State of Recruiting

[xxxbobxxx]

In the last two years, CCC has landed someone by this period. Well, within a week of today. While speculation is rampant whether a new face will land with 2016's class, we know there are at least a couple spots to fill in 2017. The four big targets for that class: Eastern, Chandler, Smith and Murphy are all seemingly uninterested in NU - based on the various reporting sites. Many of the secondary options seem to be destined for other places too.

Last year, we were in the running for RI most of the time. Same with Ash the year before. All the rest, came out of left field.

So while left field is a common source for CCC recruits, we have always had one on board early. I don't see that one for next year. What do you make of it? Is it a reflection that the glitz of the new hire and new energy has worn? Is it an uncertainty of what positions they really want to recruit? Maybe related to Vassar, the current 2016 plus one speculation? I can come up with a few theories - but none really that I would stand behind yet.

But it does make me a little nervous - the general quiet from the 2017 front.

 

[NJCat]

In the last two years, CCC has landed someone by this period. Well, within a week of today. While speculation is rampant whether a new face will land with 2016's class, we know there are at least a couple spots to fill in 2017. The four big targets for that class: Eastern, Chandler, Smith and Murphy are all seemingly uninterested in NU - based on the various reporting sites. Many of the secondary options seem to be destined for other places too.

Last year, we were in the running for RI most of the time. Same with Ash the year before. All the rest, came out of left field.

So while left field is a common source for CCC recruits, we have always had one on board early. I don't see that one for next year. What do you make of it? Is it a reflection that the glitz of the new hire and new energy has worn? Is it an uncertainty of what positions they really want to recruit? Maybe related to Vassar, the current 2016 plus one speculation? I can come up with a few theories - but none really that I would stand behind yet.

But it does make me a little nervous - the general quiet from the 2017 front.

I blame it on the lack of a food court at WRA.

 

[Jeffrey Cat]

In the last two years, CCC has landed someone by this period. Well, within a week of today. While speculation is rampant whether a new face will land with 2016's class, we know there are at least a couple spots to fill in 2017. The four big targets for that class: Eastern, Chandler, Smith and Murphy are all seemingly uninterested in NU - based on the various reporting sites. Many of the secondary options seem to be destined for other places too.

Last year, we were in the running for RI most of the time. Same with Ash the year before. All the rest, came out of left field.

So while left field is a common source for CCC recruits, we have always had one on board early. I don't see that one for next year. What do you make of it? Is it a reflection that the glitz of the new hire and new energy has worn? Is it an uncertainty of what positions they really want to recruit? Maybe related to Vassar, the current 2016 plus one speculation? I can come up with a few theories - but none really that I would stand behind yet.

But it does make me a little nervous - the general quiet from the 2017 front.

Take a Valium and relax.

 

[xxxbobxxx]

Take a Valium and relax.

You offering?

 

[NUCat320]

In the last two years, CCC has landed someone by this period. Well, within a week of today. While speculation is rampant whether a new face will land with 2016's class, we know there are at least a couple spots to fill in 2017. The four big targets for that class: Eastern, Chandler, Smith and Murphy are all seemingly uninterested in NU - based on the various reporting sites. Many of the secondary options seem to be destined for other places too.

Last year, we were in the running for RI most of the time. Same with Ash the year before. All the rest, came out of left field.

So while left field is a common source for CCC recruits, we have always had one on board early. I don't see that one for next year. What do you make of it? Is it a reflection that the glitz of the new hire and new energy has worn? Is it an uncertainty of what positions they really want to recruit? Maybe related to Vassar, the current 2016 plus one speculation? I can come up with a few theories - but none really that I would stand behind yet.

But it does make me a little nervous - the general quiet from the 2017 front.

Because I don't remember and don't care to look, who was on the board this time last year and the prior year? I know Falzon was late, and I recall Mac and Lindsey coming later in the summer as well. It's possible i misremember, though.

I recall Law being the first, in the partial recruiting season, right around July 1.

Also, is the four your mention as being disinterested simply a symptom of trying to reach an upper tier of recruit, with less success? (Are we aiming top 50 where we were aiming top 150 previously?)

Eastern is the Evanston kid, yes?

