Let's reset the April "surprises" coversation

[DMoney_70]

I emailed Dan Hoard. I don't know if he has any priveleged information but I'm guessing he has a decent pulse on things. I laid out the original post by the_one_32 concerning Smith, Vinson, Reik & Kryl whatever-his-name-is. Dan responded with:

Mick will add the best point guard he can get, freshman or JUCO.

They are definitely in the mix with Vinson but unsure if that's likely.

He originally thought Riek would never play college but thinks he was wrong and that UC makes the most sense.

He's heard about the other IMG kid but nothing first-hand.

He expects at least 3 additions.

Really nothing new here but after Smith committed to UConn, I wondered how much of the rest of the_one's original post had any validity and Dan was kind enough to throw in his 2 cents.

[loshow22]

So we may be adding three plus Kilpatrick and Thomas? That will make for an interesting couple of weeks. We would obviously lose some players, and it will be fun to see who we add. I would not be surprised if we sign a player that has yet to be mentioned on this board. I have a funny feeling something like that may happen. Mind you, it is a hunch not me beating around the bush pretending to be "in the know".

[Mick's Da Man]

So we may be adding three plus Kilpatrick and Thomas? That will make for an interesting couple of weeks. We would obviously lose some players, and it will be fun to see who we add. I would not be surprised if we sign a player that has yet to be mentioned on this board. I have a funny feeling something like that may happen. Mind you, it is a hunch not me beating around the bush pretending to be "in the know".

Exactly what I took from it.

Does Dan mean we will be adding 3 total (including Kilpatrick) or 3 additional to Kilpatrick? Hmmmm. If it's the latter, then someone else is leaving because we currently have 2 more scholarships available. Interesting.

[Not Guilty]

Exactly what I took from it.

Does Dan mean we will be adding 3 total (including Kilpatrick) or 3 additional to Kilpatrick? Hmmmm. If it's the latter, then someone else is leaving because we currently have 2 more scholarships available. Interesting.

I've heard some strong speculation that there is a good possibility that Biggie is on his way out. We'll see if it happens.

[catscratchfever]

wasn't there also some talk that Larry Davis (the player) might be unhappy and wanting out?

[Not Guilty]

wasn't there also some talk that Larry Davis (the player) might be unhappy and wanting out?

He isn't unhappy with the team or his role. He has a kid at home and it was more of a home sick type thing. The coaching staff thinks he will stay, but we'll see.

[Doss]

know that condums can be bought at any local pharmacy?

He isn't unhappy with the team or his role. He has a kid at home and it was more of a home sick type thing. The coaching staff thinks he will stay, but we'll see.

[DMoney_70]

Dan said he is NOT including Kilpatrick in the 3 he expects to be added. That makes things interesting. Of course, he's not saying he knows anything priveleged. He's also not saying he doesn't.

[bearcatbret]

Oh how the plot thickens. It will be interesting on tax day how our recruiting turns out. Maybe the City can have the Fountain Square TV tuned to ESPN during the Tea Party.

[catscratchfever]

know that condums can be bought at any local pharmacy?
Do any of our members know how to spell "condoms" ;)

[Cats4Ever]

Mitchell - out.

Williams - out.

Player #3 - out.

High turnover in the roster is not a good thing. A year ago, some said they heard directly from mick that Williams is definitely coming back.

What a difference a year makes.

Recognizing this is a business and not really a committment to the kids, personally I think it sux to run kids off. I don't think UC is in the position to get one-and-done caliber players yet, and to run guys off after a year or two might not sit well with the kids who are good but need some development yet. You think other recruiters might point to this and say you are taking a huge risk in attending UC?

I've seen UConn do it, but usually one or two guys in two or three years. Not 3 in the same year. Maybe someone can show a link where this is more common than I know.

[Bcat]

know that condums can be bought at any local pharmacy?

Just ask Soulymane, right?

It looks like Davis will stay b/c his kid is taken care of and he is happy with his improvement and role on the team. The coaches love him.

[DMoney_70]

Well, Williams had personal reasons to move on with his life. He was NOT run off. Mitchell is gone because of disciplinary problems.

As of yet, nobody has been moved along because they aren't "good enough".

[BearcatAlum1]

I might get blasted for this post, or it might be removed. I'll attempt to summarize the above posts.

