28 minutes ago, 1Forrest1 said:

I believe this could be a blessing in disguise. Snapp and Co will adapt this change. All great coaches do. 
 

Lowe, Starks, Turner, and Yamil will be play makers. I foresee Starks and Turner being a problem for teams. Yamil’s shooting and Lowe’s IQ will prove to be Huge for the Wildcats. 

let’s not forget Anderson. He is tough and can make his way to the basket. 
 

KOB will be a huge test for them. 
 

Newport did lose Noah Silverton as well. 
 

look forward to the tricks Snapp has in his pocket! 

Easily still top 3 in talent terms of the 9th. Between the Blue Colonel news and this news the 9th is WAY more interesting than it was about 3-5 months ago!! I was wrong for saying lopsided, (I honestly didn't realize the talent they had still) I'd still give the edge to both Cooper and CCH because they have their ball handlers and scorers coming back. Newport is replacing that!

2 hours ago, GoBucks97 said:

I don't think the rest of the squad is gonna stay at Newport. Starks already had rumors of leaving and I think that'll come to fruition. Even if he doesn't, can Starks and Turner really lead this team? I'd put CCH and Cooper both over them in rankings simply cause guard play. 

I would think that the addition of Rondon from Copper will soften Kinney's leaving. He has had international experience.

Where did Silverton transfer to this year?

2 hours ago, 9068 said:

Where did Silverton transfer to this year?

He is moving to MI. Unsure about playing basketball. He wants to go to school at UM. 

I love all the talent at Newport even with Kinney gone they are still going to be one of the top dogs in the 9th. But with that being said Kinney also meant alot for that team besides what he posted in the stat sheets. He was born a leader and he did alot naturally just keeping that team "sane" without having to force it and by leading by example. I don't see them winning the 9th this year (I don't have a prediction on who wins it either tho). I will root for them more now just because it will be cool to see the adversity they go through and how they prevail through it. I love Rondon and his passion for the game and the way he plays it. Lowe is good and will keep getting better everyday on his way to greatness but the way Kinney made that team gel you can't replicate it. I do see Anderson's role really taking off he should be able to roam all over the floor and be a huge problem on both sides of the floor for other teams. Anderson may be the biggest problem for other teams to manage because I think they are going to overlook him for a while trying to key in on Newports other pieces.

Newport is about to see A LOT more zone defense.

1 hour ago, ProblemChild said:

Newport is about to see A LOT more zone defense.

Snapp loves playing stall ball he will have them hold the ball at half court for almost minutes at a time.

What ever happened with the kid from Pittsburgh that was supposed to be transferring to Newport.  I think he was a 3 star recruit and looked to be really good.  Anyone have any info on this?

4 hours ago, Cousin Chris said:

What ever happened with the kid from Pittsburgh that was supposed to be transferring to Newport.  I think he was a 3 star recruit and looked to be really good.  Anyone have any info on this?

He played with Kinney on the  national AAU circuit so I imagine he got word that Kinney was headed to OTE and decided to stay put or look at different options. Kinney's step dad coached that circuit team and there was a close relationship there between the families. His step dad actually had a big hand in the development of the whole Newport team over the last few years from outside of the school walls. Not sure where his step dad still stands with Newport but if he isn't a part of the equation anymore he will be greatly missed also but I imagine if he isn't moving to Atlanta he will still be apart of their process because he had formed genuine relationships with the people there and in the community