The last scholarship

[brewcity77]

With the addition of guard Derrick Wilson to the 2011 class that already included swingman Juan Anderson, we are left with one scholarship. After missing out on high-profile names like Mike Shaw, Rodney Hood, and the likely pie-in-the-sky Quincy Miller and Deuce Bello combo, there are still some quality targets left out there. I thought it'd be nice to have one place to discuss them all.

ESPN lists us as being in on two of the top remaining small forwards, Jarion Henry and Kevin Thomas, both of whom look to be waiting until the late signing period:

Top ESPNU SFs still available

We are also reportedly in on another small forward, Devin Langford, as well as shooting guard Todd Mayo, the younger brother of former USC standout O.J. Mayo.

Devin Langford profile

Todd Mayo profile

And of course, when it comes to Buzz, there's always the Junior College ranks, where the highest profile name we've heard comes from God's Gift Achiuwa, a sophomore power forward that averaged 13 points and 13 boards as a freshman for Erie Community College. I read today on a Cincinnati website that Buzz and God's Gift have bonded over their religion, which could help tip the scales in his recruiting (unless Lavin's promises of PT lure him to St. John's). And while I'm not sure if he'd transfer in as a freshman or sophomore, there's also German U-18 star Martin Breunig, a 6'9" forward from St. John's Military Academy in Delafield.

Zagoria article on God's Gift

Breunig article and videos

There are other names, mostly 2-star prospects, but I figured I'd focus on the guys that were the highest profile and the JUCOs we knew about. So what do you guys want Buzz to do with the last scholarship? I think if I had my choice, I'd lean toward God's Gift as I think a seasoned PF could really fill a need for a couple years, as the rest of the roster looks like it might be ready by then to challenge for a Big East title. Todd Mayo is another interesting prospect, especially if he has some of the same on-court magic of his big brother. The only question is whether or not he's completely clear of the allegations that surrounded his brother, as Todd was mentioned as possibly receiving improper gifts in connection with the scandal that clouded O.J. Mayo's time at USC.

Thoughts?

[GGGG]

I think Buzz is shooting for God's Gift, and if he gets him, there goes the last scholie.  That would be fine with me.

[bilsu]

I am going for two more signees. God's Gift now and the German guy in the spring. My third choice would be Thomas.

[MUMBA]

I'd love to see GOD'S GIFT across the back of a Marquette uniform, Brazilian-style, first name only.

[Daniel]

I think Buzz is shooting for God's Gift, and if he gets him, there goes the last scholie.  That would be fine with me.

Where are we with God's Gift?  Haven't heard anything lately.

[Aughnanure]

http://www.bearcattalk.com/showthread.php?p=22269

Thread that mentions Buzz and God's Gift have bonded over their religion.

[brewcity77]

I am going for two more signees. God's Gift now and the German guy in the spring. My third choice would be Thomas.

I really hope we don't have another Maymon/Newbill type situation.

[mr.MUskie]

I really hope we don't have another Maymon/Newbill type situation.

Newbill was what I thought of when I first read about Wilson.  A guy we never heard of, who seems excited about coming to MU, and everyone wondering why we need someone at his position.  If his coach starts posting on here...

[mikem91288]

Newbill was what I thought of when I first read about Wilson.  A guy we never heard of, who seems excited about coming to MU, and everyone wondering why we need someone at his position.  If his coach starts posting on here...
[/quote]


First thing you thought about? Some of you guys are ridiculous, you need to move on.

[Aughnanure]

I am going for two more signees. God's Gift now and the German guy in the spring. My third choice would be Thomas.

Are you thinking someone goes pro or another Newbill? Buzz doing that again would be inconceivable.

[avid1010]

Newbill was what I thought of when I first read about Wilson.  A guy we never heard of, who seems excited about coming to MU, and everyone wondering why we need someone at his position.  If his coach starts posting on here...

Ummm....a good friend seems to be posting about him on the other site...

[Sharpie]

Newbill wasn't getting offers by the same quality of schools as Wilson was. Not the slightest bit. So you're assessment is a tad off. 

[bilsu]

Are you thinking someone goes pro or another Newbill? Buzz doing that again would be inconceivable.

I think it is possible that DJO goes pro. It also is possible that someone decides to transfer. There is a lot of talent and they all cannot start. If a player wants to start, but does not see that happening at MU then the player has to either accept being a reserve or leave. I like all of our players and hope they all stay, but realistically someone will probably take the Mbao route.

[Aughnanure]

I think it is possible that DJO goes pro. It also is possible that someone decides to transfer. There is a lot of talent and they all cannot start. If a player wants to start, but does not see that happening at MU then the player has to either accept being a reserve or leave. I like all of our players and hope they all stay, but realistically someone will probably take the Mbao route.

Ok gotcha, but realistically....its about time we didnt have an off-season where a current player left.

[willie warrior]

I would pass on Langford and Mayo listed above. They are both Guard types which we have plenty of, and neither is rated very high.

We desperately need another Big, so land God's Gift or the German--or save the scholie.

[DanceHallPlayer]

It appears that Kevin Thomas is off the board. He reportedly verbaled to Fairfield last week and signed a LOI yesterday, although none of the main recuriting sites appear to have the info. Unless there are two left-handed 6' 8" forwards from Canada named Kevin Thomas

[DanceHallPlayer]

OK, my bad. It appears there really are two left-handed forwards from Canada named Kevin Thomas. The one going to Fairfield is a different one. This makes sense as there the one we are after has a number of offers from high Div. 1 schools.

[brewcity77]

Unless there are two left-handed 6' 8" forwards from Canada named Kevin Thomas

OK, my bad. It appears there really are two left-handed forwards from Canada named Kevin Thomas.

Sorry, but that really made me laugh. Just had to quote it