Durley granted release

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

Quoted since it was probably missed.

Anyone who claims the rug was pulled out from Durley is misinformed.

He probably saw it coming months ago like more than a few of us.

Honest question:

If Durley saw this coming, is/was he allowed to talk to other schools when he was already signed by MU?

[NersEllenson]

Why would Durley not be disappointed?  What kid wouldn't want to come to a Top 15 program on scholarship?  The bottom line is that this was not an out of the blue Buzz-cut - there were clear understandings from the beginning that it was a conditional schollie...practically since the day he signed the NLI.

Durley had an awful senior year - and didn't show nearly enough that he was deserving of a Big East scholarship.  Perhaps he goes prep/Juco and comes back to MU in several years..or he goes very low major right now.

To not think the kid is disappointed or upset is ridiculous.  However, just because he is upset/disappointed does not mean he was wronged/misled/or unaware of the deal from the start. 

[GGGG]

Why would Durley not be disappointed?  What kid wouldn't want to come to a Top 15 program on scholarship?  The bottom line is that this was not an out of the blue Buzz-cut - there were clear understandings from the beginning that it was a conditional schollie...practically since the day he signed the NLI.

Really?  How do you know this?

(This should be good....too early in the morning for popcorn though.)

[Goose]

Ners
Agreed the kid was not "wronged" by the situation. There are dozens if not more posts on Durley on here over past months that speculated he would end up at JUCO or Prep school. Why all of sudden would anybody be shocked and/or disappointed in the news? Durley can be disappointed but do not think anyone else should be by the news.

All that said, Buzz probably needs to narrow his lists on offers. Would say that Buzz is probably perfect guy to sign higher rated recruits late in the cycle and he does not need to sign flyer's early in process. If everything spring Buzz had one or two spots in his back pocket I would bet he would improve team more than taking early projects. Some coaches would have me worried with open spots in April...not Buzz.

[Goose]

Sultan,
I understand you comments on signing kids and them letting go to some degree. I do not think Buzz is trying to screw the kid and I give him more of a pass than most I would most coaches.However, I do think having this happen is not great reflection of school to many outsiders. Buzz needs to limit his offers and have confidence he will get kids he wants. He is far from at the picking kids he wants stage but he also is not in chasing stage on trying to build a brand.. He needs to learn where he is as a coach and the program is in different place than 4-5 years ago. I think that comes with maturity.

[ATWizJr]

A tad off topic, but would it be safe to assume that the posters pre 8:00 am on a Saturday morning are not students and probably have first hand knowledge of the Al era? 

t'would in my case.

[muguru]

Life Lessons with Buzz. Quote about preparing young men to be husbands and fathers. Wearing Christianity on your sleeve.

These are all positive things that appear to make our coach genuine and perhaps somewhat unique in what many regard as a less than human business. For our Jesuit school which teaches and preaches Ad Majorem Dei Gloriem, that's appealing.

Now we see our leader chasing one kid (Lockett) as he makes room for him by rescinding a commitment to another kid.

This is not happening at this moment because of Otule. We need a schollie right now because Lockett might average 15 ppg next year, DJO's gone and Vander cant shoot. All of our decisions are being driven by making the team better. For some, that's all that matters. For others, it stinks of MU becoming like "the other kinda schools."

For me it's tough to take because of all the talk about having a higher purpose and a commitment to these kids.

And don't tell me it's a win-win. Durley's tweet shows he wanted to be here. What if that's as much about school as it is about hoops?

Life Lessons just had a summer school session.

First of all, this is not being done to make room for Lockett or anyone else. What if there will be room to bring in Lockett without Durley leaving?? Then would it look so bad to you?? That Durley was NOT released to make room for a "better" player??

[Goose]

ATWiz
Unfortunately I fall into same camp. Getting old sucks!

[NersEllenson]

Really?  How do you know this?

(This should be good....too early in the morning for popcorn though.)

Ahh...ever heard of the cliche where there is smoke there is fire Sultan?  Its surrounded the Durley recruitment since Day 1.  I'd suggest you go get yourself a big sh$tburger to eat..forget about the popcorn..king of the IWB and Mark Miller "retweet."

[jsglow]

And while I understand that, how many fliers is Buzz going to take on this type of player?  He has backed out of NLIs three of the last five years...I simply don't like that trend.

Absolutely valid.  Buzz erred in offering Aaron.  Both sides would have been best served by a 'wait and see' approach.  But give him credit for fixing the situation.

