Been a Long Time Since We Talked About BEast Recruiting

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Since we have a longer time between games than usual, and since I have sworn off enabling the PG debate. I decided to look at the future and see which BEast teams are setting themselves up for success. And which may struggle in the future. Of course, this is all arbirtrary. No one knows if a 5 star will be a bust, or a 2 star be a stud. There is still plenty of time for transfers, decommits, and new acquisitions. But as of right now, here is what teams are looking like.

Butler
Graduating Seniors: Khyle Marshall (Starting SF) Erik Fromm (Starting PF)
2014 Commits: Kelan Martin (3.3 star PF) Tyler Wideman (3 star PF)
2015 and Later Commits: N/A
Open Scholarships: 1 (2014) 3 (2015)
Top 2014 Targets: Jackson Davis (2.7 star PF) Devonte Graham (2 star PG) Matt Farrell (2 star PG)
Top 2015 Targets: Luke Kennard (5 Star SG) Jalen Coleman (4 Star SG) Raymond Spalding (3.3 star PF)
Personal Opinion: I don't know if the Bulldogs realize that they are in a high major conference now. Picking up all three stars and mostly targeting three and 2 stars will not cut it in the BEast. They adressed some of their need for size by signing Martin and Wideman but they need a true C in order to be competitive. This is not the Horizon league and Brad Stevens is not at the helm. They will need to start targeting higher profile players if they don't want to be cellar dwellers.

Creighton
Graduating Seniors: Grant Gibbs (Starting SF), Jahenns Manigat (Starting SG), Doug McDermott (starting C), Ethan Wragge (Starting PF)
2014 Commits: Leon Gilmore (3.3 star PF) Ronnie Harrell (3.3 star SF)
2015 and Later Commits: N/A
Open Scholarships: 1 (2014) 5 (2015)
Top 2014 Targets: Josh Cunningham (3.7 star PF)
Top 2015 Targets: Justin Simon (4.3 star) DJ Hogg (4.3 star PF), Jalen Brunson (4 star PG)
Personal Opinion: Creighton is gonna be hurting next year. They lose almost their entire starting lineup to the cap and gown. The class they have coming in may be deceptively good. Harrell just got bumped into the top 100. If they miss on Cunningham they will probably find a transfer or a juco to fill the ranks. McDermmott has upped his game for 2015. He is not settling for the 2 stars Creighton is used to getting. He is hunting a lot of big game with almost a dozen 4 stars in his cross-hairs. If he can reel in a few of them...Creighton will not be a perennial bottomfeeder as some have predicted.

Depaul
Graduating Seniors: Brandon Young (starting SG) Cleveland Melvin (Starting PF) Sandi Marcius (backup C)
2014 Commits: Raymond Doby (3 star PF, verbal) Jon Davis (2.7 Star PG) Rashaun Stimage (JUCO PF)
2015 and Later Commits: N/A
Open Scholarships: 0 (2014) 4 (2015)
Top 2014 Targets: Josh Cunningham (3.7 star PF), Pat McCaw (3 star SG), Tyquone Greer (3 Star SF)
Top 2015 Targets: Diamond Stone (5 Star C), Carlton Bragg (5 Star PF) Issiah Briscoe (4.7 star SG)
Personal Opinion: Depaul keeps its status as "sleeping giant" of the BEast. They lose their long time studs Young and Melvin but seemed to have struck gold with current freshmen Garrett Jr. and Hamilton. Their next class is your standard Depaul class. In 2015, they are hunting a lot of big game...but they hunt big game every year. They will probably remain what they have been.

Georgetown
Graduating Seniors: Markel Starks (Starting PG), Aaron Bowen (Backup SF), John Caprio (benchwarmer), Nate Lubick (Starting PF), Moses Ayegba (starting C)
2014 Commits: Tre Campbell (3.3 star PG), LJ Peak (4 star SG), Isaac Copeland (4 star PF), Paul White (4 star PF)
2015 and Later Commits: Marcus Derrickson (4 star PF, 2015)
Open Scholarships: 2 (2014) 1 (2015)
Top 2014 Targets: D'Angelo Allen (3 star SF), Adonis DelaRosa (2.7 star C)
Top 2015 Targets: Malik Newman (5 star SG), Ivan Rabb (5 star PF), Diamond Stone (5 star C)
Personal Opinion: Georgetown loses a lot, but many in their fan base are ready to see these seniors move on (sound familiar?). They still have some holes to fill..they have 2 more scholarships, and that's assuming that Josh Smith is back and DSR doesn't go pro. But they are bringing in a solid and very talented class already. Next season will be rough but they will be back in 2015. Especially if JT3 can land one of the 6 5 stars he's offered. He already has a 4 star PF in tow for 2015.

