Otule questions commitment

[MU in Miami]

http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaab/news;_ylt=AmR9aqZBC0_m_sBXsC5NhVxw07YF?slug=uwire-recruitotulequestionscommi&prov=uwire&type=lgns

Recruit Otule questions commitment to Marquette men's basketball team
By John Borneman, The Marquette Tribune
23 minutes ago

Buzz Up Print(UWIRE) MILWAUKEE—The news that Tom Crean will be leaving the Marquette men's basketball program to accept the head coaching position at Indiana has at least one member of the 2008-'09 recruiting class questioning his decision.

Chris Otule, a 6-foot-10, 245-pound center from George Bush High School in Sugar Land, Texas, said he was "shocked" when he heard that Crean was heading to Indiana.

"As far as changing my mind (about coming to Marquette), I'm not real sure yet," Otule said. "I would say I'm about 50-50 right now."

In a recruiting class made up of two guards (Tyshawn Taylor and Nick Williams) and a small forward (Joseph Fulce), Otule would likely be counted on to help fill the hole in the Marquette post left by the graduating Ousmane Barro.

Otule noted that there was still a good chance that he would suit up for the Golden Eagles next season, but that he has no timeline for a decision on his future. He said that it was something he will have to discuss with his high school coach as well as his family.

"For me to come, (Marquette) would just have to show a lot of interest and love and stuff like that," Otule said.

[PuertoRicanNightmare]

So what?!?!

[TJ]

So what?!?!

You don't think this matters at all?  We've got 3 incoming freshmen questioning their LOI's and you see no possible repercussions that could come from it?

That's what I don't get about you guys that are so happy about this.  Fine, you didn't like the guy - most of us don't now.  But how can you think that this will have no repercussions to the success of the basketball team?  What do you think will happen that will prevent the team from losing 3 recruits and having nothing but Hayward and some freshmen on the 09-10 roster?

[77fan88warrior]

Otule obviously doesn't fit PRN standards or he is ecstaic over Crean living and doesn't care about anything.

[ATWizJr]

not to knock PRN, and all opinions are worthy of expression, but, PRN, what is your vision of the program's future and how do you see it getting there? How do you define success for the program?

[PuertoRicanNightmare]

Crean lost an entire class of recruits once before. We'd be fine if all of these guys renege -- but I don't think they will.

Do you really think MU should determine who they hire as their freaking head coach based on the opinions of some high school basketball players who could turn out to be worthless as players?

Seriously, some of you guys are completely insane.

[MUinCO]

PRN does have a point.

[EmJ5]

What do you think will happen that will prevent the team from losing 3 recruits and having nothing but Hayward and some freshmen on the 09-10 roster?

Okay honestly, yeah I'm not too optimistic right now but I highly doubt everyone is going to leave except Lazar and "some freshmen".
... Unless you somehow know (for sure) otherwise, which again, I highly doubt.

[ATWizJr]

PRN, again, I ask for your definition of success and for your plan to get us there.

[mosarsour]

What do you think will happen that will prevent the team from losing 3 recruits and having nothing but Hayward and some freshmen on the 09-10 roster?

...but I highly doubt everyone is going to leave except Lazar and "some freshmen".

I think you mean Trevor and "some freshmen". I think Lazar sticks around. trevor on the other hand, might be awaiting a phone call from Tubby.

[TJ]

What do you think will happen that will prevent the team from losing 3 recruits and having nothing but Hayward and some freshmen on the 09-10 roster?

Okay honestly, yeah I'm not too optimistic right now but I highly doubt everyone is going to leave except Lazar and "some freshmen".
... Unless you somehow know (for sure) otherwise, which again, I highly doubt.

I absolutely don't know anything more than the average fan who has done nothing but read stuff here for the last 24 hours - just stating that up front.

But this is what's left from our current roster in 2 years:
0   Scott Christopherson   G    Freshman
45   Robert Frozena   G    Freshman
4   Patrick Hazel   F    Freshman
33   Trevor Mbakwe   F    Freshman
2   Maurice Acker   G    Sophomore
10   David Cubillan   G    Sophomore
32   Lazar Hayward   F    Sophomore

I've read stories about the possibility of Taylor, Williams, and now Otule asking our of their LOI, and I've read an (unlikely) story about Mbakwe asking to transfer.  If that happens, then the 09-10 team sure looks like Hayward, 2 backup guards, Fulce and a bunch of Freshmen to me.

[ErickJD08]

Our roster outlook in two years is exactly why Crean left.  It is pretty much dookie. 

As far as the recruits, WE NEED A GOOD HIRE!  GOOD HIRE AND THE HIRE CAN BRING HIS OWN RECRUITS TOO!

