Kendrick Nunn's Top 5 (Marquette in good spot)

[mu ricer22]

Compared Memphis to Marquette.
Likes Buzz and his style of play.

http://m.espn.go.com/wireless/story?storyId=8230814&city=chicago

[reinko]

"The relationship we have with Buzz is platinum," Melvin said. "He loves the way Buzz coaches and gives attention to his players. I think he fell in love with Marquette the game we attended. He likes the way Buzz coaches. They're in a great place to continue to win. Coming from a winning program like Simeon, you want to keep that going."

[nyg]

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaab-the-dagger/tom-crean-accidentally-sends-weird-tweet-not-meant-193243362--ncaab.html

Thank goodness Buzz didn't send Nunn any "tweets" like Crean just did to some recruit.  Strange to say the least. 

[We R Final Four]

KN loves the school, the coach, the style, hopefully the proximity, Dad is on board...........love it.  Simeon Pipeline.  Please K Nunn bring your talents to Wisconsin Ave.!

[avid1010]

nm

[real chili 83]

I wonder how telling the last paragraph is when his dad said that "we" don't want to go somewhere just to sit.

That statement could be interpreted a bunch of different ways.  Just an interesting comment.

[RubyWiscy]

MU clearly gets the most positive props.  I think the "want to play right away" line is typical of most top recruits. Kids (and parents) have no patience these days.

[avid1010]

sounds to me like they want an up-tempo style of play, with a team that is going to win, but still has that one spot available for Nunn to shine.  if i were in that position i'd want the same thing.  he needs a solid team around him so he personally plays his best, he needs to get out and run to play his best, and he needs a team that has all the pieces and is just lacking his skills in a way that he's going to get major minutes even through any freshman growing pains.  his dad's quotes may come off a little strong, but he seems spot on with his thinking.  it obviously makes sense to limit the group to five, but i have to believe being the leader right now doesn't really even mean much.

[brewcity77]

Of the schools on his list, I think the favorites would be Marquette and Ohio State, with UCLA the next most likely. Of course, if Kentucky, Kansas, or UNC enter the picture, I could see him jumping at those opportunities.

[Groin_pull]

Of the schools on his list, I think the favorites would be Marquette and Ohio State, with UCLA the next most likely. Of course, if Kentucky, Kansas, or UNC enter the picture, I could see him jumping at those opportunities.

All of those criteria—and that list of schools—go out the window if Kentucky or UNC get involved. It still feels like MU is his safety school.

[MuMark]

I think the ship has probably sailed on NC/Kentucky. He waited...they didn't offer and he narrowed his list. Only 3 months before signing day and he has no relationship with either of those 2 schools who are obviously focusing on other players.

Probably a 95% chance he ends up at one of the 5 schools he listed today.

[Otule's Glass Eye]

[MarsupialMadness]

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaab-the-dagger/tom-crean-accidentally-sends-weird-tweet-not-meant-193243362--ncaab.html

Thank goodness Buzz didn't send Nunn any "tweets" like Crean just did to some recruit.  Strange to say the least. 

^^^ that is kinda creepy.

[Hards Alumni]

I think the ship has probably sailed on NC/Kentucky. He waited...they didn't offer and he narrowed his list. Only 3 months before signing day and he has no relationship with either of those 2 schools who are obviously focusing on other players.

Probably a 95% chance he ends up at one of the 5 schools he listed today.

Exactly.  It isn't as if those programs haven't heard of him.  He is a known player, and isn't coming out of nowhere.

[Groin_pull]

Exactly.  It isn't as if those programs haven't heard of him.  He is a known player, and isn't coming out of nowhere.

Oh, please. Things change quickly in the world of college hoops. If Nunn has a monster year...and UNC or Kentucky decide they need another guard...MU and those other schools will be left in the dust.

That's the beauty of being a true elite school. You can jump in at the last moment and grab a player that other schools have been recruiting for years.

[Dawson Rental]

After the recent TJ episode, I would think that any MU fan would love the following quote from Melvin: ""I'm a firm believer, if you're there, stay there. For me to say that, we have to make sure he's at the right place. Once he makes that decision, this is your spot."

Amen.

Also, Texas A&M is finally out.  Nice to have the old choice gone.