Players that will definately be here (according to speculation):

(9 total)
Vaughn
Cash
Gates
Dixon
Wilks
Bishop
Kilpatrick
Thomas
Toyloy

Speculation surrounding a transfer (2):

McClain
Davis

Open scholarships if everyone stays = 2

Hoard seems to think someone "might" transfer and we'll have at least 3 additions.

More than likely additions:

Riek

Less likely:

Vinson
Bledsoe
Beatty


Alum1

[jeffto]

Do any of our members know home to spell "condoms" ;)Maybe the same one who knows how to spell how? :D

[ralph1950]

Did Jim Calhoun have more influence with Smith's player broker than Mick that he went to UCONN? 1958 kept insisting Smith was going to UC bacause of Joe Stiffend.

[UCbball21]

I don't think the recruitment of Smith is necessarily over, if Calhoun wins the national championship which in my opinion is likely, I think this could be Calhoun's last year coaching. It would be a sad day because personally I'm a big fan of Calhoun and his style of coaching but I think the day is near with his health problems, looming NCAA sanctions, and the loss of Thabeet, Price, and Adrien. Until Smith signs the LOI, I wouldn't write him off just yet. Then again Lute Olso coached till he was like 74 so who knows...Calhoun is 67 btw

[jeffto]

I don't think the recruitment of Smith is necessarily over, if Calhoun wins the national championship which in my opinion is likely, I think this could be Calhoun's last year coaching. It would be a sad day because personally I'm a big fan of Calhoun and his style of coaching but I think the day is near with his health problems, looming NCAA sanctions, and the loss of Thabeet, Price, and Adrien. Until Smith signs the LOI, I wouldn't write him off just yet. Then again Lute Olso coached till he was like 74 so who knows...Calhoun is 67 btwHe has publicly said that retirement is a possibility.

[Mick's Da Man]

Mitchell - out.

Williams - out.

Player #3 - out.

High turnover in the roster is not a good thing. A year ago, some said they heard directly from mick that Williams is definitely coming back.

What a difference a year makes.

Recognizing this is a business and not really a committment to the kids, personally I think it sux to run kids off. I don't think UC is in the position to get one-and-done caliber players yet, and to run guys off after a year or two might not sit well with the kids who are good but need some development yet. You think other recruiters might point to this and say you are taking a huge risk in attending UC?

I've seen UConn do it, but usually one or two guys in two or three years. Not 3 in the same year. Maybe someone can show a link where this is more common than I know.

Comical.

Mike Williams was a senior and graduated.

Alvin Mitchell broke team rules and had his scholarship revoked.

Who else has been run off? Crowell? Crowell knew the circumstances when he signed on.

No one else has been run off.

Maybe the coaches know of someone intending to leave on their own?

[BigDaddyCornHusker]

It was my understanding that Williams is not technically 'leaving the program', he is just not petitioning for another year.

[Mick's Da Man]

He has publicly said that retirement is a possibility.

He has an assistant who's been with him for a very long time, and I believe is almost as old as he is. I think the assistant will get the job if Calhoun retires.

It wouldn't surprise me to see Calhoun retire if he wins it all.

[DMoney_70]

It was my understanding that Williams is not technically 'leaving the program', he is just not petitioning for another year.

Exactly. He is not being "Run Off"

[bearcatbret]

It was my understanding that Williams is not technically 'leaving the program', he is just not petitioning for another year.

Williams went through senior day ceremonies. He has graduated and has chosen to move on with his life. He would not have been granted a sixth year anyway.

[long suffering UC fan]

Exactly what I took from it.

Does Dan mean we will be adding 3 total (including Kilpatrick) or 3 additional to Kilpatrick? Hmmmm. If it's the latter, then someone else is leaving because we currently have 2 more scholarships available. Interesting.

Hopefully that spot isn't opening up b/c Gates is planning something stupid. Maybe that's the "big surprise".

[dp3113]

He has an assistant who's been with him for a very long time, and I believe is almost as old as he is. I think the assistant will get the job if Calhoun retires.

It wouldn't surprise me to see Calhoun retire if he wins it all.

I couldn't see a program of that magnitude hiring on a coach that is the same age as Calhoun. They will want to hire someone they can foresee being there for a 10-12 year period.

