Vander Blue reopening his recruitment according to Rivals

[Tom Crean's Tanning Bed]

Being from Chicago I have no idea, but what kind of school is James Madison Memorial High School (public/Private...good rep/bad rep)?

From the Madison Memorial website...coming from a HS that was well-known for it's college prep program growing up in the Chicago area, it sounds very comparable to the environment I was in.

Academic Programming
Achievement Scores

Recently, the average verbal SAT score was 622. The average writing sample SAT score was 618. The average math SAT score was 639. The average ACT score was 25.2.

In 2007-08 Memorial had 26 semifinalists, 23 finalists, and 16 commended finalists for the National Merit Scholarship competition. Five students also qualified for the US Department of Education Presidential Scholar Honors. Memorial also had students receive Nation Achievement and National Hispanic Recognition awards. Approximately 91% of each graduating class attends two- or four-year colleges.
Advanced Placement Program

There has been tremendous growth in our AP program with about 700 students now taking Advanced Placement courses each year. Most recently, 366 students took 692 AP exams with 87% scoring a 3 or above. (A score of 3 or above usually earns college credit.) AP courses cover English, chemistry, physics, biology, economics, psychology, history, computer science, math, and world languages.

[Wareagle]

As a point of comparison, Whitefish Bay averages somewhere around that as well.  I went to Memorial's rival high school, West.  I can tell you neither place is a joke.  There are kids going to Ivies every year from both schools.

[MR.HAYWARD]

wow i simply do not know how to respond to that article.  I tell you what though if that was my kid and the details of a meeting of that nature was released to the public i might just have a lwayer involved.  Everyone at the meeting was detailed.  As far as i can figure a meeting like that discussing sensitive issues like grades should not be taken public.  I dont know but similar to HIPPA rules i would think there would be something along that for grades and records and such of a minor.  if it was one of the school employees that should be a termination type offense.  If it was a UW emplyee i would think they could be sued, either way i cannot see how after a UW person blbs like that to the newspapre Vander would ever want anything to do with that school.  Looks very bad on them and for future recruits as well.

[Silky]

This post should be on the Badger board and the message board after the article!  If the Badgers have the same standard as MU's, then someone needs to point that out!

As much as the UW people want to brag about their academic standards being SO much higher than the rest, they're full of crap.

http://www.ncaa.org/wps/wcm/connect/resources/file/eb1afe0c529230b/Quick_Reference_Sheet_for_IE_Standards-5-2-08.pdf?MOD=AJPERES

Page 2 of this link has the sliding scale the NCAA uses to determine minimum qualfication standards.  Besides meeting the core course requirement (16), you have to have the proper ACT/SAT score and GPA combination.  Most major D-1 programs require a 2.5 GPA and an ACT composite (sum of all 4 sections) of 68 on this sliding scale (or in other words, a 17 on your ACT).  I've heard thru various sources over the years that UW and MU have the EXACT same standard for basketball players, a 2.5 GPA and a 17 ACT. 

This scale is the bare minimum requirements.  Some institutions, like Northwestern, require a high core GPA AND a higher ACT score.  I know this from experience; a high school classmate of mine, who ended up playing football at Purdue before going on for a couple of NFL training
camp, got a 17 on his first attempt of the ACT.  However, since he had a scholarship offer from Northwestern he wanted to take advantage of, he paid off a classmate to retake the test for him, got a 22, and accepted to NU (they required a 22).  Obviously, he was red-flagged by the NCAA Clearinghouse and ended up at a JuCo for his first 2 years of college. 

Also, UW has the luxury of burying their student-athletes in easier programs.  They have plenty of majors like Agricultural Journalism, PhysEd, Sports Management, etc. to bury them in.  The only comparables I can think of MU on that scale would be Comm. Studies and Social Welfare & Justice.  Even with those 2 majors, there's still a considerable amount of work students in those majors must put in, as they must do 36 credits as part of MU's Core of Common Studies of courses EVERY UNDERGRADUATE must take.  As I've said before, although most of the men's basketball players at MU end up in Comm. Studies, if you want to do something different (ie. Chris Grimm=Education, David Diggs=Electrical Engineering, Dominic James=PR/Spanish, Wesley Matthews=Advertising, Jamil Lott=psychology/sociology), you have the flexibility to do that.  Rarely do I see a UW student-athlete in football or basketball outside of one of those three majors. 

In the end, I really do not believe that MU and UW's admission standards for athletes are not that much different.  The difference is in how the institutions handle them once they get in the door, and I think MU does a superior job in that than UW does.

[ChicosBailBonds]

""He needs to, for lack of a better term, pick up the pace or there will be a 'junior' in front of his next college," said a source close to the UW."


Are you serious?

The flip side of all this is that if Blue comes to MU on the heels of Maymon, most of the state will start to say things like "these kids couldn't get into UW-Madison so they went to MU....what does that say about MU".

