Telep’s Top 10: 2013 sleeper recruits (Jajuan)

[The Equalizer]

He's shooting up the rankings, at #31 in Scout's most recent publishing - borderline 5 star material.  He's gonna be really good fit for us.

Scout also rated Embiid #61 in their most update.  That one makes my heart hurt.  Would have taken an already amazing class to a surefire title contender.

Actually, the summer RSCI (dated 9/16/12) already listed him at #31 in Scout. So he's holding steady.

Meanwhile, so your head doens't hurt quite as much--Vander Blue was rated as high as #24 out of HS and Jamil Wilson #23 (both Rivals final ranking).  If those players haven't turned us into a "surefire title contender", #31 Johnson and #61 Embiid wouldn't either.  We'd be a pretty good team, but our path to a title is going to require a lucky break or two. 

Not a Crean hater at all.  I only added to the TC comments because if the Iman comparisons.  I think questioning TC's recruiting at MU is valid.  Very inconsistent.

It wasn't just Iman--Watford was another that wouldn't play at MU.

Buzz hasn't broken that same recruiting ceiling, either.  He may very well come to the same conclusion as Crean if he goes hard but misses out on Stone and Looney--especially given the advantage that they're local.

[Pakuni]

Yeah I know that's what they say. But Tom Crean also left for a historically better program. One of the best programs in the history of Men's College Basketball. He didn't just leave to get out of town at the first phone call because Iman passed on Marquette. If Iman had committed and IU still had come calling Crean would have been at IU and taken Iman with him. Or left him behind if Iman chose that route.

This.
The whole "Crean left because he couldn't land Shumpert" thing is overplayed. It's not as if Shumpert were first highly touted prospect Crean recruited hard but didn't land (Butch, Fraser, Scheyer, etc.)
Crean left because Indiana missed on its first couple coaching targets and then offered him the job. If Indiana had landed Tony Bennett or Sean Miller, Crean might still be at Marquette.

[Lennys Tap]

Actually, the summer RSCI (dated 9/16/12) already listed him at #31 in Scout. So he's holding steady.

Meanwhile, so your head doens't hurt quite as much--Vander Blue was rated as high as #24 out of HS and Jamil Wilson #23 (both Rivals final ranking).  If those players haven't turned us into a "surefire title contender", #31 Johnson and #61 Embiid wouldn't either.  We'd be a pretty good team, but our path to a title is going to require a lucky break or two. 

One guy (a Blue or a Wilson for example) does not a recruiting class make.

Had we signed Embid, this year's class would have included four 4* high school seniors and a likely first team juco AA. Better still, it would be balanced (PG, C, PF, 2 switchables). That gives you a much better shot than one or two 4* guys a year.

[wadesworld]

One guy (a Blue or a Wilson for example) does not a recruiting class make.

Had we signed Embid, this year's class would have included four 4* high school seniors and a likely first team juco AA. Better still, it would be balanced (PG, C, PF, 2 switchables). That gives you a much better shot than one or two 4* guys a year.

More balanced definitely.  But wasn't there some article a year or 2 ago about how only like 1 team in forever has won a National Championship without a McD's All American on its roster?  4 stars make a consistent, competitive team program, but not a National Champion team.

[NickelDimer]

So, how about that Jajuan Johnson kid?  I hear he's pretty good!

Please, stick to the off-topic of Crean or start your own JJ thread.

[The Equalizer]

One guy (a Blue or a Wilson for example) does not a recruiting class make.

Had we signed Embid, this year's class would have included four 4* high school seniors and a likely first team juco AA. Better still, it would be balanced (PG, C, PF, 2 switchables). That gives you a much better shot than one or two 4* guys a year.

A good class--but not a "surefire title contender"--at least not for 3 or 4 years. 

[Lennys Tap]

A good class--but not a "surefire title contender"--at least not for 3 or 4 years.  