[jeffto]

I couldn't see a program of that magnitude hiring on a coach that is the same age as Calhoun. They will want to hire someone they can foresee being there for a 10-12 year period.Maybe they'd do a designated successor like Purdue did and Syracuse is doing.

[dp3113]

Maybe they'd do a designated successor like Purdue did and Syracuse is doing.

maybe, but they would not do it with a 65+ year old man.

[bearcatbret]

I don't think the recruitment of Smith is necessarily over, if Calhoun wins the national championship which in my opinion is likely, I think this could be Calhoun's last year coaching. It would be a sad day because personally I'm a big fan of Calhoun and his style of coaching but I think the day is near with his health problems, looming NCAA sanctions, and the loss of Thabeet, Price, and Adrien. Until Smith signs the LOI, I wouldn't write him off just yet. Then again Lute Olso coached till he was like 74 so who knows...Calhoun is 67 btw

I agree. During an interview, Calhoun was asked if he would take a pay cut because he was the highest paid state employee. He said no because he is tired and looking to be able to retire.

[bearcatbret]

maybe, but they would not do it with a 65+ year old man.

NC did when Dean Smith retired.

[jadam222]

know that condums can be bought at any local pharmacy?

Maybe that is the problem. He went to the pharmacy and asked to buy "condums" and they stated they don't stock them because they don't exist. ;-)

[Cats4Ever]

Comical.

Mike Williams was a senior and graduated.

Alvin Mitchell broke team rules and had his scholarship revoked.

Who else has been run off? Crowell? Crowell knew the circumstances when he signed on.

No one else has been run off.

Maybe the coaches know of someone intending to leave on their own?

Mike Williams actually completed his degree his injury year. You don't think he was needed next year?

The third player is the one discussed from Hoard's comments. Not Crowell, even though he was run off after one year too.

IF Hoard is right in that a third person leaves this year - that's a boatload of turnover. And if you believe this was Williams idea to leave, well...................

[catsfan32]

^you actually believe Williams was asked to not come back? Wow, I would have to thoroughly disagree with you. There is no evidence whatsoever to imply that he was run off. I think people look too deep into some situations. It is what it is!

[Not Guilty]

Mike Williams actually completed his degree his injury year. You don't think he was needed next year?

The third player is the one discussed from Hoard's comments. Not Crowell, even though he was run off after one year too.

IF Hoard is right in that a third person leaves this year - that's a boatload of turnover. And if you believe this was Williams idea to leave, well...................

To suggest Williams was run off is crazy.

And losing 3 players from last years team is not a boatload of turnover. That is A NORMAL AMOUNT.

Stop making things up and exaggerating.

[juckerrules]

Maybe that is the problem. He went to the pharmacy and asked to buy "condums" and they stated they don't stock them because they don't exist. ;-)
Or, maybe like lots of other folks, having children is not a "problem"

[Bearcat Jeff]

The case for Williams was very weak. He has a family and made his decision based on what was best for them. Mike and Mick have a wonderful relationship. Contrary to what some on here try to say. Mick was the reason Mike came to U.C.. They got very close while Mick was at Murray St..

[dp3113]

NC did when Dean Smith retired.

and he only coached 3 years. major programs don't want coaches who stick around for only a few years.

[Doss]

fonetic ebonic spelling?............................
Maybe that is the problem. He went to the pharmacy and asked to buy "condums" and they stated they don't stock them because they don't exist. ;-)

[catscratchfever]

not sure if this means anything at all...
I was reading one of the PITT blogs and saw this quote about the KK kid from Florida..

I completely agree. I really like this guy. We always get killed by big men who can shoot the 3. Now we could grab one. Add his shooting touch to our physical style of play and I really like the make up of our team next season. I think if we have a scholarship open then we gave a decent shot at landing this guy. He was at the UConn game at the Pete and from the article about him, I got the impression that he wanted to be a Panther. Seems to be between ASU and Pitt.

But again the problem is that open scholarship. It looks like he wants to decide on April 15th on his college choice. The question is will we know if we have an open scholarship by then. Maybe he can commit to Pitt and Dixon tells him they will find room for him.

Maybe this is Mick's April 15th surprise...

[Mick's Da Man]

Mike Williams actually completed his degree his injury year. You don't think he was needed next year?

The third player is the one discussed from Hoard's comments. Not Crowell, even though he was run off after one year too.

