http://www2.journalnow.com/content/2010/jun/16/in-demand-duke-unc-others-want-wisconsin-player/sports/
By Bill Cole
JOURNAL REPORTER
Published: June 16, 2010
CHAPEL HILL
J.P. Tokoto has just finished his sophomore year of high school, but he's already acquainted -- by sight at least -- with some of college basketball's top coaches.
And the number of coaches will continue to grow because he is considered one of the nation's top young players. Still, NCAA rules prohibit college coaches from having personal contact with recruits until they start their senior year.
Duke and North Carolina are recruiting Tokoto, and Duke is one of eight programs known to have already offered him a scholarship.
Tokoto, a 6-6 swingman at Menomonee Falls (Wis.) High School, near Milwaukee, was anticipating an offer from North Carolina yesterday, the day that NCAA rules allow coaches to contact high-school sophomores by letter.
At least 26 other schools are also interested, including Kentucky, Kansas, UCLA and Wisconsin.
"It's nothing new, really," Tokoto said at last month's Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions in the Research Triangle area.
"They're showing their interest in me, and want to see if I have interest in them."
On a night in late April, coaches went to Menomonee Falls to watch Tokoto in an open-gym workout at his school.
Coach Roy Williams of North Carolina was there, making another of his frequent trips that have residents joking that he's now eligible to vote in Wisconsin.
John Calipari of Kentucky was there, along with Tom Izzo of Michigan State, Bruce Weber of Illinois and Buzz Williams of Marquette.
During the last high-school season, Williams and Coach Bo Ryan of Wisconsin showed up at the same time at one of Tokoto's games, which everyone thought awkward until they sat together.
Tokoto (J.P. stands for Jean-Pierre) averaged 18.6 points and 10 rebounds and led his team to 21 wins. He can shoot jump shots, but can also slice through a defense on drives.
Some of his athletic ability is in his genes.
He started playing soccer when he was 3, with help from his grandfather, also J.P. Tokoto, who made Cameroon's national soccer team as a 15-year-old and was a longtime soccer coach in Rockford, Ill.
Tokoto is hoping to make his college decision by the end of summer 2011.
His father, Trevor Trimble, said that the family considers the growing recruiting process a very humbling experience.
But he also hopes that the traditions of the programs recruiting his son will drive J.P. to become a better player and better student, even though he already has a 3.5 GPA.
"Our challenge as parents is to encourage him to find what he can do with it," Trevor said. "We don't want him to reach the end of the road and look back and say, 'I wish I coulda, woulda shoulda,' and have regrets.
"I'm telling J.P., 'Let's not take this for granted. You've got to seize the opportunity, and you've got to work.'"
North Carolina was one of the teams that Tokoto follows. Tokoto likes a fast style of play and feels he would fit easily into the uptempo pace that Williams favors.
"I like it here. It's nice," Tokoto said as he visited the Smith Center. "The first time I was here I was thinking, 'Wow!' I've seen it on TV, but I never thought it would be this big. It looks like it's a mile high. The banners and retired jerseys are awesome to see. It shows the history of the program."
Duke also holds a prominent place in his recruiting plans, and he had a visit planned during the Gibbons tournament to look at Cameron Indoor Stadium and around campus.
"I'm not playing any favorites right now because it's so early in the process, but I like Duke a lot also," he said. "I really like the school. I like the way they play. Duke's coming off a great year. Winning the (NCAA) championship was awesome.
"I believe North Carolina is going to make a run at it this year, too. They're playing with some guys who have some experience now. So that would be nice, also. I like both schools a lot."
bcole@wsjournal.com
"Bo Ryan said to Sam (Tuesday), 'I'm telling you the truth when I say I have been waiting for a player with your ability for the past 30 years, and now I have one,'
http://www.sheboyganpress.com/article/20100615/SHE0101/100615150/Sheboygan-Lutheran-s-Sam-Dekker-commits-to-Wisconsin
Quote from: indeelaw90 on June 16, 2010, 07:36:48 AM
"Bo Ryan said to Sam (Tuesday), 'I'm telling you the truth when I say I have been waiting for a player with your ability for the past 30 years, and now I have one,'
http://www.sheboyganpress.com/article/20100615/SHE0101/100615150/Sheboygan-Lutheran-s-Sam-Dekker-commits-to-Wisconsin
until he decommits ;)
JPT going to be a badger, one very knowledgeable on Buckyville poster has said so many times, including the following:
"I wouldn't worry about Marquette....or the "big boys"....to much. " with a wink...