I can hear it now from UW-Madison fans.  I'm glad I don't live in the state because that would wear thin awfully quick.  I don't believe those comments would be accurate, but we all know they would be out there in the ether.

[dsfire]

As I've said before, although most of the men's basketball players at MU end up in Comm. Studies, if you want to do something different (ie. Chris Grimm=Education, David Diggs=Electrical Engineering, Dominic James=PR/Spanish, Wesley Matthews=Advertising, Jamil Lott=psychology/sociology), you have the flexibility to do that.

I never did understand how David Diggs managed to be successful in an engineering program concurrent with playing basketball, that just blew me away.  His work ethic must've been through the roof.

[IAmMarquette]

But Blue wasn't thrilled to hear about all the work he needed to do to become academically eligible to play at Wisconsin. "He kind of melted into the table," said the source. "He got the sulky, head-down, won't-make-eye-contact look."

This is supposed to be an idication of a kid who doesn't want to work on his academics? How about a kid who might be a bit embarassed that he needs extra work on his academics? I didn't realize college sports beat writers were qualified to make judgements regarding the psychology of high school students.

[Hards Alumni]

All of the Madison schools are great schools, and some of the best in the state... they put MPS to shame... but what doesn't 

As for this, I just had a hallway 'discussion' with a coworker (I live and work in the Madison area)... and I had been giving him a little crap the last day or so, and so he brings up that its an academic issue, not a change of heart.  I told him, "really?  with all those football players who can barely read, they aren't going to let Blue come play?"

no response.

[Dish]

The flip side of all this is that if Blue comes to MU on the heels of Maymon, most of the state will start to say things like "these kids couldn't get into UW-Madison so they went to MU....what does that say about MU".

I can hear it now from UW-Madison fans.  I'm glad I don't live in the state because that would wear thin awfully quick.  I don't believe those comments would be accurate, but we all know they would be out there in the ether.

If Wisconsin wants to become Northwestern "Northwest" (for lack of a better term), fine by me. If their academic standards/rigors are going to be so grueling where they will bypass kids who fit NCAA qualifications and go on to graduate from respected institutions (like Marquette), then I'm all for it.

Last I checked, Northwestern is still trying to pop their NCAA Tournament virginity. If Wisconsin wants to go that route and start saying things about MU, won't bother me one bit. I'd rather be making the tournament and competing at a high level rather than being worried about having some guy in Fond du Lac all riled up because Vander Blue got admitted at Marquette.

[sarcastro]

Make sure that the phrase "internet circle jerk" is in there somewhere.

I prefer an interactive gang bang.

http://www.theinteractivegangbang.com/

[ATWizJr]

The flip side of all this is that if Blue comes to MU on the heels of Maymon, most of the state will start to say things like "these kids couldn't get into UW-Madison so they went to MU....what does that say about MU".

I can hear it now from UW-Madison fans.  I'm glad I don't live in the state because that would wear thin awfully quick.  I don't believe those comments would be accurate, but we all know they would be out there in the ether.

[ATWizJr]

ooopps. forgot to add my text to the above which is..... now we're supposed to worry about what UW fans will say about MU's academic standards? 

Puhleeze!

[GGGG]

From the Madison Memorial website...coming from a HS that was well-known for it's college prep program growing up in the Chicago area, it sounds very comparable to the environment I was in.

Academic Programming
Achievement Scores

Recently, the average verbal SAT score was 622. The average writing sample SAT score was 618. The average math SAT score was 639. The average ACT score was 25.2.

In 2007-08 Memorial had 26 semifinalists, 23 finalists, and 16 commended finalists for the National Merit Scholarship competition. Five students also qualified for the US Department of Education Presidential Scholar Honors. Memorial also had students receive Nation Achievement and National Hispanic Recognition awards. Approximately 91% of each graduating class attends two- or four-year colleges.
Advanced Placement Program

There has been tremendous growth in our AP program with about 700 students now taking Advanced Placement courses each year. Most recently, 366 students took 692 AP exams with 87% scoring a 3 or above. (A score of 3 or above usually earns college credit.) AP courses cover English, chemistry, physics, biology, economics, psychology, history, computer science, math, and world languages.

All of the Madison public high schools are a mix of extremes.  On the one hand, you have a lot of kids whose parents work for the UW or in state government...on the other hand, there are parts of the city that are pretty poor and have the same urban problems as a lot of cities do. 

[thanooj]

Madison is a good school and bo is (imo) a good coach.  But if Vander comes to MU on the heels of Maymon they can say all they want about our academic standards and make all the excuses they want.  They can recruit more Stiemsmas and cheer for bucky football and it wont bother me at all.  Because BUZZ plucked two really good ones right from under Bo's nose.  That alone is sweet.  And if the two of them pan out, the proof will be in the pudding once a year when we work the badgers at the BC and in madtown. 

and frankly, if Mr. Blue decides to go anywhere else besides uw, that is also fine by me.  But come on BUZZ, REEL HIM IN!!!!!!

