Texas A&M transfer wants to come to Marquette?

[marquette09]

He had offers from Duke and UNC

[RideMyBuycks]

Talented true point?  Save him a seat in ENGL2, THEO20, CMST21, and PHIL 50 this semester...or whatever the new course names might be. 

Pretty much just add 1000 to everything and you're in the ballpark

[GGGG]

I'd say we have to get this kid.  Then we'd have Jamil, Jamal, Jamail and Jamal all on the same team!! 

I doubt it.

[brewcity77]

I doubt it.

+1

One other note...we do currently have a scholarship for Branch this year. Even with Thomas, we only have 12 guys on scholarship. But it would mean someone isn't back in 2012-13.

[GGGG]

+1

One other note...we do currently have a scholarship for Branch this year. Even with Thomas, we only have 12 guys on scholarship. But it would mean someone isn't back in 2012-13.

Well, that is what I meant.  If we accept him, then someone would have to leave (or not show)...and one of those names is my best guess.

[brewcity77]

Well, that is what I meant.  If we accept him, then someone would have to leave (or not show)...and one of those names is my best guess.

My initial post before editing was just the +1, I agree with you completely, and the comment about the current open scholarship was more for others that may have forgotten

[4everwarriors]

So, let the speculatin' begin as to to who's tranferrin'. I'm figurin' on Jones, Blue wouldn't surprise me, and Durley never showin' up to begin with.

[Hards Alumni]

So, let the speculatin' begin as to to who's tranferrin'. I'm figurin' on Jones, Blue wouldn't surprise me, and Durley never showin' up to begin with.

Blue would shock me, but there is no reason to believe that anyone is transferring in at all.

And it would surprise me if Durley was here next year.

[brewcity77]

So, let the speculatin' begin as to to who's tranferrin'. I'm figurin' on Jones, Blue wouldn't surprise me, and Durley never showin' up to begin with.

I've been avoiding this for at least 6 weeks now. In response to your suggestions, I would say that I highly doubt it's the local kid that has seemingly cemented a starting role, and the last time Durley's name came up, both he and his mom were adamant that he'd be here in Fall.

[4everwarriors]

So was Newbill and his posse.

[esotericmindguy]

So, let the speculatin' begin as to to who's tranferrin'. I'm figurin' on Jones, Blue wouldn't surprise me, and Durley never showin' up to begin with.

I'll go with Jones, as bad as blue has performed in big games he still hasn't seen the floor. Add to that Anderson and the bevy of forwards coming in the future doesn't look great for him at MU. Its hard for shooters (basing this on how he was portrayed before MU) to get comfortable when the leash is short.

Not sure why Blue would leave, seems to me Buzz has given him every opportunity to be successful. And based on MU's history with landing big men I can't imagine Durley not showing up.

[brewcity77]

So was Newbill and his posse.

Newbill never signed his LOI. From all reports, Durley did.

[4everwarriors]

Blue's a younger than usual sophomore. The extra year may do him some good. I just question how happy/frustrated he may be with his slow offensive improvement. Athletes often blame the system and not themselves. May be all wet with this, but can't help but wonder especially watching his body language.

[4everwarriors]

I think Newbill never completed his app to the University. It's all semantics because in essence, he was recruited over.

[Canadian Dimes]

Interesting article from way back.

ST. LOUIS - There were a number of talented 2011 prospects at the Nike Hoop Jamboree, and none were more impressive than combo guard Austin Rivers.

Guards

Austin Rivers- Looks to be the complete package as a combo guard. Rivers handles with savvy, scores multiple ways and has the length and athleticism to defend and rebound his position. The son of Celtics coach Doc Rivers simply has a whole lot of game and has the potential to be a dominant player as he gets physically stronger.

Nick Johnson- Maybe not quite the point guard that Rivers is, Johnson shares the same qualities as Rivers. A strong two foot jumper, Johnson is a serious scoring threat in the midrange area with his advanced repertoire of shots.

Derrick Wilson- Built like a running back, Wilson has a highly skilled game to go along with his explosive strength. A force around the rim as a scorer and rebounder, Wilson can also score the ball effectively from the outside and has the basketball IQ to run a team.

Jamal Branch- A smooth athlete with a dose of athleticism, Branch is oozing with upside. He scores the ball well off the dribble, shows instincts on the defensive side of the ball and will only get better as he gets stronger.

Cezar Guerrero- A tremendous ball handler, Guerrero is a natural scorer who makes the difficult shot look easy. At the same time his ability to make the tough shot can work against him as he has a tendency to force the issue as a scorer to the detriment of team play. Nonetheless, you can't ignore the talent that he possesses.

Wayne Blackshear- The long and lanky guard really looked good shooting the ball from outside. Going to the basket, he didn't always have the same success, however, because of a lack of strength. But if he tightens up his handle and improves his strength, Blackshear will have quite a complete game as a shooting guard.

http://cleveland.rivals.com/content.asp?SID=1072&CID=818638


As I was looking for info on Branch, I noticed this article mentioned DWill.

I want THAT DWill to show up soon!!!

This post shows all the reasons that branch will not attend MU...
We already have a good freshman PG.  Hasnt shown the scoring ability yet, but not becuase he cannot.  he has shown the defense and the PG vision and distribution and lack of turnovers.  he will score when needed.  We are fine at PG.  Junior has been a lttle undrwhelming but DWill has been pretty darn good.

