Eric Bledsoe - '09 PG

[Mick's Da Man]

http://blogs.tampabay.com/usf/2009/02/us...in-hu.html

The Bulls are one of five schools in contention for the No. 2 unsigned point guard in the country according to both major recruiting sites, Eric Bledsoe of Birmingham, Ala., according to his high school coach.

Maurice Ford, Bledsoe's coach at Parker High, said Tuesday that USF is a possibility for Bledsoe, along with Florida, Tennessee, Cincinnati and hometown UAB.

"He's a pass-first, shoot-second point guard. It's hard to find those," Ford said. "His strength is his passing skills."

Youtube highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-XVRsOZ7Po

I have to say that I've watched alot of youtube highlights of some great high school players over the years including PG's, but that may have been the most impressive PG display I have ever witnessed for a high school player. I know these are selective clips, and the kid isn't perfect all the time, but it seemed like every pass was perfect, including that behind the back pass, or flip pass, including the zip he had on those passes. Then you look at his dribbling, oh my, he made a mockery of his defenders in some of those clips. His court vision is uncanny. So is his ability to get open or drive to the basket........very quick. Finally, his shot was so quick, it was amazing. Probably the best high school player highlight reel I've ever watched. I'd love to have this kid. He is going to be a good one. I'd be fine with Cash sliding over and playing some SG if this kid were the real deal. Unreal.

[Kindog202]

I saw the same clip and posting on another board. The kid is amazing and again this is only highlights. I just wonder if/why he would be interested w/Cash being basically in the same class as him.

[Bearcat Jeff]

Cash is coming off a serious injury. Plus, this kid has talent and I don't think he would be intimated by a little competition. I would love to see the two of them on the floor at the same time. You can never have enough good, versatile guards. Wow, that was some impressive passing.

[Corporateballa]

WOW! I couldn't tell if the kid was right handed or left handed until about half way through the video. Mick how can I help!? GET IT DONE!

[Bp4thebest]

Wow kid is a stud we would be very good with him.. how about his teammate throwin it down Daniel? wow!

[bubbachunk]

Only question is where does the scholarship come from? I dont think ya'll are looking to throw mitchell under the bus anymore so how do we make room?

[Thegreatone]

Could you imagine the press we could put on people with this type of speed. WOW. Seems like a longshot but I am all for it.

[Thegreatone]

Only question is where does the scholarship come from? I dont think ya'll are looking to throw mitchell under the bus anymore so how do we make room?

Not all that worried and we will cross that bridge when we get to it.

But if i had to guess I think it is safe that Belton is a safe arguement. I would say that Biggie or Wilks could also leave.

[bubbachunk]

Not all that worried and we will cross that bridge when we get to it.

But if i had to guess I think it is safe that Belton is a safe arguement. I would say that Biggie or Wilks could also leave.

I think belton is gone also but that is why Thomas is coming in and I am not ready to give up on either one of those two both could be breakout players next year.

This would be a pickup if Mike Williams does not try/get another year of eligibility perhaps.

[shaunsimpson]

Thanks for posting that MickDMan

[Corporateballa]

I think belton is gone also but that is why Thomas is coming in and I am not ready to give up on either one of those two both could be breakout players next year.

This would be a pickup if Mike Williams does not try/get another year of eligibility perhaps.

God didn't make very many 7-footers. Biggie stays :-)

[TmacGoCats]

Wow kid is a stud we would be very good with him.. how about his teammate throwin it down Daniel? wow!

Yeah Ed Daniel is a beast...............he committed to Murray St of all places.

[BearcatAlum1]

Cash is coming off a serious injury. Plus, this kid has talent and I don't think he would be intimated by a little competition. I would love to see the two of them on the floor at the same time. You can never have enough good, versatile guards. Wow, that was some impressive passing.


Why would the kid want to come to UC with Cash here? This kid has confidence in his talent and ability. He'll get playing time. We're transitioning to an uptempo style. We'll go 3 guard offense, etc.

