Recruiting - 2016

[cheeseman]

??? -- Zeke Moore. He's not Ford's recruit. Stranger things have happened, that's all. No insight one way or the other.

Frankly, worrying about replacing 431% of our scoring is not so much a major concern or red herring as our overall skill set when it comes to offensive talent. It has to come from the current roster as I see it. Nothing against Moore and Johnson just no over-inflated expectations either. Crawford has scored, but he's also been flustered when opposing defense key on him. Reggie is Reggie and not going to all of a sudden double his output in his last year. Bishop was inconsistent, he could improve but he won't be an unknown next year. Roby and Bartley are each wildly inconsistent but maybe. All the others are so low, up is the only way they can go but will they? And eventually, there will be injuries, foul trouble, tired legs, short bench. Just going to be a tough year, that's all.

If you have no insight then why make the implication? If Ford did not want him he would have cut him loose right away.

[slusam]

Zeke's already enrolled, Taj.

Was he in the picture Ford tweeted today? I did not see Robey in it.

[Old guy]

WoW! Nice .. politics AND religion from the same post line. What a refreshing breathe of air over soft tissue injuries. Stick to basketball.

Wasn't Yarbrough one of those guys with baggage? A late signee who was available for what now appears to be obvious reasons? Just saying

Taj, don't you agree that politics can get to be like a kind of religion, particularly in an election year? A lot more interesting than soft tissue injuries for sure, and also a lot more capable of eliciting passionate reactions than basketball.

As far as Yarborough goes, do you think it might, just might, have been possible that he might, just might, have done a lot better under a different coach?

[3star_recruit]

Was he in the picture Ford tweeted today? I did not see Robey in it.

Yes, Zeke was in the picture.

[davidnark]

Was he in the picture Ford tweeted today? I did not see Robey in it.

I believe Roby was working out next to Bartley in most of the photos.

[HoosierPal]

Yes, Zeke was in the picture.

Pretty sure Zeke is the tall thin player on the left with his hands behind his back. He is already taking college classes and has yet to graduate from HS.

[slufanskip]

Make Billikens.com great again!

Just can't let it go.

[Taj79]

Thanks for the correction 3star. If he is indeed already enrolled, then there goes that speculation. So I'll drop it with the new info.

Ford cutting guys loose -- sorry but I disagree cheese. I see Ford so far as pretty calculating, pretty astute from afar. If he was so inclined to just jettison guys sight unseen or with limited looks, I have to believe he would have looked with 20/20 vision over the roster and told guys straight up "hit the road." But he seems to have left room for the benefit of the doubt or seeing is believing. That would be indicated by the Jolly example. I did not know Moore was enrolled --- stranger things with reneged LOIs have happened at many places.

As for old guy's politics/Yarbrough questions ---- none of the ancillary issues deserve to be on a basketball board of any kind. You want that discourse, find another outlet. As for Yarbrough my answer is no, I don't think so. I see Yarbrough as knowing better than any coach could have possibly known. With the exception of some coach that rolled the balls out and said "go play." His decision to put the #1 on his own back says it all to me. His end-to-end rushes added to that. His appearance, at times, of being lost on the floor in terms of positioning was another example. Hi sbehavior on th ebench, witnessed first hand at St. Joe's, was that of a non-team player. CrewSplatt took a chance and paid the ultimate price for that failure. Let's remember, addition does happen by subtraction.

[slu72]

Ford doesn't have the luxury of issuing pink slips willy nilly w/ SLU. We're not UK, and he's not Calipari where he can go out and restock in the spring with the remaining unsigned 4 and 5 stars by simply waving a UK jersey in front of them. If he cleaned house, he'd have to field the all star intramural team this season.

My guess is this year has already been written off and is really a trial by fire for the FR, Sophs, and JRs. I wouldn't be surprised to see Ford over book commits this summer and/or add another transfer this spring. From there he can start the weaning out of Crews' leftovers.

