James Siakam now in 2010 Class and MU target

[Tugg Speedman]

http://marquette.scout.com/2/962541.html

James Siakam is a 6-6 PF from Brehm Prep School in Carbondale, Ill. According to Roy Schmidt of Illinois Prep Bullseye Basketball Report he has now become a 2010 recruit and a target of Marquette's.

[NYWarrior]

yup, disclosed last month....more details here

http://ilprepbullseye.com/page4.html

[thanooj]

Is he on the same team as the kid we offered to for 2011?

[radome]

"Siakam is an outstanding athlete and an absolute warrior around the basket.  He excels in the open court, is a tremendous finisher and a strong rebounder.

Want a school that not too many have talked about that has to be taken seriously?  How about Marquette University?  Siakam attended Marquette's elite camp last summer and there is no question that head coach Buzz Williams loves athletic forwards who are mentally tough and give their all.  Siakam clearly fits that description.  Not only that, but it very much appears as though the Golden Eagles are ready to move forward in their pursuit of Siakam as a 2010 recruit.  In fact, assistant coach Tony Benford plans on coming in to see Siakam this weekend."

IMHO you have really scooped this.  Very Buzz-like since he is under the radar too.

[Tugg Speedman]

Also

And finally, while it may sound crazy to outsiders, don't count out Harvard as a realistic college destination for Siakam.  Once again, that is because academics are of foremost importance to Siakam when it comes to choosing a school.  Add to that the fact that Crimson head coach Tommy Amaker has rejuvenated interest in Harvard basketball and clearly has the program on the upswing, and we believe that the Ivy League is not out of the realm of possibility for Siakam.

Didn't we lose a potential recruit to Harvard a year or two ago?

[NYWarrior]

Didn't we lose a potential recruit to Harvard a year or two ago?

Max Kenyi

[MerrittsMustache]

Also

And finally, while it may sound crazy to outsiders, don't count out Harvard as a realistic college destination for Siakam.  Once again, that is because academics are of foremost importance to Siakam when it comes to choosing a school.  Add to that the fact that Crimson head coach Tommy Amaker has rejuvenated interest in Harvard basketball and clearly has the program on the upswing, and we believe that the Ivy League is not out of the realm of possibility for Siakam.

Didn't we lose a potential recruit to Harvard a year or two ago?

Yes, I believe it was Frank Ben Eza (or something similar) but I think he changed his mind and ended up going to Davidson.

[bma725]

Max Kenyi

It was Frank Ben-Eze, not Kenyi.  We got out of the Kenyi recruitment before he got close to making a decision.

[bma725]

Yes, I believe it was Frank Ben Eza (or something similar) but I think he changed his mind and ended up going to Davidson.

It wasn't so much him changing his mind as him not meeting the qualifying academic standards for Harvard forcing him to look elsewhere.

[MerrittsMustache]

It wasn't so much him changing his mind as him not meeting the qualifying academic standards for Harvard forcing him to look elsewhere.

Yep, he changed his mind when they told him he couldn't go to school there. Same thing 

Thanks for the clarification.

[StillWarriors]

At risk of pointing out the obvious, another 6'6" guy?????? Unless we're losing more than one guy currently on the team, I don't get it.  Like all of this, I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

[Markusquette]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2zswo77R_U

[Golden Avalanche]

In that video, the kid seems to dunk with some violence. An element we have missed last few seasons.

[GOMU1104]

Overall length is just as, if not more important than height.

[damuts222]

 If he reclassified that means he's 17 now and probably is still growing, possibly another 2 inches or so..

[kmwtrucks]

I love this guy as a prospect and after Dieng he is my next favorite recruit.  He can play PF in the Big East.  he is only 6-6 but he looks quick off the floor and must have long arms.  The reason I like Dieng better is he can also play center.

[mr.MUskie]

James "Bamba" Siakam

Bamba!

[Jay Bee]

If he reclassified that means he's 17 now and probably is still growing, possibly another 2 inches or so..

Turns 18 in 5 weeks.

[GOMU1104]

Turns 18 in 5 weeks.

Makes him older than Vander. He wont turn 18 until sometime in the fall, I believe.

[mr.MUskie]

How do you reclassify?  How does he go from being a 2011 propect to a 2010?

[Dawson Rental]

Is he on the same team as the kid we offered to for 2011?