[Lennys Tap]

Oh, please. Things change quickly in the world of college hoops. If Nunn has a monster year...and UNC or Kentucky decide they need another guard...MU and those other schools will be left in the dust.

That's the beauty of being a true elite school. You can jump in at the last moment and grab a player that other schools have been recruiting for years.

Nunn will sign a letter of intent this November so it's a little for him to have a monster year to impress UNC or Kentucky.

[Hards Alumni]

Oh, please. Things change quickly in the world of college hoops. If Nunn has a monster year...and UNC or Kentucky decide they need another guard...MU and those other schools will be left in the dust.

That's the beauty of being a true elite school. You can jump in at the last moment and grab a player that other schools have been recruiting for years.

If you have room.  Which most of them don't because they fill up on the cream of the crop early.

[MuMark]

This....if he wanted to inmpress them he wouldn't sign in November which by all indictions he is going to do.

Nunn will sign a letter of intent this November so it's a little for him to have a monster year to impress UNC or Kentucky.

[Marqevans]

I wonder how telling the last paragraph is when his dad said that "we" don't want to go somewhere just to sit.

That statement could be interpreted a bunch of different ways.  Just an interesting comment.

There are no guarantees of playing time at Marquette. Not sure you want someone who does not expect to earn it.  Then again it might mean he doesn't want a program loaded up with sophomore or junior guards.

[GGGG]

There are no guarantees of playing time at Marquette. Not sure you want someone who does not expect to earn it.  Then again it might mean he doesn't want a program loaded up with sophomore or junior guards.

Hey, some people on this board still assert that Blue was given promises of playing time...

[bilsu]

There are no guarantees of playing time at Marquette. Not sure you want someone who does not expect to earn it.  Then again it might mean he doesn't want a program loaded up with sophomore or junior guards.

That is why I do not think he comes to MU. Wilson and Burton are going to take two of the thre guard spots and Blue will still be here. It might be a positive, if Mayo is gone.

[GGGG]

That is why I do not think he comes to MU. Wilson and Burton are going to take two of the thre guard spots and Blue will still be here. It might be a positive, if Mayo is gone.

Nunn is rated higher than both Wilson and Burton.  Door is completely open for playing time.

[jsglow]

Steve's experience this fall will potentially influence Nunn. No doubt the two will talk. It's like having inside info on a new job.

[MuMark]

He can play behind Blue as a frosh and then take over for him as a Soph assuming he plays well.

Burton and Wilson will have no impact. Wilson is a point who can play the 2 and Burton is more of a 3 who can even play some 4 in certain situations.

Nunn is really a 2 like DJO.

Plenty of playing time for all.

Taylor leaving may help us land him since they were very similar players.

[Jay Bee]

Steve's experience this fall will potentially influence Nunn. No doubt the two will talk. It's like having inside info on a new job.

I think Nunn'll commit before the season begins.. but, if Buzz comes out with the Karate attire during Marquette Madness we've probably got him all locked up.

Wonder if Buzz has been thinking about Kendrick a lot.  A whole lot.

[brewcity77]

I'm going to rule out guys that will pretty much exclusively be forwards, and try a rough projection of the starting lineup based on who we know will be here. Basically, trying to break down the available minutes. Here is the scholarship table as Nunn will see it:

Freshman Year (2013-14)
Seniors: Vander Blue, Jake Thomas (walk-on)
Juniors: Juan Anderson, Derrick Wilson, Todd Mayo
Sophomores: Jamal Ferguson
Freshmen: Deonte Burton, Duane Wilson
Expected Starting Lineup: Blue, Mayo, Taylor, McKay, Gardner

We don't really have a true point in this lineup. I could see Derrick Wilson also starting as a junior point, most likely pushing Taylor to the bench behind McKay. But if I'm Kendrick Nunn, there's a lot of time here behind Blue, Mayo, and Taylor. So far, of the other players off the bench, only Juan Anderson has played for Marquette, and Nunn is higher rated than anyone save the freshmen he'd be coming in with. Looking at guys like Vander Blue and Todd Mayo in recent years, the opportunity for instant meaningful minutes will be there.

