In Reply to: Re: We couldn't afford him*. posted by jerseybruin on April 09, 2026 at 19:05:55
'Why did Cronin keep him on the bench?'
Good question. I think there are answers but bottom line, it was a mistake.
But - why? I remember Cronin talking several times about having a good talk with Mara's farther, promising him he wouldn't rush Mara out there before he was ready, that he'd take his time developing him. Cronin seemed very secure in that relationship. Plus, back when Mara was a freshman especially and when he was a sophomore, at least the first half of the season, Cronin clearly felt his team was more ready to play - and to play his kind of ball - with the smaller lineup, getting Bilodeau and Dailey out there as much as possible.
I think he was wrong about that in terms of overall effectiveness of the team. But he clearly didn't get how frustrated Mara was getting. Cori Close clearly had to learn that the kids today don't have the same level of patience, losing her entire freshman class after last season. Aarnisalo clearly realized she wasn't going to play much this season what with Leger-Walker back and Kiki Rice - two outstanding PGs. What with the rumors of her likely return now, her move away made sense for her as she got to play a great deal more this past season than would have been the case. But this season, Close made sure to give the key frosh significant playing time so they could clearly see the path forward in our program.
Cronin needs to take that to heart and show he's learned that lesson as well.
That doesn't mean Andy is incorrect in what he said, though. Once we committed $3 million ro Donovan Dent and what we had to commit to retain all the others especially Bilodeau, Dailey and Clark, we just didn't have enough money left over to compete with Michigan for Mara's services. (Another factor I expect is they thought they had Mara committed to return at what turned out to be a bargain basement price - strange world today when a million buck or more for a college sports player is bargain basement price level! - I wouldn't be at all surprised if Mara hadn't come to believe that what he had thought was a decent offer didn't actually turn out to be a case in which UCLA had actually low-balled him.)
It's rarely one single thing.