Brehm Prep has two prospects in the 2011 class.  

Andre Henley 6'6" 220 SF  92 scout rating, and        

Bruce Barron 6'2" 200 PG   91 scout rating.  I wasn't aware that MU had offered either, but I wouldn't necessarily know.

[Dawson Rental]

How do you reclassify?  How does he go from being a 2011 propect to a 2010?

You do better than you anticipated in school and you graduate.  Or in this kid's case, since he's being recruited by Harvard, you originally decide that to get a scholarship to a school you want, you probably need to play an extra year in the prep ranks, and then you discover that you don't have to because Vandy and other good school are willing to take you now.

[Blackhat]

Looks good around the hoop and with his back to the basket.

At least on his good plays, i.e. highlight reel. 

[mr.MUskie]

Siakam, who competes on the travel team circuit with the Illinois Titans, is the brother of former Western Kentucky star Boris Siakam.

Siakam, a 6'7" forward, is a dazzling combination of size, strength, athleticism and versatility. Siakam has the ability to dominate games on both ends of the basketball court. He is a strong finisher inside who also excels with his rebounding and shot-blocking skills. Although he currently does most of his damage inside, Siakam may well ultimately develop into a big wing as his skills continue to develop.

A native of the Cameroon, Siakam starred this summer on the travel team circuit with Aaron Lee's Illinois Titans program. Siakam was outstanding this past July at the Chicago Summer Classic, and was equally impressive this past weekend at the P.E.P. Fall Classic.

This coming season, Siakam is set to anchor the frontcourt for a Brehm Prep squad that will also feature 6'9" Class of 2012 sensation Emmanuel Ochi, Earl Ruffin from the Class of 2009, and 6'2" Class of 2011 point guard Bruce Barron.

[bma725]

How do you reclassify?  How does he go from being a 2011 propect to a 2010?

Simple really.  He's from Cameroon, and when he came here a few years ago there were some questions about how he would adapt to the American school system and what grade he should be placed in, so they put him in 2011 even though his age would dictate being a 2010 prospect.  As it turns out, he's much further ahead than anticipated academically, and he's been able to get to a level where he won't need an extra year to graduate so he can reclassify to 2010.

[Tugg Speedman]

With Newbill signing yesterday, we are officially out of schollies.

So, who is NOT asked back to make room for him?

[NCMUFan]

Guess this is a "In Buzz I trust"  Hopefully we aren't losing a valuable player to make way for him.  Don't want to speculate, but to get him we have to lose somebody.

[Jay Bee]

Oto Osenieks is another guy at Brehm that was looking like a 2011 that is now likely going to be a 2010.  6'8" Latvian that is more of a wing player... had a strong interest in UWGB prior to Coach K leaving... might be visiting the Twin Cities this weekend... don't know if he's a big Wardle fan, but who wouldn't be?  

Not someone MU would look at this year, but the points are (1) Brehm's got a number potential D1 guys and (2) reclassifying is not all that rare (especially for dudes from other countries).

[Blackhat]

With Newbill signing yesterday, we are officially out of schollies.

So, who is NOT asked back to make room for him?

SPECULATION is Mbao.   

[GGGG]

With Newbill signing yesterday, we are officially out of schollies.

So, who is NOT asked back to make room for him?

Have all incoming freshmen qualified?

[LA]

SPECULATION is Mbao.   

If by speculation you mean some dude on here saying that he talked to Mbao at a frat party then you are correct. Must this question be asked in every thread?? It will work itself out IF we even sign anyone else.

[4everwarriors]

With Newbill signing yesterday, we are officially out of schollies.

So, who is NOT asked back to make room for him?

Did you just crawl out from under a rock?

[Tugg Speedman]

Did you just crawl out from under a rock?

No I get we have talked about this forever and ever.  In this thread it is not an abstraction.  Their is a name.

So, let's be blunt ... If Siakam comes and Mbao (or Ewill) go, has the team been improved?  Are you sure Siakim will be an improvement over a Mbao in 2 to 3 years?  

I'm not sure I can say Siakam is an upgrade.  He might be, he might not be.  So I would pass on him.

From what I've seen, I would pass on all names except Cothron ... and with him I'm still not sure we should send someone packing to make room for him.