We all have our own thoughts as to who stays and who goes, but I could see at a minimum four and a max of six players not returning for the 17-18 season. Not counting Reggie and Mike, we now have 9 active scholarship players, whether it's 4 or 6 that leave that's a pretty hefty turnover ratio.

[Zink]

Ford doesn't have the luxury of issuing pink slips willy nilly w/ SLU. We're not UK, and he's not Calipari where he can go out and restock in the spring with the remaining unsigned 4 and 5 stars by simply waving a UK jersey in front of them. If he cleaned house, he'd have to field the all star intramural team this season.

My guess is this year has already been written off and is really a trial by fire for the FR, Sophs, and JRs. I wouldn't be surprised to see Ford over book commits this summer and/or add another transfer this spring. From there he can start the weaning out of Crews' leftovers.

We all have our own thoughts as to who stays and who goes, but I could see at a minimum four and a max of six players not returning for the 17-18 season. Not counting Reggie and Mike, we now have 9 active scholarship players, whether it's 4 or 6 that leave that's a pretty hefty turnover ratio.

Yeah, you have to think between Moore and Johnson that one might not see the floor much this year and realize he'll be a career back-up. They are pretty similar players (tall, lean wings who rely on their jumper).

I am hoping we can get a transfer with three years of eligibility left to better balance the roster, ideally a PG. I haven't been able to look up the recently mentioned OSU and X guys, but I do remember Austin Jr. from HS. Looks like Ford is making the right moves again.

[bauman]

Ford doesn't have the luxury of issuing pink slips willy nilly w/ SLU. We're not UK, and he's not Calipari where he can go out and restock in the spring with the remaining unsigned 4 and 5 stars by simply waving a UK jersey in front of them. If he cleaned house, he'd have to field the all star intramural team this season.

My guess is this year has already been written off and is really a trial by fire for the FR, Sophs, and JRs. I wouldn't be surprised to see Ford over book commits this summer and/or add another transfer this spring. From there he can start the weaning out of Crews' leftovers.

We all have our own thoughts as to who stays and who goes, but I could see at a minimum four and a max of six players not returning for the 17-18 season. Not counting Reggie and Mike, we now have 9 active scholarship players, whether it's 4 or 6 that leave that's a pretty hefty turnover ratio.

Wow! How can you even consider 6 leaving? That would mean that at least 2 of the 3 rising juniors - AG, DR and MB, and probably all 3 of them, leave just before their senior year. I don't think that is even in the realm of possibility. For your theory, let's assume 2 of the 3 leave that would mean that 4 of the following MN, JB, EW and Moore or Johnson also leave. I don't know how to treat Hines scholarship so if you are including him losing the scholarship then add him to the list of 5, above. I just don't see your scenario as possible.

Even to get to what you term a minimum of 4, you would likely need some of the rising junior class to depart just before their senior year-ain't gonna happen!

[slu72]

Yeah, you have to think between Moore and Johnson that one might not see the floor much this year and realize he'll be a career back-up. They are pretty similar players (tall, lean wings who rely on their jumper).

I am hoping we can get a transfer with three years of eligibility left to better balance the roster, ideally a PG. I haven't been able to look up the recently mentioned OSU and X guys, but I do remember Austin Jr. from HS. Looks like Ford is making the right moves again.

Or both may earn their way into significant minutes, which wouldn't bode well for some of the JR's, although the two JR's that could be impacted are both 2s and not 3s. From what I read on here Moore is pretty much a non entity when it comes to D, so, unless he's Steph Curry like with his 3 shot, that could hurt him getting minutes. Know nothing about Johnson.

[slu72]

Wow! How can you even consider 6 leaving? That would mean that at least 2 of the 3 rising juniors - AG, DR and MB, and probably all 3 of them, leave just before their senior year. I don't think that is even in the realm of possibility. For your theory, let's assume 2 of the 3 leave that would mean that 4 of the following MN, JB, EW and Moore or Johnson also leave. I don't know how to treat Hines scholarship so if you are including him losing the scholarship then add him to the list of 5, above. I just don't see your scenario as possible.