Marquette
Graduating Seniors: Jake Thomas (Starting SF), Jamil Wilson (Starting PF), Davante Gardner (Starting C) Chris Otule (backup C)
2014 Commits: Ahmed Hill (4 star SG), Sandy Cohen (4 star SF), Malek Harris (3.7 star PF, verbal) Marial Shayok (3.3 star PF), Satchel Pierce (2.7 star C)
2015 and Later Commits: Nick Noskowiak (4 star PG) Phillp Flory (2017)
Open Scholarships: -1 (2014) 1 (2015)
Top 2014 Targets: Legend Robertin (4 star C), D'Angelo Allen (3 star SF), Travon Bunch (3 star PF)
Top 2015 Targets: Stephen Zimmerman (5 star C), Diamond Stone (5 star C), Jaylen Brown (5 star SF)
Personal Opinion: This year's loaded class followed by next year's loaded class followed by a 2015 class that is likely to be Noskowiak and a 5 star spells long term success for Marquette. The Warriors should be in great position for the next few years. It will be interesting to see how Buzz solves the oversigning issue.

Providence
Graduating Seniors: Bryce Cotton (starting PG), Kadeem Batts (Starting C), Lee Goldsbrough (Backup C)
2014 Commits: Jalen Lindsey (4 star SF), Ben Bentil (4 star PF), Paschal Chukwu (4 star C)
2015 and Later Commits: Ryan Fazekas (2.7 star SF)
Open Scholarships: 2 (2014) 2 (2015)
Top 2014 Targets: JaQuan Lyle (4.7 star PG), D'Angelo Allen (3 star SF), Conrad Chambers (3 star PG)
Top 2015 Targets: Cheick Diallo (5 star C), Montaque Gil-Caesar (4.7 star SF), Eric Davis (4 star SG)
Personal Opinion: Ed Cooley has really stepped up the recruiting at PC. They lose their stud Bryce Cotton, but Kris Dunn back from injury should soften that blow. If they can in the JaQuan Lyle sweepstakes....they will be in an extremely good position moving forward. Providence will have a shot at the BEast title every season.

Seton Hall
Graduating Seniors: Fuquan Edwin (Starting SG), Brian Oliver (Starting SF), Gene Teague (Starting C), Aaron Geramipoor (Backup C)
2014 Commits: Issiah Whitehead (5 star SG), Angel Delgado (4 star C), Khadeen Carrington (3 star SG), Ismael Sanogo (2.7 star SF), Desi Rodriguez (2.5 star SF, verbal)
2015 and Later Commits: N/A
Open Scholarships: 0 (2014) 4 (2015)
Top 2014 Targets: Conrad Chambers (3 star PG), Jay Henderson (2.5 star SG), Marvin Clark (2.5 star SF)
Top 2015 Targets: Chieck Diallo (5 star PF), Derrick Jones (5 star SF), Thomas Bryant (5 star C)
Personal Opinion: Seton Hall is probably the most intriguing case in the BEast. They lose three starters, including Edwin who has been their star for years. But the class coming in is possibly their best ever. They bring in the BEast's best recruit in Issiah Whitehead. Sometimes all it takes is one stud recruit to lure other's in. Maybe the sleeping giant of New York has finally woken up.

