Hoopmasters Tidbits On UC Recruiting

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

(Clipped from article on Big East recruiting)

Up first is the Big East where Cincinnati, Louisville, and Connecticut have jumped out to the early lead in recruiting...in the fall recruiting wars.

Cincinnati has commitments from one of the top power men in the class in No.62 rated Yancy Gates from Cincinnati Withrow High. He is a physical big man who can finish against around the hoop. He will be joined by high scoring 6-foot combo Cashmere Wright of Savannah, GA Urban Christian. They could add one (or) two more with shooting guard the current priority.

The Bearcats are in the hunt with 6-foot-3 shooter Willie Warren, but won't get a visit until spring, as he only has time for fall visits to Oklahoma and Kansas before getting into Oak Hill's season. 6-foot-4 jumping jack Teondre Williams will visit with Cashmere Wright. He also likes Florida State, Mississippi and Oklahoma. They are on the short list with former Indiana commit, 6-foot-4 Eshaunte Jones from Chatham, VA Hargrave Military. They are still in the hunt for the final visit of 6-foot-10 J'Mison Morgan from Dallas, TX South Oak Cliff along with Baylor, Kentucky and Louisville.

[Bearcat Jeff]

What a coup it'd be if Mick could land Morgan! If Warren is going to wait till spring to even visit, I'd sign T. Williams immediately if possible. We have to have more shooting guard depth and a big man.

[Kindog202]

Thanks 58, If Warren doesn't commit before the spring and we have a strong season, I like our chances even more in the spring.

I would assume since a 6th year of eligibility is not an automatic lock/guarantee for Williams that Mick would look to fill all 3 remaining schollys this year and then deal with too many kids if Williams is granted a sixth year. Williams seems like a good candidate to receive the waiver as he appears to be a good student and a good kid and our luck with the NCAA clearing house has to change at some point right?

Finally, from what I have heard, Mick is really devastated in losing Mike. He really genuinely likes the kid both on and off the court and feels really bad that the injury happened.

[Bearcat Jeff]

I have heard the same. Each time I hear Mick mention him he always speaks to his character. Plus he is a warrior and you can't help but root for a guy like him. He is already a good student but this even makes it more plain. School has to be first. You never know what could happen. I think Mike will recover well and do believe that the NCAA will give him his extra year. He has been a model student athlete. I also believe that they will recognize the schools efforts to change their image.

[SLMadiCat]

If Willie waits until the spring to make a decision, and doesn't visit UC until the spring, I like our chances better. Hopefully by then he will have forgotten OU and KU. I also have a feeling that his commitment will have more to do with his (and his mom's) relationship with the coaches rather than how good the team is.

I was under the impression that Morgan was making his decision Nov 2. If that's true, I don't like our chances at all.

ps - of course Mick is devastated in losing Mike W. Why wouldn't he be?

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

What a coup it'd be if Mick could land Morgan! If Warren is going to wait till spring to even visit, I'd sign T. Williams immediately if possible. We have to have more shooting guard depth and a big man.

UC is the running for his 5th VISIT, not (yet) his signature on LOI.

[Bearcat Fan Since 1958]

If Willie waits until the spring to make a decision, and doesn't visit UC until the spring, I like our chances better. Hopefully by then he will have forgotten OU and KU. I also have a feeling that his commitment will have more to do with his (and his mom's) relationship with the coaches rather than how good the team is.

I was under the impression that Morgan was making his decision Nov 2. If that's true, I don't like our chances at all.

ps - of course Mick is devastated in losing Mike W. Why wouldn't he be?

Morgan will take one last visit (his 5th) before deciding in November.

[tophat]

Our chances with Morgan are very slim.

There's alot of talk about a 6th year for Mike- I see it as of questionable value. First, there's the matter of Yancey Gates. These two are both prototypical power forwards -- it's certainly where Gates is expecting to play -- and they should both play 30' per game. Also, Mike may not want to be here a 6th year. If he has a big year next season I could see him exploring professional opportunities.

Face it, fellas, the year we really had to have him was THIS season. And it's going to be very tough without him.

[SLMadiCat]

Our chances with Morgan are very slim.

There's alot of talk about a 6th year for Mike- I see it as of questionable value. First, there's the matter of Yancey Gates. These two are both prototypical power forwards -- it's certainly where Gates is expecting to play -- and they should both play 30' per game. Also, Mike may not want to be here a 6th year. If he has a big year next season I could see him exploring professional opportunities.

Face it, fellas, the year we really had to have him was THIS season. And it's going to be very tough without him.

If Mike W. wants to leave after next year, then that is his choice. However, if he wants to stick around, having two stud PF's will not be a problem. Plus, Yancy will only be a Sophomore. He'll still have two more years of plenty of playing time.

The only problem as I see becomes scholarships. McElroy already committed and if Mick uses all his available schollys for 2008, Mike W. getting a 6 year would use McElroy's. Unless I'm missing a scholarship somewhere.

[tophat]

If Mike W. wants to leave after next year, then that is his choice. However, if he wants to stick around, having two stud PF's will not be a problem. Plus, Yancy will only be a Sophomore. He'll still have two more years of plenty of playing time.

The only problem as I see becomes scholarships. McElroy already committed and if Mick uses all his available schollys for 2008, Mike W. getting a 6 year would use McElroy's. Unless I'm missing a scholarship somewhere.

It could be a problem with two potential stars expecting at least 30' at the same position. With Gates coming in as a freshman, that's alot more manageable than with Gates in his second season as a sophomore. I assure you Gates won't see himself as ONLY a sophomore. Gates is already physically developed, a huge talent and a very highly recruited player who probably doesn't even see himself playing more than 2 or 3 years. Everyone knows that he's a top 10 to 20 player in terms of physical ability, despite the current ratings. Now, this may not be a problem, but there certainly wouldn't be a need for Mike with a mature Gates at pf as a sophomore.