Down to MU/Kentucky?

[pacearrow02]

http://scouthoops.scout.com/2/1460827.html?utm_content=bufferb147e&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Didn't sound like he was blown away by Izzo.  But seems to be very interested in what Coach Cal has to offer with his history of producing NBA talent.

[ATLmarquettefan]

You must be a mind reader because I don't know how you got the conclusion he's down to MU/UK from that article.

[GGGG]

These interviews are all the same and the answers are very canned.  I don' t think you can take too much from this.

[mileskishnish72]

"That's something I want to do early?" Shiver.

[esotericmindguy]

I do understand the NBA draw, obviously. But do they "produce" NBA talent? Or do NBA talent kids just stop by Kentucky for a year? SOunds like Ellenson will be in the NBA regardless of where he goes, so if that's the major draw to Kentucky I like MU's chances.

[pacearrow02]

These interviews are all the same and the answers are very canned.  I don' t think you can take too much from this.

He pretty much says that he does not want to be a 4 year player, which I think we all assumed but I've not seen any interview where he essentially confirms that. 

[GGGG]

He pretty much says that he does not want to be a 4 year player, which I think we all assumed but I've not seen any interview where he essentially confirms that. 

Yeah we assumed it because he's one of the top ranked players in his class.  And because he is interested in Kentucky.  If HE comes to MU, he won't be here four years.  My guess is two at the most - exiting when his brother does.

[Dawson Rental]

You must be a mind reader because I don't know how you got the conclusion he's down to MU/UK from that article.

While he doesn't eliminate Michigan State with his comments, they are about as vanilla as you can get.

His comments about MU and Kentucky shed some light on what he considers the strengths of both schools.

My reading of the tea leaves is that his heart is with MU while his brain is with Kentucky.  My guess is that he goes with whichever school balances out the flip side of the equation from their strength best.  Here's hoping that Wojo's ability to develop outweighs Cal's ability to make Henry feel at home.

[Dawson Rental]

"That's something I want to do early?" Shiver.

To me, the real shivers would come from an entire winter of the Henry Ellenson watch on Scoop.

[Stretchdeltsig]

So when is "the first signing date?"

[Nukem2]

So when is "the first signing date?"

Wednesday, 11/12/14....

[Skatastrophy]

So when is "the first signing date?"

November 12-19th is the first signing period.

[frozena pizza]

Do kids really think that players like John Wall, Demarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis made it to the NBA quickly because they went to Kentucky?  Pretty sure they would have been one and done lottery picks no matter where they went.  They could have taken a year to play video games and smoke weed and probably would have ended up the same.  But the fact that Henry is focused on that track record makes me think he's probably going to end up at Kentucky.

By the way, the title of this thread is obnoxious.  MSU is not out of it.

[Windyplayer]

By the way, the title of this thread is obnoxious.  MSU is not out of it.

Couldn't agree anymore. I'll cut him some slack as a newbie though.

[4everwarriors]

Can you get to medical school from Slippery Rock? Sure, but likely a little easier comin' from Harvard, aina?

[Johnny B]

Msu still in it.

[frozena pizza]

Can you get to medical school from Slippery Rock? Sure, but likely a little easier comin' from Harvard, aina?

Hopefully Henry has talked to Luke Fischer about that.

[Galway Eagle]

Do kids really think that players like John Wall, Demarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis made it to the NBA quickly because they went to Kentucky?  Pretty sure they would have been one and done lottery picks no matter where they went.  They could have taken a year to play video games and smoke weed and probably would have ended up the same.  But the fact that Henry is focused on that track record makes me think he's probably going to end up at Kentucky.

By the way, the title of this thread is obnoxious.  MSU is not out of it.

I would dare argue that the Kentucky system actually harms a lot of potential players as they don't have time to develop as leaders and it essentially forces them out. Obviously there are huge exceptions that you mentioned but loads have been dropped down or haven't done great. 

[willie warrior]

Let us know when it is down to 1--MU!. My lack of money is on the Duke of the Midwest--and that is not MSU. Love Izzo, but not right now. If he picks Calcheatucky, then he deserves the ride he gets there. But it's a free country, right? And he will definitely be getting freebies at Kentucky, even more than the NCAA permits.

[Sharpie]

Can you get to medical school from Slippery Rock? Sure, but likely a little easier comin' from Harvard, aina?

I live right by Slippery Rock.

[Sharpie]

Not that living by slippery rock means anything coming from me.

In regards to Ellenson, MSU is clearly not out of it since he hasn't said that. Let's respect the process. But I sure do hope he lands at MU. But can't count out any of the others just yet.