[GGGG]

Ahh...ever heard of the cliche where there is smoke there is fire Sultan?  Its surrounded the Durley recruitment since Day 1.  I'd suggest you go get yourself a big sh$tburger to eat..forget about the popcorn..king of the IWB and Mark Miller "retweet."

Ahh...I figured.  Simply biased speculation on your part.  Move along now.

[thebigjake]

This is just amazing. Why do so many of you immediately jump to the conclusion that this was dirty or immoral when there is plenty of evidence that this was known by all parties as a possibility all along? Aaron tweeting that he was hurt may mean he wasn't the one deciding this, but no one was suggesting that. But it also doesn't mean that he didn't know this was possible. I believe that Newbill didn't see his thing coming, and the quotes coming from him and his coach afterward support that. There are no such quotes coming from Aaron's family or coach this time.

Remember back in November when his mother was quoted that Aaron was going JUCO?  Why would she say that?  Do you really think she was misquoted? I have a hard time believing she actually said "Aaron is looking forward to MU" and somehow the person who printed that mistakenly heard her say "Aaron is going to JUCO."  Isn't it more logical that she knew the LOI was heavily conditional, so much so that she was operating under the assumption that JUCO was more likely than MU?  

"So why the correction?" you will no doubt say.

Isn't it more logical that the MU coaches hadn't decided yet and upon seeing that quote immediately called her and said something to the effect of "hold on Mrs. Durley, we are still very interested in Aaron and continue to monitor his progress. At this point we are still planning on bringing Aaron up."  That whole thing happened in November, before he was even a month into his senior season. His majorly disappointing senior season. It also happened before Otule got hurt.

Or is it just easier to assume that Buzz is screwing that kid over. If so, wouldn't the quotes coming from the Durley side display more anger or surprise? Wouldn't his coach be backing him more?

I'm no insider, but i was told a very long time ago that there was an understanding between MU and the Durley's that the LOI was conditional.  It was a 2nd or 3rd hand source, but it sure seems true now. There is nothing wrong with doing that if both sides are aware and agree. It makes sense because anyone could see (including the Durley's) that this kid had some upside, but at that point was still a major project.  It helped Aaron because if it worked out (i.e. he earned it) he had his spot reserved and if it didn't he would go JUCO or prep or at the very worst have time to find another D1 spot.

The criticisms of Aaron all along have centered on his motivation. Maybe he needed this kick to see that.

I didn't really like the Newbill situation, but this one i have no problem with. I think Buzz learned from the Newbill thing to be very clear early and often to avoid the bad blood that resulted the first time. I also think the only reason DJN was cut was because Jamil became available and Buzz didn't see that coming. He made a tough choice and rightfully got criticized by many. Now he knows that when you sign a project you make darn sure they understand that he is viewed as such and that his spot isn't guaranteed. So when a Lockett comes open, or Otule gets hurt and adds another year or something else unexpected happens then you can do what you have to do and everyone understands.  Of course, if Durley was putting up big numbers and holding his own against Ridley he would be coming to MU in the fall. Heck, he still may show up at MU in a few years. I wouldn't bet that, but it is possible.

[jsglow]

This is just amazing. Why do so many of you immediately jump to the conclusion that this was dirty or immoral when there is plenty of evidence that this was known by all parties as a possibility all along? Aaron tweeting that he was hurt may mean he wasn't the one deciding this, but no one was suggesting that. But it also doesn't mean that he didn't know this was possible. I believe that Newbill didn't see his thing coming, and the quotes coming from him and his coach afterward support that. There are no such quotes coming from Aaron's family or coach this time.

Remember back in November when his mother was quoted that Aaron was going JUCO?  Why would she say that?  Do you really think she was misquoted? I have a hard time believing she actually said "Aaron is looking forward to MU" and somehow the person who printed that mistakenly heard her say "Aaron is going to JUCO."  Isn't it more logical that she knew the LOI was heavily conditional, so much so that she was operating under the assumption that JUCO was more likely than MU?  

"So why the correction?" you will no doubt say.

Isn't it more logical that the MU coaches hadn't decided yet and upon seeing that quote immediately called her and said something to the effect of "hold on Mrs. Durley, we are still very interested in Aaron and continue to monitor his progress. At this point we are still planning on bringing Aaron up."  That whole thing happened in November, before he was even a month into his senior season. His majorly disappointing senior season. It also happened before Otule got hurt.

