I'm not buying that Maliq was sincerely told he had a shot at being a starting Forward and bailed for NIL money or playing time elsewhere. I don't care if an insider or ten say that's the case. Because for that to be the case, that means nothing matters anymore and college sports are dead in the water and there is no point in rooting for any players anymore because we're just dealing with rentals who don't give a darn about their commitment to a school or fanbase, so we shouldn't give a darn about them. As a fan of college sports, I'd like for college sports not to suck and die. If I'm just rooting for orange jerseys, then it, I'm out.
With that said, this means all eyes are on Bell. I hope he feels the pressure and rises to the occasion. Whether it was by design or default, it appears that he was chosen over Maliq as a starter. I think Donnie committed with an understanding that he would start. This is reasonable. Any idea that he has to come in and 'earn' a starting spot is lip service stuff coaches have to say. So, Bell better be lights out next season. He is/can be a truly elite shooter. Like, #1 in the ACC or even country level elite. He needs to be that.