[brewcity77]

This post shows all the reasons that branch will not attend MU...
We already have a good freshman PG.  Hasnt shown the scoring ability yet, but not becuase he cannot.  he has shown the defense and the PG vision and distribution and lack of turnovers.  he will score when needed.  We are fine at PG.  Junior has been a lttle undrwhelming but DWill has been pretty darn good.

One recruiting report from one summer camp does not a recruit make. I like DW, I think he can be a very good PG for us, but I'm not sold that he's ever going to be a great starter. He has shown zero acumen for scoring the basketball. I'm not going to say ratings are the be-all, end-all, but he's looked like a solid backup point that can defend and calm things down, but won't light the world on fire.

Branch, on the other hand, is a RSCI #52 player that was ranked top-100 by every major scouting service. That doesn't guarantee he'll be a stud by any means, but with Junior graduating after next year, I don't see any reason Buzz wouldn't want to give him an opportunity.

Also...a lot of rumors as to why Branch left. Sounds like it was a lot more than PT. Not that college players smoking marijuana is something that would shock or disturb most, but maybe a lack of control by Gillispie over his program. Can't imagine his health issues are instilling much confidence, either.

http://texags.com/main/forum.reply.asp?topic_id=2013516&forum_id=7

From a poster there: "Jamal's best buddy said he has expressed concern over lack of off court discipline for a few weeks. Apparently was offered weed by other players at a party, and when he mentioned it to Kennedy he was blown off. That was sometime around Thanksgiving. That rumor is directly from the horse's mouth"

Who knows the veracity to a random message board poster, but I don't get the impression that Branch is just a problem child who will be disruptive.

[Jay Bee]

Newbill never signed his LOI. From all reports, Durley did.

Both Newbill & Durley signs NLIs.

[Golden Avalanche]

Also...a lot of rumors as to why Branch left. Sounds like it was a lot more than PT. Not that college players smoking marijuana is something that would shock or disturb most, but maybe a lack of control by Gillispie over his program. Can't imagine his health issues are instilling much confidence, either.

http://texags.com/main/forum.reply.asp?topic_id=2013516&forum_id=7

From a poster there: "Jamal's best buddy said he has expressed concern over lack of off court discipline for a few weeks. Apparently was offered weed by other players at a party, and when he mentioned it to Kennedy he was blown off. That was sometime around Thanksgiving. That rumor is directly from the horse's mouth"

Who knows the veracity to a random message board poster, but I don't get the impression that Branch is just a problem child who will be disruptive.

Kids can leave for any reason they want but not I'm not sure why MU is on top of their list if they're looking for a town other then the one they just left.

[bamamarquettefan]

You can take this with a grain of salt too, just one opinion, but a very good friend in the office is a gung ho Texas A&M hoops fan who watches every game, and was friends with on of the assistants who went to Maryland, etc.  He tells me that the kid was even BETTER than anyone expected him to be this year, and they were all extrememly disappointed he was leaving.

He thought he would be a huge get for us ... of course, he had watched our game against VAndy on TV so he may not realize we are actually pretty good.  He talks to a lot of people back at A&M, so I don't know how much this differs from what is being said on their blogs, but sounded good if we do have a chance at him.  I don't want to think about the scholarship table right now - certainly there is noone on this team I'd like to see go, but he seems hard to turn down if he does want to come here.

[brewcity77]

Kids can leave for any reason they want but not I'm not sure why MU is on top of their list if they're looking for a town other then the one they just left.

Who knows? Maybe he likes our style of play. Maybe he likes that Buzz isn't afraid to suspend guys. Maybe he sees a good chance at playing time with DJO and Junior leaving in the next two years. Maybe he knows and has a good rapport with Buzz. Maybe Buzz reached out when he heard Branch was transferring. Maybe Billy Gillispie recommended his former assistant as a good mentor.

There are a thousand reasons he might want to come here, none of which most of us would know. That doesn't mean the interest isn't valid.

[Earl Tatum]

If Branch is as good as advertised, I would park on his doorstep and beg. Wish Jones would show his ability. Durley won't make it to Wisconsin. Any info on Cameron Ridley. He committed to Texas, but didn't sign. Wish we couldn't get an athletic separator under the basket. Any ideas?

[GGGG]

Both Newbill & Durley signs NLIs.

Yes...Newbill simply never gained admittance to the University.

[Marqus Howard]

Apparently his dad is under the impression that he can't transfer to a Big 12 or SEC team, because Texas A&M is changing conferences. That would obviously narrow his options significantly.

[chapman]

This post shows all the reasons that branch will not attend MU...
We already have a good freshman PG.  Hasnt shown the scoring ability yet, but not becuase he cannot.  he has shown the defense and the PG vision and distribution and lack of turnovers.  he will score when needed.  We are fine at PG.  Junior has been a lttle undrwhelming but DWill has been pretty darn good.

He's good defensively only.  One point every 16 minutes.  One assist every 14 minutes.  I don't want to bank my future at the position on that even if he's 14 games into his career.

[Bocephys]

He's good defensively only.  One point every 16 minutes.  One assist every 14 minutes.  I don't want to bank my future at the position on that even if he's 14 games into his career.

Has he really shown to be that good defensively against a quicker guard?  Sure he looked good against Jordan Taylor, but he got into foul trouble real quick against Villanova.