2018 class

[bluejayfan00]

Hopefully hilltop can help out here, but what's the strategy moving forward for 2018? Seems like it's been quiet. Bishop looks like a good get, and could be a hidden gem/late bloomer. Not sure what to think of Jefferson from NM just yet. Sucks that we couldn't land Swider, Ayo Dosonmu is drawing more and more interest, as is Ian Steere. Who's the staffs biggest priorities right now, along with the most realistic options?

[LJay]

Why did you start a new thread?

[Jaysker12]

methinks it really depends on if we land the umass duo. Do that, you're in a really good spot.


Without them, you desperately need a point guard in the class. I don't think the staff should necessarily swing for the fences, but its clear they want a PG they can trust, they need to find the right fit, someone they can confidently hand the reins to once Joseph is gone. It doesn't have to be a highly rated guy, just one they trust to run the system.

Bishop and Epperson IMO look like the starting 4 and 5 for the future. Mitch, the 3, Ty-shon the 2. The frountcourt guys definitely need to add weight- but their height, ability to run the floor, and potential skill level all fit within the staff's X's and O's approach. Even with them, though, you definitely need another big man. One for depth, not a game changer. PG and a big, these are the needs I think they should be addressing, and perhaps another shooting guard? We'll have to see how good Jefferson is.

[bluejayfan00]

New Rivals 150 is out. Steere checks in at 79, with Bishop at 103. Guys we've targeted and offered:
Bol Bol- 3
Ayo Dosunmu- 21
Devon Dotson- 33
David Duke- 44
Eric Ayala- 67
Tim Finke- 91
Talen Horton Tucker- 102
Torrence Watson- 108
Keyshawn Embery- 113
Marcus Zegarowski- 140
Dimon Carrigan- 144

[vivid_dude]

New Rivals 150 is out. Steere checks in at 79.

Is it unreasonable to think that Steere would have been in the Top 40 if he committed to Kansas instead of Creighton? I hate conspiracy theories, but perhaps I'm starting to believe one.

[HandDownManDown]

I think we are out when it comes to the UMass crew. It's just a guess but our setup is usually a point, two sg/wing types, a faceup big, and a traditional one. So, does the staff want a fourth big guy who'll be fighting for PT out of what is traditionally two spots, and having all the bigs in back to back classes? And the Steere/Epperson/Bishop group omits the New Mexico kid whose name escapes me as I type this, who sizewise is more of a wing but seems to play bigger and shoot worse.

Add this to the single scholarship conundrum which would have to be solved, and our otherwise puzzling interest in Hawkins, and I'm betting that the NOLA ship has sailed.

[Jet915]

New Rivals 150 is out. Steere checks in at 79.

Is it unreasonable to think that Steere would have been in the Top 40 if he committed to Kansas instead of Creighton? I hate conspiracy theories, but perhaps I'm starting to believe one.

He made the highest jump of any player on the list so it's hard to complain.

[Jaysker12]

still need a point guard

[jfan]

We can honestly be fairly selective now with our remaining scholarships. This is a luxury we have never had before. As stated above, we do need a point guard. I don't really know who is our #1 at that position or who has us as their #1, but I was really surprised by Steere, so who knows what the coaches might have up their sleeves. Great job so far. Tugs is a distant memory!

[gtmoBlue]

We were in a very similar spot last year. Both Ty-Shon and Mitch had committed very early (2 & 1 year respectively) and we chose to do the Tugs marathon and getting in on Waters, picking up Jacob along the way. If we do similar in 2019 it could, I say could, become a trend. Not a bad trend to have.

Just my opinion, but I'd like Carrigan w the '17 scholie and a PG w the '18 ride.