 

[xxxbobxxx]

Because I don't remember and don't care to look, who was on the board this time last year and the prior year? I know Falzon was late, and I recall Mac and Lindsey coming later in the summer as well. It's possible i misremember, though.

I recall Law being the first, in the partial recruiting season, right around July 1.

Also, is the four your mention as being disinterested simply a symptom of trying to reach an upper tier of recruit, with less success? (Are we aiming top 50 where we were aiming top 150 previously?)

Eastern is the Evanston kid, yes?

Ash was March and RI was April.

That's a possibility thought i would have to look at law and ri compared to the other four.

Among the secondary options identified by 247, i don't recall any that would rank higher than falzon, law, ri, benson.

Eastern is the Evanston kids and heavily projected to go to state.

And thank you for not falling to the level of the others. It can be a little frustrating sometimes to be a sports fan here.

 

[Sec_112]

Can you link us to two or three of the postings that lead you to believe secondary options have ruled out NU?

 

[CSCatFan1]

Collins and his whole staff made a home visit to see Jonathan Goodwin this past week. One of the top juniors in Illinois.

 

[IdahoAlum]

From what I've read about Goodwin, I love his toughness and physical approach to the game. (He's been offered by Iowa in football) a real old school
Big Ten type player with a fire and competitiveness you can never have enough of. I hope he considers NU seriously.

http://suntimeshighschoolsports.com...-makes-jordan-goodwin-states-top-player-tick/

 

[Medill90]

With the exception of Rap, the recruiting sites haven't been correct about one NU recruit since Collins came on board.

In Collins first few months a lot of info was out about potential recruits. That was strategic to build hype quickly. Since then it's been pretty quiet with all the info coming from the recruits extended contacts.

NU is going after a completely different level of talent versus several years ago and seems to be in the mix with many.

Have faith in Collins.

 

[xxxbobxxx]

Can you link us to two or three of the postings that lead you to believe secondary options have ruled out NU?

http://northwestern.247sports.com/Season/2017-Basketball/TargetPredictions

The rest is reading posts and articles.

 

[Deeringfish]

Seems to me that where some highly regarded recruits commit early, the more highly regraded they are the more selective they can be.
I choose to believe that Collins is waiting for those selective recruits and that he (and his Dad) is highly regarded in the BB community and can get away with this as long as we see improvement year to year (first 20 win season ever).
The new athletic facility, though not ear marked for BB is a multisport complex and will make room for future investment in BB. This will become part of the pitch as well as Collins bills his program as a future NCAA regular.

 

[NJCat]

Have faith in Collins.

I think the OP was a thinly disguised shot at Collins though.....I don't think bob is one of CC's biggest supporters!

 

[xxxbobxxx]

Collins and his whole staff made a home visit to see Jonathan Goodwin this past week. One of the top juniors in Illinois.

That would be a great get - but some tough competition with an Illinois lean. Goodwin would be a really nice 2 - which I think is among our target positions. Which begs another good question. Assuming we only have 2 scholarships with the scheduled departures of Tap and Lumpkin(not counting Vassars until that bird is in hand), what do we need?

Projected 2018 Lineup:
Brown?
Law - b/u Ash
Falzon
RI
Pardon - Benson

Looks like we really need a PG in the 2017 class, unless we land Moore. So maybe two guards in 2017?

Something seems weird. We are using the other schollie seemingly on a forward (based on Smith and Murphy early recruiting). And with a glaring hole at the PG (unless CCC is certain that Brown is a B1G PG and ready to bet the house), we really need another PG. Makes me think that they know they have one more scholarship in hand - which has to be Vassar or one of the current guys not running out their eligibility.

Therefore, I will wager that one of the following scholarships is re-committed for 2016 - Tap, Ash, Vassar or Lumpkin - in order of likelihood IMHO.

 

[xxxbobxxx]

With the exception of Rap, the recruiting sites haven't been correct about one NU recruit since Collins came on board.

In Collins first few months a lot of info was out about potential recruits. That was strategic to build hype quickly. Since then it's been pretty quiet with all the info coming from the recruits extended contacts.

NU is going after a completely different level of talent versus several years ago and seems to be in the mix with many.

