Recruiting: 2 Scholarships Left

[brewcity77]

Well, now that Reggie Smith has announced he will be leaving, we have two scholarships for the 2011 class that Buzz can use. Surfing around a bit, I thought I'd throw together a list of guys we might be focused on. First, a look at what we have coming back, based on the way Buzz rotates guys...

Bigs: Chris Otule (Jr), Davante Gardner (So)

Switchables: Jae Crowder (Sr), Erik Williams (Jr), Jamil Wilson (So), Jamail Jones (So), Juan Anderson (Fr)

Guards: Darius Johnson-Odom (Sr), Junior Cadougan (Jr), Dave Singleton (Jr), Vander Blue (So), Derrick Wilson (Fr)

I think early expectations would be for Otule's role to stay roughly the same, 10-15 minutes a night, while Gardner's load will likely go up, hopefully logging 15-20 minutes. I think Crowder and Wilson will get the bulk of time at the forward slots, while Williams and Jones will both have opportunities. Buzz is showing he's not afraid to play freshmen, so Anderson may get a look, but I think he's the guy we'd have to expect the least from next season. In the backcourt, I'm sure DJO will get the lion's share of time at the 2, while Cadougan and Blue will likely fight it out for the 1, though if both are looking good, we could stick with a lot of 3-guard sets.

Personally, I think we are fine at the switchable positions. A senior, junior, 2 sophomores, and a freshman. It's great balance, and Buzz has done a very good job over the past few years of integrating 4-year players like Lazar with JUCO transfers like Fulce, Butler, and Crowder to make these positions work for him the way he'd like.

Up front, we could definitely use another body. I think the real question here is if we look for a JUCO transfer (the ever-popular God's Gift Achiuwa) or try to develop a four-year big. Considering our history, I have to think that if we go the JUCO route, the guy has to be athletic enough to have an immediate impact. Otule and Gardner will still likely not play together much, so if we're adding another big that's an upperclassman, he has to be able to get on the court with either of them. If we go for a youngster, that's less important, but will likely mean a 2-star or at best 3-star prospect. Of course, if we can get a 2-star who fits Buzz's system and he stays 4 years, there's no reason that we won't find a lot of success there.

In the backcourt, it's an odd mix. DJO will be leaving after next year, and adding another shooting guard wouldn't hurt. Of course, it seems with the departure of Smith, there's room for another point guard, though I'm not sure that's really the case with Cadougan, Blue, and Wilson all seemingly the types of guys that will be groomed to handle the ball. I think if you can get an impact guard, or another Reggie Smith type, you jump on him.

My thoughts are get either two bigs if you can, or a big and a guard. Achiuwa seems to fit well, and we know Buzz loves getting JUCOs. I'd also like to see a guard that can grow into his role, either Cezar Guerrero or Todd Mayo seem to fit the bill. Dre Henley would also be nice, though I'm not sure we need another switchable.

So after skimming a few sites, here are guys we are supposedly still in on:

Bigs

God's Gift Achiuwa: Might as well get him out of the way. Best name, seems to fit our needs. Averaged 13 ppg and 13 rpg as a freshman, is averaging 14/12 as a sophomore at Erie Community College. A 6'9" PF that has all the hype a JUCO can muster, but do we want a guy who's only here for 2 years? Buzz supposedly has a good relationship with this guy, largely due to their religion.

Keith Coleman: Physically gifted big man, 6'8" but notably slimmer than Gardner. Seems to be a project type, has all the athleticism of more highly regarded recruits but lacks the instincts and polish. For a freshman target, he seems to fit our needs.

Kevin Thomas: Another big, athletic project. 6'8" with room to add to his frame. Scores well around the hoop, left-handed, but doesn't rebound as well as his athleticism would indicate. Having not watched much of either, Coleman and Thomas seem fairly similar in that they are both 3-star projects, bring plenty of athleticism, but don't have very refined games as of yet.

Jaleel Roberts: 6'10" center from Georgia definitely needs to add to his frame (190). Long, athletic project has a jumper that stretches to 15 feet, good post moves and rebounding instincts, and is considered a good shot blocker. The downside is his need to add strength to hold up at the next level, and that any hype he's gotten is more based on potential than production. 2-star project that might be a decent option once his body gets some time in the weight room.