http://buckyville.yuku.com/topic/19701 (http://buckyville.yuku.com/topic/19701)
From the video I've seen, JP "glides" on the court. Moves so smoothly through the defense. Needs to get stronger and also work on his J. But, will be an elite college performer if he remains dedicated. Love to see him in a Warrior uni.
Looks like UW signed a wing for 2012 in Sam Dekker: http://rivals.yahoo.com/wisconsinpreps/basketball/recruiting/player-Sam-Dekker-113453
http://www.sheboyganpress.com/article/20100615/SHE0101/100615150/Sheboygan-Lutheran-s-Sam-Dekker-commits-to-Wisconsin
Looks like the Badgers signed a wing player in the same class as Tokoto.
Also, notice the jab at Bo's recruiting style and the rip on Tom Crean on the #6 post here: http://buckyville.yuku.com/topic/31476/t/Dekker-to-UW.html
They didnt sign anyone, they got a verbal commitment.
http://northcarolina.scout.com/2/977422.html
Quote from: indeelaw90 on June 16, 2010, 07:36:48 AM
"Bo Ryan said to Sam (Tuesday), 'I'm telling you the truth when I say I have been waiting for a player with your ability for the past 30 years, and now I have one,'
http://www.sheboyganpress.com/article/20100615/SHE0101/100615150/Sheboygan-Lutheran-s-Sam-Dekker-commits-to-Wisconsin
I think this says it all to badget fans. Either Bo is full of sh!t, or he just admitted he hasn't signed a half decent prospect in 30 years of coaching.
come on now, Bo just signed the next "Pistol" Pete Mavarich, only taller....
"Todd Dekker said his wife was sold on Ryan when the Badgers coach said Sam could be a taller version of Carol's favorite all-time player, former LSU and NBA star "Pistol" Pete Maravich."
I don't know if I would count Wisconsin out just yet. If my memory serves me correctly Bo has brought more than a few high level recruits to Madison. Heck, I also wouldn't count Buzz out yet either. Stranger things have happened...
He's a Tar Heel...bank on it.
Yup, and my wife's alma mater was signed, sealed, and delivered to the Pac 10.
We are dealing with a someone who probably can't even drive yet. Lots of changes will take place over the next couple of seasons.
Bo really layed it on thick for this Dekker kid with the Pistol Pete comment and stating he's been waiting for a player of Dekker's caliber in Wisconsin for 30 years. Sounds like he told him he could play the 1-4 at UW - point, shooting, small and power forward. I'm sure he'll turn out to be a good player for UW, and it should be very interesting to see him develop into a Pistol Pete clone.
Hard to imagine Pistol Pete playing in the swing...
Quote from: texaswarrior74 on June 16, 2010, 05:29:51 PM
He's a Tar Heel...bank on it.
we'll just have to blow the salary cap and up the signing bonus ;D and pay the luxary tax
I wonder if this recent Creaning (http://www.courierpress.com/news/2010/jun/17/bawa-muniru-leaving-iu-basketball-program/) means IU is one of the other 26 teams.
Quote from: indeelaw90 on June 16, 2010, 07:36:48 AM
"Bo Ryan said to Sam (Tuesday), 'I'm telling you the truth when I say I have been waiting for a player with your ability for the past 30 years, and now I have one,'
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
""Todd Dekker said his wife was sold on Ryan when the Badgers coach said Sam could be a taller version of Carol's favorite all-time player, former LSU and NBA star "Pistol" Pete Maravich."
Looks like Bo isn't as above the tricks of recruiting as Badger fans would like to believe. Not saying he's dirty by any means, just not a choirboy. I wonder how it just happened to come up that the one player Bo compares a Mom's son to happens to be her all-time favorite player? (and kind of a random player to compare a 16 year old to, at that)
Bo: Who are your favorite players?