[Lennys Tap]

Can you get to medical school from Slippery Rock? Sure, but likely a little easier comin' from Harvard, aina?

Hell, Noah Vonleh was a top 10 pick after a less than spectacular one year stint at a school in southern Indiana that missed all tourneys (NCAA, NIT, etc) for the 4th time in the last 6 years. If you're good (or even look like you'll become good) the NBA will find you.

[GGGG]

I wouldn't doubt that Wojo has tried to sell HE on his experience with one-and-dones while at Duke, and how he might be able to prepare and showcase him for the NBA just as well as Cal could.  He had Jabari Parker on campus the same time to perhaps reinforce that message. 

[frozena pizza]

I would dare argue that the Kentucky system actually harms a lot of potential players as they don't have time to develop as leaders and it essentially forces them out. Obviously there are huge exceptions that you mentioned but loads have been dropped down or haven't done great. 

Yes, Kyle Wiltjer is probably an example of this.  Loads of talent but never really got the chance to shine at Kentucky and will be better off at Gonzaga.

[MUEng92]

MSU is clearly not out of it since he hasn't said that. Let's respect the process. But I sure do hope he lands at MU. But can't count out any of the others just yet.

Clearly this thread and the last few months remind me of the first time I saw the Iocaine powder scene in The Princess Bride.  I'm about ready to request some Iocaine powder if this goes on much longer.

[BCHoopster]

Clearly this thread and the last few months remind me of the first time I saw the Iocaine powder scene in The Princess Bride.  I'm about ready to request some Iocaine powder if this goes on much longer.

Kentucky has 2 teams of HS All-Americans, so in saying that, lets see, 3 or 4 will go pro and that stills leaves 6 coming back and at least 3 or 4 coming in, so if he wants 20-25 minutes as
a freshman with not much competition he gets that at MU.  Taylor is the only other 4, and not sure what he brings to the table yet, but I must admit, he better get ready to play 30-35
most of this year.  This is why most of the Top 20 kids wait till spring to make a decision, they want to see who goes pro.

[Groin_pull]

Ellenson may very well select UK, but he better be pretty darn sure he's a one-and-done. If he ends up returning for his sophomore year, there's a good chance he'll be pushed aside by Cal's next wave of incoming freshmen superstars.

[bilsu]

I think, if he sees himself as a two year player he will decide to play with his brother. One and done is iffy. He also said he would like to sign in the early signing period, but he does not know when he will sign. That could be an indication that he will wait to spring.

[BCHoopster]

I think, if he sees himself as a two year player he will decide to play with his brother. One and done is iffy. He also said he would like to sign in the early signing period, but he does not know when he will sign. That could be an indication that he will wait to spring.

If he waits till spring, MU is in trouble.

[Groin_pull]

If he waits till spring, MU is in trouble.

Yup.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

I think, if he sees himself as a two year player he will decide to play with his brother. One and done is iffy. He also said he would like to sign in the early signing period, but he does not know when he will sign. That could be an indication that he will wait to spring.

I read that as he is signing in November. He just doesn't know when he will make his decision between now and then.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

My reading of the tea leaves is that his heart is with MU while his brain is with Kentucky.  My guess is that he goes with whichever school balances out the flip side of the equation from their strength best.  Here's hoping that Wojo's ability to develop outweighs Cal's ability to make Henry feel at home.

I think there is some truth to this. Kentucky can offer HE a lot of things that Marquette can't/won't (and shouldn't IMHO). But from what I have heard from talking with people who have been talking with Henry, I think the heart wins out. At risk of being called creepy, look at his twitter account. His description reads "FAMILY 1ST . More than a game . Give God Glory."

[4everwarriors]

Thought Crean made Wade into everythin' he is, hey?

[77ncaachamps]

Zagoria just posted:

http://zagsblog.com/marquette/ellenson-enjoys-marquette-kentucky-up-next/

[NotAnAlum]

He also said he would like to sign in the early signing period, but he does not know when he will sign. That could be an indication that he will wait to spring.

Geez he hasn't even been to Kentucky yet.  Of course he's going to say he doesn't know where he is going to sign even if he already does.  Guys, he is going to visit Kentucky and after that he is going to decide for good, in the early signing period before his HS season starts.  This makes absolutely so much sense.  I don't know how you guys can interpret it any other way.

[Texas Western]

http://scouthoops.scout.com/2/1460827.html?utm_content=bufferb147e&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Didn't sound like he was blown away by Izzo.  But seems to be very interested in what Coach Cal has to offer with his history of producing NBA talent.

