% true, but that is OK. If memory is correct a lot of schools that had interest cooled their interest after he didn't look great in summer ball his junior year.

That is old history and I want him back.

 

[Shelby65]

I agree. It will get worse before it gets better if RU loses a senior leader at PG.

Different position, but lord was I thrilled when Myles left so Cliff could take over. Same idea here. I don’t see Paul accepting a backup role, so, I am near certain he leaves.

 

[needmorecowbell]

"Check his stats for the last two games and tell me you wouldn't want that in your PG"

For games Simpson started at Point Guard

You want to look at 2 games? Simpson shot 37% FG and 22% from 3 for the season. Come on. PM has a 4 year history to look at. I wouldn’t take 2 games where he’s not 100%.

 

[RUsojo]

You can find a better guard OR wing in the portal without question. I think this one is up to Pike not Paul. I feel we know what Pike will do.

 

[needmorecowbell]

You can find a better guard OR wing in the portal without question. I think this one is up to Pike not Paul. I feel we know what Pike will do.

I’m feeling it’s the exact opposite.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

Complimentary role is they key here. In that role, he would be very valuable next year. Clearly he’s not a full time ball handler.

I take the phrase “checked out” to mean not caring. I think that is extremely insulting to him.

The knock on him was he might have "cared too much"

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

You can find a better guard OR wing in the portal without question. I think this one is up to Pike not Paul. I feel we know what Pike will do.

With Paul you know what you have and don't have. With a portal player you have no clue. You have no idea if they will fit in or defend.

Cam worked out. We have plenty examples of players that didn't, including people on recent rosters.

 

[RUDivision]

You want to look at 2 games? Simpson shot 37% FG and 22% from 3 for the season. Come on. PM has a 4 year history to look at. I wouldn’t take 2 games where he’s not 100%.

As a freshman being played incorrectly off the ball! Check his shooting numbers for those two games and compare his 3 starts to Paul’s. Paul is great hope he comes back but he’s not starting at PG . 2 best phrases in basketball “Ball don’t lie” and “ game recognizes game”. Paul knows he is not starting at PG and maybe he leaves or stays . But he knows

 

[MADHAT1]

Paul, if he comes back, might work out well as the 6th man.

 

[RUDivision]

Paul, if he comes back, might work out well as the 6th man.

Yes but early on as point forward until Mag is healthy.

 

[PiscatawayMike]

When I think about Mulcahy, I can't help but think about another RU player who always has been looked upon fondly by the RU fan base... Rick Dadika.

Dadika played five seasons with RU, albeit for a different reason if Mulcahy decides to come back. Dadika took a medical redshirt one season, playing only four games.

Dadika's pair of 3-pointers late in the 1989 A-10 title game vs. Penn State are legendary. He came back even though he knew Earl Duncan was going to take a good portion of his minutes. He averaged 5.8 ppg in his final season on the banks after averaging 13.1 ppg the prior year.

Don't get me wrong, I understand the circumstances are different (i.e., most players play a fifth year when having to sit out the majority of a season due to injury). Still, I do see some similarities.

https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/rick-dadika-1.html

 

[RUshore99]

Just my opinion and speculation but Paul was really rattled by the behavior of Indiana "fans" during and after the loss @ Assembly Hall. They were ruthless to him after the TJD trip situation. Their fans blew up his twitter to a point where he deactivated his account. If you think about the timing of our slide as a team and his disappointing play, thats when it started. Granted Mag's absence was another huge factor, but Paul was definitely going through some stuff after that game.

I'm not sure he was checked out, but he was certainly affected by that experience and imo never really recovered until the B1G tournament.

If he wants to return, we should welcome him back. At the same time, he owes us nothing and i totally understand if he's ready for whatever he wants to pursue next.

 

[ScarletDave]

Next year when we have 15 turnovers a game and take 10 less shots in an already challenged offense if we lose Paul’s assists I don’t want to hear people saying “what happened to all our great passing/what happened to team ball why are we getting all these shots late in the shot clock” .. etc