Recruiting

[jonny09]

Watching the game and just a thought at the half...Why has Wojo not been targeting any Chicago kids?  That has been a staple of the program and being a disciple of coach K you would think he would be in that hot bed every chance he got.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Watching the game and just a thought at the half...Why has Wojo not been targeting any Chicago kids?  That has been a staple of the program and being a disciple of coach K you would think he would be in that hot bed every chance he got.

Back in the day when Wisconsin didn't product much talent, you had to go to Chicago.  Not the case anymore.  Doesn't mean he ignores Chicago, but he doesn't have to rely on Chicago either.

[brewcity77]

Honestly, I think there may be more to it. I can't remember us targeting any Chicago guy other than LoVett, and we got out of that pretty quick. Maybe he just doesn't want to deal with the...umm...complications that sometimes come with Chicago.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Honestly, I think there may be more to it. I can't remember us targeting any Chicago guy other than LoVett, and we got out of that pretty quick. Maybe he just doesn't want to deal with the...umm...complications that sometimes come with Chicago.

Absolutely part of the equation.   Squirm central

[brewcity77]

Absolutely part of the equation.   Squirm central

Yup, even in the "clean" Chicago recruitments, you have to suck up to HS and AAU coaches and play politics.

[jonny09]

That's all part of it...Yes, it sucks.....but's that how you build programs

[ChicosBailBonds]

That's all part of it...Yes, it sucks.....but's that how you build programs

Not necessarily.  Plenty of programs built with success not doing that very thing.

[jonny09]

I hear ya.....Just wondering I guess

[We R Final Four]

That's all part of it...Yes, it sucks.....but's that how you build programs

Wojo seems to doing OK building this program.

[bilsu]

Honestly, I think there may be more to it. I can't remember us targeting any Chicago guy other than LoVett, and we got out of that pretty quick. Maybe he just doesn't want to deal with the...umm...complications that sometimes come with Chicago.

Lovette ending up not be eligible at St. John's. Therefore, assuming Wojo backed off, it was for a good reason.

[Herman Cain]

Watching the game and just a thought at the half...Why has Wojo not been targeting any Chicago kids?  That has been a staple of the program and being a disciple of coach K you would think he would be in that hot bed every chance he got.

Over time he will be competing for those kids. With AAU it is easier to find talent all over rather than just sticking with hot beds. 

[VegasWarrior77]

Mark Miller ‏@WisBBYearbook  1h1 hour ago
Coaches from Xavier University were in Kaukauna today to watch Jordan McCabe practice.

[We R Final Four]

Isn't McCabe the guy who has received several high D1 offers.....yet some scoopers think he will play D3?   

[brewcity77]

Isn't McCabe the guy who has received several high D1 offers.....yet some scoopers think he will play D3?   

Yup. He's a 17-year-old sophomore and will enter college as a 20-year-old freshman. He's dominated kids 2-3 years younger than him for quite awhile now, which has some questioning how good he really is, as well as whether or not he can (or will) defend anyone at this level.

[We R Final Four]

Scoopers vs. college scouts.

I wonder if McCabe will even listen to these high majors who are coming around more and more lately. He should just send them his birth certificate and send his application to UW-Oshkosh.
 

[Pakuni]

Honestly, I think there may be more to it. I can't remember us targeting any Chicago guy other than LoVett, and we got out of that pretty quick. Maybe he just doesn't want to deal with the...umm...complications that sometimes come with Chicago.

Given all of Duke's success recruiting the Chicago area during Wojo's time as an assistant there (Parker, Okafor, Dockery, Schreyer, Thompson), I'd be surprised if Wojo were avoiding the area or failed to recognize its importance.

FWIW, MU is very interested in 2017 combo forward Christian Negron out of Elgin (as are most other major programs in the Midwest).
Also 2017 PG Nojel Eastern from Evanston.

[The Lens]

Wojo recruited Chicago a lot at Duke.

[brewcity77]

I think someone should put in a call to Kobe King.

[muhoops1]

I think someone should put in a call to Kobe King.

This was my first thought.  Also, could help us in regards to Joey Hauser.  He was wearing red last Sat.

[chapman]

Isn't McCabe the guy who has received several high D1 offers.....yet some scoopers think he will play D3?   

If coaches braved the stink of Kaukauna to see him, he's got to be pretty good.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

This was my first thought.  Also, could help us in regards to Joey Hauser.  He was wearing red last Sat.

That's not what I heard. Heard he spent all his time talking to mu folks

[Lennys Tap]

Absolutely part of the equation.   Squirm central

Yep. And without the squirm of D Wade where would your boy be coaching right now?

[StillWarriors]

FWIW, MU is very interested in 2017 combo forward Christian Negron out of Elgin (as are most other major programs in the Midwest).
Also 2017 PG Nojel Eastern from Evanston.

Negron is a real good kid and player. Huge accomplishment for our travel team to only give up one dunk and no alley oop dunks to him in travel ball in 8th grade. Talented and humble kid. His stock seems to keep rising.