Have faith in Collins.

I haven't lost faith. I am still impressed with the significant improvement in recruits and targets over previous eras. But you are wrong about the accuracy. First, they nailed 100% on recruits not choosing NU that ultimately did not choose NU.

Secondly, starting with CCC's first full recruiting cycle, 247 people correctly predicted:
- Ash well in advance
- some were correct on Benson
- and you mentioned RI

So, at least once a year, they get one correct. Thus my point, none of them are predicting us for any of the known targets. Not saying we won't get any, just that it's different this year and we haven't landed that first early commit yet.

 

[xxxbobxxx]

I think the OP was a thinly disguised shot at Collins though.....I don't think bob is one of CC's biggest supporters!

I think you are wrong. I have stated my case before to Va. I agreed with the change from BC to CCC and believe the timing was right. I like the hire absent a shot at a Shaka, which admittedly would never happen. I cannot think of anybody I would have taken ahead of CCC among the realistic options. I like his pedigree as player and assistant coach. I like that he is a hometown guy and I really like the NBA connection, right down to the regular presence of his dad around NU. (I have always been a Doug fan - thought he got a raw deal with the Bulls.) CCC has exceeded my expectations and achieved greatness in recruiting at NU to date - and even with the miss in Vassar and possible miss with Ash. I like the team he has built and they way he communicates to the fans through the media. And I think he is genuinely a good guy.

BUT - I have not anointed him a saint or even the best coach in NU history yet. Back patting is boring. Discussing challenges, debating decisions - that is interesting. While I do think CCC has shown that he is not the next Coach K (but that could always change) in his X's and O's, his handling of the Vassar situation, his OOC scheduling last year, I still, to this very moment, believe he is the best man for the job at NU. Still not going to give him free passes, still not going to drink your koolaid, still find circle jerking boring.

But hey, Ignore is your friend. If you are among the close minded individuals that think I despise NU, or CCC, or whatever - Ignore me. We will both be happier. If you do not, you will see me continue to open discussions about debatable, perhaps controversial, topics surrounding NU athletics - sometimes the NCAA or the B1G.

But don't tell me what I believe or who I support - that simply shows your ignorance to the world.

 

[hdhntr1]

That would be a great get - but some tough competition with an Illinois lean. Goodwin would be a really nice 2 - which I think is among our target positions. Which begs another good question. Assuming we only have 2 scholarships with the scheduled departures of Tap and Lumpkin(not counting Vassars until that bird is in hand), what do we need?

Projected 2018 Lineup:
Brown?
Law - b/u Ash
Falzon
RI
Pardon - Benson

Looks like we really need a PG in the 2017 class, unless we land Moore. So maybe two guards in 2017?

Something seems weird. We are using the other schollie seemingly on a forward (based on Smith and Murphy early recruiting). And with a glaring hole at the PG (unless CCC is certain that Brown is a B1G PG and ready to bet the house), we really need another PG. Makes me think that they know they have one more scholarship in hand - which has to be Vassar or one of the current guys not running out their eligibility.

Therefore, I will wager that one of the following scholarships is re-committed for 2016 - Tap, Ash, Vassar or Lumpkin - in order of likelihood IMHO.

Doesn't BMac have two more years? Wouldn't the second year be 2018? And as far as PG, what position is Brown? More of a 1 or 2?

 

[hdhntr1]

I think you are wrong. I have stated my case before to Va. I agreed with the change from BC to CCC and believe the timing was right. I like the hire absent a shot at a Shaka, which admittedly would never happen. I cannot think of anybody I would have taken ahead of CCC among the realistic options. I like his pedigree as player and assistant coach. I like that he is a hometown guy and I really like the NBA connection, right down to the regular presence of his dad around NU. (I have always been a Doug fan - thought he got a raw deal with the Bulls.) CCC has exceeded my expectations and achieved greatness in recruiting at NU to date - and even with the miss in Vassar and possible miss with Ash. I like the team he has built and they way he communicates to the fans through the media. And I think he is genuinely a good guy.

