Recruiting as of 3/15/24

[real chili 83]

All in! The whole staff in for the visit.
https://twitter.com/adamzagoria/status/906614471681912832

I wonder if they hit a Waffle House?

[TrueWarrior]

Were we the first meeting yesterday?  Maybe he'll give us the first on-campus.

Either 1st or 2nd. Texas and Kentucky are today. Wouldn't read anything into the order of home visits matching up with his officials.

[cheebs09]

He has said his visit to Kansas for Late Night at the Phog will be an unofficial. That's on September 30. We might get him here the week after, on October 6, for Marquette Madness. Big Blue Madness is October 13, so coming to MM wouldn't conflict with that. I don't believe Texas has a formal Madness like the rest, especially since this is right in the heart of football season (they play Iowa State Sept 28, host K-State Oct 7, play Oklahoma Oct 14).

I'm mixed on if I want Grimes here for Madness. In all honesty, Late Night and BBM are probably the two biggest Madness events in the country. They've had to turn thousands away from Late Night before and BBM draws 20K+. As much as I enjoy Marquette Madness, it might look like a bit disappointing to have 2,000-3,000 packed into the Al.

The Homecoming/Reunion activities should add some juice to campus that weekend. May not impact Madness as much. However, if there was a weekend to showcase MU spirit in the fall, that's it.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

I wonder if they hit a Waffle House?

Grimes is from the Woodlands. They would need to drive a long way to find a Waffle House from there. Probably at least 13 dog masseuses closer than a Waffle House.

[real chili 83]

Isn't there a Wafle House every quarter mile in the south????

[MuMark]

Stan and Wojo visiting 2019 pg target Rocket Watts today

https://twitter.com/mucoachjohnson/status/906944110149423104

[real chili 83]

Stan and Wojo visiting 2019 pg target Rocket Watts today

https://twitter.com/mucoachjohnson/status/906944110149423104

Or as Bugs Bunny would say...Waket Wocks.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Isn't there a Wafle House every quarter mile in the south????

I'll you what the person who interviewed me for my job here at TAMU when I asked her about differences between living in the Midwest and the South.

"Oh honey, we're not in the south. We're in Texas."

I've learned there is a difference. One of them being the amount of waffle houses

[real chili 83]

"Oh honey, we're not in the south. We're in Texas."

I've learned there is a difference. One of them being the amount of waffle houses

And the difference is?????   How you say Ya'll?

[MU82]

Don't understand how we have nothing to lose - Grimes would have a bigger impact on our team's chances than on the other four's. I think we have (by a lot) the most to gain AND to lose.

Serious question, Lenny: Is it a "loss" every time any coach doesn't land a recruit he wants and has a decent shot at?

I was in Vegas last year and played craps. I was very lucky and had a long roll, probably 20-25 minutes, and everybody on the table made a lot of money when I was the shooter. Personally, every time I hit a number, I either added to the amount I had on the table or I put some chips in my pocket (or both). After awhile, I had more chips in my pocket than I had spent on the entire Vegas trip, transportation and all! That's always a cool feeling. But alas, no roll lasts forever, and I did hit that 7 as I shot for my point (a 4, I believe). I'd estimate that I had about $500-$600 on the table when that happened, and I sadly watched it all get raked away. But I had more than twice that in my pocket. Nice!

So did I "lose" when I hit that 7? Will Wojo, who already has done very well on the recruiting craps table, "lose" if Grimes goes elsewhere?

While one could have made a convincing argument that Henry and Joey were Wojo's to lose, I'd argue that Grimes is not his to "lose"; therefore, not getting Grimes could hardly be called a "loss."  But maybe that's just me.

[DCHoopster]

MU82, is there a better feeling when you were in that run, craps can be so much fun.  Had the dice at Ceasars Palace for 50 minutes once.  Table was 3 deep watching
everybody knew my name.  The guy next to me was playing $500 dollars a number, was he mopping.  I played the hard ways during that time, hit them 7 or 8 times,
what fun.  My group of friends and I won $20K, nice night.

I will give Wojo credit on this one, playing with house money.  If he wins great, losses not the end of the world.  Lost Tillman last year when he was going all in.  Happens.  I did talk to a player and asked him what his thoughts were on this.  Stated it seems one player leaves every year.  It happens.  Who that will be, who
knows.  Stated that Eke is going to redshirt, will see about that.  Stated Rowsey is the best player on the team and Cain will be playing some guard this year.  Both
new kids are good but to skinny right now.    Starting line-up might be Heldt, Hauser, Cheatham, Rowsey and Howard.  Thinks Theo will start down the round, brings
a certain attitude on the D side that Matt does not bring.  In practice, they are spending all there time on the defensive end.  Have not worked on O yet.  This team will
not be as good an offensive team as last year so have to play better D,  those 5 have experience so they should improve in that area.