[muhoops1]

That's not what I heard. Heard he spent all his time talking to mu folks

His family got their tickets through UW.  That's why they wore red.  I've heard his preference was UW, but that doesn't mean he's going.  I know his parents want the boys to play together.

[Pakuni]

Yep. And without the squirm of D Wade where would your boy be coaching right now?

Not to mention the all-time scoring leader.

The notion that Chicago is too "squirmy" for Wojo or any other coach is dumb. Every program recruits Chicago, including I4. Crean went hard after Cliff Alexander, for example. Squirmy of him.

[warriors78]

How about this guy?  Seems like a nice replacement for Ellenson

Nick Rakocevic          6'10   PF   Westchester (St. Joseph)   West Virginia, USC, Others

Comments: Rakocevic is off to a great start this season as he was the MVP at the Ron Johnson Thanksgiving Classic and will be among the frontrunners for the coveted Mr. Basketball award in Illinois next March.  His only official visit to this point has been to West Virginia, so it will be interesting to see if new schools could possibly become involved between now and April.

[Earl Tatum]

WE DO NEED MORE HEIGHT (6-9 and up) After Henry leaves we have Fischer and Heldt. Need
big man depth.

[MUDPT]

We are recruiting Nojel Eastern from Evanston.  http://espn.go.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/player/_/id/207874/nojel-eastern

I heard the younger Hauser was a Marquette lean last month, for what it's worth.

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

We are recruiting Nojel Eastern from Evanston.  http://espn.go.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/player/_/id/207874/nojel-eastern

I heard the younger Hauser was a Marquette lean last month, for what it's worth.

That kid is so good. Niles North is moving to that side of the conference next year. I can get yall a pretty good scouting report assuming he hasn't committed by then.

[keefe]

His family got their tickets through UW.  That's why they wore red.  I've heard his preference was UW, but that doesn't mean he's going.  I know his parents want the boys MENto play together.

[KenoshaWarrior]

That kid is so good. Niles North is moving to that side of the conference next year. I can get yall a pretty good scouting report assuming he hasn't committed by then.

I assume one of the schools on the other side had a drop in enrollment than?  Maybe Glenbrook south

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

I assume one of the schools on the other side had a drop in enrollment than?  Maybe Glenbrook south

Waukegan is leaving and Vernon Hills is coming in. North got the short end of the stick since they have a larger enrollment than Vernon Hills.

[T-Bone]

Wojo recruited Chicago a lot at Duke.

Absolutely.  I think we'll see someone from Chicago in the next year or two.  Gotta be the right fit, no matter where they are from. 

[Galway Eagle]

Absolutely part of the equation.   Squirm central

I'm guessing Crean recruiting Jerel Mcneal and D Wade or his attempt at Shumpert and others wasn't squirmy?

[JakeBarnes]

WE DO NEED MORE HEIGHT (6-9 and up) After Henry leaves we have Fischer and Heldt. Need
big man depth.

If only we could recruit big men.

[tower912]

I'm guessing Crean recruiting Jerel Mcneal and D Wade or his attempt at Shumpert and others wasn't squirmy?

Exactly.   Chicago is squirmy and Crean recruited (recruits) the hell out of it.   Buzz landed Steve Taylor.    Do the math. 

[Jay Bee]

Tonight MU is watching 2017 Justin Smith (Stevenson HS, just north of Chicago, where he played with Brunson). 6'7" wing who can play some inside and out. Was really impressed watching and talking with him this past summer (media).

Parents are both Illinois alums, but he's got interest from a bunch of Big Ten (and other) schools and says his folks are cool with whatever he decides..

Really like him.

Justin Smith article from this summer.

[Dawson Rental]

How about this guy?  Seems like a nice replacement for Ellenson

Nick Rakocevic          6'10   PF   Westchester (St. Joseph)   West Virginia, USC, Others

Comments: Rakocevic is off to a great start this season as he was the MVP at the Ron Johnson Thanksgiving Classic and will be among the frontrunners for the coveted Mr. Basketball award in Illinois next March.  His only official visit to this point has been to West Virginia, so it will be interesting to see if new schools could possibly become involved between now and April.

I'm pretty sure that Wojo kicked the tires with this guy, but it didn't go very far.  No idea why.

[MUDPT]

New ESPN rankings out

http://insider.espn.go.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/classrankings

#27

Others:
Xavier #18
Villanova #31
Butler #35
St. John's #40

Borzello expects us to be active in the "transfer" market after the season.

[StillWarriors]

I'm pretty sure that Wojo kicked the tires with this guy, but it didn't go very far.  No idea why.

The kid is a pretty darn good player, but has been known for not having a great attitude in the past. If I recall correctly, he's been playing varsity since his frosh year at St. Joe's in Westchester, IL, a big time program. Supposedly working to change his image this season according to a Tribune article today (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/ct-spt-1218-prep-bbk-nick-rakocevic-20151217-story.html). Had 23 pts, 23 rebs and 10 blocks in a recent game.

[Stretchdeltsig]

Sounds like a good big for Marquette if Wojo wants him.

