You can build all the culture you want, but if you don't have the talent to compete, it's just a feel-good story for a 4-8 season. The portal is how you supplement your high school classes and address immediate needs, especially at our level. Sitting out the portal game is a choice to fall behind. We're actively working the portal for impact players who can come in and contribute right away, while still developing our core. Those "mercenaries" are often guys seeking a better fit or more playing time, and they bring experience and hunger. To win the Big South-OVC, you need difference-makers, and sometimes the best ones are in the portal. Our staff is building both a foundation and adding key pieces. Ignoring a major talent acquisition tool isn't a virtue, it's a strategic mistake. Your "foundation" needs elite talent to actually win championships.