A shot blocking, rebounding Mbao that only gets garbage points under the basket could be a huge addition to the rotation, more so than another 6' 6" athletic wing (unless that wing is clearly better than everyone else).  Given Mbao's potential, we cannot pass on him yet.

[wadefan#1]

With Newbill signing yesterday, we are officially out of schollies.

So, who is NOT asked back to make room for him?

Mbao will probably be the one to leave.

[4everwarriors]

What's interesting is there is now at least 4 potential new recruits in play for 2010. Is our entire roster going to turnover? Doubt it. I'd be surprised if more than 1 of these dudes actually enrolls at MU. I'm not so sure the one who does, however, will be taller than 6'6".

[GOMU1104]

What's interesting is there is now at least 4 potential new recruits in play for 2010. Is our entire roster going to turnover? Doubt it. I'd be surprised if more than 1 of these dudes actually enrolls at MU. I'm not so sure the one who does, however, will be taller than 6'6".

Just because there seems to be many offers out there, doesnt mean there

1) actually are that many out there

or

2) the ones that are out there are unconditioal

[NCMUFan]

The speculation on Mbao I think is unfair to him.  If I came into work and had something on my mind and wasn't all smiles, I would wish everyone at work wouldn't think I was leaving.  Speculation sucks,  I probably would want to leave Marquette to get away from an A hole fan base.

[Hards Alumni]

let me put it another way.

simply because we are in someone's final 3 does not mean we are as interested in them as they are in us.

got it folks?

[NotAnAlum]

This thread makes it sound like Buzz would make a decision to effectively "trade" one of these recruits for a current roster player like Mbao.  I doubt that is the case.  I've got to believe that Buzz knows that a 7'2" guy could be a game changer several seasons from now if he were to develop.  It far more likely that there are medical or personal issues that are not under Buzz's control that could strip him of one of his inside players and that he is trying to hedge that risk.  In other words its not about us choosing but the situation being forced on us and having a backup plan.

[Dawson Rental]

No I get we have talked about this forever and ever.  In this thread it is not an abstraction.  Their is a name.

So, let's be blunt ... If Siakam comes and Mbao (or Ewill) go, has the team been improved?  Are you sure Siakim will be an improvement over a Mbao in 2 to 3 years?  

I'm not sure I can say Siakam is an upgrade.  He might be, he might not be.  So I would pass on him.

From what I've seen, I would pass on all names except Cothron ... and with him I'm still not sure we should send someone packing to make room for him.

A shot blocking, rebounding Mbao that only gets garbage points under the basket could be a huge addition to the rotation, more so than another 6' 6" athletic wing (unless that wing is clearly better than everyone else).  Given Mbao's potential, we cannot pass on him yet.

To be blunt, I prefer Buzz to you as Marquette's coach.  So If he wants to cut Otule and Mbao and replace them with Mo Acker clones, I'll accept that until he shows that he doesn't know what he's doing, which hasn't happened yet.  I'm not saying that no one can have a differing opinion, but at least I prefer to wait until we know for sure what he's going to do to question his choices.  I know its the off season and slow, but arguing against choices that we're speculating that Buzz might make, just seems like so much mental masturbation to me.

[GGGG]

This thread makes it sound like Buzz would make a decision to effectively "trade" one of these recruits for a current roster player like Mbao.  I doubt that is the case.  I've got to believe that Buzz knows that a 7'2" guy could be a game changer several seasons from now if he were to develop.  It far more likely that there are medical or personal issues that are not under Buzz's control that could strip him of one of his inside players and that he is trying to hedge that risk.  In other words its not about us choosing but the situation being forced on us and having a backup plan.

I think though that it seems pretty clear that Buzz is recruiting for a reason - that someone is either leaving or not coming here at all.  We are speculating who is leaving based upon nothing but conjecture.

[Dawson Rental]

I think though that it seems pretty clear that Buzz is recruiting for a reason - that someone is either leaving or not coming here at all.  We are speculating who is leaving based upon nothing but conjecture.

Exactly.

speculating who is leaving based upon nothing but conjecture

This was fun for a while, but its really starting to get old.  We really just don't know, so its time to wear our patience caps for a while.  IMHO

[brewcity77]

I know we hate to discuss guys paying their own way, but....this guy is looking at Harvard!?! That means he probably has the academics to pull down some scholarship money for his grades, and he is prepared to go to school and pay his own way. Harvard is an Ivy League school, which means no athletic scholarships. I'm not saying he would necessarily come here and play without a scholarship, but if he's willing to go to Harvard, that is a guarantee that a scholarship is not a requirement for him when it comes to making his collegiate decision.

