Guess I didn't see Newell's decision to transfer as a negative, at least in the usual sense that it came as a result of off-the-court legal or character issues, problems with grades or attending class, disagreements with coaches and teammates that created dissension within the ranks, etc . The kind of stuff we heard so much about the previous two seasons, and some of it known only to those of us who had a link to inside information.
I don't rule out the possibility that Newell's departure was due, in part, to a lack of playing time or a desire to be a starter. To be honest, I was told that was one of the main reasons he left. But since it was information that couldn't be confirmed, it was, and will continue to be, nothing more than a rumor.
On the whole, though, this year's team has been as trouble/problem free as any team we've had in years. I think this group of kids actually likes each other, which may explain why Coach Kruger was able to mold them into a cohesive unit so quickly. Just sayin'...