Not a sure fire title contender, but on paper the best MU class in more than 30 years. If it only turns out good (borderline top 25 every year and only a couple of NCAA wins in 4 years ala the 3 amigos) I (and most Scoopers, I suspect) will be disappointed - and that's without Embid.

[Stretchdeltsig]

It's too bad that writers on this board are often cynical and sarcastic and/or negative about MU basketball. 

[Aughnanure]

More balanced definitely.  But wasn't there some article a year or 2 ago about how only like 1 team in forever has won a National Championship without a McD's All American on its roster?  4 stars make a consistent, competitive team program, but not a National Champion team.

Maryland in 2002

[QuetteHoops]

More balanced definitely.  But wasn't there some article a year or 2 ago about how only like 1 team in forever has won a National Championship without a McD's All American on its roster?  4 stars make a consistent, competitive team program, but not a National Champion team.

I think that might be changing with the State of college basketball though. With some of the runs that we've seen to the final 4 by the likes of George Mason, VCU, Butler x2. There is so much more parity in college basketball and the one and done rule has completely changed the way teams are built. I wouldn't be surprised to see more teams without McD's AA to start winning championships.

[We R Final Four]

Actually, the summer RSCI (dated 9/16/12) already listed him at #31 in Scout. So he's holding steady.

Meanwhile, so your head doens't hurt quite as much--Vander Blue was rated as high as #24 out of HS and Jamil Wilson #23 (both Rivals final ranking).  If those players haven't turned us into a "surefire title contender", #31 Johnson and #61 Embiid wouldn't either.  We'd be a pretty good team, but our path to a title is going to require a lucky break or two. 

It wasn't just Iman--Watford was another that wouldn't play at MU.

Buzz hasn't broken that same recruiting ceiling, either.  He may very well come to the same conclusion as Crean if he goes hard but misses out on Stone and Looney--especially given the advantage that they're local.

So if Buzz doesnt land on one kid who is being recruited by the likes of Coach K and the other is ranked #1 at his position IN THE COUNTRY.....Buzz can't make it here? Got it.

[The Equalizer]

Not a sure fire title contender, but on paper the best MU class in more than 30 years. If it only turns out good (borderline top 25 every year and only a couple of NCAA wins in 4 years ala the 3 amigos) I (and most Scoopers, I suspect) will be disappointed - and that's without Embid.

Exactly my point.  You should have stopped there and simply said you agree.

[Lennys Tap]

Exactly my point.  You should have stopped there and simply said you agree.

Don't be so greedy. Celebrate when someone even partially agrees with you. It doesn't happen often.

[Silkk the Shaka]

One guy (a Blue or a Wilson for example) does not a recruiting class make.

Had we signed Embid, this year's class would have included four 4* high school seniors and a likely first team juco AA. Better still, it would be balanced (PG, C, PF, 2 switchables). That gives you a much better shot than one or two 4* guys a year.

Thank you. I'm not talking JJJ and Embijd in a vacuum. To add to what you said Steve Taylor & Juan Anderson as seasoned vets. And I'm not talking just next year either, I meant at some point in their careers. As is, I think this group has E8/FF potential. Add a guy like Stone or a stud JUCO center to the mix and they have no ceiling. Not only are they all extremely talented, but their skill sets are diverse and they fit the current/future roster like a glove and fit Buzz' system perfectly.

[The Equalizer]

Thank you. I'm not talking JJJ and Embijd in a vacuum. To add to what you said Steve Taylor & Juan Anderson as seasoned vets. And I'm not talking just next year either, I meant at some point in their careers. As is, I think this group has E8/FF potential. Add a guy like Stone or a stud JUCO center to the mix and they have no ceiling. Not only are they all extremely talented, but their skill sets are diverse and they fit the current/future roster like a glove and fit Buzz' system perfectly.

I see you've walked back "surefire title contender" down to "E8/FF potential at some point in their careers". 

That's hedging things just a bit.