IF Hoard is right in that a third person leaves this year - that's a boatload of turnover. And if you believe this was Williams idea to leave, well...................

?????

There is no evidence of Mike Williams being pushed out. He has a kid and needs to support that child. He is approximately 24 years old. It's time to move on. Plus his case was weak.

Stop with the conspiracy theories.

At first I thought there might be........but now I think it's the best thing for Mike and on the up and up.

Provide some proof and maybe your credibility will be restored. :rolleyes:

[Mick's Da Man]

not sure if this means anything at all...
I was reading one of the PITT blogs and saw this quote about the KK kid from Florida..

I completely agree. I really like this guy. We always get killed by big men who can shoot the 3. Now we could grab one. Add his shooting touch to our physical style of play and I really like the make up of our team next season. I think if we have a scholarship open then we gave a decent shot at landing this guy. He was at the UConn game at the Pete and from the article about him, I got the impression that he wanted to be a Panther. Seems to be between ASU and Pitt.

But again the problem is that open scholarship. It looks like he wants to decide on April 15th on his college choice. The question is will we know if we have an open scholarship by then. Maybe he can commit to Pitt and Dixon tells him they will find room for him.

Maybe this is Mick's April 15th surprise...

Honestly, if Mick lands Riek, Bledsoe, and the Russian kid from IMG..........in my opinion, it will be the best recruiting class he's had. We need future low post players, and this would fill that need. We also need backup and starting PG's. This would also fill that need.

[CincyBeerCo]

The case for Williams was very weak. He has a family and made his decision based on what was best for them. Mike and Mick have a wonderful relationship. Contrary to what some on here try to say. Mick was the reason Mike came to U.C.. They got very close while Mick was at Murray St..

Agreed. I have a hunch that as soon as Mike hurt his knee before the WVU game, his "camp" (family and persons of influence in his life) made the decision the moving on in an effort to make some money playing overseas was the best course of action.

[jeffto]

How can the fact that the Russian kid is also at IMG translate into a recruiting prospect. This is turning "wishful thinking" into "wishful dreaming" or, more accurately, "wishful hallucinating."

I'll bet $50 he's never even heard of UC.

[BearcatAlum1]

How can the fact that the Russian kid is also at IMG translate into a recruiting prospect. This is turning "wishful thinking" into "wishful dreaming" or, more accurately, "wishful hallucinating."

I'll bet $50 he's never even heard of UC.

That's a bet I'll take. He has taken visits to Pittsburgh, who is in our conference. He is strongly considering X, a school that is located a few miles from campus. His teammate/classmate at IMG had verbally committed to Cincinnati, and might be going there in the near future.

He knows who we are.

As for him coming to UC, I highly doubt that.

I think it's Riek and a point guard.

Alum1

[levydl]

The case for Williams was very weak. He has a family and made his decision based on what was best for them. Mike and Mick have a wonderful relationship. Contrary to what some on here try to say. Mick was the reason Mike came to U.C.. They got very close while Mick was at Murray St..

I'm not into conspiracy theories, and I have zero inside info on this, but I tend to think it was something more than just Mike saying he wanted to go to Europe. Maybe it was a mutual decision between Cronin and Williams, maybe Cronin initiated it, I don't know. But Williams case seems to be exactly the same as Adam Boone's, as has been stated over and over on here when it seemed clear to most (me included) that Williams would get a 6th year. How could Boone get a 6th year yet Williams' case is so bad that UC isn't even trying for one? It makes no sense to me, and I think they may be using the bad case thing as a cover.

[BearcatAlum1]

I'm not into conspiracy theories, and I have zero inside info on this, but I tend to think it was something more than just Mike saying he wanted to go to Europe. Maybe it was a mutual decision between Cronin and Williams, maybe Cronin initiated it, I don't know. But Williams case seems to be exactly the same as Adam Boone's, as has been stated over and over on here when it seemed clear to most (me included) that Williams would get a 6th year. How could Boone get a 6th year yet Williams' case is so bad that UC isn't even trying for one? It makes no sense to me, and I think they may be using the bad case thing as a cover.

It's not the same.

Mike would have to prove that his transfer to UC was because of certain circumstances (i.e. emotional, mental, etc.). This would have been a tough case to prove.

