Michigan expanding their pg search. This is pretty much what I expected they would do now that it is pretty clear we will once again strike out on our top targets.
Wow, reading some of those quotes makes me think Walker would be a quick commitment after being offered (if he was offered). Seems very interested in Michigan. I recall that people were speculating that Winston’s timeline for a decision would be sometime this summer as well (though I kind of would expect it to be later summer). So the relative timeline between the two would be interesting.
Did some more digging on Walker…his usage rate is extremely high (Spiece is a pretty bad team this year so they need Walker to create), but his FT rate is astronomical for a player that size (higher than Bruce Brown). Walker’s assist rate is fairly decent (higher than Huerter, but considerably lower than Winston). Based on film and advanced stats, still think Walker is a shoot first type with ability to create for teammates, excellent finisher that isn’t afraid to go the rim.
Definitely think Walker is the type of player that has the potential to get the team a bucket against a set defense off the bounce.
I agree with everything MattD said based on looking at film. I’m a little worried about his assist to turnover ratio though, which clearly shows that he is not great at passing in a half court set. This might explain why he spends more time creating his own shot or penetrating the defense and getting at the rim.
It was hard to judge his defensive capabilities, but there were a few sequences that show promise. He definitely goes all in on the court, which is a good sign defensive wise. He wouldn’t be a passive player, to get back to the earlier arguments.
Based on his quotes, it does seem that he could commit to Michigan shortly after being offered. So how should we play this? Waiting for Winston or Goodin to make their decision before offering Walker is probably a recipe for disaster and us losing everyone (since we don’t expect them to make a decision soon and Walker won’t wait forever). Again, we are in that same spot of whether to offer a less talented player who would still be a good fit vs a great player who might just wait it out and drop us at the last minute.
Watched CJ Walker at EYBL in Louisville and he can do some nice things. His team doesn’t have much depth or talent, but he can do some nice things with the ball. Played much better than what I saw out of Devearl Ramsey that night.
I like CJ Walker as a prospect individually, but if we do take him (to which I’m not opposed), I really think you need a wing that can create off PnR in a halfcourt set (IE not Cumberland) off the bounce. Getting Winston or Goodin would compliment Cumberland well, not so sure a Walker/Cumberland combo is a great fit.
Sam Webb said this morning that he believes M is going to wait on Winston.
I agree with others, Walker seems like he wants to be here, and a commitment would be imminent, if offered.
Personally I hope M will take the first that accepts offer amongst PG’s
Still would prefer Goodin but there are some positive Burke-like traits in Walker’s game, especially in his ability to finish with good body control through contact. I like his hustle and energy too, something that doesn’t impress me about Winston.
After reading his comments, reading Matt's scouting report, and watching the video, I'd be all for offering Walker right now.
One question I have is does having a left handed PG throw a kink into the PnR offense at all?
I actually think it would work better, as the big setting the screen would ‘open up’ going to the right side of the court (assuming Walker will go left), hence making it a finish scenario using the dominant hand (Doyle, Donnal, Wilson all rightys)
I can see that as a deterant for those that want to play right away and are possibly capable of that at other schools, but I wouldnt be opposed to taking Walker
I can see that as a deterant for those that want to play right away and are possibly capable of that at other schools, but I wouldnt be opposed to taking Walker
I agree, which is why I see the “2016 or bust” thinking, which we all shared at one point, as now outdated, now that it looks like Walton and likely Irvin are four year players.
I think Goodin could potentially be good enough to start from day one. Would hope the staff would be open to it. If we had landed Thornton or Brunson, they would probably have to start (too good not to). Walker or Winston would presumably come off the bench behind Walton for a year.
I can see that as a deterant for those that want to play right away and are possibly capable of that at other schools, but I wouldnt be opposed to taking Walker
I agree, which is why I see the “2016 or bust” thinking, which we all shared at one point, as now outdated, now that it looks like Walton and likely Irvin are four year players.
The new reality is “2017 or bust”, IMHO.
Still 16 or bust. Once Caris leaves we are taking a severe hit in the ‘top end talent’ department (for which we lack already). From a talent standpoint the team isn’t all that good once Caris leaves based on what we know now. We need upper tier players in 16.
I can see that as a deterant for those that want to play right away and are possibly capable of that at other schools, but I wouldnt be opposed to taking Walker
Yes, kids always want to play. He almost certainly will play, but starting would be highly doubtful.
Somewhat related: there was a great special on SEC Network about Auburn, and specifically Bo Jackson, Charles Barkley, and Frank Thomas. Alabama was first in on Bo Jackson, but assistant coach recruiting him told Bo he wouldn’t play his first season. Big Mistake. Auburn showed up next and told Bo they thought he could start as a freshman. Bo said, that’s all he needed th hear, he knew then he was going to Auburn.
Barkley was similar but funnier! Charles said he got a look at how bad Auburn Bball was and said, ’ I’m going there, I know I’ll get to play"
By that logic, if Dawkins and Chatman and MAAR were to emerge as solid contributors, one could argue that the critical year should be pushed back to 2018, and so on. But I think the result would be one of diminishing returns. They need to land some impact players sooner than later. Also not sure you want to rely exclusively on Walton for 2016 and subsequently on a freshman PG for 2017.
By that logic, if Dawkins and Chatman and MAAR were to emerge as solid contributors, one could argue that the critical year should be pushed back to 2018, and so on. But I think the result would be one of diminishing returns. They need to land some impact players sooner than later. Also not sure you want to rely exclusively on Walton for 2016 and subsequently on a freshman PG for 2017.
Dawkins and Chatman (or Wagner) would have to emerge as future pros, not just solid contributors, but we need a PG by 2017 regardless. Of course we’d rather have a sophomore taking the reigns in 2017 rather than a freshman, but Morris, Burke, and Walton all started as freshmen. It’s not the end of the world.
Unless Irvin takes another big jump in his handling and creating, we need another guy that can contribute in that way in the 16 class. I like Walton and MAAR as a backcourt. But there’s nothing behind them. And Walton would be a senior and MAAR a junior. So while a freshman contributing at the PG spot is not rare for us at all, I’d rather not get caught with our pants down.