We still have 3 scholarships to fill next year...

[freewillie07]

Assuming Ash and Falzon don't come back.

LG: Buie (Fr.)/Greer (Soph.)
Wings: Gaines (Jr.)/Kopp (Soph.)/Turner (Sr.)/Beran (Fr.)
Stretch 4: Nance (Soph.)
Bigs: Benson (Sr.)/Young (RS Fr.)/Jones (Fr.)

Will be interesting to see how it all shakes out, that's for sure.

 

[NUera]

I don't see why you wouldn't bring Falzon back. He can give a few minutes at the four if needed, and can spot start. Doubt you're gonna find three players who can offer more than that at this stage of the game.

 

[freewillie07]

I don't see why you wouldn't bring Falzon back. He can give a few minutes at the four if needed, and can spot start. Doubt you're gonna find three players who can offer more than that at this stage of the game.

I agree. But I seem to recall Haywood posting that we shouldn’t factor Falzon into the program’s future.

 

[freewillie07]

I don't see why you wouldn't bring Falzon back. He can give a few minutes at the four if needed, and can spot start. Doubt you're gonna find three players who can offer more than that at this stage of the game.

He’s going to be honored at Senior Night, practically confirming he won’t be back.

 

[nucatnap]

As of this moment we have 10 scholarship players heading into next year. I hope Collins has a workable plan, otherwise 1 injury could cause the need of major minutes by Tino.

 

[TheC]

It sure seems like we always have unused scholarships. Is this normal?

 

[julescat]

Very poor management by Collins.

 

[PZAZ]

This is why I don't post much. Very poor management by Collins? Should he take low rated players just to have bodies? How do we know who he's talking to? The negativity is amazing on our own board.

 

[IGNORE]

This is why I don't post much. Very poor management by Collins? Should he take low rated players just to have bodies? How do we know who he's talking to? The negativity is amazing on our own board.

Remind me: for the millions that he is paid, what are his responsibilities, expectations? Do people still believe he is a great recruiter?

 

[freewillie07]

Very poor management by Collins.

It’s not poor management. It’s a reflection of only getting one freshman in the 2017 class (Gaines) and having to plug the holes with transfers rather than take a freshman who couldn’t cut it in the Big Ten.

 

[freewillie07]

As of this moment we have 10 scholarship players heading into next year. I hope Collins has a workable plan, otherwise 1 injury could cause the need of major minutes by Tino.

Well that’s my question — what is the plan? Ideally it’s a grad transfer, an underclassman transfer and a late-rising freshman, but that’s a lot to ask at this stage. Thus, my other post on Columbia’s grad transfer PG.

 

[haywood jahblowme]

this is the conundrum that is NU basketball. its an enormous struggle to find the few players that will get past admissions, that truly value an NU degree over PU, Wisc, UM, Stan etc.. or spurn the tradition and of places like IU, But, Stan, ND etc.... and deal with a non-state school campus life

and a team that recruited kids to all-state arena. and a team that still shows kids Blomquist as a big ten practice area.

this area would improve greatly with a little more leeway from admissions because the net of kids would probably increase ten fold (if not more). but NU wants to continue to set it self apart as the academic institution that is is, but this is the reality when building a program in the big ten

 

[freewillie07]

this is the conundrum that is NU basketball. its an enormous struggle to find the few players that will get past admissions, that truly value an NU degree over PU, Wisc, UM, Stan etc.. or spurn the tradition and of places like IU, But, Stan, ND etc.... and deal with a non-state school campus life

and a team that recruited kids to all-state arena. and a team that still shows kids Blomquist as a big ten practice area.

this area would improve greatly with a little more leeway from admissions because the net of kids would probably increase ten fold (if not more). but NU wants to continue to set it self apart as the academic institution that is is, but this is the reality when building a program in the big ten

Is it safe to assume that’s never going to happen? I guess it’s the slippery slope argument... seems like not such a big deal when talking about two or three basketball recruits per class, but then Fitz and the football staff will wonder why they can’t get the same treatment, so that’s another 17-20... sigh.

I worry that one of NU’s biggest selling points was “being the first to make history and make the NCAA Tournament” and now I’m not sure Collins has an updated pitch that differentiates NU from the rest.

 

[Purple Pile Driver]

Is it safe to assume that’s never going to happen? I guess it’s the slippery slope argument... seems like not such a big deal when talking about two or three basketball recruits per class, but then Fitz and the football staff will wonder why they can’t get the same treatment, so that’s another 17-20... sigh.

