Recruiting as of 7/15/25

[MuMark]

If only Todd Smith could have made Rowsey and Markus taller........now that would be valuable......

[esotericmindguy]

There's always an excuse. If the guards are too short to play your system then don't recruit them. Pick a freaking style and get players to fit it, this isn't high school basketball. They spend like a top 10 program, they should be able to fill roles with quality kids. Team is soft as hell. Maybe unfair to blame on Smith, but to act like A recruit coming to Marquette for a year will turn him into Donavan Mitchell makes me chuckle.

[TSmith34, Inc.]

He does a very good job of getting the players to buy into the strength training program. That is half the battle. He is also plays an important role in the recruiting process.

I'm not disagreeing with you Tex, but people frequently say things along the lines of, "wait until Todd works with them for a year". But really, our guys don't seem to get noticeably bigger than guys in other programs.

[Herman Cain]

I'm not disagreeing with you Tex, but people frequently say things along the lines of, "wait until Todd works with them for a year". But really, our guys don't seem to get noticeably bigger than guys in other programs.

I agree that the "wait till Todd works with them for a year " gets old.  In fact lets look at his most recent piece of work, Harry Froling. Todd did everything he could to mold the body, but if the rest of the game is not there it does not matter if the kid is Adonis.

I think where Todds team is very valuable is with a kid like Rowsey who had talent, but really needed that extra bit of strength to be able to compete night in and night out at the Big East level.  JJJ was another example. He was a pure bean pole coming in and left somewhere in the 205 range. The strength made a big difference in his game the last two years. Then there are cases like Duane, who was completely broken down and Todd kept putting him back together year after year.  We saw how he came on as a starter at the end of the season his last year  with us and was getting some of his old hop back.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

I have to admit, though, I find the veneration of Todd Smith a little odd.  I guess I just don't see extraordinary results compared to other programs.

I think the fascination started when Buzz was here and recruiting a lot of athletes. I think a little too much credit got placed on Smith instead of the players for their natural athletic gifts and work ethics.

There's also the fact that he is built like a tank and an incredibly likable person. I have yet to meet a player who didn't love him.

[Vander Blue Man Group]

Todd is a piece about of the puzzle. An important piece but nothing more.

Greg and Jamal have the most to gain in regards to transforming their bodies this offseason. I'll be curious to see the results.

[Juan Anderson's Mixtape]

Todd Smith is very good at his job.  But I guess his name is being brought up too much since some people are setting unrealistic expectations.

Yes, there are other schools that have someone as good Todd Smith.  He is not some revolutionary S&C coach, just a very good one.

[DCHoopster]

Todd Smith is very good at his job.  But I guess his name is being brought up too much since some people are setting unrealistic expectations.

Yes, there are other schools that have someone as good Todd Smith.  He is not some revolutionary S&C coach, just a very good one.

If they gain 10 pounds by next year that would be pretty good, but with those 2 skinny kids they will not look that different.  Maybe by they time they are a senior
they could look different.

[Goose]

TAMU

I agree with your statement. Todd received a lot of praise during Buzz's time here and maybe overblown. Buzz recruited athletes, that were mostly college ball ready physically. In addition, Todd has a great deal on his plate. When my daughter was part of the women's soccer program Todd spent a great deal of time with the soccer team and other teams as well.

[Dr. Blackheart]

Who's idea was the bricks?

[forgetful]

Todd Smith is very good at his job.  But I guess his name is being brought up too much since some people are setting unrealistic expectations.

Yes, there are other schools that have someone as good Todd Smith.  He is not some revolutionary S&C coach, just a very good one.

I agree. 

Some people have unrealistic expectations.  Much of what one can accomplish through S&C is purely genetics and body structure.  Buzz recruited some wide frames, that lend well to getting big/strong.  Wojo has brought in more of the narrow frame, long arms (e.g. Elliott/Cain). 

Understanding body mechanics/structure is an important aspect of setting realistic expectations.

[DCHoopster]

I agree. 

Some people have unrealistic expectations.  Much of what one can accomplish through S&C is purely genetics and body structure.  Buzz recruited some wide frames, that lend well to getting big/strong.  Wojo has brought in more of the narrow frame, long arms (e.g. Elliott/Cain). 

Understanding body mechanics/structure is an important aspect of setting realistic expectations.

Agreed, Cain has totally a narrow frame, more like George Gervin, do not see him gaining much weight, some maturity alone will let him grow a little, but not much.
Elliott I think can gain 20-30 pounds before he leaves MU.  Whole body is skinny right now.  But frame looks like he can put on some weight.

[muguru]

There's always an excuse. If the guards are too short to play your system then don't recruit them. Pick a freaking style and get players to fit it, this isn't high school basketball. They spend like a top 10 program, they should be able to fill roles with quality kids. Team is soft as hell. Maybe unfair to blame on Smith, but to act like A recruit coming to Marquette for a year will turn him into Donavan Mitchell makes me chuckle.

