RECRUITING. RECRUITING. RECRUITING.

[freewillie07]

The way to make everyone feel better after last night is to look to the future. We have three commits for the 2019 class so far: Boo Buie, Robbie Beran and Jared Jones. I like all of them. Beran is obviously the headliner, but Buie and Jones seem like under-the-radar steals.

However, the Cats have at least five spots to fill next year — Law, Pardon, Ash, Taylor and the open spot — plus potentially Falzon’s spot if he doesn’t return for a fifth year.

So, as I posted in another thread, here are a couple of lead guard offers:

Damion Baugh (#141 nationally on 247, offers from Georgetown, TCU, Memphis, GA Tech, Texas Tech)

Tony Johnson Jr. (#315 nationally, offers from Georgia, GA Tech, Auburn, Minnesota, Saint Louis)

And a potential wing, who NU appears to not have offered yet:

Gerald Drumgoole (#107 nationally, offers from Maryland, Minnesota, South Carolina)


NU has missed a lot in recent years. The way to build a foundation is to land at least one of these guys, if not a couple. Make it happen, CCC.

 

[Mr Wickerpark]

The way to make everyone feel better after last night is to look to the future. We have three commits for the 2019 class so far: Boo Buie, Robbie Beran and Jared Jones. I like all of them. Beran is obviously the headliner, but Buie and Jones seem like under-the-radar steals.

However, the Cats have at least five spots to fill next year — Law, Pardon, Ash, Taylor and the open spot — plus potentially Falzon’s spot if he doesn’t return for a fifth year.

So, as I posted in another thread, here are a couple of lead guard offers:

Damion Baugh (#141 nationally on 247, offers from Georgetown, TCU, Memphis, GA Tech, Texas Tech)

Tony Johnson Jr. (#315 nationally, offers from Georgia, GA Tech, Auburn, Minnesota, Saint Louis)

And a potential wing, who NU appears to not have offered yet:

Gerald Drumgoole (#107 nationally, offers from Maryland, Minnesota, South Carolina)


NU has missed a lot in recent years. The way to build a foundation is to land at least one of these guys, if not a couple. Make it happen, CCC.

why would collins grant a 5th year to falzon unless recruiting has went to hell?

 

[lunker35]

why would collins grant a 5th year to falzon unless recruiting has went to hell?

It’s entirely possible that Falzon would want to transfer if he can’t find his way back into the rotation and is able to graduate with another year.

 

[Medill90]

It’s entirely possible that Falzon would want to transfer if he can’t find his way back into the rotation and is able to graduate with another year.

If you have an empty seat on the bench and available scholly, why push him out the door?

 

[lunker35]

If you have an empty seat on the bench and available scholly, why push him out the door?

I’m not saying anyone would push him out the door. I’m saying maybe he would want to transfer. I have zero information, but just saying that if I were in a situation where I was buried on the depth chart and had a year left I would probably go where I could play my last year. Who knows though, as he could get healthy and be a star.

 

[NJCat]

I’m not saying anyone would push him out the door. I’m saying maybe he would want to transfer. I have zero information, but just saying that if I were in a situation where I was buried on the depth chart and had a year left I would probably go where I could play my last year. Who knows though, as he could get healthy and be a star.

Maybe he'll end up at Holy Cross and play in the same league a Rap.

 

[lunker35]

Maybe he'll end up at Holy Cross and play in the same league a Rap.

Not to start the Carmody debate, but have you ever talked to a former player who loved him? I’m friends with many and it’s rare you hear someone that loved playing for him.

 

[Fitz51]

It doesn’t make me feel much better that maybe in a few years we’ll be slightly better than we aren’t now. And that’s a huge maybe.

 

[Jeffrey Cat]

I’m not saying anyone would push him out the door. I’m saying maybe he would want to transfer. I have zero information, but just saying that if I were in a situation where I was buried on the depth chart and had a year left I would probably go where I could play my last year. Who knows though, as he could get healthy and be a star.

I

The way to make everyone feel better after last night is to look to the future. We have three commits for the 2019 class so far: Boo Buie, Robbie Beran and Jared Jones. I like all of them. Beran is obviously the headliner, but Buie and Jones seem like under-the-radar steals.