Switchables

Jarion Henry: Was supposed to be at Marquette Madness, then pulled out for unknown reasons (possibly Anderson's commit?) and hasn't been heard from since. But all the major recruiting outlets seem to indicate we're still in the hunt. A left-handed wing player that drives well but lacks a consistent shot from range. Great size, 6'8", and room to add weight and strength, and one of the last guys who's pretty much a consensus top 100 player we're in on.

Dre Henley: 2-star prospect, but a good outside shooter and ball-handler. Seems like a guy who's flown a bit under the radar, odd for a Mac Irvin Fire player. Seems like he could play anywhere from 1-3, and I like everything I've read about him, but all the comments make him seem like a 4-star, yet no one regards him that highly. Could be a nice addition that helped keep our connections to Irvin, though I'm not sure he really fits a need. Still, if he can really handle like a 1, having a 6'6" PG would be a nice asset.

Guards

Cezar Guerrero: A California guy, only Scout has us after him, and I'm surprised not to have heard much of him sooner as Rivals has him as a top 150 player (#61). Sounds a lot like Smith, blazing speed, good handle that can get erratic and lead to turnovers. Doesn't have a lot of offers, but does seem to have plenty of interest from top programs. Might be a bit underrated, as many West Coast players are.

LeAntwan Luckett: A driving, scoring guard who also excels at drawing fouls. Not much of a ball-handler or shooter, however. Has size at 6'5" and is regarded as a good perimeter defender. If we're really looking for a point to replace Smith, he might not be the right guy, but he could be a nice change-of-pace replacement for DJO in a year.

Todd Mayo: Attacking, scoring guard who is the younger brother of former USC stud OJ Mayo. More playmaker than ball-handler, he might struggle to fit into a system where he's not the first option, but if he has any of his brother's upside, he might be worth a flier.

[77ncaachamps]

Is Cothron not a viable option as a transfer? Don't know his baggage...

[willie warrior]

We need two more Point Guards

[MUfan12]

Is Cothron not a viable option as a transfer? Don't know his baggage...

Dude has huge baggage. A lot of talent, but a Trevor-esque level of knuckleheadedness.

[MU_Iceman]

We need two more Point Guards

Honestly, I think we've seen that the more pressing need is someone to rebound the damn ball...I don't care if he has NO offensive ability (although I'd prefer he does), but we need someone who has a knack for finding the ball off the glass.

Then our secondary need is another combo type of guard.  A guy somewhere between 6'1" and 6'4" or so who can stroke it from the outside.

That's what this team is lacking:  rebounding and consistent outside shooting.

[GGGG]

TWO point guards?  We have Junior for two more years and both Blue and Wilson who are both combo guards.  I think we could use a scorer...someone like Luckett.  And a JUCO big like GG.

There are a couple of PGs in the class of '12 from Wisconsin if I recall that might be good fits.

[muarmy81]

Is Cothron not a viable option as a transfer? Don't know his baggage...

I thought he was declared academically ineligible?

Agree with the idea of adding a strong rebounder (6' 7"-6' 9" banger type) and a shooter...preferrably a shooter who stands taller than 6' 4".

[ChicosBailBonds]

Can we create a category for Traditional guys that can shoot a basketball?

[Mobot]

I think Willy was being sarcastic about needing two more point guards, if you haven't noticed, he has been a little pessimistic lately.

I am hoping that we sign Todd Mayo and God's Gift.  Mayo can shoot and Gift can rebound.

[GGGG]

With willie nothing surprises.

[MUcookie30]

any chance we save one or both of these schollies for 2012?

[brewcity77]

any chance we save one or both of these schollies for 2012?

It's possible, but doesn't seem to be Buzz's M.O. I suppose he could give a scholarship to Singleton for the year, but from a basketball economics standpoint, I'm not sure why you hand a scholarship to a guy who's paying his own way.

