Does anyone know more info on him. is he considering mu?
Check this thread out for more info on Davonte: http://www.muscoop.com/index.php?topic=18945.0
Id like to figure out some more info on him. Is he in next years class? Is he considering mu?
I think if you read the other thread you could easily figure out that he is in next years class (2010) and yes he must be considering MU based on a visit to our campus.
I watched some clips of him from last year's state high school tournament. He was overweight and extremely slow, too slow for D1. On the upside he had very long arms with some nice post moves and a soft touch.
I have heard that he is playing at a much lower weight this year although I couldn't find any highlights.
Quote from: Eford4President2012 on March 08, 2010, 12:36:03 PM
I watched some clips of him from last year's state high school tournament. He was overweight and extremely slow, too slow for D1. On the upside he had very long arms with some nice post moves and a soft touch.
I have heard that he is playing at a much lower weight this year although I couldn't find any highlights.
Here's their game from a week ago. Davante is #54 on King's Fork (the team wearing white jerseys) patrolling down-low in their win against Indian River.
http://www.youtube.com/v/DickFgee5o8
Off of Rivals, if anyone has a membership for Rivals we could see if it is Marquette.
"The 2010 class still has a few available big men and one of the largest players is Kings Fork center Davante Gardner who is getting some seroius looks from a Big East School."
wow, he's lot a lot of weight. seriously
He still looks pretty huge!
Not that fast and not that dominant. I did like the one sequence with him dribbling the ball.
Big dude. But if all he does is patrol the middle of a 2/3 zone now, he's going to have Erik Williams-like "defensive issues" when he gets up to the BE.
Are we now evaluating this kid based on two video clips?
If buzz is on him the dude can play...if he can't he'll be gone, seems to be the pattern.
I may have missed something but we don't have any scholarships open for next year, do we? So if we are going to get this kid, who is leaving?
Somebody may elect to pay their own way. Who knows?
Quote from: The Pickle on March 08, 2010, 04:22:15 PM
I may have missed something but we don't have any scholarships open for next year, do we? So if we are going to get this kid, who is leaving?
If you think hard enough about it the individual becomes clear.
Quote from: The Pickle on March 08, 2010, 04:22:15 PM
I may have missed something but we don't have any scholarships open for next year, do we? So if we are going to get this kid, who is leaving?
Otule may bolt early for the NBA.
I know we don't have a sholarship available so something would have to give to bring in someone else. but I don't care if he is slow. he is big and takes up space and we don't have any of those guys playing right now. Next year we have Otule healthy and that is a start. Mbao is a few years away. I want some more guys 6'8" - 6'10" with some weight on them to bang around. Abel Joseph would have been nice. I look around at some other teams and see guys who would thrive here. I want some big bodies. We have good/great players and we play harder than the other guy, but how good would we be with one or two bigger dudes playing 10-15 mins and 10 fouls to give combined. Just some hard working blue collar dudes. Just some dudes.
It can't be changed, but Mbakwe and Maymon did put us in a bit of a hole. I am glad the individuals have left MU, but the physical presence is hard to replace. Their transfers put us in this position and if this big dude Gardner wants to bang at MU for a few years, I am all for it. And next year lets recruit over him. but get some dudes to play the blocks and keep our scorers from fouling out.
Who would pay their own way? That happens so rarely, as not to be worthy of discussion. Obviously, someone's leaving. Kids don't waste precious official visits on schools that don't have a scholarship available.
Quote from: esotericmindguy on March 08, 2010, 05:30:27 PM
If you think hard enough about it the individual becomes clear.
I don't feel like thinking why not just tell me...
I'm going to say Frozen-A.
Never mind. He's not on scholarship player. Back to square one...
Quote from: Boone on March 08, 2010, 06:05:24 PM
Who would pay their own way? That happens so rarely, as not to be worthy of discussion. Obviously, someone's leaving. Kids don't waste precious official visits on schools that don't have a scholarship available.
I would hate to see anyone leave. My biggest fear would be either DJO or Butler being foolish enough to turn pro.
Academic or need-based scholarship?
No teal. Just a thought.
Quote from: bilsu on March 08, 2010, 09:48:31 PM
I would hate to see anyone leave. My biggest fear would be either DJO or Butler being foolish enough to turn pro.
You're kidding right? That's not happening. Neither plays in the Association next season, if ever.