BUT - I have not anointed him a saint or even the best coach in NU history yet. Back patting is boring. Discussing challenges, debating decisions - that is interesting. While I do think CCC has shown that he is not the next Coach K (but that could always change) in his X's and O's, his handling of the Vassar situation, his OOC scheduling last year, I still, to this very moment, believe he is the best man for the job at NU. Still not going to give him free passes, still not going to drink your koolaid, still find circle jerking boring.

But hey, Ignore is your friend. If you are among the close minded individuals that think I despise NU, or CCC, or whatever - Ignore me. We will both be happier. If you do not, you will see me continue to open discussions about debatable, perhaps controversial, topics surrounding NU athletics - sometimes the NCAA or the B1G.

But don't tell me what I believe or who I support - that simply shows your ignorance to the world.

Don't think Coach K was Coack K when he was first given the job. He developed over time just like CCC hopefully will. So a more accurate statement is that CCC is not Coach K YET.

 

[CommodoresAndCats]

Recruiting isn't an exact science, just because Collins hasn't scored a good kid by now doesn't mean he won't reel in a good class. In basketball, most teams have somewhere around 15-20 kids that they will recruit in a given cycle, in that time you may only have 5-10 where there is heavy interest; sometimes the commitments come fast and sometimes they come slow.

The one challenge Collins is facing that he hasn't had in past years as much is there is less playing time to promise. We have freshman starters at two positions and a sophomore at another. There is enough talent around the rest of the roster that it is likely other starting positions are filled by guys like RI. The only spot on the roster that I can truly see playing time being sold at is PG because BMac will be a senior by the time '17 recruits come to Evanston and there is no heir apparent at the position (although there are two likely competitors in Ash and Brown).

In years past, Collins could sell recruits on the opportunity to come in and make an impact immediately. A lot of players had left the program and the ones that stayed, outside of Olah and Demps, were not exactly the most talented. BMac and Law were able to get significant time from day one, same with Falzon in the next class. Even guys who weren't expected to be immediate impact guys like Lindsey, Pardon and Skelly all got shots at PT out of necessity for more bodies on the court.

 

[xxxbobxxx]

Doesn't BMac have two more years? Wouldn't the second year be 2018? And as far as PG, what position is Brown? More of a 1 or 2?

Correct - Mac has two. Projecting for 2018. Keep in mind, I have always opined that we will rarely get high performing frosh - Mac was an exception, not the rule. Therefore, when Mac leaves, Brown is the only PG left - though he didn't distribute much in HS. But Brown played for a crappy HS, so he didn't have the chance and needed to score.

 

[NJCat]

Don't think Coach K was Coack K when he was first given the job. He developed over time just like CCC hopefully will. So a more accurate statement is that CCC is not Coach K YET.

Pretty funny....trying to project Collins (or any other coach for that matter) to be as good as one of the 4 or 5 best college coaches of all time! Odds are he will fall slightly short of that mark and still be a pretty darn good coach at NU.

 

[Sec_112]

The rest is reading posts and articles.

How about sharing just a couple of those links?

In the meantime, you might want to take a look at any top-100 list to see how many players have committed around the country.

What do I take away from the idea that no one has committed? It's a normal recruiting cycle.

 

[xxxbobxxx]

How about sharing just a couple of those links?

In the meantime, you might want to take a look at any top-100 list to see how many players have committed around the country.

What do I take away from the idea that no one has committed? It's a normal recruiting cycle.

Too busy this afternoon, maybe later. And that's a fair take. I said to start that I'm not sure how to take it.

 

[EvanstonCat]

Correct - Mac has two. Projecting for 2018. Keep in mind, I have always opined that we will rarely get high performing frosh - Mac was an exception, not the rule. Therefore, when Mac leaves, Brown is the only PG left - though he didn't distribute much in HS. But Brown played for a crappy HS, so he didn't have the chance and needed to score.

That is if we don't get Charlie Moore. Whom I have a feeling we are going to get. CCC is an excellent recruiter and the sick Dad thing (as unfortunate as it may be) may work to our advantage.

 

[Walker Fan]

Agree with Sect. 112. Just checked 2017 basketball recruiting under 247sports.com and only 16 of the top 100 prospects have committed. Normal recruiting cycle going on. With NU in the running for more high level (4-star) recruits, the fact that no one has committed as of mid-April is not surprising.