We need guards that can handle the ball, break pressure, and create for others. All elite teams have multiple guards/players that can do this. We don't have multiple players that can do this (maybe not even one...DV?).

Here is the Scout.com report: http://scouthoops.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p=8&c=1&nid=3654070

Also, he verbally committed to Ole Miss on October 28, 2008; then he decommitted 2 hours later, saying it was a mistake to commit.

I will say, if we're able to land this kid, it would be huge. Everyone made a big deal out of Cash and this kid is higher ranked in comparison.

When did we enter the recruiting scene with this kid? I try to stay up to date on my recruiting info, but this slipped past.


Alum1

[juckerrules]

Cash is coming off a serious injury. Plus, this kid has talent and I don't think he would be intimated by a little competition. I would love to see the two of them on the floor at the same time. You can never have enough good, versatile guards. Wow, that was some impressive passing.

Yes! Final 4 team from 1992 had Van Exel and Jackson (former point) starting together - big reason why that team (and their press) was so good

[NorrisHopper30]

By the way, for those who don't know Eric Bledsoe is the #1 rated defensive Point Guard in the class and the #12 PG (67 overall) in the class.

Cashmere Wright was the #12 PG, but only 84th overall.

Bledsoe would be a huge get obviously, I hope he buys into the playing time pitch that Mick is probably giving him. Academics are a concern - I think coaches are waiting on his test scores.

[behrlezt]

I have faith in Mick recruiting but i just don't see it happening...him and Cash would both be freshman...

[Mick's Da Man]

Cash was suppose to be a prolific three point shooter in high school. Plus, I definitely don't mind having 2 PG's on the floor at the same time. If they get this kid, UC is loaded at the guard position for several years with Bledsoe (if they get him), Cash, Dixon, Davis, Mitchell, and Kilpatrick. Mitchell and Kilpatrick can slide to the SF position if needed or we use a 3 guard offense. By the time they are juniors and seniors, this would be a very good group of players, although Cash and Bledsoe would be sophomores when Davis and Mitchell are seniors.

Makes your mouth water thinking about it.

[Mick's Da Man]

Thanks for posting that MickDMan

You know where the credit goes. I was surprised the person who sent it to me by pm didn't post it themself. I received the information 2 or 3 days ago, but was waiting for the credit to go to the person who gave it to me. Then I saw it posted on another forum, so I thought what the heck. The youtube highlights are what really got me though. :cool:

[catsfan32]

Anyone know how high this kid is on UC. This would be a HUGE get in my opinion. Adding two top 15 pg to this team next year and i say we have a solid top 15 team and an assured NCAA bid!

[BearcatAlum1]

G Bledsoe
G Wright
G Vaughn
F Gates
F Williams/Thomas

That resembles the lineup that 'Nova ran with Foye, Ray, and Nardi/Lowry.

Scary.

Alum1

[catsfan32]

Just a thought. If we do end up landing Bledsoe think about the future! Cash and EB at point/backup. DV and LD at shooting guard. Mitchell and Bishop at small forward. Gates and Wilks (can play 3 or 4) at power forward. Stevey Toyloy, Thomas, McClain at 5. Wow! Looks like a Nova type team to me that can go big or play 3 guard and can go 8-10 deep! This would be a major get to land EB, but if we dont i think it is very important to grab another backup PG for next year. This team would be so dangerous with a PG this year! The future looks very bright the next couple years!

[Forsure21]

Let's not get carried away. There is no reason to believe anything other than we probably contacted his coach etc.. I don't think there is any reason to believe we are even going to get a visit from this guy.

[Globe Trotting Cat Fan]

Let's not get carried away. There is no reason to believe anything other than we probably contacted his coach etc.. I don't think there is any reason to believe we are even going to get a visit from this guy.

I agree that we should not get carried away (partly because he is not the only PG we are looking at), however at the present we are in his final 5 and have moved up his list rather quickly so, you never know.