I worry that one of NU’s biggest selling points was “being the first to make history and make the NCAA Tournament” and now I’m not sure Collins has an updated pitch that differentiates NU from the rest.

Well they are graduating and by all accounts productive citizens, so why not give him th3 17-20.

 

[Katatonic]

this is the conundrum that is NU basketball. its an enormous struggle to find the few players that will get past admissions, that truly value an NU degree over PU, Wisc, UM, Stan etc.. or spurn the tradition and of places like IU, But, Stan, ND etc.... and deal with a non-state school campus life

At the same time, isn't that the reason why CC was brought in?

For his ability to recruit.

And he has won a good # of recruiting battles based on * rankings.

Just that it hasn't necessarily always translated to the court (for one reason or another) and the make-up of the lineup has been problematic.

 

[mikewebb68]

At the same time, isn't that the reason why CC was brought in?

For his ability to recruit.

And he has won a good # of recruiting battles based on * rankings.

Just that it hasn't necessarily always translated to the court (for one reason or another) and the make-up of the lineup has been problematic.

I think that, if you keep consistently bringing in high-level recruits, as we appear to be doing, it will eventually translate onto the court, bad breaks or not.

 

[Katatonic]

^ But at the same time, CC needs to change the make-up of his roster.

Too many wing-type players who can't shoot or drive to the basket w/ efficiency.

 

[Titanium999]

Is Ash coming back?

 

[NJCat]

Is Ash coming back?

No.

 

[Figrating]

This is why I don't post much. Very poor management by Collins? Should he take low rated players just to have bodies? How do we know who he's talking to? The negativity is amazing on our own board.

If CCC's job isn't the most challenging in college hoops, it must be the runner up. The problem with NU sports has always been recruiting. CCC has missed badly on some recruits. The Vassar debacle meant the team was trying to compete with one less player for 4 years. That's huge. There have been lingering injuries. There have been players who never rose to the next level. There have been transfers. Things might have worked out better, but they didn't.

Let's give CCC the time he needs to build this team.

Here's hoping the transfer market works for NU next season.

 

[freewillie07]

If CCC's job isn't the most challenging in college hoops, it must be the runner up. The problem with NU sports has always been recruiting. CCC has missed badly on some recruits. The Vassar debacle meant the team was trying to compete with one less player for 4 years. That's huge. There have been lingering injuries. There have been players who never rose to the next level. There have been transfers. Things might have worked out better, but they didn't.

Let's give CCC the time he needs to build this team.

Here's hoping the transfer market works for NU next season.

I agree with all this but it doesn’t settle what NU does in the short term. Do you think Collins will bring in 3 grad transfers? That would still leave him in a position of needing to recruit 5 or so freshmen in the 2020 class.

 

[hdhntr1]

I don't see why you wouldn't bring Falzon back. He can give a few minutes at the four if needed, and can spot start. Doubt you're gonna find three players who can offer more than that at this stage of the game.

Likely a question on whether he wants to come back. One thing if he was starting but spot minutes off the bench...

 

[hdhntr1]

Is it safe to assume that’s never going to happen? I guess it’s the slippery slope argument... seems like not such a big deal when talking about two or three basketball recruits per class, but then Fitz and the football staff will wonder why they can’t get the same treatment, so that’s another 17-20... sigh.

I worry that one of NU’s biggest selling points was “being the first to make history and make the NCAA Tournament” and now I’m not sure Collins has an updated pitch that differentiates NU from the rest.

It happened at Duke and I do not see any harm to their reputation as an academic institution. Same at ND.

Likely you are talking about 1 guy per class that you really loosen up standards for and that would translate to about 3 for FB

 

[hdhntr1]

I think that, if you keep consistently bringing in high-level recruits, as we appear to be doing, it will eventually translate onto the court, bad breaks or not.

As long as you keep on bringing in BIG level players.

 

[TheC]

It happened at Duke and I do not see any harm to their reputation as an academic institution. Same at ND.

Likely you are talking about 1 guy per class that you really loosen up standards for and that would translate to about 3 for FB

I wish. There is such a tiny subset of students that can meet NU's extreme standards today. It might be good for the whole campus if they relaxed a little for at least some of the student body.

 

[hdhntr1]

I wish. There is such a tiny subset of students that can meet NU's extreme standards today. It might be good for the whole campus if they relaxed a little for at least some of the student body.

They do relax the overall standards for athletes. CCC has shown an ability to recruit at a pretty high level even considering current standards. But a double relaxed standard for a player per year might make a big difference. You would be talking 3 to 4 players max on the roster and about 12 on the FB team Would the reputation of NU be harmed if 15 players had the extreme exemption out of 8500 students?