And, while that whole scenario played out, we might have missed out on a recruit to fill his shoes. Waiting for the NCAA to answer Mike's request was risky at best.

I think both parties are satisfied.

Alum1

[anbuc88]

I'm not into conspiracy theories, and I have zero inside info on this, but I tend to think it was something more than just Mike saying he wanted to go to Europe. Maybe it was a mutual decision between Cronin and Williams, maybe Cronin initiated it, I don't know. But Williams case seems to be exactly the same as Adam Boone's, as has been stated over and over on here when it seemed clear to most (me included) that Williams would get a 6th year. How could Boone get a 6th year yet Williams' case is so bad that UC isn't even trying for one? It makes no sense to me, and I think they may be using the bad case thing as a cover.
The issue was his transfer year. If the reason for transferring was beyond his control, i.e. for illness in a family member, then he may have been eligible for a 6th year. If it was just to get more playing time, which apparently was the case, then the appeal was likely to fail. Adam Boone's case was likely different, as his reason for transferring to Minnesota may have been to move closer to an ill family member.

[kcat]

Riek scares me... I think he could be another Sam Bowie. Just don't
know if he can take the pounding (injury after injury).
The Russian kid seems solid.

[Kindog202]

Riek scares me... I think he could be another Sam Bowie. Just don't
know if he can take the pounding (injury after injury).
The Russian kid seems solid.

The ACL injury was done on a leg press machine that he was too big for, not on the court. Injury is not a major concern, at least in my eyes...

[levydl]

It's not the same.

Mike would have to prove that his transfer to UC was because of certain circumstances (i.e. emotional, mental, etc.). This would have been a tough case to prove.

And, while that whole scenario played out, we might have missed out on a recruit to fill his shoes. Waiting for the NCAA to answer Mike's request was risky at best.

I think both parties are satisfied.

Alum1

Boone had to prove the same thing, right? They both transferred once and got injured once. I don't see how they're different.

I agree with you that it's risky putting your future recruiting in the hands of the NCAA. And I think it's quite possible both parties are satisfied. I just don't really believe the reason they're proffering is the real reason.

The issue was his transfer year. If the reason for transferring was beyond his control, i.e. for illness in a family member, then he may have been eligible for a 6th year. If it was just to get more playing time, which apparently was the case, then the appeal was likely to fail. Adam Boone's case was likely different, as his reason for transferring to Minnesota may have been to move closer to an ill family member.

I believe Boone transferred because he hated Matt Doherty, who didn't recruit Boone but was his coach his first 2 years at UNC. I haven't heard anything about a sick relative. I believe both of his parents are alive and well. If that's the case, then I guess that'd be the difference, but I don't think that's the case.

[qsilvr2531]

Boone had to prove the same thing, right? They both transferred once and got injured once. I don't see how they're different.

I agree with you that it's risky putting your future recruiting in the hands of the NCAA. And I think it's quite possible both parties are satisfied. I just don't really believe the reason they're proffering is the real reason.



I believe Boone transferred because he hated Matt Doherty, who didn't recruit Boone but was his coach his first 2 years at UNC. I haven't heard anything about a sick relative. I believe both of his parents are alive and well. If that's the case, then I guess that'd be the difference, but I don't think that's the case.

Boone was from Minnesota originally and his family was (and is as far as I know) in Minnesota. Mike was not from Ohio, nor does his family live in Ohio as far as I know. That's the big difference between the two cases, Boone can show extenuating circumstances (beyond playing time) for transferring to Minnesota, while Williams can't. Apparently this makes a significant difference in the eyes of the NCAA.

[Bearcat Jeff]

I'm not into conspiracy theories, and I have zero inside info on this, but I tend to think it was something more than just Mike saying he wanted to go to Europe. Maybe it was a mutual decision between Cronin and Williams, maybe Cronin initiated it, I don't know. But Williams case seems to be exactly the same as Adam Boone's, as has been stated over and over on here when it seemed clear to most (me included) that Williams would get a 6th year. How could Boone get a 6th year yet Williams' case is so bad that UC isn't even trying for one? It makes no sense to me, and I think they may be using the bad case thing as a cover. Look, U.C. would never have initiated the paperwork if what you say is true. There would never have been any dialouge between the University and the University of Texas to figure out where they stood. Why is it so hard for people to accept that this was a personal decision that a young man felt was best for him? Larry Davis has a child in Texas and is homesick. People actually have lives outside the basketball program and they had a history prior to coming here.

