Easily one of the best players, if not the best player, on the Monmouth University men’s basketball team is transferring out of West Long Branch next year. The Hawks Nest blog heard a rumor that Taylor might be going to Rutgers University up in New Brunswick. The Asbury Park Press and Monmouth University’s Athletics Department are reporting:
“Travis’ mother contacted me by phone and declared that they have decided that her son needed to move on to further enhance his chances of playing in the NBA,” [Dave] Calloway said.
“We are truly disappointed in Travis’ decision to leave Monmouth,” said Calloway. “His teammates stood by him this past season and were counting on him this upcoming year. “We wish Travis the best and truly hope he finds what he is looking for.”
Taylor is Leaving the MAC Center Next Year
Another one of the comments said that Taylor isn’t even close to being an NBA-caliber player and while most people will probably agree with that statement, I think that if the kid sees an opportunity to reach a higher level by moving somewhere else, then you can’t denigrate his choice. However, you have to start wondering just what the heck is going on over at Monmouth University in their men’s basketball program. Not only is Travis Taylor leaving the team (and the school), but both Dutch Gaitley and George Barbour have quit the team. Rumors suggest that these two have the equivalent of irreconcilable differences with Coach Dave Calloway. Lord only knows what type of stuff (drama?) is going on behind the scenes with the men’s basketball team…
No matter what happens, though, I’ll be back in my seats next season to enjoy some basketball at the MAC Center. I just didn’t think that I’d be watching a completely different team play when only one of this past season’s players (Whitney Coleman) was graduating!
As of today, Dutch Gaitley, George Barbour, Travis Taylor, and now Justin Sofman have left the team. All of these players were starters. Add into that the graduation of Whitney Coleman, all five starters will have left the program. These moves clearly question the direction of the program especially with a brand new MAC Center built. I’m sure a lot of people will have their own opinions, however, I believe that it is more Dave Calloway’s coaching style that is drawing players to leave.
The offense he runs can certainly win games in the lowly NEC but once the Hawks play bigger and better talent (ie Villanova, Rutgers, Seton Hall, etc.) this motion type offense is certainly outclassed and outplayed. As more Hawks teams are competing nationally and becoming successful (Track and Field, Soccer) the men’s basketball team clearly lags behind. In my opinion, it is no wonder that a true Division 1 player would rather play for any school other than Monmouth.