 

[hdhntr1]

^ But at the same time, CC needs to change the make-up of his roster.

Too many wing-type players who can't shoot or drive to the basket w/ efficiency.

No one said he didn't. But the makeup he was supposed to have would have been OK. It is not that we have so many wings, it is we do not have enough guards at this point.

 

[TheC]

No one said he didn't. But the makeup he was supposed to have would have been OK. It is not that we have so many wings, it is we do not have enough guards at this point.

I don't know. I feel like we had a roster full of 3's and almost nothing else.

3's include:
Law
Falzon
Turner
Kopp
Nance
Gaines (would be a 2, except he can't shoot like a 2, so by default a 3)

I might have put Rap at a 3 (maybe a 4, but not a big, strong 4) and next year you have another 3 in Beran coming in. Enough with the 3's!!

 

[haywood jahblowme]

If CCC's job isn't the most challenging in college hoops, it must be the runner up. The problem with NU sports has always been recruiting. CCC has missed badly on some recruits. The Vassar debacle meant the team was trying to compete with one less player for 4 years. That's huge. There have been lingering injuries. There have been players who never rose to the next level. There have been transfers. Things might have worked out better, but they didn't.

Let's give CCC the time he needs to build this team.

Here's hoping the transfer market works for NU next season.

in 2016 NU won 20 games in the regular season for the first time. ever. this is a gigantic monumental task accomplished. and made the NCAAs

to think the entire system and way to do things was figured out in that instant by a first time head coach is foolish and unrealistic.

 

[Max_Power]

They do relax the overall standards for athletes. CCC has shown an ability to recruit at a pretty high level even considering current standards. But a double relaxed standard for a player per year might make a big difference. You would be talking 3 to 4 players max on the roster and about 12 on the FB team Would the reputation of NU be harmed if 15 players had the extreme exemption out of 8500 students?

I've said this before and I'll say it again. Anthony Gaines is a hero because he committed to NU knowing that he would play a year at Allstate and without a practice facility in place. Kopp, Nance, Young and Greer all signed on knowing that there would be a new gym but no practice facility. The new commits are the first class to see both. Name another school in the BigTen that lacks these basic facilities? My guess is Bloomquist places exactly where the team does in terms of quality of facilities in the conference, dead last. Collins' NCAA team was a miracle given the handicaps on the program. NU has made a real commitment to Collins in terms of facilities but its hard to impress a high school kids who is walking through palaces with promises about the future. This is why Collins, like Carmody and every coach before them, should be judged with grain of salt .... the job is not fair. I would expect that this may impact the fact that Collins has available schollies. What was his pitch .... Come to NU where you are not only going to have study but our practice facility sucks. That said, those days are over and we NU fans should certainly expect to see the quality of the product o the Court improve as the tools the coaches have to attract talent are greatly improved.

 

[ricko6543211]

this is the conundrum that is NU basketball. its an enormous struggle to find the few players that will get past admissions, that truly value an NU degree over PU, Wisc, UM, Stan etc.. or spurn the tradition and of places like IU, But, Stan, ND etc.... and deal with a non-state school campus life

and a team that recruited kids to all-state arena. and a team that still shows kids Blomquist as a big ten practice area.

this area would improve greatly with a little more leeway from admissions because the net of kids would probably increase ten fold (if not more). but NU wants to continue to set it self apart as the academic institution that is is, but this is the reality when building a program in the big ten

I agree with all of this, but CC also knew this when taking the job. These obstacles can be overcome. And he has had good years recruiting, just not consistently and not balanced across the roster at the right times (well, with one glaring and fantastic exception!).

It's not easy. And I certainly am in favor of sticking with CC, but let's not move the goalposts backward too far to justify this disappointing season. Over the next 2 years we need to rebuild the roster, develop some players, and get back to being in the middle or upper half of the conference. We can do better than 3-15, all the challenges notwithstanding. In my opinion.

 

[Hans_rivals316875]

I've said this before and I'll say it again. Anthony Gaines is a hero because he committed to NU knowing that he would play a year at Allstate and without a practice facility in place. Kopp, Nance, Young and Greer all signed on knowing that there would be a new gym but no practice facility. The new commits are the first class to see both. Name another school in the BigTen that lacks these basic facilities? My guess is Bloomquist places exactly where the team does in terms of quality of facilities in the conference, dead last. Collins' NCAA team was a miracle given the handicaps on the program. NU has made a real commitment to Collins in terms of facilities but its hard to impress a high school kids who is walking through palaces with promises about the future. This is why Collins, like Carmody and every coach before them, should be judged with grain of salt .... the job is not fair. I would expect that this may impact the fact that Collins has available schollies. What was his pitch .... Come to NU where you are not only going to have study but our practice facility sucks. That said, those days are over and we NU fans should certainly expect to see the quality of the product o the Court improve as the tools the coaches have to attract talent are greatly improved.