[Tugg Speedman]

Since we are out of schollies it has to be a two sided deal.  We love to speculate endlessly about who may be signed but everyone recoils at the discussion about who may go.  Sorry guys, we are at the limit, so someone either has to go or someone is leaving.  What's wrong with talking about that?

Regarding this being unfair to Mbao, their is an easy fix ... he can walk into Buzz's office and ask him.  I assume he has and Buzz told him he's welcomed back.  I assume Ewill did the same and he's being asked back as well.  Buzz's recruiting makes it seem like someone is leaving, or will be asked to leave.

[GGGG]

I know we hate to discuss guys paying their own way, but....this guy is looking at Harvard!?! That means he probably has the academics to pull down some scholarship money for his grades, and he is prepared to go to school and pay his own way. Harvard is an Ivy League school, which means no athletic scholarships. I'm not saying he would necessarily come here and play without a scholarship, but if he's willing to go to Harvard, that is a guarantee that a scholarship is not a requirement for him when it comes to making his collegiate decision.

If you have a family income of less than $60K, you don't pay a dime to go to Harvard.  Furthermore, they'd find a way to get a top level basketball player some type of scholarship.

[4everwarriors]

I know we hate to discuss guys paying their own way, but....this guy is looking at Harvard!?! That means he probably has the academics to pull down some scholarship money for his grades, and he is prepared to go to school and pay his own way. Harvard is an Ivy League school, which means no athletic scholarships. I'm not saying he would necessarily come here and play without a scholarship, but if he's willing to go to Harvard, that is a guarantee that a scholarship is not a requirement for him when it comes to making his collegiate decision.

Yes, the Ivies don't give athletic scholarships. But, the athletes are commonly recipients of grants-in-aid which essentially serve the same purpose. Just a matter of semantics.

[bilsu]

Since we are out of schollies it has to be a two sided deal.  We love to speculate endlessly about who may be signed but everyone recoils at the discussion about who may go.  Sorry guys, we are at the limit, so someone either has to go or someone is leaving.  What's wrong with talking about that?

Regarding this being unfair to Mbao, their is an easy fix ... he can walk into Buzz's office and ask him.  I assume he has and Buzz told him he's welcomed back.  I assume Ewill did the same and he's being asked back as well.  Buzz's recruiting makes it seem like someone is leaving, or will be asked to leave.

It really is a matter of perception. I think we all fill differently about a player being asked to leave and a player deciding to leave. The trouble is we often do not know the true story. Also if a player is asked to leave, we often do not know why, which leaves to speculation. The Hazel case is a perfect example of this. I really do not have a problem with a player being asked to leave if he breaks a well known rule or is just plain disruptive to to the team. It still is not clear to me, whether Maymon's father pulled Maymon or Buzz got fed up and told him to leave. I do not think it was Maymon's decision to leave and probably was a victim of a pissing match between Maymon's father and Buzz. Either way the whole thing was becoming disruptive and had to be resolved.I like Eric Williams and Mbao and hope they both stay. However, one of them might transfer becausethey do not see an opportunity to play here. If that is their choice, I am fine with that. I would not be fine with Buzz saying I can get a better player and ask them to transfer. However, if Williams had been an absolute stud his freshmen year, I do not think he would have felt guilty turning pro, so i guess it goes both ways.

[MUBurrow]

If Siakam comes and Mbao (or Ewill) go, has the team been improved?

I've been following the Mbao drama on here, but is there any speculation/reason to believe that EWill might go, or is that solely speculation?  I'm not trying to call you out or anything, I would just be remarkably disappointed to see EWill go (no offense to Mbao, I'm excited to see what kind of player he becomes if he goes too)  EWill is so new, and presumably raw.  To see him go would sort of highlight what we've talked about with our shallow depth of young big men never really getting a chance to mature and grow at their own pace.