Mom: I like Shaq, Pistol Pete, and Isaiah Thomas.
Bo: Well, Mam, your son could be a taller or shorter version of any of those players!
And that quote to Sam is exactly the way to make a kid who just turned 16 get a big head. Bo may come across as (and probably genuinely is) a very nice guy, but anybody who thinks hes not as much of a salesman as anybody if fooling themselves.
And Crean tells every guard recruit they have a lot in common with Wade. Yep, both wear sneakers on the court.
Quote from: 77ncaachamps on June 18, 2010, 11:09:52 AM
I wonder if this recent Creaning (http://www.courierpress.com/news/2010/jun/17/bawa-muniru-leaving-iu-basketball-program/) means IU is one of the other 26 teams.
Sounds a lot like what our current coach did....if a kid isn't going to play and wants to play, best to tell him early and let him go.
Life is rough, happens in the business world all the time. If you're not cutting it, not hitting the numbers, they'll give you your walking papers. It's why scholarships are 1 year renewable offers.
Quote from: MarkCharles on June 18, 2010, 12:37:41 PM
Looks like Bo isn't as above the tricks of recruiting as Badger fans would like to believe. Not saying he's dirty by any means, just not a choirboy. I wonder how it just happened to come up that the one player Bo compares a Mom's son to happens to be her all-time favorite player? (and kind of a random player to compare a 16 year old to, at that)
Bo: Who are your favorite players?
Mom: I like Shaq, Pistol Pete, and Isaiah Thomas.
Bo: Well, Mam, your son could be a taller or shorter version of any of those players!
And that quote to Sam is exactly the way to make a kid who just turned 16 get a big head. Bo may come across as (and probably genuinely is) a very nice guy, but anybody who thinks hes not as much of a salesman as anybody if fooling themselves.
___
Hey come on - some salesmen are nice :)
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on June 18, 2010, 01:13:54 PM
Life is rough, happens in the business world all the time. If you're not cutting it, not hitting the numbers, they'll give you your walking papers. It's why scholarships are 1 year renewable offers.
Okay Chicos...do they get a bailout if they run MU into the ground? Get a clue. While some in the "business world" still seem to have ethics (and humility), I'm not interested in playing that card with these kids. They understand the business world all to well as they watch many make millions off of their play while they recieve a tiny fraction of that $$$. I think they get the business world...right now, it seems to be screw someone over or get screwed over. I'm not sure scholarships are a 1 year renewable offer to promote kicking kids out of school who aren't "hitting the numbers" on the court. Not sure how that plays with the Jesuit beliefs either.
-
Did you just quote yourself?
He better be playing with Marquette
Quote from: avid1010 on June 19, 2010, 08:07:35 PM
Okay Chicos...do they get a bailout if they run MU into the ground? Get a clue. While some in the "business world" still seem to have ethics (and humility), I'm not interested in playing that card with these kids. They understand the business world all to well as they watch many make millions off of their play while they recieve a tiny fraction of that $$$. I think they get the business world...right now, it seems to be screw someone over or get screwed over. I'm not sure scholarships are a 1 year renewable offer to promote kicking kids out of school who aren't "hitting the numbers" on the court. Not sure how that plays with the Jesuit beliefs either.
Bailout? I was talking about people in positions in the business world. Happens all the time, especially in sales and marketing where if you don't hit certain goals or caps, then they push you out. Not sure why you went to the bailout (which I abhor, by the way).
I'm not wild about the practice either, I'm simply saying that it's the way of the world these days. No different than Buzz telling Roseboro he'd be better off somewhere else. This seems to happen at an alarming level at many schools now with the pressure to win so high. Just look at the number of transfers every year.
Incidentally, I believe the Jesuits also adhere to the notion that people should use their talents (not let them go to waste) and the folks need to pull themselves up by the bootstraps from time to time as well.
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on June 20, 2010, 12:35:47 AM
Bailout? I was talking about people in positions in the business world. Happens all the time, especially in sales and marketing where if you don't hit certain goals or caps, then they push you out. Not sure why you went to the bailout (which I abhor, by the way).