Perhaps you recognized that as good as our class is, its only ranked 13th on ESPN right now.  There will likely be 20 or teams--possibly more--with similar talent levels coupled with equal and/or better returning talent. 

Not to mention the handful of teams  (UK, Florida, Duke, Memphis, UNC, Kansas, Michigan, Ohio State, Arizona, and IU) which will probably have more/better talent. 

If we want to get over the hump and be taken as a serious contender, it will take landing a player or two like Stone--which you seem to recognize now as well.

[The Equalizer]

Don't be so greedy. Celebrate when someone even partially agrees with you. It doesn't happen often.

Yay.

[Blackhat]

Thought Crean was turning a corner after barely missing out on a Sweet Sixteen.   Had the three amigos coming back too.  The inability to land the elite big man must have frustrated him.    Seeing this trend continue with Buzz is concerning.   Hopefully McKay gets in and if we can get Stone and/or Looney this could be the start of an amazing run and give Buzz the confidence that he can stay and win big at MU.  

Wilson
Burton
J. Johnson
McKay
Looney
Stone
Taylor

 

[Dawson Rental]

Thought Crean was turning a corner after barely missing out on a Sweet Sixteen.   Had the three amigos coming back too.  The inability to land the elite big man must have frustrated him.    Seeing this trend continue with Buzz is concerning.   Hopefully McKay gets in and if we can get Stone and/or Looney this could be the start of an amazing run and give Buzz the confidence that he can stay and win big at MU.  

Wilson
Burton
J. Johnson
McKay
Looney
Stone
Taylor

 

At this point, no one can say for certain that Looney isn't coming to MU.  Still, If anyone wants to bet, I'll put down anything that I can scrape together that he goes elsewhere.

[Lennys Tap]

At this point, no one can say for certain that Looney isn't coming to MU.  Still, If anyone wants to bet, I put down anything that I can scrape together that he goes elsewhere.

4ever never speaks with forked tongue, so I'd say we're a long shot.

[BCHoopster]

Looney is coming to MU as is Stone for the Milwaukee kids taking on the rest of the NCAA, that would be pretty interesting!  5 potential Milwaukee starters!

[JakeBarnes]

Thought Crean was turning a corner after barely missing out on a Sweet Sixteen.   Had the three amigos coming back too.  The inability to land the elite big man must have frustrated him.    Seeing this trend continue with Buzz is concerning.   Hopefully McKay gets in and if we can get Stone and/or Looney this could be the start of an amazing run and give Buzz the confidence that he can stay and win big at MU.  

Wilson
Burton
J. Johnson
McKay
Looney
Stone
Taylor

 

A little TWITTAAAAAAAAAAA TRACKAAAAAAA re: Jameel.

Brad Winton ‏@JucoRecruiting
@PeterAlford love him. Big time motor/energy. Rebounds it very well, finishes around the rim

[brewcity77]

Looney is coming to MU as is Stone for the Milwaukee kids taking on the rest of the NCAA, that would be pretty interesting!  5 potential Milwaukee starters!

McKay is coming in as a junior. He'll be gone by the time Stone arrives. And like others, I think Looney is highly unlikely.

[muhoops1]

For the love of God I hope he shows or Buzz might pull a Crean and bolt

Also posted Butler beats #9 Butler.  I remember my first beer!

[4everwarriors]

4ever never speaks with forked tongue, so I'd say we're a long shot.

Just been repeatin' what I've been told directly. Then again, absolutely no one has a source more credible than mine.

[BCHoopster]

McKay is coming in as a junior. He'll be gone by the time Stone arrives. And like others, I think Looney is highly unlikely.

It is all about selling the Milwaukee kids to stay home, Wilson and Burton are the key to doing that, kids recruit as well as the coach.  Al always did that, Chones and Lucas went
down to recruit Bo Ellis.  Hopefully this summer, they play lots of hoops at the Al.