 

[willycat]

That is if we don't get Charlie Moore. Whom I have a feeling we are going to get. CCC is an excellent recruiter and the sick Dad thing (as unfortunate as it may be) may work to our advantage.

Does anyone know if Barry and/or Moore have visited or when they might?

 

[rwhitney014]

Story in the Memphis Commercial Appeal from Friday suggested that Tubby's trying to keep Moore (of course!) and that he hadn't been formally released from the LOI yet, which sounds like it's just a bureaucratic thing given prior reports about an out clause if Pastner left.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/spo...icago-PG-Charlie-Moore-in-fold-375917201.html
http://www.commercialappeal.com/spo...icago-PG-Charlie-Moore-in-fold-375917201.html

 

[xxxbobxxx]

Well, we are almost at summer break. We have one really nice freshman recruit. We did grab a pretty sweet transfer. But we still do not have a full set of players for 2017. I like the direction we are going, but I am still surprised that our success hasn't translated to landing one of the big names that were available down the stretch.

Oh, and seems like it was fair for me to raise the topic to discuss way back when. Ahem, right little walkee fan?

 

[NJCat]

Well, we are almost at summer break. We have one really nice freshman recruit. We did grab a pretty sweet transfer. But we still do not have a full set of players for 2017. I like the direction we are going, but I am still surprised that our success hasn't translated to landing one of the big names that were available down the stretch.

Oh, and seems like it was fair for me to raise the topic to discuss way back when. Ahem, right little walkee fan?

Everything changed when NU announced that the new WRA would have only 6,800 seats......so all bets are off on the recruiting front.

 

[xxxbobxxx]

Everything changed when NU announced that the new WRA would have only 6,800 seats......so all bets are off on the recruiting front.

Ah-ha, of course. But I am surprised the Walkee couldn't predict that too.

 

[scru]

Everything changed when NU announced that the new WRA would have only 6,800 seats......so all bets are off on the recruiting front.

Wait, was that announced? I thought that was the result of hand counting the seats in the architectural model picture.

Sorry, I actually don't really want to resurface this debate.

Of the 2017 recruiting pool for NU, only two were still on the board at the end of the season when the success was realized: Mark Smith and the PG out of Detroit (don't recall his name). Yes, failed to land Smith. This has been adequately covered in other threads, so won't get into the drivers of his decision.

Based on info available, Elijah Brown is the only remaining option to fill the last 2017/18 roster spot. But, AJ Turner came as a complete surprise to everyone here, so who knows? Maybe CC's got another card or two up his sleeve.

 

[LansingCat_rivals315357]

Well, we are almost at summer break. We have one really nice freshman recruit. We did grab a pretty sweet transfer. But we still do not have a full set of players for 2017. I like the direction we are going, but I am still surprised that our success hasn't translated to landing one of the big names that were available down the stretch.

Oh, and seems like it was fair for me to raise the topic to discuss way back when. Ahem, right little walkee fan?

Make your point without reincarnating a post from last year!

 

[Walker Fan]

Backward Bob is at it again. NU received a commitment from the 12th player on their roster and he thinks now is an appropriate to take shots at the program. Too funny! For Bobby who has no clue, the last recruit's name is AJ Turner, an athletic former 4 star player at 6'7". Turner averaged 8 plus ppg, 3 rpg and 3 apg. He has two years remaining. That is a good thing. They have one more scholarship available and I am sure they are a lot of options available even if Elijah Brown does not come to NU. But keep on taking clueless shots at NU's recruiting which is so bad it led to NU's best season since 1931 and first tournament appearance ever. We are in awful shape with 10 returning players and 1 talented freshman coming in. The team is in shambles according to Backward Bobby. Is anyone laughing as hard as I by the posting of this guy. LOL!

 

[xxxbobxxx]

Make your point without reincarnating a post from last year!

No thank you. Have said and will continue to say, when walkee or anyone else wants to attack me for my thoughts, be prepared for history to get dragged out when opinion turns to fact. Still have a few more left to be graded.

