Three things I know for sure: Part I

PICTURED: Trey Thompson, Andrew Force   Trying a new story format. Frankly, I am stealing an idea popularized by some.   'Three Things I Know For Sure, Three Things I Think I Know'   If you like it, then I will do another. Analytics reveal how many people read and how long.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">ONE</h2>   Chattanooga's Mocs are looking for a preferred walk-on (PWO). Division I programs are no longer under the same restrictions as they were 10 years ago. Not even five. D1 used to be able to sign 13 players to full-ride scholarships and then walk-on's would typically be on the team. Walk-ons have to pay their own room/board. They just dress, travel, practice with the team. Under extremely rare circumstances that guy would see the game floor.   Nowadays, after the federal court decision, NCAA D1 teams are allotted 15 scholarships and tend to use 1-2 for walk-ons. They are allowed to use all 15 for full-ride scholarships, I believe.   I say all that to say this...the state of Tennessee is almost certainly going to supply that one walk-on to University of Chattanooga. Candidates are [player_tooltip player_id='2765371' first='Caleb' last='Hardaway'] and others. [player_tooltip player_id='2351063' first='Turner' last='Clayton'] would love to be that walk-on. I expect the Moc staff to scour the state for "better" guards than Turner meaning guards that are more 'D1 practice-ready' than Clayton in their eyes. I see graduating Nolensville big[player_tooltip player_id='1946924' first='Chris' last='Johnson'] as a strong candidate. I am unconvinced that Chattanooga wants him despite his admittance to the university as an academic student already.   Keep in mind that beyond adding a walk-on Chattanooga Head Coach and staff must add SEVEN new players to their already locked-in squad. SEVEN. So, the walk-on recruitment is not priority 1.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">TWO</h2>   Trey Thompson is going to return to University of Iowa, as long as University of North Carolina/Kansas does not hire away superstar coaching prospect and current Iowa Head Coach Ben McCollum.   Iowa freshman Trey Thompson will remain in Iowa City, his father told me during lunchtime Wednesday. Formerly ranked #2 in Class of 2026, Thompson "reclassified up" when Iowa offered him a full-ride as a '25. Now Thompson plans to stay loyal to University of Iowa, as long as University of North Carolina/Kansas does not hire away superstar coaching prospect and current Iowa Head Coach Ben McCollum in which case who knows what the new staff would want.   The 6'8" forward Thompson redshirted with mononucleosis this past season for the Elite 8 achievers.   It is necessary to note that breakout star Head Coach Ben McCollum (Iowa) will get high-high major looks.   North Carolina still has not hired a 2026-2027 head coach. I have seen multiple reporters include them in a short list of targets. Though I have no idea on that hiring process his inclusion in their lists tells me that Ben will get an interview or maybe just have his agent contacted by a middle man representing UNC.   If he is plucked, then the 230-pound forward Trey's status at University of Iowa instantly becomes precarious and capable of curtailment.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">THREE</h2>   Dartmouth replaced David McLaughlin with Brett MacConnell. Coaching changes at the college level instantly throw player's lives into turmoil.   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> HANOVER, N.H. — Mike Harrity, Haldeman Family Director of Athletics and Recreation, announced today that the contract of men's basketball head coach <dfn><a href="https://dartmouthsports.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/david-mclaughlin/10367">David McLaughlin</a></dfn> will not be renewed.    "We are grateful to Coach McLaughlin for his dedication to Dartmouth and for the commitment he has shown to our student-athletes and this program during the past decade," said Harrity. "Following an ongoing review, we determined that a leadership change is necessary as we work to continue elevating all aspects of the men's basketball program. We thank David for his efforts and wish him and his family the best."   McLaughlin became the head coach of the men's basketball program in 2016. During his tenure, the program compiled an 87-161 overall record and a 41-85 mark in Ivy League play.   In the 2024-25 season, Dartmouth made its first appearance in the Ivy League postseason tournament, Ivy Madness, and finished with its best record (14-14) since the 1998-99 season.   The men's basketball team concluded the 2025–26 season on Saturday, March 7, with a 111–90 loss to Cornell, finishing the year with an overall record of 11–16, 5–9 mark in Ivy League play. </blockquote>   My first thought was...'What about my guy Ernas?' Is he safe? Are they going to pull his offer? Will he have to find a new home for the fall of 2026. It is quite late in the process. Not good.'   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/AndrewForce8/status/2039178575358619789?s=20 </div></figure>   Thankfully, my worries were unjustified. His High School Head Coach Kenneth White told me earlier this week that he is sticking with Dartmouth and they are sticking with him.

PICTURED: Trey Thompson, Andrew Force