Greg_Gaston's Blog

Let me start by saying I really am going to miss Doneal Mack. Not only did I enjoy Mack hoisting up the long ball, but he was about as nice a young man as I've ever had to deal with. After the Tigers loss to Tennessee in February, it was only Mack who "Manned up" and spoke to the media. Mack always put his team first, and was about as courteous and thoughtful towards the media as anyone that has ever donned the blue and grey.

As for his decision to transfer....I respect it. Mack is heading into his Junior season and wants to play more. I'm sure it was a decision he made with some reservation, as he leaves a program that played in the National Title Game last season. According to his Father Greg Mack, Doneal's situation is all about playing time, and after a reported conversation between Doneal and Head Coach John Calipari, it doesn't appear there will be any guarantees.

So what does this loss mean for the Team? Well, after losing the bulk of your offense in Derrick Rose and Chris Douglas-Roberts, the Tigers now lose their big threat off the bench. Let's not forget Mack made some big shots last season, and produced a career high 23 points in a win over Pepperdine. But in the post season Mack did not produce, and as the competition got better, and the defenders tougher, Mack couldn't find his shot.

The 6'5" shooting guard will help another program. His father said LSU, Clemson or Wake Forest may be an option. In the meantime the Tigers and Coach Cal will entertain recruit Emmanuel Negedu Thursday and Roburt Sallie on Saturday. The will also host an advanced skills overnight camp which will be attended by some of the top High School underclassmen in the country. In other words, the Tigers will be just fine.

So here's to Doneal and his future endeavors, and here's to the Tigers fielding another Championship caliber team with players that want to be here, know their roles, and think team first