[TheREALwrk]

I'm very bullish on Grimes coming to MU. Here's why:

1.) As soon as another guard, Jahvon Quinerly, committed to Arizona, Grimes tweeted: "6" (and quickly deleted it). Everyone assumes it meant he's now down from 7 schools to 6, effectively eliminating Arizona. This goes to show that Grimes might not be interested in teaming up with other high-level guards of the same class. Marquette can offer that.

2.) Immanuel Quickley, PG, #8 overall on 24/7 is set to visit Kentucky this weekend. He is expected to commit at some point 24/7's crystal ball is showing 100% Kentucky. There are 18 predictions for Quickley.

3.) Devon Dotson, PG, #26 overall on 24/7 is set to visit Kansas. Of 16 predictions on 24/7's crystal ball, all but one have Dotson going to Kansas. Dotson has already visited Kansas.

4.) Keldon Johnson, SG, # 13 overall on 24/7 visited Texas a few weeks ago and had a subsequent in-home with #Shaka. Half of the 12 predictions have Keldon Johnson going to UT. Johnson has a teammate from Oak Hill who will be a Sophomore at UT next year, Matt Coleman.

I don't know what kind of timeline any of these gentlemen have in terms of when they want to commit to a school. I also don't know Grimes' timeline. If the crystal balls all end up being correct (which will probably not happen), and all these kids commit before Quentin does, a guard position at each school we are competing against for Grimes' talents will be taken. Based on how he handled Jahvon Quinerly's commitment at Arizona, this could favor MUBB as we don't have any incoming guards next season.

Obviously, this is all hypothetical, and I'm getting way too ahead of myself. I have had nothing better to do than speculate, hopefully, this boring off-season... especially after I saw Grimes' latest mix-tape. Kid is filthy. I want him in Blue and Gold.

[jsglow]

I'm very bullish on Grimes coming to MU. Here's why:

1.) As soon as another guard, Jahvon Quinerly, committed to Arizona, Grimes tweeted: "6" (and quickly deleted it). Everyone assumes it meant he's now down from 7 schools to 6, effectively eliminating Arizona. This goes to show that Grimes might not be interested in teaming up with other high-level guards of the same class. Marquette can offer that.

2.) Immanuel Quickley, PG, #8 overall on 24/7 is set to visit Kentucky this weekend. He is expected to commit at some point 24/7's crystal ball is showing 100% Kentucky. There are 18 predictions for Quickley.

3.) Devon Dotson, PG, #26 overall on 24/7 is set to visit Kansas. Of 16 predictions on 24/7's crystal ball, all but one have Dotson going to Kansas. Dotson has already visited Kansas.

4.) Keldon Johnson, SG, # 13 overall on 24/7 visited Texas a few weeks ago and had a subsequent in-home with #Shaka. Half of the 12 predictions have Keldon Johnson going to UT. Johnson has a teammate from Oak Hill who will be a Sophomore at UT next year, Matt Coleman.

I don't know what kind of timeline any of these gentlemen have in terms of when they want to commit to a school. I also don't know Grimes' timeline. If the crystal balls all end up being correct (which will probably not happen), and all these kids commit before Quentin does, a guard position at each school we are competing against for Grimes' talents will be taken. Based on how he handled Jahvon Quinerly's commitment at Arizona, this could favor MUBB as we don't have any incoming guards next season.

Obviously, this is all hypothetical, and I'm getting way too ahead of myself. I have had nothing better to do than speculate, hopefully, this boring off-season... especially after I saw Grimes' latest mix-tape. Kid is filthy. I want him in Blue and Gold.

Great analysis. Of course it's premature but the logic is certainly sound.  Please keep an eye on it for the benefit of all. 

[blikemike2]

Just to ask the question. Does the presence of Markus Howard hurt us at all or can Wojo sell the fact that Markus is a 5"11 SG?

[GGGG]

Just to ask the question. Does the presence of Markus Howard hurt us at all or can Wojo sell the fact that Markus is a 5"11 SG?

Wojo's system doesn't really need a dedicated point guard.  They are both guards, who will handle the ball plenty.

[MU82]

MU82, is there a better feeling when you were in that run, craps can be so much fun.  Had the dice at Ceasars Palace for 50 minutes once.  Table was 3 deep watching
everybody knew my name.  The guy next to me was playing $500 dollars a number, was he mopping.  I played the hard ways during that time, hit them 7 or 8 times,
what fun.  My group of friends and I won $20K, nice night.