So was I. I know plenty, and many I consider friends, who reached their sales goals in a unethical manner that put the US economy at risk. Their companies were bailed out. I'm just not interested in acting like these kids are part of a "business" unless they're getting compensated fairly for the profits they are generating for their "business." They're ever move in scrutinized much greater than most business positions, and they're compensation is much more unfair.
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on June 20, 2010, 12:35:47 AM
I'm not wild about the practice either, I'm simply saying that it's the way of the world these days. No different than Buzz telling Roseboro he'd be better off somewhere else. This seems to happen at an alarming level at many schools now with the pressure to win so high. Just look at the number of transfers every year.
I don't pretend to know the exact reasons that Roseboro left/was asked to leave, but I think Buzz evaluates his players on more than points, rebounds, assists, etc. I also think there are more variables involved in increasing transfer rates than just schools feeling the pressure to win. A major one being every kid thinking he should be the go to player and an NBA lottery pick.
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on June 20, 2010, 12:35:47 AM
Incidentally, I believe the Jesuits also adhere to the notion that people should use their talents (not let them go to waste) and the folks need to pull themselves up by the bootstraps from time to time as well.
I feel the same way, but it's very dangerous when people use religion to rationalize unethical actions. If you promise a kid an education and spot on the team IF HE WORKS HARD, and the kid does everything asked of him but it doesn't translate to production on the court, I don't think the kid should be asked to leave because he didn't "hit his numbers" on the court. That's not why scholarships are offered one year at a time.
When risk is matched with reward, then you can start axing kids for lack of production.
Quote from: avid1010 on June 20, 2010, 09:00:07 AM
So was I. I know plenty, and many I consider friends, who reached their sales goals in a unethical manner that put the US economy at risk. Their companies were bailed out. I'm just not interested in acting like these kids are part of a "business" unless they're getting compensated fairly for the profits they are generating for their "business." They're ever move in scrutinized much greater than most business positions, and they're compensation is much more unfair.
I don't pretend to know the exact reasons that Roseboro left/was asked to leave, but I think Buzz evaluates his players on more than points, rebounds, assists, etc. I also think there are more variables involved in increasing transfer rates than just schools feeling the pressure to win. A major one being every kid thinking he should be the go to player and an NBA lottery pick.
I feel the same way, but it's very dangerous when people use religion to rationalize unethical actions. If you promise a kid an education and spot on the team IF HE WORKS HARD, and the kid does everything asked of him but it doesn't translate to production on the court, I don't think the kid should be asked to leave because he didn't "hit his numbers" on the court. That's not why scholarships are offered one year at a time.
When risk is matched with reward, then you can start axing kids for lack of production.
I think you and I have a lot more that we agree with then we disagree with. My only disagreement is your first paragraph that this isn't a business. It most certainly is and they are being compensated for it. If they don't like the payment, they can play somewhere else, but it is a business.
Happy Fathers Day
J.P. Tokoto came into the Top 100 Camp rated as the fourth-best player in the high school class of 2011, according to the Scout.com recruiting service. Friday found him perplexed and uneasy. Not scoring in the first three games of a high-profile camp for top prospects can do that to a player.
"I've never dealt with this before," Tokoto said after shooting blanks in Friday's first session. "It's kind of new, and I haven't handled it too well."
Tokoto, a 6-foot-6 wing from Menomonee Falls, Wis., was one of only three players in the camp who had not scored a point.
http://www.kentucky.com/2010/06/19/1313344/uk-notes-scoreless-recruit-hopes.html
Quote from: goodgreatgrand on June 21, 2010, 11:28:29 AM
J.P. Tokoto came into the Top 100 Camp rated as the fourth-best player in the high school class of 2011, according to the Scout.com recruiting service. Friday found him perplexed and uneasy. Not scoring in the first three games of a high-profile camp for top prospects can do that to a player.
"I've never dealt with this before," Tokoto said after shooting blanks in Friday's first session. "It's kind of new, and I haven't handled it too well."