Or is it just easier to assume that Buzz is screwing that kid over. If so, wouldn't the quotes coming from the Durley side display more anger or surprise? Wouldn't his coach be backing him more?

I'm no insider, but i was told a very long time ago that there was an understanding between MU and the Durley's that the LOI was conditional.  It was a 2nd or 3rd hand source, but it sure seems true now. There is nothing wrong with doing that if both sides are aware and agree. It makes sense because anyone could see (including the Durley's) that this kid had some upside, but at that point was still a major project.  It helped Aaron because if it worked out (i.e. he earned it) he had his spot reserved and if it didn't he would go JUCO or prep or at the very worst have time to find another D1 spot.

The criticisms of Aaron all along have centered on his motivation. Maybe he needed this kick to see that.

I didn't really like the Newbill situation, but this one i have no problem with. I think Buzz learned from the Newbill thing to be very clear early and often to avoid the bad blood that resulted the first time. I also think the only reason DJN was cut was because Jamil became available and Buzz didn't see that coming. He made a tough choice and rightfully got criticized by many. Now he knows that when you sign a project you make darn sure they understand that he is viewed as such and that his spot isn't guaranteed. So when a Lockett comes open, or Otule gets hurt and adds another year or something else unexpected happens then you can do what you have to do and everyone understands.  Of course, if Durley was putting up big numbers and holding his own against Ridley he would be coming to MU in the fall. Heck, he still may show up at MU in a few years. I wouldn't bet that, but it is possible.

Nice post bigjake.  Welcome.

[GGGG]

OK...even if I buy the story that the the LOI was "conditional," (and I don't) Buzz needs to stop doing that.  

This isn't A&M-Kingsville...this isn't some JUCO in bumf*ck Texas...this is the highest level of college basketball.  This simply looks bad.  Stop taking fliers on players that are marginal.

[brewcity77]

Ahh...ever heard of the cliche where there is smoke there is fire Sultan?  Its surrounded the Durley recruitment since Day 1.  I'd suggest you go get yourself a big sh$tburger to eat..forget about the popcorn..king of the IWB and Mark Miller "retweet."

Oh please...so because one random writer said he was going JUCO and a bunch of posters here didn't think he was ready, there were "clear understandings" this was coming? Funny...if that was the case why did anyone ever think Durley was coming? Why did his family join this message board to vehemently state he would be here in 2012? Why did all if his public comments indicate he was coming?

And if there's smoke there's fire is obviously not the case, otherwise DJO would be facing criminal charges for a beat-down at Apt 720, Todd Mayo would have transferred already, and Buzz would be at SMU, Oklahoma, Oregon, or some other school. Absolutely ludicrous assertion and post. No one outside Buzz and the Durley family knew the nature of the offer, certainly not any of us keyboard jockeys on Scoop.

[jsglow]

So now that the scholly is open, when does Lockett give his commitment for next year?  Does he wait until ASU exams are over?

[thebigjake]

Sultan,
OK, i can see that point and understand. I respectfully disagree though.  If Buzz decided to wait to extend the LOI and Durley just started kicking the crap out of Ridley and put up huge numbers, then Buzz would be fighting off every big boy program for him.  Getting a conditional LOI cuts off that possibility (I suppose Aaron could have asked out of his LOI in that hypothetical, but the chances would be less than him honoring the LOI). If all sides are aware of each possibility and agree, then I don't care how it looks to outsiders.  Sometimes when you take projects they turn out to be Mbao, McMorrow or Roseboro. Sometimes they turn out to be Otule, Gardner or McKaskill.  I call this smart planning to keep the upside for a while but limit the downside.

[Otule's Glass Eye]

Someone who would post that Otule is a "scrub" either has not watched ANY MU basketball (despite the FANATIC 4 LIFE moniker), and/or has no idea what they're talking about.  Were Chris healthy, he would have helped us IMMENSELY this year, particularly on the defensive end of the floor. 

To quote Ron Burgundy, "why don't you sit this next one out, stop talking for a while."

Otule should have been a senior this year but redshirted once already. He was putting up 5.0 PPG and 4.5 REB in about 18 minutes. Those are not senior numbers for a BE starting center. Been here 4 years been injured 3 times right?

[ibechillindoe]

Otule should have been a senior this year but redshirted once already. He was putting up 5.0 PPG and 4.5 REB in about 18 minutes. Those are not senior numbers for a BE starting center. Been here 4 years been injured 3 times right?

