So the FSU game made it horribly obvious that we are in serious need of some interior size. Next year's class looks fantastic, but again, we're adding 2 guards and 1 wing player to an already undersized roster. The general consensus on here has been that we need to find some size to complement our perimeter players...
That said, I went to ESPN and looked up all the remaining 2010 power forward and center prospects that are still undeclared...I've provided the link and also a few guys that I personally found intriguing.
Does anyone know if Buzz is actively working any of these players? BMA, I'm looking your direction as you seem to know the most about MU recruits
Undeclared Power Forwardshttp://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/prospects?&state=null&status=0&toggle=null&season=2010&pos=PF&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fncb%2frecruiting%2ftracker%2fprospects%3f%26state%3dnull%26status%3d0%26toggle%3dnull%26season%3d2010%26pos%3dPF
- CJ Leslie - Probably a pipe dream, I'm sure...appears to be ACC or SEC bound
- Roscoe Davis - I'm assuming the 5'11" is a typo
- Jason Carter - Maybe Buzz can play the Texas card
- Chris Brand - Same school as Carter, bigger body
- JP Kambola - From St. Benedicts Prep, isn't that where Zar or Cubi was from?
Undeclared Centershttp://insider.espn.go.com/ncb/recruiting/tracker/prospects?&state=null&status=0&toggle=null&season=2010&pos=C&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fncb%2frecruiting%2ftracker%2fprospects%3f%26state%3dnull%26status%3d0%26toggle%3dnull%26season%3d2010%26pos%3dC
- Sam Ryan - Another good ole Texas boy
- Paul Bunch - May be more of a project, but a big body from Chicago nonetheless
- Triton "Tank" Mayberry - He's 6'10", from TX, and his nickname is Tank, what's not to like?
- Silas Mills - A 6'9" Wisco kid who prefers uptempo play...
- Jan Maehlan - 7'0", 340lbs..."runs the floor pretty well" "...good hands" "...good touch" - although I don't know what kind of chance we have at a kid from AZ
I'd be curious if anyone has any knowledge of Marquette's level of interest / involvement (if any) with these particular kids or if there is anyone on either of those ESPN "undeclared" lists I've linked above that people have knowledge of...
I just hope Buzz & Co. can find a big somewhere that can come in and contribute in the years to come so we don't waste a great deal of perimeter talent...
Interested in everyone's thoughts...
I'm still hopeful we can get Maurice Walker. Junior needs to get on his fellow Canadian and reel him in....
Phillip Jackson, a 6'9 center from Chicago is a possibility. More of a traditional low post who may not fit the MU system. More likely a long 4 as we have two 5's in Otule and Mbao.
I believe the reports were that we have not been in contact with Maurice Walker for some time.
I think Carter is reclassifying to 2011.
Doubt Mills is a high major player, as Mark Miller doesnt have him anywhere in his 2010 rankings. Probably end up going JUCO.
In order:
CJ Leslie: No shot. And doesn't really solve the problem anyway.
Roscoe Davis: I don't think he's actually part of this class. He was 2008 and couldn't qualify so he did a prep year in 2009. He still couldn't qualify so he went to Midland Tx JUCO. Because he's a non-qualifier he'd have to spend two years there, which would make him part of the class of 2011....and he's a heavy Oklahoma State lean.
Jason Carter: MU has been involved, but I'm pretty sure he reclassified to 2011 when he transferred to CLA.
JP Kambola: Cubi and Burke went to St. Bens. MU has been involved in the past because he's from the same AAU program as Cadougan...but that was quite awhile go.
Sam Ryan: No idea if MU is involved, but he's a high major player. Michigan had him in for an unofficial over the summer, and he did well at their elite camp.
Paul Bunch: MU was involved a year or more ago, but I don't think they are anymore.
Silas Mills Jr: MU was involved his first couple years in high school, but he's not seen as the high major guy people thought would be because of his name.
No idea on Mayberry, Maehlen or Brand.
Quote from: MU_Iceman on December 04, 2009, 11:26:15 AM
Jan Maehlan - 7'0", 340lbs..."runs the floor pretty well" "...good hands" "...good touch" - although I don't know what kind of chance we have at a kid from AZ
I have a hard time imagining a 7' 340lb player keeping up with the quickness of the other four players on the court.
I think the initial premise is somewhat flawed--we had no problem beating FSU despite their size advantage when our players had fresh legs. In fact, we forced FSU to take out their bigs and match our lineup. Depth was the issue--not size.
Speed and athleticism is the key. I don't think we need a big that is pretty good at running the court compared to other bigs in the league--we need a guy that is pretty good compared to Butler, DJO and Buycks. If Buzz can find a 6'10 or 6'11 guy with speed, great. My guess is that we'll be fighting UNC, Duke or KU for that type of player. If that means our tallest guy is 6'8", so be it.
