Oh no, Rice!?

[LA_Mustang]

They lost to Long Island Brooklyn Upstate Tech by 27. Ouch.

[CalallenStang]

Most of Rice's players transferred out over the offseason as one of their assistant coaches left. Those of Middle Eastern origin (such as Kazemi and Oraby) petitioned the NCAA for eligibility this year on grounds that Rice discriminated against them on the basis of race, and they won their petitions.

This covers some of that: http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketb ... -for-ducks

And more: http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketb ... basketball

But losing senior forward Arsalan Kazemi -- who was granted his release on Monday -- on the heels of center Omar Oraby (USC), guard Dylan Ennis (Villanova), forward Jarelle Reischel (URI), forward Ahmad Ibrahim (turning pro) and forward David Chadwick (Valparaiso), who have all left the program this offseason, makes it seem likely that the Owls will be silenced this season.
The natural reaction is to wonder if coach Ben Braun has suddenly lost his team and his program. Earlier in the offseason he jettisoned assistant coach Marco Morcos, who was tight with Kazemi. The reason for the dismissal wasn't released.

[LA_Mustang]

Kazemi is a really good player

[SoCal_Pony]

If we stay healthy and can get some bench support, just have to believe that we can go .500 in CUSA, if not slightly better.

That works out to NIT bid IMO. Just think we are a unique story and NIT would like the additional media exposure.

Question for Hoopmanx or someone else in the know. Seem to remember we ‘bought’ our way into the CIT tourney a couple of years ago just to get the exposure. Would we do the same thing this year if we get passed over by NCAA and NIT?

[CalallenStang]

Kazemi is a really good player

Yep. He was a huge loss for the Owls.

[mustangxc]

If we stay healthy and can get some bench support, just have to believe that we can go .500 in CUSA, if not slightly better.

That works out to NIT bid IMO. Just think we are a unique story and NIT would like the additional media exposure.

Question for Hoopmanx or someone else in the know. Seem to remember we ‘bought’ our way into the CIT tourney a couple of years ago just to get the exposure. Would we do the same thing this year if we get passed over by NCAA and NIT?

I think we have to go 10-6 or better in CUSA to make the NIT.