[EmJ5]

I absolutely don't know anything more than the average fan who has done nothing but read stuff here for the last 24 hours - just stating that up front.

But this is what's left from our current roster in 2 years:
0   Scott Christopherson   G    Freshman
45   Robert Frozena   G    Freshman
4   Patrick Hazel   F    Freshman
33   Trevor Mbakwe   F    Freshman
2   Maurice Acker   G    Sophomore
10   David Cubillan   G    Sophomore
32   Lazar Hayward   F    Sophomore

I've read stories about the possibility of Taylor, Williams, and now Otule asking our of their LOI, and I've read an (unlikely) story about Mbakwe asking to transfer.  If that happens, then the 09-10 team sure looks like Hayward, 2 backup guards, Fulce and a bunch of Freshmen to me.

Oh geez, I completely misread that and thought you meant next year... sorry that was completely my mistake.

Okay... then I completely agree with you...
and that really scares me.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Crean lost an entire class of recruits once before. We'd be fine if all of these guys renege -- but I don't think they will.

Do you really think MU should determine who they hire as their freaking head coach based on the opinions of some high school basketball players who could turn out to be worthless as players?

Seriously, some of you guys are completely insane.

I agree with you PRN.  You can't hire a coach just to keep a recruiting class in play, that's not smart. 


Where I disagree is your premise that it's not a big deal if we were to lose an entire class.

[TJ]

Our roster outlook in two years is exactly why Crean left.  It is pretty much dookie. 

As far as the recruits, WE NEED A GOOD HIRE!  GOOD HIRE AND THE HIRE CAN BRING HIS OWN RECRUITS TOO!

Our roster looks much better like this:
   ?????? ? Fr
   ?????? ? Fr
   Taylor G So
   Williams G So
   Fulce F So
   Otule C So
0   Scott Christopherson   G    JR
45   Robert Frozena   G    Jr
4   Patrick Hazel   F    Jr
33   Trevor Mbakwe   F    Jr
2   Maurice Acker   G    Sr
10   David Cubillan   G    Sr
32   Lazar Hayward   F    Sr

it's just a matter of not losing this recruiting class.  If we do, we have trouble in two years, and the new coach is going to have to do some damn good recruiting in years 1 & 2 or he's doomed by year 3.

[muchalktalk]

You really would not see a problem with losing the whole recruiting class if that happens.  Add to that, it sounds like we can kiss Jamil Wilson goodbye now.  None of that concerns you in the least?  Really?

I can't decide if you are in denial because you now realize the short-term consequences loosing a coach can have, or if you truly do not understand the game of basketball at all. 

[nyg]

I may be optimistic, but I do not believe there will be a mass exodus, as if the program took a significant hit from the NCAA (UH, Indiana).  That is when the players see the sanctions coming and bolt.  Current committed players are in shock now, but they are teenagers and need to be consoled and advised everything will be fine. That is why an expedited hire is mandatory.  I tried to think of what players or recruits decomitted from Texas A&M when Gillespie left, PITT when Howland left, NC State when Sendek left and other situations where the head coach left in a hurry. Could not recall any massive turnovers in the players or recruits.  The key for the new staff will be the 2009 recruiting and all the talented players we are in the hunt for. Especially Jamil Wilson, Johnnie Lacy and the signed Eric Williams. This of course coincides with the loss of four MU seniors.  The staff needs to contact the potential recruits and ensure them that the program is stable, still in the Big East and MU will still be on ESPN for their family to watch.  God, I hope I am right here.  

[i know ousmane barro]

Oh nooooooooooooooooooooooo. Somehow I think we'll survive.

[nyg]

http://www.wkrg.com/sports/article/nick_williams_seeking_release_from_marquette_scholar

Ooops, I guess I spoke too soon.

[BrewCity83]

Add to that, it sounds like we can kiss Jamil Wilson goodbye now.

Why?  Has he spoken today?

[ChicosBailBonds]

Add to that, it sounds like we can kiss Jamil Wilson goodbye now.

Why?  Has he spoken today?

It would be a miracle if Wilson went to MU now, an absolute miracle.  He has VERY strong ties to Crean who has been on him for a long time.

[drewm88]

Anybody who thinks we need to pick a specific coach because of his ability to keep those 4 guys next year is mistaken. Yes, pick a coach quickly, and that will help the recruit situation. But we are building for the long term. In one regard, we may be better off with Crean leaving this year compared to next. Imagine if we were counting on Lazar, Mbakwe, and incoming sophs and freshman. I look forward to the leadership of the Big 3 next season to help bridge the gap between Crean and Sean Miller (please?).