I will give Wojo credit on this one, playing with house money.  If he wins great, losses not the end of the world.  Lost Tillman last year when he was going all in.  Happens.  I did talk to a player and asked him what his thoughts were on this.  Stated it seems one player leaves every year.  It happens.  Who that will be, who
knows.  Stated that Eke is going to redshirt, will see about that.  Stated Rowsey is the best player on the team and Cain will be playing some guard this year.  Both
new kids are good but to skinny right now.    Starting line-up might be Heldt, Hauser, Cheatham, Rowsey and Howard.  Thinks Theo will start down the round, brings
a certain attitude on the D side that Matt does not bring.  In practice, they are spending all there time on the defensive end.  Have not worked on O yet.  This team will
not be as good an offensive team as last year so have to play better D,  those 5 have experience so they should improve in that area.

First, thanks for the scouting report. Interesting stuff. Not sure about Rowsey being our best player - especially if D is factored in - but I'm sure glad he's on our team. The absence of proven slashers like JJJ and Duane, and a low-post option like Luke will be missed more than some here seem to think. Not to mention Katin's attitude and ability to get hot. So yes, our offense might not be as well-rounded. Hopefully, we'll still shoot almost as well from deep and the young players will improve immensely in taking care of the ball, D, etc.

As for craps, it is a ton of fun. Go into a casino and there are a lot of mopes playing blackjack and slots but the energy is incredible at a craps table. I've been lucky to be part of a few long rolls and they are incredible. I had one just like the one you talk about. One guy was betting piles of $100 chips and he must have made $50K or more on the roll. He actually tipped ME $25 chips 4 times. Each time, I put it on one of the hardways ... and twice I hit 'em. So cool.

Of course, one also can lose big at craps, and I have. I'd guess that for my life I'm about even ... but everybody says that, no?

[DCHoopster]

First, thanks for the scouting report. Interesting stuff. Not sure about Rowsey being our best player - especially if D is factored in - but I'm sure glad he's on our team. The absence of proven slashers like JJJ and Duane, and a low-post option like Luke will be missed more than some here seem to think. Not to mention Katin's attitude and ability to get hot. So yes, our offense might not be as well-rounded. Hopefully, we'll still shoot almost as well from deep and the young players will improve immensely in taking care of the ball, D, etc.

As for craps, it is a ton of fun. Go into a casino and there are a lot of mopes playing blackjack and slots but the energy is incredible at a craps table. I've been lucky to be part of a few long rolls and they are incredible. I had one just like the one you talk about. One guy was betting piles of $100 chips and he must have made $50K or more on the roll. He actually tipped ME $25 chips 4 times. Each time, I put it on one of the hardways ... and twice I hit 'em. So cool.

Of course, one also can lose big at craps, and I have. I'd guess that for my life I'm about even ... but everybody says that, no?

They do not build big casinos cause people win, they lose.  That big roll, we all quit after that.  More often then not, I am a winner, as I play short periods of time and
do not give my winnings back to them.  Just lucky there.

Rowsey is probably the best player in pick-up games, D is not that important, until the coaches get there hands on the kids.  Rowsey reminds of a high school player
at Shorewood, named John Rinka, short just like him, was a pole vaulter in high school.  No one puts him up there as one of the great high school players in Wisconsin, but he was a legend on the playgrounds.  Al even admitted he made a mistake not recruiting him.  Went to Kenyon College, scored like 45 points a game.
Unstoppable, played Deam the "dream" a little one on one, killed him.  In SI, with Pistol and Calvin Murphy, no 3 point line then either.  Stuck his leg out like Jordan,
could never get close to him on his J.  Why?  So strong.  Rowsey is just as strong, the 2 shots he made with his left from on top of the key was amazing.  I have never seen anybody else do that in 50 years!

[Lennys Tap]

Serious question, Lenny: Is it a "loss" every time any coach doesn't land a recruit he wants and has a decent shot at?

I was in Vegas last year and played craps. I was very lucky and had a long roll, probably 20-25 minutes, and everybody on the table made a lot of money when I was the shooter. Personally, every time I hit a number, I either added to the amount I had on the table or I put some chips in my pocket (or both). After awhile, I had more chips in my pocket than I had spent on the entire Vegas trip, transportation and all! That's always a cool feeling. But alas, no roll lasts forever, and I did hit that 7 as I shot for my point (a 4, I believe). I'd estimate that I had about $500-$600 on the table when that happened, and I sadly watched it all get raked away. But I had more than twice that in my pocket. Nice!