Go Cats!

[catsfan32]

^agreed, however i do think we need to land a pg for next year. Anyone know anything about the rivals article saying that we have our eye on a PG. I'm not an insider so i can't find anything on it.

[dp3113]

G Bledsoe
G Wright
G Vaughn
F Gates
F Williams/Thomas

That resembles the lineup that 'Nova ran with Foye, Ray, and Nardi/Lowry.

Scary.

Alum1

Close, but Nova actually started all 4 guards, not just 3.

Also, for those who wonder why he would come here with Cash already in the fold, Mick has openly stated before that his ideal offense has two point guards starting at the 1 and 2.

[Globe Trotting Cat Fan]

The reality is that lately coaches realize more and more that having good point play is probably one of the most (if not THE most) important things to have on your roster. (Thank you CP3)

One of the things that Mick wants to do badly (and has been implementing to a degree more as the season has progressed) is press and play up and down, and having solid point guards to direct traffic is one of the biggest keys to successfully "running and gunning"

Go Cats!

[BearcatAlum1]

Let's not get carried away. There is no reason to believe anything other than we probably contacted his coach etc.. I don't think there is any reason to believe we are even going to get a visit from this guy.

I don't think he comes to UC, period. However, I was stating that I'd love to have two PGs in the lineup. That's all.

I'll go on the record saying we don't land this kid. I think he stays South. And, if he has academic problems (as some have mentioned), he'll stay in SEC country.

Alum1

[bearcatbret]

I hope that Cash is a little stronger and smarter when he starts next year. I know that his redshirt was medical but I still hope that he manages to pick up the overall theme of UC basketball. Bledsoe will be a true freshman and will have a bigger learning curve.

[Bearcat Cafe]

We'lll have 2 PG's on the roster next season. Only question is which one will join Cash.

[BearcatAlum1]

We'lll have 2 PG's on the roster next season. Only question is which one will join Cash.

Well, I've heard rumors of the following:

Goins and Bledsoe. If there is anyone else out there, I'm unaware of them.

Alum1

[Kindog202]

James Beatty out of Miami-Dade CC is another name that I have heard about as well.

[NorrisHopper30]

Well, I've heard rumors of the following:

Goins and Bledsoe. If there is anyone else out there, I'm unaware of them.

Alum1

I don't think Mick liked Goins, because Goins would commit if he offered.

Beatty and Bledsoe are main targets and there is another point guard that Mick has his eye on as well.

[Joe_Pong]

Yes! Final 4 team from 1992 had Van Exel and Jackson (former point) starting together - big reason why that team (and their press) was so good

Gee, and all this time I thought Anthony Buford was a starting guard on that Final 4 team... :confused:

[catsfan32]

come on norris dont leave us not in the know wondering who it may be!

[IAMWILLIAMSON]

rumors are swirling that we signed a juco point guard, Ronald Macdonald, he is a very lanky 6'3 guard, not a good shooter


GREAT DEFENDER

[NorrisHopper30]

come on norris dont leave us not in the know wondering who it may be!

I pay 10 bucks a month for this premium information sir :D.

You'll find out in time, I can tell you that he's more of a scorer than Bledsoe or Smith, and he likes to go to the basket. He is not a JuCo and is "under the radar" as Dion Dixon was.

[YouGuessedItFrankStallone]

rumors are swirling that we signed a juco point guard, Ronald Macdonald, he is a very lanky 6'3 guard, not a good shooter


GREAT DEFENDER

Oh good... now that's a guy who could REALLY use a tan.

[Mick's Da Man]

Oh good... now that's a guy who could REALLY use a tan.

You guessed it!


blah, blah, blah

[ralph1950]

Marques Teague is on the way for 2011-2012.