[Bearcat Jeff]

Riek scares me... I think he could be another Sam Bowie. Just don't
know if he can take the pounding (injury after injury).
The Russian kid seems solid.
He's had one knee injury, not a history of them. he tried to play thru the injury and made it worse.

[Bearcat Jeff]

Looks like UConn will sign the Miami Dade CC shooting guard. He will be a good fit with Walker. Good length and athleticism.

[Mick's Da Man]

That's a bet I'll take. He has taken visits to Pittsburgh, who is in our conference. He is strongly considering X, a school that is located a few miles from campus. His teammate/classmate at IMG had verbally committed to Cincinnati, and might be going there in the near future.

He knows who we are.

As for him coming to UC, I highly doubt that.

I think it's Riek and a point guard.

Alum1

I completely agree.

I trust Dan Hoard more than anyone regarding UC.

He has pretty much said it's a PG and now possibly Riek.

Your point about the Russian knowing UC is a no-brainer since his teammate is coming to UC. Maybe they don't talk though...............:rolleyes: :D ;)

[Bearcat Jeff]

They will definitely sign a point guard if one who can play can be had. If not they'll go with Cash/Vaughn. My guess is somebody will be signed.

[ME80]

Look, U.C. would never have initiated the paperwork if what you say is true. There would never have been any dialouge between the University and the University of Texas to figure out where they stood. Why is it so hard for people to accept that this was a personal decision that a young man felt was best for him? Larry Davis has a child in Texas and is homesick. People actually have lives outside the basketball program and they had a history prior to coming here.

Turn the clock up a few months. Let's say that UC had gone through with the appeal and was denied. I can hear the talk on this forum, "why did they even take a chance on this appeal, they lost a recruit because of this stupid move!"

[Lobot]

IMO, the paperwork was a back up plan in case Mike changed his mind. Mike had intended to leave for some time towards the end of the season at the urging of Mark Komara, his father figure and AAU coach.

[loshow22]

They will definitely sign a point guard if one who can play can be had. If not they'll go with Cash/Vaughn. My guess is somebody will be signed.

My guess is that as soon as Cash went down, we have been scouting pg's. Whoever we sign has been on the radar for sometime. Since we keep things so close to the vest, we pions have no idea, but MC knows and has known for awhile.

Does anyone know why we keep things so close vested? Is this other places too? I know you can't comment until signed, but does that mean it is against rules to say, "Hey, we are looking at this kid!" Just asking.

[cincycpaw]

My guess is that as soon as Cash went down, we have been scouting pg's.

I hope that they were looking and scouting pg LONG before Cash's injury...and I am pretty sure they were.

[Ran513]

My guess is that as soon as Cash went down, we have been scouting pg's. Whoever we sign has been on the radar for sometime. Since we keep things so close to the vest, we pions have no idea, but MC knows and has known for awhile.

Does anyone know why we keep things so close vested? Is this other places too? I know you can't comment until signed, but does that mean it is against rules to say, "Hey, we are looking at this kid!" Just asking.He has learned that you keep your mouth shut about who your after as to not attract rival attention to your "Finds" ,he has lost several big name recruits in the final moments because of this.

[Bearcat Jeff]

Coaches know who their competition is for a player. They see each other at camps and know who is speaking to whom.

[Mick's Da Man]

My guess is that as soon as Cash went down, we have been scouting pg's. Whoever we sign has been on the radar for sometime. Since we keep things so close to the vest, we pions have no idea, but MC knows and has known for awhile.

Does anyone know why we keep things so close vested? Is this other places too? I know you can't comment until signed, but does that mean it is against rules to say, "Hey, we are looking at this kid!" Just asking.

I don't know how true this is, but I had someone close to the situation suggest that because of all the negative recruiting that goes on, where another school will tell a recruit why he shouldn't go to the other schools recruiting him, that Mick actually tells some of the kids he recruits not to mention that they're recruiting him. That way, opposing schools can't really negatively recruit against UC if they don't know UC is recruiting him.

Not sure I buy it, but it was suggested to me. And apparently that is why many times we don't know the names of some of the kids Mick is recruiting. There are always the obvious ones like Adrien Payne.