Even to get to what you term a minimum of 4, you would likely need some of the rising junior class to depart just before their senior year-ain't gonna happen!

If Travis is serious about rebuilding this program and his career, he's got to be a little ruthless. And recall I said, this season is trial by fire. Sure, if everyone has a breakout year then Travis lucked out big time based on what we've seen from these guys so far.

The 3 JR's all have to show they can compete at this level consistently. To date we've seen only flashes from Roby and Bartley. Gilman has shown nothing that indicates he can compete in the A10, and, if he's not bulked up, he's a wasted slot. So, let's say the two "rising" JRs bust out. Gilman still has to go.

Unless Hines becomes more consistent, he's in the same category as Gilman. May stay as a walkon but not take up a scholie. That would be 2 open slots.

The 3 Soph's are Wellmer, Bishop, and Neufeld. All we've heard about Wellmer is based on the Bahama Mama cruise, he's got the muscle structure of a toothpick, and he's basically a 21 year old FR due to his injury. What we want from him is to stretch the D, defend the interior, and rebound. Think a Cody clone. If he doesn't measure up, I would hope Ford can recruit over him. Neufeld seems to have the build of a 5, but really didn't show much his FR year in terms of scoring or being a D force inside. Still, he looks athletic, so let's see. Bishop showed the most of anyone last year. Again, a lack of consistency but to be expected from a FR. Wellmer and Neufeld would seem to be the one's on the spot in this group, and if Ford can recruit over them one or both of them is gone. Given his rep for recruiting, that's a real possibility. So, lets scratch one more. That's now 3 open spots.

The two FR are both wings, and there's Henriquez waiting in the wings. One of the FR will likely opt out just for competitive purposes, especially if Ford lands another one this fall. And since Crawford is our starting wing this year, one of these two will be shortchanged on minutes this season. Can't say who, but whoever it is will likely be asked to go or leave on his own. That now makes 4, which is the minimum.

Is it possible two more may be asked to go just to open up spots? That depends upon recruiting, but I'd venture to say that Ford has a pretty good idea from what he's seen so far and from video that he can bring in better players. I think who and how many he adds this fall from either transfers or the class of 17 will determine who's staying and who's going. Then again, maybe all our guys find lightning in a bottle this summer and make his job a whole lot easier and leave me eating a lot of crow. Wouldn't be the first time for the latter, but there was a reason one media outfit projected us to finish last this season, we have a severe talent shortage.

[wgstl]

The 3 Soph's are Wellmer, Bishop, and Neufeld.

Isnt Elliot A freshman still?

[DoctorB]

I can settle, or clarify, a few things, on here:

1. They really wanted Javon Bess, right up to this weekend. O well, sometimes recruits just choose otherwise, but they remained very high on Bess. It's not that SLU lost interest, believe me; not sure how that idea began.

2. I've heard great things about Johnson and I expect him to play, and contribute, right away. He has a chance in a couple years to be an anchor. I'm surprised by some of the "meh" response on here; he was big in Louisiana and yes, an immature freshman; but a great pick-up. Possibly immediate starter.

3. Henriquez is a dazzling prospect, very mature and high character, and he will be a star in the A10. He may actually be the best recruit athletically, and is certainly one of the best, since I've been around these parts, and the staff is ecstatic about his potential. He can score big in the A10. Boy I wish he could play this fall!

4. There may be one more, and even possibly 2 more guys added by the fall, to play this fall.

5. Staff feels EW has good upside, if healthy.

that is all, X

[Box and Won]

Isnt Elliot A freshman still?

Yes.

[brianstl]

3. Henriquez is a dazzling prospect, very mature and high character, and he will be a star in the A10. He may actually be the best recruit athletically, and is certainly one of the best, since I've been around these parts, and the staff is ecstatic about his potential. He can score big in the A10. Boy I wish he could play this fall!

that is all, X

I am high on Henriquez, but why do you think he will make a huge jump as a scorer in the A10? The A10 and the AAC are equals as basketball conferences. I think Henriquez will score some more as he matures as a player, but I don't expect a huge jump because he switched conferences.