Quote from: Boone on March 08, 2010, 06:05:24 PM
Who would pay their own way? That happens so rarely, as not to be worthy of discussion. Obviously, someone's leaving. Kids don't waste precious official visits on schools that don't have a scholarship available.
I agree that it is really unlikely but Jeronne Maymon is supposedly paying his own way at Tennessee for a semester. It happened recently for a whole year at Washington or Washington State (can't remember which). If someone's family is loaded, they may elect to pay tuition for their kid to help out the program (or their kid). I read somewhere the rumor that Mbao's family has some coin. Who really knows?
Quote from: downtown85 on March 09, 2010, 02:11:09 AM
I agree that it is really unlikely but Jeronne Maymon is supposedly paying his own way at Tennessee for a semester. It happened recently for a whole year at Washington or Washington State (can't remember which). If someone's family is loaded, they may elect to pay tuition for their kid to help out the program (or their kid). I read somewhere the rumor that Mbao's family has some coin. Who really knows?
Nobody is going to give up their scholarship to pay their own way. If we have openings, it will be because of a transfer.
Quote from: 77ncaachamps on March 08, 2010, 10:04:05 PM
Academic or need-based scholarship?
No teal. Just a thought.
You may have been kidding, but I'm pretty sure NCAA wouldn't allow this. Kentucky would have 20 walk ons this year on full academic scholarships.
He's visiting South Florida this weekend and will choose them or Marquette.
http://blogs.tampabay.com/usf/2010/04/big-man-69-300pound-gardner-visiting-usf.html (http://blogs.tampabay.com/usf/2010/04/big-man-69-300pound-gardner-visiting-usf.html)
FWIW- A friend talked to Mbao the other day and he said Mbao might not play next year because of knee problems. It was a quick convo and who knows if Mbao even understood what he was talking about, or it could just be plain bad info. Not sure how NCAA schollies and injuries work.
thanks for that link harry. One of the comments said, "If Buzz Williams (Marquette) is offering him that should tell you something." (paraphrased) Nice complement to Buzz. People know he can find the diamonds in the rough.
how much does this guy actually weigh? ive seen articles where hes 240 and some that say hes 300?
Quote from: jfmu on April 10, 2010, 01:59:14 PM
how much does this guy actually weigh? ive seen articles where hes 240 and some that say hes 300?
Saw him at the BC when he visited. Has a thick looking body trunk and legs, so he probably carries a lot of weight.
Quote from: jfmu on April 10, 2010, 01:59:14 PM
how much does this guy actually weigh? ive seen articles where hes 240 and some that say hes 300?
He looks like a big boy. The article that was posted links to a youtube video of his team's last game. According to the article, he's #54.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIAXPUlpVDE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIAXPUlpVDE)
Big Baby II
Watching that video I want to draw a comparison to Tractor Traylor but not as nimble on his feet. Whatever school he signs with, he's going to be a load on the blocks.
Did he have headaches for that game, or does he suffer migraines?
He really came through in the clutch on those FTs though!
He's going to have to shed some pounds and work on his cardio (what incoming frosh doesn't). If he does ever sign with MU, he's not going to see much time off the bench because of his conditioning - as MU likes to push the ball.
But what has me concerned are some observations of his game (though it's dated from 2009, ESPN):
January, 2009: Gardner is one of the biggest post players in the 2010 class. He has tremendous hands and does a good job catching the ball and scoring in the painted area. He lacks the lift, quickness and stamina at his current weight to be a major player. There are times when he does not cross half court. Offensively he scores the majority of his baskets on put backs and jump hooks. He is most effective because of his width and when he has 4 to 5 inches on his opponent. Because he has little elevation in his game he struggles with taller and more athletic players. Defensively Gardner relies on his size and positioning. He does a poor job in his lateral defense and poses no threat to block shots. His high school team hides him by playing zone. Overall Gardner has very good basketball skills but does not have the stamina or conditioning to play at the collegiate level. If he can improve his conditioning and body weight he could be a solid four-year player in a system that focuses on half court basketball. Size and potential alone are worth a low major gamble.
Quote from: 77ncaachamps on April 10, 2010, 09:43:18 PM
Watching that video I want to draw a comparison to Tractor Traylor but not as nimble on his feet. Whatever school he signs with, he's going to be a load on the blocks.