However, the Cats have at least five spots to fill next year — Law, Pardon, Ash, Taylor and the open spot — plus potentially Falzon’s spot if he doesn’t return for a fifth year.

So, as I posted in another thread, here are a couple of lead guard offers:

Damion Baugh (#141 nationally on 247, offers from Georgetown, TCU, Memphis, GA Tech, Texas Tech)

Tony Johnson Jr. (#315 nationally, offers from Georgia, GA Tech, Auburn, Minnesota, Saint Louis)

And a potential wing, who NU appears to not have offered yet:

Gerald Drumgoole (#107 nationally, offers from Maryland, Minnesota, South Carolina)


NU has missed a lot in recent years. The way to build a foundation is to land at least one of these guys, if not a couple. Make it happen, CCC.

I think you have to try to balance these classes. Right now you have 3 seniors to be in 2019-20, 1 junior, 3 sophomores, and 5 freshmen (including one more recruit and Young. That makes a total of twelve if Falzon is renewed and can play. If he is renewed you get one more of the fifth year guys and if not get two. As it stands right now if he is in the condition he appears to be in I honestly doubt he would get another year. As I mentioned in another post the scholarship says four years, not five.

 

[freewillie07]

I

I think you have to try to balance these classes. Right now you have 3 seniors to be in 2019-20, 1 junior, 3 sophomores, and 5 freshmen (including one more recruit and Young. That makes a total of twelve if Falzon is renewed and can play. If he is renewed you get one more of the fifth year guys and if not get two. As it stands right now if he is in the condition he appears to be in I honestly doubt he would get another year. As I mentioned in another post the scholarship says four years, not five.

I expect Collins already has his eyes on at least one, if not two, transfers. At least one of them a grad transfer.

NU should be one of the most attractive grad transfer destinations in the country. Top-tier degree, immediate playing time and competing in arguably the best conference in the nation.

 

[xxxbobxxx]

I expect Collins already has his eyes on at least one, if not two, transfers. At least one of them a grad transfer.

NU should be one of the most attractive grad transfer destinations in the country. Top-tier degree, immediate playing time and competing in arguably the best conference in the nation.

For anyone not hoping to play professionally.

But, I think you are right. Just a bit frustrated.

 

[Purple Pile Driver]

I expect Collins already has his eyes on at least one, if not two, transfers. At least one of them a grad transfer.

NU should be one of the most attractive grad transfer destinations in the country. Top-tier degree, immediate playing time and competing in arguably the best conference in the nation.

Grad transfers so we can have the same issue we have this year breaking in 5 new guys?

 

[NUCat320]

I expect Collins already has his eyes on at least one, if not two, transfers. At least one of them a grad transfer.

NU should be one of the most attractive grad transfer destinations in the country. Top-tier degree, immediate playing time and competing in arguably the best conference in the nation.

I would be okay if NU never took a grad transfer again. No disrespect to Taylor or Swop or Kreisberg (!) or whoever else has come, but a reliance on grad transfers indicates a lack of planning and program depth and a recruiting pipeline.

Let’s be the best destination for smart high school kids who can shoot.

 

[NUCat320]

It doesn’t make me feel much better that maybe in a few years we’ll be slightly better than we aren’t now. And that’s a huge maybe.

You’d have to be a real optimist to see that.

 

[NJCat]

Grad transfers so we can have the same issue we have this year breaking in 5 new guys?

Whether they are grad transfers or true freshmen, NU will be breaking in new guys next season. The only question is how many.

 

[xxxbobxxx]

Grad transfers so we can have the same issue we have this year breaking in 5 new guys?

If we take 6 frosh, then we may lose every starter and sixth man down the road. Or maybe just keep leaving schollies open and hope the empty develops a solid shot.

We should take at least one grad transfer and one regular transfer for 2019.

 

[pawildcat_rivals209725]

Lack of a veteran point guard is hurting this year. And the middle of the B1G is probably as strong as it's been in some years. It's very possible to have a good team and a lousy record in the league this year. Iowa and Nebraska, which have been good OOC this year, are 2-3 so far in the B1G. Overall coaching in the league is also very strong. The only coaches to me who seem to be real weak links at the moment are Underwood (we'll see if he can do better when his recruiting kicks in) and Chambers at Penn State (he's been getting some decent kids in, but doesn't seem to know what to do with them).