I'd rather have an quickness/athleticsm advantage as opposed to size parity.
Knowing only his name....I want TANK! ;D
Maehlan was at Indianapolis Lawrence Central where he barely played because he was on a loaded team. He moved to Tucson over the summer because his dad took a job down there.
My guess is that he really isn't a good fit here.
Thinking about this raised a couple questions
1. With Otule's injury assuming he gets a medical red shirt wouldn't it make sense to red shirt Mbao next year? You wouldn't want both of your centers in the same class and its obvious that Mbao needs some time to catch up
2. Is it possible that Otule is too fragile for his size or simply has "bad feet" that will mean he will never be able to stay healthy?
3. Since it seems like we can never get the height we need would it ever make sense to offer a guy like this 7-1 kid that plays for Arrowhead? He already has a full ride to Boise St but thinking of what a project Otule was and Mbao appears to be how much worse could he be?
Stupid question (I apologize in advance): with 12 scholarships already allocated for next year, are we assuming that someone won't come back?
sultan are you aware of the two freshman/sophomore twinsin FW that are both really good? My son used to play in the Spice Gym rats program and there was 2 twins that were simple amazing. I beleive they would be freshman or sophomores now and are from FW. Both guards, 5'11 pg size.
We get 13. IMO, list the best JUCO bigs and our last schollie from that list.
TY tower
Quote from: jimmyrizzle on December 04, 2009, 01:14:50 PM
Stupid question (I apologize in advance): with 12 scholarships already allocated for next year, are we assuming that someone won't come back?
Edit: follwing up what Tower already answered for you, here's our scholarship table (http://www.muscoop.com/index.php?page=8).
I wouldnt be suprised if we have a "DJO-esque" commitment...suprising, someone that nobody has heard of.
Ricardo Ratcliffe (top JUCO big) didnt list MU in a recent interview.
There could also be a mid-year transfer, never know.
Otule has already established that he is injury prone. Mbao is a project that may be serviceable by his Jr. year.
It does not look like either will be the answer we need. Maymon is not tall enough. If Williams develops he will help. He has had flashes.
Buzz needs to bring in a big that is "shovel ready".
Quote from: MR.HAYWARD on December 04, 2009, 01:15:33 PM
sultan are you aware of the two freshman/sophomore twinsin FW that are both really good? My son used to play in the Spice Gym rats program and there was 2 twins that were simple amazing. I beleive they would be freshman or sophomores now and are from FW. Both guards, 5'11 pg size.
Brenton and Bryson Scott. They're 6' freshman. Creating a lot of buzz, but I don't know much about them. They have a long way to go.
Quote from: Marquette84 on December 04, 2009, 12:47:30 PM
I have a hard time imagining a 7' 340lb player keeping up with the quickness of the other four players on the court.
I think the initial premise is somewhat flawed--we had no problem beating FSU despite their size advantage when our players had fresh legs. In fact, we forced FSU to take out their bigs and match our lineup. Depth was the issue--not size.
Speed and athleticism is the key. I don't think we need a big that is pretty good at running the court compared to other bigs in the league--we need a guy that is pretty good compared to Butler, DJO and Buycks. If Buzz can find a 6'10 or 6'11 guy with speed, great. My guess is that we'll be fighting UNC, Duke or KU for that type of player. If that means our tallest guy is 6'8", so be it.
I'd rather have an quickness/athleticsm advantage as opposed to size parity.
I don't disagree at all; I simply put that kid in there because he's an intriguing MONSTER...I wouldn't expect him to fit what we're trying to do at MU.
As for how we matched up with FSU, I agree, again, that we did take them out of their games...but down the stretch, when our boys were so fatigued, it would have been very nice to have a 6'9", 6'10" body to pressure their big boys down on the blocks defensively. For as nice of a job as Hayward did on Alabi (the 7 footer), those last two possessions he simply shot right over the top of him.
I'd be FINE with a guy 6'8"...I just listed those guys in the hopes that there might be a guy on that ESPN list that is capable of contributing in Mke...
Nukem, do you have any info on that kid you mentioned, Phillip Jackson? Where does he play in Chicago? Has MU reached out? 6'9" and athletic would be a welcome addition (kind of like Clark was supposed to be)...
Quote from: MU_Iceman on December 04, 2009, 03:19:41 PM
Nukem, do you have any info on that kid you mentioned, Phillip Jackson? Where does he play in Chicago? Has MU reached out? 6'9" and athletic would be a welcome addition (kind of like Clark was supposed to be)...
Transfered from Providence St. Mels to Hyde Park, may not be eligible...Has been listed anywhere from 6'7" to 6'9"
Looks like to be a mid major recruit, and may have to go JUCO.
HE claims offers from Marquette, Southern Illinois, Indiana State, St. Louis, Illinois State, DePaul, Providence, and Northern Illinios.
