2012 NY PF Chris Obekpa (offer)

[Kindog202]

Originally Posted by OCASCM07

As much as we hate to think about it Providence does have the #6 class next year without Obekpa and they don't yet have a solid big man. Cooley could probably sell him on being the missing link to Providence becoming a National Powerhouse in the next 4 years.

Providence will never be a national powerhouse. They got lucky by having 2 high level prospects (Dunn and Ledo) in their backyard. Their best shot at doing anything nationally will be next year. Assuming Henton doesn't take a step back next year, he will leave for the draft and I can see at least Ledo and quite possibly Dunn being one and done. I think they finish at best Top 7 in the Big East next year...

[cmm27]

If they have three NBA level players on their roster next year then they will be much higher than 7th in the Big East...

[Kindog202]

Originally Posted by cmm27

If they have three NBA level players on their roster next year then they will be much higher than 7th in the Big East...

UCONN had 3 maybe 4 last year and where did they finish in the Big East?

[jbreeds1]

Originally Posted by Kindog202

UCONN had 3 maybe 4 last year and where did they finish in the Big East?

Just a tangent thought... Where do you see UCONN finishing next year? Dead last? Who's coming back? Napier and who else?

[bearcats5]

Originally Posted by loshow22

http://espn.go.com/blog/collegebaske...w-top-25-snubs

towards the bottom it is mentioned that Obekpa is a Providence lean...according to the end all be all scouts

Not trying to rile anyone up, just found it interesting.

I think ESPN is calling him a Providence lean because of the ESPN Insider prediction thing they did Tuesday. 4 of the 7 analysts picked him going to Providence, 2 to UC, and 1 to St. John's. For what it's worth, Dave Telep, the main recruiting analyst for ESPN, picked UC. In the same predictions, 5 of the 7 picked Ryan Taylor going to UC, 1 to Dayton, and Telep picking JUCO. I'd weigh Telep's opinion more heavily when it comes to recruiting than the other six analysts that ESPN had predicting.

[Kindog202]

The Taylor thing may not get figured out into the summer

[Kindog202]

Originally Posted by jbreeds1

Just a tangent thought... Where do you see UCONN finishing next year? Dead last? Who's coming back? Napier and who else?

No idea really haven't started to look at that yet will probably start to form opinions once the signing period ends and we know who is coming and who is going.
**
Way early prediction, I really don't see them finishing any differently than the finished this year. They finished 9th this year, I will say 9-12 for next year right now. There still is talent on that team, they didn't lose any seniors of note and so far have lost only Drummond and Lamb to the draft. Napier and Boatright will be a solid backcourt and there is skill with Daniel and Smith. They also signed Omar Calhoun who is supposed to be a really good shooter. What really killed them this year is the chemistry and the issues with Calhoun. With their postseason ban for next year, their season ends after game 30/31, no Big East, no NCAA/NIT/CBI/CBIT etc. How will that affect them during the season? Will Calhoun even be back? That program is a mess right now and it will be interesting to watch them over the course of next year.

[jbreeds1]

Originally Posted by Kindog202

No idea really haven't started to look at that yet will probably start to form opinions once the signing period ends and we know who is coming and who is going.
**
Way early prediction, I really don't see them finishing any differently than the finished this year. They finished 9th this year, I will say 9-12 for next year right now. There still is talent on that team, they didn't lose any seniors of note and so far have lost only Drummond and Lamb to the draft. Napier and Boatright will be a solid backcourt and there is skill with Daniel and Smith. They also signed Omar Calhoun who is supposed to be a really good shooter. What really killed them this year is the chemistry and the issues with Calhoun. With their postseason ban for next year, their season ends after game 30/31, no Big East, no NCAA/NIT/CBI/CBIT etc. How will that affect them during the season? Will Calhoun even be back? That program is a mess right now and it will be interesting to watch them over the course of next year.

Oriakhi too. That program is in complete shambles right now. Have no idea why any recruit would want to go there.

[cmm27]

Originally Posted by jbreeds1

Oriakhi too. That program is in complete shambles right now. Have no idea why any recruit would want to go there.

Because you don't have to show up to class? You can violate NCAA sanctions repeatedly and never have to worry about it? You can receive illegal benefits for an athlete? Those are all reasons. I'm just sayin'.

[Binturong05]

Originally Posted by cmm27

Because you don't have to show up to class? You can violate NCAA sanctions repeatedly and never have to worry about it? You can receive illegal benefits for an athlete? Those are all reasons. I'm just sayin'.

Yep, same reason USC and Ohio State and just about every SEC school has been a national football power in the BCS era. I know it's a shock but not every 17, 18 , or 19 year old athlete chooses their college destination based on academics. Things like exposure to professional athletes (e.g. Urban Meyer recruiting tactic as accused by Bret Bielema), cash payment, access to cars, and in general a double standard for elite athletes sadly often sways top talent to choose programs where winning is prioroty over ethics and academic integrity.

[jbreeds1]

I wish this guy would just commit already. Getting pretty anxious about it.

[cpawstoney]

See update for Chris Obekpa under Basketball Recruiting forum.
http://forums.bearcatnews.com/showth...111#post208111

[cpawstoney]

Probably won't commint till end of April because of Oregon visit.

Center Chris Obekpa to visit Oregon

Shot blocker extraordinaire Obekpa is currently the top rated center nationally who has yet to make a commitment. He will visit Oregon April 22-24th. He has already visited DePaul, Cincinnati and St. John’s and has taken unofficial visits to Providence and UConn.

http://blog.oregonlive.com/ducks/201...ris_obekp.html

[cpawstoney]

Here's another article confirming Oregon visit:

DePaul making push on recruiting trail for Our Savior shot-blocker Chris Obekpa

Obekpa is being courted by schools that include Connecticut, St. John’s, Cincinnati, Providence, and Oregon, and a source tells NBCSports.com that DePaul is making a strong push for the Nigerian native.

Adam Zagoria of SNY.tv reports that Obekpa has taken official visits to St. John’s, Cincinnati, and DePaul, and unofficials to Connecticut and Providence and will take a visit to Oregon April 22-24.

Felix Balamou, a teammate of Obekpa’s at Our Savior New American, is committed to St. John’s.

http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcspor...-chris-obekpa/

[GoBearcats31]

Originally Posted by GoBearcats31

Obekpa moves from 105 to #58 on new (final) Rivals 2012 rankings

#63 on scout

[MilfordCat92]

I hope he doesn't pop up on Kentuckys radar now that they will have 5 openings next year.

[Pruke]

This is like 40 year old virgin movie - takes too long to just end

[BearCatMarcher]

Originally Posted by Pruke

This is like 40 year old virgin movie - takes too long to just end

It's making me so nervous I could "Pruke"

Teehee

[jplog]

Originally Posted by MilfordCat92

I hope he doesn't pop up on Kentuckys radar now that they will have 5 openings next year.

You know I never thought about that but it's a great point. Was Cal preparing for five departures, I doubt it. This really could be a problem.

[Kindog202]

Originally Posted by jplog

You know I never thought about that but it's a great point. Was Cal preparing for five departures, I doubt it. This really could be a problem.

I highly doubt they come after Obekpa. They have Noel, Willie Cauley - a top 40 player and are in on Anthony Bennett. Plus they have Wiltger coming back. I think they are pretty set at the PF/C position