Sophomore Year (2014-15)

Seniors: Juan Anderson, Derrick Wilson, Todd Mayo
Juniors: Jamal Ferguson
Sophomores: Deonte Burton, Duane Wilson
Expected Starting Lineup: Wilson (?), Mayo, Anderson, Taylor, McKay

This year is much more wide open. Which Wilson will start at the point? Will Mayo be here? Will Burton start ahead of Anderson and Ferguson? Either way, if I were Nunn, I would look at this as a year I could potentially move into the starting lineup. Even if he didn't start, he would probably be one of the first off the bench. I think he'd have every opportunity to get 20+ mpg this season whether he started or not.

Junior Year (2015-16)

Seniors: Jamal Ferguson
Juniors: Deonte Burton, Duane Wilson
Expected Starting Lineup: Wilson, Ferguson, Burton, Looney, Stone

Okay, a bit of dreaming here, but we obviously know very little about this year. Either way, the opportunity would completely be there for Nunn to be starting his junior and senior year, if he wasn't already as a sophomore. He would potentially be one of many stars on a star-studded team.

I don't know how much time will be available elsewhere over his first three years, but I could easily see him going from 2nd or 3rd off the bench to spot starter to star within three years.

[Ellenson Guerrero]

I can't imagine Buzz starting Ox, McKay, and Taylor without a true point guard on the floor.

[Silkk the Shaka]

I'm going to rule out guys that will pretty much exclusively be forwards, and try a rough projection of the starting lineup based on who we know will be here. Basically, trying to break down the available minutes. Here is the scholarship table as Nunn will see it:

Freshman Year (2013-14)
Seniors: Vander Blue, Jake Thomas (walk-on)
Juniors: Juan Anderson, Derrick Wilson, Todd Mayo
Sophomores: Jamal Ferguson
Freshmen: Deonte Burton, Duane Wilson
Expected Starting Lineup: Blue, Mayo, Taylor, McKay, Gardner

We don't really have a true point in this lineup. I could see Derrick Wilson also starting as a junior point, most likely pushing Taylor to the bench behind McKay. But if I'm Kendrick Nunn, there's a lot of time here behind Blue, Mayo, and Taylor. So far, of the other players off the bench, only Juan Anderson has played for Marquette, and Nunn is higher rated than anyone save the freshmen he'd be coming in with. Looking at guys like Vander Blue and Todd Mayo in recent years, the opportunity for instant meaningful minutes will be there.

Sophomore Year (2014-15)

Seniors: Juan Anderson, Derrick Wilson, Todd Mayo
Juniors: Jamal Ferguson
Sophomores: Deonte Burton, Duane Wilson
Expected Starting Lineup: Wilson (?), Mayo, Anderson, Taylor, McKay

This year is much more wide open. Which Wilson will start at the point? Will Mayo be here? Will Burton start ahead of Anderson and Ferguson? Either way, if I were Nunn, I would look at this as a year I could potentially move into the starting lineup. Even if he didn't start, he would probably be one of the first off the bench. I think he'd have every opportunity to get 20+ mpg this season whether he started or not.

Junior Year (2015-16)

Seniors: Jamal Ferguson
Juniors: Deonte Burton, Duane Wilson
Expected Starting Lineup: Wilson, Ferguson, Burton, Looney, Stone

Okay, a bit of dreaming here, but we obviously know very little about this year. Either way, the opportunity would completely be there for Nunn to be starting his junior and senior year, if he wasn't already as a sophomore. He would potentially be one of many stars on a star-studded team.

I don't know how much time will be available elsewhere over his first three years, but I could easily see him going from 2nd or 3rd off the bench to spot starter to star within three years.

I like how you assume Jamil Wilson goes pro after this year. Me too!

[DomJamesToTheBasket]

I can't imagine Buzz starting Ox, McKay, and Taylor without a true point guard on the floor.

Not to mention Jamil Wilson being left out. The roster is loaded with guys that can potentially start.  Personally,  I think Duane Wilson will start at PG as a Frosh.  Regardless,  if Nunn is the real deal (and is a premier shooter) he will see significant minutes on a VERY good team as a Frosh.

[bilsu]

Nunn is rated higher than both Wilson and Burton.  Door is completely open for playing time.

