[Cracked Sidewalks] Looking ahead -- Jamil Wilson, 2009 and beyond

[CrackedSidewalksSays]

Looking ahead -- Jamil Wilson, 2009 and beyond

Written by: NY Warrior

Jamil Wilson of Racine has emerged as one of the nation's best players in the class of 2009, and is garnering strong interest from Michigan State, Duke, UCLA, and Kansas -- each of whom will host Wilson on an official visit.  Texas, Tennessee and Purdue are also in the mix.  Given the proximity to MU and UW, Wilson is not expected to take an official visit to either in-state program.  Sam Webb from Detnews.com talked with Wilson about MSU and filed this report.

Wilson would be a huge get for Buzz Williams and Marquette, particularly given the premier programs the kid is interested in.   And let's face it, a major talent influx by kids like Jamil Wilson must be in order if MU expects to remain a fixture in the NCAA tournament.

After what should be a successful 2008-2009 campaign (presuming Jerel McNeal returns), Buzz Williams has a number of gaps to fill if he hopes to strengthen a decidedly weak roster. Right now, Williams has a 2009-2010 group built almost exclusively with role players.  Thankfully, Williams has early playing time to offer prospects as he closes out 2008 recruiting and looks ahead to 2009 and beyond.

With props to the slick scholarship table over at the MUScoop Wiki, here's a quick look at the current state 2009-2010 roster (walk-ons excluded):

Seniors:    Lazar Hayward, David Cubillan, Maurice Acker
Juniors:    Trevor Mbakwe, Patrick Hazel, Joseph Fulce, Jimmy Butler
Sophs:        Chris Otule
Frosh:        Erik Williams (verbal commitment)

By any measure, this roster won't get it done in the Big East.  The talent needs a major upgrade.  The Marquette basketball program will be at a crossroads in 2009.  Will the program take a major step back, or will coach Williams right the ship with an influx of high-ceiling talent to populate the freshmen and sophomore classes?

Landing the uber-talented Erik Williams, who despite missing most of his junior season wowed scouts and projects to be a four-star talent, is a fine way to start the upgrading process.  Here are some other likely recruiting priorities for MU in 2009:

• Pure point guard who can play big minutes immediately.  MU was staring this same situation in the face four years ago when Crean landed James to replace Diener.
• Dead-eye shooter. With the three-point line moving back, it;s time for an upgrade.
• Skilled big man.   Mbakwe could be a fine power forward if he's not forced into the middle because of a thin frontcourt roster.
• Jamil Wilson.  Hey, a guy can dream right?  Wilson will be tough to land but if he signs on with MU, the program immediately moves up a notch.
  

Marquette hired Buzz Williams largely based on his track record as a recruiter.  In fact, derivatives of the term 'recruit' appeared sixteen times in the press release announcing his new position.  Buzz Williams must deliver quickly to keep the Golden Eagles dancing for years to come.

http://www.crackedsidewalks.com/2008/04/looking-ahead-jamil-wilson-2009-and.html