GRAPHIC BY: ALLIE ELKINS
BY ALLIE ELKINS, SPORTS EDITOR
St. Bonaventure Athletic Director Joe Manhertz confirms in front of a Jandoli School classroom Thursday morning that Bonaventure players found out about the university’s decision to opt out of NIT along with the general public Tuesday night.
“We didn’t communicate to the players,” said Manhertz. “We did that [Tuesday], after everything blew up.”
Press reports and statements made by the university show this timeline of events:
ESPN displayed a graphic during Tuesday’s Xavier vs. Georgia NIT game that listed Bonaventure among 17 schools to opt out of the tournament.
Joe Manhertz, Bonaventure athletic director, released a statement Wednesday confirming the university’s decision.
“Considering the logistics of what would have been an NIT road game, we made the proactive decision Sunday afternoon to inform the NIT selection committee of our concerns regarding roster uncertainty given injury and the transfer portal that would have left us at a competitive disadvantage,” said Manhertz in the statement. “Together, athletics department administration and the coaching staff made the decision in the best interest of our student-athletes.”
Hours later redshirt junior Chad Venning entered the transfer portal. Venning was the fourth Bonnie to enter the portal.
Less than 24 hours after the loss on March 18 sophomore guard Barry Evans entered the portal. On March 19, junior guard Kyrell Luc and redshirt freshman center Melian Martinez entered the transfer portal.
On Thursday, Manhertz elaborated further on the decision in front of a Jandoli School classroom.
According to Manhertz, player meetings were conducted Sunday regarding their plans to stay at Bonaventure or enter the transfer portal.
“Players gave us an indication of what they wanted to do Sunday,” said Manhertz.
According to Manhertz, he and Mark Schmidt, along with other athletic advisors, ultimately made the decision to reject any possible bid.
Manhertz expressed concerns over potential player motivation following transfer portal decisions.
“If they tell us they’re leaving and then we say, ‘Guys, we got one more game so suit up.’ That’s rolling the dice on what kids are going to do.” said Manhertz. “How much are they going to give?”
When referring to the aforementioned ESPN graphic, Manhertz emphasized Bonaventure’s position among Power Five schools in postseason play.
“Pitt, Syracuse UCLA, do we not want to be associated with them?” said Manhertz. “Do you think recruits that we want, want to say ‘Yeah, I want to be in that group”? Or ‘Do I want to be in the NIT?’”
Manhertz, who previously worked in fundraising for consistent NCAA Tournament contenders like Duke, Ohio State and Syracuse, elaborated on his lack of understanding regarding the perspective of Bonaventure fans.
“For alumni and fans that the NIT means something to, that’s a dichotomy that I didn’t appreciate,” said Manhertz. “What I learned is that [the NIT] means a lot more to the Bonaventure alumni than it does to the Bonaventure players.”
Manhertz concluded with how he plans to handle decisions similar to this one in the future.
“I think the aspect that I learned the most is to get the [players] in on the decision early, and if there’s something we’re doing, notify the right people,” said Manhertz. “I made decisions that some were good and some were bad. I got to be better next time. Every decision I make is to make sure the student athletes and, as an institution, can get better at being competitive.”
elkinsae23@bonaventure.edu
