[Cracked Sidewalks] A weighty decision for MU

[CrackedSidewalksSays]

A weighty decision for MU

We're just hours away from learning Iman Shumpert's college choice. The MU message boards are rather tense, with good reason -- it has been years since a player of this acclaim and caliber actually committed to Marquette.

Iman Shumpert is a bellwether recruit for the program. Can MU break through and ink a nationally-ranked player of this magnitude? Simply put, Shumpert is the the kind of player who would signal to other big time prospects that it is OK to sign with MU. This one matters nationally.

If MU swings and misses here, it won't be for lack of effort. Crean poured it on in the pursuit of Shumpert, consider: the clever midnight visit as the open recruiting period began, securing Shumpert's final visit, Marquette Madness, and Dwyane Wade. Well done, TC.

Of course, if MU can't land a kid at a need position after that kind of royal treatment, well........it is likely more of the same for the program on the recruiting trail, and a kick in the 'nads for Crean.

Look, MU will be just fine either way; Crean has proven that for the last decade. He has an eye for talent, particularly in the backcourt and he's proven that 'recruiting rankings' are not the only measure of future success. However, Shumpert presents a undeniable opportunity to ratchet this program up several notches in the eyes of big time recruits for years to come.

In a sense, Shumpert's decision is all about credibility. Does MU have it or not with players of this caliber?

We'll know soon enough.

http://www.crackedsidewalks.com/2007/10/weighty-decision-for-mu.html

[HarveysWallbangers]

Crean obviously did a lot right during this recruitment and its a credit to his hard work. I, for one, think it's going to pay off.

The only thing I would dispute is your reference to the home visit. I wouldn't classify visiting a teenaged boy's home after midnight (in a gold limo, no less) as 'clever.' I'd say 'obnoxious' is a more appropriate term. Reports that he only stayed a few minutes suggest there may have been a few people in the house that agree with me.