[Dawson Rental]

The kid is a pretty darn good player, but has been known for not having a great attitude in the past. If I recall correctly, he's been playing varsity since his frosh year at St. Joe's in Westchester, IL, a big time program. Supposedly working to change his image this season according to a Tribune article today (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/ct-spt-1218-prep-bbk-nick-rakocevic-20151217-story.html). Had 23 pts, 23 rebs and 10 blocks in a recent game.

Maybe having Ellenson and Fischer already on board was a sticking point.  The article says that he is now waiting until after his season is over to take his official visits, so if someone doesn't stick around, then....

[Loose Cannon]

The kid is a pretty darn good player, but has been known for not having a great attitude in the past. If I recall correctly, he's been playing varsity since his frosh year at St. Joe's in Westchester, IL, a big time program. Supposedly working to change his image this season according to a Tribune article today (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/highschool/ct-spt-1218-prep-bbk-nick-rakocevic-20151217-story.html). Had 23 pts, 23 rebs and 10 blocks in a recent game.

Will his Attitude change practicing in a White T Shirt?

[StillWarriors]

Will his Attitude change practicing in a White T Shirt?

Well played!

[MU82]

Will his Attitude change practicing in a White T Shirt?

Maybe, maybe not. But his team will go 7-0, including a road win over its huge rival -- a decision that will send the rival's coach screaming into retirement.

[martyconlonontherun]

New ESPN rankings out

http://insider.espn.go.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/classrankings

#27

Others:
Xavier #18
Villanova #31
Butler #35
St. John's #40

Borzello expects us to be active in the "transfer" market after the season.

Are we on anybody in the 2017 class? Not the best researcher but I feel there is usually 3-4 guys we are on that we debate this time of year. Seems pretty quiet on the recruiting front. Hopefully, if we go the transfer route it is a fifth year that can play immediately.

[nyg]

https://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1838919

[JakeBarnes]

https://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1838919

Nice. I am assuming that his friend is Sacar that he references in the article. That is a really good connection. Sounds like Sacar likes where Marquette is too for a guy that is transferring

[martyconlonontherun]

Yup. He's a 17-year-old sophomore and will enter college as a 20-year-old freshman. He's dominated kids 2-3 years younger than him for quite awhile now, which has some questioning how good he really is, as well as whether or not he can (or will) defend anyone at this level.

Honestly, is that a bad thing of a thing? It's not like a guy stops maturing at 20. I know I gained a ton of muscle from age 21-24, I could imagine a kid on D-1 program. Bring a 23-24 year old senior only hurts your draft prospects, but it can make you a hell of a college player. That's one reason why I like Bailey. He will be physically mature at a younger class year and able to give grow into the game faster. I wish more non-pro prospects would take the redshirt route instead of transferring after wasting their freshman year with no PT. 

[Tugg Speedman]

Head coach Greg Gard extends his first scholarship offer to Whitnall 2018 guard Tyler Herro
Benjamin Worgull   Dec 24, 2015 at 1:23 PM

http://www.scout.com/college/wisconsin/story/1626272-wisconsin-offers-2018-guard-tyler-herro

A day after getting his first win as a college head coach, Greg Gard extended a Wisconsin scholarship offer to Greenfield (WI) Whitnall 2018 three-star prospect Tyler Herro.

Less than a day after being named the interim head coach, Greg Gard matter-of-factly statement that he was going to recruit aggressively for the University of Wisconsin. He backed that comment up on Thursday, extending a scholarship offer to Greenfield (WI) Whitnall 2018 shooting guard Tyler Herro.

Tyler Herro @raf_tyler
Great talk with Coach Gard and I am beyond blessed to have received an offer from UW-Madison! #Badgers  11:26 AM - 24 Dec 2015 · Greenfield, WI, United States

One of top sophomores in the state, Herro – already rated a three-star prospect by Scout.com - averaged 15.8 ppg as a freshman and earned first-team all-league honors in the Woodland East. He plays AAU basketball for the Wisconsin Playground Warriors and has the ability to play either guard position.

Wisconsin is the sixth offer for Herro, joining Creighton, DePaul, Green Bay, Milwaukee and Sam Houston State. He’s visited the UW campus twice since September, attending a UW football game and UW’s basketball game with Marquette.

Herro is close with both Kaukauna (WI) 2018 guard Jordan McCabe and La Crosse (WI) Central four-star 2017 guard Kobe King, a Wisconsin commit. Herro and McCabe hope to play college together.

Herro is also fielding interest from Marquette, Minnesota, Purdue, Stanford and West Virginia, among others.

[brewcity77]

Honestly, is that a bad thing of a thing? It's not like a guy stops maturing at 20. I know I gained a ton of muscle from age 21-24, I could imagine a kid on D-1 program. Bring a 23-24 year old senior only hurts your draft prospects, but it can make you a hell of a college player. That's one reason why I like Bailey. He will be physically mature at a younger class year and able to give grow into the game faster. I wish more non-pro prospects would take the redshirt route instead of transferring after wasting their freshman year with no PT.

Not necessarily, the question will be if he continues to dominate guys when he plays against others with similar physical maturity.

[Fred Garvin]

I think MU offers within the next month