Remember, not all offers are created equal, so take it for what its worth.
Quote from: GOMU1104 on December 04, 2009, 03:34:40 PM
HE claims offers from Marquette, Southern Illinois, Indiana State, St. Louis, Illinois State, DePaul, Providence, and Northern Illinios.
Remember, not all offers are created equal, so take it for what its worth.
Well if there's any truth to the offers he's claimed to have received, it doesn't look like we have too stiff of competition...if he truly measures out at 6'8" or 6'9" and can provide some athletic size he or someone like him may be worth the gamble...
At this rate it's going to have to be questionable recruit with size and a big upside or a juco big...
Quote from: MU_Iceman on December 04, 2009, 03:45:13 PM
Well if there's any truth to the offers he's claimed to have received, it doesn't look like we have too stiff of competition...if he truly measures out at 6'8" or 6'9" and can provide some athletic size he or someone like him may be worth the gamble...
At this rate it's going to have to be questionable recruit with size and a big upside or a juco big...
From doing a little more digging, it sounds like Illinois State and Northern Illinois may be the leaders.
I know I'm the only one talking about Tank. Here's a video from last year.
http://www.kiiitv.com/sports/local/36425739.html
I think he might have some problems with Buzz's boot camp, and looks like he might be a project. But at least he's a BIG project.
p.s. - He needs to stop beating up on those little kids.
Quote from: MU_Iceman on December 04, 2009, 03:19:41 PM
I don't disagree at all; I simply put that kid in there because he's an intriguing MONSTER...I wouldn't expect him to fit what we're trying to do at MU.
As for how we matched up with FSU, I agree, again, that we did take them out of their games...but down the stretch, when our boys were so fatigued, it would have been very nice to have a 6'9", 6'10" body to pressure their big boys down on the blocks defensively. For as nice of a job as Hayward did on Alabi (the 7 footer), those last two possessions he simply shot right over the top of him.
I'd be FINE with a guy 6'8"...I just listed those guys in the hopes that there might be a guy on that ESPN list that is capable of contributing in Mke...
Nukem, do you have any info on that kid you mentioned, Phillip Jackson? Where does he play in Chicago? Has MU reached out? 6'9" and athletic would be a welcome addition (kind of like Clark was supposed to be)...
Jackson is 6'8 and is at Hyde Park Academy. His stock was higher berfore the summer. One to watch for, but not sure if he fits MU.
Quote from: rocky_warrior on December 04, 2009, 12:52:28 PM
Knowing only his name....I want TANK! ;D
Can we start the official Yous's new nickname is Tank rumor and see if it sticks?
Why isn't Drew Gordon in the picture as a transfer?
Quote from: 77ncaachamps on December 04, 2009, 09:14:55 PM
Why isn't Drew Gordon in the picture as a transfer?
Consult the Drew Gordon thread (http://www.muscoop.com/index.php?topic=16451.0) on why he's no longer interested in UCLA and why he may not have Marquette on his list of potential xfer destinations.
Quote from: 77ncaachamps on December 04, 2009, 09:14:55 PM
Why isn't Drew Gordon in the picture as a transfer?
He may be, but there are just too many issues for him to really be a good fit. Basically it breaks down like this....
- MU needs a center...Part of the reason he's leaving UCLA is not wanting to be a center
- Failing that MU needs a guy that is primarily a post player...Gordon has dreams of being a face up 4 man
- MU needs height....Gordon is 6'8 at best
- MU values team chemistry very highly....Gordon didn't get along with his teammates, but more importantly didn't care that he didn't get along with them
- Gordon wants to play west of the Mississippi, ideally west of the rockies
- Unlike what has been mentioned before, he doesn't have 2.5 years eligibility remaining. As far as the NCAA is concerned the 6 games he has played this year count as a season. Since he wouldn't be eligible for first semester next year that means he would really only play for MU for 1/2 of next season and then the following year. Next year would essentially be a lost season because it would take him much of the main conference season to get into game shape and be ready to play. So really he's only here at full strength for one year.
- Mid year transfers really only work under a small set of circumstances....the kid is a freshman, the kid hasn't played in this particular season so it doesn't count as a year of eligibility, or the kid is a lock to a get a "season of competition waiver" from the NCAA. Gordon fits none of those criteria.
MU may still get a mid-season transfer but I doubt it's Gordon, or someone with a situation like his.
What about 6'6 SF/PF Josh Langford from Huntsville,AL?
Recently decomitted from L'Ville, he's got a pretty good inside game similar to Butler and Heyward's.
MU has been involved with Langford, but he's not a PF at the next level. He's been working on his perimeter game and has been moved outside in high school. The last update he gave talked about how every school that was recruiting him looked at him as a perimeter player.
Quote from: bma725 on December 04, 2009, 10:22:42 PM
He may be, but there are just too many issues for him to really be a good fit. Basically it breaks down like this....