There could be advantages to waiting until 2012 to fill one of those scholarships. With only two players graduating (DJO and Crowder) and Marquette garnering interest from guys like Tokoto, Nolan, Smart, and 5-star PF Jarnell Stokes, there's reason for optimism for that class. Of course, you never end up getting everything you want, so I still think Buzz is better off using both schollies this year. Besides, after Maymon, Mbao, and Smith, there's no reason to think we might not have another scholarship open up next year due to transfer anyway.

[GGGG]

I don't think we hold anything for 2012.  Worse comes to worse we Mbao someone I guess.

Anyway, I'm wondering if Singleton gets a scholie for his last three years.  There's your back up PG.

[OhioGoldenEagle]

OJ Mayo's little brother?  Really? 

A.  I think MU has about as good a shot at starting a football program as landing Mayo

and

B.  If he is anything like is older brother, I don't think MU should have anything to do with him

Next

[MU_Iceman]

Looking at local shooters, does anyone know anything about these two guys:

Mitchell Farr - Racine, WI - 6'2" SG
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/recruiting/player/_/id/102203/mitchell-farr

Larry Bradley - Milwaukee, WI (now at Huntington Prep) - 6'6" SG
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/recruiting/player/_/id/67073/larry-bradley

The ESPN analysts had some nice things to say about each player. 

Farr they stated has possibly the best 3pt stroke of the remaining players and gets compared to Stephon Curry in terms of his range and stroke.

Bradley they call a perfect "glue-guy" who can hit from out, defend, etc...

They're both local, just wondering if anyone knew anything about these two and if they might be options for that consistent outside shooter we're looking for...

[🏀]

Can we create a category for Traditional guys that can shoot a basketball?

We're dying for a Novak.

Would Buzz even start Novak with his defensive questionable at best?

[Jay Bee]

Larry Bradley - Milwaukee, WI (now at Huntington Prep) - 6'6" SG
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/recruiting/player/_/id/67073/larry-bradley

LOL. Yeah right

[BrewCity83]

Honestly, I think we've seen that the more pressing need is someone to rebound the damn ball...I don't care if he has NO offensive ability (although I'd prefer he does), but we need someone who has a knack for finding the ball off the glass.

We have that guy.  His name is Joe Fulce.  And as a Senior, he doesn't play that much, even when he is healthy.

[Stretchdeltsig]

We need help on the boards.  Hope Buzz recruits two 6'9" or taller guys to help us rebound and defend against other bigs in the BE.  Why should we continue to play at a height disadvantage.  Look at the Badgers.  Height is a good thing! Go big Buzz!

[MerrittsMustache]

Schollie Question: Could Buzz give Reggie's scholarship to Frozena for the second semester? Is that allowed?

[Tigidal]

What about the German big from St. John's Northwestern?

[Lighthouse 84]

Schollie Question: Could Buzz give Reggie's scholarship to Frozena for the second semester? Is that allowed?

What would the purpose be?

Mr. Curious

[mikem91288]

What about the kid from St. John's Military. What's his name again? I remember reading good things about him.

[MikeyT42]

Looking at local shooters, does anyone know anything about these two guys:

Mitchell Farr - Racine, WI - 6'2" SG
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/recruiting/player/_/id/102203/mitchell-farr

Larry Bradley - Milwaukee, WI (now at Huntington Prep) - 6'6" SG
http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/recruiting/player/_/id/67073/larry-bradley

The ESPN analysts had some nice things to say about each player. 

Farr they stated has possibly the best 3pt stroke of the remaining players and gets compared to Stephon Curry in terms of his range and stroke.


Bradley they call a perfect "glue-guy" who can hit from out, defend, etc...

They're both local, just wondering if anyone knew anything about these two and if they might be options for that consistent outside shooter we're looking for...

I've seen Farr play 4 times in his career. Limited in what he can do without the ball is his hand. Poor off hand.  Doesn't defend off the ball, (none of his team does for that matter). Good Shooter! can catch off a screen or create his own off the dribble.

He's not a high major guy.

[ChicosBailBonds]

We're dying for a Novak.

Would Buzz even start Novak with his defensive questionable at best?

Great question...