 

[PURPLECAT88]

For anyone not hoping to play professionally.

I think that goes without saying. No one who has a real chance at the NBA draft is staying in college for a 5th year.

 

[xxxbobxxx]

I think that goes without saying. No one who has a real chance at the NBA draft is staying in college for a 5th year.

You know many guys including lots of our alum play professionally but not in the NBA?

 

[Kat burglar]

I think we go to the tourney in 2 years. recruiting is improving and while it is disappointing to wait, we are starting to win good recruits. We have come in 2d on several good recruits and grad transfers, Cormac Ryan (stanford) and Mike Mooney (Texas tech) come to mind. this year and next year are strong classes. hopefully 2020 fills in nicely too. It's happening.

The new Welsh Ryan is helpful going forward. We are on a good trajectory. Not as quick as we want, but it's coming.

 

[Sec_112]

I would be okay if NU never took a grad transfer again ...

I've thought this for a while. I also agree with the rest of your post.

I also wonder if the grad transfer is as emotionally invested - especially in a less than desirable season.

 

[Username Not Available]

I dunno, I think I'd choose a grad transfer with experience and talent that fills a one year hole rather than offer a four year scholly to someone I didn't think was good enough. I suppose it depends on who I'm looking at to come in the year after, but its seems to me nothing good can come of offering a guy you don't really want or who can't compete, just because you're desperate.

 

[PURPLECAT88]

You know many guys including lots of our alum play professionally but not in the NBA?

Sure, tons of them do. They have pro leagues in many countries around the world. I'm surprised you're not aware of that. Or if you are aware, why would you say that only those not looking to play professionally would want to come to NU? Plenty of NU players have gone on to play professionally in Europe and elsewhere.

 

[DaCat]

While losing our two best players next year, we will have some young talented guys who will need to grow up fast.

2018-19 --> 2019-20
Pardon --> Benson / Jones *
Law -> Beran *
Taylor -> Nance
Turner
Kopp
Gaines
Greer
Buie *
Young (rs) *

Replacing Pardon will require a committee involving Benson and two freshmen.

We need Beran to step in right away and be productive.

Nance needs to take a huge step in development, especially physically. Maybe add 10 to 20 pounds.

Turner, Kopp and Gaines will get lots of minutes.

LG should be split between Greer and Buie.

 

[NJCat]

While losing our two best players next year, we will have some young talented guys who will need to grow up fast.

2018-19 --> 2019-20
Pardon --> Benson / Jones *
Law -> Beran *
Taylor -> Nance
Turner
Kopp
Gaines
Greer
Buie *
Young (rs) *

Replacing Pardon will require a committee involving Benson and two freshmen.

We need Beran to step in right away and be productive.

Nance needs to take a huge step in development, especially physically. Maybe add 10 to 20 pounds.

Turner, Kopp and Gaines will get lots of minutes.

LG should be split between Greer and Buie.

Next year could be a real struggle. So many young players.

 

[xxxbobxxx]

Sure, tons of them do. They have pro leagues in many countries around the world. I'm surprised you're not aware of that. Or if you are aware, why would you say that only those not looking to play professionally would want to come to NU? Plenty of NU players have gone on to play professionally in Europe and elsewhere.

I didn’t say that. OP cited academic matters that should entice grad transfers. My response was that those features aren’t important to those planning to play b-ball for a living.

 

[Medill90]

I’m not saying anyone would push him out the door. I’m saying maybe he would want to transfer. I have zero information, but just saying that if I were in a situation where I was buried on the depth chart and had a year left I would probably go where I could play my last year. Who knows though, as he could get healthy and be a star.

Sure. I just think it's likely he's not buried next year. He seems really well liked. Was doing well through the summer and then messed up ankle. If he doesn't play could he redshirt again and have two years?

 

[freewillie07]

I didn’t say that. OP cited academic matters that should entice grad transfers. My response was that those features aren’t important to those planning to play b-ball for a living.

Academics was one part of it. The other is a better chance of immediate playing time in the Big Ten (as opposed to, say, being a bench player at Michigan State). Ryan Taylor is good but I’m not sure he starts on the top teams in the league this year. Getting 25-30 minutes a game against tough competition will prepare him for a potential pro career overseas, if he so chooses.