Did he have headaches for that game, or does he suffer migraines?
He really came through in the clutch on those FTs though!
He's going to have to shed some pounds and work on his cardio (what incoming frosh doesn't). If he does ever sign with MU, he's not going to see much time off the bench because of his conditioning - as MU likes to push the ball.
But what has me concerned are some observations of his game (though it's dated from 2009, ESPN):
January, 2009: Gardner is one of the biggest post players in the 2010 class. He has tremendous hands and does a good job catching the ball and scoring in the painted area. He lacks the lift, quickness and stamina at his current weight to be a major player. There are times when he does not cross half court. Offensively he scores the majority of his baskets on put backs and jump hooks. He is most effective because of his width and when he has 4 to 5 inches on his opponent. Because he has little elevation in his game he struggles with taller and more athletic players. Defensively Gardner relies on his size and positioning. He does a poor job in his lateral defense and poses no threat to block shots. His high school team hides him by playing zone. Overall Gardner has very good basketball skills but does not have the stamina or conditioning to play at the collegiate level. If he can improve his conditioning and body weight he could be a solid four-year player in a system that focuses on half court basketball. Size and potential alone are worth a low major gamble.
As noted that video and story is about 15 months old. Gardner has lost weight and his endurance has improved. He has good hands, good footwork, and is Big East physical. The tools are there to be a very very good BE player for either MU or USF(He'll decide sometime in the next 2 days). A college strength and conditioning program is all he needs. Both Buzz and Heath know this.
Quote from: Vega on April 11, 2010, 09:35:02 AM
As noted that video and story is about 15 months old. Gardner has lost weight and his endurance has improved. He has good hands, good footwork, and is Big East physical. The tools are there to be a very very good BE player for either MU or USF(He'll decide sometime in the next 2 days). A college strength and conditioning program is all he needs. Both Buzz and Heath know this.
I agree. I think he would be an excellent pick up and could get some early playing time. He is the type of player with which you can go big with Otule, or he can be a bit of an undersized center if they want to go small. MU doesn't have a player in that mold right now. I hope he chooses MU because I'm not sure Stan Heath is around for four years.
He sounds like another one of these bigs that has great potential is probably at least a year away from making any real contribution.
Dexter Pittman showed it can be done. He weighed 390 his senior year of highschool.
No thanks to Gardner. I want no part of a big man with no lift that needs to be hidden defensively in HS. If a scholarship does open up, in order of preference I would like to see.
Carson Desrosiers
Gorgui Sy Dieng
Luke Cothron
Maurice Walker
Michael Haynes
Reggie Murphy
All 13 we now have to somehow remain on scholarship
J'mison Morgan
Cleveland Melvin
Goodwin Okonji
and then maybe Devante Gardner.
But, I could be wrong.
Quote from: The Sultan of South Wayne on April 11, 2010, 12:02:35 PM
I agree. I think he would be an excellent pick up and could get some early playing time. He is the type of player with which you can go big with Otule, or he can be a bit of an undersized center if they want to go small. MU doesn't have a player in that mold right now. I hope he chooses MU because I'm not sure Stan Heath is around for four years.
I don't know about this one, folks. Anyone remember the kid from the Pittsburg area that Majerus (you know, "big man" specialty was RM's strength) signed back in the 80"s? Lloyd something or other was his name. He was overweight, great hands, no mobility, light on his feet....and relatively soon out the door. Let's leave this one alone.
lloyd was a raymonds guy i belive and was maybe a mcdonalds AA
Do the name Lloyd Moore ring a bell?
Quote from: 4everwarriors on April 11, 2010, 09:45:26 PM
Do the name Lloyd Moore ring a bell?
Ding, ding, ding. Thank you, one and all, for filling in the blanks.
A Majerus recruit, Moore, out of Pittsburgh, was a Parade All-American and a one of Street and Smith's top player. Averaged 30 pts. and 19 boards during his senior year in high school.
At 6' 9", Moore hardly sniffed the floor at MU, nor did it appear the cat could run 94 ft. before collapsing.
World class eater. Once observed he and Fat Rick nearly put the Hyatt out of business while dining at their all-you-can-eat Sunday buffet.
Think he transferred to Rutgers and had an undistinguished collegiate career.
I think Gardner will end up at USF. Have a very strong hunch about this one.
