Thought we could use a thread dedicated to China. China continues to position itself as one of the world superpowers. Perhaps the world superpower in the future. China continues to strengthen its influence across the globe. Meanwhile, US foreign policy appears adrift unable to focus on anything except Ukraine.

Is China laying the groundwork for war or more likely positioning itself to be able to negotiate favorable terms from a position of strength?

Scheduled visitors for this weekend include TU commits Cobe Williams and Keaston Willis, the LA Tech transfers, and TCU guard PJ Haggerty.

Chris can you put the press conference on here?

The TU Blue and Gold Champion’s Night is this Friday 4/28 at 7pm at the Reynolds Center. Tickets are only $25 and will include live music and Vegas- style games. TU coaches of all sports will be there. I formed a group unimaginatively named Kendall Crew if you would like to attend as part of a group. It’s very informal…wear gameday type gear.

If you’re around, please plan to attend. It should be a blast, and it raises good money for the Champion’s Fund.

Link to the event

On the latest Eye of the Hurricane Podcast, Head MBB Coach Eric Konkol held a press conference to talk about the additions to the Hurricane program:

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40 yard dash - 4.41 unofficial
10 yard split - 1.53
Vertical jump - 35.5
Broad Jump - 10’ 4”

Bartlesville (OK) guard David Castillo, one of the top prospects in the 2024 class, has good things to say about Tulsa in this national article from Rivals...

Is it interesting that out of all the former TU basketball players that hit the portal, only one player has been picked up by a division one school. Now, I am sure BB, Dalger, and Selabangue will eventually get picked up other schools, but I am fascinated by the others. Are the other players not worthy of a DI offer?

So one of my favorite events to watch start to end each year as much for the beauty of Augusta National as well as the intrigue on the course, especially the back 9 on Sunday. I've seen the Thursday/Friday group pairings and August National really missed out on creating a little spice in the pairing and creating tension the 1st 2 days by not pairing Sergio or Phil with Tiger or Rory, or the even better putting Patrick Reed and Rory in the same group. Seriously, any of those pairings would be must watch TV whereas most people wouldn't tune in until the weekend hits and then just watch the leaders. I'd love to see some trash talk on the course and not the playful stuff Rory and Tiger seem to engage in or Tiger and JT. I want to see true vitriol out there.

Another OL headed to Auburn.

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Memphis players be Memphising again: <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Memphis basketball commit Mikey Williams was arrested Thursday on five charges of assault with a deadly weapon, per Jackson Brown of ABC 24 Memphis. <a href="https://t.co/wTALraCk8z">pic.twitter.com/wTALraCk8z</a></p>&mdash; Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) <a href=" Login to view embedded media ">April 14, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

On the latest Eye of the Hurricane Podcast, Coach Eric Konkol held a press conference to discuss the new players coming to Tulsa:

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Guess I kind of forgot about them or just didn’t notice an answer about them , I seen where they they are still on the roster . Any info on them playing this year ? Sorry if this has already been answered , just curious

"He loves working with us. All of us guys love having him around," said Will Farniok about Wilson. "You can definitely tell he's a genius when it comes to making plays, the scheme. You can trust that he knows what he is talking about."

Anybody have any idea what we have at WR this year besides Jones ?

As most of you know we are competing against other AAC teams for players and most are asking about NIL payments. If we are to compete with the other schools we urgently need to contribute to the new TU NIL collective. I contributed a Men's Basketball Custom donation which is tax deductible. It is time for Original TULSAFAN, astonmartin708, and even panicstricken and all of you to help make a difference in our roster for next year. This may be the most important post I have made in a long time as it will determine our returning to basketball prominence once again. It does not replace your GHC contribution which is still important to TU athletics.

Tulsa is expected to host Michigan transfer Isaiah Barnes and Jacksonville transfer Mike Marsh this coming weekend.

Barnes is a 6-7, 200 pound wing with 3 years of eligibility remaining. He played in 15 games off the bench, averaging 1.1 points, 1.1 rebounds in 6.1 minutes per game. Was a 4-star recruit out of high school.

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Mike Marsh is a 6-11, 240 pound center. Has 1 year of eligibility. Averaged 10.5 pts and 5.0 rebs per game this season. Played in 22 games this season, starting 14...missed time in the middle of the season due to a shoulder injury suffered against UNCW on Dec. 10...scored in double-figures 14 times...recorded his fourth career double-double with a season-high 19 points and 10 rebounds vs. Johnson on Nov. 11...missed a D-D by just one rebound two other times...a season-high three steals as part of a 17-point, 9-rebound effort in the upset win over VCU on Dec. 7...finished second on the team in scoring, rebounding and field goal percentage...longest stretch of starts came in ASUN play, where he started seven straight games and scored in double-figures in five of the seven contests.

One of the visitors I mentioned in Hurricane Alley on Monday has committed to TU...

La. Tech, Clemson, and now Michigan. TU seems to be grabbing some players. Still, the team needs some big power forwards and a center.

A four guard lineup would definitely be a different look for TU.

Congrats Shaq. You belong with the big boys.

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Would like to wish everyone here a Happy Easter ! Go TU!

Open practice today from 11:30 - 12:30. I’m looking forward to getting a first look at Coach Wilson’s first TU football team. Should be a beautiful day for football!

Info from TU Athletic Page:

TULSA, Okla. –– Fans will have an opportunity to meet the 2023 Tulsa football team at Tulsa Football Springfest on Saturday, April 1, from 11:30-2 p.m. at H.A. Chapman Stadium.

Springfest is FREE admission and open to fans of all ages.

Fans can watch team practice from 11:30-12:30 p.m., then join the Golden Hurricane football team on the field. Festivities will also include bounce houses and other interactive games for kids and adults, food trucks, beer garden and music with a live DJ. Fans will have an opportunity to get autographs with Tulsa players and coaches as well.

Springfest will take the place of the traditional spring game. Tulsa spring drills get underway this week.

Current season ticket holders will have the exclusive opportunity to watch practice from the Case Athletic Building Suite with complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and snacks.

Thoughts and prayers to OU, sad situation.