Connor Niego Staying at Holy Cross (Academically)?

Tom, all you say may be true but why not just let it go? HC is moving on and this may be another case where those who said HC did not have much in the way of D1 talent were actually (to my regret) correct. I hope he experiences many wins at his new home. Sadly, it will be without a Holy Cross degree.

Sad to see Blake and Connor so concerned with winning that they would even drop a level to accomplish it. I thank them for their time as Crusaders and wish good things now and in the future for each of them.

I wonder how they will feel if/when they see HC win without them?

We like to think that Holy Cross athletes are the kind of student that while their sport is very important to them, other factors, like the quality of the education they are getting are also very important to them. In fact, may even be more important than their athletic endeavors.

Kyle Copeland may well be an example of that.

But, Niego may also be an example of his athletic focus being of lesser importance than the other factors in his life, especially his family. 

But I sure wouldn't discount the impact of playing on a 3-29 team that really didn't show much, if any, improvement as the season progressed. What messages were they getting about their next season at Holy Cross? "Here's your hat, what's your hurry?" "Don't let the door hit you in the @$$ on the way out!" 

When Ralph left, I didn't think it was possible that the trajectory of the program would go in one direction - almost straight down for over a decade (conceding the 5 game PL tournament championship - the exception that proves the rule). 

None of us will know what took place for any member of the team, and what prompted the departure of what a reasonable observer would call a large chunk of the roster. 

Winning is important and the reason games are played.

While being part of a team and the life lessons learned are important, the major reason players/coaches compete in a team sport, and fans participate, is for the opportunity to win games. 

Perhaps those who left wanted to win, perhaps they wanted to play in the future, or perhaps they were asked to look for other options-we don't know. We love Holy Cross and perhaps they did as well, but they are gone and whether they are playing D1-2-3 or not playing at all, as RGS said we should respect their decision, thank them for their efforts, and wish them well. 

Some day we will learn more about the chaos of the 2019-20 season, or perhaps we won't, but I believe we will remember it was one nightmare result for players, students and fans that could have been avoided if..... Those of you more knowledgeable about the game can fill in the blank.

We've known for a while he was headed to D.2 Lewis U. - looks like he's suiting up now
lewisflyers.com/news/2020/12/28/flyers-add-connor-niego-to-mens-basketball-roster.aspx