So did I "lose" when I hit that 7? Will Wojo, who already has done very well on the recruiting craps table, "lose" if Grimes goes elsewhere?

While one could have made a convincing argument that Henry and Joey were Wojo's to lose, I'd argue that Grimes is not his to "lose"; therefore, not getting Grimes could hardly be called a "loss."  But maybe that's just me.

Mike, I wouldn't hold losing out on QG against Wojo. In fact I applaud him for  going so hard after him and making his final 5.

That said, my point is that a player of his stature can make a much bigger difference to a program like ours than he would to one like Kentucky. Ergo, he'll ultimately be a bigger win or loss (IMO) for our PROGRAM than for the other 4 on his list.

[Ellenson Guerrero]

I'm very bullish on Grimes coming to MU. Here's why:

1.) As soon as another guard, Jahvon Quinerly, committed to Arizona, Grimes tweeted: "6" (and quickly deleted it). Everyone assumes it meant he's now down from 7 schools to 6, effectively eliminating Arizona. This goes to show that Grimes might not be interested in teaming up with other high-level guards of the same class. Marquette can offer that.

2.) Immanuel Quickley, PG, #8 overall on 24/7 is set to visit Kentucky this weekend. He is expected to commit at some point 24/7's crystal ball is showing 100% Kentucky. There are 18 predictions for Quickley.

3.) Devon Dotson, PG, #26 overall on 24/7 is set to visit Kansas. Of 16 predictions on 24/7's crystal ball, all but one have Dotson going to Kansas. Dotson has already visited Kansas.

4.) Keldon Johnson, SG, # 13 overall on 24/7 visited Texas a few weeks ago and had a subsequent in-home with #Shaka. Half of the 12 predictions have Keldon Johnson going to UT. Johnson has a teammate from Oak Hill who will be a Sophomore at UT next year, Matt Coleman.

I don't know what kind of timeline any of these gentlemen have in terms of when they want to commit to a school. I also don't know Grimes' timeline. If the crystal balls all end up being correct (which will probably not happen), and all these kids commit before Quentin does, a guard position at each school we are competing against for Grimes' talents will be taken. Based on how he handled Jahvon Quinerly's commitment at Arizona, this could favor MUBB as we don't have any incoming guards next season.

Obviously, this is all hypothetical, and I'm getting way too ahead of myself. I have had nothing better to do than speculate, hopefully, this boring off-season... especially after I saw Grimes' latest mix-tape. Kid is filthy. I want him in Blue and Gold.

That is an awful lot of stock to be placing in a single vague, deleted tweet.    But you're right that the one upside with recruiting against bluebloods is the chance that they fill their spot with someone else first. 

QG icing on the cake.  There should be no expectation that Wojo and Stan pull a top-20 player out of Texas and away from KU and UK; if they do, there should simply be adoration and contract extensions. 

[jsglow]

So let me do this. Please take a look especially at the '19 grads and help me update the list this week.  Thanks guys.

[Windyplayer]

Mike, I wouldn't hold losing out on QG against Wojo. In fact I applaud him for  going so hard after him and making his final 5.

That said, my point is that a player of his stature can make a much bigger difference to a program like ours than he would to one like Kentucky. Ergo, he'll ultimately be a bigger win or loss (IMO) for our PROGRAM than for the other 4 on his list.

NM

[TheREALwrk]

That is an awful lot of stock to be placing in a single vague, deleted tweet.    But you're right that the one upside with recruiting against bluebloods is the chance that they fill their spot with someone else first. 

QG icing on the cake.  There should be no expectation that Wojo and Stan pull a top-20 player out of Texas and away from KU and UK; if they do, there should simply be adoration and contract extensions.

Yes - I agree that is a lot of stock for a single tweet. But hey, Arizona didn't get a in-home... did they?

[Mr. Sand-Knit]

Great analysis. Of course it's premature but the logic is certainly sound.  Please keep an eye on it for the benefit of all. 

Completely flawed logic based on the assumption he wants to play on a really good team with no other good guards?
Mental masturbation

[MuMark]

So let me do this. Please take a look especially at the '19 grads and help me update the list this week.  Thanks guys.

Mario McKinney 2019 guard has an offer

https://twitter.com/arrecruitingguy/status/907327439231229958

Isaiah Jackson 2020 has an offer
https://twitter.com/ijackson22/status/880893915729207296

https://twitter.com/oldredhoops/status/906998460007755781

[We R Final Four]

Thx MuMark--appreciate your updates