[slusam]

I can settle, or clarify, a few things, on here:

1. They really wanted Javon Bess, right up to this weekend. O well, sometimes recruits just choose otherwise, but they remained very high on Bess. It's not that SLU lost interest, believe me; not sure how that idea began.

2. I've heard great things about Johnson and I expect him to play, and contribute, right away. He has a chance in a couple years to be an anchor. I'm surprised by some of the "meh" response on here; he was big in Louisiana and yes, an immature freshman; but a great pick-up. Possibly immediate starter.

3. Henriquez is a dazzling prospect, very mature and high character, and he will be a star in the A10. He may actually be the best recruit athletically, and is certainly one of the best, since I've been around these parts, and the staff is ecstatic about his potential. He can score big in the A10. Boy I wish he could play this fall!

4. There may be one more, and even possibly 2 more guys added by the fall, to play this fall.

5. Staff feels EW has good upside, if healthy.

that is all, X

Thanks for the update. Any info on Foreman?

[AnkielBreakers]

I can settle, or clarify, a few things, on here:

1. They really wanted Javon Bess, right up to this weekend. O well, sometimes recruits just choose otherwise, but they remained very high on Bess. It's not that SLU lost interest, believe me; not sure how that idea began.

2. I've heard great things about Johnson and I expect him to play, and contribute, right away. He has a chance in a couple years to be an anchor. I'm surprised by some of the "meh" response on here; he was big in Louisiana and yes, an immature freshman; but a great pick-up. Possibly immediate starter.

3. Henriquez is a dazzling prospect, very mature and high character, and he will be a star in the A10. He may actually be the best recruit athletically, and is certainly one of the best, since I've been around these parts, and the staff is ecstatic about his potential. He can score big in the A10. Boy I wish he could play this fall!

4. There may be one more, and even possibly 2 more guys added by the fall, to play this fall.

5. Staff feels EW has good upside, if healthy.

that is all, X

What are the early returns on ZM?

[GOSLU68]

Crews ran off Austin McBroom and GG and we still scored 65 points a game- but our guards did most of our rebounding on long bounces off the rim.

Think TFord will put players on the line, have an inbound pass play, and actually have players who contest rebounds. Bounce year or not I am excited because we won't see JC wandering around on the floor during games.

[GOSLU68]

I think that is my best post of year except for punctuation

[jimbofive]

I think that is my best post of year except for punctuation

YOU CAN'T JERK YOURSELF ON A PUBLIC FORUM. OR AT LEAST YOU SHOULDN'T. HAVE SOME CLASS.

Sheesh.

[shempie]

I am high on Henriquez, but why do you think he will make a huge jump as a scorer in the A10? The A10 and the AAC are equals as basketball conferences. I think Henriquez will score some more as he matures as a player, but I don't expect a huge jump because he switched conferences.

I think the AAC is a little more top heavy than the A 10 but reasonable people can disagree. UCF did not score at a very high rate and actually scored less than SLU in conference games (hard to believe I know). I am guessing he will be a 22 or 23 year old junior and senior. It is reasonable to think on a team that hopefully averages 70 ppg +/- that he could average 15 based on his body of work so far. I would be thrilled with that output and that to me would mean he would be a very good player for us. Nice to have these kind of discussions again, isn't it?

[JettFlight5]

The "we stopped recruiting Player X" thing is an old excuse. Thought we'd seen the last of it with Crews gone.

I think Coach Ford has hit the ground running and done very well.

[GOSLU68]

YOU CAN'T JERK YOURSELF ON A PUBLIC FORUM. OR AT LEAST YOU SHOULDN'T. HAVE SOME CLASS.

Sheesh.

e

Jim I did you think of that all by yourself or just copy what someone recently said to you.