[PBRme]

+1
Really think EWill has a future on the team

[Hards Alumni]

I've been following the Mbao drama on here, but is there any speculation/reason to believe that EWill might go, or is that solely speculation?  I'm not trying to call you out or anything, I would just be remarkably disappointed to see EWill go (no offense to Mbao, I'm excited to see what kind of player he becomes if he goes too)  EWill is so new, and presumably raw.  To see him go would sort of highlight what we've talked about with our shallow depth of young big men never really getting a chance to mature and grow at their own pace.

stupid people say stupid things and stupid things get repeated.

eventually, if stupid things get repeated enough people say it is a rumor, and eventually it evolves and is repeated as though it is fact.

[radome]

We really just don't know.  IMHO

I think that says it all.  Buzz, the possible individual involved, and the rest of the team might know because they should know or need to know.  Let's face it - there might be nothing to know or changes coming but we have no reason to be in on the info ... except as observers.

We're just a bunch of fans starved for instant news that is guaranteed to make us have an undefeated season and post-season.  I enjoy the speculation except for the "who is leaving" stuff.  I think that we owe a young man that has committed to the program the decency of privacy.

[Clam Crowder]

A couple of those moves on the drives look DJO-esque

[Tugg Speedman]

I've been following the Mbao drama on here, but is there any speculation/reason to believe that EWill might go, or is that solely speculation?  I'm not trying to call you out or anything, I would just be remarkably disappointed to see EWill go (no offense to Mbao, I'm excited to see what kind of player he becomes if he goes too)  EWill is so new, and presumably raw.  To see him go would sort of highlight what we've talked about with our shallow depth of young big men never really getting a chance to mature and grow at their own pace.

I thought I was clear that Mbao and Ewill names are being thrown out as they are perceived as the last two guys off the bench (forget Frozena).  It was logic that dictated their names, nothing more.

And, to be clear, I've been trying to argue that the only name thrown around that I would consider is Cothron, and in his case I'm not sold he's a real upgrade.  None of the other names that Buzz is supposedly recruiting  (including Siakam) have not shown enough to ask one of the last two guys off the bench to leave.  I say keep what we have as I do not see these guys as an upgrade.

[HouWarrior]

ilini boards track him as "Their" player , did he de commit from them?

another post says.....
Boston College, Southern Illinois and Vanderbilt have extended scholarship offers to Siakam. Other schools showing high interest include Illinois, Florida State, Purdue, Wisconsin, Virginia, DePaul, Nebraska and Arizona. Top academic institutions, especially Harvard and Stanford, are also heavily recruiting Siakam.

      mu is not noted

although 6ft 6, he boasts a  7ft wingspan--- long arms, can play taller than his height

[willie warrior]

ilini boards track him as "Their" player , did he de commit from them?

anoter post says.....
Boston College, Southern Illinois and Vanderbilt have extended scholarship offers to Siakam. Other schools showing high interest include Illinois, Florida State, Purdue, Wisconsin, Virginia, DePaul, Nebraska and Arizona. Top academic institutions, especially Harvard and Stanford, are also heavily recruiting Siakam.

      mu is not noted

although 6ft 6, he boasts a 7 7ft wingspan--- long arms, can play taller than his height

I am 5'9 1/2" but I guess my wingspan is 8"

[DomJamesToTheBasket]

although 6ft 6, he boasts a  7ft wingspan--- long arms, can play taller than his height

His height doesn't bother me with that wingspan.  For example,  an average wingspan at that height has trouble dunking in traffic,  after seeing the highlights it looks like he has no problem throwing it down with people around.  This guy could become a menace down low.

[Dawson Rental]

I am 5'9 1/2" but I guess my wingspan is 8"

I'm guessing that the Jesuits got the rack out to discipline you for all that wild stuff you did while at MU.

[Ron Paul]

I am 5'9 1/2" but I guess my wingspan is 8"

T-Rex?

[Tugg Speedman]

T-Rex?

no, to be a T-Rex you'd be 8' with a 5' 9" wingspan

[HouWarrior]

Ones wingspan is normally w/i 2 inches of your height, usually on the low side. Anyone with a wingspan more than 2 inches of his height is long armed. A 7ft wigspan on a person only 6ft 6 is rare--often indicatve this kid stiil may grow in height--he might still spurt to 6 9-10

Brad miller in the NBA was a 5 ft 10 guard through soph year in HS. Its why , after his huge growth spurt to 6 10 he remains a center with great passing/ball handling skills.