Tokoto, a 6-foot-6 wing from Menomonee Falls, Wis., was one of only three players in the camp who had not scored a point.
http://www.kentucky.com/2010/06/19/1313344/uk-notes-scoreless-recruit-hopes.html
He's got an extra level of expectations now, a target on his back, and is going up against players of much higher caliber than Menomonee Falls or even SE Wisconsin.
His skill level is there. Doesn't have to take a backseat to anyone on the floor. Trust the Hall of Fame coaches who have made a beeline for Menomonee Falls. So much of the game is mental, though. Once he gains his confidence and has success vs. other elite players, I'm figuring Tokota swims with all the other fishes.
Quote from: avid1010 on June 20, 2010, 09:00:07 AM
If you promise a kid an education and spot on the team IF HE WORKS HARD, and the kid does everything asked of him but it doesn't translate to production on the court, I don't think the kid should be asked to leave because he didn't "hit his numbers" on the court. That's not why scholarships are offered one year at a time.
Sorry, but that's EXACTLY why scholarships are one-year renewable.
Its a nice quaint argument that hard work and determination are all you need--results be damned. It might even be true for NAIA or D3 teams.
However, when the high-major D1 coach is making 7 figures, hard work by the players isn't going to be enough. The coach has to win, and if a player isn't able to help accomplish that goal, the coach will find different players.
And don't feel bad for the kids, either--they know exactly what they're getting into at this level.
Sorry if that upsets the sensibilities of some, but its been that way for the Dukes and UNCs and Kansas' of the world. Players come in, and if they don't contribute they transfer. Coach K didn't get where he is today because he was willing to live with his recruiting misses for 4 years. And high-major D1 isn't a league where everyone gets a medal simply for trying hard.
Quote from: 4everwarriors on June 21, 2010, 12:47:19 PM
His skill level is there. Doesn't have to take a backseat to anyone on the floor. Trust the Hall of Fame coaches who have made a beeline for Menomonee Falls. So much of the game is mental, though. Once he gains his confidence and has success vs. other elite players, I'm figuring Tokota swims with all the other fishes.
His athletic ability is there. His ball handling is there. His defense is there. His shooting isn't there yet. His form isn't exactly what you want, and he needs to put in some work to improve that. This isn't the first time he's had problems scoring, and it's not just in games against elite talent. He's put up some bad shooting performances against AAU teams, and in his high school season.
You know what? I'd take my chances with him on our team.
Quote from: Marquette84 on June 21, 2010, 12:53:47 PM
Sorry if that upsets the sensibilities of some, but its been that way for the Dukes and UNCs and Kansas' of the world. Players come in, and if they don't contribute they transfer. Coach K didn't get where he is today because he was willing to live with his recruiting misses for 4 years. And high-major D1 isn't a league where everyone gets a medal simply for trying hard.
Those teams/coaches you mentioned didn't get to where they are today by kicking kids out after one unproductive year either.
Quote from: 4everwarriors on June 21, 2010, 02:11:57 PM
You know what? I'd take my chances with him on our team.
Three years ago this month people were saying the exact same thing about Jamil Wilson after his poor performance at the USA Youth Basketball Camp. He had MU, UW, UNC, Kansas, Michigan State, Duke etc all after him. The sky was the limit.....until it turned out he didn't develop into the player people thought he would be. Not saying Tokoto will turn out the same way, but there are some holes in his game he needs to work on.
Wilson has all the physical tools also. But, anyone who's ever seen him play will tell you he often exerts only half effort. Tokota has never been accused of being lazy. I'm certain he'll correct any "holes" in his game. Like I said, I'll take my chances.
Quote from: bma725 on June 21, 2010, 01:26:22 PM
His athletic ability is there. His ball handling is there. His defense is there. His shooting isn't there yet. His form isn't exactly what you want, and he needs to put in some work to improve that. This isn't the first time he's had problems scoring, and it's not just in games against elite talent. He's put up some bad shooting performances against AAU teams, and in his high school season.
From what I've read, tremendous athlete but not necessarily a tremendous basketball player. At least not yet. I'm sure he'll make significantstrides. Dominic was a great athlete, but not a good shooter. Rondo seems to be that way in the VERY limited NBA that I watch (which is next to nothing...though I did go to game 6 and his shooting was pretty bad if I recall).