Rankings will not determine who starts.

[Golden Avalanche]

I think Nunn'll commit before the season begins.. but, if Buzz comes out with the Karate attire during Marquette Madness we've probably got him all locked up.

Wonder if Buzz has been thinking about Kendrick a lot.  A whole lot.

I certainly hope he has been.

With the way players leave, you can never have enough of them coming in.

[wadesworld]

I would expect Buzz to lock up that stud JUCO point guard who Kansas and Louisville are also involved in (can't remember his name off the top of my head) and that takes care of the starting PG for next year and the year after.

[DomJamesToTheBasket]

I would expect Buzz to lock up that stud JUCO point guard who Kansas and Louisville are also involved in (can't remember his name off the top of my head) and that takes care of the starting PG for next year and the year after.

Chris Jones. He might be a more important "get" than Nunn.  PG is the only real question mark in 2 years and he would solidify the position.  He will be in a race with Jameel McKay for JUCO POY.

[brewcity77]

I like how you assume Jamil Wilson goes pro after this year. Me too!

D'oh! From a starting lineup perspective, you're right he should be ahead of Taylor. But from KN's perspective, it wouldn't change the scholarships. He won't be competing with Wilson, Taylor, or Ox for minutes.

[Silkk the Shaka]

D'oh! From a starting lineup perspective, you're right he should be ahead of Taylor. But from KN's perspective, it wouldn't change the scholarships. He won't be competing with Wilson, Taylor, or Ox for minutes.

I know, and I kid, but I really do hope Jamil blows up and goes pro after this season.  It will mean a.) he likely carried us on a deep tournament run, and b.) Kevon Looney looks at the string of players dominating at the position he will play and MU becomes more enticing, however long a shot we may be

[dwaderoy2004]

Rankings will not determine who starts.

Of course not, but the point is that he will be competing against other freshmen for minutes, freshmen he's supposed to be better than, so the minutes are there for the taking.

[Lighthouse 84]

Chris Jones. He might be a more important "get" than Nunn.  PG is the only real question mark in 2 years and he would solidify the position.  He will be in a race with Jameel McKay for JUCO POY.

Doesn't Duane Wilson solidify the PG position?

[GGGG]

Of course not, but the point is that he will be competing against other freshmen for minutes, freshmen he's supposed to be better than, so the minutes are there for the taking.

Thanks....didn't think I would have to explain that, but apparently so....

[Dawson Rental]

Wonder if Buzz has been thinking about Kendrick a lot.  A whole lot.

I certainly hope he has been.

With the way players leave, you can never have enough of them coming in.

Then you should avoid likely creeping them out.  Refer to the "Maybe Buzz should get on Twitter?" thread.

[DomJamesToTheBasket]

Doesn't Duane Wilson solidify the PG position?

MU is obviously much more solid with Duane on board,  but that is still only 2 PG's on the roster.  I think Duane can be a starter as a Frosh (and good),  but that is asking a lot from a first year player.  Derrick should be a decent backup and has a higher ceiling than that,  but IMO Duane would see more minutes with that roster.  MU will need to have guys on the floor to hit outside shots.  I know a lot of people want/expect to see Vander playing PG as well,  which would give MU 3 guys that can play PG,  but let's be honest,  Vander has not shown to have the ability to play there at this point. TO machine.

So as of right now MU will have 2....MAYBE 3 PG's that will have very minimal experience.  The JUCO kid would come in as a Junior with some good experience.  I don't think MU absolutely needs another PG,  but I think it's the position that is the weakest for that year.  Every other position looks rock solid.  However,  perhaps Nunn is being recruited as a combo guard.  If Buzz thinks Nunn can play some PG then I may prefer him to the JUCO PG.  If he can keep the TO's to a minimum and hit outside shots,  he could really be deadly on that roster as a scoring PG/SG (along with Duane).

[kmwtrucks]

Simeon Career Academy in Chicago is known distinctly for two players: Bulls guard and former NBA MVP Derrick Rose and current 2013 No. 1 overall ranked Jabari Parker. Kendrick Nunn, a 6-foot-1 guard, could soon be next.