[catsfan32]

^haha agreed norris im not expecting a name, just some info helps! I wish i could be a member but unfortunately i cant afford the 120 bucks a year on inside info, i need to use it on gas and food!lol

[shaunsimpson]

Really getting your hopes up there on that one Ralph. Payne...maybe, but I will be shocked if we get Teague

[NorrisHopper30]

Marques Teague is on the way for 2011-2012.

Marquis Teague. I feel we have a good chance with Teague, but what makes you think he's a lock?

[Globe Trotting Cat Fan]

Marquis Teague. I feel we have a good chance with Teague, but what makes you think he's a lock?

Simpson is correct.

As of this moment we are absolutely in the convo and he really loves UC but it will be real difficult to get Teague from another school which I loath...:mad:

Go Cats!

[NorrisHopper30]

I wouldn't be really upset if Teague went to Wake because of the advantage they have with Jeff attending there, but if he goes to Louisville I'll be very disappointed.

[Globe Trotting Cat Fan]

NorrisHopper30, remember buddy, you said it, not me! ;)

Go Cats!

[dp3113]

UC has a very slim chance to get either Teague or Payne. Teague is likely headed to UofL, and UC is #3 at best right now with Payne behind OSU and UD.

[NorrisHopper30]

UC has a very slim chance to get either Teague or Payne. Teague is likely headed to UofL, and UC is #3 at best right now with Payne behind OSU and UD.

I think Dayton, Pitt, XU and UC are all ahead of OSU in the Payne sweepstakes.

[jeffto]

G Bledsoe
G Wright
G Vaughn
F Gates
F Williams/Thomas

That resembles the lineup that 'Nova ran with Foye, Ray, and Nardi/Lowry.

Scary.

Alum1

Scary - on paper. Plus Vaughn, Williams and Gates may be gone before Bledsoe and/or Wright are ready to start.

[CincyBeerCo]

Scary - on paper. Plus Vaughn, Williams and Gates may be gone before Bledsoe and/or Wright are ready to start.

I sure hope not. I am assuming both Vaughn and Gates will be back next year, and if Cash isn't ready to start (and/or Bledsoe if he comes to UC) then we will be in trouble.

[jeffto]

I sure hope not. I am assuming both Vaughn and Gates will be back next year, and if Cash isn't ready to start (and/or Bledsoe if he comes to UC) then we will be in trouble.Freshmen starters who aren't MickyD's are still uncommon. There's just no shortcut to seasoning and experience.

If high school stats and/or performance is all it takes, Alvin would be in the NBA by now.

[CincyBeerCo]

Freshmen starters who aren't MickyD's are still uncommon. There's just no shortcut to seasoning and experience.

If high school stats and/or performance is all it takes, Alvin would be in the NBA by now.

Agreed, but I am fairly confident that Cash would have been starting this year by BEast play. As long as he hasn't lost too much quickness, he should be more prepared both mentally (a year of watching BEast ball and 2 preseasons of practice) and physically (if you see him around campus, he has definitely added some pounds (all muscle).

The more I see of Bledsoe, the more impressed I am. I would be absolutely ecstatic if we could bring him in to help next year.

[BearcatAlum1]

I recently found some information regarding Mr. Bledsoe. The article was written Feb 27, 2009.

"Bledsoe's dream school, Duke, recently began evaluating him in case the nation's No.1 player, point guard John Wall of Raleigh, N.C., signs elsewhere. His talking to Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski by phone for an hour "means I'm really doing something" with his life, he said.

Telep cautions that Duke's recruitment of Bledsoe is still in the infancy stage and should be considered serious only if Krzyzewski evaluates him personally and Bledsoe qualifies academically.

Bledsoe said he currently has a 2.4 grade-point average and a 15 ACT score, short of the NCAA qualifying standards. He said he needs an 18 or 19 on the ACT to be eligible."

Bledsoe said he has scholarship offers from Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky, UAB, Cincinnati, Rutgers and South Florida. He briefly committed last fall to Ole Miss and said he changed his mind because he figured more schools would offer later.

