[Rosiak's Blog] Mbao, 7-2 center, signs with MU

[ToddRosiakSays]

Mbao, 7-2 center, signs with MU
              

Youssoupha Mbao, a 7-foot-2, 215-pound center from Stoneridge Prep in Simi Valley, Calif., has signed with the Golden Eagles.

Mbao, who arrived in town on his official visit last night, will have four years of eligibility at MU, and is the seventh player to join coach Buzz Williams' 2009-'10 recruiting class.

"He's an unbelievable kid," said Williams earlier this morning. "He speaks four languages, and his spirit is identifiable as soon as you meet him. We've recruited him all year long, and each time we've seen him he's continued to improve. I think he has a very high ceiling.

"We're excited."

Mbao averaged 13.4 points, 11.2 rebounds and 6.0 blocked shots per game this past season for Stoneridge Prep, which finished 17-13.

MU is now oversigned by one player, and will need to account for that at some point.

MU's season-ending awards banquet is scheduled for early this evening, so I'll have more comments from Williams as well as Mbao and others.
              

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/43782287.html
              

[Lennys Tap]

To those that are worried about him coming from a "dipolma mill" and not being up to the rigors of academic life at MU, he speaks 4 languages! Three more than most college freshman and four more than some.

[redbirdwarrior]

...Five more than Art Long.

[ATWizJr]

averaged a double-double.  nice.

[dsfire]

For whatever it's worth, Rosiak also posted the following as a comment in reply to one of the posters on jsonline:

I will have more information on his background, and what kind of issues he might be facing moving forward later this evening.

I do know MU has been doing extensive legwork on Mbao for some time, and must feel fairly confident that he'll be able to contribute if not from the get-go this season, very close to it.

A very interesting signing to say the least in many respects. Remember, Buzz Williams was one of the first people to see/deal with Hasheem Thabeet when he came over to the United States.

Mbao could have a huge impact this season even if his offensive game is raw because of his ability to block and alter shots. It's a facet MU hasn't really had since perhaps Amal McCaskill. Or going back even further, Jim McIlvaine.

[StillAWarrior]

For whatever it's worth, Rosiak also posted the following as a comment in reply to one of the posters on jsonline:

I'll admit ignorance.  Anyone know what he's talking about?


I'm very interested to see how this works out.  First nabbing DJO when people thought he wouldn't be ready for another year, and now this kid.  I wonder if there's some truth to the claims that Buzz outworks everyone else on the recruiting trail.  (Teal?)  Hopefully he's picking up some diamonds in the rough based on knowing the rules and making sure he's in the right place at the right time.

[Markusquette]

I'm kinda excited about him.  I think Buzz can judge character, and I hope this kid comes in and really proves himself.  We have always desperately needed someone with his size.

[WellsstreetWanderer]

What a recruiting class!
But who goes ?

[ChicosBailBonds]

To those that are worried about him coming from a "dipolma mill" and not being up to the rigors of academic life at MU, he speaks 4 languages! Three more than most college freshman and four more than some.

First, let me be clear that I have no idea what his academic acumen is, but I suspect it's fairly solid.  Having said that, speaking multiple languages does not mean someone is ready for academic life (nor does it mean the opposite).   There are many people that live in parts of the world where multiple languages and dialects are spoken at home and learned.  I grew up in Peru and Panama before the age of 6.  I spoke multiple languages simply by watching cartoons on television, playing with the school kids, etc.  Speaking multiple languages that you learn from day to day interactivity is a lot different than LEARNING 4 WRITTEN langauges on your own, especially as an adult.  Much different.

[GregShimonFor2]

Stunning, Chicos knows all once again. Is there anything you don't know?

[The Lens]

Stunning, Chicos knows all once again. Is there anything you don't know?

As someone who has worked in Europe and managed labor crews in over 20 European countries, let me 100% echo Chicos' comments.  To me speaking multiple languages never has been a sign of intelligence but rather proximity to other cultures. 

[rocky_warrior]

First nabbing DJO when people thought he wouldn't be ready for another year, and now this kid. 

I also wonder if Buzz got word early that clearing him wouldn't be a problem, and jumped.  At least I hope that's the case!

[GregShimonFor2]

As someone who has worked in Europe and managed labor crews in over 20 European countries, let me 100% echo Chicos' comments.  To me speaking multiple languages never has been a sign of intelligence but rather proximity to other cultures. 

Fair enough. Chicos is just under my skin today.