[Niv Berkowitz]

Poor Bo. If this blows up in his face, him and UW may be forced to go more than 300 miles to try and recruit someone.

[muarmy81]

All of the Madison schools are great schools, and some of the best in the state... they put MPS to shame... but what doesn't 

As for this, I just had a hallway 'discussion' with a coworker (I live and work in the Madison area)... and I had been giving him a little crap the last day or so, and so he brings up that its an academic issue, not a change of heart.  I told him, "really?  with all those football players who can barely read, they aren't going to let Blue come play?"

no response.

You didn't enjoy listening to Ron Dayne's speeches?

updated with appropriate font color

[Hards Alumni]

You didn't enjoy listening to Ron Dayne's speeches?

not from here, didn't go to school here... I'm a transplant.

[ATWizJr]

Blue can't sign anywhere until November, right?

[bma725]

Blue can't sign anywhere until November, right?

Correct.

[bamamarquettefan]

I seem to recall that some opponents viewed McGuire's recruits as "thugs."  Who cares what Wisconsin fans say if we keep beating them on the court.  The fact is the top players are going to prefer Marquette's style of play and their prospects for the NBA playing in Milwaukee.  Starting with Don Kojis, and continuing through Wade-Diener-Novak, 18 Marquette players have had NBA careers of at least 4 years.  During that time only 6 Wisconsin players have done that, and MU even got the son of one of those six! (Wes Mathews, of course).  With Wes and Jerel moving up in the mock drafts recently, we could end up with 20 bona fide NBA players including six current NBA players, and that's without Dominic or Lazar making.  Once Michael Finley finally wraps up his great career, Wisconsin will be down to just Devon Harris unless Alando Tucker is going to get promoted from D-League, or Jon Leuer gets drafted in a couple of years (and he is NOT projected to be so far).

Bo is a great coach, but I just don't see them getting the true blue chippers away from Marquette.  A player can choose to play in a better conference for a basketball school playing in front of the 10th biggest home crowds in the country, with a style of play that gives them a shot at the NBA, in a city that CNN just ranked one of the top 5 college basketball towns in America.  Why would any blue chipper go to Wisconsin?  Let them lob whatever insults they want - the choice is easy and I hope Vander Blue considers MU.

[77ncaachamps]

I seem to recall that some opponents viewed McGuire's recruits as "thugs."  Who cares what Wisconsin fans say if we keep beating them on the court.  The fact is the top players are going to prefer Marquette's style of play and their prospects for the NBA playing in Milwaukee.  Starting with Don Kojis, and continuing through Wade-Diener-Novak, 18 Marquette players have had NBA careers of at least 4 years.  During that time only 6 Wisconsin players have done that, and MU even got the son of one of those six! (Wes Mathews, of course).  With Wes and Jerel moving up in the mock drafts recently, we could end up with 20 bona fide NBA players including six current NBA players, and that's without Dominic or Lazar making.  Once Michael Finley finally wraps up his great career, Wisconsin will be down to just Devon Harris unless Alando Tucker is going to get promoted from D-League, or Jon Leuer gets drafted in a couple of years (and he is NOT projected to be so far).

Bo is a great coach, but I just don't see them getting the true blue chippers away from Marquette.  A player can choose to play in a better conference for a basketball school playing in front of the 10th biggest home crowds in the country, with a style of play that gives them a shot at the NBA, in a city that CNN just ranked one of the top 5 college basketball towns in America.  Why would any blue chipper go to Wisconsin?  Let them lob whatever insults they want - the choice is easy and I hope Vander Blue considers MU.

Good point, Bama!

Wiscy can keep their football...

WE CAN HAVE OUR BASKETBALL!

[bamamarquettefan]

Thanks 77NCAAChamps, and by the way, earlier today I stop your UNC "2nd place" banner and emailed it to several of my UNC friends.  Priceless!

[MUEng92]

I never did understand how David Diggs managed to be successful in an engineering program concurrent with playing basketball, that just blew me away.  His work ethic must've been through the roof.

I don't know if he actually graduated, but Tony Smith was in the College of Engineering when he was at MU.  It always impressed me that someone who later guarded Michael Jordan in the NBA Finals was an engineering student at MU.

Of course, if I remember correctly, not only was Diggs in Engineering, but I think I heard he had a very high GPA.

Anyone out there remember if that is true?

[dwaderoy2004]

diggs supposedly had a 4.0.  he was also a super tough TA.  he stayed at MU to get his masters in electrical engineering after his playing days.

[muarmy81]

I don't know if he actually graduated, but Tony Smith was in the College of Engineering when he was at MU.  It always impressed me that someone who later guarded Michael Jordan in the NBA Finals was an engineering student at MU.

Of course, if I remember correctly, not only was Diggs in Engineering, but I think I heard he had a very high GPA.

Anyone out there remember if that is true?

My roommate was in several classes with him and he said he was a pretty good guy but he didn't think that he was very smart.  He was in one of his groups for a group project and it sounded like he was the weakest link...