St. John's
Graduating Seniors: Bourgalt (Backup SF), Sanchez (Backup C), Achiuwa (Backup PF)
2014 Commits: N/A
2015 and Later Commits: N/A
Open Scholarships: 3 (2014) 4 (2015)
Top 2014 Targets: Josh Cunningham (3.7 star PF), Adonis DelaRosa (2.7 star C), Tyrone Taylor (2.5 star PG)
Top 2015 Targets: Stephen Zimmerman (5 star C), Cheick Diallo (5 star PF), Derrick Jones (5 star SF)
Personal Opinion: Assuming no major defections...Saint John's is going to be really good next season. They lose three seniors, but that is more like trimming fat than anything else. However, Lavin has 3 scholies to fill and has missed on every major recruit. They will probably look for a transfer or juco in addition to Cunningham and DelaRosa. But Lavin better start moving, otherwise the program could really taper off.

Villanova
Graduating Seniors: Tony Chennault (Backup PG), James Bell (Starting SF)
2014 Commits: Phil Booth (4 star SG), Mikal Bridges (4 star SF)
2015 and Later Commits: Donte DiVincenzo (3.3 Star SG), Tim Delaney (3.7 star PF)
Open Scholarships: 3 (2014) 0 (2015)
Top 2014 Targets: Julian Richardson (2 star PG)
Top 2015 Targets: Cheick Diallo (5 star PF), Thomas Bryant (5 star C) Derrick Jones (5 star SF)
Personal Opinion: Villanova is a strange case. They still have three scholies to use this year...but only one outstanding offer. It could be a situation where they are saving scholarships for 2015 because they are in on a lot of top recruits. Still, with young studs like Hart and Ochefu...they should be in a good place for a long time.

Xavier
Graduating Seniors: Philmore (Starting PF)
2014 Commits: Edmond Sumner (3.3 star PG), JP Macura (4 star SG), Trevon Bluiett (4 star SF), Makinde London (3.7 star PF), Sean O'Mara (3 star C)
2015 and Later Commits: N/A
Open Scholarships: -2 (2014) 3 (2015)
Top 2014 Targets: Adonis DelRosa (2.7 star C) Paul Turner (2.7 SF), Darrick Wood (JUCO)
Top 2015 Targets: Derrick Jones (5 star SF) Luke Kennard (5 star SG) Antonio Blakeney (4.3 star SG)
Personal Opinion: Of all the new additions to the BEast, I think Xavier has put itself in the best position for future. They are currently oversigned by two with 5 great recruits for next season. I imagine one of those is anticipation of Semaj Christon going to the association. Their strong effort on the 2014 class will allow Mack to concentrate on reeling in some big fish for 2015. Xavier should be just fine in the BEast.

My rankings for BEast teams's future so far:
1. Marquette
2. Providence
3. Xavier
4. Georgetown
5. Seton Hall
6. Villanova
7. St. John's
8. Creighton
9. Depaul
10. Butler

Would love thoughts/feedback

[Marqus Howard]

This is great; thanks for doing the research. I would probably swap Seton Hall and Xavier, but other than that I think your analysis is spot on.

[moomoo]

Harris and Shayok. Are they both power forwards?  I thought Shayok was listed as a 6-6 shooting guard in some sites.

[GGGG]

I would guess Shayok is more in the mold of a Juan Anderson.  Long and lengthy, but likely not big enough to be a true power forward.

[MarquetteDano]

Thank you for this research.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Harris and Shayok. Are they both power forwards?  I thought Shayok was listed as a 6-6 shooting guard in some sites.

He's listed as 6"6 by some and 6"8 by others.

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

I see Shayok riding the pine for a long time considering STjr and Burton has his position on lock down for a number of years.

[ZiggysFryBoy]

He's listed as 6"6 by some and 6"8 by others.

He told IWB that he is 6'6" and might be still growing.

[GGGG]

I see Shayok riding the pine for a long time considering STjr and Burton has his position on lock down for a number of years.

First, outside of posts (and we have even seen exceptions to that this year), players aren't really pigeon-holed into positions.  If they earn the time, Buzz will find a way to get them on the floor.

Second, if I had a crystal ball, I think you will see JJJ start next year in that "third guard" type position that Trent played last year.  I think Juan will be the back up.  But starting the year after I think Shayok moves into that role.

[Lennys Tap]

I see Shayok riding the pine for a long time considering STjr and Burton has his position on lock down for a number of years.

Just what has Steve Taylor Jr done this year to have a lock down on any position?

[River rat]

good write up.  Thx TAMU. providence with MCdonalds AA Kris Dunn back is gonna be talented.