[lurch91]

Man, Crean couldn't find a player 6-4 or taller with any kind of ability.  And now we have two 7 footers on the roster???

[rocky_warrior]

Mbao, who arrived in town on his official visit last night, will have four years of eligibility at MU, and is the seventh player to join coach Buzz Williams' 2009-'10 recruiting class.        

Aha - I guess I hadn't asked anyone here.  But finally that question is answered, and I can update the scholarship table tonight...

[4everwarriors]

Yeah, how about that Erick dude who can cuss in many languages or EAT who's fluent in jive. Their intelligence is not questioned.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Stunning, Chicos knows all once again. Is there anything you don't know?

Whatever (same response you gave prior).  I brough up a valid point, knowing multiple languages doesn't mean someone is intelligent.  Why is that a problem for you?  It's factually correct (it doesn't mean the opposite either, which I also stated).  Why is it not ok to add to a discussion and provide another point of view?  Doesn't mean someone knows all nor is anyone claiming that.

[war1980rior]

As someone who has worked in Europe and managed labor crews in over 20 European countries, let me 100% echo Chicos' comments.  To me speaking multiple languages never has been a sign of intelligence but rather proximity to other cultures. 

I'm on both sides of this fence.  I can agree with Chicos, but I spent nearly five years of my childhood in Europe and spoke several languages.  Two very fluently (read and write both), along with a strong working knowledge of three others.  I later picked up Spanish (back in the States of all places).  That said, I've found out that all but two of these languages could be catagorized as only a restaurant skill (I can easily read a German or Italian Menu but not talk to an auto mechanic).  I knew the languages close to me (geographically) the best.  If this guy can read and write multiple languages, that's shows education.  If they are geographically far apart, it's another tough skill altogether.

I guess I'm trying to say we should think of him as academically qualified before we judge him anything else.  From what I've taken in about Buzz Williams is he looks for character first, work ethic second, and athletic skill third.  My bet is that if he isn't strong academically, he has probably demonstrated some kind of work ethic to Buzz that says he'll make the cut over four years at MU.

[bamamarquettefan]

I'm sorry, six blocked shots a game?  I'm excited.  How many of our close losses could we have pulled out the last two years if everyone didn't know they could get the ball 4 feet from the basket and get a good look at the rim.  McIlvaine, you are going DOWN!  I never thought your record 142 blocked shots your final season (just over four a game) would ever go down, but Mbao has one inch on you and four years to perfect his shot blocking to know you down to No. 2 in the record book!

[77ncaachamps]

I will have more information on his background, and what kind of issues he might be facing moving forward later this evening.

I do know MU has been doing extensive legwork on Mbao for some time, and must feel fairly confident that he'll be able to contribute if not from the get-go this season, very close to it.

A very interesting signing to say the least in many respects. Remember, Buzz Williams was one of the first people to see/deal with Hasheem Thabeet when he came over to the United States.

Mbao could have a huge impact this season even if his offensive game is raw because of his ability to block and alter shots. It's a facet MU hasn't really had since perhaps Amal McCaskill. Or going back even further, Jim McIlvaine.

Does anyone remember ^^^?

I sure don't. Was it during Thabeet's time in Houston?

[LastWarrior]

I think Buzz helped place him at his high school.

[ZiggysFryBoy]

Whatever (same response you gave prior).  I brough up a valid point, knowing multiple languages doesn't mean someone is intelligent.  Why is that a problem for you?  It's factually correct (it doesn't mean the opposite either, which I also stated).  Why is it not ok to add to a discussion and provide another point of view?  Doesn't mean someone knows all nor is anyone claiming that.

Ergo, Chicos is calling himself a dumbass.      

[Pakuni]

Ergo, Chicos is calling himself a dumbass.      

Kudos to Chico's.
Admitting you have a problem is the first step toward recovery.

(I'm only joking, Chico's).

[rocky_warrior]

Finally, I got the scholarship table updated.

http://www.muscoop.com/index.php?page=8

I presume I'll be removing Liam soon to resolve the -1.  However, I'll wait until official word comes out on the resolution.

[Skatastrophy]

Finally, I got the scholarship table updated.

http://www.muscoop.com/index.php?page=8

I presume I'll be removing Liam soon to resolve the -1.  However, I'll wait until official word comes out on the resolution.

Man... 5 seniors graduating after the 2012-2013 season?  I had the impression that bringing in a few JUCOs was going to help to even out how many kids were leaving each year.  I suppose we'll have to send some underclassmen to the NBA to make yearly recruiting more manageable. :p