Wojo needs to treat Duane a bit better if he is going to sign Ellenson.  Kids pick up on a bad vibe easily.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Thought Crean made Wade into everythin' he is, hey?

Just helped a lot....per Mr. Dwayne Wade

[MU82]

Ellenson may very well select UK, but he better be pretty darn sure he's a one-and-done. If he ends up returning for his sophomore year, there's a good chance he'll be pushed aside by Cal's next wave of incoming freshmen superstars.

Yep, just as the Harrisons are about to be pushed aside by this season's freshmen.

If Ellenson really is elite, he'll be able to get PT even if he slums it by staying for his soph season.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Not sure if it is relevant but Doral Moore just commited to Wake Forest. Kid was considered a Kentucky lean for a long time. But I don't think he had a "true" scholarship offer. This means that Kentucky is no longer favored to land anybody in 2015 who's taller than 6-8. Obviously subject to change. But if this holds, and Henry went to UK, he would be their tallest recruit. Good for him in that he would probably get playing time, bad because it would probably be at the 5.

[GGGG]

Yep, just as the Harrisons are about to be pushed aside by this season's freshmen.

I don't think that is going to happen.  The Harrisons are better than any recruit they are bringing in.

Regardless, Alex Prothress is an example of someone who doesn't meet expectations, sticks around, but still gets playing time and may start this year.  Let's not act like Cal just dumps these guys or nails them to the bench.  If it takes them a couple years to develop and are good enough to contribute, they will still get playing time.

If Ellenson doesn't choose UK, it won't be because he doesn't think he is good enough to compete.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

I don't think that is going to happen.  The Harrisons are better than any recruit they are bringing in.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure that's what MU82 was getting at

[JakeBarnes]

Wojo needs to treat Duane a bit better if he is going to sign Ellenson.  Kids pick up on a bad vibe easily.

Have there been reports he hasn't been treating Duane well?

[martyconlonontherun]

Do kids really think that players like John Wall, Demarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis made it to the NBA quickly because they went to Kentucky?  Pretty sure they would have been one and done lottery picks no matter where they went.  They could have taken a year to play video games and smoke weed and probably would have ended up the same.  

No, but they are guaranteed way more exposure. You are more likely to get hyped up as a number 1 or 2 pick on a team in the Top 5 than some random school. (I know Kentucky has been hit or miss but they have definitely hit a lot more than MU). Also, that exposure and connects will make you more marketable with shoe companies and common fans. If I was a top 3 player, I would go to Kentucky unless something else was swaying me.

[Windyplayer]

Just helped a lot....per Mr. Dwayne Wade

I have no doubt that he helped Wade become a better person, more charismatic, etc. through his perpetual used car salesman pitches, but I highly doubt he played much of a role in his development as a player. I'd venture to say the assistants were responsible for that. Xs & Os and player development don't seem to be his thing. He's more of an entertainer--which is important as a HC in college basketball, but only a part of being a successful coach.

I realize if you love someone as much as you love Crean, he'll always be defensible, but setting emotions aside, the dude just can't bring a team to prominence and sustain it. A red flag at any D-1 powerhouse.

[MU82]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure that's what MU82 was getting at

You're not wrong.

Didn't think I needed teal.

[mu03eng]

Wojo needs to treat Duane a bit better if he is going to sign Ellenson.  Kids pick up on a bad vibe easily.

Texas, did you see this quote in Paint Touches article...any response?

“(The) transition has been very great for me. Wojo has done a great job of building a relationship with me, and then also the assistants we have, it’s a great relationship,” he said. “I feel like I’m around the best (assistants) in the country at playing my position. Coach Wojo coached the best with USA, so I feel like I’m around the best right now.”

[ChicosBailBonds]

I have no doubt that he helped Wade become a better person, more charismatic, etc. through his perpetual used car salesman pitches, but I highly doubt he played much of a role in his development as a player. I'd venture to say the assistants were responsible for that. Xs & Os and player development don't seem to be his thing. He's more of an entertainer--which is important as a HC in college basketball, but only a part of being a successful coach.

I realize if you love someone as much as you love Crean, he'll always be defensible, but setting emotions aside, the dude just can't bring a team to prominence and sustain it. A red flag at any D-1 powerhouse.

I don't love him, don't even like him.  In terms of his development, again you aren't paying attention to the most important person in the equation and what he says...Mr. Wade.  Not sure why, but based on the rest of your post it is pretty obvious.