- MU needs a center...Part of the reason he's leaving UCLA is not wanting to be a center
- Failing that MU needs a guy that is primarily a post player...Gordon has dreams of being a face up 4 man
- MU needs height....Gordon is 6'8 at best
- MU values team chemistry very highly....Gordon didn't get along with his teammates, but more importantly didn't care that he didn't get along with them
- Gordon wants to play west of the Mississippi, ideally west of the rockies
- Unlike what has been mentioned before, he doesn't have 2.5 years eligibility remaining. As far as the NCAA is concerned the 6 games he has played this year count as a season. Since he wouldn't be eligible for first semester next year that means he would really only play for MU for 1/2 of next season and then the following year. Next year would essentially be a lost season because it would take him much of the main conference season to get into game shape and be ready to play. So really he's only here at full strength for one year.
- Mid year transfers really only work under a small set of circumstances....the kid is a freshman, the kid hasn't played in this particular season so it doesn't count as a year of eligibility, or the kid is a lock to a get a "season of competition waiver" from the NCAA. Gordon fits none of those criteria.
MU may still get a mid-season transfer but I doubt it's Gordon, or someone with a situation like his.
+1
Great info, as per usual bma. He seems like he is more trouble than he is worth and not really a great fit since he wants to play the 4 and we need a 5.
Quote from: bma725 on December 04, 2009, 11:03:27 PM
MU has been involved with Langford, but he's not a PF at the next level. He's been working on his perimeter game and has been moved outside in high school. The last update he gave talked about how every school that was recruiting him looked at him as a perimeter player.
Moved him outside?Really?? I mean, I guess it's possible...but I watched his high school play 3 games over the thanksgiving break and he played Center every game. Also I saw him play about 3 weeks ago and he played inside that game too.
I agree he's not a PF at the next level...that doesnt mean he won't play down low for an undersized team such as Marquette.
Quote from: TheDawson on December 04, 2009, 11:25:38 PM
Moved him outside?Really?? I mean, I guess it's possible...but I watched his high school play 3 games over the thanksgiving break and he played Center every game. Also I saw him play about 3 weeks ago and he played inside that game too.
I agree he's not a PF at the next level...that doesnt mean he won't play down low for an undersized team such as Marquette.
Things may have changed recently, but both Langford and his coach gave an interview to Rivals.com on November 6th talking about how he'd moved to the perimeter since he transferred high schools and they spent much of the summer working on his perimeter skills so he could player there during the year.
"Josh's position has changed," says Lee High School head coach Greg Brown. "Everybody had him playing in the post but this kid has gotten to be unbelievable. Everybody that comes in to see him says 'this is not the same kid we have always seen'. He's handling the ball. He has great handles now. He shoots the ball really well from the 3-point line. He goes and gets his little mid-range shots. He attacks the basket with force. He's becoming a passer. Everybody is recruiting him for the 3 now so that is why his stock has gone up higher," said Coach Brown.
Thats just the head coach pumping his boy up....He doesn't handle the ball at all. Lee has 3 guards that do all of the handling even though they have two very highly rated 6'6 SF prospects on their team.
Even when they played Vidalia(La), tallest player is 6'3, he didn't handle the ball, didnt take 3's either.
In the 3 games i've seen...he hasn't taken a single three.
Great info, as per usual bma. He seems like he is more trouble than he is worth and not really a great fit since he wants to play the 4 and we need a 5.
[/quote]
Do we really need a 5? I personally think we need a solid, strong player at the 4 spot. In other words, someone in the 6'8 range with some bulk with the ability to defend and rebound down low
I would rather see a player like this commit rather than another 6-10 or 7 ft guy because next year we will have mbao and otule in that category... Everyone else will be 6'7 or shorter with technically no 4s on the team, unless maymon can become that guy.
I think the team needs someone who plays a lazar role (minus the great offensive production), a guy that plays long and can bang down, but isnt a center mold like otule or mbao... I dont think a face up 4 would be a bad get, assuming one of otule or mbao can be serviceable
1&2- DJO, buycks, cadougan, blue, smith
3&4- butler, fulce, maymon, williams, jones
5- otule and mbao
i think a 6'7-6'9 guy with some bulk that can defend the post and rebound would be perfect. I wouldnt mind if its a face up guy, since we havent really been a post up team in forever and i dont think u need that to win. If he can defend a 4-5 and rebound id let him face up all he wants.
To be honest, minus the character issues Gordon sounds perfect to me. If we got a post guy that could score some and rebound down low i think it would be a HUGE asset
Buzz could go small or big, with the big lineup being otule or mbao with gordon, or small with just gordon, butler, and 3 guards...
I just think Id rather see a face up 4 that we already know can rebound and score over another project at the 5. We already have two of those, if neither can produce then oh well