I've never understood blaming it on who he is recruiting...yes, that is part of it, but a good Coach structures his philosophies around the talent he has, he doesn't try to make a square peg fit in a round hole. If you have to adjust every year based on your talent, so be it, it wouldn't be the first time a Coach on any level had to adjust things on a yearly basis. At least devise a scheme/plan where you can hide certain players weaknesses.

[DCHoopster]

I've never understood blaming it on who he is recruiting...yes, that is part of it, but a good Coach structures his philosophies around the talent he has, he doesn't try to make a square peg fit in a round hole. If you have to adjust every year based on your talent, so be it, it wouldn't be the first time a Coach on any level had to adjust things on a yearly basis. At least devise a scheme/plan where you can hide certain players weaknesses.

Every coach has a priority recruit (Grimes) they really want.  Then they move on to the second or third or fourth option.  Cain was not MU's first thought and small
forward, I think the kid from Riverside was first, Elliott was in the second wave of recruits, and was not highly recruited until after the first signing date.  Kids do look
and think about playing time.  Not sure he would have gotten much time at MSU, even Tillman saw minimal minutes at MSU, and I think that was Wojo's first choice
in recruits last year.  Joey was always #1 this year, next recruiting cycle not sure who is a priority since they are recruiting about 5 point guards.

[Nukem2]

Every coach has a priority recruit (Grimes) they really want.  Then they move on to the second or third or fourth option.  Cain was not MU's first thought and small
forward, I think the kid from Riverside was first, Elliott was in the second wave of recruits, and was not highly recruited until after the first signing date.  Kids do look
and think about playing time.  Not sure he would have gotten much time at MSU, even Tillman saw minimal minutes at MSU, and I think that was Wojo's first choice
in recruits last year.  Joey was always #1 this year, next recruiting cycle not sure who is a priority since they are recruiting about 5 point guards.

Tillman was getting better minutes later in the season thru the NCAAs.  His conditioning improved over the season.

[Juan Anderson's Mixtape]

Cain had a much better year than Terence Lewis. I think Wojo got the guy he wanted of the two, but Jordan Nwora was probably the top SF target.

The Lewis recruitment always struck me as a courtesy recruitment due to the local relationship.  Neither side seemed all that serious in the other.

[Stretchdeltsig]

I'm not disagreeing with you Tex, but people frequently say things along the lines of, "wait until Todd works with them for a year". But really, our guys don't seem to get noticeably bigger than guys in other programs.

Agree.  Although we are usually talented, MU players are usually over matched by bigger, stronger and more mature players.  Are you listening Wojo?

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Agree.  Although we are usually talented, MU players are usually over matched by bigger, stronger and more mature players.  Are you listening Wojo?

[Juan Anderson's Mixtape]

Soft

[bilsu]

Agree.  Although we are usually talented, MU players are usually over matched by bigger, stronger and more mature players.  Are you listening Wojo?

Wojo probably knows that, but is not able to recruit better players to MU.

[Smokin' Jae]

The real value of Todd smith can be noticed in the fact that we havent had a serious season ending injury in almost what, 6 seasons? Otule's acl. I suppose Duane's stress fracture but that was before he ever even played in a game.
Now look at the Notre Dame women who had four torn acl's just this season. The lack of injuries is a real testament to Todd and the athletic staff, now only if the packers would take note and change their strength and conditioning program.

[GGGG]

Wojo probably knows that, but is not able to recruit better players to MU.

Are you seriously complaining about the quality of players Wojo is recruiting?

[MuMark]

Cain had a much better year than Terence Lewis. I think Wojo got the guy he wanted of the two, but Jordan Nwora was probably the top SF target.

The Lewis recruitment always struck me as a courtesy recruitment due to the local relationship.  Neither side seemed all that serious in the other.

Cain was defintely a higher priority recruit then Lewis. Wojo waited a long time to offer Lewis..'.even though he had watched him play for years.

Nobody has adjusted more to the players  then Wojo has......he had Henry and Luke and ran offense through them. Henry left.....couldn't replace him so he signed Reinhardt and played small ball.....great on offense.....bad on defense.

I believe his desired roster is not going to be small ball going forward with 2 mini guards.....it kind of worked out that way with HC not taking the next step and then bailing.

Was short on athletes so he recruited 3 good ones.....but they were freshmen.....most freshmen have ups and downs.

[MuMark]

Positive comments from Jalen Johnson fwiw

https://247sports.com/college/wisconsin/Article/Top-10-prospect-Jalen-Johnson-continues-to-see-his-recruitment-heat-up-116870939

[jesmu84]

If they gain 10 pounds by next year that would be pretty good, but with those 2 skinny kids they will not look that different.  Maybe by they time they are a senior
they could look different.

I'd actually be perfectly content of those 2 had the same strength/weight next year. I'd prefer they significantly improved their lateral quickness and first step