 

[xxxbobxxx]

Backward Bob is at it again. NU received a commitment from the 12th player on their roster and he thinks now is an appropriate to take shots at the program. Too funny! For Bobby who has no clue, the last recruit's name is AJ Turner, an athletic former 4 star player at 6'7". Turner averaged 8 plus ppg, 3 rpg and 3 apg. He has two years remaining. That is a good thing. They have one more scholarship available and I am sure they are a lot of options available even if Elijah Brown does not come to NU. But keep on taking clueless shots at NU's recruiting which is so bad it led to NU's best season since 1931 and first tournament appearance ever. We are in awful shape with 10 returning players and 1 talented freshman coming in. The team is in shambles according to Backward Bobby. Is anyone laughing as hard as I by the posting of this guy. LOL!

Shots at walkee, not the program. Only walkee makes asinine, know it all statements when some simply want a discussion. Well, looks like Mr. Know Very Little swung a and missed again. Btw, Turner is a great get, but not consensus 4 star. Try 3.3. But I still like the pick up. Thing is, you toted all these incoming freshman to follow Gaines. I count one frosh, one transfer and expect another transfer. I suggested this might be a good option...months ago. You attacked my opinion. You are clueless. Cheers

 

[VirginiaWildcat]

Shots at walkee, not the program. Only walkee makes asinine, know it all statements when some simply want a discussion. Well, looks like Mr. Know Very Little swung a and missed again. Btw, Turner is a great get, but not consensus 4 star. Try 3.3. But I still like the pick up. Thing is, you toted all these incoming freshman to follow Gaines. I count one frosh, one transfer and expect another transfer. I suggested this might be a good option...months ago. You attacked my opinion. You are clueless. Cheers

Lou or FloridAlum, please take out the trash. This guy is the definition of a troll.

 

[cometclear]

I think the OP was a thinly disguised shot at Collins though.....I don't think bob is one of CC's biggest supporters!

CCC is an excellent recruiter and the sick Dad thing (as unfortunate as it may be) may work to our advantage.

Please post the data upon which you make this assertion.

 

[xxxbobxxx]

Lou or FloridAlum, please take out the trash. This guy is the definition of a troll.

And you are the picture of class...

 

[xxxbobxxx]

Thought this thread might be a good re-read for a few reasons. First, and most alarming, is the lack of action. Once again, we have an unused schollie in the next class and nobody for the following class.

New arena and all.

When is it fair, even for the koolaid krew, to start being concerned?

Another interesting take away... PG has been a continuing concern for quite some time.

One of CCCs strengths is supposed to be recruiting. There is growing evidence that he may not be so strong here. He has hit a few homeruns. So has Matt Davidson, Dan Palka, (pick your favorite high HR, low average, high strike out MLBer), but I’m starting to be concerned about the full body of work.

Guards recruited: Mac, Lindsey, Ash, Vassar, Brown. Lathon - DQd. More to come but really starting to be a pattern that CCC can’t bring in a host of good guards (one time success Mac and somewhat success Lindsey hardly represent good results from the larger body of work).

 

[NJCat]

Thought this thread might be a good re-read for a few reasons. First, and most alarming, is the lack of action. Once again, we have an unused schollie in the next class and nobody for the following class.

New arena and all.

When is it fair, even for the koolaid krew, to start being concerned?

Another interesting take away... PG has been a continuing concern for quite some time.

One of CCCs strengths is supposed to be recruiting. There is growing evidence that he may not be so strong here. He has hit a few homeruns. So has Matt Davidson, Dan Palka, (pick your favorite high HR, low average, high strike out MLBer), but I’m starting to be concerned about the full body of work.

Guards recruited: Mac, Lindsey, Ash, Vassar, Brown. Lathon - DQd. More to come but really starting to be a pattern that CCC can’t bring in a host of good guards (one time success Mac and somewhat success Lindsey hardly represent good results from the larger body of work).

Three thoughts:
IF Lathon hadn't flamed out you wouldn't have been able to write this. Hard to see how that was CC's fault.

You left out grad transfer Ryan Taylor, who led his league in scoring and appears to be a solid addition. Pretty sure NU wasn't his only option, so give some props for Collins' ability to recruit him.

And finally, Collins recruited Anthony Gaines who is on one list of players to pop this season.