I really don't think you watch the games. Otule started this year incredibly. He was a defense force, who did so much for our team. He allowed the guards to attack more on defense, he sealed off the post on drives on offense. His length is exactly what our team needed this year. Yes, he gets injured. But I will take Otule's  ppg and 4.5 reb for the next two years. He will be vital to us making any deep NCAA tourney runs.

[DomJamesToTheBasket]

All that said, Buzz probably needs to narrow his lists on offers. Would say that Buzz is probably perfect guy to sign higher rated recruits late in the cycle and he does not need to sign flyer's early in process. If everything spring Buzz had one or two spots in his back pocket I would bet he would improve team more than taking early projects. Some coaches would have me worried with open spots in April...not Buzz.

Excellent point!  Buzz should have more faith in his recruiting abilities by now.  He is an ELITE recruiter!  He can afford to wait and make a more informed decision.  Guys will be knocking on the door.  Look at how many guys have been mentioning MU this time of year.

[buckchuckler]

Does this mean we won't have anymore threads titled "Aaron Durley" every two weeks?

Nope.  The first time he has a 4 point 3 rebound game people will be lamenting that he isn't here, and it will continue for the next 35 years. 

[Otule's Glass Eye]

I really don't think you watch the games. Otule started this year incredibly. He was a defense force, who did so much for our team. He allowed the guards to attack more on defense, he sealed off the post on drives on offense. His length is exactly what our team needed this year. Yes, he gets injured. But I will take Otule's  ppg and 4.5 reb for the next two years. He will be vital to us making any deep NCAA tourney runs.

I watched every single game (except for the Ole Miss game because it wasnt on TV) and Otule was one of the only 2 players I did not love (the other being Cadougan). Yes, if you mix together Otule's numbers (about a 55% FG rate) and Gardner's numbers, then you have a good combo. Otule just seemed to make so many silly and bad turnovers and plays while he played this year. I guess those are the plays I remember most. He is very important, and I agree that we needed him to make a deeper run and increase our ceiling. But we could have better. I know Buzz took him because it was around the time he took the job here and he was in his first recruiting class when Buzz didnt have an edge on recruitng yet. There's just something about the way he plays I just don't like. Buzz needs to start recruiting top centers, and I think Jahlil Okafor is the guy we could get (and Stone the year after that).

[NersEllenson]

Oh please...so because one random writer said he was going JUCO and a bunch of posters here didn't think he was ready, there were "clear understandings" this was coming? Funny...if that was the case why did anyone ever think Durley was coming? Why did his family join this message board to vehemently state he would be here in 2012? Why did all if his public comments indicate he was coming?

And if there's smoke there's fire is obviously not the case, otherwise DJO would be facing criminal charges for a beat-down at Apt 720, Todd Mayo would have transferred already, and Buzz would be at SMU, Oklahoma, Oregon, or some other school. Absolutely ludicrous assertion and post. No one outside Buzz and the Durley family knew the nature of the offer, certainly not any of us keyboard jockeys on Scoop.

Why was Durley's Mom quoted as saying he was going to JUCO (shortly after he signed the LOI)?  Think they joined here and elsewhere to squash the JUCO comment - as conditional recruitments are a  gray area (that many schools engage in), yet schools don't want to publicize such? 

Absolutely ludicrous to think differently Brew....Durley's Mom just didn't come up with the quote he's going to JUCO out of thin air...think about it for a minute.

[NersEllenson]

Ahh...I figured.  Simply biased speculation on your part.  Move along now.

I'm sure your sources - IWB and Mark Miller - will tell you the same thing.  Wait...I mean IWB and MM will post something to the effect that there was an understanding between MU and Durley's, at which time you will then regal us all with your inside information.

[MUBurrow]

Even if the LOI was conditional - which who the unnatural carnal knowledge honestly knows - I still philosophically don't like them. If thats the way everyone is doing business now (and I mean specifically with conditional LOI agreements) then fine. But I would really like to see that changed. Recruiting is inherently a gamble, and I dont like creating this gray area chasm where either party can simply back out.  The signee is gambling that this is where he wants to be/the best he can do, and the signor school is gambling that this is the best use of an available scholarship. To do it this way totally defeats the purpose of the LOI. Why the hell even have signing periods if its just going to be a crapshoot from March - June anyway?