[avid1010]

nice work...BEAST futures in the next 3-5 years, imho:

G-Town, Nova, MU...then Xavier, Providence, Hall...then the rest

It seems to me someone should be able to win at St. John's and that would be a great thing for the BEAST.

[TSmith34, Inc.]

Well done and much appreciated

[SaveOD238]

Wow TAMU, someone has waaaaayy too much time on their hands.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Wow TAMU, someone has waaaaayy too much time on their hands.

What can I say? I have a talent for filling time

[jsheim]

Good Research, thanks.

QUESTION:
When you say "Open Scholarships" is that the number left after the commits get theirs?
I'm wondering of there are 4 2014 commits and 2 open 2014 scholarships...are two walking on?
I notice there are negative open scholarships in some cases....does that account for commits > scholarships?

Thanks

[PGsHeroes32]

realistically though aren't the odds about negative 15 that we land Zimmerman or Mattews?

I mean stone is probably 50/1 himself.

[77ncaachamps]

I foresee MU going with the 3 guard and 2 forward lineup next year.

Satch will be too green, and Luke can fill the PF spot.

[bradley center bat]

Some forget that Butler was in the A-10 last season. They do need to up their game on the recruiting trail. Creighton has two ESPN top 100, for 2014.

[brandx]

Great job TAMU.

I think there is no chance for Zimmerman, maybe a 2% chance for Matthews, but a good chance 50/50 that we get Stone.

Get Stone and one more 4-star (we are in on several) along with Nostkoviak and we will be the big dogs in the conference.

[Lennys Tap]

realistically though aren't the odds about negative 15 that we land Zimmerman or Mattews?

I mean stone is probably 50/1 himself.

50-1? I'll give you a big edge then. I'll take 30-1 for 1000. Chicos can hold the money. If I win 50% goes to his diabetes charity. Bet?

[MU82]

What difference does it make? Buzz never plays recruits.

[Dawson Rental]

Legend Robertin has me excited.  I see the second coming of Liam McMorrow.

Why no Jarvis Garrett mention in the 2014 target list?

Travon Bunch an MU target, really?  Come to think of it, hasn't he reclassified to 2015?

Why no Glynn Watson mention in the 2015 target list?

My overall impression of the MU recruiting information is that it's kind of dated, sorry.

Villanova's future ranking of 6 is way underranked, not for what they're bringing in, but for what they already have.

If he lands JaQuan Lyle, Ed Cooley will almost certainly lose whatever hair he has left.

If you know what you're looking for, targeting two and three stars can get the job done.  I don't think that any of the four graduating from Creighton were ranked four star or above.

At DePaul are they smart enough to realize that if they let Oliver Purnell go, they have pretty much zero chance of getting anyone of note to replace him?  At least until they fix other issues surrounding the program.

Fearless prediction 1: Seton Hall will struggle next year as a young team.  The year after, they will have to replace Issiah Whitehead who will be a one and done.  So, maybe a future ranking of 5 was overly generous for them.

[SaveOD238]

FWIW,

I got to see Diamond Stone play last night.  Roy Williams was in the gym to observe.  I never worked up the courage to walk up to him and say "paws off"

As for Stone, I saw some things that really impressed me (rebounded his own miss on an and1 ft and slammed it home, hit multiple 3s in warmup and 1 during the game).  There were a few things I didn't like, though none of them would be deal breakers.  Kid was complaining about fouls the whole game and I don't know how he would deal with the whole offense not flowing through him.  Also, he did not show an ability to put the ball on the ground.  Lots of catch and shoot or put-backs.  That being said, I still really want him at MU. He would be the dominating force we need inside.

[muvanwilder]

First, outside of posts (and we have even seen exceptions to that this year), players aren't really pigeon-holed into positions.  If they earn the time, Buzz will find a way to get them on the floor.

Second, if I had a crystal ball, I think you will see JJJ start next year in that "third guard" type position that Trent played last year.  I think Juan will be the back up.  But starting the year after I think Shayok moves into that role.

Agreed. By Jan 2015 I hope to c a starting lineup of...
Duane, Mayo, JJJ, burton, Fischer or possibly Duane, mayo, burton, taylor, Fischer