[Oldtimer_UC_fan]

Riek scares me... I think he could be another Sam Bowie. Just don't
know if he can take the pounding (injury after injury).
The Russian kid seems solid.

We could only HOPE that he'd be another Sam Bowie....who, I might add was drafted AHEAD of Micheal Jordan.

[long suffering UC fan]

We could only HOPE that he'd be another Sam Bowie....who, I might add was drafted AHEAD of Micheal Jordan.

I think he meant that the injury essentially ended Bowie's career.

But yeah, if he comes here, if he were even half the player Bowie was, he'd be an above average Big East center. Hopefully that Russian kid can play like Bowies 7 ft sidekick (Turpin maybe? - can't remember the name). Of course, they'll eventually have to commit to UC first, and suit up.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

I think he meant that the injury essentially ended Bowie's career.

But yeah, if he comes here, if he were even half the player Bowie was, he'd be an above average Big East center. Hopefully that Russian kid can play like Bowies 7 ft sidekick (Turpin maybe? - can't remember the name). Of course, they'll eventually have to commit to UC first, and suit up.

Bowie played 10 years (or so) in the NBA.

[ralph1950]

Bowie played 10 years (or so) in the NBA.

Bowie did not do much against the Bearcats in the 1983 game, he mostly just stood in the paint and watched all night, UC held him below 10 points.

[loshow22]

I don't know how true this is, but I had someone close to the situation suggest that because of all the negative recruiting that goes on, where another school will tell a recruit why he shouldn't go to the other schools recruiting him, that Mick actually tells some of the kids he recruits not to mention that they're recruiting him. That way, opposing schools can't really negatively recruit against UC if they don't know UC is recruiting him.

Not sure I buy it, but it was suggested to me. And apparently that is why many times we don't know the names of some of the kids Mick is recruiting. There are always the obvious ones like Adrien Payne.

True or not, it makes sense. Thanks!

Is it a rare thing now where kids grow up loving a team and will stop at nothing to play there? When you start getting attention does that love for a school slowly fade because of the limelight?

[jeffto]

I completely agree.

I trust Dan Hoard more than anyone regarding UC.

He has pretty much said it's a PG and now possibly Riek.

Your point about the Russian knowing UC is a no-brainer since his teammate is coming to UC. Maybe they don't talk though...............:rolleyes: :D ;)Ever hear a Sudanese talk to a Russian? Not a pretty sound. :D

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

Bowie did not do much against the Bearcats in the 1983 game, he mostly just stood in the paint and watched all night, UC held him below 10 points.

UK only scored 24 points all night.

UC held the ball. That's why almost everyone on UK was < 10 pts.

[Bcat]

Ever hear a Sudanese talk to a Russian? Not a pretty sound. :D

I wouldn't trust everything Dan Hoard has to say regarding recruiting. He has mentioned several things in the past that were not accurate that he stood very firm about.

Great Radio guy though, does an amazing job.

[Bearcat Jeff]

In all fairness Bcat there has been alot of information floated on this board by people claiming to know things that hasn't panned out. I choose to believe that in Hoard's case, and the posters here, that those comments are sincere, but the information they post is incomplete. Unless you are a member of Mick's staff you don't have all the 411about "the facts" of recruiting. I hope the speculation continues but we have to be realistic about it.

[Globe Trotting Cat Fan]

In all fairness Bcat there has been alot of information floated on this board by people claiming to know things that hasn't panned out. I choose to believe that in Hoard's case, and the posters here, that those comments are sincere, but the information they post is incomplete. Unless you are a member of Mick's staff you don't have all the 411about "the facts" of recruiting. I hope the speculation continues but we have to be realistic about it.

I agree completely with this thought, and I will use myself as an example.

I heard from several reliable sources within the confines of those who would really know that Riek would NEVER play at UC, let alone basketball on the collegiate level. Then the_one_32 got some information that said otherwise which seems like it will pan out and turn out to be correct.

Not trying to toot my own horn, but I consider myself and my information to be fairly "in the know" and even then, have been proven wrong plenty of times.

Until the ink is dry on a signed LOI, everything is pure speculation.

[Lobot]

Until the ink is dry on a signed LOI, everything is pure speculation.

I agree. I've been burned twice in the last month by bad info.