If that happens, I won't be too broken up about it. Need a big who can run the floor.
Quote from: wildbill sb on April 11, 2010, 09:24:38 PM
I don't know about this one, folks. Anyone remember the kid from the Pittsburg area that Majerus (you know, "big man" specialty was RM's strength) signed back in the 80"s? Lloyd something or other was his name. He was overweight, great hands, no mobility, light on his feet....and relatively soon out the door. Let's leave this one alone.
What is about some of you that has to bring up some obscure recruit from 20 years ago and make projections based on that? Yes, Lloyd Moore was fat. But that's because Lloyd Moore had no motivation to get better and get in shape. Neither you nor I have no idea of Gardner's motivation. I'm sure Buzz does though...from talking with his coaches. Especially since the reports are that he has gotten in much better shape over the past year.
Similar to the Yous comparisons to Hasheem Thabeet. I guess just because he's a skinny, tall African we can call him the next big thing.
Lloyd Moore technically was a Raymond's recruit - was a freshman in Raymond's last year. I would think Rick was instrumental in recruiting him to MU though.
Right now this kid sounds ideal. We have the potential to be incredibly deep next year, and having a big body never hurts. Even if he doesn't get much time, or needs to slim down, four years from a 6'8" guy that will be in the 300 lb range could really help solve a lot of our problems in the blocks.
Quote from: Canadian Dimes on April 11, 2010, 09:44:20 PM
lloyd was a raymonds guy i belive and was maybe a mcdonalds AA
Lloyd Moore, about the same time as Kerry Trotter. Both were very highly rated in HS, about in the 20's.
Trotter had a good career and a good pro career in Europe. I do not think Moore ever finished his frosh year, and supposedly balooned.
Quote from: brewcity77 on April 12, 2010, 09:52:14 AM
Right now this kid sounds ideal. We have the potential to be incredibly deep next year, and having a big body never hurts. Even if he doesn't get much time, or needs to slim down, four years from a 6'8" guy that will be in the 300 lb range could really help solve a lot of our problems in the blocks.
I completely agree. A 6'8" guy who is willing to bang underneath, paired with a 6'10" center (Otule), would do wonders for this team. As Dujuan Blair proved, and he's shorter than Gardner, a strong, physical player can overcome height limitations if they use their body well.
Quote from: 4everwarriors on April 11, 2010, 10:00:53 PM
A Majerus recruit, Moore, out of Pittsburgh, was a Parade All-American and a one of Street and Smith's top player. Averaged 30 pts. and 19 boards during his senior year in high school.
At 6' 9", Moore hardly sniffed the floor at MU, nor did it appear the cat could run 94 ft. before collapsing.
World class eater. Once observed he and Fat Rick nearly put the Hyatt out of business while dining at their all-you-can-eat Sunday buffet.
I remember hearing that MU students started posting "Please do not feed Lloyd Moore" signs around campus. Seriously.
QuoteThink he transferred to Rutgers and had an undistinguished collegiate career.
You are correct, sir. His weight led to knee(?) problems that hindered him at MU and Rutgers.
Quote from: The Sultan of South Wayne on April 12, 2010, 12:02:58 PM
I completely agree. A 6'8" guy who is willing to bang underneath, paired with a 6'10" center (Otule), would do wonders for this team. As Dujuan Blair proved, and he's shorter than Gardner, a strong, physical player can overcome height limitations if they use their body well.
1) On defense, at least, I think that Davante would have to be the center. At his weight, he'd be useless against
most Big East fours.
2) I think that Dujuan Blair is a fair comparison for what Davante could become. I also think that the Lloyd Moore comparison is a fair comparison on the downside. What scares me about the video is the woman holding the "Beware of the Dog" sign. She's quite heavy, and if she were Davante's mother, it would seem to suggest that Davante grew up in a household where there were psychological issues regarding food. (i.e eating to relieve boredom, over serving food as a sign of love by the parent, not overeating seen as a sign of rejection by the child) If that's the case, then a nutritionist and trainer will have will not be able to get Davante's weight down without help from a weight counselor. My perspective on this is from knowing of a situation concerning an obese teen who had stomach stapling surgery.
3) Davante made first team all-state in Virginia this year.
4) The next best player on Davante's team was also an inside player which makes Davante's rebounding numbers even more impressive.