We need a grad transfer/regular transfer next year to help balance the classes.

 

[freewillie07]

I think we go to the tourney in 2 years. recruiting is improving and while it is disappointing to wait, we are starting to win good recruits. We have come in 2d on several good recruits and grad transfers, Cormac Ryan (stanford) and Mike Mooney (Texas tech) come to mind. this year and next year are strong classes. hopefully 2020 fills in nicely too. It's happening.

The new Welsh Ryan is helpful going forward. We are on a good trajectory. Not as quick as we want, but it's coming.

Ugh I forgot about Cormac Ryan. Man...there was even an article in the Trib about him being the next BMac.

Agree with you on the new WR. Everyone needs to check out The Foundation, and see the players’ eyes light up at some of the amenities (steam rooms, etc.). Lumpkin and Crawford were SO jealous.

 

[PURPLECAT88]

I didn’t say that. OP cited academic matters that should entice grad transfers. My response was that those features aren’t important to those planning to play b-ball for a living.

I think I entirely misread what you were trying to say.

 

[DaCat]

Next year could be a real struggle. So many young players.

True. Man cannot live on potential alone, but on paper it's a very talented squad:

Benson 4 stars
Beran 4 stars
Nance 4 stars
Turner 4 stars
Kopp 4 stars
Gaines 3 stars
Falzon (?) 4 stars
3 stars for the rest

 

[hdhntr1]

why would collins grant a 5th year to falzon unless recruiting has went to hell?

Or unless he is finally healthy.

 

[hdhntr1]

I

I think you have to try to balance these classes. Right now you have 3 seniors to be in 2019-20, 1 junior, 3 sophomores, and 5 freshmen (including one more recruit and Young. That makes a total of twelve if Falzon is renewed and can play. If he is renewed you get one more of the fifth year guys and if not get two. As it stands right now if he is in the condition he appears to be in I honestly doubt he would get another year. As I mentioned in another post the scholarship says four years, not five.

If you look at it one of the problem is in Gaines class, that is all they got. There is a desire to not bring in someone who won't fit long term as CC has learned from his mistakes with Vassar and Brown. So while it is better to not bring in the guy that will not fit, the open spot does leave a hole. Gaines is turning out to be pretty good but there should be another guy in the class. Then throw in the Lathon fiasco and we have a real hole. Greer will be fine but he is not ready to play this year. CC and company depend on strong D and Frosh are generally not ready to play at the level needed. I do believe he will get it straightened out but it might take a couple years.

 

[hdhntr1]

Grad transfers so we can have the same issue we have this year breaking in 5 new guys?

We will have that issue anyway. The transfer will at least be more ready physically than a frosh

 

[hdhntr1]

I would be okay if NU never took a grad transfer again. No disrespect to Taylor or Swop or Kreisberg (!) or whoever else has come, but a reliance on grad transfers indicates a lack of planning and program depth and a recruiting pipeline.

Let’s be the best destination for smart high school kids who can shoot.

I don't have a problem with Taylor. He is more than adequate. And no Frosh would be filling his spot better. The thing that made Taylor necessary is only one guy in Gaines class coupled with a couple guys not working out leaving us very thin at guard.

 

[NUCat320]

I don't have a problem with Taylor. He is more than adequate. And no Frosh would be filling his spot better. The thing that made Taylor necessary is only one guy in Gaines class coupled with a couple guys not working out leaving us very thin at guard.

I have no problem with Taylor either. I’d just rather NU never be in a situation to take a grad transfer.

 

[PurpleFaze]

I have no problem with Taylor either. I’d just rather NU never be in a situation to take a grad transfer.

Transfers (lumping them all together) used to be pretty rare, unfortunately now it's sort of just a part of the recruiting process almost. Think I read somewhere that the avg number of transfers per team was close to 2 last year.

 

[NJCat]

Transfers (lumping them all together) used to be pretty rare, unfortunately now it's sort of just a part of the recruiting process almost. Think I read somewhere that the avg number of transfers per team was close to 2 last year.

I heard a stat on ESPNU radio that 40% of Division 1 basketball players transfer by the end of their Sophomore year.