2017 Recruiting Notes

Matt D…no, just no.

‘No, just no’…what exactly are you saying no to? A bit lost? Please expand

Yes I agree make young the main priority and then go for the best athlete to the rack guy on the board. West looks solid but the only way I bring a pg in is if he’s a stud. Id rather take your boy livers over west all day. I actually like livers about the same as Cain. Cains clearly a lot more athletic but I like livers combo of decent athlete/physical style of play. Looked nice in that video. I like both. Still wouldn’t mind shooting for a star wing if we get young in the fold. With young and Poole I think they can afford to take a shot and miss. But a pool of Cain young and Poole or livers young and Poole would be a solid class to combine with with the 16 group.
Simpson
Poole
Ibi

Simpson
Poole
Ibi/ Cain
Young
Wagner/teske/ Davis

I like that potential in a few years.

JB in Indy now checking out Ra Kpedi (17/Big)…for those of us that have been screaming for more defense…you will like it. For those that strictly care about offense, not so much. He is very under the radar at this point.

JB also getting a look at his teammate Kevin Easley (18/SF)…who seems like he has potential to be a top 100 player in the future

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Maybe JB reads these forums after all! Looks nice. Still a lot of bigs on the roster in 2017, but I’d take a defensive interior presence any day.

I wondered why we never (to my knowledge) looked at the shot-blocker from New Haven who I think is on the outer orbit of the Mr Basketball watch list for '16. Ever see that guy in person Matt?

I assume you’re talking about Nwoko from New Haven - have never seen him play in person. I will say this - I’ve seen Romeo Weems (19/SF) from New Haven…no doubt in my mind he will be a top 100 player in 19. Best freshman in the state IMO despite the fact that Terry Armstrong gets all the hype. Weems can do a bit of everything and is every bit of 6’6-6’7 as a freshman.

Only film I could find on Ra Kpedi

Apparently Kpedi was just the appetizer, JB staying to check out Kris Wilkes (17) as we speak.

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Wow…just looked at Easley’s film. Extremely impressed. Kid can do it all at the 3/4. Can shoot off the bounce, gets clean looks from the mid-post, strong rebounder, good footwork, physical in the paint, good motor…NOW THAT is my ideal combo forward. Can be used in so many ways.

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Big time player. Love his aggression in the paint.

Shot looks funky though.

Mechanics are sound, just doesn’t hold his follow through…which can impact arch at times. However, he has a very high release point, which is a very good thing. Only an average athlete, but really fluid at that size…especially at that age.

Well if you guys want to see a perfect 4 for JB just watch that above video! Great inside out game, fantastic motor, loves contact. For those who are wondering that’s B1G talent

Matt as with most high school kids his shot mechanics are long. He drops the ball low when loads into his jumper. JB would shorten it up quick.

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Wish he could’ve fixed it with Irvin, he probably extends the ball outward an entire foot before bringing it back in, and then to the left, before finally taking a swingshot…mechanics are just awful, way too much extra movement. Doesn’t have a clean shot at all.

Also, I always teach kids you can mitigate dropping the ball low by simply bending your knees when in a catch and shoot position…far too many kids stand erect when waiting for a pass, and release time is far too slow when you have to bend down, then come back up for the jump and eventual shot.

Number one cause of not getting your shot off or mechanics right is not being “Shot Ready” which is what I call it when teaching. Being shot ready also prevents missing short.

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Yea that kid has a great look to him. . He’s a sophomore?

You don’t notice how he catapults it when he’s outside 15 feet? I disagree he has sound mechanics.

Still, I like his game a lot. His ceiling is higher than anyone on our current roster just based of the video you posted.

He holds the ball out in front and his follow through is too quick at times because kids think that looks sweet.

Indeed, he is a sophomore…not trying to be funny, but now you can see the difference between an upper tier prospect and the type of kid we generally land. There’s a pretty big gap there

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Easley’s tape is really impressive. The kind of prospect we should pursue seriously – sure won’t want to face him if he goes to IU. I’m no coach but mechanics don’t look so bad to me – certainly a lot better than all the chest-pushers out there. Plus he’s a bully inside – when was the last time Michigan had a guy who fit that description.