2016 - Forward Recruiting (Seth Towns, etc.)

Leaf cancelled his Duke visit this weekend. Sounds like Arizona really made an impression.

I’ll reiterate, the UA site I retweeted above is generally reliable. I would not have proclaimed we didn’t have a good shot with Leaf if there was no merit to it. Not saying we have no shot, but as of right now, to the contrary of what some may think, we are not his leader/co-leader or on even ground in relation to other schools.

PGU has been right before (and gloated about it constantly), they’ve also been wrong before (and deleted the evidence IIRC).

They were certainly wrong about Chatman, but I find them to be generally reliable. The reason I was inclined to share with the board that Leaf to UM isn’t likely was based in multiple outlets reporting the same. I think some get too caught up in the “if a UM insider didn’t share the info, I take it with a grain of salt”. Reality would dictate that UM based sources are most likely not in the best position to get the scoop based on proximity/access alone. I know some board members were probably thinking “here he goes again with the negative crap”…basically just shooting off at the mouth. I just want you guys to know I take no enjoyment from our recruiting losses, especially with a talent like Leaf. But reality is reality…don’t shoot the messenger

Other sites are often just repeating what one site has said. In fact, you saw the same thing re: Chatman.

Point is, there are some people here that potentially thought I was just being negative or operating in bad faith…that is not the case, I don’t play those type of games.

And that confirms rumblings of TJ Leaf giving Zona the 'silent' verbal last week, effectively ruling Duke & others out for the 5 star big

— Krzyzewskiville (@Haberdashery1) October 24, 2014

How quickly things change. Until today, this same guy was on commitment watch for Leaf’s visit to Durham.

How quickly things change. Until today, this same guy was on commitment watch for Leaf's visit to Durham.

Yeah, the so called “insiders” don’t know much more than any of us on the board. Whether we or someone else leads for a kid now doesn’t really mean much in the grand scheme of things.

Just enjoy the ride.

New film on Cook. Kid has really nice footwork to be that big, is very nimble and light on his feet. I know most don’t think he’s a great athlete, but I think he’s above average vertically, but needs work on his speed/lateral agility. Cook is a really, really nice offensive player that can finish with either hand, has the potential to be a great post player in college. Has a decent mid range shot as well. Think he would compliment Teske really well on the front line. Hope the staff goes all out on Cook

If there were ever a time for the entire staff to fly out and visit a kid (a la Blackmon), this is it with Leaf, IMO. He is clearly a great talent, might not be the rebounder that Kevon Looney is or as aggressive, but he is more versatile offensively. On the other hand/bright side, in two years D.J. Wilson might be All-B1G at the 4. And of course we’re still in on a ton of talent in '16. And anyway, I’m not counting us out with Leaf until something’s official (coming from Leaf himself).

New film on Cook. Kid has really nice footwork to be that big, is very nimble and light on his feet. I know most don't think he's a great athlete, but I think he's above average vertically, but needs work on his speed/lateral agility. Cook is a really, really nice offensive player that can finish with either hand, has the potential to be a great post player in college. Has a decent mid range shot as well. Think he would compliment Teske really well on the front line. Hope the staff goes all out on Cook

I hope so too. It’ll be a tough battle with Kansas, but worth it. Gets up pretty quickly. And didn’t we read that he is a good kid/future captain material?

Cook reminds me of a more explosive Peedi Sims

'16 SG Seth Towns (OH) intended to visit Purdue last weekend. Plans to make that visit up. @VCCOhioWarriors @seth_towns17

— Andrew Force (@AForceF150) October 28, 2014

'16 SG Seth Towns (OH) intended to visit Purdue last weekend. Plans to make that visit up. @VCCOhioWarriors @seth_towns17

— Andrew Force (@AForceF150) October 28, 2014

Looking for a place with guaranteed playing time?

Wouldn’t say that, he’d most likely be behind Edwards at the 4. And Stephens can shoot it just as good as Towns at the 3.

Mentioned a few weeks ago, but UM is keeping tabs as well.

Penn State in Ypsi to watch 6-8 Arbor Prep junior Kyle Hayes workout. Second Big Ten school in as many weeks, Iowa previously.

— Steve Bell (@BankHoops) October 31, 2014

New film on Towns from All-Ohio Nike Series. Towns seemingly improves with every new film we see. His handle has certainly improved in the last year, first step seems a bit quicker, has good body control when finishing. I honestly can’t justify a 60-100 ranking differential between Leaf and Towns. Hope we can land Towns.

This is probably the offer he was waiting for. If Towns doesn’t commit to OSU within next 2-3 weeks, I think we have a decent shot.

2016 SF/SG Seth Towns (OH) picked up Ohio State offer this afternoon. His mother confirmed with me. @VCCOhioWarriors

— Andrew Force (@AForceF150) November 1, 2014

OSU is actually looking really good

— Seth Towns (@seth_towns17) November 1, 2014

Not surprising at all, OSU is highly likely THE offer he wanted to play into. Lets see how it unfolds.