Bledsoe, the oldest of three children, is used to carrying a load. He grew up getting summer employment to help support his family, and taking care of his siblings while their mom, now a housekeeper at UAB, used to work two jobs.

He (Bledsoe) was lazy at Hayes (his previous high school)," Reddick said. "He's kind of lazy still at Parker, but I just ride him a little bit more. At one point, I was kind of laid back with him because he was staying above average. But I know the potential of my kid."

http://www.al.com/hsbasketball/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/sports/1235726167174750.xml&coll=2


I think it's obvious that this kid has more than just talent. It appears he has had a rough childhood. Also, his academics appear to be in question.

Big concerns: Academics, work ethic, Duke #1 school?, Mom works at UAB!!!!!!!!

Alum1

[shaunsimpson]

Don't see anyway he gets into duke.....get mom a promotion at UC ASAP

[jeffto]

God didn't make very many 7-footers. Biggie stays :-)God made even fewer who can play Big East basketball. Is Biggie one of those few?

[BearcatAlum1]

Don't see anyway he gets into duke.....get mom a promotion at UC ASAP

Absolutely. I'm sure we can find her a better gig than "housekeeper," right?


Alum1

[Mick's Da Man]

I recently found some information regarding Mr. Bledsoe. The article was written Feb 27, 2009.

"Bledsoe's dream school, Duke, recently began evaluating him in case the nation's No.1 player, point guard John Wall of Raleigh, N.C., signs elsewhere. His talking to Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski by phone for an hour "means I'm really doing something" with his life, he said.

Telep cautions that Duke's recruitment of Bledsoe is still in the infancy stage and should be considered serious only if Krzyzewski evaluates him personally and Bledsoe qualifies academically.

Bledsoe said he currently has a 2.4 grade-point average and a 15 ACT score, short of the NCAA qualifying standards. He said he needs an 18 or 19 on the ACT to be eligible."

Bledsoe said he has scholarship offers from Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky, UAB, Cincinnati, Rutgers and South Florida. He briefly committed last fall to Ole Miss and said he changed his mind because he figured more schools would offer later.

Bledsoe, the oldest of three children, is used to carrying a load. He grew up getting summer employment to help support his family, and taking care of his siblings while their mom, now a housekeeper at UAB, used to work two jobs.

He (Bledsoe) was lazy at Hayes (his previous high school)," Reddick said. "He's kind of lazy still at Parker, but I just ride him a little bit more. At one point, I was kind of laid back with him because he was staying above average. But I know the potential of my kid."

http://www.al.com/hsbasketball/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/sports/1235726167174750.xml&coll=2


I think it's obvious that this kid has more than just talent. It appears he has had a rough childhood. Also, his academics appear to be in question.

Big concerns: Academics, work ethic, Duke #1 school?, Mom works at UAB!!!!!!!!

Alum1


He ain't coming to UC, that's for sure. I guess I'll write him off, although I wanted him more than anybody.

[levydl]

Absolutely. I'm sure we can find her a better gig than "housekeeper," right?


Alum1

What was Danny Manning's father before Kansas hired him?

[STKohls]

God made even fewer who can play Big East basketball. Is Biggie one of those few?

Unfortunately, not yet. I'm still hopeful, but he looked awfully out of place the last few times I've seen him on the court.

[BearcatAlum1]

He ain't coming to UC, that's for sure. I guess I'll write him off, although I wanted him more than anybody.

I'm with ya MDM. I don't think Bledsoe will be a Cat next year. I thought it funny that he de-committed from Ole Miss because he "figured" other schools would start giving him offers.

From everything I've seen or heard, the kid has tremendous talent and huge upside. HOWEVER, he appears to have some serious baggage. Not to mention, he has publicly stated that Duke is his dream school and his mother works at UAB. I think MC has a minimal to zero chance of landing him. Also, Darius Smith received an offer from Duke in the past 2 weeks. Seems like there are a bunch of programs competing for point guards....

Alum1