ESPN's No. 54 ranked player in the class, Nunn is a quick and athletic combo guard. His forte is shooting, as he can knock down baskets from nearly every spot on the floor with ease. Almost every major school is hoping for his commitment, and on Friday he narrowed his list to five: Illinois, Marquette, Memphis, Ohio State and UCLA.

Which is the best fit? Speculation here, but Marquette could work out well. He'd fill a positional need in ESPN's No. 5 recruiting class, as it has a point guard (Duane Wilson), small forward (Deonte Burton) and power forward (JUCO standout Jameel McKay) already committed.

It's also hard not to read too much into his father's recent comments. Melvin Nunn told ESPN.com he has a "platinum" relationship with Golden Eagles' coach Buzz Williams.

"[Kendrick] loves the way Buzz coaches and gives attention to his players," Melvin said. "I think he fell in love with Marquette the game we attended. He likes the way Buzz coaches. They're in a great place to continue to win. Coming from a winning program like Simeon, you want to keep that going."

What is interesting about Nunn's announcement is the absence of Kentucky from his list. The guard was reportedly very high on the Wildcats, and was seeking a scholarship offer, but it would appear the SEC program has moved to other 2013 prospects.

One school that could be a potential darkhorse is Illinois. We have written about recently hired assistant coach Paris Parham, who has a strong relationship with Chicago-area high school and AAU coaches. The Illini are looking for some backcourt depth, hoping to add pieces to complement Tracy Abrams, and could make a hard recruiting push for Nunn.

- Greg Rosenstein

[Earl Tatum]

Hope Nunn comes to MU. Will get lots of playing time. Question: UCLA offered Stone. The article has him at 6-10 253 lbs. Don't think so. COMMENT: Montee Ball cover up--Think Bielema messed up. Doesn't want Ball in any trouble since it could hurt his Heisman chances. Madison blew it again. What's new?

[Groin_pull]

Simeon Career Academy in Chicago is known distinctly for two players: Bulls guard and former NBA MVP Derrick Rose and current 2013 No. 1 overall ranked Jabari Parker. Kendrick Nunn, a 6-foot-1 guard, could soon be next.

ESPN's No. 54 ranked player in the class, Nunn is a quick and athletic combo guard. His forte is shooting, as he can knock down baskets from nearly every spot on the floor with ease. Almost every major school is hoping for his commitment, and on Friday he narrowed his list to five: Illinois, Marquette, Memphis, Ohio State and UCLA.

Which is the best fit? Speculation here, but Marquette could work out well. He'd fill a positional need in ESPN's No. 5 recruiting class, as it has a point guard (Duane Wilson), small forward (Deonte Burton) and power forward (JUCO standout Jameel McKay) already committed.

It's also hard not to read too much into his father's recent comments. Melvin Nunn told ESPN.com he has a "platinum" relationship with Golden Eagles' coach Buzz Williams.

"[Kendrick] loves the way Buzz coaches and gives attention to his players," Melvin said. "I think he fell in love with Marquette the game we attended. He likes the way Buzz coaches. They're in a great place to continue to win. Coming from a winning program like Simeon, you want to keep that going."

What is interesting about Nunn's announcement is the absence of Kentucky from his list. The guard was reportedly very high on the Wildcats, and was seeking a scholarship offer, but it would appear the SEC program has moved to other 2013 prospects.

One school that could be a potential darkhorse is Illinois. We have written about recently hired assistant coach Paris Parham, who has a strong relationship with Chicago-area high school and AAU coaches. The Illini are looking for some backcourt depth, hoping to add pieces to complement Tracy Abrams, and could make a hard recruiting push for Nunn.

- Greg Rosenstein

I think Melvin digs MU more than Kendrick. I think Melvin realizes MU isn't the sexy choice—but it may be the right choice for his son. I think Kendrick is holding out for the exciting, exotic supermodel who will break his heart...rather than the cute girl next door with the nice personality.

[esotericmindguy]

I think Melvin digs MU more than Kendrick. I think Melvin realizes MU isn't the sexy choice—but it may be the right choice for his son. I think Kendrick is holding out for the exciting, exotic supermodel who will break his heart...rather than the cute girl next door with the nice personality.

You bang the super model and then marry the girl next door....which is what he's doing. Good work Ken, wise beyond your years.