Not that I disagree with anything that is being said, but what now are the options to fill those open schollies for next year. Anything promising out there? I’m not holding my breath but honestly all of the arguments I’ve read in this thread are a regurgitation of sentiments made countless times

 

[ricko6543211]

Not that I disagree with anything that is being said, but what now are the options to fill those open schollies for next year. Anything promising out there? I’m not holding my breath but honestly all of the arguments I’ve read in this thread are a regurgitation of sentiments made countless times

I have no idea what we are planning to do with the extra scholarships. 1-2 transfers and maybe 1 late recruit seem like the obvious options. I have no idea if that will happen or who the specific players might be. If I had useful insights here then I would contribute them, but I don't...

As an aside, while 3 extra scholarships is a lot (we should use at least 1 of those...), with all the moving parts in CBB I don't think having 1-2 go unused for periods of time is that unusual. Especially for teams that do not over-recruit to fill spots. But I haven't researched that, so could be wrong.

 

[Medill90]

12-13 bodies are needed to practice...since injuries will happen.

I'd rather see a transfer or two with guys who have proven themselves on the court....than compromising recruiting standards which means taking a lesser player.

I pretty high on the freshman. Would have like to have seen them do more, but each has shown significant promise in his own way.

I think the class coming in is just as good.

 

[freewillie07]

I have no idea what we are planning to do with the extra scholarships. 1-2 transfers and maybe 1 late recruit seem like the obvious options. I have no idea if that will happen or who the specific players might be. If I had useful insights here then I would contribute them, but I don't...

As an aside, while 3 extra scholarships is a lot (we should use at least 1 of those...), with all the moving parts in CBB I don't think having 1-2 go unused for periods of time is that unusual. Especially for teams that do not over-recruit to fill spots. But I haven't researched that, so could be wrong.

We’ve gone without one for years, so I guess next year could be no different. Still think you NEED to bring in a transfer PG, and maybe a Center too, depending on how Ryan Young looks in practice.

 

[julescat]

We’ve gone without one for years,

Horrible management by Collins.

 

[jschufreider]

He’s going to be honored at Senior Night, practically confirming he won’t be back.

True, but it may be more of a situation of him not wanting to come back than NU not wanting him back. He’s been here 4 years so I assume he’ll get his degree in June. There’s no b-ball future for him, so he may just decide to get on with his life.

Shame his body didn’t let him become the player he showed the potential for his freshman year. Wish him all the best whatever he does.

 

[Katatonic]

No one said he didn't. But the makeup he was supposed to have would have been OK. It is not that we have so many wings, it is we do not have enough guards at this point.

My point about the wings was that right now, there aren't any who can shoot or drive to the basket (and score) w/ any consistency (aside from Law and even he can be streaky, putting aside any drop in play due to playing hurt).

And even w/ Lathon and Ash (healthy) that still wouldn't be enough ball handling guards (no room for error when it comes to injury, getting sick, fouling out, suspension, etc.).

Should have a lead guard and a back-up. And the 2-guards should also be comfortable bringing the ball up and distributing (see Cobb, Demps, Hearn).

 

[Catreporter]

How about a jaycee? Illinois got a pretty good one in Feliz who helped beat us Sunday night. Oh, that's Illinois where academics don't matter. That's why Collins job is much tougher than a lot of other BIG schools.

 

[PURPLECAT88]

If CCC's job isn't the most challenging in college hoops, it must be the runner up. The problem with NU sports has always been recruiting. CCC has missed badly on some recruits. The Vassar debacle meant the team was trying to compete with one less player for 4 years. That's huge. There have been lingering injuries. There have been players who never rose to the next level. There have been transfers. Things might have worked out better, but they didn't.

Let's give CCC the time he needs to build this team.

Here's hoping the transfer market works for NU next season.

No, it's not. Complain all you want about how Collins handled the Vassar situation, but it was absolutely not "huge". No one plays all 13 scholarship athletes. It was just like Rap or Falzon being injured, or Nick Fruent* or someone not being a real contributor. it is something on the negative side of the ledger, but it is nowhere in the ballpark of "huge".
*No specific knock on Fruent. He was just the first guy who came to mind.